While the chainsaw has long been a necessary equipment for agricultural and forestry workers, it is gaining popularity for household usage as well.
This is presumably in part because a variety of easy-to-use and economical chainsaws are now available for smaller jobs such tree pruning or carving. But we’re here for professional chainsaws, aren’t we?
Traditionally, chainsaws have been petrol-powered, but electric start chainsaws, both mains and battery-powered, are becoming more common.
Battery-powered chainsaws have grown in popularity in recent years as their batteries have gotten more powerful and affordable.
While gasoline-powered chainsaws continue to be more powerful, many consumers believe that the additional benefits of electric chainsaws outweigh this advantage.
They are also quieter and emit no noxious exhaust fumes. The sort of chainsaw you should purchase is determined by the purpose for which it will be used. If you require a power tool for huge trees, the best option is a gasoline-powered chainsaw.
If, on the other hand, you’re mostly going to be felling smaller trees or limbing, an electric or battery-powered chainsaw should suffice.
Related Article: How to fix a chainsaw – Easy fixes for common faults
Interestingly, some individuals require a chainsaw to cut through concrete and much tougher materials. Chainsaws are useful for a variety of tasks, from firewood chopping and gardening to demolition and building.
While certain brands are automatically elevated to the top of any chainsaw list because to their brand awareness, several lesser-known brands provide excellent value and quality as well.
The key to making an informed chainsaw purchase is to match your budget and requirements to the available options.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chainsaw Safety
The CDC estimates that 36,000 individuals a year are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by chainsaws, according to the organization. After natural calamities, this number rises.
We strongly recommend that you wear ear protection, chaps, goggles, and gloves to keep yourself safe. When working in trees, it’s a good idea to wear clothing that covers your entire body and a helmet.
Do not use a chainsaw if you are intoxicated, and keep small animals and children away from the work area. If you want to learn how to properly handle, store, and maintain a chainsaw on a computer, there are numerous online courses available.
Preventing kickback is easier when the chain on the saw is sharp and properly oiled.
The user’s performance is greatly influenced by the saw’s grip and weight. If your saw doesn’t include anti-vibration features, you’re going to have a hard time holding it and working safely.
If you don’t require a powerful beast of a saw, use an electric model because the power source is a personal preference. Gas is a fantastic option if you need a lot of power and will be using the saw a lot.
How to maintain your chainsaw
Even while chainsaw performance is important, you should not disregard other elements that will affect your long-term chainsaw experience. If you’ve never worked with a chainsaw before, getting one from a reputable dealer is a good idea.
You can take it back to your dealer if there are any problems. Having your chainsaw serviced by a professional can give you the confidence that it’s in good hands and that they’ll have access to any necessary spare parts.
Regular maintenance of your chainsaw is essential, regardless of whether it is powered by gas or electricity. Make it a practice to conduct pre- and post-use inspections of your chainsaw to ensure its long life. Inspect the saw for visible damage or leaks before turning it on.
Related Article: The proper way to store a chainsaw
The throttle, choke, trigger lockout, and stop switch should all be tested before using the vehicle. Before beginning any work, make sure to check the levels of the chain brake, chain, bar, fuel, and oil.
You’ll thank yourself in the future if you thoroughly clean the chainsaw once you’ve completed your job.
Air filters and cylinders should not be overlooked. You’ll get the most out of your chainsaw if you clean it properly.
Storage is an additional factor to consider. Most likely, you’ll put it away over the winter, when the garden tends to be less active. Before putting away your chainsaw for a long period of time, drain the fuel and oil out of the machine.
Because it decreases the possibility of fire threats from storing flammable products, this is essential.
A gas-powered chainsaw’s diaphragms won’t cling together if the engine runs until the carburettor is completely dry. Even if you’re using an electric or gas type, remove the chain and guide bar before cleaning and storing the machine.
The 10 BEST Chainsaws
1. Husqvarna 135
As a result of its low vibrations and high power, the Husqvarna 135 is our top all-around chainsaw pick for 2020. It’s ideal for homeowners who have to deal with both tiny and huge trees.
