Chainsaws are some of the most versatile power tools. Powered by either electricity or gas, they’re fast, efficient and accurate.
These saws come in a variety of sizes, but one of the most popular ones is the 18 inch. Here, we'll highlight everything you need to know about the best 18 inch chainsaws.
What are 18 inch Chainsaws Best For?
18 inches is the ultimate intermediary length for this power tool. It’s long enough that a professional arborist can use it for heavy duty sawing. However, it’s not too long that a homeowner can’t use it for medium-duty cutting tasks as well.
With the best 18 inch chainsaw, you should be able to cut a tree that is about 16 inches in diameter within a single pass. But if you’re cutting it from either side, then you can comfortably tackle a tree with a 32 inch diameter. This simply means that you’ll slice through 16 inches on either side.
In addition to felling trees, the best 18 inch chainsaws are versatile enough to turn logs into lumber, sculpt foliage and chop firewood.
That said, it’s wise to consider this tool’s weight as well, not just the size of its guide bar. An 18 inch guide bar has some weight to it because of its length. And if it’s a gas chainsaw, then it will be a lot heavier due to its engine size.
So if you’re looking for a chainsaw that you can use for light duty tasks, you’re better off with a smaller version which is also easier to handle.
After a different sized chainsaw? Check out: The Best 20 Inch Chainsaws
Different Types of 18 Inch Chainsaws
Electric
18-inch electric chainsaws can further be classified into battery-powered and corded models. Let’s take a look at each:
Battery-Powered Chainsaws
These 18 inch chainsaws run on rechargeable batteries, typically, lithium-ion batteries.
The greatest benefit they offer is their lightweight and compact designs, which makes them incredibly easy to carry around.
So if you’re looking for a tool that’s portable but doesn’t compromise on its cutting power, an 18-inch cordless chainsaw is perfect for you.
That said, there’s one area where these cordless models fall short, and that is their runtime. Unless you have a backup battery, a cordless chainsaw won’t last more than an hour.
However, the runtime varies depending on the brand, frequency and scope of use. But the majority of batteries last roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
Corded-Electric Chainsaws
If you’re looking for an 18 inch chainsaw with a better runtime, go for a corded electric chainsaw. This one runs on electricity, meaning you can only use it in an area that has a power source; and this can be a little limiting.
On the plus side, it runs on higher amperage, allowing it to provide a lot more cutting power than its cordless counterpart.
Such an electric chainsaw is best used for cutting jobs around your home. For instance, if you’re planning to do a bit of clearing on your one-acre property, then you can run an extension cord to any space within your home.
However, if you’re looking to fell trees in an area that’s very far from your home, you’ll have to either lug a generator along or invest in a rechargeable battery. At which point, you’re better off going cordless or using a gas-powered chainsaw.
Gas-Powered
Despite the advancements in 18 inch electric chainsaws, gas-powered models remain a favorite for many. This is not surprising considering that they’re way more powerful. They’re also versatile and cheaper to run.
Granted, a gas chainsaw is not the easiest to start. But compared to the models of yesteryear, it's come a long way, and is certainly more user-friendly.
Gas powered model is the best 18 inch chainsaw, if you’re looking to do some heavy duty cutting of thick trees and lumber. They’re also more portable compared to corded-electric models.
What to Consider When Buying 18-inch Chainsaws
Power Source
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an 18 inch chainsaw is how powerful it is.
Given that you've opted to buy this size, there’s a good chance that you’re expecting it to be powerful. So check the power source and confirm that it meets your power needs.
Electric chainsaws are powered by motors. Anything in the range of 15 amps is sufficient to power your 18 inch chainsaw bar. For cordless electric chainsaws, pick one with at least 60 volts. The higher the voltage rating, the more powerful it is.
As we mentioned earlier, a gas chainsaw is generally more powerful than its electric counterparts. So in this case, you’ll base your decision on the type of work you plan to use it for.
For instance, if heavy duty sawing is a part of your property maintenance, an 18-inch chain saw with at least a 60 cc engine, will serve you well.
Blades
A chainsaw has an exceptional cutting mechanism in the sense that it doesn’t use blades. Unlike a crosscut hand saw or table saw that uses blades, this one uses a chain to cut. So this is the component you’ll want to pay attention to when you’re sawing.
A chainsaw chain comprises several elements that work in tandem. These need to be maintained properly to get the most from your saw. These are:
Gauge
This is what determines how deep the saw chain cuts through the material. Important to note here is that the gauge of the chain and that of the bar should correspond to each other to get the best outcome.
