If you are a wood worker and been in this field for a quite long time, chances are you already know what are chainsaws and what of power they draw.
However, despite of it being useful, this tool is often avoided by the beginners and all those people who are inexperienced due to the safety concern that surrounds the use of a powerful, spinning sharp chain saw but this is like most power tools that may cause some concerns.
This is why, you must learn how they work, how much power they draw, how precise and accurate cuts they can deliver and getting exposure to their operation is the best way to become familiar with them.
With proper acknowledgment, learning, experience and safety precautions know how you can put a chainsaw to use.
When you go around in the market to look for a chainsaw, you would find many different chainsaws available for various types of jobs.
Each type of chainsaw has its own specialty and functionality that makes it useful. However, some of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood can be found below for general property maintenance.
Make sure to go through the reviews and all the gathered necessary information.
List Of Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood, Hardwood and Wet Wood
Before making the purchase, you must also have some knowledge about some of the top and best models of chainsaws for cutting firewood.
This is essential because before-hand knowledge effectively consumes less time and will save you from frustration.
Therefore, we have list the best review of chainsaws for cutting trees for you. These reviews will enable you to select the best option that fits according to your cutting needs.
1. HUSQVARNA 965030298
HUSQVARNA Rancher gas chainsaw is a heavy duty chainsaw that is high powered and ideal for extended, complicated and bulk wood cutting.
It is one of the top gas powered chainsaw models and offers a great variety of functions with immense durability.
This 20 inch Rancher chainsaw has its own unique automatic oiling system that lubricates the chain on its own without stopping the user to lubricate the chain in the midst of cutting.
Although, this chainsaw is known for its heavy duty work, it only weighs around 12.8 pounds and its moderate bar and chain length is 20 inch.
This weight and chain length provides the user with ultimate comfort while using it.
The HUSQVARNA Rancher chainsaw also consumes less fuel comparatively to other heavy duty chainsaws.
The reason is that, the unit has a 2.6 ounce bottle of already mixed fuel.
This chainsaw has a 2 cycle engine that contains an activated chain brake, these chain brakes are considered as an ideal safety feature and prevents the operator from any accidents while operating.
It also has innovative quick release air filter, which helps in accessible replacement of the air filter and also provides easy cleaning experience.
You can also make quick chain adjustments while wood cutting with its mounted chain tensioning system.
However, a lot of users and workers complained about the oil leaks while working.
Otherwise, this 20 inch Rancher chainsaw is all what a firewood cutter needs.
2. REMINGTON RM4216
The Remington RM4216 gas powered chainsaw is one of the most inexpensive options that you could find in the list when it comes to 16 inch bar.
This tool is incredibly easy to use and ensures safer and quicker cutting.
The RM4216 gas powered chainsaw comes with an engine of 42cc along with the combination of a 16 inch chain bar.
This chainsaw weighs only around 22 pounds thus becoming an ideal option for cutting wood trunks and branches.
This Remington gas powered chainsaw is easy to start and facilitates safe and easy operation.
However, the anti-vibration system of this chainsaw makes it further useful and easy to use by reducing the noise production while cutting.
This chainsaw is equipped with 2 cycle gas powered engine with low kickback system and a chain that can cut medium to large sized branches.
It is considered a great option for homeowners. This chainsaw offers easy maintenance with its tool free adjustments.
The spark plug and filter of this saw are easily accessible just I case if they need maintenance or replacements.
The package also includes a carry case which is heavy duty and makes transportability even convenient.
Also, 2 cycle oil is also included. Overall, this product offers a great combination of features.
3. HUSQVARNA 0024761035255
The HUSQVARNA 460 chainsaw has a high quality design with the combination of ease of use. It is also the best options when it comes to cutting firewood.
This reliable chainsaw is gas powered and delivers extended power.
The HUSQVARNA 460 Rancher gas chainsaw weighs around 13 pounds, which makes its portability easier without burdening the operator.
