The truth is, if you live in a suburban area, don’t have a big yard and don’t have a lot of trees and brush to worry about, the answer is simple; get yourself an electric saw. The biggest benefit is they don’t cost a fortune so you will generally have no problems fitting one into your budget.

Electric Chainsaw Disadvantages

Yes, there are a couple of disadvantages with an electric saw, not the least that it’s at the end of an electric chord plus it perhaps lacks the power of a gas powered chainsaw but these are not really issues especially if you live in areas described above.

Obviously with an electric chord to worry about, you’re going to be restricted in how far you can travel with an electric saw. Small yards shouldn’t be an issue while large yards means extra extension chord. Also, electric chainsaws should not be operated when it’s wet for obvious reasons.

Electric Chainsaw Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of electric saws over gas models is they are a lot quieter and much more neighbor-friendly. If you live in a tight-knit community then noise shouldn’t be a problem.

Price is a big consideration and electric chainsaws can just about be “bought for a song” in some instances. There are some excellent buys around and don’t think just because a saw is less than $100 it’s not a keeper. Some models to keep in mind include the Poulan 16-inch 3.5HP Electric Chainsaw, McCulloch’s 16-inch 4HP saw and Remington’s 16-inch 12 AMP low kickback model.

These saws are in the $80-$120 range but there are smaller models well under a hundred dollars.

Electric vs. Gas Powered

It really shouldn’t come down to a decision between an electric chainsaw or a gas powered saw. Truth is, if you can afford it then having both would be the ideal scenario. An electric saw is sufficient enough for suburbanites in most instances but if you have a little land to look after then consider having the best of both worlds.

Of course budget will determine this but having an electric saw and a gas saw means you can use the former for the lighter jobs when power really isn’t needed and the latter for the heavy duty cutting.

It gives you the extra choice and many people are taking this option because of the affordability of the electric models.

Sure, you’re budget is important but more important is your need for the chainsaw. In other words, how often will you use it and what type of work have you got planned for it?

Stihl Chainsaw Prices

Stihl doesn’t need to apologize for their prices. They have been a market leader for a long time, produce quality machines in both the electric and gas-powered range and have a huge army of supporters.

Stihl prices will on average be a little higher but in the main, you’ll be buying quality and a saw which will stand the test of time. This last point is important particularly for home owners.

Why?

Because paying a few bucks extra for a quality machine means you won’t be looking for a new chainsaw anytime soon. If your chainsaw only gets used a few times a year, then going for a Stihl product at a higher price makes sense.

Electric Or Gas Powered?

This is an age old question and the reality is, electric saws have made huge headway in recent years. The home owner has never had it so good even with the lesser known models. Stihl don’t skimp in the electric stakes either and for the reasons outlined above, should be one of your first stops.

Machines such as the MSE 140 C-BQ Electric Chain Saw are perfect for the occasional user and come packed with some outstanding features. Features such as it’s wide trigger switch makes the operation of this machine a lot more user friendly while the quick chain adjuster and extra braking feature, the secondary coast down brake make this machine an excellent alternative to much cheaper models.

No, it’s not cheap at around $300 but it’s certainly worth a look and remember, if you buy a cheaper model will you get back up service thrown in and will that service be close by. Just things to consider.

Stihl chainsaw prices should be looked at in their proper context. Many would consider $300 for an electric model chainsaw a little excessive for an occasional user and this may be right until you weigh in the other factors mentioned. The follow up service is important.

If something goes wrong with your machine then a Stihl dealer is not usually far away but with the no name models, if something goes wrong, it may be nearly impossible to get any follow up service and because of the price, many may simply opt to just get another machine which really isn’t a viable option over a period of time.

So don’t let Stihl prices put you off and if you have the budget, then give strong consideration to the world’s most recognizable chainsaw brand.

One of these is Poulan who have a solid reputation in the chainsaw market particularly among home users. The price is right for many and if you’re just an occasional user then it’s probably a little wasteful spending a lot of money on a chainsaw if you’re not going to use it regularly.

Poulan Chainsaw Features

There was talk that the Poulan lacks a little in the area of features yet the reality is, if a chainsaw has all the safety features, then any other “bells and whistles” are just icing on the cake. Safety is the number one consideration when looking at a chainsaw and if these features are in place, then you’re good to go.

Poulan have a good range from gas powered to electric and in this article, we’ll feature three machines worthy of consideration.

Poulan 33cc 14 Inch

The Poulan 33cc chainsaw is priced just right for the occasional user. At about $100, it should fit into most budgets and comes with several features.

