This is how it usually goes: You find a tree that needs limbing, you whip out your super-powered top-of-the-line Stihl and get to work on that sucker. But then you find that the super-duper device you bought for a princely sum is a tad over-powered for your backyard duties. This happens more often than not. People think they need to buy the most powerful, most expensive machine to get pretty basic jobs. However, there is more nuance when choosing a chainsaw, and by following the advice listed in this post, you will find some questions you should ask yourself so that you purchase the right tool for the job.

What Is Your Budget?

You should ask yourself this question first since it will set the tone for everything else. For example, if you cannot stretch to more than $150, the other questions here might be redundant. Nevertheless, if you can afford a decent chainsaw, you should ensure that you invest. If you don't know where to start, you can use review-style websites to discover what chainsaws your budget will cover. One such site is https://www.backyardmike.com which covers a range of chainsaws and even includes their opinion on which might be the best fit for your needs. Once you have found the model you like and within budget, you can move on to the next step.

Consider The Jobs You Will Be Using It For?

The type of job you need it for will go a long way in determining the size and power. For example, if you will only trim small branches and cut thin, dry firewood, a lower-powered machine is what you need. On the other hand, if you have recently purchased a property in the wilderness and need to clear a forest of Douglas fir, it might be necessary to buy a gas-powered beast able to tackle this monstrous job. If the latter is the case, be sure you know what you're doing because felling trees is dangerous and can be fatal if performed incorrectly.

Electric Or Gas?

These days, the question on everyone's lips is whether they should change their gas tools to electric ones. The fact is that electric tools and chainsaws, in particular, have come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Some jobs like the forest felling mentioned before will always require the raw power that only gas can provide. Still, for most people doing household tasks, an electric chainsaw looks very appealing. The benefits of going electric include:

Simple operation: Anyone who has operated electric hand tools before will be au fait with this type of chainsaw. The same cannot be said for gas varieties which require lots of practice.
Surprising power: There is a mistaken belief that electrical options are weak and can't power through certain wood diameters. While this is true if you compare them with professional grease gas chainsaws, they still have a surprising amount of power that gets up to speed instantly.
Ease of maintenance: Gas chainsaws need special tools and knowledge of combustion engines to maintain. Typically an electric model only needs oil to lubricate the chain.
No fuel emissions: This is great for the more "urban" types who don't particularly enjoy breathing in noxious fumes.
Quieter operation: If you will use it in a residential area, this is arguably the most vital factor in choosing a chainsaw. Electric ones tend to emit less noise than their gas-powered older brothers.

Although you shouldn't discount conventional chainsaws, electric options tend to be more beneficial for casual users in urban settings (unless you are a professional, then gas all the way). Nonetheless, if you decide to go down the electric route, you must ask if you want a corded option or a battery one. As a general rule of thumb, if you already own a specific brand of cordless tools, you should choose the same brand as long as they make a chainsaw.

How Much Weight Can You Handle?

Cutting wood all day takes a lot of effort, and the larger chainsaws are hefty beasts. Therefore, if you are merely cutting the occasional tree and not used to the rigors of professional lumberjacking, a lightweight model is your best bet. Nevertheless, even if you are chopping a lot of wood, you should still consider the machine's weight for your own comfort.

Chainsaws are fantastic devices, but there is a lot to consider when in the market for one. Besides considering your reason for needing an electric model, it is essential to consider whether electric or gas is the best option.