Tony O’Neill, expert gardener and best-selling author of the famous “Simplify Vegetable Gardening,” “Composting Masterclass,” and “Your First Vegetable Garden,” combines lifelong passion and expert knowledge to simplify gardening. His mission? Helping you cultivate a thriving garden. More on Tony O’Neill
{“statusCode”:401,”message”:”License key missing”}
The invention had, by then, been around for approximately 27 years. I shudder to think how many people must have been seriously injured by some of the earlier designs.
Over the decades, chainsaws have evolved to include better safety features, alternative power sources, and diverse uses. Once reserved for arborists, chainsaws are now standard outdoor power equipment.
This article will summarize days of research, testing, and feedback from thousands of chainsaw users. We’ve selected nine exceptional chainsaws from that data – three electrical, three battery-powered, and three gas-powered chainsaws.
We did not consider tree-felling machines. We looked at outdoor powered equipment for non-commercial use – chainsaws for wood-chopping, tree-shaping, and domestic cutting jobs. A high-end machine should be used by experienced professionals who never work alone.
Becoming a Certified Arborist requires three years of documented and supervised experience and passing a written examination from the International Society of Arboriculture.
In addition to reviewing the chainsaws, this piece will also provide information on other related topics:
- Chainsaw design
- Alternate power sources
- Safety precautions
- Different use-cases
It’s amazing what you can do with an E in A-Level art, a twisted imagination, and a chainsaw.
Damien Hirst
Chainsaw Design
The Chain
The chainsaw’s most crucial component is its chain. To make incredible cuts quickly and easily, your saw needs the correct chain in good order. Using your chainsaw causes the chain to wear out due to normal wear and tear. A worn, loose, or blunt chain will function poorly and can cause injuries. You must maintain the saw’s chain and replace it when you notice signs of wear.
Your chainsaw will come with an operator’s manual specifying replacement details and where to get a replacement chain – or how to sharpen it. A balance must be maintained between chain tension and wear ratio – too tight, your bar will wear faster and too slack, and the chain will derail.
The Bar
A quality bar (sometimes called a chainsaw blade) adds efficiency and reliability to your chainsaw. The bar is the front plate that guides the chain. It’s important to correctly use the right chain oil to avoid damage to your chainsaw. Incorrect oil use will cause rapid wear of the bar, chain jamming, or derailing.
The front end of the bar is called the nose (go figure) and is the point of highest wear. Some manufacturers have added nosewheels that reduce friction. Bars come in different gauges, though a 3/8″ bar is typical for domestic-powered outdoor equipment.
Bars also come in different lengths – from 12 to 24 inches for domestic units. The rule of thumb for bar length and use cases are:
- 12 to 14 inches — Trimming and pruning branches
- 16 to 18 inches — Firewood cutting and felling small trees
- 20 to 24 inches — Felling trees and cutting through thicker logs
Motor
Your chainsaw’s final yet essential component is the motor that drives the chain. You can buy power units separate from the bar and chain. In this article, we evaluate three motor types of different configurations. Essentially you want to note the following:
- For Electric Motors – The Wattage
- For Battery-Powered Motors – the Ah and voltage combination
- For Gas-Powered Motors – the horsepower or kW output which is a factor of the cubic centimeter piston displacement (cc)
- The maximum power speed – expressed as rpm
- Clutch Engagement Speed
Value Points To Look for When Buying a Chainsaw
- Bucking Spikes – also called dogs for they bite into the wood and stabilize the chainsaw motor at the tree surface
- Oiler Type – how the bar and chain get lubricated. Some machines have auto lubricator pumps.
- Chain Brake System – If the nose tip hits a hard surface, the chainsaw can kick up (kickback, buck). It can cause severe injury, and chainsaw manufacturers are legally required to provide a safety device that stops the blade
- Chain tensioner type and method
Chainsaw Power Sources
Battery Power
Do not imagine that battery-powered chainsaws are less effective than motors powered by fossil fuel or electricity – these machines perform exceptionally well in a domestic environment.
