Or else...!
[criggo.com]

Most folks I know that use Chainsaw props- all two of them!- remove the actual chains when performing.
That way all you have is your super-loud gas-consuming motor.

I really need to buy a pair of Kevlar Chaps for when I do yard work.

I've never been on one of these hayrides but that sounds dangerous. Maybe that's why I've never handled a chainsaw in my life and don't intend to!

That's why I eschew chain saws (even defanged ones) in favor of shotguns. Rock salt rounds, of course. Because we have to think of the children.

I've attended one of these "fear farms" before. Knowing that the actors can't physically touch you without being slapped with a lawsuit or criminal charges, takes the fear away. Needless to say, I was impressed with the production, but not genuinely frightened-- 1st time, Last time.

The CR advice is good. One more thing, make sure the item you're cutting is immobile or blocked.

they take off the chain. You could make out with the chainsaw and all you'd get is some good vibrations.

@SPENCERG: The only really good ones Iv'e been too are out in the serious back woods of Pennsylvania, like where Jon and Kate plus 8 live. I dunno why, maybe there's more country folk wisdom going into how to build a terrifying barn or something, maybe more resources or more bored teenagers willing to put more time into the houses. But the suburban and city haunted houses just look half assed compared to the true terror of being in the middle of nowhere on a frozen night, in utter silence, except for your screams.

I'm confused. How do Halloween scares with de-chained/fake chainsaws relate to safely cutting wood with a real/chained chainsaw?

@SPENCERG: I'm the "Haunted Woodsman" at a haunted hayride. Our rules/disclaimers specifically allow the actors to lightly touch the hayride passengers to supposedly heighten the fright level. We're sure to very clearly post it and in many years we've never had a problem or complaint from a guest about it.

@SPENCERG: Too bad when you're an actor you can't hit the customers back even if they might deserve it :-P

I worked a haunted house in college and basically I popped my head out of the wall and yelled, usually surprised and scared people, but there was once where a person reacted by smacking me across the face.

Rule #1 for not getting killed by a serial killer: Never tell your friends, "I'll be right back!"