52cc Gasoline Chain Saw

Intended Use
Broadly speaking, gasoline chain saws fall into three groups, based on the type of work they can handle: light-duty, general purpose, and professional.
Light-duty gasoline chain saws: Relatively small tools, they compare in size and strength to their corded and cordless counterparts. Easy to handle, they make a good tool for tasks like pruning trees or thinning out undergrowth.
General purpose gasoline chain saws: A bit larger than their light-duty counterparts, these chainsaws can tackle most of the work that a medium to large yard demands. In addition to tasks like clearing storm-damaged branches or cutting logs into firewood, they can handle modest tree-felling duties.
Professional gasoline chain saws: These heavy-duty tools pack the power and durability to operate all day long. They'll handle the same tasks as light-duty and general purpose chainsaws and also fell most trees except for extremely large ones.

Motor
Chainsaw motors fall into two categories: Two-stroke motors, also called two-cycles, and four-stroke motors or four-cycles.
Two-stroke chainsaws: Lighter, less complicated, and less expensive, they usually run at higher revolutions per minute (rpm), so they generate decent power for their size. However, this also makes them noisier, increases fuel consumption, and produces higher emissions.
Four-stroke chainsaws: Heavier, more complex, and less powerful for the same cylinder size, these tools run cleaner. They rank as more fuel efficient and often as more durable, too.

Chainsaw Bar
Sometimes referred to as the "guide bar," this is the steel guide plate the chain runs around. As a rule of thumb, a light-duty chainsaw bar runs from 12 to 14 inches long, general purpose chainsaw bars run from 16 to 20 inches, and professional model bars measure 22 inches or more. The largest chainsaw bars may exceed 48 inches. Strictly speaking, a chainsaw with a 12-inch bar and a good blade should cut through a 12-inch tree. In practical terms, however, maximum cutting capacities usually run a couple of inches shorter than bar length. When shopping for a replacement chain, keep in mind that the bar and chain lengths must have the same measurements.

Safety
Always wear appropriate safety gear when operating a chainsaw. A face shield can help protect you from oftens-sharp flying debris. Hearing protection also makes a smart choice. Wear a hard hat to protect against falling branches. And don't forget solid footwear, preferably with steel toe caps, and tough work gloves. Chainsaw chaps also make a good addition to any arsenal of protective gear. When using a chainsaw, always keep children and pets out of the area. Never work with a chainsaw if you don't feel 100 percent fit and alert. This can lead to improper operation, which can cause serious injury.

Additional Features
Any chainsaw comes with some level of vibration, but better chainsaws use special engine mounts to keep it to a minimum. Spring-mounted handles further buffer against vibration. Just make sure the chainsaw handle allows sufficient space for a comfortable grip with gloved hands. The front handle should incorporate a chain brake; never buy a chainsaw without one. Inertia-activated models operate automatically at a sudden movement. Other gas-powered chainsaws use manual chain brakes, which immediately stop the chain from rotating when pushed forward. Also look for a slip-on chain guard. A few of the best gas chainsaws feature tool-free chain adjustment. Instead of tools, users employ a large knob on the side of the machine to make necessary adjustments. However, most chainsaws still need a wrench and/or screwdriver. An automatic oil supply system for the chain, or automatic chain oiler, makes a valuable bonus.