Even though the chainsaw’s bar is relatively lengthy, it has no trouble cutting through most materials. Both the chainsaw and the machine are of high quality.
The downside of the Husqvarna 135 is that it takes a long time to get going. As powerful machines, several competitors feature wonderful inventions to lessen the resistance, making them easier to start.
It takes a lot of effort from your arms to get this chainsaw going. However, there’s no good way to posture your body when starting it.
If you want to put a knee against the housing to give resistance, but the bump from the spark plug gets in the way, you can’t. Putting one foot in the grip and pulling is the only thing that works.
As a result, our opinion of the start-up process is that it’s a little outdated and time-consuming. However, from a different perspective, it is simple to get started; it just requires 1-3 pulls before it starts up from scratch.
You don’t have to worry about this if you can find a nice technique and are powerful enough.
Pros
Easy to maintain, Very powerful, fast, well-balanced, best all around option
Cons
Handles not rubberized, Very sluggish and resistance when starting
2. Husqvarna 445
This chainsaw from Husqvarna is powerful enough for those of us with slightly larger wooded holdings. It’s simple to get started. Due to its high torque and excellent traction, the engine offers a significant advantage.
Oil and gasoline can be added to the chainsaw using the standard snap-on covers. Because they don’t require any tools to open, they can be used even when wearing gloves.
Filters and other parts for maintenance are readily available on many Husqvarna lawn and garden machines. This requires the normal chainsaw key, but as it is so common in this area, the intended audience is presumably already aware that it should be included.
The Husqvarna 445 is ideal for homeowners with high needs and a wooded plot who want a reliable chainsaw but aren’t in the majority of professional users. It provides excellent traction while still being comfortable to use and low-maintenance.
Pros
Vibration damping, Solid performance good, easy handling and easy maintenance
Cons
Slightly high resistance when starting makes a lot of noise
3. Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ
The Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ battery-powered chainsaw is the finest option because it is both compact and powerful. Cutting or debranching trees is a breeze with this tool. This chainsaw features a shorter bar and a thinner chain than we’re used to seeing on this sort of saw. With this, it’s simple and convenient.
What’s missing are more sophisticated safety features. Once the chain brake is disengaged, you’re all set to go. This is definitely appreciated by many, but it isn’t wholly beneficial in terms of safety.
In contrast, it’s a lifesaver for those who need to scale trees to chop branches or use ladders to go to higher places.
A start button isn’t always necessary in these situations. When not in use, the battery can be removed and the saw and battery connections can’t make contact with one other.
The Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ is a little saw, but it’s no pushover. It has no issue slicing through even the thickest oak branches with ease. Cutting and wear are no match for the chain’s ability to hold up to it.
Because of the knob’s strong resistance, it’s a good thing the chain is difficult to tension.
Related Article: Chainsaw attachments that change the game!
Another drawback of the MSA 120 C-BQ is that it needs to be cleaned frequently. The chain housing can become blocked if you cut brushwood or wood that produces a lot of splinters. As a result of these drawbacks, however, it is also very simple to maintain.
The battery life is fine. Pruning trees can take up to half a day because you have to trim the odd branch and perform a lot of other things while you’re doing it. Stihl claims that the battery will last about 30 minutes.
Of course, a more powerful battery is available as an option. This chainsaw comes with a battery status reader, so you can see how much power is remaining in the battery. Despite its diminutive size, this battery chainsaw packs a surprising amount of power.
Pros
Compact size, low weight, high build quality and powerful for its class
Cons
Has to be cleaned often
4. Stihl MS 211 C-BE
Chainsaws like the Stihl MS 211 C-BE can handle a wide range of jobs while also being simple to start and maintain. With their Easy2Start feature, Stihl has a spring that saves energy.
In real life, this implies you won’t have to exert excessive effort to get it moving. You can get going with only a little tug.
There is a lot to like about this chainsaw’s functionality. Another benefit is how simple it is to maintain. You simply rotate a button by pulling it out of your pocket.
Even if the chainsaw gets a little muddy, it doesn’t have any trouble cutting through trees and branches.
