The Top 5 Chainsaws of 2023 for Forestry and Professionals

Whether your work in forestry, agroforestry, professional permaculture, or you are living the homestead life, getting the best chainsaw is key to efficient, safe, and successful work. The right chainsaw makes tasks such as manging woodlots, thinning wooded areas, and harvesting mushroom logs, firewood, and polewood safe and easy. 

If you are just getting started with a chainsaw, consider getting some training from a trained-professional in how to properly use, care for, and maintain your chainsaw. Consider investing in some proper equipment for safety and maintenance and have a place to store your chainsaw in the off-season. In doing that, you’ll be well prepared to get to work managing the land under your care. 

In this article will discuss the top 5 best chainsaws for medium to heavy-duty usage. These are saws that will not quit, no matter what you throw at them. 

Forestry Chainsaws

Forestry chainsaws are powerful cutting tools that are used to fell trees, prune branches, and cut logs into smaller pieces. They are designed to be used in rugged outdoor environments and are typically powered by gasoline engines. Forestry chainsaws come in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from small electric models to large gas-powered machines. They are used by professionals in the forestry industry as well as by homeowners who need to maintain their property. 

When choosing a forestry chainsaw, it is important to consider factors such as the size of the trees you will be cutting, the type of wood you will be working with, and your level of experience. Safety is also a key consideration when using a chainsaw, and it is important to wear protective gear such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection when operating one.

Chainsaws In Permaculture

Chainsaws can be an important tool in your permaculture practice, as they can be used to selectively remove trees and branches that are interfering with the growth of other plants, thin woodlots, and manage food forests. Chainsaws can also be used to cut firewood, which is an important source of heat for many people who live in rural areas. 

When using a chainsaw in a permaculture setting, it is crucial to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem. This can be achieved by avoiding cutting down trees that are providing habitat for wildlife or that are helping to prevent soil erosion. By using the chainsaw responsibly and safely, you can help to maintain a healthy and sustainable ecosystem that benefits both humans and the environment.

In this article we will be discussing the top 5 best chainsaws for all of your land management needs. Let’s get into it:

Here are the 5 Best Chainsaws for Professionals working in Forestry or Agroforestry

The chainsaw also features an air injection system that removes dust and debris before it reaches the air filter, which helps to extend the life of the engine. The chainsaw is designed with a low vibration system that reduces operator fatigue, making it easier to use for extended periods of time. The chainsaw weighs 12.8 pounds without the bar and chain.

Pros:

• Very powerful and highly effective.
• Anti-vibe technology reduces vibration.
• Easier to handle.
• Less expensive than similar saws.
• Easy to use for both amateurs as well as professionals.

Cons:

• Can be noisy during use.
• Can be a bit undersized for very large logs.

The chainsaw also features an automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain lubricated during use. The chainsaw weighs 17.8 pounds without the bar and chain.

Pros:

• Powerful chainsaw with top-tier cutting performance.
• Durable, high-quality, and easy to use.
• Features intelligent design and outstanding value.
• Filter access is simple and convenient.
• Fuel and oil caps are attached with plastic, which is more durable than nylon cords.
• The chain stay is made of two plates that help direct oil to the chain.

Cons:

• Some users have mentioned that it can be underpowered for its weight.

The chainsaw also features a quick-release air filter that makes it easy to clean and replace. The chainsaw weighs 12.8 pounds without the bar and chain.

Pros:

• Highly rated chainsaw with top-tier cutting performance.
• Durable, high-quality, and easy to use.
• Features intelligent design and outstanding value.
• Filter access is simple and convenient.
• Fuel and oil caps are attached with plastic, which is more durable than nylon cords.
• The chain stay is made of two plates that help direct oil to the chain.

Cons:

• Some users have mentioned that it can be underpowered for its weight.

It is also more affordable than some premium chainsaws, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

The Coocheer chainsaw is made of long-lasting ABS plastic material, ensuring its durability and longevity. However, it is not as lightweight as other electric alternatives and produces vibrations and emissions during usage.

Overall, the Coocheer chainsaw is a powerful tool that offers reliable cutting performance at an affordable price. It is suitable for individuals who require a chainsaw for occasional use or light to moderate cutting tasks.

Pros:

• Powerful enough to cut logs, trunks, and trees.
• Equipped with a highly efficient motor.
• Automatic oiler for smooth cutting operations.
• More affordable than some premium chainsaws.
• Reliable chain and bar mechanisms.
• Made of long-lasting ABS plastic material.

Cons:

• Not as lightweight as other electric alternatives.
• It produces vibrations and emissions during usage.

The chainsaw also features an automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain lubricated during use. The chainsaw weighs 12.8 pounds without the bar and chain.

Pros:

• Great power and performance.
• 16″ bar and chain capable of processing wood up to 16 inches in diameter.
• Less vibration compared to other brands.
• Easy to use and maintain.
• Comes with a 5-year warranty on bar and chain, plus 2 years of coverage on the unit itself.

Cons:

• The relatively high price tag.

Chainsaw Maintenance

You cannot go wrong with any of these chainsaws. They will be your workhorses for years to come and provide you with consistent power and grit to manage all of your forestry requirements. 

The key to keeping a chainsaw working as well as it does on the first day of use, is to make sure you maintain it with the proper care. And for that, you’ll need to correct tools. 

To keep your chainsaw in proper working order, you’ll want to have a few tools at your disposal. Filing tools such as round files, flat files, and depth gauges help you sharpen your saw chain. A stump vise holds your chainsaw’s guide bar in place while you sharpen the saw chain cutters. A scrench is a half-wrench, half-screwdriver tool that helps you loosen the nuts on the sprocket cover, remove the spark plug, and adjust the saw chain.

Final Thoughts

Buying a chainsaw is one of the most critcial decisions you can make when operating in a Forestry, Agroforestry, and Permaculture setting. The ability to strategically use fuels towards steering ecosystems is one of our greatest leverage points in our engery budget.

Learning proper safety tips, investing in the right equpiment, and scheduling regular maintenance are all nesecary componants of chainsaw ownership.

Here are the key pieces of maintenance that you need to keep in mind to extend the life of your chainsaw.

1. Keeping it clean: As you keep using your chainsaw, debris such as sawdust, tree sap, and globs of oil are likely to accumulate on it. Regular cleaning will help prevent these from clogging the air filter and carburetor.
2. Checking it regularly: Maintain your chainsaw’s pristine condition by doing routine checks, such as:
   — Checking the chain tension
   — Inspecting the chain for damage
   — Checking the air filter
   — Inspecting the spark plug
   — Checking the fuel filter
3. Sharpening the chain: Avoid oversharpening your chain, as this can lead to overheating and damage to the chain.
4. Filing the depth gauges: The depth gauges are responsible for controlling how deep the cutters cut into the wood. Filing them regularly will ensure that they are at the correct height.
5. Storing a chainsaw: When storing a chainsaw, it’s important to drain all fuel from it and store it in a dry place.

Whichever of these 5 chainsaws you choose, you will not regret it and be rewarded with an excellent sawing experience. Happy sawing!