Top 8 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees – [Reviews + Buyer Guide 2021]

A chainsaw is your companion when it comes to cutting trees, pruning, or making firewood. Therefore, it is important to choose a good chainsaw that caters to all your needs. Also, it is not as straightforward to cut a tree as it sounds. However, the best chainsaws for cutting trees make it a cakewalk, if chosen right.

The key is to plan the process by analyzing the area, checking the felling direction and method. Next comes the pruning and finally cutting the tree. It largely depends on the size of the tree. So, we have reviewed the top 8 chainsaws for cutting trees of all shapes and sizes.

Our Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees – 2021

Quick List of Customer Reviews on Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees 2021

• Best Overall Chainsaw: Husqvarna 60 460R 24″ Gas Chain Saw

Mills like a dream. Best saw I have ever used. – Customer’s Review

• Best Power Chainsaw: Farmertec Holzfforma Blue Thunder G660 Gasoline Chain Saw

This is a great saw, it has a lot of power. I would buy it again, and I would tell others to buy it. It is well worth the money. – Customer Review

• Best Price Chainsaw: Salem Master 5820F Gas Powered Chain Saw

I bought this because I have a huge woodpile that I needed to work through. So far the saw has performed better than I anticipated. – Customer’s Review

• Best Fuel Efficient Chainsaw: Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S Gas Powered Chain Saw

Looking for a chainsaw? Get it! I have used chainsaws for 40 years. McCullough, Remington, you name it. So I ordered this bad boy. It has self oil and fires right up. Looks GREAT, cut like crazy. PERFECT FOR WOOD! – Customer’s Review

• Best Corded Chainsaw: Poulan Pro PR5020 Gas Chain Saw

Easy to handle for a non-pro; idles great, lots of power! – Customer’s Review

• Best Two Stroke Chainsaw: Echo CS-271T-12 Gas Chain Saw

It’s a workhorse. It’s super light. I can cut with right or left hand 80 plus feet in the air with no issues. – Customer’s Review

• Best Lightweight Chainsaw: Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Powerful for an electric, well balanced, well designed bar and aggressive chain. A pleasure to work with and well designed too. – Customer’s Review

• Best Cordless Chainsaw: Makita XCU04PT1 Brushless Chain Saw

This is a good saw for light duty applications. Very easy to handle. The motor provides better power and battery life compared to a similar Stihl saw. – Customer’s Review

Comparison Table of Top 8 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Husqvarna 60 460R 24″ Gas Chain Saw (Best Overall Chainsaw)	14.5 lbs Weight 3.62 hp Power Automatic Oil Pump	Check Price
	Farmertec Holzfforma Blue Thunder G660 Gasoline Chain Saw (Best Power Chainsaw)	92 cc Power Output 25 inches Bar Length 135000 rpm Maximum Power Speed	Check Price
	Salem Master 5820F Gas Powered Chain Saw (Best Price Chainsaw)	8500 rpm Cutting Speed Stop Chain Brake System 550 ml Fuel Tank Capacity	Check Price
	Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S Gas Powered Chain Saw (Best Fuel Efficient Chainsaw)	Cushioned Full Wrap Handle 42 cc Engine Output 2 Years Limited Warranty	Check Price
	Poulan Pro PR5020 Gas Chain Saw (Best Corded Chainsaw)	2 Stroke Engine 50 cc Power Output Effortless Pull Start (EPS) System	Check Price
	Echo CS-271T-12 Gas Chain Saw (Best Two Stroke Chainsaw)	i30 Starting System Digital Ignition 5 Years Warranty	Check Price
	Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (Best Lightweight Chainsaw)	Battery Powered 40 V Power Output 6 lbs Weight	Check Price
	Makita XCU04PT1 Brushless Chain Saw (Best Cordless Chainsaw)	940 FPM 16 inches Bar Length Outer Rotor Brushless Motor	Check Price

Detailed Reviews of Top 8 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees 2021 by Experts

1. Husqvarna 60 460R 24″ Gas Chain Saw (Best Overall Chainsaw)

When it comes to machines, Husqvarna is a class apart. You know you can trust the brand, and the equipment will probably last a lifetime. So is the case with the Husqvarna 60 460R chainsaw, as it has advanced technology with improved performance.

