If you’re in search of a chainsaw, you may not know which model is the right one for you. There’s a whole lot of options available on the market, including gas-powered, corded-electric, and battery-operated chainsaws. You also have to consider the kind of power used, blade length, ease-of-use, and maintenance. In this article, we will give you the seven best garden chainsaws, which are highly recommended.
Even if you are a pro when it comes to chainsaws, a lot of things have improved over the years. So you may need to check out innovations and features. Below are some of the best chainsaws in the industry in terms of features, power, and overall performance.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw | A sturdy all-around saw, the Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw is ideal for demanding cutting jobs where more control and power is necessary for a longer guide bar. This chainsaw utilizes an X-Torq engine for a higher range. The chainsaw’s body is ergonomically designed to allow easy handling. This model features a combined choke and stop control for easier starting and reducing the risk of engine flooding. | ||
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B Chainsaw | The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B is a cordless, electric chainsaw that is ideal for pruning branches and cutting fallen limbs up to 12 inches thick. It features an Oregon low-kickback bar and chain for smooth and swift cuts. The tool-free tensioning system allows quick and easy adjustment for optimal cutting performance. | ||
| Mini Chainsaw, 4-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw | The Mini Chainsaw, 4-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is one of the best garden chainsaws, and here are the reasons why. It’s a battery-powered chain saw, which can give you all the benefits of an electric saw without having to deal with plugs or an extension cable. Electric chainsaws are very-low maintenance compared to gas-powered models, and they run much quieter, which is more convenient and pleasant to use when gardening. | ||
| CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Chainsaw | The CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Chainsaw is a cordless brushless chainsaw that features a high-efficiency brushless motor that is equipped with a 2.5 Ah battery to allow you to power through cutting works. This chainsaw is also auto oiling with tool-free tensioning for minimum maintenance. | ||
| Makita 16” Chainsaws | The Makita 16″ Electric Chain Saw is built for quick cutting, efficient operation, and easy maintenance. This product works without the hassle of gas and has a chain speed of 2,900 FPM for effective cutting and trimming. | ||
| Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw | The Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw is the only corded electric chainsaw on the market with a built-in PowerSharp chain sharpening system. That means this product can shapen itself. It is equipped will all the traditional services of an electric saw, like instant start, minimal maintenance, and low noise when in use. | ||
| WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw | The WORX WG304.1 18-inch Chain Saw is a lightweight and durable power tool that is perfect for quick and easy jobs around your garden or farm, like cutting firewood, trimming trees, clearing brush, and more. In addition, this product is environmentally-friendly and has lesser operating costs compared to gas-powered chain saws. |
Detailed Reviews of the 7 Best Garden Chainsaws
Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw
A sturdy all-around saw, the Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw is ideal for demanding cutting jobs where more control and power is necessary for a longer guide bar. This chainsaw utilizes an X-Torq engine for a higher range. The chainsaw’s body is ergonomically designed to allow easy handling. This model features a combined choke and stop control for easier starting and reducing the risk of engine flooding.
Product Highlights
If you need a monster saw that’s not going to disappoint, look no further than the Husqvarna 450 24-inch. This 60cc model has enough power to cut through even the toughest woods with ease. It’s also made from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance, even when used frequently.
The Good
This model is equipped with an inertia-activated chain brake, stopping the machine automatically if you drop it, which prevents a lot of potential accidents. It also comes with “Smart Start” feature, making it a breeze to start.
The Bad
On the side note, the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw is a bit heavy, which is expected from a monster chainsaw like this one.
PROs
- Smart Start feature
- Powerful equipment
- Made from high-quality material
- Safety features
CONs
- The steel brackets can rust.
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B Chainsaw
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B is a cordless, electric chainsaw that is ideal for pruning branches and cutting fallen limbs up to 12 inches thick. It features an Oregon low-kickback bar and chain for smooth and swift cuts. The tool-free tensioning system allows quick and easy adjustment for optimal cutting performance.
Product Highlights
One selling point for this product is that it’s electric, so it can be very quiet when in use. Since it uses batteries, you have the versatility of a gas chainsaw. However, always have this chainsaw oiled to keep it in top-notch condition.
The Good
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B is a good chainsaw option for a lot of lightweight works without taking much of your time. It’s best for cutting firewood, pruning trees, or maybe cutting down tiny trees. It’s also handy and easy to store.
The Bad
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B is a convenient option for most gardeners. However, it can also have some disadvantages. One of which is expensive batteries. You need to spend extra cash in case you need to replace old batteries. Also, the 12″ blade is only useful for a limited number of cutting works.
Mini Chainsaw, 4-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
The Mini Chainsaw, 4-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is one of the best garden chainsaws, and here are the reasons why. It’s a battery-powered chain saw, which can give you all the benefits of an electric saw without having to deal with plugs or an extension cable. Electric chainsaws are very low-maintenance compared to gas-powered models, and they run much quieter, which is more convenient and pleasant to use when gardening.
Product Highlights
This saw runs on rechargeable lithium battery that are proven tough, durable, and is more than enough to keep you sawing for extended periods. It is also equipped with high-quality pure copper motor that offers some of the best powerful handheld chainsaw you could find.
The Good
This product isn’t an industrial-grade tool, but it’s useful for most residential projects. It also comes with a built-in lock-off lever, which helps prevent the chain from unintentionally engaging. The large oil filling port with view window allows you to add and check the bar oil level easily.
