Chainsaws are essential tools for various tasks like tree cutting, trimming, and even firewood preparation.
However, choosing the right chainsaw depends on the type of work you plan to do and your personal preferences.
Among the many different types of chainsaws, top handle and rear handle chainsaws stand out due to their distinct designs and uses.
In this guide, we’ll compare top handle chainsaws and rear handle chainsaws, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and the best situations for using each.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which chainsaw is best suited for your needs.
Introduction to Top Handle and Rear Handle Chainsaws
Top Handle Chainsaws
Top handle chainsaws are compact, lightweight, and specifically designed for tree climbing and precision cutting.
They feature a handle located above the motor, allowing users to control the chainsaw with one hand while gripping the top handle.
These chainsaws are ideal for professional arborists and tree care experts, who need a tool that’s easy to maneuver in the air.
Rear Handle Chainsaws
Rear handle chainsaws are the most common type of chainsaw, typically used for ground-based tasks like felling trees, cutting logs, and trimming branches.
With the rear handle positioned at the back of the chainsaw, this design provides greater control and stability, especially when cutting larger materials.
They are perfect for general-purpose cutting and are used by both amateurs and professionals alike.
Key Differences Between Top Handle and Rear Handle Chainsaws
| Feature | Top Handle Chainsaw | Rear Handle Chainsaw |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact, handle at the top | Larger, handle at the rear |
| Usage | Primarily for climbing and aerial work | Ideal for ground-based cutting tasks |
| Weight | Lightweight and more maneuverable | Heavier due to larger design |
| Control | Easier to control with one hand in tight spaces | Requires two hands for better control |
| Safety | Increased risk of losing control in certain situations | More stable for beginners and heavier-duty work |
| Power | Generally less powerful | Typically more powerful and capable of heavy-duty cutting |
| Cost | More expensive due to specialized design | More affordable for general tasks |
Features Breakdown: Top Handle vs Rear Handle Chainsaw
1. Maneuverability and Handling
- Top Handle Chainsaw:
Top handle chainsaws are designed for highly precise cutting in hard-to-reach areas, such as when cutting limbs while climbing a tree. The top-mounted handle gives users better control and balance when using one hand. However, this design can be less comfortable for extended use, especially when cutting larger logs on the ground.
- Rear Handle Chainsaw:
Rear handle chainsaws offer better control with two hands, which is essential for handling the power and weight of larger chainsaws. These are perfect for tasks on the ground, like cutting firewood or clearing fallen trees. The rear handle gives more leverage, making it easier to cut through thicker wood with less strain.
2. Power and Performance
- Top Handle Chainsaw:
While top handle chainsaws are lighter and easier to handle, they usually come with less power than their rear handle counterparts. This makes them ideal for trimming, pruning, and cutting smaller branches but less suited for heavy-duty tasks.
- Rear Handle Chainsaw:
Rear handle chainsaws are typically more powerful, designed to handle larger cutting tasks. They can easily tackle thicker branches, logs, and even entire trees. If you’re planning on doing heavy-duty yard work or forestry, a rear handle chainsaw is the way to go.
3. Safety Considerations
- Top Handle Chainsaw:
The compact design of the top handle chainsaw offers great control in tight spaces, but it also requires the user to often work at heights or from precarious positions. This increases the risk of injury, especially if the user is inexperienced or unprepared. Safety gear such as a helmet, goggles, and chainsaw chaps is essential when using this type of saw.
- Rear Handle Chainsaw:
Rear handle chainsaws offer more stability since they’re designed for use on the ground. They typically come with additional safety features such as inertia chain brakes and anti-vibration systems, making them safer for novice users.
4. Weight and Portability
- Top Handle Chainsaw:
Top handle chainsaws are lighter and more portable, which is a huge advantage when climbing trees or navigating small spaces. Their lightweight nature also reduces user fatigue over time, making them more comfortable to use in the air.
- Rear Handle Chainsaw:
Rear handle chainsaws are generally heavier, due to the larger bar and motor required to handle tougher cutting jobs. However, their added weight allows for better stability and control when cutting larger pieces of wood.
