Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Sarker C. Weber
Chainsaws come in different shapes and sizes, but they’re only two types of chainsaws out there when it comes to handles.
You could get a top handle or a rear handle chainsaw for your cutting and pruning needs.
For your cutting, woodwork, pruning, operations to be a success, it’s a must you pick the right-handled chainsaw.
When you make a wrong choice for a chainsaw, there’s no doubt you’d have to spend more cash on the saw you need.
So with all this pinned down, let’s take a look at what qualities each chainsaw has and which is the perfect choice for your needs.
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Top Handle Chainsaw
As the name suggests, top handle chainsaws are cutting tools with handles placed right on top of the engine.
It’s mostly used for handling various off-ground-level cutting operations.
And to show more features of this chainsaw, here’s a complete set of other qualities that make the top handle chainsaw a stand-out choice for cutting.
Upsides of Top Handle Chainsaws
Flexibility
When you’re in dire need of a chainsaw with an effortless level of operability, the top handle chainsaw is your best bet.
It comes with many easy-to-use features, and is one of the fascinating elements is its “ease of handling”.
With little to no effort required to get this chainsaw started, its high service potential is given a huge boost.
Easier management
It’s no secret some chainsaw operators find it tricky to store or transport their chainsaws. Most of the issues arise with the weight of your saw.
Size
The size of the top handle chainsaws also greatly differs from that of other saws.
These saws come with designs meant to be easily used in varying conditions.
The latest builds come much smaller than older models, and it’s a testament to the quality these saws provide.
Easy response
There’s no one alive who doesn’t love a machine with the smoothest and most comfortable response.
Many top handle chainsaw engines are lightweight but durable, based on their jobs, design specs, and function outlined.
Based on the urgent need a lot of chainsaw operators have for a smooth-running chainsaw, top handles rank as top-notch among chainsaws.
Dependability
When long-term cutting is what you seek, there’s a higher chance of a top handle chainsaw performing much better.
This is because these saws are made to handle smooth operations in tough conditions.
And they’re also designed to withstand various demanding cutting activities.
Downsides of Top Handle Chainsaws
Cost
Energy consumption is a huge factor to consider when in need of a high-performing chainsaw.
Unfortunately, when it comes to top-handle chainsaws, they’re demanding when it comes to using up power.
Regardless of the fuel type used, these machines perform heavier tasks and demand a lot of power over a short time to keep running.
Advanced Skill Level
An unskilled individual could come off seriously hurt with a top-handle chainsaw. These saws are ideal for cutters with a good amount of prior experience before usage.
Rear Handle Chainsaw
A rear handle chainsaw’s got its handle placed behind the machine. This chainsaw gets handled with both hands, and it’s what you’ll regularly see for on-ground cutting operations.
Upsides of Rear Handle Chainsaw
Smoother handling
These chainsaws have the smoothest form of operation. Based on its design, more balance is assured for the operator. With more balanced assured, it becomes easier for the operator to slice stuff up.
Stronger grip
With a stronger hold on your chainsaw, it becomes less likely for accidents to occur.
In addition, since you’ll get more grips, this saw is safer to handle for a vast number of chainsaw operators.
Perfect for any skill level
It’s no secret there’s a preference for an easy-to-operate chainsaw across skill levels. And rear handle chainsaws come as perfect for any operator.
Durable
These chainsaws come as very durable for their applications. There’re rear handle chainsaws that could get huge trees down in a matter of minutes.
These machines also come with some of the toughest materials to ensure smoother, more comfortable cutting power.
Downsides of Rear Handle Chainsaw
Bounded Use
In most cases, it’s difficult to apply a rear handle chainsaw to a cutting job.
For example, it’s tricky to use a rear handle saw in cutting at greater heights.
These saws are built for ground cutting only and limit their versatility somewhat.
No flexibility in usage
When there’s a need to use a chainsaw with more flexibility assured, it’s difficult to manage with a rear handle chainsaw.
This saw has to be used with both hands.
Even if this provides better handling, it limits the user’s ability to do anything else till cutting is done.
Weighty
For long-term operations, these chainsaws could be greatly tasking on your arms.
In addition, based on the weight distribution across your arms, this chainsaw could place extra stress on your back.
Conclusion
You’ve seen the info needed to differentiate between the two types of chainsaws.
Make a choice depending on what you need. These chainsaws are built to satisfy you with any heavy-duty cutting job you’ve got!
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