Sears Chainsaw Questions
Sears offers several brands of chainsaws at their stores ranging in size, performance and intended use. When purchasing a new chainsaw, asking the right questions will help determine the make and model that's right for you. Does this Spark an idea?
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What's the Engine?
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Sears offers two styles of chainsaw engines. Gas powered engines, the most common, use a two-stroke engine powered and lubricated by a pre-mixed combination of gasoline and oil. Gas powered engines are more powerful and can cut through thicker, tougher wood.
Electric powered engines use an extension cord to plug into an AC outlet around the house. These chainsaw are lighter, cleaner and less noisy; however, the length of the cord restricts their use. Electric chainsaws work well for light cutting jobs.
What's the Fuel?
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Chainsaws need a special kind of fuel that's different than what you use in your lawnmower or snowmobile. Gas powered chainsaws use two-stroke, air-cooled oil mixed in with regular unleaded gasoline. This mix lubricates the pistons and crankcase during operation. The oil and gas start separating after 30 days, so any unused fuel will need to be discarded in accordance with local environmental regulations. Electric chainsaws, of course, require no special fuels.
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What Size Bar?
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The cutting attachment, which extends in front of the power head, ranges in size from 12 to 30 inches for Sears chainsaws. The longer the bar on the chainsaw, the larger the engine needed to drive it forward. This also adds extra weight to the saw -- up to 5 pounds more. The type of cutting you will do can help determine what size bar you'll need. Felling trees and bucking logs will require a larger bar, usually at least two inches bigger than the trees being worked on. Brushing, firewood cutting and tree trimming can all be done with a smaller bar under 18 inches.
What Safety Features?
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Chainsaws are dangerous power tools and having as many safety features as possible will help reduce the risk of injury. Many Sears chainsaws come with a standard safety brake, which activates a spring that stops the clutch and chain from spinning. These brakes will protect against a lot of cuts to the legs. Other safety features include a throttle lockout, which requires your full hand to be wrapped around the throttle for the chain to start spinning. The cutting conditions will largely determine what safety features you'll want for your chainsaw.
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