Buying guide for Best gas chainsaws

You can weigh the balance of carbon footprint against functionality, but if you need raw power, there is currently no better alternative than a gas chainsaw. A gas chainsaw provides complete mobility – you don't need to worry about an electric cord – and it can handle the tough jobs that other chainsaws can't even dream of tackling.

When choosing the gas-powered chainsaw that's right for you, your first consideration is bar length. The average homeowner will need a 16-inch bar, but you can get a larger or a smaller chainsaw if needed. You want an easy-start model that isn't too heavy and has an automatic chain oiler. Tool-free adjustment is desired, but a chain brake is essential for safety reasons.

You can find our favorite gas chainsaws listed. If you are ready to buy, any one of them would be a good option. If, however, you'd like to receive a richer education on these heavy-duty power tools, keep on reading.

Always store your chainsaw out of reach of children. Blades will damage small fingers even when the motor isn't running.

Why choose a gas chainsaw?

In the past, gas chainsaws had a reputation for being noisy, dirty, difficult to start, and kind of scary unless you happened to have lots of experience with them.

But the advent of powerful electric chainsaws has forced manufacturers of gas chainsaws to make their tools a whole lot more user-friendly. And let's be honest, how long does mixing gas and oil really take? A couple of minutes? Once done, a gas-powered chainsaw will run and run. There is no cord to worry about and no stopping halfway through a job because the battery has drained.

As good as electric chainsaws might be, they still don't offer the performance power that gas chainsaws do. A professional wouldn’t be without one. Even for occasional users, a gas chainsaw offers reliability and an established technology that many prefer.

How do you choose the best gas chainsaw for your needs? A 60cc chainsaw with a two-foot blade might be an awesome beast that will fell enormous trees, but it's certainly not the right tool for everyone. Below, we’ll examine each of the key elements to consider when shopping for a gas chainsaw: motor, bar, and operation.

We assess how heavy each chainsaw is and how comfortable it is to hold. The more powerful the engine, the heavier it will be.

Most chainsaw motors have two-cycle motors, also known as two-stroke motors. In our research, we investigate how much power each chainsaw wields. The average motor power sits between 30cc and 75cc.

We appreciate the inclusion of a tool-free adjuster with a gas chainsaw, as this allows the user to adjust the blade quickly.

When researching gas chainsaws, we find out whether a chain brake is included. This is a helpful safety feature because it prevents the chain from rotating when the engine is running.

We consider how easy a gas chainsaw is to start by scrutinizing its ignition method. Common methods include electronic ignition, automatic choke, air purge, and simple push buttons.

We measure each chainsaw’s bar length, as this determines its cutting capacity. Bar lengths range from 12 to 20 inches.

Some gas chainsaws come with anti-vibration systems. When this is offered, we note it in our research because it can help temper user fatigue.

Bonus points go to quality chainsaws with automatic chain oilers. An automatic chain oiler ensures that the chain is always lubricated, which can yield a better cut and overall performance.

In certain states, gas chainsaws with motors must be CARB-compliant. Therefore, when shortlisting chainsaws, we note whether each chainsaw is CARB-compliant.

Many of our favorite chainsaws come with a blade cover or carrying case to enhance safety. Bonus points go to those that include this feature.

Gas chainsaw motors

Most chainsaw motors are two-cycle (also called two-stroke) motors. Instead of having engine oil in a sump (which would add weight and make it cumbersome to carry around), you mix a small amount of two-cycle oil with gas. Common rations are 40:1 and 50:1, but you should always check your chainsaw operating manual to be sure.

Motor power

In terms of power, gas chainsaw motors cover a fairly small range. You'd be unlikely to find one under 30cc or over 75cc. Machines using a 30cc to 40cc engine would usually be considered consumer-grade chainsaws – the kind you would use for general pruning, yard maintenance, and storm clearance. A motor like this usually produces around 1.5 to 2 horsepower.

