Regarded as some of the most versatile tools, chainsaws come in a wide range of prices. For professionals though, it’s the quality and performance of the device that matters more than pricing.
We understand how difficult it can be to find a chainsaw that’s not only durable but also powerful enough to withstand heavy-duty cutting demands.
To help you out, we've produced a list of the best professional chainsaws available. Here’s a detailed review of each chainsaw and a brief guide to aid you make an informed decision.
Reviews of the 6 Best Professional Chainsaws
1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
Have you been searching for the best professional chainsaw? If you have, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is exactly what you need.
One feature that helps it earn the title of the best professional-grade chainsaw is its powerful 60.3 cc 2-cycle gas engine. It puts out up to 3.7Hp, guaranteeing you maximum cutting power.
Complementing the engine is a 24-inch chain bar and chain. This long bar translates to increased cutting capacity, and it also keeps the chain sharper for longer.
If your projects don’t require using a very long chain, then you can opt for the version that comes with an 18-inch bar and chain. To add to this, you’ll have the freedom to pick your preferred gauge pitch of either .50 or .58.
If you’re purchasing the Husqvarna 460 Rancher for professional use, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be using it frequently. On that note, you’ll be pleased to learn that this chainsaw requires very little maintenance.
For one, its oiler is automatic; hence, provides a constant supply of oil to the bar and chain. This ensures that these parts are always well lubricated, minimizing the risk of unnecessary damage and maintenance.
Secondly, the 460 Rancher boasts an air injection centrifugal air cleaning system. This is meant to prevent any large-sized dust particles from penetrating the filter; hence, extending its life.
Lastly, you'll never have to worry about your safety when operating this chainsaw. This is because it has a chain brake that stops the chain in case of mishaps.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking to buy one of the best professional-grade chainsaws on a limited budget? If you are, then Poulan Pro PR5020 gas powered chainsaw is your best bet. The majority of chainsaws designed for professionals run over are quite expensive; hence this one makes it a steal.
Despite its low pricing, this chainsaw has a decent selection of features. One of its key highlights is the 50 cc engine that it comes with. With such a feature, it’s not surprising that it’s among the most powerful chainsaws offered by Poulan.
More importantly, though is the fact that it employs OxyPower engine tech. What this does is boost its power, enabling you to tackle virtually any task. It also helps to minimize emissions and lower the chainsaw’s fuel consumption by a whopping 20%.
At 17 pounds, the Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw is a heavy and bulky piece of equipment. Thankfully, it’s equipped with a spring assisted Effortless Pull-Start (EPS) system to make things easier for you. Nonetheless, it still needs to idle if operating in a cold setting- otherwise, it runs the risk of stalling.
Another feature that makes this be ranked the best professional chainsaw entails its 20-inch bar that gives you sufficient cutting capacity.
The chain saw also boasts a combined choke/stop control. Not only does it ease the starting process but it also improves its reliability by mitigating the risk of engine flooding.
This is a situation where too much fuel is pumped into the engine, and as a result, displaces oxygen - a vital ingredient crucial to the starting process.
Pros
Cons
Often described as the best-selling brand in the US, Stihl power tools rarely disappoint. So if you own a large property and are planning to undertake a project of felling trees, then Stihl MS 271 is the ultimate candidate for the job.
Right off the bat, one thing you’ll notice about this tool is its lightweight profile. Its powerhead weighs just 12.3 pounds, resulting in a decent power to weight ratio. We also like that the handle is ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Design aside, one thing you’ll be particularly interested in as a professional is the chainsaw’s power. Thankfully, Stihl MS 271 doesn’t disappoint. It’s fitted with a 3.5 Hp engine, which has a 50.2 cc displacement. This gives you more than enough power to handle all your farm-related tasks.
Also important to note is that this Stihl saw is designed with the environment in mind. The 2 cycle engine features a patented design that helps to cut gas emissions by up to 50%.
Included in the package is Stihl’s 18-inch rollomatic guide bar. This is a pretty reasonable offering. However, this tool also accepts a 16” or 20-inch bar length depending on your cutting needs.
Worried about the air filter’s maintenance? Well, you don’t have to as this gas chainsaw sports a pre-separation air filter that’s highly effective. According to Stihl, this feature allows the air filter to last at least 5 times longer than traditional models.