The bar length of this chainsaw is 20 inches long and the maximum bar length that its support is 24-inches.
The chainsaw features a 60.3cc X-Torque engine that delivers excessive power.
The good thing about this chainsaw is that it emits reduced exhaust and consumes less fuel and it has a transparent fuel indicator.
Its amazing anti-vibration system minimizes the noise and vibration while working. Also, the latest inertia activated chain brake prevents and avoids sudden kickbacks.
The smart start technology incorporated in this model of chainsaw enables the saw to start with minimal efforts and smoothly.
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is one of the most reliable and impressive, gas powered chainsaws in the list as its forged three piece crankshaft increases the durability for the toughest applications making it ideal for cutting at large size residential properties and ranches and farms.
The chainsaw starts and instantly begins filtering air and purging oxygen from the carburetor.
The chain is side mounted along the cutting bar to easily remove, replace, clean or even reduce the tension applied on the blade while cutting.
4. REMINGTON RM4618
The Remington RM4618 46cc-18 inch chainsaw is manufactured with some amazing specifications and combinations.
This chainsaw features extended power that helps in cutting through even the toughest cutting materials.
It comes with an 18 inches long bar and low kickback chain. All this helps the chainsaw in delivering great performance.
This chainsaw is considered ideal for cutting fire wood, tree limbs and cleaning up trees.
It is especially ideal for small to medium wood cutting tasks. The Auto Choke system particularly warms up the saw as fast as possible.
This chainsaw is a good value of money with its automatic chain oiling system, which lubricates the chains without interrupting the operator while cutting.
This saw produces less vibration with its 5 point anti vibration system and is completely well balanced.
The cushion wrap handle of the saw makes the saw easy to manage and grip.
RM4618 is a gas powered chainsaw with a motor of exactly 8amp of power and no additional mixing of oil and gas is needed.
It weighs around 16 pounds, making the operator carry it to various work places.
The 18 inch length chain is sufficient enough to manage tougher cutting and maintenance tasks.
The access tensioning screw can keep the chain tension consistent during long cutting sessions.
This chainsaw has an increased durability with its die-cast chassis and other professional grade components.
These materials are important for maximizing the permanence. The tool free adjustment feature allows easy maintenance and replacement.
Furthermore, this chainsaw includes a heavy duty case for safe store and transport of the chainsaw.
Additionally, the package contains an extra guide bar and a bottle of chain oil.
However, the chain might get dull after extended and prolonged usage or long working sessions.
5. GREENWORKS 20312
The GREENWORKS 20312 G-Max is a durable cordless chainsaw with the efficiency of corded chainsaw.
It features an amazing brushless motor that is known to provide an improved and with longer run time along with maximum torque and more power.
This chainsaw is an excellent battery chainsaw with such power and efficiency that usually such small chainsaws do not hold.
The most considerable factor of battery operated chainsaws is that they pretty much function the same way and deliver similar benefits that come with a gas powered chainsaw.
The chainsaw only weighs around 10.36 pounds, making it very comfortable to grip while being used.
The total run time of this chainsaw is 90 cuts through thick and tough wood branches and 150 thin cuts in a single charge, which is quite fair.
This chainsaw by GREENWORKS also uses such a combination of 4AH batteries that the motor truly delivers 30% motor power comparing to any other cordless chainsaws.
It is powered by a 40V Li-ion battery. This chainsaw is ideal for medium duty users who tend to achieve multiple cuts with low noise and low vibration.
The automatic oiling system keeps the saw lubricated in order to reduce friction among the chain.
This equipment is less chained, however, chain brake and the low kickback chain is present in this saw to protect you from possible injuries.
Also, the saw is immensely low maintenance as there is no changing of spark plugs, no cleaning of air filter, mixing fuels, or even maintaining a carburetor engine.
