How to Choose The Best Professional Chainsaw For Your Green Space Business

From how often the saw will be used to the types of wood you'll be cutting through, asking yourself a few key questions can help point you in the right direction. To make things easier, we spoke with qualified arborist, Julia Steele, founder of female-owned She Trees to find out her top tips, tricks and advice.

What to look for in a professional chainsaw

When it comes to choosing the best professional saw for your green space business, it really depends on what you are doing, says Julia. "If you have a good climbing saw and a powerful large saw, then a trained arborist would be able to take down nearly any tree and manage it."

She continues by saying "For instance, if you are climbing a tree, having a top-handled saw is best as it is easier to climb with and manoeuvre when taking off top branches. But when it comes to the thicker stuff, it is best to use one of the bigger saws - when you need that extra power and longer bar length."

Key factors to consider when you are choosing a saw are:

• Chainsaw weight
• Power type
• Power output
• Bar length
• Chain type

Chainsaw weight: The weight of a chainsaw will play a big part in how comfortable it is to use over extended periods of time. Adding a longer bar, heavier chain or using it with a full tank of fuel will all contribute to weight load. However, weight can help to stabilise the chainsaw, making it easier to control.

Power types: Chainsaws come in petrol and battery variations, both providing their own benefits. Battery chainsaws are typically quieter, have fewer vibrations and put out zero direct emissions. In comparison, high-end petrol saws provide the power required for cutting larger size hardwood.

Power output: Possibly the most important thing to look for when choosing a professional chainsaw is power output as this will determine what types of jobs you are able to do. Too little power and your saw will struggle to cut through dense or wet wood, resulting in increased fuel consumption and wear on the chain. As Julia mentioned - it's important to consider what you are cutting if you want to make sure you have the right tool for the job.

Bar length: A longer bar makes it possible to cut through large trees and branches with ease when compared with smaller bars. However, the flip side is that longer bars tend to be slightly more challenging to control. Although for an experienced green space or tree care professional, this becomes less of an issue.

Chain type: While chainsaw chains are replaceable, it's a good idea to know which types of chains are compatible with the professional chainsaw you are interested in. This will ensure you have a tool that is as versatile and adaptable as possible - expanding the types of tasks you can take on.

How to maximise chainsaw performance

When asked for her top tips for maximising chainsaw performance and keeping the saw in check, Julia noted that "Keeping the saw sharp, oiled properly and always making sure you are watching what you are going to cut is the main thing to do...'' So pretty much, don't try and chop some firewood next to a large rock that could blunt the saw.

Drawing on her 5-years of experience as a fully qualified arborist within the green space industry, a few of her other top tips include:

• "When you are chopping through wood, make sure there isn't anything that will get in the way of the saw or blade that could possibly blunt the saw."
• Palm trees are really acidic, and it's essential to make sure you clean your chainsaw well after cutting palms as the sap can corrode and eat into your saw.
• "If you are cutting Iron Barks or Leopard trees, you will need to sharpen your saw more often. They are a much harder wood which will dull saws faster than other trees."
• Know the types of trees and wood types you will be working on, and then maintain your equipment accordingly.
• Choose a chain that is designed to be used with the type of wood you are working with. The output power of your saw should also reflect this, with hardwood trees requiring more power, and softwood or young trees needing less.  

The best Husqvarna professional chainsaws

While similar in appearance to a general all-rounder saw, professional chainsaws are designed to be used on a regular basis - which is reflected in their design, power output and performance. For those looking for a saw dedicated to tree care, a top-handled chainsaw is a top choice for arborists and tree surgeons. Julia currently uses a top-handled battery chainsaw, such as the T540i XP®.

And when it comes to teaching her apprentice, Julia mentioned that she likes using a battery powered saw, because "not only can you talk over it more easily, but they are so much more responsive. So when you are training, it makes it easier to stop when you need to and not overcut."

• 550 XP® Mark II - Suitable for felling, limbing and bucking small and mid-sized trees
• T540i XP® - Designed for arborists who want a smooth, high performance chainsaw
• 572 XP® - Ready for demanding work by forestry and tree care professionals
• 592XP® - Developed for professional forestry and tree care workers who demand the best in heavy-duty performance
• 3120 XP® - Built for professionals who fell the largest dimensions of trees and extremely hard types of wood

Chainsaws made for professionals

Powering the green space and tree care industry since 1959, Husqvarna is proud to have the world's best chainsaw lineup covering both petrol and battery power. From our extensive range of all-rounder chainsaws for homeowners to professional-grade chainsaws, finding your perfect chainsaw is simple.

If you're still not sure which chainsaw is going to offer you the best value for your business needs or you need a little bit more information, our authorised dealers are always ready to help. Start building your shortlist today by checking out and comparing our Professional Chainsaws online.