Outdoor Powered Equipment (OPE) battery manufacturers generally have various power tools that use the same batteries. The battery you use on your chainsaw will drive your mower and line trimmer – and some have more than 50 tools the same batteries fit on.
Each manufacturer has matched their batteries to the motors they use. EGO, a Chevron division, uses revolutionary Arc Lithium 56v battery technology that provides the industry’s highest energy capacity in a portable handheld battery.
BLACK+DECKER has a 20V and a 40V MAX* Lithium battery that reputedly last 5x longer, also interchangeable with a wide selection of tools. Greenworks batteries come in various sizes and power ratings, from 24-volt to 80-volt. Their most popular varieties are the 40 Volts and the 80 Volts ranges.
Additional to the Voltage ranges, the batteries come in different Amps per Hour (Ah) ranging from 2Ah to 7.5Ah.
Electric Power
Interestingly, there is a broader selection of OPE using batteries and gas than corded electrical tools. For instance, there are approximately 70 battery-operated line trimmers and only 18 corded electric ones.
When looking at the power rating for electric motors, the Amperage is an indicator. The higher the amps, the stronger the motor.
Gasoline Power
All professional chainsaws are gas-powered. Because gas-powered units produce high outputs, they remain preferred. One of the risks of gas-powered units is fire. All gas units are fitted with spark arresters to prevent fires in forests.
Safety Precautions When Using a Chainsaw
Working with chainsaws can be dangerous if not used properly. Use correct working techniques, the best possible safety equipment, and a modern chainsaw with functioning safety features to avoid accidents and unnecessary strain.
You need to do several things before working with a chainsaw. Always have a stocked First Aid Kit with you and a charged mobile phone – in case you need to call someone for help. Accidents happen, and being prepared can minimize injuries.
Ensure you are appropriately dressed and equipped for the job. All chainsaws must include mandatory safety features in their production – handguards, chain brakes, and an emergency stop switch. These are there for your protection – make use of them. Familiarize yourself with your machine’s operating instructions, and don’t work with a device that is not safe.
Safety Gear
Lacerations break the skin and are the most common type of chainsaw injury. Lacerations and other injuries can be minimized by wearing the appropriate protective clothing. Safety clothing for chainsaws is subjected to European and international standards testing and approval when necessary. The following items should always be included in your personal protective equipment:
- A helmet with earplugs, a visor, and eye protection glasses is required.
- A forest-themed shirt or jacket that provides adequate upper-body coverage
- Chaps with inserted fiber for protection – jams the chain
- Boots with traction control
- Gloves
Outdoor Power Equipment Type Chainsaw Uses
This review is specifically for gardeners and includes advice for OPE chainsaws. These saws are not intended for felling a large hardwood tree. They will work for many years if they are not abused. Your chainsaw is an asset that makes sawing firewood, lobbing some branches off, and sawing through plywood much more effortless than conventional methods.
Tree Pruning and Shaping
Pruning is an essential cultural practice in tree plantation management because it helps keep tree crops healthy. Pruning can help increase yields and keep a plantation healthy by utilizing the right climatic conditions, cultivars, integrated pest management, and soil nutrient management.
It refers to the process of removing only the undesirable or underperforming parts of a plant. The foliage of a tree is what allows it to photosynthesize and produce energy. Pruning always reduces this ability. Most yield reduction will occur while the tree recovers and immediately removes new foliage after pruning. The act of pruning should always be thought out and planned.
When planning an exercise, ensure the goal, desired outcome, and timing are crystal clear. This will help you avoid injury and get the most out of your time and money spent on it. As a result of global warming, weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable.
Pruning cycles must consider the increased vulnerability of crops to drought during the recovery period following a pruning operation. After pruning, mulching is necessary to keep your trees healthy and prevent further damage from drought stress.
However, a tree’s root system is left untouched after pruning. More water and nutrients are available to each bud and shoot because the tree has fewer top-heavy branches and leaves. Pruning must be timed to avoid stimulating new growth near the cut, so it is necessary to time it.