The 33cc comes with a 14″ steel bar and a one year warranty. One of this Poulan Chainsaw features is it’s air filter system which keeps the machine running clean while it’s automatic chain oiler keeps the chain performing at optimum levels.

Most users of the Poulan 33cc chainsaw report easy starting however, it also has it’s detractors. Some say it’s hard to re-start after stalling but this can be related to just about any chainsaw on the market after it’s been running for some time.

Poulan 34cc 16 Inch

This is an excellent little machine which packs a powerful punch. The big benefit with the Poulan 34cc chainsaw is it’s price. At between $100-$160 it rivals many more expensive models from other brands and it’s durability is a big factor.

Easy starting makes it perfect even in cold weather and it’s anti-vibration system will protect you against fatigue. In fact, for a small machine, it’s quite heavy but one wouldn’t know it given the effectiveness of it’s anti-vibration system.

If it does have a drawback then it could be a little noisy so ear protection is a must. But overall, the Poulan 34cc chainsaw has to be one of the better value-for-money saws on the market and ideal for use around the yard.

Poulan 3.5HP Electric Chainsaw

The Poulan 3.5HP electric chainsaw is a serious machine. Just because it’s electric don’t think it should be restricted to trimming hedges. In fact, quite the opposite is true. This saw may not be suitable for light jobs such as hedges but is perfect for small limbs and branches up to 12 inches thick.

It has a 16″ bar and automatic oiler which is almost imperative these days and again, the Poulan Chainsaw price is right. For between $70-$110, this machine almost does the work of a gas powered saw without the noise and is regarded as a keeper meaning it rates high on the reliability scale.

For homeowners looking for a chainsaw with a reliable reputation and one which doesn’t mean they have to be a professional woodcutter to operate, Homelite have come to the party.

Chainsaws have become a regular power tool in the backyard of many homes around the world over the past few years and while safety issues are always a concern with those who have little experience in operating them, most homeowners will be well versed in the use of a saw.

Homelite Ranger Chainsaw

So what is available in the Homelite chainsaw range. One of the more popular models for homeowners is the Ranger model. Some of it’s features include:

- easy start up with Zip start technology
- It’s renowned Safe-T-Tip anti kickback feature
- A reactive chain brake which stops the chain automatically. This is a particularly impressive feature for those part time users

The Ranger model has a 16 inch guide bar, a good size for home use and is ideal for light work including cutting down small trees and clean up.

Homelite Bandit Chainsaw

If you’re looking for an even smaller saw then a Homelite chainsaw worth considering is the Bandit. Well named, the Bandit is capable of performing most of the tasks of it’s Ranger cousin yet comes with a 14 inch guide bar.

This little machine doesn’t “skimp” on power however, you don’t want to be tackling big oak trees with it!

Homelite Timberman Chainsaw

The Timberman chainsaw is available with either an 18″ or 20″ guide bar. It’s well suited to larger jobs including large trees and will cut through yard work clean up without too many problems.

It has all the features of it’s smaller team mates and also comes with added features including anti vibration. Anti vibration means less stress on the user and the avoidance of quick fatigue.

As far as prices are concerned, a Homelite chainsaw can be picked up for bargains on the internet ranging from just under $100 and upwards.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re reviewing an unknown brand or a major brand, doing a little home work during the pre-buying process could save you some frustration later down the track.

If you’re considering a Husqvarna chainsaw, the same process should apply. Just because Husqvarna has a great name for producing quality chainsaws doesn’t mean you shouldn’t perform a little due diligence on them. This is important when you’re looking for a specific size.

How Authentic Are Reviews?

When searching for reviews of Husqvarna chainsaws bear in mind that simply reading a review won’t give you everything you’ll need to know.

Reviews are great but in the chainsaw world, it’s apparent that “one man’s treasure is another man’s poison.”

Two excellent ways to review a Husqvarna chainsaw is to simply visit an online forum dedicated to power tool users and woodcutters and to actually visit a dealer and take a saw “for a spin.”

Online forums have become part and parcel of any product review because the people involved in a forum are there because they have an interest and love the niche their involved with.

It’s no different with chainsaw users who love to “chew the fat” and discuss anything related to the world’s most dangerous power tool. Bear in mind reviews of Husqvarna chainsaws are numerous and by participating in these forums, you’ll get a good cross-section of responses. Simply join, ask a question about the Husqvarna saw you’re interested in with reference to it’s value for money, reliability, power and safety. Make sure you state the models name.

For example, if you were contemplating purchasing the new Husqvarna 450 e-series chainsaw you would ask questions such as is it worth the price; are there comparable saws on the market for less cost, is it easy to start and is it suitable for non to semi-professionals.

