Whether you’re a professional arborist, gardener, or DIY landscaper, you’ll reap a ton of benefits from purchasing a gas chainsaw.
Compared to electric or battery-powered chainsaws, the gas-powered models are way more powerful and effective. They provide better-cutting speed, run time, and they’re more portable.
But for you to choose the very best gas chainsaws, there are a few things you should take into consideration. These include engine power, guide bar length, durability, and more. To make your selection easy, here’s a detailed guide to the top gas chainsaws.
The 6 Best Gas Chainsaw Reviews
1. Husqvarna 450R 20" Gas Chainsaw
If you’re searching for the best gas chainsaws, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Husqvarna 450R.
Husqvarna is a brand that’s widely revered for making quality gas chainsaws. So it’s not surprising that one of their inventions ranks first in our review.
One thing that makes the 450R so popular is the fact that it’s feature-packed.
Let’s start with the fact that it uses a 20-inch bar, offering you massive cutting capacity. In fact, this makes the chainsaw versatile enough to be used for various tasks; be it tree felling or yard cleanups.
Also worth pointing out is the 3.2HP X-Torq engine that powers this machinery. This engine technology results in fewer gas emissions whilst ensuring that fuel is utilized efficiently.
The Husqvarna 450R gas chainsaw is designed with ease of use in mind. This explains why it has a LowVib anti-vibration mechanism that keeps vibrations at an all-time low.
There’s also an Effortless Starting system that makes this gas saw easy to start. And the chain tension feature is mounted on the side for quick and simple access.
Husqvarna also incorporated a centrifugal air cleaning system. Its role is to get rid of bigger dust particles before they reach the air filter.
Lastly, there's an automatic chain oiler that provides a constant supply of oil to keep the moving parts well-lubricated.
Pros
Cons
While the Husqvarna gas model provides a ton of cutting power, its massive size makes it more suited for large-scale cutting. Unfortunately, this also causes its price to soar.
If you’re looking for the best gas chainsaw for the money, consider the Echo CS-271T. It’s a smaller, and more affordable gas chainsaw so it produces less power than other gas-powered chainsaws.
Measuring 12 by 10 by 10 inches, and weighing just 10.2 pounds, this gas chainsaw boasts a lightweight profile. This allows you to carry it with you wherever you go. More importantly, it means that you can use this gas chainsaw for overhead cutting without getting fatigued.
Important to note though is that it uses a less powerful engine. It’s equipped with a 26.9cc engine, which powers the 12-inch bar that it comes with. Both of these chainsaw features imply that you can only use the Echo CS 271T for light-duty cutting.
On a more positive note, this chainsaw is one of the easiest to start. It prides itself on having the legendary i-30 starting system, which makes the power tool easier to start.
Gas-powered chainsaws have a bad rep for their tendency to produce a ton of noise and vibrations.
Echo understands this, which is why they incorporated a uniquely-designed anti-vibration handle. This way, you can work for extended periods of time without experiencing the distracting vibration effects on your hands.
Another feature that you’re bound to enjoy is the automatic adjustable chain oiler. This significantly reduces the level of maintenance you have to do to keep your gas chainsaw in tiptop condition. And since it’s adjustable, it lets you adjust the flow of oil; hence, use it efficiently.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for the best gas chainsaw for cutting trees, then the Poulan Pro PR4218 model is the most suited.
There are several things you’ll like about this chainsaw, especially its engine. Poulan Pro has incorporated its famous OxyPower engine technology, which is what powers the 18-inch bar.
While it doesn’t make this the most powerful chainsaw of the batch, it provides a lot more power than its counterparts.
Other benefits offered by this engine are lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. Just to put things into perspective, the manufacturer claims that it reduces emissions by 70% and fuel consumption by 20%.
Another area where this chainsaw shines is the array of accessories that it comes with. For one, it comes with a spare chainsaw chain, providing a great deal of convenience.
With most top-rated chainsaw brands, one usually has to order special chains via manufacturer-licensed dealers. So the fact that a spare chain has been included is a big deal.
Other items you’ll find in the package include engine oil, a sharpening guide file, and a scrench that’s handy for adjusting the tension on your chain.
Pros
Cons
Have you been shopping for the best gas chainsaw for home use? If you have, the Craftsman S165 unit is the ultimate pick.
It comes in an easily recognizable “liberty red” hue, giving it a very modern look. As for weight, it tips the scale at about 15.22 pounds, which is on the heavier side of the scale. This is one of the reasons why it’s best suited for home applications, where you don’t have to keep carrying it around.