Cutter
As implied in the name, this is the part responsible for the actual sawing. Every chain saw is designed with left- and right-hand cutters so it can cut uniformly through the workpiece.
The one thing you’ll need to account for here is the design of the cutter. There are three main designs to pick from:
Standard
The sequence on this chain starts with a left-hand cutter, then a tie strap, a right-hand cutter, then a tie strap. This alternating pattern continues throughout the chain. This cutter has the highest number of teeth, resulting in ultra-smooth cuts.
Semi-Skip
Here the sequence starts with a left-hand cutter, followed by two tie straps, a right-hand cutter, one tie strap and so on. This design strikes a good balance between cutting power and speed. It’s not the fastest but the cuts turn out smoother.
Skip or Full-Skip
The sequence here begins with a left hand cutter, then two tie straps, a right hand cutter and two tie straps- for the entire length of the chain. This cutter has fewer teeth overall, which allows the saw to work faster. However, the cuts aren’t smooth.
Engine
If you’ve opted to go for gas powered chainsaw, then one of the decisions you’ll have to make is between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines.
To understand the difference between these two, you should first familiarize yourself with the basics. A combustion cycle is the entire process that takes place in the engine cylinders to power the chain.
This begins with gas and air being drawn into the piston, after which they’re ignited and then expelled through the exhaust.
For chainsaws with 4-stroke engines, the piston undertakes two strokes in each revolution. With these engines, there’s no need to mix fuel and oil beforehand as there’s an individual compartment for the oil.
2-stroke engines differ in the sense that the whole combustion process is completed in a single piston stroke. Important to note is that these engines require premixing of the fuel and oil.
The majority of 18 inch gas chainsaws are designed with 2-stroke engines. In fact, it’s quite rare to find one with a 4-stroke engine. There are several reasons for this.
First off, 2-stroke engines have fewer components, making them lighter than their 4-stroke cousins. When it comes to chainsaws, the weight of the engine plays a very crucial role. It determines how easily you’ll be able to handle the device as well as its portability.
That said, 4-stroke engines also have their merits. This gas powered chainsaw will have a lower fuel consumption rate than the 2-stroke varieties.
It means that not only is it more economical to run, but it also runs for longer. This can come in handy if you’re working in a remote area where you can’t access gas easily.
4-stroke engines may not be as powerful as the 2-stroke models, but they operate more quietly. So if you don’t want to disturb your neighbors or family members with noise from such equipment, a 4-stroke gas chainsaw is your best bet.
Bar Size
One question that a lot of homeowners ask is, “how can I measure the size of my chainsaw bar?” Well, this length is estimated from the bar’s tip up to that point where it comes out of the powerhead.
This guide bar ranges in size from 6 inches all the way up to 42 inches. But for most homeowners, an 18-inch guide bar can meet all your cutting needs.
One unwritten rule here is that the length of the guide bar ought to be 2 inches longer than the diameter of the workpiece being cut in a single pass. It means your 18-inch chainsaw should easily slice through 16-inch logs in just one pass.
Durability
The best 18 inch chainsaws are ones that can serve you for years. This durability depends on an array of factors, ranging from how often and effectively it’s used to the materials used in its construction.
To ensure you’re making a worthy investment, inspect every essential element of the saw and check whether it’s well put together. In particular, look at the design of the chain as this is the component that will be used for cutting.
Design
The best 18 inch chainsaws are designed with ergonomics in mind. Simply put, they’re equipped with features that make them comfortable to use for extended periods.
A rubberized handle is a good case in point. Essentially, the handle of a chainsaw will be encased in rubber material, making it comfortable to hold for a long time. This feature also adds to the tool’s safety by giving you a firm grip of the saw.
Vibration
Whenever you’re working with power tools that generate a ton of vibrations, you’re advised to wear anti-vibration gloves.
But even then, you’re better off choosing a chainsaw equipped with an anti-vibration mechanism right off the bat. It means that even if you forget your gloves, you can still use your saw for extended periods without worrying about the effects of the resulting vibration.
Ease of Use
18-inch chainsaws aren’t created equal. Some manufacturers incorporate features that make these power tools so much easier to use. If you want to invest in a user-friendly chainsaw, here are a few elements you should pay attention to:
Automatic Oiler
With this component present, you won’t have to flick a switch to initiate the oil-release process. The chain is oiled automatically, providing the best sawing experience.
Tensioning System Mounted on the Side
Ideally, you’ll want the tensioner to be positioned on the side so that it’s easy to adjust. Better yet, look for chainsaws with auto-tensioning mechanisms, which significantly decrease the frequency of doing this task.