Try the Test Run Method

It’s an important aspect of reviews of Husqvarna chainsaws and in fact, many buyers will base their opinion simply on this short demonstration.

A Husqvarna dealer wants to move chainsaws and there wouldn’t be too many arguments in testing one before you make a decision to buy. In fact, this is an important aspect of the review process and it allows you to get a good feel for a machine before buying.

So who do you trust? Well, deciphering any sense from any chainsaw review, whether it be for Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, Poulan or any other make of chainsaw, a review needs to be well balanced with reasons for and against.

If you come across a review pumping a saw to “high heaven” then this should set ff a red flag. A review which lists the pros and cons of a chainsaw is more natural because let’s face it, not all machines are perfect. For example, one saw may be the ants pants for one user but may have a peculiarity associated with it which may influence another user’s decision to buy.

3 Tips For Prospective Chainsaw Buyers

Here’s a few suggestions you could adopt before making a decision to buy your chainsaw:

- Obviously look for written reviews online. As mentioned above, the review needs to be well balanced and should not simply be benefit, benefit, benefit. This sounds too much like a sales pitch.

- Visit online forums. There are several good forums you could visit for either advice or confirmation on any brand or size of chainsaw. Do a search for chainsaw, woodcutters or power tool forums.

- One of the best reviews of chainsaws you could get is one you conduct yourself. In other words, head to a dealer and test out a machine before you buy. Most dealers would be only too happy to let you test a machine if you were really serious about buying. This way, you’d get a feel for a machine and could also get some expert advice about the size of chainsaw best suited for you needs.

The only thing you need to decide is the brand of chainsaw you are going to buy. This is where it gets tricky because saw users are parochial in the main and will stick with a particular brand.

The best way to tackle it is to identify the jobs you want to perform with your chainsaw, how much you want to spend and your level of experience. You will get a good cross reference of chainsaw reviews but look for those from members who have good standing within the forum community.

This can be determined by the number of posts they’ve made in relation to others or whether they are a forum moderator or administrator.

Where To Shop For Chainsaws

As an occasional user you will be tempted to shop some of the big mart stores. This is not a bad idea because you can pick up some pretty useful machines at incredible prices. Many are priced at well under $100 in either gas or electric models.

Firstly, don’t expect to pick up any big name chainsaws such as Stihl and Husqvarna and secondly, there is the risk of getting frustrated with a lack of follow up service if the machine has problems.

Before you buy through this type of store, just make sure they will include service work as part of the purchase otherwise save yourself some frustration.

Important Follow Up Service

Buying through a dealer who guarantees back up service is always the best option even if you have to pay a few dollars more.

It’s one thing to read chainsaw brand reviews and be impressed by the features of a machine but looking for simple follow up service is just as important and will be your safety net.

If something goes wrong with your machine, rather than having to have it shipped off to some far-flung destination, you can get the work done close-by and in quicker time.

Reliability is one of the things you’ll see in a Echo chainsaw review. Echo has developed a solid reputation among loyal band of followers for delivering what the end user want – a machine capable of handling those tough jobs without compromising safety and performance.

Choosing Your Chainsaw

There is little doubt when shopping for chainsaws that the major brands will dominate discussions. For example, Stihl and Husqvarna are pretty much the stronghold in the market.

Does this mean when reading a Echo chainsaw review you should compare them to the big name brands? Not at all. Echo chainsaws can mix it with the best but you have to be careful not to choose the wrong size saw.

Many first time chainsaw users make the mistake of over capitalizing with their first machine without doing a little research and homework. It’s not that they don’t pick themselves up a quality machine with the best manufacturers, the irony is, the chainsaws which were meant to be used and worked often will sit in somebody’s tool shed gathering dust.

Echo Chainsaw Reviews

Even though they cater well towards the professional to semi professional, they haven’t missed the inexperienced chainsaw user with their lightweight CS-306 machine.

Fancy bells and whistles have been part of the chainsaw marketing scene for several years now and many of the new features pertain to safety. Echo chainsaws are no different but the reputation they’ve gathered relates to chainsaw toughness and reliability.
Professionals will tell you fancy bells and whistles are great but if the chainsaw has no heart then what’s the point.

The obvious concern for a novice will be the reliability of a machine and the CS-306 like it’s bigger cousins, doesn’t lack in the heart department.

Safety is another important issue with chainsaws. It’s another aspect of a Echo chainsaw review where safety features are one of the main selling points.

