When cutting wood, always make sure you have a firm, solid footing and keep your back straight, using your legs and knees to adjust your height. Always operate the chainsaw with the bar and chain positioned to the right of your body, never in line with your body. This will greatly decrease the chances of serious or fatal injury in the event your chainsaw experiences a reactive force event of kickback.

If you're moving between cuts, always engage the chain brake prior to movement and don't release the chain brake until you're ready to begin your next cut. This will also decrease the chances of serious injury if the saw were to become entangled in the limbs or shrubbery or if you were to accidentally drop or lose control of the saw.

If you need to clear away brush or limbs as you're working always engage the chain brake first. If you have a significant amount of brush or limbs to move or heavy objects, it is recommended that you engage the chain brake and shut the saw off before clearing these objects.

If you're starting the chainsaw in the immediate work area, regardless of the method you use… ground start or standing start, make sure you have a clear, unobstructed area to do so. Never try and start the saw in a confined area or in an area with projecting limbs or brush that could come into contact with the bar and chain.

If you become fatigued or out of breath, engage the chain brake, turn off the chainsaw and take a break. Always drink lots of fluid.

Do not operate your chainsaw without proper protection apparel and clothing. If you have a partner with you, always make sure they keep a safe distance from the area that you are working in and never allow them to hold or brace any wood you are cutting.

Never allow two ore more chainsaws to be used at the same time in the same work area. Two people cutting on or near the same piece of wood can change the balance of the wood or release limbs that could cause 1 or both operators to become injured without warning.

Never operate your chainsaw above shoulder height and never use a ladder or any other object to stand on to increase your reach. Doing so will increase your susceptibility to dangerous reactive forces and situations as well as the chances that you could lose your footing and fall, possibly landing on a running chainsaw with the chain turning, a very serious or fatal situation.

When considering the purchase of a chainsaw the first port of call is usually to considered a gas powered tool. However, for the vast majority gas chainsaws are heavy, high maintenance and downright dangerous.

For these reasons many of us just don't have any need for the expense or power of a gas chainsaw. If you only intend to use your chainsaw occasionally and for jobs around the yard then an electric chainsaw is likely to be more suitable.

Let's take a quick look at the major advantages and disadvantages of electric models:

The biggest disadvantage of an electric saw is that it has less power which increases sawing time. Not an issue if you are only using the tool occasionally for light yard work.

They are not designed to cut and buck large trees - It goes without saying that if you are regular felling trees a gas chainsaw will be required.

Electrics are tethered to a power cord - although cordless electric models are becoming increasingly available.

Electrics are lighter in weight and much easier to work with.

Electric chainsaws require very little maintenance and are cheaper to buy and run then there gas powered brethren.

Electrics are perfect for small trees and "pruning/trim" work

Electrics may not be perceived as dangerous as gas chainsaws but just because there is less power doesn't mean you need to be any less careful during operation. Always treat any chainsaw with the greatest of respect.

As with any product the quality, durability, reliability can vary from one manufacturer to the next but the following electric chainsaws are highly rated by many publications.

Best Low Cost

Remington Electric Chainsaws- Some people consider Remington to manufacture the best low cost saws on the market. Prices are very competitive and inexpensive at approximately - $50 to $120.

McCulloch Electric Chainsaws- Good all rounder from one of the leading brands. More than capable of cutting down small size trees and pruning limbs. Prices typically range between $70 to $110.

Craftsman Electric Chainsaws- These saws have received many favourable reviews and are one of the best selling brands for electric models. Again prices are very competitive at between $50 to $120.

Best Top Range

Makita Electric Chainsaws - A market leader for cordless tools Makita produce some very powerful electric corded chainsaws. Again, reviews are very positive and you can purchase a top model for between $150 to $200.

Milwaukee Electric Chainsaws- Can be a bit hard to find but are acclaimed for producing the best electric chainsaw money can buy. Whilst they may not be cheap they are of very high quality Typical prices range from $280 to a whopping $550.

Makita Cordless Chainsaw- If you want the convenience of gas without the hassle then Makita produce an excellent cordless model given freedom from the dreaded cord. However, the bars are quire short being limited to just 5" to 7" but they are worth checking out. Prices start around $200 and rise to $350.