If you need to use a chainsaw more than once a year but less than once a day, a farm and ranch chainsaw might be just the right style for you.
Farm and ranch gas saws, also called�ranchers, are considered prosumer models because their price tags often land them squarely between professional saws and consumer saws on the market.
But that's a misnomer. In reality, farm and ranch saws represent a big leap from consumer saws. Ranchers offer many of the same features as professional saws but use less heavy-duty components and are less expensive as a result.
For semi-regular use, farm and ranch gas saws provide the balance between durability and price that many shoppers crave, which is why you also might find them labeled as all-around saws. Here are some of the features you can look for when shopping for a rancher of your own.
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For an especially strong air quality guarantee, look for a saw that meets the guidelines from the California Air Resource Board (CARB). CARB-compliant products have engines that meet more stringent air quality standards. They are more efficient and run more cleanly than non-compliant models.
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A centrifugal air cleaning system removes larger dust and debris particles before reaching the air filter. This results in fewer air filter cleanings and improved engine life.
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Look for a model with a vibration dampening or vibration reduction feature. A vibration dampening system may only use a few shock-reducing coils embedded in the body and handle of the saw, but it makes it much easier to use the saw for an extended period of time.
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When the nose of the bar comes in contact with an impediment such as a knot, it can kick back, usually down towards the operator's legs. An inertia-activated chain brake senses the kickback and stops the chain.
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Thanks to their forestry-friendly, ergonomically-minded design, top handle chainsaws are used to cut branches and tree limbs. These are popular with arborists and landscapers cutting on ladders and in trees, or other situations where you need to cut on a downward angle.