Pros and Cons of Top Handle and Rear Handle Chainsaws
| Feature | Top Handle Chainsaw | Rear Handle Chainsaw |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Lightweight and easy to maneuver | – Ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks |
| – Great for tree climbing and aerial work | – More power for tackling thick wood and logs | |
| – More portable and compact | – Stable and easier to control on the ground | |
| Cons | – Less power for larger cutting tasks | – Heavier and harder to maneuver in tight spaces |
| – More suitable for professionals than beginners | – Not designed for aerial work or climbing |
Product Highlights: Top Handle vs Rear Handle Chainsaws
Top Handle Chainsaw: PROYAMA 26CC Top Handle Chainsaw
- [Durable Chainsaw] The chainsaw will make tasks like tree pruning, clearing land, preparing firewood or cleaning up after a storm easier
- [Anti-Vibration System] It reduces vibration levels, for more comfortable chainsaw operation
- [Top Handle Chainsaw] The wrap-around handle feels soft and comfortable, which helps reduce user fatigue
- Features:
- 12-inch bar length, ideal for light-duty tasks.
- Ultra-lightweight design at only 10 lbs.
- Equipped with a Quickstop chain brake for added safety.
- Perfect for tree climbing and pruning.
- Best For: Professional arborists or homeowners with tree cutting needs that require precision.
Rear Handle Chainsaw: Husqvarna 460 Rancher
- Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24-inch gas chainsaw combines exceptional ergonomic features for easier handling and mobility with the superior power of a gas chainsaw—recommended for use with bar lengths between 13 inches (min) and 24 inches (max)
- Effortless Start-Up: Smart Start allows this Husqvarna chainsaw to quickly and easily start up with minimal effort, while the gas chainsaw 24 inch blade has an inertia-activated chain brake to reduce the likelihood of injury due to kickback
- Superior Performance: Powerful and efficient 60.3-cc, 3.6-HP X-Torq engine reduces emissions (up to 60%) and increases fuel efficiency (up to 20%), while combined choke/stop control promotes easier starting and reduces risk of engine flooding
- Features:
- 24-inch bar length, suitable for large trees and heavy-duty tasks.
- Powered by a 3.62 HP engine, delivering high cutting performance.
- Features X-Torq engine technology for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design for long hours of use.
- Best For: Anyone who needs a powerful chainsaw for general cutting tasks, from felling trees to cutting logs.
Which Chainsaw Should You Choose?
When choosing between a top handle chainsaw and a rear handle chainsaw, it ultimately depends on the tasks you plan to perform.
- Choose a Top Handle Chainsaw if:
- You’re working in elevated positions (tree climbing or trimming).
- You need a lightweight and portable tool for precision cutting.
- You’re a professional arborist or a homeowner with specific tree-care needs.
- Choose a Rear Handle Chainsaw if:
- You need a powerful tool for general cutting tasks like felling trees or cutting large logs.
- You’re a beginner or need a stable, easy-to-handle chainsaw for ground-level work.
- You need a tool for heavy-duty use and longer cutting sessions.
FAQs
1. Can I use a top handle chainsaw for cutting down large trees?
While a top handle chainsaw can be used for cutting down trees, it is not ideal for large trees. For heavy-duty tasks like felling large trees, a rear handle chainsaw would be more efficient.
2. Are top handle chainsaws more expensive than rear handle chainsaws?
Top handle chainsaws tend to be more expensive due to their specialized design for professional use. Rear handle chainsaws, on the other hand, are generally more affordable and suited for general-purpose cutting.
3. Can a rear handle chainsaw be used for pruning?
Yes, a rear handle chainsaw can be used for pruning, but it may be less maneuverable and harder to control for delicate cutting tasks in tight spaces.
4. Is the top handle chainsaw safer than the rear handle chainsaw?
Top handle chainsaws are more suited for professional arborists who are trained to use them safely. However, they can be riskier for beginners. Rear handle chainsaws are generally safer for novices as they offer more stability and control.
Choosing between a top handle and rear handle chainsaw comes down to your specific needs.
Whether you’re climbing trees or working on the ground, understanding the differences and features of each can help you select the right tool for the job.
