When it comes to cutting trees, whether for clearing land, pruning, or tackling storm damage, having the right chainsaw can make a world of difference.
But with so many options on the market, finding the best chainsaw for cutting trees can be overwhelming.
In this review, we’ve tested and evaluated the top chainsaws available on Amazon, considering factors like cutting power, ease of use, durability, and safety features to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chainsaw for Cutting Trees
Before diving into our top product recommendations, it’s essential to understand what to look for in a chainsaw.
Here are the key factors that can affect your decision:
1. Power Source
Chainsaws are available in three main power sources: gas, electric (corded), and battery-powered.
Gas chainsaws provide the most power and are ideal for larger jobs, but they can be heavy and noisy.
Battery-powered chainsaws offer portability and convenience, but they may have limited runtime for extended cutting.
Electric chainsaws are quieter and lightweight but can be less powerful than their gas counterparts.
2. Bar Length
The bar length refers to the length of the chain that runs along the guide bar.
For cutting large trees, a bar length of 18 inches or more is ideal, while smaller tasks may require a 12-14 inch bar.
The longer the bar, the deeper and more efficiently you can cut through thicker tree trunks.
3. Weight and Maneuverability
A heavy chainsaw can be difficult to control, especially when cutting through thick wood.
A lighter model will provide more maneuverability and less strain on your arms, but it might not have the same power.
Balance and ergonomics are crucial for comfort, particularly during extended use.
4. Safety Features
Chainsaw safety features like anti-vibration handles, chain brake systems, and safety guards help minimize the risk of injury.
Look for models that come with a reliable safety mechanism to prevent accidents.
Pros and Cons of Chainsaws for Cutting Trees
Pros:
- Efficient Cutting: Chainsaws are designed to cut through thick tree trunks and branches much faster than manual saws, saving you time and effort.
- Variety of Power Sources: Whether you prefer the power of gas, the eco-friendly nature of electric, or the portability of battery models, there’s a chainsaw for every need.
- Safety Features: Many chainsaws come with advanced safety features like anti-vibration handles and chain brakes to reduce the risk of accidents.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Gas chainsaws require regular maintenance, including mixing fuel and oil, cleaning, and sharpening the chain.
- Noise and Vibration: Gas-powered chainsaws can be loud and vibrate heavily, which can be uncomfortable during long periods of use.
- Weight: Some models, especially gas chainsaws, can be heavy, making them less suitable for extended tasks or users with less strength.
Top 6 Chainsaws for Cutting Trees
We’ve tested several chainsaws to determine which ones stand out for their performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Here’s a detailed review of the best chainsaws for cutting trees available on Amazon.
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher gas chainsaw 20 inch combines exceptional ergonomic features for easier handling and mobility with the superior power of a gas chainsaw—recommended for use with bar lengths between 13 inches (min) and 24 inches (max)
- Effortless Start-Up: Smart Start allows this Husqvarna chainsaw to quickly and easily start up with minimal effort, while the inertia-activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback
- Powerful and Efficient Engine: Gas powered chainsaw delivers superior performance with a powerful and efficient 56-cc, 3.5-HP X-Torq engine that reduces emissions (up to 60%) and increases fuel efficiency (up to 20%)
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a popular gas-powered chainsaw designed for cutting large trees and heavy-duty tasks.
With a 20-inch bar and a powerful 55.5cc engine, this chainsaw excels in both cutting speed and durability.
Husqvarna is renowned for its high-quality outdoor equipment, and the 455 Rancher lives up to the brand’s reputation.
The 455 Rancher is equipped with a powerful X-Torq engine that reduces fuel consumption and emissions, making it more environmentally friendly without sacrificing performance.
Whether you’re felling large trees or cutting firewood, the 455 Rancher gets the job done with ease.
KEY FEATURES
- Powerful X-Torq engine: The 55.5cc engine delivers superior performance
- Ergonomic design: You can use it for long hours without fatigue.
- Bar length: 20 inch bar with LowVib technology uses dampeners to reduce vibrations for easier handling
Pros
- Easy to start with the Smart Start feature
- Powerful 55.5cc engine for heavy-duty cutting
- Durable and reliable brand
Cons
- On the heavier side (around 13 pounds)
- Requires regular maintenance and gas/oil mixing
2. Echo CS-590 Chainsaw
- Sold on Amazon
The Echo CS-590 is a well-rounded gas-powered chainsaw with a 18-inch bar and a 40.2cc engine, making it a versatile option for medium to large tree cutting tasks.