The saw is also easy to start up with one press switch to start the operation and can conveniently manage professional workload. It has a 12 inches bar length.
This efficient and compact model contains all the innovative features.
The best part about this chainsaw is that it has the ability to charge the G-MAX 4Ah battery in 60 minutes thus reducing the waiting time.
However, a lot of users get irritated when they have to break their cutting rhythm as soon as the battery runs out.
And, this chainsaw is less powerful than the as powered chainsaws.
6. WORX WG304.1
The WORX WG304.1 chainsaw has an amazing 15.0 Amp motor that delivers an extended cutting experience and fuller performance and an extended 18 inch bar.
This chainsaw is an ideal option for such homeowners who are looking for efficient tool under budget.
But that is not the only case, as you can also use this chainsaw to wind up a little heavy work load as well.
With this chainsaw you will find some useful safety and comfort features too.
For instance, the comfort grip handles provided with saw adds comfort and firm grip along with preventing you from any slipping while you are using the tool.
The WG304.1 chainsaw is also light weight so you can carry it to various jobsites.
This WORX professional model offers the longest length that you will find in an electric chainsaw.
This chainsaw is ideal for cutting jobs, like cutting down large trees, slicing logs into firewood pieces, cutting off the branches and bucking fallen trees.
The auto-tension system provided with the saw makes sure you receive the right amount of tension while cutting.
Also, the automatic oiler lubricates the bar and chain for frequent and uninterrupted use.
However, despite of having very lightweight and all the safety features, a lot of users complain about the chainsaw not being cordless.
7. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40 volt Cordless Chainsaw is a full form chainsaw that runs on battery power.
This 12 inch chainsaw is one of the most tough battery powered saws with diverse cutting abilities and affordable price range.
This chainsaw weighs around 10 pounds and makes portability even easy. Also, the LCS 1240 BLACK+DECKER comes with a 40V, 2AH MAX lithium-ion batteries.
This provides a better run time and longevity along with smooth and comfortable cutting jobs.
With these batteries, you can perform various light and heavy cutting tasks such as 4×4, 60 pinewood cuts with a single charge also Suitable for pruning branches and cutting fallen limbs.
The good part about this chainsaw is that, the batteries provided with this set stays 5 times longer than the usual.
The 12 inch premium bar and chain makes the cutting experience more comfortable.
On the contrary, the automatic oiling system lubricates the bar and chain when required before friction takes over.
The Oregon low kick back bar avoids sudden jerks and mishaps.
The tool less adjustment mechanism of this saw makes it easier for you to adjust, replace and clean the saw.
The large oil tank stores the oil for the automatic oiling system to use for later use. The comfortable grip handles are slip free for easy operation.
The battery charger of this chainsaw is quick and responsive, and can give a full charge within 4-5 hours.
The LED indicator also detects the battery charge. However, there could be few oil leaks.
8. REMINGTON RM1645
The powerful and reliable electric motor of the REMINNGTON RM1645 VERSA is 12 amp for fast and smooth cutting along with a16 inch reduced kickback guide bar and chain.
This chainsaw is ideal for beginners and all those users who intend to perform several tasks such as clearing brush, trimming small trees and cutting firewood.
The innovative RM1645 VERSA chainsaw is featured with an Easy-turn screw chain tensioning system that makes the work of tightening of the chains of your saw easier.
It further assists in keeping the accurate tension for many cuts. This saw is extremely durable and provides you with 14 feet of overhead reach.
The Remington RM1645, 16 inch electric saw is considered one of the best chainsaws to slice through branches that are up to 9.5 inches thick.
The automatic oiling system of the saw also keeps the chain and bar well lubricated, maintained and smooth for butter like easy cuts through thick lumber and wood.
By the help of the saw head, you can easily adjust angles from 0 degree to 30 degree for better movement and cutting.
The saw is versatile and compact yet offers a lot of great features that is impossible to deliver with any other compact chainsaw.