One of the main problems with chainsaws is what’s known as the fatigue factor. A heavy machine and an inexperienced user spells danger. Echo has kept the novice user in mind with the 306 weighing in at between 7-8 pounds.

Fatigue is responsible for thousands of accidents each year and if professionals can get into trouble, then novices need to heed strict safety precautions when using chainsaws.

Too many times homeowners, with little use for a chainsaw other than to cut some firewood or to perform some pruning maintenance around the home go over the top, normally following bad advice, and over-capitalize to the hilt.

In many cases, an electric chainsaw would be perfect yet many get carried away and buy high-powered gas saws without giving consideration to a couple of major factors.

1. The machine they purchase will do the job they want okay, but it’s simply to big and too expensive for the minor jobs it’s been asked to do. In many cases, a purchaser could have saved themselves hundreds of dollars.

2. A gas-powered saw can make a lot of noise and this is not a good fit for a suburban area. There’s every chance you’ll get under your neighbor’s skin.

Lack of use will be a major issue and you could find your high-powered saw could become a tool shed decoration!

Electric chainsaws are a little more restrictive and that’s understandable when you’re dragging a chord attached to the chainsaw around. However, ask yourself how many times you are likely to use it and then weigh up the pros and cons of whether outlaying several hundred dollars makes any sense.

For less than a hundred bucks, you can pick yourself up any number of handy little chainsaws which can do the minor jobs around a home. For example, McCulloch’s MCC 3516 electric chainsaw is excellent value and while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles it’s easy to start and is lightweight design.

Shop around before making a decision and talk to the experts and get a good cross-section of opinions. In fact, join in on some of the forums online dedicated to chainsaw users and handy persons and simply describe your situation and ask for an opinion on how to choose the right chainsaw.

Hitachi Power Tools USA was established in 1980 and began right away developing quality power tools for the needs of its varied and diverse customer base. Early on the Hitachi group built their success on the acceptance of their pneumatic framing nailers and their sliding compound mitre saws which are two of the products that put the Hitachi power tools line on the map in the United States. Along with other companies Hitachi helped to develop the earliest versions of the cordless drill, the cordless screw driver, and then set off developing industrial tools for a more demanding work environment. Portable rebar cutters, metal stud cutters, and a sliding compound mitre saw were all developed with cordless technology for the Hitachi power tools line that took the United States by storm.

1000 Models And Counting

Today there are more than 1000 models of Hitachi power tools and with constant research and development going on that number rises constantly but only with tools designed and manufactured to meet the rigid standards of Hitachi. Recently Hitachi was certified as an ISO 9000 company which means their manufacturing standards meet the highest requirements in the industry and their manufacturing process was rated ISO 14001 for being environmentally sound.

In 1994 the name Hitachi Power Tools USA was changed to simply Hitachi Koki Company but they still demand the same high quality that they have always demanded and they are also constantly developing new ideas to stay out in front of the power tool industry. They never stop upgrading their products and they insist on only the highest quality for customer feel as well as the best manufacturing for durability under any circumstances their customers may need to use their products.

But Jet power tools don’t just stop at precision woodworking power tools. They offer a full range of high power air driven tools as well for the garage or the construction site. They offer Jet power tools for metalworking as well which seemed like a natural thing to offer after they had conquered the woodworking market. They have materials handling tools like pulley systems and chain systems along with elaborate and high quality vices and grips to help lift and hold just about anything in place. You can also find Jet power tools where you find your other standard hand power tools as well including planers, sanders, drills, and saws. They are a truly versatile company that offers their quality products all over the world.

A Little Bit About The Company

Jet power tools started as their own brand and built up a reputation for quality tools very quickly. When they went international they began to gather the attention of some of the larger power tool companies in Europe and it was not long before Jet power tools were bought by the WMH Tool Group which is part and parcel of the huge Zurich, Switzerland based holding company Walter Meier Holding AG. Now with the backing of a large European conglomerate behind them Jet power tools have been able to expand their lines and bring their tools to more international markets than ever before. More and more they are becoming the tool of choice for the serious wood worker as well as the hobbyist. Their precision engineering has been building a name for them for over 40 years now and their continued dedication to quality brings them new customers every day.

Next time you are in the market for a precision tool consider a Jet. They have been doing it for years and doing it better than almost any other company out there. If you haven’t heard of Jet yet then do not worry, in 2002 they restructured their entire company to focus more on the retail market than they ever have before. It won’t be long before you start hearing the Jet name everywhere you get power tools.

Different Kinds of Power Tools

Some of the Milwaukee Power Tools are the reciprocating saws, lithium-ion cordless tools, drills, portable band saws, circular saws, driver drills, hammer drills, rotary hammers, pneumatic nailers, grinders and sanders.