If you step up to the 40cc to 60cc range, you’ll find gas chainsaws that are often referred to as “ranch” or “farm” chainsaws. Producing somewhere between two and four horsepower, these tools can handle a heavier workload. The majority of homeowners, even those with substantial properties, would never need anything more powerful than this.

Chainsaws with motors above 60cc can produce anywhere from four to eight horsepower. These are specialist tools for serious professionals. In fact, they're often so big that they're only used for tree felling.

Gas chainsaw bars

On a chainsaw, the blade that the cutting chain runs around is called a bar. Different bar lengths offer different cutting capacities. Therefore, a chainsaw’s bar length gives an indication of intended use. However, it's not a direct translation.

Using the right technique, a chainsaw with a 12-inch bar is theoretically capable of cutting down a tree nearly two feet across. But in practice, that's not likely; the motor on a 12-inch gas chainsaw just isn't going to provide enough power for that.

The following is a better guide to general chainsaw performance.

• A 12-inch to 14-inch bar will generally be matched to an engine in the 30cc to 40cc range. You end up with a tool that's relatively light and easy to manage – a tool that’s perfect for clearing overgrown areas, pruning, lopping, and cutting logs. It's capable of felling a modestly sized tree on occasion, but it's not the machine for doing that regularly.

• A 16-inch to 20-inch bar may be be paired with a 40cc to 60cc motor, though the latter is unusual. While it's easy to think of this kind of chainsaw as “medium” or “average,” there's no way that should be interpreted as a derogatory description. These are powerful, flexible tools that can do pretty much everything a small chainsaw can do, but they have the capacity to work hard all day if needed.

• Chainsaw bars of 20 inches and longer are found on professional-grade models – big tools for heavy-duty logging over extended periods of time. These gas-powered giants demand a considerable price and a high level of skill to get the most out of them. For most people, a bar of 20 inches or greater would simply be overkill.

There are always chainsaws that overlap these parameters. In those cases, we would want to look carefully at why a particular motor/bar combination had been chosen.

Gas chainsaw operation

The key to the right combination of motor size and bar length is balance. The gas chainsaw guide above gives a good indication of what works well together. How easy a chainsaw is to use should also figure prominently in your buying decision.

Weight and user comfort

A gas chainsaw’s heaviest component is its engine. More power, therefore, means more weight. If you’re fairly fit, a heavier chainsaw shouldn’t be a problem. But most people are concerned about user comfort and minimizing fatigue, and rightly so. There's no point buying a heavy chainsaw if you don't need one.

Starting

Starting has long been considered something that was difficult with gas chainsaws. However, good modern gas chainsaws are much easier to start thanks to electronic ignition, automatic chokes, air purges, and other start-friendly features.

The key is to follow the starting procedure as explained in the manufacturer's manual. Many times when people complain of troubles, it's because they've tried to start a chainsaw using a method they used years ago – and their new machine is different.

If you read your manual and follow the instructions carefully, starting a gas chainsaw shouldn’t present any problems.

Other chainsaw features to consider

• Automatic chain oiler: If your chain isn't lubricated properly, it will overheat and stretch, leading to poor cutting performance and shortened life. An automatic chain oiler is a definite bonus.

• Tool-free adjuster: The easier it is to adjust your blade, the better. Many chainsaws have a tool-free adjuster that is fast and simple.

• Chain brake: A chain brake is an excellent safety feature that is usually incorporated into a guard for the front handle. Push it forward, and it prevents the chain from rotating when the engine is running. Pull it back, and the chainsaw works normally.

• Blade cover: All gas chainsaws should come with a blade cover. A carrying case is a bonus.

• CARB-compliant motor: In certain states, it's illegal to use a gas chainsaw with a motor that isn't CARB-compliant. Check local regulations before buying.

Chainsaw maintenance

As previously mentioned, it’s important to become familiar with your gas chainsaw user’s manual.

In general, however, you should do the following to ensure proper chainsaw maintenance:

• Check the blade tension and adjust it regularly.