Physical Outlook

Considering its ergonomic design, the Husqvarna chainsaw stays true to its word. It has a sturdy build with an orange and grey body. It has a comfortable design with easy grip, side mounted chain tensioner, felling marks, and convenient switches. The whole machine weighs around 14.5 lbs with dimensions of 34 x 10 x 10 inches.

RPM

Commonly known as revolutions per minute, RPM is the ultimate standard to test a chainsaw after engine power. It can also be translated as a chainsaw’s cutting speed. Husqvarna chainsaw has a maximum power speed of 9000 rpm and idling speed of 2700 rpm which is considered good.

Usage Time

Most of the time chainsaws work fine, however, problems arise when they refuse to budge or restart. So, Husqvarna has brought a solution to it with its Smart Start system. With this addition, it can work all day long without a hitch.

Engine

Its engine is a beast with X Torq Technology that reduces harmful emissions and improves work. Its 3.62 hp coupled with 24 inches of bar chain makes cutting trees a breeze.

Safety

One cannot overlook the safety features when using a potentially dangerous and powerful tool like a chainsaw. So, keeping this in view, the Husqvarna Rancher chainsaw has inertia activated chain brake in addition to a durable handguard. The handguard protects the fingers of the operator. Meanwhile, the chain brake provides additional passive protection in case of any kickback.

2. Farmertec Holzfforma Blue Thunder G660 Gasoline Chain Saw (Best Power Chainsaw)

Farmertec Holzfforma rivals many respected brands for professional chainsaws. Its Blue Thunder G660 is a heavy duty chainsaw that is by far one of the best chainsaws for cutting trees of any kind, shape, and size.

Physical Outlook

By its looks, the Holzfforma G660 chainsaw is unique with bright blue color and formidable outer body. It has a silver chain bar that goes well with the whole look. In addition, it weighs around 25 pounds and its dimensions are 44.76 x 11.81 x 13.39 inches.

Power

Most chainsaws have a maximum power of almost 3 hp, however, the Holzfforma chainsaw has 7 hp power which is perfect for cutting trees. It performs well while felling large trees nonstop.

Cutting Length

This chainsaw can cut at various cutting lengths that can be adjusted. For instance, it can be cut at 50 cm, 63 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, and 90 cm. This adjustable feature can help cut close knit trees.

Fuel Capacity

As this chainsaw has a double stroke engine, it mixes with a 25:1 ratio. Also, the volume of the fuel tank is 27.8 oz with an oil capacity of 12.2 oz. So you don’t have to stop while cutting trees for a refill.

3. Salem Master 5820F Gas Powered Chain Saw (Best Price Chainsaw)

If you are on a budget but still want to get a decent chainsaw, Salem Master 5820F chainsaw saves the show. We have listed it among the best chainsaws for cutting trees because of its reasonable performance at a minimum price.

Physical Outlook

It has a steel grey body with a black red guide bar, made with metal and ABS plastic. In addition, it has a nonslip and shock absorbing ergonomic handle. The machine weighs about 12.27 lbs with the dimensions of ‎21.4 x 12.8 x 11.5 inches.

Quality

A suitable chainsaw can be a game changer for cutting trees, making firewood, or just pruning. Although Salem Master is no match for a Husqvarna or a Stihl, it still does a pretty good job with cutting thick logs.

Automatic Oiler

In modern chainsaws, automatic oiling is a big plus. So, Salem Master has an oil tank capacity of almost 260 ml that keeps the chain greased and friction free.

Guide Bar

One of the defining features of this chainsaw is its 20 inches guide bar. However, the same
The model also comes in 18 inches and 16 inches bars, so you can choose according to your need.