Even though it’s meant for home applications, it’s a fairly powerful Craftsman chainsaw. It uses a 42cc full-crank engine that delivers consistent power.
Another reason why this is often ranked the best gas-powered chainsaw entails the array of ergonomic features that make it much easier to use.
For one, the aluminum chainsaw handle is cushioned and contains a 3-point anti-vibration mechanism. Secondly, the chainsaw includes an adjustable and automatic oiler that reduces the amount of work you have to do on your part.
The Craftsman chainsaw also prides itself on having several safety mechanisms onboard. The first is an inertia-activated chain brake. As the name implies, it’s meant to bring the chain to an immediate stop in case anything goes wrong.
The low kickback chain is another feature that a chainsaw user is sure to appreciate. This 16-inch bar helps to reduce the risk of a kickback occurring.
Lastly, the saw includes bucking spikes, which are typically located on the front of the saw. These help the blade to grip into the stock in case the chainsaw kicks back.
Craftsman has also ensured that maintenance will be a breeze by providing a tool-less chain tensioner and spark plug.
Pros
Cons
Have you been looking to invest in the best gas chainsaw for professionals? If you answered yes, the Makita EA6100PRGG is an excellent pick.
This chainsaw is equipped with advanced features that make it well suited for everyday cutting, no matter how tough or large the project gets.
One thing that makes it the perfect professional chainsaw is its powerful 61cc engine. Factor in the 20-inch chainsaw bar, and you have considerable cutting power at your disposal.
Also worth pointing out is the type of engine that’s been integrated into this gas chainsaw. Makita uses their famous Stratified air Scavenging engine that not only helps to reduce emissions but also provides better fuel consumption.
When you first learn that it has a big engine, you may automatically assume that the saw is heavy.
Far from it, this is one of the lighter gas chainsaws you’ll find on the market. It weighs just 13.2 pounds, and this includes the weight of the bar and chain. This reasonable weight can be attributed to the chainsaw’s magnesium housing.
As is the case with the best gas chainsaws we’ve reviewed, the Makita model is also easy to start. It has a spring-assisted starter that makes the whole starting process incredibly easier.
Furthermore, this heavy-duty chainsaw has several safety mechanisms in place.
The first entails the touch and stop single-lever operation. This allows you to access the power switch easily in case you want to shut it off instantly.
Secondly, it’s fitted with a complex vibration dampening system. This is meant to decrease vibrations; hence, allowing you to work comfortably. Lastly, there’s an inertia-activated chain brake that brings the chain to an immediate stop in case of failure.
Pros
Cons
It is no secret that a gas-powered unit is more expensive than an electric chainsaw. For some operators, the steep price can deter them from purchasing this tool altogether.
Comparing chainsaws that rely on gasoline, the Hitachi CS40EA18 comes at a more pocket-friendly price than any other. Despite its low price tag, this chainsaw doesn’t skimp on quality.
For one, it draws power from a reasonably powerful 40cc 2.4HP engine. What’s intriguing is that this engine is commercial-grade, meaning it’s designed to tackle large-scale applications without succumbing to pressure.
Also onboard this chainsaw is an 18-inch bar and chain. Important to note is that both the bar and chain are sourced from Oregon, a highly-reputable chainsaw brand.
Some operators are hesitant to invest in gas-powered chainsaws, citing their negative effects on the environment. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about this issue when you buy this chainsaw. It’s undergone rigorous testing and was found to be completely carb-compliant.
Another thing you’ll never have to worry about is the amount of effort you’ll have to put in to start it. It comes equipped with a purge primer bulb and an S-Start technology, both of which ease the starting process.
We also like that the chain tensioner is located on the side. This enables you to access it quickly and make your desired adjustments effortlessly. Plus, the saw is fitted with an automatic chain brake. This is meant to bring the chain's rotation to an immediate halt.
Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of the Best Gas-Powered Chainsaws
Pros
The greatest benefit you’ll get from a gas chainsaw is the power it offers. If you’re looking to undertake heavy-duty tasks, an electric supply just won’t cut it. But with a powerful gas engine, you’ll get way more power and cutting torque.
Gas saws are also relatively more portable. All you need to get this machine up and running is fuel and oil mixture. As long as the fuel tank is filled to capacity, you can work from anywhere and at any time.
The same cannot be said of corded electric chainsaws that have to be connected to an electrical outlet. Even if you were to rely on a battery-operated chainsaw, this can't provide the type of runtime you get from gas-powered tools.
Cons
There’s a lot to love about gas-powered chainsaws. But, they have their fair share of limitations.