• Check the chain oil level regularly. If you have an auto-oiler, make sure that it’s working properly.

• Before you turn on the saw, perform a quick check to make sure nothing is loose or damaged.

• If you’re storing you chainsaw, drain the carburetor and empty the fuel tank first. Remove the blade and bar, give them a light coating of oil to protect them, and keep the tool in a dry, dust-free place.

How much does a good gas chainsaw cost?

There are some very cheap gas chainsaws available, but we advise caution. A low-quality chainsaw may not stand up to the rigors required of it, and component failure could have serious consequences.

$200 to $250

Many good-quality gas chainsaws with a motor of 30cc to 50cc and a bar of 12 to 20 inches fall in this price range.

$450 to $950

Professional-level gas chainsaws can be found in this price bracket. As you can see, they jump substantially in price.

Tips for using a gas chainsaw safely

While chainsaws are not the scary tool they're often made out to be, there's obviously an inherent danger in something with the power to rip through trees and branches. Sensible precautions will help keep you safe.

• Wear work gloves, ear protection, a face shield, and sturdy footwear at all times when you operate a chainsaw.

• Make sure your body is properly balanced and your footing is firm. Always work in front of you; never twist to the side as you work with your chainsaw.

• Never over-reach with your chainsaw, and never cut above shoulder height.

• Make sure you understand how to turn the chainsaw off quickly.

• Make sure the chain is properly adjusted. Replace it if it is worn.

• Start the chainsaw on the ground. On most gas chainsaws, the rear handle is designed so you can put your foot in there to keep it steady.

• Never operate a chainsaw when you’re tired or unwell.

• Luke advises that you need a chainsaw at least 16 inches long to fell trees. An 18-inch saw is most appropriate for larger trees and firewood.

• If you've never used a chainsaw before, start on small branches and work your way up. Get comfortable with the machine.

• Kickback is the most common problem when sawing. Avoid cutting with the tip of the bar. Never undercut.

• Never make adjustments to your chainsaw while the engine is running.

• Keep your work area free of children and pets.

• Beware of fuel spills that could start a fire.

• Often, poor chainsaw performance is a result of a badly adjusted or blunt blade. Check your blade regularly and sharpen it as needed.

• If your chainsaw is smoking or choking, check that the air-intake slots are not blocked by sawdust or debris.

• Don't be cheap with replacement chainsaw blades. A high-quality replacement can be like having a whole new chainsaw.

• If the majority of what you do is woodland management that rarely requires tree-felling, consider a small, top-handled gas chainsaw. These tools have plenty of power but are remarkably compact.

It's natural to want your chainsaw blade to last as long as possible, but if you've used up all the adjustment, it's time to replace it. A loose chain is dangerous.

FAQ

Q. How will I know when to sharpen my gas chainsaw blade?

A. The manufacturer will probably suggest a time frame, in working hours, by which you should sharpen the blade. But if you don't use your saw often, it's tough to keep track of the number of hours worked. Don't worry; you'll know anyway. When your chain fails to cut efficiently, it tends to stall or jam. You'll get fine dust or sludge instead of the sawdust you're used to. In extreme cases, the saw will burn the wood where it's rubbing instead of cutting.

Q. How do I sharpen my chainsaw blade?

A. You can sharpen your chainsaw blade with a round file specifically designed for the purpose. It may take a bit of practice to get the angle right. Round files cost very little; for a bit more money, you could buy a jig that holds the blade and file at the proper angle.

Easier still is a mechanical sharpener. Several models are available. Alternatively, you could find a local garden center or hardware store that offers a sharpening service. For a few dollars, they'll do it for you.

Q. Can I buy a replacement chain from a brand other than the manufacturer of my chainsaw?

A. You can, but we advise against doing so if you’re just trying to save some money. You should always buy high-quality chain replacements from reputable makers. They stay sharp longer, last longer, and may even improve the performance of your chainsaw.