Chain

The chain of the Salem Master chainsaw has a 0.058 inches gauge, and 0.325 inches pitch with 64 drive links. This way it can cut through thick barks with ease.

4. Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S Gas Powered Chain Saw (Best Fuel Efficient Chainsaw)

Craftsman is a world known brand when it comes to either lawn mowers for acres or the best chainsaws for cutting trees. Also, it is reliable and durable and can last a lifetime if proper care is taken.

Physical Outlook

This chainsaw is well designed and equally well built. The beautiful red color with a black blade stands out. Also, it is designed in a way that brings together efficiency and ease. The Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S weighs about 17.7 lbs and has simple upkeep.

Control

With a Craftsman chainsaw, you can expect steady controls. For safety measures, it has additional inertia activated chain brake and bucking spikes. This allows low kickback and ease of maneuvering.

Upkeep

Many chainsaws have trouble restarting, but with the Craftsman simplified system it starts fast. In addition to that, it has tool free access to air filters, which keep the machine cool during sawing.

Engine

There is a 46 cc or 3.6 hp engine installed in this chainsaw. Moreover, the cutting rpm is good with a pro grade chassis which is ideal for cutting trees.

Comfortable Design

Unlike any other chainsaw, the Craftsman chainsaw provides extra comfort with cushioned full wrap aluminum handles, an anti vibration system, and an easy pull start. It gives the command needed to operate the machine with ease.

5. Poulan Pro PR5020 Gas Chain Saw (Best Corded Chainsaw)

Poulan Pro is a well known company in the chainsaw world. It is a great chainsaw that covers all three fields of price, power, and productivity well. Now, obviously, it is not Husqvarna or Stihl, but it gets the job done at a cheaper price. So, it is not a professional grade chainsaw but a great chainsaw for cutting trees occasionally.

Physical Outlook

If we try to be poetic, the Poulan Pro 5020 chainsaw looks a lot like a honey bee. With its beautiful yellow body and black guide bar, it beats the fashion statement of other, mostly red/orange chainsaws. Furthermore, it has a matte black front guard and anti vibration mounts. Overall, it weighs around 17 pounds with a bar and chain, and its dimensions are 12 x 16 x 11.8 inches.

Fuel

One of the biggest pros of owning a Poulan Pro chainsaw is its effective fuel consumption. For instance, it has the OxyPower Technology that makes carbon emission less by 70%. Also, it allows for 20% less fuel consumption.

Air Filter System

Another good feature is its super clean air filter system. The best part is that you can access it anytime without any tools which make its maintenance easier. In addition, fuel consumption is also cut down due to seamless air filtration.

Engine

The magnum opus of any chainsaw is its engine and its bar with the chain. Similarly, Poulan pro exceeds expectations with its 50 cc, double cylinder engine. The almost 3.33 HP power is considerable, which makes Poulan Pro 5020 one of the best chainsaws for cutting trees.

Price

When it comes to price, the Poulan Pro chainsaw is comparatively cheaper. However, it has a formidable build with quality material. At this given power, most chainsaws fall in the $450 bracket, while Poulan is available for around $200 to $250.

6. Echo CS-271T-12 Gas Chain Saw (Best Two Stroke Chainsaw)

Since the 1980s when the Echo company started, it has grown to be a worldwide leader in outdoor power equipment. In addition, it specializes in small chainsaws like Echo CS 271t. It is easy to maneuver and cuts trees easily.

Physical Outlook

The body of Echo CS 271t is an attractive orange color. Also, it is durable and solidly built. Furthermore, it is rust resistant and fairly lightweight. With its two handles, vibrations are dampened. It weighs around 10.18 lbs and its dimensions are 12 x 10 x 10 inches.

Engine

Echo chainsaws generally have high power output and Echo CS is no different. For instance, its engine output is 26.9 cc or 1.8 hp which is quite good for a small chainsaw. Although Echo company manufactures chainsaws with greater outputs, this one is designed for non lumber trees.

