Are you a chainsaw user looking to find out the type of chainsaw that professional loggers use? If yes, then this is the perfect guide for you.
What chainsaw do professional loggers use is a common question for users looking to upgrade their chainsaw game to the next level. Professional loggers make use of reliable, high-performance gas-powered chainsaws that work fine the whole day. The chainsaws that they use can work well even in harsh conditions, have powerful engines, and are easy to clean and maintain.
In this article, you will get to know all about professional chainsaws, what chainsaw do professional loggers use, how does an ideal professional chainsaw look like, how to select the perfect professional chainsaw, and more. Continue reading to get all the answers that you are looking for.
What Chainsaw Do Professional Loggers Use
It is an obvious fact that professional loggers do not just start using any type of chainsaw for their jobs. Instead, they have specific chainsaws that are suited to large projects that they are working on. There are certain types of chainsaws that are reserved for expert use only.
Professional loggers make use of reliable, high-performance gas-powered chainsaws that can work for the whole day. The chainsaws that professionals and experts use can be used even in harsh conditions, as they come with powerful engines and are easy to clean and maintain. They usually go for chainsaws that have engine power ranging from 40cc or above and a guide bar length of 14 inches or more.
Usually, these chainsaws are designed to run perfectly even in tough conditions, and they provide loggers with the best experience in their daily tasks. If you aren’t a professional logger, and you are unsure of the type of chainsaw that will get the job done, then you need to know how does an ideal professional logger chainsaw look like.
What Does a Professional Logger Chainsaw Look Like
As a professional logger, chances are that you will be using your chainsaw throughout the year. There are many different tasks in which your machine will come in handy – forestry services, commercial logging, tree care, and more. Technically, you will be needed to look for a chainsaw that has better features and greater capabilities to endure the touch projects that you will be working on.
Normally, a professional logger chainsaw should feature a longer bar, a durable crankshaft, and a more powerful engine compared to the standard chainsaws. All these properties will ensure that you can cut in short timeframes and limb through thick trees and logs. Here are some of the features that differentiate professional-grade chainsaws from the standard ones –
A balanced design
One of the primary features that set a professional chainsaw apart from the standard ones is the balanced body design of the former. Professional chainsaws come with a long and narrow body layout. Meanwhile, the engine will be installed directly behind the bar and be in an inclined position. This balanced design will be crucial for the chainsaw as it is going to be used for an extended period. The feature will make it much easier for you to hold the tool evenly, despite having prolonged periods of cutting.
The top-handle
Professional chainsaws that are used for commercial use are often top-handle models. It means that the chainsaws are compact, unlike the rear-handle styles, which makes them more comfortable to operate. Due to the position of the handle and their lightweight nature, top-handle chainsaws are the superior option for cutting tree limbs and branches. Moreover, they perform tremendously in situations where you need to cut at a downward angle.
Commercial warranty
Most professional chainsaws available on the market come with a commercial warranty that extends between 12 and 24 months. This is actually great considering that you will be running these machines several hours per day all year round. Such warranties are not easy to find, especially with power equipment, due to the user’s high demands. This warranty will put your mind at ease, even when you’re using the chainsaw in extreme situations.
How to Choose the Perfect Professional Chainsaw
Not all chainsaws are capable of performing every task. This is why professional-grade chainsaws are specially built so that they can function effectively even under harsh conditions. It is widely known that gas-powered chainsaws are superior when it comes to cutting, logging, farming, tree care, land clearing, and massive firewood-cutting job. Here are some of the qualities and features you must look for when looking for the perfect professional chainsaw for your needs.
A powerful engine
When you’re shopping for a chainsaw, engine power is the first factor that you need to consider. As you’re purchasing a professional chainsaw, nothing less than 40cc and 1HP engine power will do. Chainsaws having more engine power are more powerful than the ones with less engine size. The chainsaws having an engine size of 40 to 80cc are usually used by professionals who have to fell countless trees. With this much power, you won’t have to stop midway when cutting trees as large as 30–40 inches.
The chainsaw power is measured by engine power (in HP) or piston displacement (in cc). The cubic centimeter is the piston displacement or size of the engine where the piston can move freely. As a rule of thumb, the more the displacement, the higher will be the engine power of the chainsaw. The horsepower will determine the power in the form of torque times revolution per minute. The cc will determine the length of the bar, while the HP will determine how fast the machine can cut.
Reliable heavy-duty chainsaw
To undertake heavy tasks like the felling of trees, you will require a chainsaw that is reliable and has a lot of power. Professional chainsaws are the best options if you are looking for engines that have a higher horsepower and torque for consistent, increased output. In order to channel and control all this power, the engines of these chainsaws are built with components capable of withstanding long hours of use. These components include heavier bearings, heavy-duty crankshafts, and durable crankcases.
An ergonomic design
You might assume that most professional chainsaws weigh more than basic gas-powered chainsaws due to their sturdy engine and components. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. For instance, if you are working on logging, forestry, or land escaping job, chances are that you’ll be working for several hours at a time.
In this case, you will require a chainsaw that you can comfortably hold on to for a long time without discomfort. This is precisely why professional chainsaws are usually made with ergonomic materials that are light yet strong. When shopping for a professional chainsaw, you must go for one that features a high power-to-weight ratio and a balanced design.