Pros
Cons
If you’ve been planning to buy the best semi-professional chainsaw, look no further than the Echo CS 400.
Though it’s not as powerful as the models we’ve looked at, it offers enough power for professional applications. To be more specific, it employs a 40.2cc 2 cycle gas engine that’s fairly easy to start.
Apart from the engine power and ease of starting, another thing you’re sure to love is the adjustable oiler. This gives you the freedom to make the necessary adjustments to match your cutting conditions.
The heart of the Echo CS 400 is the 18-inch bar length. Even though it’s not as long as Husqvarna’s 24-inch model, it still gives you a decent cutting length to work with.
Another reason why it’s regarded as the best professional chainsaw is the fact that it’s easy to maintain.
For starters, it has a heavy-duty air filter that provides advanced filtration. Secondly, it boasts a unique G-Force Air Pre-Cleaner. This is meant to reduce the frequency of air filter maintenance as well as extend engine life.
Using this chainsaw will be a piece of cake thanks to the ergonomically-designed handle. The wrap-around handle is positioned at the front of the chainsaw for easy maneuverability.
Yet another user-friendly feature entails its power to weight ratio. This chainsaw feels perfectly balanced, enabling you to work for extended periods without getting overly fatigued.
Pros
Cons
This is yet another chainsaw that’s a product of Husqvarna. Given how reputable this brand is, you can expect nothing but the best features.
The Mark II gas chainsaw is actually an upgrade of the previous Husqvarna 135, which is no longer in production.
One of its key highlights is its lightweight profile as it weighs a measly 4.69 pounds. This allows you to easily carry the power tool from your home to your job site. It also means that you can enjoy the power that comes with gas-powered machines without having to bear with their bulky weights.
Furthermore, the Mark II doesn’t skimp on quality. For one, it has a combined choke/stop control, which significantly minimizes the risk of engine flooding.
Secondly, the chain tensioning system is located on the side. This allows the operator to reach it with ease; hence, make the required adjustments.
For the price, we were also impressed to learn that it’s fitted with the X-Torq engine that does a superb job of lowering gasoline emissions and fuel consumption.
The bar length of this power tool is 16 inches, giving you more than enough cutting length to work with.
That said, it’s important to note that this chainsaw is not as powerful as the other models in our review. As such, it’s the most suited for light-duty cutting applications.
With regards to safety, Husqvarna Mark II offers standard measures that include a Lowvib anti-vibration system. This cuts back on the vibration levels, making it comfortable to hold the saw for extended periods.
Husqvarna has also incorporated an inertia-activated chain brake. This is meant to reduce the risk of injury that would result from a kickback.
Pros
Cons
As a professional, you may have a preference for a specific type of chainsaw. If you prefer corded electric to gas-powered models, then the Oregon CS1500 is exactly what you need.
One of its most impressive features is the 18-inch blade and bar. This is a decent cutting length and is meant to cut large trees that are up to 16 inches in diameter.
This guide bar is also designed in such a way that there’s minimal risk of kickback, making it a relatively safer saw for professionals.
The beauty about an electric chainsaw is that it’s much easier to start than a gas model. There’s no need to premix fuel and oil. You also don’t have to struggle pulling any starting cords. Simply plug it into an electrical outlet, and it will get the job done.
To further sweeten the deal, Oregon equipped the CS1500 with its proprietary PowerSharp self-sharpening system. This means that you don’t have to start removing the chain so as to sharpen. The best part is, you don’t have to buy any fancy sharpening devices!
Thanks to this exceptional feature, you can hit the ground running as soon as you remove the tool from its package.
The chainsaw’s tool-less tensioning system is another feature you’re sure to fall in love with. All you’re required to do is turn the red knob to adjust the tension on the chain.
The Oregon CS1500 is one of the cheapest professional chainsaws on the market. And if you’re willing to part with a little extra, you can get the chainsaw and either an extension cord, spare chain, or log sawhorse.
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Professional Chainsaw
Here are a couple of points you should keep in mind when buying the best professional chainsaws.
Power and Engine Size
The engine is the heart of a gas chainsaw. Without a good engine, your chainsaw won’t be of much use. As such, this is one of the most crucial factors that you should consider when looking for a professional chainsaw.
