A chainsaw is a great tool for clearing brush, cutting firewood, and pruning trees. Choosing the right one can be difficult because there are many features to consider.
Here, we will explore two of the most popular types: top handle and rear handle chainsaws. Knowing the difference between a top handle and a rear handle chainsaw can make all of the difference when it comes to which one you should buy.
If you are in need of a new chainsaw but don’t know what type to purchase, this article will give you some insight into the differences between these two types! We’ll also discuss how each type works best in different situations so that you can find the perfect one for your needs!
Top Handle VS Rear Handle Chainsaw
The key difference between these types is that the back handle offers better control but it’s not as good on flat surfaces or trimming branches.
A lot of people think that the top handle is better but this isn’t always true. The best chainsaw for you depends on how and where you are going to be using it.
When picking out a chainsaw, you will be faced with two options: top handle or rear handle. Which one should you choose? Let’s find out!
Description
Top-handle Chainsaw
A top handle chainsaw has a horizontal bar that you can hold in your hands and usually have trigger grips for the fingers on one side. The engine will be at the lower end of this bar, which means it’ll be more difficult to cut downwards as gravity works against a person using it.
These are best used for cutting upwards and good for trimming overhead or in hard-to-reach places like under bushes that have grown tall.
Rear handle chainsaw
A rear handle chainsaw will have handles at the end of its bar that is held like one would hold an axe. This means they can be used in all vertical angles and usually has quick-release triggers for the fingers.
The engine will be at the upper end of this bar which means it’ll be easier to cut downwards when gravity is working for a person using it but still can work in all angles. These are better used for everyday use and people wanting a chainsaw that can do everything they need them to do.
Cost
Top handles chainsaws are cheaper than rear handle ones because they have a shorter blade and fewer moving parts, but this also means that the saw can’t cut as deeply or as long before it needs to be re-sharpened and oiled again which may not make them worth the money for some people.
They can still do everything you need them to though, if not better, than the rear handle chainsaw. Top handle chainsaws are the cheapest but also have the shortest life expectancy and the least amount of power per hour of use.
Rear handles chainsaws are by far the most expensive, but they have a longer blade and more moving parts which means that they can be used to cut wood for hours on end without needing to stop or sharpen it as often.
This also makes them perfect for people who need their saws to last a very long time because they don’t want to constantly have to buy another one.
Power
Compared to top handle chainsaws, rear handles have greater cutting power and durability. This increased leverage gives the user more control when making deep cuts.
They can be more lightweight, which makes them easier for people who need to trim a lot of trees or branches in tough spots such as steep hillsides.
Top handle chainsaws have less power and cutting ability but they’re lighter and more maneuverable.
Better Grip and Controls
The rear handle chainsaw provides better grip and control. It is easier to maneuver and get into tight spaces which makes it ideal for people who need something that will work better in harder areas.
Rear handle chainsaw is good to use when you need a heavy-duty, powerful chainsaw. It will be easier to use for difficult cutting angles. This type of saw is widely used for cutting logs and carving wood.
On the other hand, top-handle chainsaws have a more narrow grip and are not as good in tight spaces.
The top handle is better for people who need something that will work well on flat surfaces or just needs it for trimming the tree branches.
Maintenance
The top handle chainsaw is easier to maintain than a rear handle.
This means that it’s less likely for the chain to become stuck and break or snap during use because there are fewer parts of the saw which need regular maintenance such as oiling, tightening, etc.
Starting the Saw
It can also be hard to start the chainsaw because of the awkward angle you need to hold your arms while using it, which could cause some people pain or discomfort in their shoulders when doing repetitive tasks for long periods of time.
In our research, we find that the rear handle chainsaws are easy to start compared to the top handle chainsaws.
Best Uses
A top-handle chainsaw is best used for people who want a tool that will do most things well without too much struggle or training, and it’s great if you have limited space in your garage due to their shorter length.
They are best for people who want to make quick cuts or trim small branches.
A rear-handle chainsaw is easier to use for long periods of time, but they have their own disadvantages as well. They’re heavier than a top handle due to the engine being positioned toward the ground.
One of the benefits is that they are more balanced and less chance at kickback with each cut made.
Straight Cut
The top handle chainsaws are capable of making straight cuttings in either the landscape or portrait direction.
A rear handle chainsaw can only make a straight cut when cutting in the landscape position because it’s more difficult to control and keep tracking on course while sawing up close for other cuts.
It can be difficult to control the saw and have it stay on a straight line, which could cause some people to become frustrated with using it.
Weight Distribution
The weight distribution for both models is important because this can affect how long you want to use it without getting fatigued.
A heavier saw will have more weight distributed towards its front which will cause fatigue quicker than if weights were distributed evenly throughout its body. This is where the weight of your saw comes into play.
The rear handle chainsaw offers a better weight distribution for people that have to use the saw longer and will not get fatigued as quickly.
Hand Positions
The position your hands are in when holding a chainsaw can also affect how long you want to hold it without experiencing fatigue.
A top-handle chainsaw is easiest on the hand because it puts minimal pressure on them.
Rear-handle chainsaws are more difficult on the hands because they put a lot of pressure and strain on them.
If you were only using your saw for a short amount of time, then this is not an important factor to consider when deciding which type you want to buy.
However, if you find yourself wanting to use it for longer periods of time, then this could be an important factor for you.
The rear handle chainsaw is more expensive than the top handle so if it’s not something that will impact your decision on which one to buy, I would recommend getting a cheaper version and saving money in other areas.
Safety
Both types of chainsaws are pretty safe but they each have different pros and cons. The top handle is usually safer for people who need to cut in more difficult angles because it’s easier to control and doesn’t require as much muscle strength from you or your arm.
These only work in one direction which helps prevent the chainsaw from jumping out of your hand when you’re cutting.
But on a steep hillside, the top handle can be difficult to control and you’ll have to use more muscle because of gravity. And both types can kickback when in contact with a tough surface like concrete which causes it to jump back into your hands.
Additional Resources To Learn More About Chainsaws:
- Do you want to learn the types of chainsaws? Check here
Bottom Line
If you need a quick and easy-to-use chainsaw that doesn’t require much maintenance then go with the top handle saw, but if you plan on doing big jobs where it takes more time or power than usual then buy yourself a rear handle model.
