Chainsaws, pruning saws, we associate both with cutting but beyond that they’re quite different beasts. What’s the difference you ask? Quite a lot, actually, and while they’re both used to cut back growth, their applications are very different and in most cases far from interchangeable. In this article we will take a look at the key differences between pruning saws and chainsaws, jobs each type is best suited to and other environmental and safety considerations to take into account when choosing a saw for your cutting job.
Chainsaws are Less Precise Than Pruning Saws
Chainsaws are intended for less precise jobs than pruning saws, for instance, felling a tree. In this instance you’re probably more concerned with getting the tree down safely than the level of finesse to which you can apply to the cut. However, when it comes to neatly trimming back branches, a chainsaw will likely be too cumbersome to achieve the level of detail required.
Pruning Saws Offer More Finesse
When it comes to maintaining branches or shrubs, a steady, sleek cut is key to gaining a smooth finish, rather than sheer power. Pruning saws are ideally suited to such work, enabling the user to trim back unwieldy growth without being too harsh on the tree itself. While not necessarily as powerful as a chainsaw there’s no real need for them to be.
Chainsaws Offer More Power Than a Pruning Saw
Chainsaws have more powerful motors than pruning saws, making them better for cutting large, bulky material such as trees or logs.
Pruning Saws have Smaller Cutting Diameters
The cutting diameter of a pruning saw will be less than that of a chainsaw. Whether or not this is an advantage comes down to the job requiredçif you’re cutting a large log then the wider cutting diameter of a chainsaw will naturally be an advantage. However, a small cutting diameter is all that is needed for trimming back branches and stubborn shrubbery (in fact, a large cutting diameter would likely cause more damage than good in this scenario).
Pruning Saws are Safer for Cutting Above Shoulder Height
Safety should always be foremost in your mind when using a saw. Consider the position you’ll be taking while cutting—if you are cutting above shoulder height, pruning saws are considered safer to use, you should never use a chainsaw to cut something in such a position, for you don’t have adequate control which can lead to severe injury or worse. Of course, no matter what type of saw you are using, you should always ensure that you are adequate PPE and remain vigilant at all times.
What are the Best Brands of Saws?
There are a number of excellent saw manufacturers on the market, and we stock an extensive variety at Power Plant. We’ve recently become agents for EGO, which produce some really efficient pruning saws such as the PSA1000. For chainsaws, the Husqvarna range is a market leader, with popular models including the Husqvarna 540i XP battery chainsaw.
I’m Still Not Sure Whether to use a Chainsaw or a Pruning Saw
The above gives an overview of what jobs are best suited to chainsaws and pruning saws respectively. However, if you’re still not sure which saw is the best option for your needs, feel free to give the Power Plant Hire team a call on 053 923 5003 or call into our showroom in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, and speak to a member of staff. We’ve been serving the tool and equipment needs of Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny for decades and are only too to pass our knowledge on. You can also email us at sales@powerplant.ie.
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