The Bad
One downside for this product is that it has an overeager safety off switch, which turns the device off after just a few seconds. So if you set it down to adjust the wood you’re cutting, you’ll need to turn it back on again.
PROs
- Battery-operated
- Runs quiet
- Low maintenance
CONs
- Oversensitive safety features
CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Chainsaw
The CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Chainsaw is a cordless brushless chainsaw that features a high-efficiency brushless motor that is equipped with a 2.5 Ah battery to allow you to power through cutting works. This chainsaw is also auto oiling with tool-free tensioning for minimum maintenance.
Product Highlights
This 60V battery-powered chainsaw from CRAFTSMAN features an efficient motor for improved battery life and extended lifespan. It features an auto oiling mechanism and tool-free tensioning adjustment for ease of use. It also offers a four-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that it a product that can last a long time.
The Good
If you’re looking for a powerful yet convenient chainsaw, then give this product a try. It’s ideal for all garden works and the best part is, it’s low maintenance. You won’t need to do a lot of precautions and safety mechanisms to keep it in top shape.
The Bad
One major oversight for this chainsaw is its immense weight. Compared to other products on this list, this thing is very heavy. Also, most chainsaws utilize metal spike to prevent kicking back. Unfortunately, this model used plastic spikes that are not as sturdy as the metal ones.
PROs
- Brushless motor
- Auto oiling and tool-free adjustment
CONs
- Very heavy
- Utilized plastic spikes instead of metal ones
Makita 16” Chainsaws
The Makita 16″ Electric Chain Saw is built for quick cutting, efficient operation, and easy maintenance. This product works without the hassle of gas and has a chain speed of 2,900 FPM for effective cutting and trimming.
Product Highlights
The motor is equipped with a current limiter, which is meant to protect it from burnout by reducing power when overloaded. It also utilizes an electric chain brake for maximum productivity. Additional features include an automatic chain oiler for heavy cutting works and a large oil reservoir with a view window that allows you to check the oil levels clearly.
The Good
With a chain speed of 2,900 FPM, this Makita electric chain saw is one of the best garden chainsaws capable of cutting most medium-sized timber. Since it plugs in, you won’t need to worry about running out of gas or having batteries die. An added current limiter increases the saw’s lifespan. Blade and chain adjustments are also tool-free for convenience.
The Bad
Although this product has many advantages, it is also not without any downsides. The chain tends to dulls quickly and also comes off the bar, which is frustrating when you’re running out of time. It’s also quite expensive, considering what you get.
PROs
- Limiter protects motor
- Automatic chain oiler
CONs
- Chain dulls quickly
- Chain comes off
- Expensive
Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw
The Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw is the only corded electric chainsaw on the market with a built-in PowerSharp chain sharpening system. That means this product can shapen itself. It is equipped will all the traditional services of an electric saw, like instant start, minimal maintenance, and low noise when in use.
Product Highlights
One of the best features of the Oregon chainsaw is the self-sharpening blade. When you engage the PowerSharp mechanism, your chain will be nice and sharp. A tool-less chain tensioning system makes it pretty simple to make adjustments quickly. Since it’s electric, you’ll never have to worry about gas or battery. And for an electric chainsaw, the Oregon chainsaw is pretty powerful.
The Good
Made by the world’s leading saw chain brand, this chainsaw is one of the best garden chainsaws in the market today. It sports an 18-inch chain that you can sharpen in 3 seconds with the pull of a lever. The automatic oiler feature distributes oil on the bar and chain, keeping your chainsaw lubricated to prevent premature wear.
The Bad
For the Oregon Chainsaw, the bar tends to come loose whenever in use. Also, the screws do not tend to secure it tightly in place, allowing the bar to exhibit some vertical movements.
PROs
- Self-sharpening blade
- Tool-less chain tensioning system
CONs
- Chain constantly comes off
- Screws loose easily
- Bar exhibits vertical movement.
WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw
The WORX WG304.1 18-inch Chain Saw is a lightweight and durable power tool that is perfect for quick and easy jobs around your garden or farm, like cutting firewood, trimming trees, clearing brush, and more. In addition, this product is environmentally-friendly and has lesser operating costs compared to gas-powered chain saws.
Product Highlights
The WORX WG304.1 provides a great value for your money. It is a corded electric chainsaw, so you’ll never have to recharge batteries or worry about running out of charge while doing your cutting jobs. It comes pre-assembled, so you do save a lot of your time. Also, it does require regular oiling.
The Good
This model also comes with an automatically-tensioning chain system, to take out some of the guesswork of your day, and has excellent safety features to help prevent accidents. Overall, if you want a chainsaw that gets the job done, only needs occasional oiling, and have access to an electric outlet, you’ll get outstanding value out of this chainsaw.
The Bad
The WORX WG304.1 18-inch Chain Saw is not as low-maintenance as other corded saws available. This model needs to be regularly oiled to prevent wear. Also, since it’s corded, you’ll always need access to an extension cord in order to use it efficiently.
PROs
- Electric
- Auto-tension chain system
- Pre-assembled
- Good safety features
CONs
- Corded
- Needs regular oiling
Conclusion
In this article, we put together a lot of general information about chainsaws to help you think through the pros and cons of different models. Keep in mind that it’s not about getting the most expensive or cheapest model. It’s always about getting the most value and getting the chainsaw that will do the work for you.
Hopefully, our reviews on the seven best garden chainsaws helped you understand some of the different chainsaw models that are available out there. It’s not always easy to find the right one for you, but hopefully, you should now be able to purchase with confidence. Know more about garden tools.