You must prune a tree when it is dormant (end of the dry season or winter) if you don’t want new growth (as in fruit and nut trees). Instead of increasing leaf mass, the goal of pruning in this situation is to produce larger, higher-quality fruits.
Depending on the tree’s architecture, other parts of the tree may be pruned, or the pruning technique may differ. Pruning serves various purposes. Pruning can be divided into three categories:
Pruning For Formation
Trees’ shapes and sizes can be managed (at a higher elevation for easier access). With formation pruning, you can encourage the growth of productive parts or desired branches while removing undesirable ones, resulting in an attractive and robust structure. Formation pruning keeps the trees manageable for harvesting and ensures that the fruits have adequate ventilation and light exposure.
Pruning For Upkeep and Aesthetics
Regular pruning is required to keep a tree healthy and attractive over its lifetime. Pruning for maintenance helps balance vegetative growth and fruit production optimally, resulting in higher or higher-quality yields. By removing dead or diseased plant parts, these pruning techniques help control pests and diseases and manage microclimates (sunlight, air, etc.).
Pruning for Rebirth
Rejuvenation pruning is performed on older trees to invigorate them. Larger sections of the tree, if not the entire thing, must be removed. Complete rehabilitation becomes necessary when a tree’s productivity has significantly declined, or pests or diseases have severely damaged the tree in the upper part.
Check out my YouTube video on pruning below.
Using Your Chainsaw for Firewood Cutting
Using suitable wood as firewood is advised. The harder the wood, the longer it will burn before the fire consumes it. Avoid wood with fungi or rot, as burning fungi can be a health hazard. Ideally, you want to use logs that have had time to dry – trees felled the year before.
Using your chainsaw, remove all branches from the log. You can cut these (the branches) into shorter sections for kindling wood. Once you’ve stripped the log of branches, lift it off the ground to waist high, supporting it at the end and 60 percent of the way down. You ought to have a section –(40 percent) that is hanging over an edge. 45-gallon drums on their side work well as log supports.
Using a measure and chalk, mark off approximately 16-inch lengths (or how long you need your burning logs to be). These are the marks where you will saw. Ensure that all branches and debris are off the ground where you will be working to prevent tripping. Do not neglect to wear all the appropriate safety gear, even with small jobs.
Proceed to buy your 16-inch logs. While you are yet a way from the drum (or working horse) that supports the log, stop and move the support further. I say this because a chainsaw coming into contact with solid material can be exceptionally dangerous.
If you want to use your chainsaw to split the cut logs into quarters (or smaller sections), place the cut logs on two sections of wood and cut. Please DO NOT cut them on the ground, as they could be hazardous to you and the saw.
Using Your Chainsaw for Cutting Plywood
When cutting plywood or board, ensure no cables or nails are in your cutting path. Avoid cutting higher than your shoulders or in a position where you do not have complete control of the saw or are not securely balanced. Do not use a chainsaw while standing on a ladder.
A Bit of History – a 1945 Gas-Powered 2-Person Chainsaw
3 BEST Gas-Powered Chainsaws
Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw
If you’re looking for a chainsaw that you can use in your yard and around the house for many years to come, it’s well worth the investment. A saw that lives up to the Husqvarna brand name. The Husqvarna 130 is a breeze to start and maneuver, and it’s capable of cutting firewood, helping with pruning, and even felling a tree or two when necessary. Despite its smaller size, this product packs a powerful punch – and comes at an incredible price.
Key Features
- Air Injection: Centrifugal air cleaning system for reduced wear and longer operating time between filter cleanings.
- X-Torq®: Deliver lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emission levels following the world´s most stringent environmental regulations.
- Inertia chain brake: Effective inertia-activated chain brake.
- Combined choke/stop control: Combined choke/stop control allows for easier starting and reduce the risk of engine flooding.
- LowVib®: Effective anti-vibration dampeners absorb vibration, sparing the user’s arms and hands.
