StihlRear Handle Chainsaws
A rear handle chainsaw is the traditional chainsaw design used for most cutting work on the ground. With the main handle positioned behind the engine, this layout provides stable two-handed control when cutting logs, felling small trees, or clearing branches.
Rear handle chainsaws are widely used by homeowners, landowners, and professionals who need a dependable chainsaw for general tree work and firewood preparation.
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Why Rear Handle Chainsaws Are the Standard Choice
A rear handle chainsaw places the main handle behind the engine, giving the user a balanced two-handed grip while cutting. This design provides strong control when working on the ground, which is why it is the most common layout for general chainsaw work.
Rear handle chainsaws are used for a wide range of jobs including cutting firewood, removing branches, and felling small trees. The handle position helps keep the saw stable while cutting through logs or thicker timber, making it a practical option for homeowners and professionals alike.
Unlike climbing saws designed for arborists, rear handle chainsaws are intended for ground-based work. If you are comparing handle styles, you may also want to explore top handle chainsaws, which are designed specifically for tree climbing and canopy work.
What a Rear Handle Chainsaw Is Designed For
A rear handle chainsaw is the most common type of chainsaw used for general cutting work. The handle layout places the rear grip behind the engine and the front handle across the top, allowing the saw to be controlled with both hands while cutting on the ground. This design provides stability and balance, which is why rear handle chainsaws are widely used for everyday chainsaw tasks.
For most homeowners and landowners, a rear handle chainsaw is simply the standard chainsaw layout. It is suitable for cutting firewood, trimming larger branches, clearing fallen timber, and managing trees around gardens or rural properties.
Who Uses Rear Handle Chainsaws
Rear handle chainsaws suit a wide range of users because they are designed for stable ground-based cutting. Many garden owners choose this type of chainsaw because it offers a practical balance of power, control, and versatility.
- Homeowners cutting logs for firewood
- Garden owners maintaining trees and larger branches
- Landowners managing woodland or rural property
- Contractors carrying out general tree work
- Anyone looking for a standard chainsaw design
Because the handle layout encourages two-handed operation, rear handle chainsaws provide good control when cutting through thicker timber or working with larger logs.
Petrol vs Cordless Rear Handle Chainsaws
Rear handle chainsaws are available in both petrol and battery-powered models. Petrol machines are commonly chosen for heavier cutting work because they provide strong engine power and long runtime during demanding jobs.
Many homeowners now also choose a cordless chainsaw for quieter operation and easier starting. Battery-powered saws are particularly useful for lighter tree work and garden maintenance where convenience is important.
Rear Handle vs Top Handle Chainsaws
The main difference between rear handle and top handle chainsaws is how they are designed to be used. Rear handle chainsaws are built for stable cutting on the ground with both hands on the saw. This layout gives users better leverage when cutting logs or felling small trees.
In contrast, top handle chainsaws are compact climbing saws used by arborists working in trees. These specialist machines prioritise manoeuvrability rather than the ground cutting stability provided by a rear handle chainsaw.
If you want to compare the full range of machines available, you can also browse the complete chainsaw range to see different power types and handle styles.
Support From Suffolk Mowers
Choosing the right rear handle chainsaw depends on the type of cutting work you plan to do. Bar length, engine size, and overall weight can all affect how comfortable and effective the saw is when cutting logs or managing trees around your property.
The Suffolk Mowers team can help you compare standard chainsaws and understand the differences between petrol and battery-powered models. We also support the machines we sell with access to spare parts and servicing when required, helping you keep your chainsaw working reliably for years to come.