The biggest setback is their massive weight. Larger gas chainsaws can weigh up to 20 pounds, making their portability challenging. By comparison, a cordless chainsaw weighs about 11 pounds.
Some gas chainsaws are also quite difficult to start. If the chainsaw you have at hand is not equipped with an easy-starting mechanism, you can spend up to 20 minutes trying to get it running. Corded electric and battery chainsaws are way easier to start.
Lastly, a gas-powered chainsaw requires more work when it comes to maintenance. Similar to a car or gas-driven lawnmower, you have to perform routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
How to Choose the Best Gas Chainsaw
Here are a couple of points you should keep in mind when purchasing these modern chainsaws:
Intended Use
Based on the intended application, gas chainsaws can be classified into three categories as follows:
Light-duty gas chainsaws
As implied in the title, these are fairly small pieces of machinery. They share a lot of similarities with their corded and cordless cousins.
Their more compact size makes them much easier to handle. However, this also means that they can only handle small-scale cutting tasks such as thinning out undergrowth and pruning trees.
General-purpose gas chainsaws
Compared to the light-duty varieties, the general-purpose chainsaws are bigger. They’re designed to handle a range of tasks, primarily those that arise in medium to big-sized yards.
They can also be used for clearing storm-damaged branches, cutting firewood, and tackling modest tree-felling jobs.
Professional gas chainsaws
Professional chainsaws are the biggest of the three; both in terms of size and power output.
They offer a considerable amount of power, enabling operators to use them all day. Better yet, they can easily tackle similar tasks as the general-purpose and light-duty models. To add to this, they can be used for felling trees; both large and small.
Engine Power and Size
The power of a gas-powered chainsaw is estimated using two metrics: the engine displacement (cc) and revolutions per minute (RPM). Typically, a higher displacement translates to more RPM, although this may not be the case with all gas chainsaws.
The engine power is a crucial factor to consider because it determines the speed of the chainsaw blade. Consequently, this has an impact on how fast you’ll be able to cut stock that is tougher, bigger, or both.
The engine power varies significantly, depending on the intended application. Light-duty chainsaws are the least powerful.
While they don’t generate a ton of power, these saws are incredibly light. This makes them the best choice if you’re looking to carry your power tool to the field.
The general purpose chainsaws fall in the middle ground. They have more powerful engines, which translates to higher RPM.
The professional models provide the most cutting power, which is great if you’ll be using them for heavy-duty cutting jobs. However, they come at very steep prices, and they tend to be bulky.
Cutting Bar
Another crucial factor you should consider when choosing the best chainsaw is the length of the cutting bar.
For those new to the world of chainsaws, the guide bar is the part that the chain runs around, and it’s typically made of steel.
In most cases, the bar length depends heavily on the size of the engine. Put simply, the more powerful the engine, the longer the cutting bar.
This explains why light-duty gas chainsaws have bars whose length ranges between 10 and 14 inches. General-purpose models have bar lengths that range from 14 to 18 inches while heavy-duty varieties have guide bars that are at least 20 inches long.
Durability
Gas chainsaws are generally more expensive than other types. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that you’re investing in something that lasts.
The housing of most gas chainsaws consists of metal, which offers the best durability. But if you’re looking for something that’s cheaper, a polycarbonate build will also work.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining a gas chainsaw, the main task that you should be worried about is the lubrication method.
Lubricating the bar and chain is crucial to prevent unnecessary friction and burnout. But different saws will have different methods for lubricating as described below:
Manual Oiler
The way this works is that you have to press a pump button, which then causes oil to be released onto the chain and bar.
Fixed automatic oiler
This is also referred to as a self-oiling system as it provides a constant supply of oil to the chainsaw components. However, there’s no way of adjusting the flow of oil.
Adjustable automatic oiler
This is also a self-lubricating technique but this one lets you adjust the flow of oil. This, in turn, ensures that the lubricating oil is used efficiently.
Safety Features
Operating a gas-powered chainsaw is no mean feat. This is a heavy piece of equipment that brings with it a level of risk.
So before you invest in one, get acquainted with how to use a gas chainsaw safely and correctly. Once you’ve mastered the basics, check whether the saw you’re planning to buy is equipped with essential safety features, such as:
Chain brakes
The chain brake is a must-have safety element. There are two situations that result in the engagement of this quick-stop chain brake.
The first instance is when you want to secure the chain. This step is important if you’re looking to move between cuts, change position, or start a cold saw.
The chain brake also kicks into action when a kickback is about to occur. In this instance, it prevents the operator from being struck by a fast-moving chain.
One thing you'll want to check is whether the saw has an automatic or manual chain brake. The former makes a saw easier to run as it automatically lubricates the moving parts.