- 130 chainsaw is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight and efficient tool for use around the yard
- 38cc 16-inch gas chainsaw with guide bar and chain
- 2-cycle engine with an inertia-activated chain brake for safety while operating
- Orange Husqvarna chainsaw Bar cover and 2. 6 ounces 2-cycle fuel Included. Bar and chain oil must be purchased separately.
- Automatic chain oiler delivers a steady supply of bar and chain oil for safe and effective use.
- A simple chain tensioning system allows for quick chain adjustments while working.
- Husqvarna chainsaw with x-torque lowers fuel consumption and reduces emissions.
- For safety use with Husqvarna chainsaw chaps, chainsaw gloves and chainsaw helmet
- Replacement chainsaw chains, chainsaw cases and chainsaw sharpeners are available as separate purchases.
Specifications
| Power output | 1.5 kW |
| Cylinder displacement | 38 cc |
| Maximum power speed | 9000 rpm |
| Idling speed | 3000 rpm |
| Torque, max. | 1.84 Nm |
| Torque, max. at rpm | 8000 rpm |
| Clutch engagement speed (±120) | 4000 rpm |
| Fuel consumption | 725 g/kWh |
| Fuel consumption | 0.725 kg/h |
| Spark plug | NGK BPMR7A |
| Electrode gap | 0.55 mm |
| Ignition module air gap | 0.3 mm |
| Oil pump type | Automatic |
| Weight | 5.67 lbs |
| Bar & Chain Length | 16-inches |
Of the 264 people that reviewed the Husqvarna 130 on Amazon, 232 thought it was terrific, and 21 were dissatisfied. You can view a video about the product here
Key Indicators
- 38 cc Motor
- 16″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 10.36-pounds
Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S 46cc 20-Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw
Featuring Craftsman’s 46cc full-crank high-output engine and a professional-grade chassis, the S205 gas-powered chainsaw is built to withstand the most punishing and prolonged cutting jobs.
Use this 20-inch low-kickback bar and chain set to cut through even the toughest wood! It has Easy Start technology, making it easier and more efficient to start the engine. This chainsaw is balanced, maneuverable, and comfortable to use thanks to the cushioned full wrap handle and 5-point anti-vibration system.
Inertia-activated chain brake and tool-free access to the filter and spark plug are just some of the features that make cutting with this chainsaw a breeze. A heavy-duty carrying case and 2-cycle oil are included in the package as an added bonus for your convenience. This Craftsman chainsaw is battle-tested and battle-ready for even the toughest yard work tasks thanks to its portability, cordlessness, and power. A two-year limited warranty is included.
Key Features
High Output Engine: Full crank gas engine with pro-grade chassis delivers steady power while being built to withstand tree limbing, pruning, cutting, and trimming tasks. 46cc 2-cycle full crank gasoline engine
Easy Start And Comfortable Engagement: This chainsaw is more balanced, maneuverable, and comfortable to use thanks to the 3-point anti-vibration system, which includes a cushioned full-wrap aluminum handle.
Steady Control: Greater control is provided by the inertia-activated chain brake and the 20-inch low kickback bar and chain. Ensure you have the comfort and control you need when using the chain saw.
Automatic Oiler: When it comes to keeping the bar and chain in top condition so it can perform at its best, an adjustable automatic oiler is your best friend.
Simple Upkeep: Access to the filter and the spark plug does not require using any tools. Storage and transportation are made simple with the inclusion of a carrying case.
The machine weighs in at 13.84-pounds
Of the 266 people that reviewed the Craftsman Chainsaw on Amazon, 234 thought it was terrific, and 21 (8%) were dissatisfied with some part of the process.
Key Indicators
- 46cc Motor
- 16″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 17.7-pounds
Poulan Pro PR4218, 18 in. 42cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw, Case Included
Poulan has an interesting history. According to Wikipedia, Claude Poulan supervised pulpwood cutting in East Texas in 1944. Poulan made a chain guide from a curved piece of an old truck’s fender. With the “bow guide,” a single person could now operate the chainsaw.