Heated Handles
The best chainsaws come with heated handles to keep your hands warm while you run them; handy for users living in very cold settings
Guide Bars Fitted with Sprocket Tips
Check whether the guide bar has sprocket tips, which minimize friction. This helps to boost the saw’s cutting speed while also eliminating premature wear and tear.
Heated Carburetors
If you live in a chilly area, another feature your chainsaw should have is a heated carburetor. This ensures that no ice crystals form inside the engine because of the extremely low temperatures.
Spring-Assisted Start
For gas powered models, look for ones with a spring starting mechanism, and save the energy you’d otherwise use to pull the powering cord.
Carry Case
The best chainsaw will also have a case, which is particularly useful if you have to carry it from one place to another.
Maintenance
If you want to get the most from your chainsaw, then regular maintenance is a must. Check whether you can easily access the components that you’ll need to clean from time to time.
For electric chainsaws, the two parts that require maintenance are the chain and motor. Ensure the chain and guide bar aren’t filled with debris so it’s easy to adjust the chain’s tensioning. While you’re at it, check the level of the chain oil, and refill if it’s running low.
It’s also good practice to wipe down your power tool after each use. This is necessary to prevent rust and clogging.
For the gas-powered varieties, the biggest portion of its maintenance involves clearing the air filter and fine-tuning the engine on occasion.
If you don’t intend to use your chainsaw for a while, consider running the engine till it runs out of gas. Next, clean every nook and cranny, lubricate accordingly and store it in a dry area.
Replacement Parts
When you set out to look for an 18 inch chainsaw, start by searching for the most reputable brands in this niche.
Well-known manufacturers of chainsaws include Stihl, Husqvarna, Greenworks, Black & Decker and Remington. The first reason why we recommend doing this is because you’re most likely to get a premium-quality tool that will serve you for years to come.
The second reason has to do with the fact that their replacement parts are readily available. So if your Stihl 18 inch bar chainsaw were to stop working suddenly, all you’d have to do is contact Stihl for a replacement.
This would save you a ton of money and time as you wouldn’t have to start looking for the best 18 inch Stihl chainsaw from scratch.
Reviews of the Best 18 inch Chainsaws
1. Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw
Greenworks has established a reputation as a reputable manufacturer of power tools. So it should come as no surprise that their 20332 18 inch electric chainsaw is our favorite.
There’s a lot to love about this device, but its key highlight is its user-friendly design. Taking a close look at this chainsaw shows just how much thought went into its construction.
For instance, the rear handle is ergonomically designed with rubber material. This gives you a secure grip, which adds to its safety.
Looking at the right section of the chainsaw, you’ll come across the tool-less chain tensioning knobs. These are big in size and very easy to operate, which makes for a seamless adjustment. The oil cap is located right at the top of the powerhead. This enables you to refill the bar oil without a hitch.
Aesthetics aside, this chainsaw also delivers a stellar performance. It employs a 14.5-amp electric motor, which is easy to engage with a simple push of a button. Factor in the 18-inch long guide bar and chain, and you have a chainsaw that can comfortably tackle trees and limbs up to 34 inches in diameter.
The fact that it uses an electric motor also means that you’ll never have to worry about the impact of your sawing activity on the environment.
Its hard-to-beat price tag is another aspect that makes the Greenworks 20332 chainsaw highly-recommended. Taking all its features into account, you’d expect to pay a ton of money for the piece of equipment. Interestingly, it’s one of the most affordable models.
That said, you’ll need to be a little more careful when using this chainsaw. First, keep in mind that you can never use it in wet or damp conditions.
Secondly, it's a corded chainsaw, meaning you can only run it in an area where you have a ready power supply.
Pros
Cons
If you want to overcome the challenges of a corded model but don’t want to switch full throttle to a gas-powered one, the Greenworks Pro 18 inch Electric Chainsaw is the ultimate alternative.
It’s not common to find cordless chainsaws equipped with 18-inch guide bars and chains. But Greenworks breaks the record with their latest invention- the GCS80450, an upgrade on their 40V brushless chainsaw.
This chainsaw includes an electronic chain brake, similar to the one found in gas-powered counterparts. But what we love even more is the arrangement of the metal bucking spikes that give you maximum cutting power. And it makes very precise cuts.
All this is made possible by the brushless motor technology integrated in this chainsaw. This type of motor generates higher torque while providing a longer runtime.
According to Greenworks, this 18 inch chainsaw delivers a performance just as powerful as that of a 42cc gas-powered saw.