For the most part, pay attention to the engine’s displacement figure to determine whether it’s powerful. The higher the engine cc (cubic centimeter) displacement, then the more powerful it is.
Another common question you’ll encounter is whether to go for a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. The main difference between these two has to do with the number of strokes the piston of each engine completes per revolution.
More specifically, a 4 cycle engine piston completes two strokes: a compression stroke and an exhaust stroke. Conversely, a 2 cycle engine piston completes just one piston stroke- the compression stroke.
Also, 2 cycle engines require premixing of the oil and fuel while 4 cycle engines don’t. So if you’re looking for convenience, a 4 stroke engine is the way to go. But if convenience isn’t a priority, choosing a 2 cycle engine will save you a few bucks.
Should you decide to go for an electric chainsaw, check the amperage of its motor. For professionals, the best models are those that have 12 to 15 amp motors.
Cutting Bar
Before purchasing a professional grade chainsaw, another question you should ask yourself is, “what bar length of chainsaw do I need?”
The lengths of cutting bars vary widely, ranging from as small as 6 inches to as large as 24 inches. The most obvious benefit of using a longer bar is that it offers greater cutting depth or capacity.
However, choosing a 24-inch chain bar isn’t always the best choice as it also adds to weight. For professional use, we’ve found a 20-inch bar to be the sweet spot. Sure, a 20-inch bar won’t offer as much cutting depth but it’s still powerful.
Keep in mind that any chainsaw bar that's longer than a 20-inch will be a little difficult to wield. And it can make even the best chainsaw overly heavy.
Durability
Professionals rely on chainsaws for their day-to-day operations. For this reason, you'll want to confirm that the tool has features that enhance its durability.
To determine this, check the quality of the materials used to make the chainsaw. Ideally, it shouldn’t have too many of its components made of plastic as this compromises its durability. And even if it has plastic parts, then the kind of plastic used should be high-quality.
Another thing that can help you figure out whether a professional chainsaw is durable is reading online reviews. If it’s not half as durable as the manufacturer says it is, you’ll find this out from other buyers’ remarks and comments.
Maintenance
Buying a professional chainsaw is just half the battle. The other half is ensuring you keep it in pristine condition so that it can serve you for a long time.
In that regard, chain oiling is among the most crucial activities pertinent to maintenance. Without this lubrication, the friction generated by the action of the chain moving across the bar can lead to significant damage.
This metal-on-metal action can wreck the bar, chain, and engine, which would then render your piece of equipment useless.
To avoid this, keep tabs on the oil level and refill whenever it runs low. The best professional chainsaws are fitted with automatic oilers, so keeping the moving parts lubricated shouldn’t be too difficult.
A lot of models also come with transparent windows that give you a clear view of the oil level. Generally, a smart thing to do is to top off your oil anytime you’re refueling or changing the battery (in the case of electric models).
But if you don't want to spend too much on oil, you may want to look into a clutch driven oiler. With this model, the oil is only released when the chainsaw is running. This then helps to reduce oil consumption.
Safety Features
Being a professional, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll be using your chainsaw for day-to-day operations. This exposes you to more risk of injury. To avoid this, you’ll want to ensure that your saw is equipped with all the essential safety features such as:
Chain Brake
This is one of the most crucial safety features is meant to stop a chain on its tracks in case a kickback occurs during operation.
Chain Catcher
Although rare, there are instances where the chain may come off flying during operation. If this ever happens, this component catches the chain so as to protect you from a possible injury.
Dead Man's Switch/Trigger
This is a secondary power safety switch. When the saw is in action, it’s held down. But if released, it activates the chain-brake and simultaneously deactivates the throttle so as to stop the chainsaw on its tracks.
CARB Compliance
For a pretty long time now, the state of California has been an excellent example of what it means to control air pollution.
They even have an organization that’s tasked with overseeing the manufacture of products that have the potential of releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere, like a gas chainsaw.
On that note, one thing you should do is check whether the chainsaw you’re purchasing is CARB compliant. What this means is that it’s undergone the necessary testing and found to be safe for the environment. Such professional chainsaws not only have better fuel efficiency but also put out fewer emissions.