Poulan chainsaws are equipped with patented OxyPower technology offering better fuel efficiency – more power, 70% less emissions, and 20% lower fuel consumption. Get that extra power to shape nature – without hurting it.
Key Features
- OxyPower: Patented technology provides incredible power while consuming less fuel and emitting fewer pollutants.
- Automatic Oiler: Gear-driven oiler automatically lubricates the bar and chain, reducing wear and requiring less maintenance.
- SuperClean Air Filter System: The superior filtration system achieves a Longer air filter life and lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power.
- Effortless Pull Starting (EPS): Using a spring-assist pull cord and an easy-to-use purge bulb means less cord pulling for faster, easier starts.
- Ergonomic Design with Advanced Anti-Vibration System: Superior user comfort is provided by the easily accessible controls and the reduced vibration in the handle.
- Onboard Scrench: The chain tensioning tool is accessible without using a tool thanks to integrated storage with a snap-lock cover.
The Poulan Pro PR4219 had 851 reviews on Amazon, of which 723 (85%) were very pleased with their purchase and 85 people (10%) were not impressed, for different reasons – not all machine-related.
Key Indicators
- 42cc Motor
- 20″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 13.25-pounds
3 BEST Battery-Powered Chainsaws
EGO Power+ CS1401 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw 2.5Ah Battery
When it comes to power, the EGO POWER+ Chain Saw is unmatched. It’s easy to use because of the 14-inch bar and chain and the high-efficiency brushless motor that powers it. Thanks to the brushless motor, the tool has a longer lifespan and can run for longer periods. Compatible with all EGO POWER+ ARC Lithium batteries to deliver Unbelievable Power.
One of the most powerful rechargeable chainsaws is the EGO Power+. Regarding lithium-ion power, the leading 40-Volt battery is 40 percent more powerful than the first 56-Volt battery ever created. It can be removed and is compatible with all EGO tools.
A smooth cut is provided by the 14-inch bar and chain, powered by a high-efficiency brushless motor. The tool’s life and run-time are extended thanks to the brushless motor. With the EGO Power+ chain saw, you get gasoline’s power without any drawbacks.
Key Features
Chain Brake
The chain saw comes equipped with a chain brake, which stops both the motor and the motion of the chain when kickback occurs. The chain brake can be activated by the for[1]ward motion of the chain kickback brake handle as the saw rotates backward during kickback; it can also be activated by the inertial forces generated during rapid pushback.
WARNING: Never modify or attempt to disable the chain brake.
- Speed: 6800 rpm
- Chain kickback brake
- Chain tension adjustment
- Water-resistant construction (ipx4)
- Guide bar length: 14 in.
- Maximum cut diameter: 14 in.
- Double guard bar and narrow-kerf sprocket nose
- Low kickback chain design (complies with ansib175.1)
- .043 in. gauge chain with 3 by8 in. low profile pitch
- Reversible bar; Power source type: Battery Powered
Of the 283 Amazon shoppers that reviewed their purchase of the EGO Power+ CS1401, 90-percent of them were very happy and 20 of the 283 gave either a one or two-star rating.
Key Indicators
- 56v – 2.5Ah Battery – Brushless Motor
- 14″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 11.4-pounds
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw, 10-Inch, Tool Only (LCS1020B)
This V20 MAX* 10-inch Cordless Chainsaw meets every challenge head-on. It’s powerful enough to handle tree branches, logs, and more with ease thanks to a compact, low-kickback design and a 10-inch cut capacity.
Tool-free chain tensioning allows you to make quick, easy cuts without reaching for additional tools. A built-in oiling system keeps the bar and chain lubricated, and the wrap-around bale handle provides comfort and stability.
*Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. The nominal voltage is 18 volts.
Key features
- Low-Kickback Bar and Chain: Ensures smooth, seamless cuts.
- Tool-Free Chain Tensioning: Make quick adjustments without needing additional tools.
- Oiling System: Keeps the bar and chain lubricated.
