Chainsaws are powerful garden tools designed for cutting, pruning and trimming trees, logs and large branches. The range includes petrol, cordless, and electric chainsaw models with a choice of bar lengths to suit jobs from felling small trees and sectioning timber to chopping firewood.
Choose from powerful petrol chainsaws for heavy-duty cutting, portable cordless chainsaws for jobs without a power source, or a lightweight mains electric chainsaw for domestic garden work. Models are available with features including brushless motors, automatic chain oiling, and kickback protection for improved safety. Find the right saw for any landscaping task, plus a selection of replacement chainsaw chains, from trusted brands including Makita, Einhell, Hawksmoor, Bosch, Draper and Milwaukee.
What Types of Chainsaws Are There?
Petrol, cordless and electric chainsaws are the most used in landscaping. At Toolstation, we have a wide variety of all three types – whatever the job, you’ll find the best chainsaw here.
Petrol chainsaws have two-stroke engines, the most powerful and efficient tool for tackling easy and hard outdoor jobs. They can thin shrubs, chop firewood and trees, and penetrate hard surfaces. Most come with simple start systems, while some have automatic oiling systems to prolong battery life. All our petrol chainsaws are cordless, giving you maximum freedom of movement.
Lightweight, practical and easy to manoeuvre, cordless chainsaws are a landscaper’s ally. These straightforward chainsaws are free from electric cords that might hold you back. Their auto-oiling system makes adjusting the chain easy, reducing maintenance and increasing your chainsaw’s longevity. Cordless chainsaws can function at different speeds, providing more control for precision jobs and quick cutting.
Electric chainsaws are perfect for domestic work. Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, electric chainsaws are ideal for cutting smaller trees and branches. They’re also quieter and easier to set up than some alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
What bar length chainsaw do I need?
Chainsaw guide bars come in a range of lengths designed for different cutting tasks. Smaller bars are ideal for pruning and trimming branches, while longer bars provide a greater cutting capacity for thicker logs and tree trunks.
As a general guide:
- 25–30cm bars – suitable for pruning and small branches
- 30–40cm bars – ideal for cutting firewood and medium branches
- 40cm+ bars – designed for heavier cutting and larger timber
Choosing the right bar length helps improve safety, efficiency and cutting performance.
Are cordless chainsaws powerful enough for garden work?
Modern cordless chainsaws are powerful enough for many garden tasks including pruning branches, cutting logs and trimming small trees. They are particularly useful where manoeuvrability and quieter operation are important.
How often should a chainsaw chain be sharpened?
Chainsaw chains should be sharpened whenever cutting performance decreases or the saw begins producing fine sawdust instead of wood chips. Regular sharpening helps maintain efficient cutting and reduces strain on the motor.
Safety Features to Look For
Modern chainsaws include several safety features designed to improve control and reduce risk during operation. Many models include chain brakes, kickback protection, and metal bumper spikes to help stabilise the saw while cutting.
Some chainsaws also feature automatic chain oiling systems, which keep the chain lubricated during use. This reduces wear on the chain and guide bar while maintaining smooth cutting performance.
Maintaining Your Chainsaw
Regular maintenance helps ensure your chainsaw continues to perform efficiently. Keeping the chain properly tensioned and lubricated helps maintain cutting performance and extends the life of the tool.
Basic chainsaw maintenance includes:
- Checking chain tension before use
- Keeping the chain sharp for efficient cutting
- Ensuring the chain oil reservoir is topped up
- Cleaning debris from the guide bar and housing after use
