19 Best Chainsaws

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Chainsaws are used in various spheres of human life. With their help, commercial wood is harvested, firewood is cut, the crown of garden trees is formed, and houses are built. Each type of activity requires a tool with a certain set of technical characteristics. Today, a rich assortment of domestic and foreign models is presented on the Russian market. The recommendations of our experts will help potential buyers to choose a convenient and effective tool.

Recommendations for selection

Power. An important characteristic of a chainsaw is power. It shows how quickly technology can cope with the task. This value is expressed in watts or horsepower.

1. Engines with a power of 1200 … 2600 W are placed on amateur chainsaws. Such a tool is convenient to work in the garden or perform roofing operations.

2. The most powerful motors (2800 … 6500 W) are installed on professional equipment. Such chainsaws are used for felling forests, industrial logging, longitudinal sawing of logs.

Tire length. The main working part of the saw is the tire. It is the base for the cutting chain. The depth of cut depends on the length of the bar. The size ranges from 30 to 120 cm.

1. It is more convenient to trim branches with a tool with a short tire (30-40 cm).

2. But felling centuries-old trees is possible only with chainsaws with long tires (70-120 cm).

Chain tension. Periodically during operation, it is required to tension the chain. Manufacturers implement several options for stretching.

1. The key mechanism is found on amateur models. To stretch, the operator will have to spend some time looking for a key, unscrewing and tightening fasteners.

2. The keyless system compares favorably with the efficiency of the chain tension. Professionals do not even turn off the engine, performing maintenance of equipment.

Chain brake. The danger for the operator is a chain with sharp teeth running along the tire. The brake is designed to instantly stop the cutting tool in the event of a kickback. Most often, manufacturers install a contact or inertial switching mechanism. The contact switching is reliable, the inertial system wins in response speed.

Fuel tank capacity. Each chainsaw is equipped with a fuel tank. Its capacity can vary between 0,2 … 0,9 liters. The big tank allows a long time to work without stops. But this increases the mass of the tool.

Vibration damping system. All chainsaws generate vibration during engine operation. And the higher the power of the tool, the more noticeable the vibration effect on the hands. To combat this phenomenon, manufacturers use rubber gaskets, dampers, pads on the handles. As a result, the vibration from the motor reaches the operator’s hands in a minimum amount. The more effective the anti-vibration system, the longer a person can work without getting tired.

We have selected 19 of the best chainsaws in our review. All of them are sold in the Russian trade network. When distributing positions, the editors of the magazine simplerule relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the feedback from domestic users.

Rating of the best chainsaws

The best inexpensive chainsaws for home and garden

To prepare firewood for the barbecue or trim the garden, an inexpensive chainsaw will do. It is light and easy to use, easy to maintain. The experts liked the following budget models.

Husqvarna 236

Rating: 4.9

The Swedish chainsaw Husqvarna 236 successfully combines lightness (4,6 kg), versatility and power. Experts consider the innovative engine to be a feature of the model, which is characterized by increased torque and economical fuel consumption (up to 20%). To facilitate starting the engine, a fuel priming pump and a combined throttle control are installed. Hand protection from vibration is provided by the LowVib system. The model is in high demand in our country, which is confirmed by numerous reviews on NM. The chainsaw becomes the winner of our review.

Domestic users liked the economy, lightness, low noise level and reasonable price. The model is of high quality, reliability and durability.

STIHL MS 170

Rating: 4.8

The lightest chainsaw (3,9 kg) in our review was the German model STIHL MS 170. It will be a reliable assistant for a gardener, forester or summer resident. Experts note such advantages of the model as an easy start system, an automatic chain brake, and electronic ignition. It is allowed to install a tire up to 40 cm long on a gas tool. The unit is driven by a 1300 W (1,8 hp) engine. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a reliable vibration damping system, the chainsaw body is optimally balanced. The chainsaw takes an honorable second place in our review.

The owners praise the German instrument for its lightness, power, convenience, and high-quality assembly. The chainsaw starts with half a turn and does not tire the operator during prolonged work.