Using the MS 211 C-BE as a general-purpose saw is great. A chainsaw is capable of cutting down trees of all sizes, from little to medium-sized ones. It uses about the same amount of gasoline as its competitors, so you can cut down and debranch a couple of trees on a single tank of gas with this machine.
Even if a light battery chainsaw is the greatest tool for limbing, it can be used for cross-cutting or limbing trees. There were a couple things we didn’t like about it. The chain is slow to tighten, and the knob could have been a tad more pliable.
It’s also worth noting that the machine’s “On” button is both compact and beautifully integrated. Nevertheless, we believe that this information could have been made more prominent.
If you’re just cutting down small to medium trees, the MS 211 C-BE is a good all-around chainsaw to have in your toolbox. The chain itself is made of a robust metal that will last a long time.
Pros
Convenient size, easy to start and easy to clean
Cons
Sluggish chain tensioning
5. Stihl MSA200 CB
The Stihl MSA200CB battery chainsaw is one of the best on the market, owing to its mix of clean cuts, power, ease of use, and long battery life. It boasts an easy-to-read battery indicator, a rubberized grip, and is built to withstand wear and tear.
The chain is extremely light and pliable. This chainsaw is suitable for finer work since it generates excellent cuts. The thin chain also necessitates the use of a specialized file for honing.
Chainsaws are capable of cutting down medium-sized birch trees, despite the fact that the chain is so thin. The MSA200CB upkeep is straightforward. The oil is topped off by folding a cap out of the way.
Changing the battery is a breeze thanks to the spring-loaded design. It’s simple to clean because there’s a little handle-type device that you crank to release it.
Under heavy use, the supplied battery has a high capacity and a decent battery life. Without a load, several competitors can match our performance, but working time is considerably reduced with a load.
As a result, the MSA200CB battery can handle larger loads and we measured 3.2 minutes per Ah during our test.
Pros
Relatively good battery life, neat cuts, high build quality and easy to maintain
Cons
Quite heavy, sluggish chain tensioner
6. Stiga SP 386
In addition to its impressive power, the Stiga SP 386 vibration control mechanism makes it one of the greatest chainsaws available today. The torque and response time of the motor are exceptional.
Thick trees and coarse timber are no problem to hack up. Even though the saw is bulky, it nevertheless performs admirably.
As a bonus, it features a fuel gauge, although the small window makes it difficult to tell how much gas is in the tank. Those who need to cut down large trees or chop up rough timber may consider the Stiga SP 386 chainsaw.
If you’ve got a lot of trees on your property or a small section of woodland, this is the best option for you.
Related Article: Are chainsaw chaps worth the money?
In addition to the pump, the SP 386 features a choke that you activate when you turn the saw on. When you turn on the saw and give it some power, the choke immediately releases.
I think this is a great feature. In order to use the SP 386 traditional chain tensioner, you’ll need a special tool. Despite the fact that a tool is provided, we prefer the increasingly prevalent toolless tensioners.
Pros
Very high levels of performance, Very good vibration control, Comfortable grip and Great build quality
Cons
Chain tensioner requires a tool, Caps not easy to remove
7. Husqvarna 436 Li
Husqvarna’s 436 Li battery-powered chainsaw is both practical and dependable. Husqvarna’s reputation within the chainsaw business is world-class, and the 436 Li illustrates that they can even create top quality battery-powered chainsaws.
The chainsaw is nicely balanced and easy to manage while simultaneously being powerful for a rechargeable chainsaw, particularly in contrast to its size.
This chain isn’t going anywhere at the first opportunity, even if you’re working in a big, sloppy pile of brushwood. The design is incredibly well thought out. Both the throttle control and safety throttle are adequately large.
Well-placed kickback prevention makes it simple to operate the device.
However, the start/stop button can be viewed as overly small if you have large hands and are wearing heavy working gloves.
Due of its length, the scabbard easily detaches from the bar. It’s easy to remove the battery for charging. Despite its compact design, the battery provides ample power and is easy to charge.
To prevent overheating when charging, the charger includes a relatively powerful and audible built-in fan. At below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the charger wouldn’t even try to charge!
