The 4-Inch vs 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw Debate
Given the choice, would you rather buy a 4-inch bar mini chainsaw or a 6-inch bar mini chainsaw?
It seems a bit strange to be debating a whole 2 inches of bar length but there are some legitimate and material differences between these two classes of mini chainsaw.
So here is a little table that outlines a few of the basic differences between the two different sizes of chainsaws.
We will deal with these aspects one by one below the table.
| Feature | 4 – Inch Bar Mini Chainsaw | 6-Inch Bar Mini Chainsaw |
| Bar length | 4 inches | 6 inches |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery |
| Brushless Motor | Uncommon | Common |
| Self Oiling | Uncommon | Common |
| Trigger Guard | Uncommon | Common |
Bar Length
The bar length, especially in mini chainsaws, should determine the size (diameter) of what you can cut through with that mini saw.
Yes most manufacturers will claim that their e.g. 4 inch bar mini chainsaw can get through a 10 inch diameter log. And it might – once or twice.
But its not designed to do that sort of work and it will soon break down with that sort of work load.
As a basic rule of thumb, 4-inch mini saw can probably handle up to a 3 inch diameter fairly comfortably. A 6 – inch bar up to 5 inches.
In a garden trimming and pruning scenario, this difference can be quite telling.
And bigger is not necessary better!
The smaller 4-inch bar mini chainsaw will be lighter, smaller and more maneuverable. It can work in small confined spaces that even a 6-inch bar mini saw might have trouble operating in.
It all depends on what you want the tool to do for you!
Power Source
No difference here in terms of the power source.
They are both battery powered.
The difference might be in the size and capacity of the battery that comes with the mini chainsaw and, importantly, how easy it is to buy a second or replacement battery!
Be warned! Unfortunately this is not always straight forward in either the 4-inch or 6-inch mini chainsaw classes!
So take some time to establish if its easy (or not) to get your hands on an extra battery or two.
Sometimes (or even often) an extra battery will be offered with the original purchase, along with a whole range of other extras. In these cases its sometimes difficult to decide how much you are paying for the actual tool and hence, perhaps, its actual quality.
Brushless Motor
For many people this might be the crux of the 4-ich vs 6-inch mini chainsaw debate.
There is no doubt that brushless electric motors are a step up from brushed electric motors. However, the reality is that 4-inch and 6-inch chainsaws are small tools and the electric motors in them are even smaller!
This means that:
- 6-inch mini chainsaws are more likely to be fitted with a brushless motor
- Brushless motors are newer technology and thus usually more expensive than brushed motors.
These points are still valid although as time goes by the price will inevitably drop and technology advances will ensure that physical size of the tool will not hamper the fitting of a suitable brushless motor.
In a nutshell: Brushless is better, but not essential.
Self Oiling Mechanism
Many manufacturers and marketers of small mini chainsaws will punt the dubious idea that their mini chainsaw can operate without the bar and chain being oiled
Don’t believe it!
The saw might still operate but there will be consequences. They wont cut as well and inevitably the increased metal on metal friction will take its toll on the longevity of the tool!
So oiling the bar and chain is a no brainer. The question is – how?
Well you either have an inbuilt oiler or you carry a small bottle of oil around and apply it manually from time to time!
Needless to say its easier to put some oil into a small tank built into the tool. You might still have to manually push a bulb to get the oil to the chain and bar, but it beats having to carry (and remember to take it in the first place) a bottle of oil around with you.
In the 4-inch vs 6-inch mini chainsaw debate, more 6-inchers have a self oiling mechanism designed into their frame.
Its simply a size issue. 6-inch mini saws are big enough to accommodate a self oiler while most 4-inch saws are not!
There are always exceptions though!
Trigger Guard
Like the trigger guard on a firearm (pic left), the trigger guard on a chainsaw is designed and incorporated with the same idea in mind.
To prevent accidental squeezing of the trigger which, in the case of the mini saw, would start the chain running and potentially cause industry.
In mini chainsaws this guard can vary in size from place for a finger to a whole hand.
The problem with a trigger guard on a mini chainsaw is that it takes up space, generally protrudes from the tool, and thus may stop it from getting into those small spaces you bought it for!
So, generally speaking, 4-inch mini saws don’t have this feature.
But again, there are exceptions that you can see here (single digit guard) and here (whole hand guard)
Wrap Up
So those are perhaps the issues to consider when trying to pick between a 4-inch and 6-inch bar mini chainsaw.
The alternative is you could always go mid way between the two! 🙂
Or find other chainsaw alternatives.
You Could Settle on a 5-Inch Bar Mini Chainsaw
Granted they are not that common, but if indecision is the name of your game then perhaps a 5-inch bar mini chainsaw like the Worx one pictured left will tick more boxes for you.
You can find a few more examples HERE.
However, be warned, some of the issues above still apply in this category including:
- brushed vs brushless motor
- Self oiling ….or not
- Trigger guard vs Hand Guard
Still Undecided?
And finally, to round off the 4-inch vs 6-inch mini chainsaw debate!
You can actually have your pudding and eat it!
If you really can’t decide then you could consider a mini chainsaw that come with a 4 inch AND 6 inch bar that are interchangeable.
The V-Modest pictured left is an example of one of these. It comes with both a 4-inch and 6-inch bar provided. They are interchangeable so, with a bit of admin, you can swop out the bars whenever you feel the need to.
Also take a look at Best 6 Inch Mini Chainsaw to Buy
and Four of the Best 4 Inch Mini Chainsaws
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