I do a bit of storm damage cleanup with a couple of different volunteer groups. We usually try to have both 50cc saws (eg. STIHL MS261) with 16 - 18 inch bars, and 70cc saws (e.g. STIHL MS461) with 25 inch bars to cover most of the wood we cut*. Some of the groups also have larger saws (e.g MS660 with 36 inch bars) for larger trees, but you always have to draw a line on what it is that you cut, and what you leave behind for others. The size of the equipment you choose helps to define, and remind you of, that.
I mentioned STIHL models, but Husqvarna, Dolmar, ECHO, whatever, applies as well. The larger saws help to pull a longer bar, but also provide more power, and a offer bit more reach in cleanup tasks. The smaller saws let you limb, and cut a majority of the smaller trunks, etc., without the additional fatigue of carrying a heavier saw all day. Good to have a mix, as well as multiple saws to cover breakdowns, free pinched bars, etc.
*I also really like having a powered pole pruner for storm damage work, by the way - it helps me reach horizontally to test and relieve tension and compression from a safe distance without having to wade in among a bunch of branches which may shift and trap me. It also lets me 'simplify' a fallen mess, by removing all of the smaller limbs first, even up high, so that I am left with just the main trunks bearing weight to figure out.
As far as the chain, I encourage folks to use semi-chisel chain for storm damage cleanup. Tornadoes and hurricanes tend to throw a lot of dirt and crud into the bark, and the downed trees are often mixed in with debris (glass, roofing material, metal, flying cows . . . ) that are hard on chains. Much of it is near the ground or in the mud. Semi chisel holds up a bit better in this use. And since the work is deliberate (make a cut - see what moves) versus production cutting, the slight loss in cutting speed is usually not an issue. Skip chain might be something to try on longer bars (24+") to help clear chips. If you are using it because your powerhead bogs down, it suggests that you really ought to have a more powerful saw for that length bar or that type of task. A simple, fairly inexpensive idea is to buy one, and try it side-by-side with your current chains to test the difference on your saw and the work that you do.
As the comments above note - a sharp chain rules all. Storm damage is hard on chain, so it helps to carry a few chains for each saw, to swap out if damaged or dull, as well as a way to do basic touch-up sharpening in the field.
Philbert