Arborists and homeowners searching for a chainsaw for smaller-scale work like felling, limbing, and cross-cutting smaller trees would love the 436 Li.
Pros
High build quality, convenient, reliable, and long battery life
Cons
Charger only works at positive temperatures and scabbard rather loose
8. Husqvarna 135 Mark II
In terms of balance and vibration, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is a great chainsaw to have around. It’s perfect for working small trees that need to be fallen and cut up.
The chain is crisp and the machine is solidly built. In addition, it’s quick to fire up, requiring only 1-3 draws to get it going from a cold start.
So if you can discover a good technique and you’re powerful enough, none of this should be a problem. The chain catcher is quite responsive and has well-defined positions. In addition, chainsaw maintenance is a breeze.
The provided tool makes it easy to open and reach the fuel cap, oil cap, housing and chain tensioner.
With its power and bar length, this chainsaw is great for cutting down smaller garden trees quickly and easily. Among the smaller petrol chainsaws, this is a good pick.
When faced with a great amount of work or large trees to cut, this method is adequate for cutting smaller trees. But if you’re simply going to fell little trees and cut them up, it’s definitely sufficient.
Pros
Fast, easy to maintain and insulated against vibrations
Cons
Very tough resistance on start and handle not rubberised
9. Stihl MS 170
The Stihl MS 170 is an easy-to-use petrol chainsaw for light to medium sawing jobs. It’s easy to clean and has a small footprint. Cleanup is just as simple, thanks to the easy access. Open the motor cover by twisting a screwdriver or equivalent instrument around 90 degrees.
Since there are no little bits that could break apart when you open it, it’s firmly bonded. We believe that more companies should follow our lead and implement this solution. Inside the lid, the spark plug, filter, and other components can be easily accessed.
The stop/start/choke and chain catcher are both conveniently located on the right side of the handlebars. It simplifies the process of using the chainsaw as a whole.
The chain tensioner, on the other hand, may have been designed in a more modern manner. It’s simple to tighten, however the screws aren’t positioned adjacent to each other.
Chainsaw vibrations aren’t unbearable, but given the MS 170’s limited power, they’re still a bit much to deal with when cutting.
Pros
User-friendly design, simple maintenance and easy to star,
Cons
Quite a lot of vibrations
10. Husqvarna 120i
The Husqvarna 120i has a lengthy motor and bar, especially when the battery is attached, which Husqvarna has put near the back of the chainsaw for convenience. Though this may be a drawback due to size, it is nonetheless well-balanced.
Additionally, the saw is hefty, giving the user the appearance that they’re dealing with a giant chainsaw.
Several safety elements are included into the chainsaw. You can turn it off with a separate button and the chain brake has so many distinct positions that we appreciate.
Despite its small shape, the saw’s balance is ideal and it has excellent vibration reduction. The plastic handles, on the other hand, are devoid of rubberized grips.
A few minutes can be added to the battery life of the cordless Husqvarna 120i with the use of the eco mode. If you don’t overtax it, its 3.75 min/Ah makes it the best in its class right now.
Pros
Easy to maintain, quite good battery life, high safety levels and moderate noise level
Cons
Trips out easily and rather unwieldy
Conclusion
It can be difficult to determine which chainsaw brands are the best and which ones to avoid. Chainsaws are a very competitive sector, and the number of manufacturers has skyrocketed in the previous few decades.
There’s nothing more frustrating than being equipped with the incorrect equipment.
Having the right equipment may save you hours of time and effort on any home improvement project. If you’re in the building or renovation business, you can’t afford to be without the necessary equipment.
The greatest brands and tool makers are regarded for producing goods that are long-lasting, adaptable, and powerful enough to get the job done. For decades, these firms have been mastering their trade and leaving a path of satisfied customers in their wake.
These businesses have reached to the top of their respective fields despite fierce competition, and each one comes highly recommended in this highly competitive market.
In fact, each of these top chainsaw brands stands tall on its own. Some are designed for heavy-duty activities, while others are best suited for smaller home improvement chores.
Whichever chainsaw you purchase, you can rest assured that it will come from one of the ten most reliable chainsaw manufacturers listed here.
Leave a Reply