- 1). Decide how long a bar you will need. Determine the size of the trees you will be cutting and the logs you will be bucking. Stihl guide bars range from 10 inches to more than 40 inches, and they increase in 2-inch increments. Common sizes for home use are 18 to 24 inch bars.
- 2). Decide how much power you will need; harder woods will require more power to cut safely. Larger trees also require more power. If you plan to use your chain saw for long periods of time, you will also need a higher power ratio. Engine power is rated by the displacement of the machines' bores and is measured in cubic centimeters or "cc's." Common homeowner chain saws range from 20 cc's to 50 cc's.
- 3). Consider the weight of the saw, when full, and how long you can carry it. Cutting when tired dramatically increases the risk of injury. You should be able to lift and move the saw around comfortably without dropping or throwing it. Common homeowner saws range from lightweight to almost 30 lbs.
- 4). Consider what safety features you would like on the saw. Most new Stihl saws have effective chain brake and inertia-activated kickback systems, which helps prevent the chain from whipping back into the operator when the chain comes under a certain kind of pressure. Older models may not have these features and will be more dangerous. Make sure you have enough control over the saw to prevent kickbacks.
- 5). Decide what kind of fuel source you want to power your engine. Gas chain saws will have more power, or cc's, versatility, cutting capabilities and a longer life. Electric model saws are cheaper, lighter and have less potential for kickbacks.
- 6). Decide what price you are willing to spend. Used Stihl saws can be purchased cheaply from many Internet sites but may not have the reliability and safety features of newer models purchased at a Stihl dealer.
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