Bar Guide

The chain and bar guide of the Echo CS chainsaw is tough and durable. With 12 inches bar length, it can easily cut medium sized trees. What’s more? It has automatic oiling and a side access chain tensioner for a seamless chain action.

Lightweight

Most gas powered chainsaws are heavy weighing about 15 to 25 lbs with bar and chain. Unlike other chainsaws, Echo CS is lightweight and weighs only 10.18 lbs. This feature makes it so easy to work with all day long.

Warranty

The maximum warranty you can find on any chainsaw is mostly 2 years. In contrast, the Echo CS chainsaw has a 5 Years warranty that includes all its essential parts and the machine as a whole.

7. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (Best Lightweight Chainsaw)

Greenworks is a revolutionary in the world of outdoor power tools. Electric or battery powered chainsaws are considered “meh” by professional lumberjacks. But this cordless Greenworks 40V chainsaw definitely turned some heads. That is because it offered a perfect blend of quality and output.

Physical Outlook

The green color is unique to the Greenworks chainsaw. In addition to this, it has a black bar chain that covers the front side. Furthermore, it is made of steel metal and weighs around 6 lbs. It is by far the lightest chainsaw in battery powered ones, with the dimensions of 26.4 x 8.1 x 11 inches.

Ecofriendly

Since no gasoline or engine oil is used in this chainsaw, it does not emit toxic fumes. It is charged with a battery which is a sustainable source of energy.

Noiseless

Noise is a big factor when it comes to outdoor tools. In addition, these tools can hurt the hearing ability of the user. So, the Greenworks chainsaw is much safer as it is battery powered and has minimal noise.

Battery

Although the power output of battery powered chainsaws is not great, the Greenworks one exceeds expectations. For instance, it has 4.0 Ah 40 V G MAX batteries, that provide 0.05 hp of power.

Warranty

This chainsaw comes with a 4 Years warranty, something that is uncommon among chainsaws. You get quality equipment for replacement if the need arises.

8. Makita XCU04PT1 Brushless Chain Saw (Best Cordless Chainsaw)

Physical Outlook

Makita XCU04PT1 chainsaw has a beautiful teal color that is hard to find elsewhere. In addition to its color, it has an innovative design with a compact rear handle. This offers improved performance and maneuvering. It weighs about 11.1 lbs and its dimensions are 10.63 x 22.24 x 10.59 inches.

Power

One of the amazing things about this chainsaw is its Makita built outer rotor brushless motor. The motor’s direct drive system provides high power efficiency. Also, the 36V or 0.04hp power output is great for cutting medium to small sized trees.

Speed

It has variable speeds to adjust to sawing methods. So, it can be easily adjusted between 0 to 3 settings. The highest speed for this Makita chainsaw is 940 FPM (Feet per Minute).

Chain Adjustment

Chain tensioning and adjustment is crucial for seamless chainsawing. Makita has a tool less chain tensioning system that makes it easy to maintain on regular basis.

Factors to Consider While Cutting Trees with a Chainsaw

It is no joke to work with chainsaws. Following are some of the factors you should consider while cutting trees, even with the best chainsaws.

Possible Hazard

Always read the usage and safety manual of any chainsaw before use. On one hand, if chainsaws make cutting trees easy, while on the other it is a powerful machine. One wrong move and you can lose your finger or worse, a limb.

Some other possible hazards that are common with a chainsaw are kickback, hearing loss, vibration syndrome, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Furthermore, there is a hazard posed by electricity poles and wires, so beware.

Safety Measures

Safety should be your primary focus when preparing for cutting trees. So keep your sawing gear (PPE) ready. It mainly includes a helmet, goggles, a protective chainsaw jacket, noise canceling headphones, chainsaw chaps, safety mittens, and last but not the least, steel toe boots.

Apart from this, have two escape routes planned to your side and rear. For instance, make a rough estimate of where the tree will fall and plan two clean escapes for emergencies.