The chainsaw is also very light weight for easy carrying and has soft touch, comfortable handles to grip firmly during the cutting.
This chainsaw is well-balanced between low noise production and optimal operation.
The external tensioning screw of this saw makes sure the saw keeps running and delivers full performance.
However, a lot of users claim that the saw is unnecessarily small with a very small blade and only cut small and medium sized branches.
9. GREENWORKS GCS80420
The GREENWORKS GS80420 PRO 80V is an 18 inch cordless chainsaw that is high quality and durable.
The battery of this chainsaw is equivalent to a 45cc gas chainsaw. These powerful batteries guarantee amazing performance and smooth cuts.
With the fully charged 2Ah battery, you can achieve up to 150 cuts in a single charge.
The benefit of having such Digi Pro brushless motors is that they are much more reliable and delivers the performance of a gas powered chainsaw with 30% more torque and 70% less vibration.
Currently, the GREENWORKS 80V battery operated chainsaw is one of the most highly demanded and best saws available in the market.
This chainsaw has an on board chain tensioning tool along with an electronic chain brake for safe operation and less chances of kickbacks.
Whereas, the automatic oiling system ensures that the chain is lubricated for the best cutting performance.
This chainsaw is very light weight as comparatively to the features it provides.
The simple and easy electric start of the saw helps in smooth starting up and running of the saw. Aside from that, this saw requires very less maintenance.
The battery of this saw charges in within 30 minutes thus less waiting time.
This saw is ideal for medium to small cutting tasks and works amazing on hardwood log.
However, the chain of this saw can slip off and the saw is quite expensive.
10. POULAN PR5020
The POULAN Pro PR5020 chainsaw has a 50cc 2-cycle stroke engine that is tough, efficient and powerful enough for most firewood cutting jobs.
It is an ideal chainsaw for cutting firewood and general property management along with felling and bucking large trees with convenience.
The 50cc engine uses Oxy Power technology for delivering extra power with 20% lower fuel consumption and up to 70% fewer emissions.
The POULAN PR5020 is comparatively also very easy to start and run. The saw weighs around 17 pounds and has a handle for easy and comfortable gripping.
The combination tool that has an integrated rear handle helps in the maintenance work of the blade, the chains and the air filter.
This also eliminates the chances of damage to the filter, spark plug, and purge bulb.
The good part about this chainsaw is that all of the above mentioned components are insulated, waterproofed and vibration resistant.
This ultimately increases the longevity and run time of the saw. This gas powered chainsaw has multiple speeds settings.
This innovative feature is found in very few chainsaws as this feature offers you complete control over how quickly you cut through each log.
The saw also follows all the required safety features such as double post chain brakes that prevent you from mishap, injuries and harm.
However, the pull cord of this chainsaw is very delicate and fragile. Also, a lot of users reported problems while starting this chainsaw.
Chainsaws Safety Tips & Guide
Chainsaws are very convenient power tools and assist in cutting a lot of materials easily.
However, that does not mean you start to take your safety for granted. Your safety must be your first priority and you should be always concerned about it.
Here are a few chainsaw safety tips and guide, which will benefit you in your cutting process so that you end all your projects without any mishaps, injuries or accidents.
- It is crucial to wear the safety gears before you start the work. You must consider wearing eye and ear protection, gloves, and kevlar chaps. These chaps are used because they are resistant to cuts and will seize the blade as soon as it comes in contact with any other object.
- Stand in such a position that your dominant foot faces the forward. This will enable you to stand at the side of the cut, ensuring that you remain well-balanced throughout the cutting.
- Never cut free-hand, always keep both hands on the saw.
- Stay attentive while you cut and do not take your eyes off the blade while you cut.
- It is important that you plan out and practice the desired cut before. This will help you determine where the bar will exit the cut.