- 20V MAX* Lithium Battery for long run-time and long life — stays charged up to 5x longer
- 10″ Bar and chain designed for smooth and fast cuts
- 8″ Cut capacity for a wide range of cuts
- Tool-less chain tensioning for fast and easy adjustments
Product Specs
| Bar Length | 10 in |
| Blade Type | Oregon |
| Power Source | Lithium-Ion |
| System | 20 MAX* V |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs |
This is a very popular machine. Of the 5,470 Amazon Reviews for this product, 88 percent were satisfied, and only 3 percent gave the product either a 1- or 2-Star rating. That is the best review yet.
Key Indicators
- 20v MAX Lithium-Ion Battery
- 10″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 7.59-pounds
Greenworks 40V 16″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw, 4.0Ah
The G-MAX 16-inch DigiPro chainsaw from Greenworks is the first battery-powered chainsaw that can replace a gas-powered one thanks to their innovative brushless technology, which provides longer life, greater efficiency, and reduced noise.
This heavy-duty Oregon bar and chain chainsaw is ideal for users of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
An automatic oiler and metal bucking spikes make this easy to use while providing the high performance you need to finish your yard work quickly.
You’ll never want to use gasoline again after using their new DigiPro chainsaw. DigiPro’s new brushless system will provide gas-comparable performance in lawn tools for serious lawn care enthusiasts. We’re advancing their Lithium-Ion technology and providing you with the gas-equivalent alternative chainsaw solution you’ve sought.
Key Features
- The Greenworks brushless motor extends the life of your Greenworks tool while also delivering more torque and power than a conventional motor would provide. Thus, the tool will last longer because of less wear and tear.
- Offering a variety of tools for use in conjunction with the Greenworks 40V Li-Ion G-MAX System Time to Complete90 Cuts
- The brushless motor provides up to 30% more torque, allowing for greater cutting performance. Translucent Oil Storage Tanks
- Brushless motors reduce vibration by up to 70%, resulting in more comfortable working conditions for the user.
- More than 25 different power tools can be run off of a single battery. A 2Ah battery provides more than enough power for this device’s safety features.
- The use of an electronic chain brake eliminates the possibility of unintentional kickbacks.
- Pitch of the Saw: 0.375 in.
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch chainsaw has the highest number of Amazon reviewers of all the chainsaws evaluated – 7,661. Like the BLACK+DECKER unit, Greenworks also had 88 percent of all reviewers (that’s 6,742 of the 7,661) who gave the machine either a 4- or 5-Star review. Seven percent of the reviewers gave the unit (or the service) a negative review.
Key Indicators
- 40V 4.0Ah Battery
- 16″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 10.36-pounds
3 BEST Electric-Powered Chainsaws
Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar
Without the hassle of gas, the Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chain Saw (model UC4051) cuts fast and efficiently while also being easy to maintain. Its 2,900 FPM chain speed makes trimming and cutting fast and easy.
When the saw is overloaded, the motor’s built-in current limiter and electric chain brake reduce power to prevent burnout and maximize productivity.
To make heavy-duty continuous cutting easier, the machine has an automatic chain oiler and a view window in the oil reservoir that lets you see how much oil is left in it. A large trigger switch with a soft start and ergonomic rubberized grip handles make using the chain saw more comfortable.
Key Features
- Blade and chain adjustments are “tool-less” to make it easier to operate and maintain.
- Handles with rubberized grips are ergonomically designed for ease of use and convenience.
- For smooth starts, use a large trigger switch with a soft start.
- An integrated current limiter reduces motor power when the saw is overloaded, preventing motor burnout.
- Operator can check the level of bar oil in a large oil reservoir with a view window
- Blade and chain adjustments can be made “tool-free” for ease of use and maintenance.
- Handles with rubberized grips are ergonomically designed for ease of use and convenience.
- For smooth starts, use a large trigger switch with a soft start.
- An integrated current limiter reduces motor power when the saw is overloaded, preventing motor burnout.
- Operator can check bar oil level in large oil reservoir with view window.
