Stihl Chainsaw

OK – So you want to buy a Stihl chainsaw. The first thing you need to decide is what you need to use the chainsaw for. I know, I know – cutting wood. But whether you buy a Stihl, Homelite or Husqvarna you still need to know how you are going to use it.

By that I mean are you going to use it for commercial or professional use, regular use, or homeowner light duty. For professional use you will need a chainsaw that is designed for continuous heavy duty operation. Most manufacturers have a commercial or pro line.

For regular use these chainsaws have the same general design as a pro saw. However the engine is not as otimized and has a slightly lower all around performance capability.

For lite duty or home use these design is optimized for ease of use vs performance. All saws have similar designs – some are just more forgiving.

So when you get ready to buy your outdoor power equipment here are a few things to remember:

1. Prime importance is safety. Make sure you check out the recommended safety equipment. Your dealer can show you chaps, faceshield with tearoffs, hearing protection, gloves and shoes.

2. Determine the type of work you are going to do and the size of the trees you need to cut up.

3. Weight. Remember you will be carring this thing around all day. The larger engine weighs, more but can get the job done faster.

4. Wood type. What type and size of wood you will be cutting factors into your chainsaw selection. Get the proper bar length. The larger the engine, the longer bar you can get.

5. Ergonomic. The unit should not transmit a lot of vibration to your hands, should be well balanced, and have a high center of gravity. This will make the saw easier to use for long periods of time.

6. Safety features. Make sure it has the required kickback protection, this is pretty much standard unless you get some no name unit. Make sure it is easy to replcae the chain catcher stud, you probably will break it off at least once at the most inopportune time.

7. How about winter work. Some pro units have heated handles. That can be a big plus for comfort and efficiency if you work all winter long.

8. Make sure you can you service and maintain the saw easily. Have your outdoor power equipment dealer show you how to replace the filter and spark plug. Make sure it is easy to get to the chain tensioning nuts and screws.

9. Service. Make sure you get your chainsaw serviced regularly by the dealer. Your dealer can also provide additional advice and tips for maintaining and using your saw.

10. When you buy your Stihl chainsaw make sure you get the recommended bar oil and maybe an extra chainsaw chain.

Most of all, use your saw carefully. Too many accidents happen when you are careless or have not kept the saw properly maintained.