Safety throttle
The safety throttle acts as a secondary power switch. Its role is to prevent the chain from being engaged in case the power trigger is pushed accidentally.
Anti-vibration system
Even if you’ll be wearing chainsaw gloves, it’s crucial that your chainsaw has a vibration-dampening system in place. This way, it won’t produce excess vibration, which can make you feel fatigued too quickly.
Extra Features
While these features aren’t mandatory, having them onboard makes your gas-powered chainsaw operation a lot easier. The best chainsaws come equipped with additional features like:
Spring-assist system
This is meant to add power to the starting cord. As a result, you’re able to pull the cord without applying a ton of effort.
Auto-oiler
As implied in the name, this element automatically lubricates the blade; thus, preventing it from jamming or getting too hot. While it offers convenience, we recommend keeping track of this system. Sometimes, the oiler ends up adding an excessive amount of oil.
Tool-less chain tensioner
Such a tensioner does the bulk of the adjustment for you so you don’t have to look for new tools or learn any new processes.
Advanced air filter
The best gas chainsaw should also come fitted with a quick-release air filter, preferably, one that uses a centrifugal cleaning system. This is designed to eliminate the bigger dust particles before they can reach the air filter. In doing so, it reduces the frequency of cleaning the air filter and also helps to extend its life.
Carrying case
Some gas chainsaws also include carrying cases. This makes them easier to transport and store safely.
Buckling spikes
The best gas-powered chainsaw also includes buckling spikes. This is a set of sharp metal spikes that offer operator leverage. Designed to attach the chainsaw body at the blade base, these spikes result in an easier sawing experience.
What Safety Gear is Required for Using a Gas Chainsaw?
Sure, most gas chainsaws include a bevy of safety features. Still, you’ll want to ensure that you’re wearing all the essential safety gear to protect yourself from potential harm.
Examples of personal protective equipment you should have on hand are:
Eye Protection
No matter how careful you are when operating a gas-powered chainsaw, woodchips, sawdust, and other debris can fly into your face. To avoid such debris from penetrating your eye, ensure you invest in proper eye protection wear.
Regular glasses and sunglasses don’t cut it here. Instead, look for certified safety glasses. These are designed specifically to protect your eyes from potential hazards.
Ear Protection
It’s not just your eyes that need to be protected. Your ears need this too. Using a chainsaw, especially the gas-powered model, is bound to produce a high noise level.
And when you have to use such a power tool for an extended period of time, you risk damaging your ears. To avoid this, consider buying earmuffs that can block out all the noise.
Chainsaw Gloves
As was the case with eye protection, you shouldn’t invest in an average pair of work gloves. For chainsaw operation, what you need are chainsaw gloves that meet ANSI and ISEA standards.
Such gloves are made of fabric that stops a spinning chain in its tracks. This, in turn, prevents the tool from coming into contact with your hand.
Chainsaw Chaps
Another piece of safety gear that you should never skip over are chainsaw chaps. These are uniquely designed work pants that cover either the front or both the front and back of your legs.
Such pants contain Kevlar or ballistic cores, meant to clog the saw; hence, bringing it to an abrupt stop.
Work Boots
While chainsaw chaps do an excellent job of protecting your legs, they don’t cover your feet. This is why you should also consider buying a nice pair of chainsaw boots.
Such footwear allows your feet to grip the surface firmly; hence, preventing you from slipping. More importantly, they feature tough exteriors that protect your feet from falling debris.
FAQs
What is the highest-rated gas chainsaw?
The highest-rated model is the Husqvarna 450R 20 inch gas-powered chainsaw. It checks every box of what you’d want in a gas-powered unit.
A heavy-duty chainsaw, it uses Husqvarna’s revered X-torq engine that helps to minimize both fuel consumption and gas emissions. It’s also user-friendly as it comes fitted with a side-positioned chain tensioner and automatic oiler.
Is Echo better than Stihl?
As much as you’d like one, there’s no straightforward answer to this question. Echo gas chainsaws are just as reliable as those made by Stihl.
Echo chainsaws are admired for being able to strike a good balance between engine power and weight. Stihl saws, on the other hand, are well-built, fuel-efficient, and packed with extra features.
Conclusion
Have you been searching for the best gas chainsaws? If you have, you’ll be pleased to learn about the Husqvarna 450R unit. It comes in a bright orange hue for maximum visibility.
And, it offers a 20-inch bar, giving you a decent cutting capacity. Factor in the 3.2Hp X-Torq engine, and you’ll have enough power to fell large trees and undertake other heavy-duty cutting jobs.