There are many important factors to consider when purchasing a chainsaw. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a chainsaw with a top handle or rear handle.
Each style has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in this post. In the end, you should decide which type of chainsaw is best for you. Let’s get started!
Difference Between the Top Handle and Rear Handle Chainsaw:
Top-handle chainsaws are typically smaller and lighter, but rear-handled chainsaws are easier to control and balance with both hands. Rear-handled chainsaws also tend to be cheaper than their top-handle counterparts.
What is a Top Handle Chainsaw?
A top handle chainsaw is when the body of the chainsaw is shaped in such a way that when you hold it, your hands are at the very top. This leaves the rear end of the machine sticking up behind you.
This design has become more popular as manufacturers try to make their models smaller to be lighter and easier to handle. The top handle also leaves the rear of the chainsaw free for a spot to mount a chainsaw scabbard.
Top handle chainsaws are great for many applications, especially with limited space or you have to reach behind yourself. They’re easy to use because your hands never leave the handle, so you can always be in control, making them nice for beginners.
The top handle chainsaws are also better than rear-handled ones for clearing debris because you’re not fighting gravity to hold the chainsaw upright.
What is a Rear Handle Chainsaw?
A rear-handled chainsaw is when the body of the chainsaw is shaped so that when you hold it, your hands are towards the rear of the machine. This leaves the front end of the machine sticking up in front of you, which looks almost like a tail.
Rear-handled chainsaws are great in certain situations. They’re perfect for people with less upper body strength and for jobs where you have to reach behind yourself.
They’re also better than top-handled ones for clearing debris because you’re not fighting gravity to hold the chainsaw upright.
Rear-handled chainsaws are also great for working underneath something, like a car or in tight spaces, because you can hold the chainsaw up close to your body for extra control.
The biggest downside of a rear-handled chainsaw is that they are not as good for holding in front of your body when you’re standing up, which is why they are not very popular.
Cost:
Top handle chainsaws are more expensive than rear-handled ones, but there isn’t a huge price difference. A new top-handle model will cost anywhere from $160 to $300, while a rear-handled one will cost $120 to $240.
Better Grip and Controls:
Another advantage of a top-handle chainsaw is that you can get a much better grip. With a rear-handled model, the only point you have to hold onto is the rear handle, which can make it more difficult to control.
Top handled chainsaws offer you two handholds, one at the very top of the chainsaw and one on the rear handle. A top-handled chainsaw will also allow you to perform more jobs with greater ease. That’s because you’ll have more control over the chainsaw, which makes it easier to operate.
Key Differences:
The biggest downside of a top handle chainsaw is that it can be more challenging to use in tight areas where you have to reach behind yourself.
That’s because you have to balance the chainsaw with one hand while trying to reach behind yourself and operate it. Rear-handled models require less upper body strength and are therefore easier to use in such situations.
A top handle chainsaw can be a good choice, especially if you have enough room to work with. Just be sure to look for a model that is easy to hold onto with both hands, so you have maximum control over the chainsaw.
Power:
Top handle chainsaws are always more powerful than rear handled ones, and that’s because they require bigger motors to generate the power needed. Top handle chainsaws are great for cutting large trees, while rear handled ones are primarily used to clear debris.
Maintenance:
Top handle chainsaws are easier to maintain than rear handled ones because the motor is always on the top of whatever you’re cutting. You have easy access to the top of the chainsaw, making it easy to clean cuttings away. With a rear-handled model, you have to reach under the machine, which can be difficult.
Weight Distribution:
Top handle chainsaws are better than rear handled ones for clearing debris because you don’t have to lean them against something to cut overhead.
That’s because the weight is better distributed. With a rear-handled model, you have to hold up the chainsaw with one hand while using the other to cut, and supplementing with one hand is more difficult than working with two hands.
Advantages of Top Handle Chainsaw:
Top-handled chainsaws are generally smaller and lighter than their rear-handled counterparts, which is why individuals tend to choose them over rear-handles.
Another advantage is that access to certain components of the saw, such as the air filter, spark plug, and clutch cover is easier on top handled chainsaws.
Disadvantages of Top Handle Chainsaw:
The weight that comes with the lighter size is immediately apparent when using the chainsaw. Top-handled chainsaws don’t balance as well as their rear-handled counterparts and can be much harder to control.
This is especially true for those who haven’t used a chainsaw before or lack upper body strength. In addition, you can’t place your foot at the back of the saw for extra support while using a top-handled chainsaw.
Another factor to consider is that top-handled chainsaws are much more expensive than their rear-handled counterparts.
Advantages of Rear Handle Chainsaw:
One advantage of rear-handled chainsaws is that they are easier for left-handed users to use, as the throttle is on the bottom, unlike top handles.
Another advantage of rear handles is that it allows you to balance the chainsaw easily on an uneven surface, which is especially beneficial when you’re cutting logs.
Many professional users prefer rear-handled chainsaws because it makes the saw easier to maneuver while working in confined spaces, such as clearing out underbrush or trimming branches on a tree.
Disadvantages of Rear Handle Chainsaw:
Rear-handled chainsaws are usually heavier and more bulky than top handle chainsaws. This makes them more difficult to use for extended periods and harder to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. In addition, rear-handled chainsaws can be more expensive than top-handled chainsaws.
What is a top handle chainsaw product?
A top handle chainsaw is a type of chainsaw that has the motor and drive mechanism located at the top of the saw’s body. This allows the saw to be operated with two hands, with one hand on each side of the saw’s body. Professionals often prefer this design because it gives them more control over the saw.
A top handle chainsaw is a saw that has the chain positioned at or near the top of the handle. This design reduces wrist action, which can be helpful to those with carpal tunnel syndrome or other injuries to their hands.
A chainsaw’s primary cutting tool is its barbed blade; this allows for quick attachment and detachment from wood or metal objects. Top-handle designs enable users to pull back on the grip rather than having their fingers go directly underneath it, reducing strain on wrists by keeping weight off them entirely.
Top Handle vs Rear Handle Chainsaw – FAQs
Our verdict:
In conclusion, both the top handle and rear-handled chainsaws have advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the individual to decide whether the rear or top-hand chain saw would be more beneficial based on personal preference and physical ability. However, if you’re considering purchasing a top-handle chainsaw, make sure you have the strength to handle it before purchasing.