Daewoo Power Products DACS 4516

Rating: 4.7

The Korean Daewoo Power Products DACS 4516 chainsaw closes the top three of our review. The experts liked the ergonomics of the model. The manufacturer conveniently located the controls, made a handle with a good grip. The high build quality, powerful but economical engine deserves praise. The saw is not very heavy (5 kg), and thanks to good weight distribution, it is comfortable to work with the tool. An attractive point for buyers is an affordable price. The engine starts with half a turn, the motor runs stably at any speed. The cut is clean, the tool is unpretentious in maintenance.

Russian consumers are satisfied with good power, ergonomics, easy start, and the presence of a bag in the kit. By cons, they include an inconvenient neck for pouring gasoline.

Huter BS-45M

Rating: 4.6

The aggressive design of the Huter BS-45M chainsaw stands out from the competition. The model is equipped with a powerful 45 cc engine. cm. The manufacturer equipped the equipment with a 40 cm long tire, which allows you to work not only with branches and branches, but also with timber and boards. Experts note a capacious gas tank (0,55 l), at one gas station it is possible to cut a garden or building materials for a long time. Comfortable handles and vibration dampening system are responsible for minimal hand fatigue of the operator. Safety during operation is ensured by an instantaneous chain brake. Automatic chain lubrication simplifies tool maintenance. The model stops a step away from the prize three.

The owners speak flatteringly about the affordable price, good build quality, and maintainability. Of the minuses, a large weight (7 kg) is noted.

CHAMPION 237-16

Rating: 4.5

The CHAMPION 237-16 chainsaw will be an excellent tool for gardening or chopping firewood. Experts appreciated such qualities of the model as light weight (4,7 kg), compact size and easy launch. 37,2 cc engine cm starts easily even in cold weather and works stably at different speeds. Low noise level (110 dB) and balance can be added to the asset of the technique. The chainsaw looks attractive in terms of cost.

Domestic users rate the build quality as good. Not everyone is satisfied with the durability of the chain and candles. But praise deserves ease of use, lightness, low vibration and noise. Given the affordable price, the model becomes an excellent option for solving everyday problems.

CALIBER BP-2600/18U

Rating: 4.4

At the most affordable price, the caliber BP-2600/18U chainsaw is sold on the Russian market. The experts included the model in our review for its high power (2600 W). Thanks to a strong motor, a 45 cm long tire can be installed. At the same time, economical fuel consumption and high-quality assembly of the tool are noted. There is a primer for pumping gasoline into a dry carburetor. The engine starts well thanks to electronic ignition. The presence of a toothed stop facilitates the felling of trees. The front guard reliably protects the operator from injury in the event of a chain jam. The model closes the TOP-6 of our review.

Russian consumers like high power, a wide range of applications, low gas mileage, and high-quality assembly. The disadvantages are noise and vibration.

The best chainsaws in the middle price segment

Chainsaws from the middle price segment can be found both among outdoor enthusiasts and professional builders and public utilities. The tool combines good power and ease of use. Experts appreciated the capabilities of the following saws.

STIHL MS 230

Rating: 4.9

The German chainsaw STIHL MS 1900 has the optimal combination of power (230 W), economy and ease of use. The model is equipped with a 40 cm long bar and a 50-link chain. Experts note a high level of safety, the equipment is provided with an instant chain brake and an anti-vibration system. For pumping fuel into the carburetor has a primer. An easy start of the engine should be added to the asset of the tool, the engine starts without problems after a long period of inactivity. One of the reasons experts consider the presence of heating of the incoming air, which also allows you to work at sub-zero temperatures. The chainsaw leads the review in the middle price segment.

Users praise the tool for its high-quality assembly, economical fuel consumption, and effective vibration damping.

Husqvarna 140

Rating: 4.8

High efficiency, stable operation and durability helped the Swedish saw Husqvarna 140 win the silver of our review. The tool is equipped with a powerful (1600 W) motor, which does not cause trouble to the owners during operation. The model is equipped with a 40 cm long bar, the chain has a 3/8 inch pitch. Light weight (4,4 kg) and good weight distribution make the chainsaw easy to use. The vibration damping system also works effectively, minimizing operator fatigue. The asset of the product should include high-quality plastic and accurate manufacturing of all parts and assemblies.

