The Complete Chainsaw Guide

RYOBI® has created this complete chainsaw guide to give you the knowledge and confidence to pick the right chainsaw for you and how to use it safely. This guide will answer some common questions about chainsaws, like why do I need a chainsaw? What chainsaw is best for me? How do I safely use a chainsaw? How do I maintain my chainsaw?

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Understanding Different Chainsaw Applications

A chainsaw can be used for a range of cutting applications. However, not every chainsaw is suitable for every cutting application because of the size and power of a chainsaw. Understanding the type of application will help you get the best chainsaw for the job. Below, RYOBI® has recommended chainsaws for the main chainsaw cutting applications.

Pruning

Pruning is important to keep your trees and plants healthy by giving them a good foundation for long term growth. It requires removing damaged or dead shoots and branches that are weak, rubbing, growing inwards or crossing over each other.

Cutting up logs

A chainsaw is great at cutting up logs of wood into smaller logs. This application is most commonly done to get firewood to keep your home heated.

Felling

Felling is the process of cutting down trees. This is a dangerous application and should only be performed if you have a chainsaw license and have local authorisation to cut particular trees down.

Chainsaw Personal Protective Equipment

Anyone using a chainsaw must wear the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). This provides additional control and protection as the first line of defence against accidental injury. Please refer to the product manual on what PPE you should use.

Forestry Helmet

Forestry helmets have ear defenders and a visor attached to the helmet. They are an essential part of PPE, ensuring protection against falling debris, loose chippings or dust, and noisy machinery.

Chainsaw Gloves

Chainsaw safety gloves are tough and flexible. Made of innovative fabrics, they help prevent cuts and offer resistance against cold and wet conditions.

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Chainsaw Trousers

Chainsaw trousers are designed to slow down or block the chainsaw chain if it comes into contact with the trousers. This stops the chain from rotating before reaching the users leg.

Chainsaw Boots

Chainsaw boots are designed with protective toe caps and sturdy soles to give you stable and secure footing when operating a chainsaw.

Make the Switch to a Battery-Powered Cordless Chainsaw

Battery-powered cordless chainsaws are significantly quieter, lighter, and easier to use compared to petrol and corded chainsaws. There are a lot of benefits on why you should switch to a battery-powered cordless chainsaw which you can find below.

DOES NOT DISTURB

Battery-powered chainsaws are generally quieter than petrol models, this can be advantageous if you're cutting in your garden and you don't want to disturb your family or neighbours.

CORDLESS FREEDOM

Having no cords attached to the chainsaw makes for easier manoeuvrability when cutting and makes battery-powered chainsaws safer to use than corded chainsaws.

LESS MAINTENANCE

Battery-powered chainsaws don't require regular maintenance tasks such as changing oil, spark plugs, or air filters that you have to do with petrol chainsaws. This makes them more convenient and cost-effective in terms of maintenance.

LIGHTWEIGHT

Battery-powered chainsaws are typically lighter than petrol chainsaws due to the absence of a heavy engine and fuel tank. This lighter weight makes them easier to handle and manoeuvre, reducing user fatigue during extended periods of use. It allows for greater control and precision when cutting branches.

LESS VIBRATIONS

Battery-powered chainsaws tend to produce fewer vibrations compared to petrol models. This can make them more comfortable to use and reduce the strain on your hands and arms during extended periods of operation.

INSTANT START

Battery-powered chainsaws start instantly with the push of a button, eliminating the need for manually pulling a starter cord. This stops user frustration of trying to get a chainsaw started.

NO FUMES EMITTED

Battery-powered chainsaws produce zero emissions at the point of use since they do not burn fossil fuels. This makes them more environmentally friendly compared to petrol chainsaws, which release exhaust emissions and contribute to air pollution.

SHARE THE SAME BATTERY

Save money by sharing a ONE+™ or MAX POWER battery with other RYOBI® tools.

Chainsaw FAQs

What safety precautions should I take when using a chainsaw?

What are the different types of chainsaws available?

How long is the runtime of a battery operated chainsaw?

Can I cut wet wood with a battery-operated chainsaw?

Can I leave the battery in the chainsaw when I'm not using it?

How often should I change a chainsaws blade?

What is limbing?

What is felling?

What is bucking?

What is pruning?

Can chainsaws be used to cut up garden waste?

*Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific chainsaw model for more detailed information on operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.