For convenience, the chainsaw is fitted with an automatic oiler. Even though its capacity is less than 2 ounces, we like that it has a translucent window, which lets you monitor the oil level.
Given that it’s battery powered, you’re within your rights in case you’re wondering about its charging system. Well, the Pro 80V uses a 2.0Ah size battery. This battery pack has a rating of 144Wh (watt-hours), making it possible to get fully charged within half an hour.
Pros
Cons
Despite the technology present in electric chainsaws, there are those who swear by gas-powered equipment. If you belong to this camp, then consider the Husqvarna 450 R gas-powered chainsaw.
Rated as one of the best gas chainsaws, its most notable feature in this chainsaw is the 50cc X-Torq engine. The fact that it’s gas-powered already means you’ll be getting more power; up to 3.2 horsepower.
So the addition of the X-Torq technology is the icing on the cake. What this does is to ensure that the saw produces minimal emissions and uses fuel efficiently.
Another impressive aspect of this 18 inch chainsaw is its speed. It delivers 9,000 RPM, helping you tackle large trees and limbs within a short amount of time.
We also like that the Husqvarna 450 is designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The manufacturer has incorporated a centrifugal air system, which is responsible for removing any dust before reaching the air filter.
And when it comes to air filter replacement, you’ll find the process incredibly easy thanks to the quick-release mechanism on the cover.
Another thing you’ll love is that this chainsaw was built for a safety operation. In that regard, the handle comprises a rubber overmold, to provide a firm grip and prevent accidental slippage during use.
The chain brake is another handy safety element present in this 18 inch chainsaw. This inertia-activated chain brake significantly minimizes the risk of injury that would result from chainsaw kickbacks.
A common complaint that arises from using gas chainsaws is the fact that fuel may run out when you’re in the middle of your cutting jobs. The manufacturer thought about this, which is why they included a semi-transparent window on the Husqvarna 450. This is to help you monitor the fuel levels and refill accordingly.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to user-friendly power tools, Remington RM4618 is the best 18 inch chainsaw. It checks all the boxes for features that make chainsaws easy to use.
For instance, it has a spring-assist start mechanism, which makes starting a gas chainsaw such as this one very easy. It also has an automatic oiler. This is meant to channel oil to the guide bar and chain, enabling them to work smoothly.
Another thing you’ll notice about the Remington RM4618 entails the wrap-around design on its handle. This is a very welcome safety feature as it prevents twigs and debris from hitting your hand while you operate the saw.
On the same note, this handle has a cushioning mechanism, making it comfortable to hold the saw despite the vibrations. Thanks to this, it's designed to provide a firm grip, so you’ll never have to worry about the chainsaw accidentally slipping from your hands.
With regards to the saw’s performance, the RM4618 gas chainsaw comes equipped with a 2 cycle 46cc full crank engine. This delivers a ton of cutting power, but with less vibration. You should be able to slice through the toughest wood without applying too much effort.
If you're hesitant to invest in this chainsaw, you can rest easy knowing that the manufacturer offers a 2 year warranty. It means you can ask for a replacement or full refund, should anything go wrong.
Pros
Cons
Black Decker is another reputable manufacturer of power tools. Described as the best 18 inch chainsaw, their CS1518 electric chainsaw is an excellent example of the high quality of their equipment.
Powered using a 15 amp motor, the corded chainsaw packs a real punch, making it suitable for light to medium-duty cutting applications.
Another key highlight of the Black Decker chainsaw entails how easy it is to start. Unlike its gas-powered counterparts that have such a lengthy starting process, this one can be started in a matter of seconds. Simply press the lock off button, squeeze the trigger and you’re good to go!
There are a couple of other features that make this chainsaw a breeze to use. These include the automatic oiling system that constantly lubricates the bar and chain.
The chain tensioning system is toolless, which makes for quick adjustments. Lastly, this chainsaw is designed for low kickbacks, guaranteeing a fast and seamless operation.
Pros
Cons
Wrap Up
If you’re looking for the best 18 inch chainsaw available, there are a couple of things you should consider. For one, it should pack enough power to handle the cutting jobs you intend to use it for. Secondly, it should be user-friendly and be equipped with several safety mechanisms.
After reviewing the best 18 inch chainsaws, one power tool that comes close to checking all these boxes is Greenworks 20332 Chainsaw. A corded model, this saw guarantees that you’ll never run out of power in the middle of a task. It’s fitted with a 14.5-amp motor, delivering enough power to slice through limbs up to 34 inches in diameter.
Its ease of starting, tool-free tensioning system and hand guard are other components that make this chainsaw a favorite. The best part is, you get all these features at an unbeatable price tag.