It’s perfect for homeowners or small contractors who need a chainsaw with both power and maneuverability.
The Echo CS-590’s engine delivers consistent power, and the chainsaw cuts through wood with impressive ease.
It’s also equipped with a built-in purge bulb that allows for easier starting, especially in colder weather.
The anti-vibration handle and ergonomic design help reduce strain during long hours of use.
KEY FEATURES
- Engine Capacity: The 55.5cc engine delivers superior performance
- Anti-vibration handle: useful for long hours and heavy duty works, without causing trouble.
- Bar length: 18 inch bar with with a built-in purge bulb that allows for easier starting
Pros
- Good for both medium and heavy-duty tasks
- Easy to maintain and repair
- Affordable price for the performance
Cons
- Can be loud and vibrate at high RPMs
- Slightly heavier than some other models in its class
3. Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw
- Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw
- Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3, 940 FPM) For improved cutting performance
- “Tool-less” chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance. Chain pitch: 3/8 inch
If you’re looking for a battery-powered chainsaw, the Makita XCU03PT1 is one of the top choices on the market.
It comes with two 18V LXT batteries and a 14-inch bar, offering excellent cutting power for homeowners and landscapers who prefer a quiet, lightweight option.
Makita’s brushless motor technology provides the XCU03PT1 with extended runtime, more power, and less maintenance.
The chainsaw can cut through medium-sized trees and branches with ease.
Its lightweight design makes it a great choice for users who want portability and ease of use.
KEY FEATURES
- Battery Capacity: The two 18V LXT batteries delivers superior performance
- Anti-vibration handle: Useful for long hours and heavy duty works, without fatigue.
- Bar length: The 14 inch bar can help in causing medium sized tasks, cut smoothly
Pros
- Low noise and zero emissions
- Cordless and easy to maneuver
- Fast chain speed for smooth cutting
Cons
- Not ideal for cutting large, thick trees
- Limited runtime with smaller battery capacity
4. Greenworks PRO 80V Chainsaw
- 18” CHAIN AND BAR : Perfect for professional users
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY : 2X more torque. Provides more power, longer runtime, quiet operation, and extended motor life
- AUTOMATIC OILER : Delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity
The Greenworks PRO 80V chainsaw is a top contender in the battery-powered category, offering a 16-inch bar and an 80V lithium-ion battery.
This chainsaw offers a blend of power, efficiency, and convenience, making it ideal for residential tree cutting tasks.
With the high-voltage 80V battery, the Greenworks chainsaw delivers plenty of power and fast cutting speeds.
It’s incredibly lightweight, which reduces fatigue, and the automatic oiler ensures that the chain stays lubricated during use.
The long-lasting battery allows for more extended periods of operation.
KEY FEATURES
- Battery Capacity: The 80V Lithium ion battery offers great cutting speed with good battery usage
- Rapid charger included: The battery is useful for long heavy duty hours and charges quickly
- Bar length: The 16 inch bar offers high power with good speed.
Pros
- Great power-to-weight ratio
- Extremely quiet and eco-friendly
- Long battery life and fast recharge times
Cons
- A bit expensive
- May not handle larger trees as effectively as gas-powered
5. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
- Cordless chainsaw comes with low kick back 12-inch bar and chain for construction and outdoor cutting applications
- Compact, lightweight design (just 9 lbs. with battery) of the battery chainsaw for maximum user control
- High-efficiency brushless motor of the battery powered chainsaw maximizes runtime and motor life
DEWALT’s 20V MAX XR chainsaw is a compact, lightweight option designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
It features a 12-inch bar and comes equipped with a powerful 20V MAX XR battery, providing excellent value for those who need a reliable, lightweight chainsaw.
This chainsaw is perfect for smaller trees, trimming, and firewood cutting.
It’s easy to use, with a tool-free chain tensioning system and automatic oiling.
While it’s not suitable for large, heavy-duty tasks, the DEWALT chainsaw excels in lighter applications.