- If you suddenly come in contact with a hard object, which will raise the chances of the bar to kick back towards you, this is when you must focus on the kickback zone of the chainsaw. This kickback zone is present at the top of your chainsaw bar at the tip. It does not matter if you have special chains and features to help you prevent these kickbacks you still must not stand directly behind the blade.
What Are The Steps To Cut Firewood?
Apart from learning and understanding how a chainsaw works and how to safely make a use out of it, you must also be aware of some common steps to cut firewood as this is one of the most basic processes that a person goes through when he intends to use a chainsaw.
Therefore, Here Are A Few Steps To Cut Firewood
- Start by wearing all the safety gears including ear and eye protection, gloves, boots and a proper attire. This is necessary so that you can prevent yourself from sudden injuries.
- Position the wooden piece that has to be cut horizontal on the wood and keep the cutting side in the air.
- Plug in and start the chainsaw.
- Keep running the chainsaw and let it reach its maximum rotation before cutting.
- Now mark the cutting point.
- If necessary, you can place the foot on the wooden piece in order to keep it firm in the place.
- Now place the chainsaw on the cutting mark.
- Gradually keep increasing the pressure of the chainsaw on the cut line until the full cut.
- Stop the chainsaw as soon as it reaches the bottom of the wood.
- Push the cut piece in order to separate it.
- Avoid letting the chain come in contact with the ground in any circumstances.
- Stop immediately when the cutting process is finished.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Chainsaw For Cutting Firewood
Even if you have surfed the entire internet and asked a couple of people regarding what chainsaw you should buy for cutting firewood or how you should know what chainsaw is meant for your type of wood projects.
It is still crucial to understand some factors and things before buying the chainsaw.
This is necessary because investing some time in finding the right product is better than wasting your money on the product that you might not use oftentimes.
Therefore, below are the few considerations you must make:
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Engine
You must first of all consider the kind of engine the chainsaw offers. Even a simple and decent engine of a chainsaw is efficient enough to do most work.
However, you must pick the engine according to the needs and requirements of your cutting projects.
You must know how much power your cutting tasks will demand and then go for the most suitable engine according to it.
This is necessary because you would not want to end up with such a chainsaw that does not cut firewood.
A 35cc engine offered by a chainsaw is not suitable to cut through a 22 inch thick wood as it is not efficient enough.
Although, it can still cut the 22 inch thick wood but the saw will require some time and will end up with an extensive damage to the chain and other features of the chainsaw.
Similarly, even with a 50cc engine, the chainsaw will occupy some time to cut through a 22-inch thick log but this kind of engine can easily perform it with a few double cuts. However, patience is the key.
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Power
When you think about considering the power of the chainsaw, you must know that the power and engine capabilities are pretty much identical.
Horsepower is typically explained by the rhythms per minute of the chain along the chainsaw bar.
This is why, the higher number of rhythms mean that the cuts will be deeper and comparatively easier.
However, much of this solely depends on the person doing the cutting.
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Guide Bar Length
The length of the guide bar of the chainsaw you will purchase usually determines the type of cutting tasks this saw is more likely to attain.
The cutting accomplished with a chainsaw essentially depends on the guide bar length.
A guide bar f length from 14 inches to 16 inches is ideal if you intend to cut light firewood.
Similarly, if you want to cut some medium firewood, you would want a guide bar that is a bit longer and measures around 16 inches to 18 inches.
For some basic trimming, a guide bar of 16 inches length is fine and you do not have to exceed it.
However, for bucking with a chainsaw you must have a guide bar of at least 18 inches length and not smaller than that.
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Vibration Minimization Features
You must consider buying a chainsaw that has vibration minimization features.
In order to minimize and reduce the vibrations felt during the cutting processes, many chainsaws that are gas-powered contain rubber bushings or metal springs in between the engine of the saw, chain, bar, and the handle.
If any one of them is not in place, it can cause the operator to feel tired and fatigued very rapidly.
This is because without any one of these features in place, keeping a firm grip on the saw can become very challenging as it runs to cut the wood.