To enjoy extra safety and comfort, ensure that the chainsaw you go for also possesses a vibration reduction or dampening system. This usually includes a series of shock-absorbing features inside the body and on the chainsaw’s handle. This will reduce the vibration and stop it from getting transferred into the users’ hand and wrist. Additionally, look out for proper ergonomic features like less weight and designs, a perfectly balanced body, and more.
Convenient maintenance features
As they’re used frequently and in harsh conditions, professional chainsaws must be maintained regularly. This is why chainsaw manufacturers design their professional-level chainsaws with special features that allow the chainsaw to be in maximum condition for long hours and allow them to be automatically tuned up even on the field.
There are certain components that you need to pay attention to on professional chainsaws, like the air filter. The air filter must be maintained from time to time. For your chainsaw to be in top shape, ensure that you look for these features.
- Large surface air filter – If your chainsaw has a large surface filter, the number of contaminants passing through would be reduced
- An air injection cleaning system that removes dust and debris
- A quick-release air filter cover will make it easy to change the filter while outside a shop
Moreover, oiling the bar and chain will be an important step that will help you keep your saw cutting sharply and quickly. The standard homeowner chainsaws are often designed to have an automatic bar oil mechanism. However, professional chainsaws make use of the adjustable bar and chain oil pumps instead. This will allow you to adjust the oil output according to the working condition.
Best Professional-Grade Chainsaws in the Market
Here are some of the best professional chainsaws on the market that you can go for. Remember to do ample research before you make the purchase –
Stihl 500i loggers chainsaw
The Stihl 500i loggers chainsaw is widely seen as the ultimate professional logging chainsaw. It is the top-of-the-line professional chainsaw offered by Stihl, and it has been designed and built especially for professional arborists and the logging industry.
It is one of the most expensive professional chainsaws in the market. It can be purchased in any variety, from a 16-inch bar to a 32-inch bar, but larger bars can also be purchased and fitted separately. The Stihl 500i is special as it is the world’s first chainsaw with an electronically controlled fuel injection.
It means it is a higher-performance chainsaw that works more efficiently. The sensors measure air pressure and internal/external temperature for providing optimum fuel quantity and ignition timing.
Husqvarna XP Series chainsaws
Instead of selecting a single chainsaw here, any of the Husqvarna XP chainsaws could be suitable for logging, although the top end of the range will be the best.
The Husqvarna XP Series is the brand’s professional range of chainsaws. These machines range in price from $529.99 for the 543 XP and go all the way to $1,849.99 for the 3120 XP.
Not only do professional loggers use these chainsaws, but other professional tree workers do it as well. They are popular chainsaws among forestry workers, arborists, millers, and farmers.
The Husqvarna 3120 XP is the brand’s biggest and most powerful chainsaw. In fact, it is one of the most powerful professional chainsaws in the world. It is designed for professional logging, stumpwork, and milling. This chainsaw can be used effectively and efficiently with up to a 6-foot bar (72 inches).
Echo CS-7310P logging chainsaw
Echo is another popular chainsaw brand that is suitable for professional, heavy-duty use. Echo is a Japanese brand, but many Echo products including its chainsaws are manufactured in America.
The Echo CS-7310P Chainsaw is one of the most powerful chainsaws in North America. It has everything that professional loggers and arborists require for taking down huge trees. Moreover, this chainsaw is said to be suitable for both firewood processing and tree felling. It is also powerful, durable, and capable of running for long periods of time.
Jonsered CS2255 Chainsaw
Lastly, there is the Jonsered CS2255 Chainsaw, which is another wonderful option for a professional logger chainsaw. It can be used for rigorous felling or bucking projects by professional loggers.
While most professionals prefer using Stihl or Husqvarna options for their projects, this unit definitely has the power to do them too. For those farmers and ranchers who require a powerful chainsaw that can be used in forestry, this is another great option.
The Jonsered CS2255 Chainsaw is a 55cc chainsaw that is sold with a 20-inch bar (which is only recommended with the same max. bar length).
FAQs
What is considered to be a professional chainsaw?
Professional-grade chainsaws are the ones that people turn to when they have to carry out projects that require engines with higher horsepower and higher torque for consistently elevated output. To contain and channel all this power, the engines on professional chainsaws are made with components designed to withstand long hours of use.
What type of chainsaws do lumberjacks use?
Lumberjacks make use of crosscut saws. The two-person crosscut saw features a handle at either end and is also referred to as a lumberjack saw.
What chainsaw is better – Husqvarna or Stihl?
Usually, Stihl chainsaws are great for tackling tough, dense wood and brush, although, they might not be as quick as Husqvarna chainsaws. Meanwhile, Husqvarna chainsaws aren’t as effective as Stihl chainsaws at cutting through tree joints and knots, despite having a higher cutting speed.
Do modern loggers still use chainsaws?
Most modern loggers don’t actually use chainsaws anymore. These days, they have huge harvesters that cut trees at their base, strip the limbs, and lay the logs in a pile on the trailer. However, there are a few loggers who go for the traditional method and still use gas-powered chainsaws.