KEY FEATURES
- Battery Capacity: The powerful 20V MAX battery offers great cutting speed with good battery usage
- Tool-free chain tensioning system: The easiness in working of the chainsaw is caused due to the tool free tensioning system
- Bar length: It offers 12-inch bar that excels in efficient cutting results.
Pros
- Low vibration for comfort during extended use
- Excellent for pruning and trimming
- Ideal for light-duty tasks
Cons
- Limited bar length (12 inches)
- Not suitable for cutting large trees
6. WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw
- [A BIGGER SAW] With an 18” bar you can fell larger trees, and with a powerful motor you can get more done, faster
- [A TIGHTER CHAIN] The clever auto-tension system won’t let you over-tighten, which increases the life of the bar and the chain
- [A SMOOTHER CHAIN] The auto-lubrication system keeps the chain well-oiled and running efficiently around the bar, for better cuts with less wasted energy
The WORX WG304.1 is an electric chainsaw with a 15-amp motor and a 18-inch bar.
It’s designed for homeowners who want a reliable and powerful chainsaw for tree cutting tasks around the yard without the hassle of gas or batteries.
The WORX WG304.1 offers consistent power with its 15-amp motor, and the 18-inch bar is well-suited for medium-sized trees and branches.
It’s easy to start and maintain, with a tool-free chain adjustment system and automatic oil lubrication.
KEY FEATURES
- Battery Capacity: The powerful 15-amp motor offers smooth results without much problems.
- Easy to start and maintain: This powerful chainsaw is easy enough to maintain in less costs.
- Bar length: 18 inch bar length provides reliable performance for all kind of tasks.
Pros
- Quiet operation compared to gas-powered models
- Requires no gas or oil mixing
- Affordable and easy to use
Cons
- Limited mobility due to the corded design
- Not ideal for larger, more demanding jobs
What Customers Are Saying: Real Reviews
Here’s a summary of real customer reviews for some of the chainsaws we’ve reviewed:
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher: “This chainsaw is a beast! It cuts through trees like butter, but it’s a bit heavy. However, the power makes up for it.”
- Echo CS-590: “Great for medium-duty tasks. Easy to start and very reliable. I’ve had mine for a year and it still performs as well as day one.”
- Makita XCU03PT1: “Perfect for small tree trimming and pruning. Lightweight and powerful for its size, but the battery life could be longer.”
- Greenworks PRO 80V: “Quiet and eco-friendly, and I love how easy it is to maneuver. However, I wish it had a longer runtime for bigger jobs.”
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR: “Fantastic for smaller jobs. I use it for trimming around the yard, and it’s so easy to handle!”
- WORX WG304.1: “Great value for money. It’s not as powerful as some other models, but it works well for my smaller yard tasks.”
Conclusion
Choosing the best chainsaw for cutting trees depends on your specific needs.
For heavy-duty tasks, gas-powered models like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher and Echo CS-590 offer excellent power and durability.
For those who want a quieter, eco-friendly option, battery-powered chainsaws like the Makita XCU03PT1 and Greenworks PRO 80V are fantastic choices.
If you’re tackling light-duty tasks, DEWALT 20V MAX XR and WORX WG304.1 provide great convenience without the hassle of gas or cords.
Take into account the tree size, the frequency of use, and your preference for maintenance when selecting the right chainsaw.
Regardless of which one you choose, investing in a high-quality chainsaw will make your tree cutting tasks much more manageable. Happy cutting!
FAQs
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher and Echo CS-400 are excellent choices for cutting large trees. They offer powerful engines and long bar lengths that can handle thick trunks with ease. Gas-powered chainsaws like these are ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Yes, battery-powered chainsaws like the Makita XCU03PT1 and Greenworks PRO 80V are great for light to medium tree cutting tasks. They are quieter, eco-friendly, and easy to use but may not have the runtime or power needed for large trees.
Small Trees: A bar length of 12-14 inches is sufficient.
Medium Trees: A bar length of 16-18 inches is ideal.
Large Trees: A bar length of 20 inches or more is recommended for thicker trunks.
Yes, chainsaws like the DEWALT 20V MAX XR or Makita XCU03PT1 with smaller bar lengths (12-14 inches) are perfect for pruning and trimming branches. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver for precision tasks.
The right weight depends on your physical strength and the duration of use. Lighter models are better for extended tasks or beginners, while heavier models with more power are suitable for experienced users working on larger projects.