Felling Zone

Before you fall a tree, size it up and if possible, prune as much as you can. Furthermore, you should critically analyze the diameter of a tree and the possible directions it will fall.

Next, at two 45° angles keep your exit. In addition, keep any people at least two tree lengths away when cutting trees with a chainsaw.

Notch Cutting

Just like any other manual work, cutting trees with a chainsaw requires expertise.
Keeping this in view, the directional felling method is commonly used for cutting trees with a chainsaw. It involves three basic cuts known as the top cut, the pluge cut, and the felling cut.

For big trees, wedges are used to harness the tree into a fall. The wedges can support the cutting notch for a considerable time.

Felling Direction

Once you make the final cut, and the tree starts to fall, move away from the tree at a 45° angle. The cutting direction also decides the direction of felling. Many chainsaws these days have felling marks on them which help align the saw with the tree.

So, for small trees, you can make the fall in front or back. However, for bigger trees, it is recommended to keep the fall in their natural direction.

Things to Consider While Choosing Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees

No one saw is the same as others, and choosing the right one can go a long way. You can not only save money but also the time in cutting the trees. Likewise, some chainsaws are for regular farm or trail maintenance, while others are designed for heavy lumber.

The best chainsaws for cutting trees are the ones that are heavy duty, lightweight, and guzzle minimum fuel. We have assembled a list of important features, so you can understand and utilize your chainsaw at its full potential.

Let’s have a look:

Engine Power

It is no secret that chainsaws have made cutting trees easier and less time consuming. So, it mainly depends on the engine of each machine.

Greater the horsepower or cc output, the better the experience of cutting trees. We have compared the list of the output power of our best chainsaws for cutting trees.

Guide Bar Length

If the chainsaw body is the gun, then its chain and guide bar length is the bullet. A guide bar is the length of the chainsaw on which a cutting chain is mounted.

Some chainsaws have adjustable bar lengths while others don’t. As a rule of thumb, the longer the guide bar length, the more the cutting options for trees.

Weight

Weight is a significant feature if you factor in standing up, holding, and using it for long hours. Similarly, heavier chainsaws are hard to maneuver. However, on the plus side, they deliver greater power and performance. So, it boils down to personal preference and usage to choose a chainsaw with any given weight.

RPM

As discussed earlier, rpm (rotations per minute) and torque are essential components of a chain, as the chain moves around the guide bar. So, for a good chainsaw, rpm should be around 10,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm.

Fuel Type

Gasoline powered and battery powered are two common fuel types used in chainsaws. As a general observation, gasoline powered chainsaws have higher power output than battery powered or electric chainsaws.

Price

There are a variety of chainsaws in any given price range. Chainsaw prices are usually set depending on their engine, guide bar, additional features, and material used.

Warranty

When making a big purchase like a chainsaw, most brands give a warranty of about 6 months to 2 years. So, you can enjoy woodcutting without any worry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big of a tree can a 20 inch saw cut?

A 20 inch chainsaw can easily cut a tree of 16 to18 inches in diameter. Cutting trees at the maximum guide bar length is avoided since injury risk increases by 10 times.

Which chainsaw will cut a thick piece of wood faster?

Gasoline chainsaws are superior in power, cutting speeds, and run times compared to electric or battery powered chainsaws. So, any gas chainsaw with a suitable guide length will cut a thick piece of wood faster.

What chainsaws do lumberjacks use?

Husqvarna and Stihl are at the top of the chainsaw game. Where Husqvarna is used by homeowners or ranchers, whereas Stihl is used in professional logging by lumberjacks.

Conclusion

Just like one size doesn’t fit all, every chainsaw is not suitable for all conditions. Also, choosing a chainsaw according to your needs among so many is tiresome. So, we had taken it upon ourselves to review some of the best chainsaws for cutting trees.

This guide covers all the ins and outs of buying a good chainsaw along with a well researched list. If you have any queries, feel free to ask. We will be happy to help you.