Owners admire the tool’s response to harsh throttle, low noise, and lack of vibration. A small drawback is cold start from 3-4 times.

Oil-Mac 937-16

Rating: 4.7

The Italian Oleo-Mac 937-16 chainsaw is adaptable to severe frosts. It is suitable for pruning the garden, harvesting firewood, felling trees. Experts pay attention to the electronically controlled magneto, which reduces the effort when starting the motor. Operator comfort is ensured by anti-vibration system, low noise level, good weight distribution. The maximum length of the tire is 41 cm. The advantages of the model include low weight (4,1 kg) and compact dimensions. Thanks to the automatic aluminum oil pump, no lubricant is consumed at idle.

Owners of Italian chainsaws praise the tool for its lightness, compactness, affordable price, and easy start. Of the minuses, the inconvenient location of the chain tensioner is mentioned.

ECHO CS-350WES-14

Rating: 4.6

The ECHO CS-350WES-14 chainsaw finds wide application in various spheres of human life. Experts consider lightness (3,58 kg) and low noise level (110 dB) to be the strength of the instrument. The model is equipped with a short tire (35 cm), which is the best option for public utilities, gardeners and summer residents. The manufacturer has equipped its product with an ergonomic body, an ES-start easy start system. Safe working conditions for the operator are provided by an anti-vibration system and a chain brake. Full filling of the tank allows you to continuously work with a saw for 40-50 minutes.

Russian consumers speak flatteringly about the lightness, easy start-up, ease of maintenance, and high-quality assembly. The disadvantages are high oil consumption for chain lubrication.

STIHL MS 180-14

Rating: 4.5

Another chainsaw from a well-known German company was included in our review. The STIHL MS 180-14 is a lightweight (3,9 kg) and compact tool with a 35 cm bar. The machine is powered by a 1500 W motor. The chainsaw is very popular with Russian summer residents, foresters, gardeners, and public utilities workers. Confirmation is a huge number of reviews on thematic forums. Experts explain the increased interest in the model with high-quality assembly, reliability and ease of use.

After analyzing the reviews of Russian users, we can draw a simple conclusion. The chainsaw is an efficient and durable tool. But pouring red branded oil into gasoline is better.

See EA3203S-40

Rating: 4.4

Closes the top six chainsaws in the middle price segment Japanese tool Makita EA3203S-40. The model is inferior to the leaders in terms of power (1350 W), attracting the attention of users with its affordable price and high-quality assembly. The experts liked the keyless chain tension, low noise level (103 dB) and vibration, easy engine start. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a 40 cm tire, a protective cover, and a maintenance key. The equipment can withstand from 1 to 2 hours of continuous operation without overheating. Due to its light weight (4,1 kg) and vibration protection, the operator’s hands do not get tired even during long work.

Domestic consumers speak flatteringly about good packaging, clear instructions, quality materials, and ease of use. Of the minuses, modest power is noted.

The best professional chainsaws

The most powerful and enduring tool are professional chainsaws. They are able to work in difficult conditions day in and day out. Praise from experts deserved several saws.

STIHL MS 880-47

Rating: 4.9

The German chainsaw STIHL MS 880-47 is very popular among professionals. Such a tool is often used for felling trees and harvesting large timber. Experts appreciated the high power of the motor (6400 W), which allows the use of a 120 cm long tire. At the same time, the equipment copes equally well with both soft and hard wood. The anti-vibration system consists of 3 rubber dampers that are installed between the motor and the handle. The manufacturer thought over the design and shape of the tool to the smallest detail. The model wins the review.

Professional loggers like the chainsaw for its high power, long tire, reliability, and effective anti-vibration system. Of the minuses, only the high price can be distinguished.