Saw Blades

The reciprocating saw blades are one of the latest introductions to the range of Milwaukee Power Tools. This new generation of blades is designed to handle the toughest metal possible. So they are used by repair or maintenance tradesmen or for cutting applications used in the automotive and plumbing line. The blades have a bi-metal construction and they can withstand shock, fatigue and shattering. They are even heat resistant.

All saw blades which are a part of the Milwaukee Power Tools undergo a cryogenic heat treat process. This brings about a permanent change in the microstructure of the high-speed steel cutting edge. This heat process penetrates the full depth of the blades by which their hardness is improved; they become wear-resistant and dimensionally stable.

The blades have precision-ground teeth and are optimized for metal cutting. Because the back face is radiused, the tool strength of the blades is increased, its life becomes longer and it cuts faster.

Drills

The Milwaukee Power Tools also include drills and hammer drills. Everything is heavy duty and the drills feature the best power to weight ratios, all metal gear cases and diaphragms for maximum gear support, heavy-duty switches and heavy-duty keyed and keyless chucks. Just the heavy duty drills have such a large variety: the close quarter drills, the compact and super hole shooter drills, the D-Handle drills, the hole hawgs, the right angle drills and the magnetic drill presses.

Besides the saws and drills Milwaukee Power Tools includes impact wrenches, diamond coring equipment, grinders and metalworking hammers, lifting tools and nibblers and shears.

The New Compact Driver

The new 12-volt sub-compact driver is ideal for a number of applications like electrical work, installation, finish carpentry and drilling and driving tasks. It does the job of the power tools because it is powerful enough to drive 130 screws, each 3″ long, in a single battery charge and provides the speed of 500 RPM to finish jobs faster. It has the legendary durability of all Milwaukee Power Tools, but it is lightweight and ideal for professional users to carry around comfortably. This new driver features more power, more speed and the longest runtime available in its category.

The Porter Cable Power Tools company was started by GG Porter, RE Porter, and FE Cable in 1906 out of a home garage in Syracuse, NY. They started out by making old fashioned pencil sharpeners and anything else they could sell but what they really wanted to get involved in was making the products that made working easier. To that end Porter Cable Power Tools started making power lathes in 1914 to help out with the huge band driven lathes that were inefficient for making smaller products. In 1916 they took on WA Ridings as a president and it was Ridings who helped Porter Cable Power Tools through the Great Depression by inspiring the Porters and the Cables not to sit back and wait for better times but to go out and buy up other tool companies. When World War II was over Porter Cable Power Tools was ready for the big time.

Bringing On The Innovation

In the early 1920′s a brilliant engineer named Art Emmons was brought into the Porter Cable Power Tools family and he promptly went on to invent the hand held power saw that we know today and a sanding system that became so popular that it became its own company. All of this by 1929 and all of this before Art Emmons was even 30 years old. Throughout World War II Porter Cable Power Tools and Art Emmons continued to release innovative power tool ideas that caused the company to grow well beyond anything the original owners could have ever imagined. Art Emmons continued to create power tool magic until he retired in 1964 and the Porter Cable Power Tools was almost lost.

Rockwell International bought the company in 1960 and tried to phase out the Porter Cable name. But in 1981 the company was purchased by Pentair Inc who proudly displayed the Porter Cable name on their products. Now with its own display in the Smithsonian the Porter Cable company has cemented its place in history.

There are a lot of reasons why you should check out power tool reviews before you go buying a power tool and the biggest, and most obvious, reason is that power tool reviews will help you find a power tool that is quality compared to the others on the market. If you are truly looking for a power tool that is known and judged for its quality then any of the unbiased power tool reviews are going to point you towards the power tool you are looking for. If you are going to spend your hard earned money on a power tool to get the job done then you can at least take a few minutes to go through some power tool reviews to find the power tools that are really worth the money you intend to spend. Quality for your money is very important.

Find The One That Fits

You can also use power tool reviews to make sure that the power tool you are considering is not too advanced for your needs. It is not unusual that many hobbyists or do it yourself home remodelers will go out and buy the biggest and most expensive power tool they can find to do a job that does not require a tool like that. The best tool is the tool you need to do the job and spending a lot of money on something does not mean that you are automatically destined to get something you can benefit from or even figure out how to use properly.

You can benefit a lot from checking out various power tool reviews before you head out to get a power tool and one of the biggest things you can do is prevent yourself from spending too much money. Whether you are prevented from buying an overpriced inferior product or an expensive product that you do not need the more you know the better your buying experience.