I'm trying to decide between a 16" and a 20" chainsaw. I have a 2+ acre lot with several trees that need felling and bucking—around a dozen, ranging from 8" to 30" in diameter, predominantly pine. I anticipate needing the saw for a couple of trees each year of similar sizes in the future.
Initially, I was leaning towards the 16" saw, but I'm unsure because of the battery options included in each package. Here are the choices I've narrowed it down to:
- **Option 1:** 16" saw with a 12.0 HO battery ($700) plus a 12.0 Forge battery ($450)
- **Option 2:** 20" saw with two 8.0 Forge batteries ($1220)
I also need the extra battery power for other tools like a trimmer or blower, which is why I'm considering the battery options.
My main concern is whether the 20" saw would be too much for someone like me who has no chainsaw experience yet. Will I regret going for the smaller one? Should I prefer the 12.0 Forge and 12.0 HO combination over the two 8.0 Forge batteries?
3 Answers
I have my own approach when buying tools. I keep an eye on sales and grab them when the time is right. I don't need extra batteries unless they're included in a good deal. I've cut down about 40 pine trees using a Makita, and once the bar was worn down, I just upgraded to a bigger bar. Check out local sales from places like Home Depot—they often have the same offers around holidays, but some are better than others. Essentially, think about what you truly need and don't rush into a purchase.
I've used the 16" saw, and while it's great for smaller jobs, it does have its downsides. The bucking spikes are pretty flimsy, and the auto oiler tends to use a lot of oil. I also find that the narrow chain makes it skip off the bar more easily when applying pressure. That said, I've taken down several trees with it using standard 12ah batteries, and it's handled 8-12" diameter trees just fine. Since you're dealing with 30" diameter trees, I'd recommend going for the 20" saw. It really makes a difference in handling larger wood. Plus, taking a chainsaw safety course is a smart move if you're new to this!
If you're in the US, those prices for the saws seem quite steep! With a larger saw, you can easily handle smaller trees, but it's tough the other way around. I'm a fan of Milwaukee tools, but I'd say a gas saw could be a more affordable and effective choice for your situation since you can carry premixed fuel to last longer compared to battery life.
Haha, I'm actually in Canada! So that might explain the prices!