STIHL MS 661-28

Rating: 4.8

The STIHL MS 661-28 chainsaw can also handle felling trees and harvesting large-sized wood. Although the model is inferior to the review leader in motor power (5400 W) and tire length (71 cm), it wins in lightness (7,4 kg) and ease of use. The experts liked the two-stroke engine, thanks to 2-MIX technology it consumes gasoline more economically (up to 20%) and emits less harmful compounds into the atmosphere (up to 70%). The QuickStop brake ensures instant chain stopping, while the highly efficient AC system reduces vibration to the operator’s hands. Carburetor heating allows the chainsaw to work even in severe frost.

Russian users liked the high power, optimal bar length, the presence of an anti-vibration system and a chain brake. The downside is the high price.

Husqvarna 395XP

Rating: 4.7

The Swedish model Husqvarna 395XP closes the top three of the best professional chainsaws. The powerful motor (4900 W) combined with the 24″ tire allows you to perform the most difficult tasks in the forest or on the construction site. A feature of the tool, according to experts, is an adjustable oil pump. It supplies lubricant to the chain, taking into account the intensity of work. The technique is easy to maintain, quick-release air filter cover provides easy access to the spark plug. The Smart Start system reduces starter cord resistance by approximately 40%. The model is able to work for hours, while the motor does not overheat.

Consumers consider the Swedish chainsaw a reliable professional tool. Of the minuses, there is a large weight (8,1 kg), as well as a decent cost.

STIHL MS 361-18

Rating: 4.6

A dynamic tool for professional use is the STIHL MS 361-18 chainsaw. The model successfully combines power (3400 W) and lightness (5,6 kg), allowing the operator to quickly cut branches, bars or boards. The equipment is equipped with a 45 cm tire, it has a summer and winter mode. Experts note the high strength, effective anti-vibration system. Thanks to the decompression valve and the ElastoStart option, the engine starts easily. Safety during operation is ensured by the QuickStop chain brake. The introduction of 4-channel technology has a positive effect on reducing fuel consumption and increasing torque.

Professionals appreciate the chainsaw for its indestructibility, reliability, power, dynamism. Of the minuses, the complexity of self-service is noted.

See EA7900P-70

Rating: 4.5

A worthy competitor to European chainsaws is the Japanese chainsaw Makita EA7900P-70. It withstands high and continuous loads, allowing you to work in the most difficult conditions. Experts note the low level of vibration, making the operator’s work less tiring. The model is equipped with the EasyStart quick start system, the side chain tensioner is convenient to use. The chainsaw demonstrates high power (4300 W) and low weight (6,3 kg). The tool is equipped with a bar length of 71 cm, an instantaneous chain brake ensures safety during operation.

Russian users note ease of maintenance, the air filter is quickly removed without the use of tools and is easy to clean. Of the minuses, they note noisy work.

Oleo-Mac GS 650-18

Rating: 4.4

The Oleo-Mac GS 6-650 chainsaw closes the TOP-18 of our review. It is equipped with a powerful engine (3500 W), which can work with a 45 cm tire. Thanks to a capacious fuel tank (0,8 l) and economical consumption, professionals can work for several hours without refueling. The installation of a decompressor made it possible to reduce the shock load on the arm during engine start. The model is equipped with an adjustable oil pump, which allows you to save lubricant. Experts consider the weight of the saw to be optimal (6,3 kg) for cutting firewood, since the operator does not have to use force.

Domestic users speak flatteringly about the combination of power and ease of use, the possibility of using a chain from other manufacturers. The only downside is the noisy operation.

Husqvarna 61

Rating: 4.4

Husqvarna 61 chainsaw can handle a wide range of procurement and construction work. The tool is inferior to the review leaders in power (2900 W), but it looks decent in terms of convenience and safety. The experts liked the model for its high-quality assembly, the location of the handle at a sharper angle. This design not only improves grip, but reduces fatigue during prolonged use. Oil is supplied to the chain through the adjusting screw, the operator can control the consumption of lubricant. The manufacturer installed a 3-piece forged crankshaft, which provides the engine with exceptional strength and durability.

Professionals appreciate the Husqvarna 61 chainsaw for its reliability and durability. They are happy with the combination of power and lightness. Of the minuses, an expensive air filter is noted.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.