It’s not easy to make a choice when it comes to buying a chainsaw. Whether you want to cut wood, trim the trees or do some home maintenance, we got you covered with our choices of best chainsaws on the market based on their performance:
1. Stihl MS 250
The Stihl MS 250 has great power-to-weight ratio with a 45.4 cc engine, easy access air filter cover and a chain stopping system designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. The Winter/Summer Shutter allows the carburetor to operate at optimum temperature year-round and helps to prevent carburetor icing when working below 50°F (10°C). It’s priced at 400 dollars.
This chainsaw is built for tough tasks which its performance showed.
- Cutting performance
Stihl showed to be by far the fastest and strongest when cutting through wood. It stopped at 37 pounds when cutting through wood and it was the fastest being able to cut through soft wood in just 9.73 seconds. When cutting through hedge apple tree (hard wood), it cut through in 16.9 seconds, also ending the fastest on the list. - Ease to use
Even though it needs peak force of 47lbs to start, it compensates for it with its incredible speed.
Recommendation
This chainsaw pays off in every way, whether you need it for cutting soft woods or hard ones. With great power, longevity and speed, it gives unmatched performance.
2. Salem Master Gas 5820H 58CC 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw
Second on the list with 2.1 Kilowatts of horsepower is Salem Master chainsaw. Automatic oil supply system delivers a steady supply of bar and chain oil for safe and effective use and the engine speed can be up to 8500 rpm.
- Cutting performance
When it came to soft wood cutting, it was second fastest after the Stihl, cutting through soft wood in 12.82 seconds and cutting through hard wood hedge apple tree in 16.38 seconds coming after Stihl again. Even though it didn’t outperform Stihl, it showed enviable results when compared to it. - Ease to use
This chainsaw is built for lighter, short – term projects, compared to Stihl that can do both havy – duty and lighter.
Recommendation
Based on said, we conclude that this chainsaw can give admirable performance at a reasonable price especially for users that need it for home maintenance more so than for the harder projects.
3. Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw
Weighing at 11.7 pounds, Husqvarna has horsepower of 2.4 hp, it brings a slimmer saw body and it has an effortless start – up. It’s equipped with a centrifugal air cleaning system that expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter. Based on tests, it gives quality performance and it’s affordable.
- Cutting performance
This chainsaw used narrow kerf semi – chisel chain, efficient for cutting through harder materials, and it cut through hard wood in 24.25 seconds. - Ease to use
It’s easier to handle than heavier saws for longer periods, but it needs a 36.3 lbs to start which is higher than average.
Recommendation
Even though it needs more lbs to start, it’s still manageable and it gives great balance between power and afforadability providing one of the more quality performances on the market.
4. Echo (Gas and Battery Powered) Chainsaws
The Echo Gas chainsaw weighs 10.1 pounds and it has horsepower of 5.3 hp while battery one has horsepower of 550 watts. Both have Pro Fire ignition systems that ensure fast starts. The two performed similarly on the tests.
- Cutting performance
The Eco Gas chainsaw’s fastest cut was 27.3 seconds through hard wood, while the battery one was a second late, cutting through in 28.9 seconds. It’s slower than the other 3 named on the list, but still reliable. - Ease to use
Due to their Pro Fire ignition systems, these chainsaws are easier to start and the battery Echo is quieter and more environmentally friendly.
Recommendation
As said, these chainsaws are quieter and more environmentally friendly so for those that prefer such options along with solid performance, these are a great choice.
5. Ryobi 2 Cycle 18’’ chainsaw
This chainsaw has a powerful 38cc engine and the
servicing is made easy by the tool-less air filter cover. It also has an anti-vibe handle to provide added stability and comfort while in use which is perfect for more casual use of it.
- Cutting performance
Ryobi cut through soft wood in 21.65 seconds while it cut through hard wood in 35.15 seconds. It was the slowest on the list but due to it being lightweight it maintained the speed. - Ease to use
Just like Huqsvarna, it was harder to start, requiring 37.5 lbs of force.
Recommendation
Ryobi is a smart, affordable choice and being lightweight, it’s great for those who need to work for longer periods without fatigue. Not the fastest on the list but it’s perfect for smaller jobs.
Conclusion
Overall the best choice would be Stihl MS250 due to its strength, speed and performance while Salem Master comes as a close second. Giving quality performance while remaining affordable, it’s Husqvarna. The most affordable on the list are Echo and Ryobi, perfect for doing smaller jobs. Choose based on what you need would be the best advice in this case!