This is the highest-scoring chainsaw available on Amazon – with 92% of Amazon reviewers giving it either a 4- or 5-Star rating. Only 4% of the 660 reviewers gave it less than 3-Stars (out of five). The Makita brand in general provides its customers with products that satisfy them.
Key Indicators
- 14.5 Amp Motor
- 16″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 14-pounds
OREGON 603352 CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw
You take pride in your work, and Oregon knows you work hard every day. The craftsmanship you put into your job or project requires tools engineered and built to exacting standards. Oregon stands by you.
Oregon makes their electric chainsaws so they perform to your standards, and then exceed your expectations. With the cut of each tree limb, branch, and trunk, Oregon electric chainsaws work as hard as you do.
- PowerSharp Sharpening System: Sharpen your chain on the saw in seconds
- Corded Power – low noise, vibration, no emissions
- Tool-less Tensioning system: Tension the chain without fuss
- Low kickback: Work in your yard for hours comfortably and confidently
- Lubri-Tec Automatic Oiling System: keeps your saw chain and guide bar oiled for less friction and longer life.
- High power: 15 amps/120 Volts (2400 watts/220 Volt)
You will notice that Oregon supplies several of the bars in the evaluated products, including BLACK+DECKER. That is already a vote of confidence from me.
It seems to be a vote of confidence in general – with 4,979 Amazon Reviews and 89% of them above 3-star, the OREGON 603352 CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw is a very good contender for that top spot. They could likely have taken it if the competition from Makita wasn’t so strong.
Key Indicators
- 15-Amp Motor
- 18″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 12.6-pounds
WORX WG304.2 Saw 18-Inch 15.0 Amp
Get gas-like power without the drawbacks of gasoline. The 18″ 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw is cost-effective because you’re not always buying gas. It’s cleaner, both for the environment and your hands. And it starts much, much easier.
First off, it’s only 11.2 lbs, so almost anyone can use and carry it around the yard. Plus, it’s outfitted with a whole host of high-tech features to take the intimidation out of using a chainsaw. Auto-tightening and auto-lubrication systems take those typically laborious tasks and make them easy.
Your chain will always be the proper tension, without being too tight, and will always stay well-oiled, so it spins around the bar at an efficient 12 m/s. The chain pitch is 3/8″, with 63 chain links and a gauge of 0.05″. And the 200 ml oil tank has a handy oil-level indicator window, so you’ll always know when you need to refill it.
The 18″ bar is designed to take down standing trees with a diameter of up to 18″ and can chop up a log on the ground twice that size. The metal bump spikes grab the wood, giving you a solid hold on the log for a smooth continuous cut. That spike bumper also reduces kickbacks. The powerful 15-amp motor provides consistent performance for years and easily tears through all common backyard chainsaw projects.
Key Features
- 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
- Stops Quickly: The chain brake shuts down the chain almost instantly to prevent accidental cutting. That’s peace of mind when you’re operating a chainsaw
- Do It Yourself. Do It Better. Do It With Worx: WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
- Full-Wrap Handle: Grab it from any angle to gain leverage for both vertical and horizontal cutting
- Good Grip: The rubberized, over-mold handle gives you the perfect balance of comfort and control. And its ergonomic design makes working as comfortable as it can be
- Reduces Kickbacks: The metal spike bumper sticks into the wood, giving you even more leverage, and preventing kickbacks at the same time
- Includes: 15 Amp Chainsaw, Lubrication Oil, Blade Protection Cover, Chain Bar
Of the 1.642 Amazon reviews, 1,379 enjoyed the WORX WG304.2 saw – giving it either a 4- or 5-Star rating.
Key Indicators
- 15-Amp Motor
- 18″ Bar & Chain
- Weighs 12-pounds
Conclusion
As a gardener, it’s great to have access to a tool that makes light work of the tasks that used to be tiresome. Of all our reviews, I must admit I loved this one. One thing I would like to add in closing; the saying goes – familiarity breeds contempt. The more I used the saws we tested, the more I had to discipline myself to use the safety gear diligently. Please, will you do the same?
