Bar/blade size
The largest tyre size (in chain saws) or disc (in circular saws and some others, see "Device") that is allowed for this tool. Tyres are sized by working length, rims by diameter.
A larger bar/wheel allows for deeper cuts but requires more powerful motors. Therefore, this parameter cannot be exceeded — this can lead to an overload of the engine with all the corresponding troubles. However, in many models with a disc it is physically impossible to install a nozzle with a diameter larger than the maximum allowable.
Also note that saws with similar bar/blade sizes may differ in maximum depth of cut (mostly due to differences in design or power). As for the specific dimensions, they depend on the type of saw (see "Device"). For example, large discs of
450 – 500 mm are found exclusively in stationary chain saws, the maximum figure for cutting models is
400 – 450 mm, for trimming —
300 – 350 mm, and sizes of
500 – 550 mm or
more clearly indicate that speech It's about a chainsaw chainsaw bar. Detailed recommendations regarding the choice of a tool for a given size can be found in special sources.
Battery capacity
The capacity of the battery supplied with the saw of the corresponding type (see "Power source").
Theoretically, the higher the capacity, the longer the tool can work without recharging / changing the battery. However, in fact, things are not so clear cut. Firstly, the actual battery life depends not only on the characteristics of the battery, but also on the power consumption of the tool (and it is directly determined by the power of the engine). Secondly, only batteries with the same nominal voltage can be compared in terms of capacity in ampere-hours; if the voltage is different, ampere-hours must be converted to watt-hours using special formulas and the results already obtained should be used. So it makes sense to compare by this parameter only saws with the same battery voltage and similar engine power. And to assess the actual battery life, it is better to pay attention to the indicated operating time and/or the number of cuts (see below for both).
Note that many models allow you to work with batteries of different capacities — it is enough that they are compatible in terms of connectors and operating voltage.
Weight
The total weight of the tool. For petrol models (see "Power Source"), usually, dry weight is indicated, excluding fuel.
In general, it makes sense to pay attention to this parameter primarily when choosing a hand tool. At the same time, note that higher power, a more capacious battery or a capacious tank will inevitably affect weight. However, tools with similar characteristics can and do differ markedly in weight. And here it is worth considering that a lighter model will be more comfortable to work with, but weight reduction may affect reliability and/or cost. In addition, a more massive tool is more stable, it is not so prone to jerks under uneven loads. If we talk about specific numbers, then a weight of
3 kg or less is considered very light,
3–5 kg is relatively small,
5–7 kg is medium,
7–10 kg is significant, and some powerful tools (mainly gasoline) weigh and
over 10 kg.
As for stationary saws, weight is of secondary importance for them — it mainly affects the ease of transportation.
