Many are on the hunt for the best chainsaw for homeowners, but how do you know which specifications are suitable for your application? A chainsaw may seem like a fairly straightforward piece of power equipment—an engine, a bar, and a chain. However, most gas chainsaws have a variety of features you'll need to consider before making the right purchase. Manufacturers design homeowner-grade chainsaws with first-time owners in mind, so you will find plenty of safety and ease-of-use features on these chainsaws. Gas and Oil MixturePreMixed Chainsaw FuelMany gas chainsaws feature two-cycle engines. Two-cycle (or 2-stroke) engines require a mixture of gas and oil in the gas tank, supplying both fuel and lubrication to the engine during operation. Essentially, you are "changing the oil" every time you gas up your chainsaw. This means you won't have to perform separate oil changes on your chainsaw as you would with a car—just pour the combination gas/oil fuel into your tank and you'll be all set. Consult the owner's manual to get the precise recommended ratio of gas to oil for your model. Usually, this will be a 50:1 or 40:1 oil-to-gas mixture. Vibration DampeningAcross grades, chainsaws have pretty consistent weights. The constant vibration of the saw is what really wears you out. Look for a model that features vibration dampening to lessen your fatigue. Many homeowner grade models include this feature, making it much easier to use the saw for an extended period of time. Chain BrakeInertia Activated Chain BrakeAn inertia-activated chain brake is one of the best safety features available on any chainsaw. Look for a saw with this feature. It will reduce the risk of injury caused by blade kickback. When the nose of the bar comes in contact with an impediment such as a knot, it can kick back, usually down towards the operator's legs. The inertia-activated chain brake senses the kick back and stops the chain, keeping catastrophe at bay.
