Chainsaws

Chainsaws fall into two categories: gas-powered and battery. Gas-powered chainsaws require oil and gas to operate, while battery chainsaws simply require the battery to be charged to function. Gas-powered models tend to be more powerful but are more expensive.

However, many people have different needs:

Occasional Use: Those who only use chainsaws occasionally tend to favor ease of use over performance. As a result, these chainsaws tend to be cheaper and often retail for under $200.

A good example of a saw used for occasional use is the Husqvarna 440E,  Husqvarna 435 or Husqvarna 235

Semi-pro: These saws can be used in a variety of situations. Most of the time they share the same design and many characteristics as professional saws, but the engine isn’t quite as powerful. Therefore, they are a good middle ground between chainsaws for occasional use and models which can be used everyday.

A good example of a semi-pro chainsaw is the Husqvarna 445

Professional: These saws are used for frequent use and are targeted at users who require the very best. They often make short work of even the tallest and hardest of trees, but tend to require for at least $300.

A few good examples of professional saws include the Husqvarna 455 Rancher and Husqvarna 450

Electric chainsaws also shouldn’t be overlooked, such as the Makita UC3530A.

Other things to consider

Weight and size- The lighter is saw the easier it is to maneuver and vice versa. However, you must make sure that you don’t choose a chainsaw that has a small engine, as you may be disappointed with its performance.

Safety: Safety is paramount when choosing a chainsaw. Therefore, it’s often a good idea to choose a chainsaw that has a kickback feature. It’s also always a good idea to read the manual and even watch a few videos to learn the best technique of operating a chainsaw.

Maintenance & Service – You want to make sure that the chainsaw you choose is easy to maintain. For example, a model with easy access to the spark plug and air filter is always a plus.

Blowers

Just like chainsaws, there are both electric and gas-powered models of blowers, with the gas-powered models again being more powerful but ultimately more expensive.

Electric blowers have gained in popularity in recent years, as they’re not only lighter but are also more powerful than their gas-powered counterparts. They are also quite easy to maintain, which is a big plus in the eyes of homeowners. However, they are almost always handheld, so usually aren’t quite as comfortable as gas-powered models.

Gas blowers are a must for the professional, but they are also popular with those who are looking to get the job done quickly. They have more than enough power to blow leaves, grass clippings, twigs, debris, and even small rocks.

They tend to be a little on the loud side, although choosing a 4-cycle engine over a 2-cycle one plays a large role in the decibel rating. As mentioned earlier, gas-powered blowers tend to feature a backpack, which certainly makes them more comfortable, especially for those who suffer from back problems.

Good examples of gas-powered blowers include the Husqvarna 125B , Husqvarna 350BT. and Echo PB-250.

Lawn Mowers

There are several things that you need to keep in mind before you purchase a lawn mower, the most important being whether you want a gas, electric or corded model.

Gas

Gas powered lawn mowers, such as the Husqvarna 5521P,Husqvarna YTH2042 and Husqvarna 7021P, tend to be more expensive than their electric and corded counterparts. This is because they do a much better job at mowing the lawn, especially if your yard is large and has thick, long grass. However, you should also keep in mind that they are loud, emit exhaust emissions and are more likely to break down.

Electric

Electric lawn mowers (also commonly called battery mowers), such as the Black & Decker SPCM1936 and GreenWorks 25312, are a popular choice for many homeowners for several reasons, including their quietness, they are pollution-free and will start up 100% of the time. They also require minimal maintenance; however, sharpening or even replacing the blade is recommended.

Manual

While manual lawn mowers, such as the Fiskars 620, are often considered to be the most basic and cheapest kind of mower, there are a few excellent models available that can rival gas-powered and battery-powered models. The best thing about them is that they are incredibly quiet, easy to use and require virtually no maintenance. However, if your yard is larger than 1/4 acre in size then you may have no other choice than to opt for a battery or gas mower.