Chainsaws
Chainsaw Ratings & Reviews
We discovered the best chainsaw reviews done by Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics. Expert reviewers there reviewed some of the best chainsaw models from big makers such as Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Husqvarna, John Deere, Makita, McCulloch, Poulan Pro, Ryobi, Remington and Stihl. Chainsaw ratings based on cutting speed, ease of maintenance & use plus safety determine the best chainsaw in each class.
Best Cordless Chainsaw
#1 Cordless Chainsaw – For light cutting around the house, there's no better equipment to use than the Black & Decker CCS818 18V 8" Cordless Chainsaw. At just 6.2 lbs in weight, this best chainsaw from Black & Decker CCS818 can be handled easily by most users and comes with 18V rechargeable battery to deliver the raw power required to saw off up to 150 x 1.5" diameter branches with ease. This Black & Decker chainsaw has a 8" bar length so the downside is that it's not long enough to saw off thicker branches safely hence limited in use. Afterall the 18V battery is not powerful enough for thick logs anyway. What's useful about this Black & Decker CCS818 cordless chainsaw is that it comes with many features such as onboard oiling with window so you'll know when to top up as and when is required, lock-off switch that prevents accidental startup for safety as well as wrap around handle to offer maximum comfort when using one of these cordless chainsaws. When you want to cut branches safely but effectively, the Black & Decker CCS818 cordless chainsaw is more than up to the task.
Top Rated & Best Electric Chainsaws
#1 Electric Chainsaw – If you seek power and strength to cut thick branches and logs with ease, Husqvarna 316E 110V 16" Electric Chainsaw is built for the job. This best chainsaw from Husqvarna boasts a 110V, 1600W motor that's built with the same power and toughness as any other leading gas chainsaws and with the 16" bar length supplied, fast cutting of thick logs and woods are ensured. At just 9.7 lbs in weight with the motor positioned strategically to make way for a slimmer and more ergonomically designed body for better balance and control coupled with low vibration levels of just 4.4 m/s2 and 5.4 m/s2 for front and rear handles respectively means that operator fatigue is minimized even for long periods of usage. Unfortunately though this Husqvarna electric chainsaw emits 96 dB(A) which is rather loud hence be considerate of neighbors when using this powerful chainsaw. The Husqvarna 316E chainsaw comes with automatic chain oiler system with transparent window on the reservoir oil tank hence if the level of oil drops low, just fill it up to the correct level and continue sawing for the oil to self-lubricate the bar and chain. With double acting chain brake to stop the chain dead in its track in the event of an accident, right hand guard for operator's protection as well as chain catcher if the chain happens to snap accidentally, you're always in total control when using this Husqvarna 316E electric chainsaw.
#2 Electric Chainsaw – Powerful chainsaws make cutting thick branches and logs easy so it's no surprise that the Poulan Pro 400E 110V 18" Electric Chainsaw makes short work of any cutting tasks. This best rated chainsaw from Poulan Pro features a powerful and strong 4 hp motor that's designed to handle the rough and tough of everyday cutting and together with the long 18" bar length, it makes for easy cutting through thick branches and logs to be used as firewoods or fuel in winter. As with most electric chainsaws, the Poulan Pro 400E comes with an automatic chain oiler system hence when the oil level runs low, just top up oil into the reservoir tank and let the chain run for self-lubrication without ever needing to directly oil the bar and chain. At just 13.6 lbs, this Poulan Pro 400E electric chainsaw is just about right for most cutting jobs around the house.
Top Rated & Best Gas Chainsaws
#1 Gas Chainsaw – When you need lots of firewood to keep the house warm during the cold season, the Stihl MS 180 C-BE 31.8 cc 18" Gas Chainsaw makes it all happen. This best rated chainsaw from Stihl features Easy2Start system which uses dual spring technology so you don't have to pull the starting cord fast when starting and coupled with 31.8 cc engine that outputs powerful 2 hp and long 18" bar length, you'll be cutting 12" diameter firewoods, logs and even trees in no time. Use of this Stihl chainsaw is very comfortable due to the fact that it comes with large starting handle that makes gripping easier while the front handle (with guard for protection) is ergonomically angled for a more secure and comfortable grip plus with built-in anti-vibration system, each sawing session will be fun. The Stihl MS 180 C-BE chainsaw boasts many interesting features for added functionality such as Quick Chain Adjuster that eliminates the need for tools to tension the saw chain optimally, spark arrestor muffler with large baffles for noise reduction and for safety, the Quickstop Chain Brake System stops chain dead in its track in less than 1 second. Weighing just 9.3 lbs due to lightweight high-tech polymer housing design, the Stihl MS 180 C-BE gas chainsaw is without doubt one of the best chainsaws ever produced.
#2 Gas Chainsaw – When logs need to be cut for firewood and power is sorely needed, let the Echo CS-400 40.2 cc 18" Gas Chainsaw do all the cutting for you. This best chainsaw from Echo boasts an astounding 40.2 cc Power Boost Vortex engine plus with the standard 18" bar length included, sawing off thick woods and logs of up to 12" diameter is almost effortless. While other gas chainsaws may have difficulty in starting, this Echo chainsaw comes equipped with Pro-Fire Electronic ignition to help you start fast with up to 30% less effort required so it's one pull and off you go for cutting action. As gas chainsaws need to be regularly maintained to perform at their best, the Echo CS-400 chainsaw features G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner to ensure cleaner air intake for maximum chainsaw performance with increased engine life, air filter placed strategically atthe rear to minimize debris and dirt fallout from cutting as well as Automatic Bar & Chain Oiling System for smoother operation all the time. At just 10.1 lbs but with powerful cutting capabilities, the Echo CS-400 gas chainsaw is the best chainsaw for home use.