Weight
Do you plan to carry your chainsaw from your workshop to your job site? Or, do you plan to use this tool on the go?
If you answered yes to either question, then one factor you should account for is its weight. If you end up buying a very bulky piece of equipment, it may end up being unusable because you can’t carry it with ease.
On that note, the weight of professional chainsaws will depend on the type you go for. Generally, corded electric models tend to be lighter than their gas counterparts.
Ease of Use
For the most part, professional chainsaws are designed with ease of use in mind. But some models will excel in this area better than others. Here are a few features you should keep an eye on if you’re looking to buy this tool:
Easy Start
This feature is unique to certain brands. For instance, Husqvarna equips its saws with Smart Start technology, Stihl uses Easy2Start while Echo employs a digital ignition system. Other manufacturers also incorporate a decompression valve that also simplifies the starting process. All these features make it easy to start your machine without putting in too much effort.
Automatic Chain Oiler
Thanks to this feature, you don’t have to keep refilling the oil required to lubricate the moving parts. This is because the automatic oiler provides a constant supply of oil.
Vibration Dampening System
The best professional chainsaw, especially a gas chainsaw, generates a fair amount of vibration. This can make you get fatigued quickly. To combat this, some manufacturers incorporate a vibration dampening system to reduce/eliminate the vibrations.
Brands
If you’re looking to purchase a professional chainsaw, your best bet is to rely on trusted brands. On that note, the most reputable brands in the chainsaw industry are:
Stihl
Named after its founder, Andreas Stihl, this company made its first chainsaw back in 1926. Over time, Stihl has grown to become one of the most prominent chainsaw brands globally.
Husqvarna
Another chainsaw brand that’s just as popular as Stihl is Husqvarna. This firm started operations as far back as the 1600s. But at the time, it only dealt with the production of rifles. It wasn’t until 1959 that this firm invented its first chainsaw.
Makita
Makita is a little less popular than Stihl and Husqvarna but it’s just as reliable. The company ventured into the production of power tools quite early on (1915). Since then., it slowly built its reputation and has come to be recognized as a powerful chain saw brand to contend with.
Echo
Anytime you’re looking to buy the best chainsaw, you’ll want to rely on brands that have gained experience. Well, like Echo has decades worth of experience; meaning that it's one that you can rely on.
Oregon
Though Oregon is mainly revered for its guide bars and chains, the firm also produces premium-quality chainsaws.
If you prefer corded electric and battery-powered chainsaws to gas chainsaws, Oregon is the brand to go for!
Poulan
Poulan is one of the few brands that dived into the manufacture of chainsaws right from the get-go.
Since the brand is owned by Husqvarna, it is not surprising that Poulan’s chainsaws often share the same technologies as those used by the parent firm. What makes Poulan products stand out is that they’re relatively more affordable.
FAQs
What chainsaw do professional loggers use?
Based on our research, it’s evident that loggers don’t rely on just any professional chainsaw to get the job done.
Rather, they go for either a Husqvarna or Stihl-manufactured chainsaw. This is not too surprising considering these brands make some of the most top-rated saws. These brands’ tools are famed for their performance, power, durability and presence of multiple safety features
What is the most powerful chainsaw you can buy?
Indisputably, the most powerful is the Husqvarna 460 Rancher gas chainsaw. Though pricey, it has all the features you’d want in this tool, ranging from a powerful engine to a fuel-efficient performance and user-friendly design.
Conclusion
Have you been hunting for the best professional chainsaws? If you have, we recommend the 460 Rancher invented by the world-renowned Husqvarna brand.
It employs a powerful 60.3cc 2 cycle engine, which has an inertia-activated chain brake for maximum safety. It has a 24 inch chain bar length for increased cutting capacity. These two features are the main reasons that make it particularly suited for heavy-duty cutting.
Moreover, the chain tensioning mechanism on this gas powered chain saw is positioned on the side so as to provide quick access. It also boasts a centrifugal air cleaning system. This is meant to keep out any large-sized dust particles; thus, extending the life of the air filter. And, you get to choose from bars of different sizes.
Wondering whether this chainsaw has any safety features onboard? It does. It's fitted with an inertia-activated chain brake and a Lowvib anti-vibration mechanism.