Are you in the market for a chainsaw? There are a number of brands available on the market, but you'll especially want to take a look at Ryobi Chainsaws.
Ryobi offers saws in three different configurations: traditional gas-powered, electric and cordless. You'll want to consider your particular needs when choosing a chainsaw. If you plan to clear a stand of 20 year old elm trees, then you'll most likely need a gas-powered saw since they're designed with more power for stringent use.
If you're looking for a saw to do regular pruning of tree limbs and shrubs, then you may want to consider an electric or cordless model.
Gas-powered Chainsaws
Ryobi chainsaws have been designed with the homeowner in mind. This means that even the gas-powered saw is not designed for the rigors of logging. It will not stand up to long days and weeks like a Stihl or Echo chainsaw will do.
The model 6234 gas-powered saw comes with an 18 inch bar to allow for cutting trees in the 14-16 inch diameter range.
Reviews seem to be positive as long as the homeowner remembers its intended use. Prices for this chainsaw range in the $100 - $115 range, and you can see this model in person at any Home Depot store.
Electric Chainsaws
Ryobi offers an electric chainsaw model which seems to have received good feedback. It's easy to start and is a good deal lighter than the traditional gas-powered saw, making it more comfortable for women and teens. The saw comes with a no-slip cord, which many people feel makes it safer. One particular advantage, too, is that you don't have to deal with the gas and oil mixing needed by the gas-powered saws.
In reviews, several people have commented that the saw keeps running for a few moments even after you turn it off. Bear this in mind when you're done, since it could be a safety issue.
This chainsaw is less noisy than the gas-powered models, and be aware that it has less power as well. However, if you're just going to be using this saw around the house for routine yard work you may find it to be just what you need.
Cordless Chainsaws
Ryobi chainsaws have added a new model to their family, the cordless chainsaw. This model uses the same One+ battery used by Ryobi's line of cordless tools. If you'd like a small chainsaw that is very lightweight, quiet and easy to use, this may be the solution for you.
Reviews indicate the battery will last anywhere from 30-90 minutes, depending upon usage. This saw is not designed to cut down a forest, but it performs well for limbs and tight areas. In fact, several of the people who offered reviews stated that they bought a second saw because they found it to be so very useful! You can get a Ryobi cordless chainsaw for about $119.
You'll find Ryobi chainsaws to be versatile and useful for the average homeowner.
