The chainsaw is an invaluable tool around any yard. If not treated with respect, it can be one of the most hated also. Injuries from kickback off the bar, inexperience, and poor servicing are all contributing factors.

How experienced are you in using a chainsaw?

So how does a person decide on the right chainsaw to buy? There are several models to choose from. Professional saws are specialised equipment that require skill and time to operate, so the question has to be asked – how experienced are you in using a chainsaw?

Another factor in the decision is how often the chainsaw will be used and the type of work the saw is needed for. Cutting hardwood trees is very different to using a saw for softwood or general work in the farmyard.

For many users of the chainsaw, maintenance is the area where the let-down will happen. The chainsaw is left in the van or shed and expected to perform on demand. Some two-stroke engines will require a little TLC between jobs. The incorrect mix of oil and petrol can lead to the demise of the engine.

Too little will wear internal engine parts, and too much will lead to increased emissions and trouble starting.

The battery-powered saw eliminates this worry – it’s literally plug and play for the occasional user.

In this Focus section, we tested two of the leading brands in a head-to-head challenge. Credit to both machines, they are very capable and powerful enough to carry out most tasks. These saws are considered to be professional in this class of chainsaw.

We also talk to John Hayes, who uses the Oleo-Mac brand for something different – John carves out wood sculpture designs using a selection of saws.

Getting the right chainsaw for the job

Users of chainsaws have now more choice than ever when it comes to buying a chainsaw. Care needs to be taken to weigh up which model is best suited