This can result in injuries, accidents and mishaps as well thus make sure your chainsaws have all the features in place.
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Automatic Oiling System
Automatic oiling system is ideal to have for all those workers that take large cutting projects that require you to use chainsaw for long periods of time because this automatic oiling system deliberately reduces friction by keeping the chain lubricated for smooth and less fatigued movement.
This feature will also enable the user to take breaks during the cutting process and manually pump oil to keep the chains of the saw lubricated and smooth.
Automatic oiling system also avoids premature wearing of the saw and tearing of the material you are cutting. Also, it keeps saw from overheating that can lead to chain breaks.
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Ease Of Use
Another very important factor to consider is how convenience your chainsaw is.
It is crucial to look for a chainsaw that is very easy to use because as an operator you must easily know how to figure out the mechanism of your saw.
You must understand how to set it up or handle the frame in less time so that you can invest much time in the cutting process.
If your saw is not easy to set up, handle or use, the entire process of cutting can be frustrating and annoying because cutting firewood is already a difficult as well as quite time consuming thing to do.
On the contrary, if the saw is easy to use and set up then the process becomes far more convenient, fast and less complicated to an extent.
Reduction of small interruptions and hassles along the way of cutting keeps the process smooth as well as keeps the user motivated to complete as much cutting projects as he can.
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Tool-Free Chain Adjustment
You should look for chainsaws that offer tool free adjustments. This is necessary because tool free adjustments reduce a lot of extra efforts and hassle as well as consumes less time of the user.
Some of the chainsaw have the wheel and crank mechanism, a commonly known adjustment system on the saw, which unlocks and the locks the chain bar.
Also, it assists in moving it in and out easily adjusting the chain tensioning without using any tool such as a screwdriver or wrench.
This easy adjustment system further keeps the operator focused and motivated while cutting.
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Weight
Before buying a chainsaw, you must have a clear vision and idea what are your limitations and restrictions.
This will further help you out in figuring out how much heavier or lighter saw you can have according to the requirements.
There are some very light and some heavier options listed in the reviews above that you must consider.
You must make thoughtful decisions regarding the weight of the chainsaw because even a chainsaw of 15 pounds is considered quite light yet it can feel heavy during long cutting sessions or traveling to the jobsites.
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Corded Electric Or Battery Operated
Further you must know the two main basics of the chainsaws. You would find two types of chain saws mainly, these are the corded electric chainsaws and battery operated chainsaws.
Corded chainsaws require plugging in an extension cord into your chainsaw and then into the electric outlet.
This will provide you with unlimited electric supply for extended and long cutting sessions.
However, it somehow restricts you to as how far you can go. On the other hand, battery powered chainsaws use batteries to function.
These chainsaws do not put out any sort of emissions but they are also slightly restricted in how long they can function before the battery runs out.
Therefore, these chainsaws are good for taking on small projects.
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Brand
Before buying the best chainsaws for cutting firewood, you must know that the best chainsaws come from trustworthy and reputable brands.
This is because these brands care about their name so much that they are more likely going to use durable materials.
These brands also have a much more responsive customer service.
Some of the very durable, reliable and popular best chainsaw brands are STIHL, HUSQUVARNA, WORX, CRAFTSMAN, ECHO, REMINGTON and GREENWORKS.
Final Verdict
Chainsaws are the most durable, reliable and efficient wood cutting tools when it comes to cutting firewood.
Cutting firewood has always been a common human practice for various purposes.
However, nowadays there are a lot of new innovative, advanced and developed chainsaws available in the market that reduces the risks and time consumed while cutting the firewood.
These chainsaws not only add ease but also eliminate extra frustrations.
In the above article, we have provided a complete guide regarding the best small & lightweight chainsaws for cutting firewood, hardwood, and wet wood and their reviews.
This will help you choose the right chainsaw you require for your wood cutting projects.