The best chainsaws for home and garden

At the beginning of the last century, the process of felling wood was a difficult and time-consuming process, but in the 1920s, the first chain saws were produced. Since that time, technical progress has not stood still, and today many different models are produced. So that you can choose a good chainsaw, which is not inferior in quality and reliability to professional counterparts, we have compiled a rating of the best chainsaws for summer cottages and homes, which included a variety of models of popular manufacturers of this category of goods.

The main criteria for choosing a chainsaw

Before you start buying a chainsaw, you need to decide what you are going to use this tool for. It's no secret that the cost of this type of tool is determined by a combination of factors such as power, duration of work - that is, class. Modern chainsaws are divided into three main classes:

1. Household. These saws are perfect for gardening and minor repairs.
2. Semi-pro are used for more complex jobs, including construction.
3. Professional saws - the most powerful and reliable among chainsaws, designed for industrial felling.

Chainsaw power

Chainsaw performance directly depends on engine power. The maximum power indicator of this gasoline tool reaches 7 kW, which corresponds to 9 hp. These saws are used in logging. The power of household devices does not exceed 2.5 hp, semi-professional ones are produced with engines up to 3.5 hp, and professional ones have a power of up to 6 hp.

Weight

Low-power household devices weigh the least. An increase in saw power usually entails an increase in the mass of the tool. The average weight of gasoline chain saws ranges from 3 to 6 kg.

Fuel consumption

An additional aspect when choosing a gasoline tool is its economy. Household products are the most economical, while professional ones, on the contrary, are more voracious. The volume of a chainsaw tank is traditionally calculated for 40 minutes. work, therefore the larger the model's fuel tank, the greater the fuel consumption.

Additional criteria for choosing a chainsaw

Additional, but important when working with petrol chain saws "little things" include:

• Anti-vibration system. Its presence is necessary for long-term work with the tool.
• Air filter. Dust contamination protection ensures longer life without the need for early repair.
• A reliable brake is an important criterion for the safety of a tool. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be equipped with an anti-vibration and anti-kickback system, the so-called inertial brake.
• The length of the bar determines the length of the cut. When choosing a tool, do not forget that the linear dimension of the bar must be consistent with the saw power.
• Long tires on low-power units will lead to their quick failure.

We will review the chainsaws of each class and make a rating of the best, according to user reviews, models.

The best inexpensive chainsaws (up to 140 $)

Household saws are the most common class with a minimum of functionality, but perfect for work in the country, in the garden and for small construction work. In addition, due to their small (from 400 to 1000 hours) resource, compactness and low weight, they are relatively cheap. If you are looking for a tool for household needs, then the household saw is the best value for money.

1. PARTNER P340S

The Chinese model of the Husqvarna chainsaw, produced under the Partner P340S brand, belongs to household-class tools, and is designed for short-term garden and construction work, and wood harvesting. This budget chainsaw is ergonomic and easy to use. It is equipped with a reliable braking system, has a low vibration and noise level, which is rarely found in tools of this class, is distinguished by high quality components and good fit of parts.

Advantages:

• a fuel pre-pumping pump significantly improves engine starting, especially in the cold season;
• light weight;
• anti-vibration system reduces the load on the operator's hands;
• low consumption of the fuel-oil mixture.

Disadvantages:

• exactingness to the quality of fuel and oil;
• there is no window for visual control of the remaining oil and fuel;
• there is a possibility of spontaneous loosening of the intake manifold fasteners during operation.

2. Echo CS-353ES-14

Inexpensive, but good chainsaw Echo CS-353ES-14 is an excellent saw for harvesting firewood in the country or at home, cutting down small trees. The presence of a heated carburetor allows the Echo CS-353ES-14 to be used in winter. Steel springs and rubber shock absorbers, which are equipped with this model, significantly reduce vibration during operation. The use of advanced Japanese technology allows you to combine maximum comfort in use and high performance. Although it is made in China.

Advantages:

• ergonomic design;
• best-in-class power
• easy and quick to start;
• the presence of the G-Force air purification system allows less frequent cleaning of the air filter.

Disadvantages:

• inconvenience of refueling;
• lack of a window for monitoring the remaining fuel and oil.

3. Makita EA3202S-40

Chainsaw Makita EA3202S-40 - a convenient chain saw belonging to the segment of household appliances, has a 1.81 hp engine. Easy to start thanks to electronic ignition and primer. This model has an active vibration damping system, a SafetyMatic chain brake and an adjustable oil pump. Unlike previous models of this manufacturer, it practically has no complaints from users. Among the reviewed household saws Makita EA3203S-40, one of the best chainsaws in the ranking. Although Makita is recognized as the best manufacturer of power tools, the brand's gas powered tools are also worthy of attention.

Advantages:

• light weight, easy start;
• comfortable chain tightening;
• low noise level during operation;
• large volume of the fuel tank;
• the ability to adjust the oil supply to the saw chain;
• Best in class in terms of price and quality.

Disadvantages:

• The disadvantage, according to user reviews, is one - a sensitive launch button, but this is more a matter of habit.

The best semi-professional chainsaws

More serious tools include semi-professional or farm-grade chainsaws. With an average power and a higher service life, models of this class are suitable for operation up to 5 hours a day, but with significant interruptions in operation. A good semi-professional saw will become an indispensable assistant when running a personal subsidiary or farm. Procurement of firewood for the winter season, construction and repair work, cleaning the site from old trees - chainsaws of this class will perfectly cope with all this.

1. Echo CS-260TES-10

The lightest saw in the Echo CS-260TES-10 rating is designed to work with any type of wood.This chainsaw is lightweight and comfortable, weighing only 2.9 kg, and a special coating on the body increases its durability. Due to the low weight of the saw, it can be used at a height and safely carry out the necessary work with one hand. Electronic ignition and easy start system allows work in any conditions. The oil pump has a professional design and only supplies lubricant to the saw chain during the sawing process. Engine power allows for longer tire lengths.

Advantages:

• light weight;
• small dimensions;
• easy start;
• reliability in work;
• convenient for one-handed operation.

Disadvantages:

• Monitoring of user reviews did not find any complaints about the operation of this model.

2. Oleo-Mac 941 C-16

One of the best universal semi-professional saws, the Oleo-Mac 941 C-16 provides maximum productivity when working. Thanks to the presence of a three-cam clutch, chrome-plated piston, as well as a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rod, the chainsaw has high reliability and characteristics that bring it closer to the class of professional saws. Easy starting is provided by an electronically controlled magneto and an automatic oil pump ensures zero oil consumption at idle speed. According to the owners, this is a high-quality, durable and comfortable chain saw.

Advantages:

• powerful two-stroke engine;
• easy start in all weather conditions;
• reliability;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• high noise level;
• inconvenient location of the chain tensioner mechanism.

3. Husqvarna 450e

Husqvarna saws are rightly considered one of the best. The Husqvarna 450E chainsaw is no exception. In terms of reliability and quality, it ranks among the best semi-professional saws. With a low weight, it has a rather powerful 3.2 hp engine. The ergonomic handle, quick access to the filter and the spark plug (the cylinder cover is latched), the fuel level indicator and the marking for the direction of tree felling make it much easier for the operator to work with the Husqvarna 450e.

Advantages:

• easy start-up even after long periods of inactivity;
• reliability of components;
• profitability;
• good power reserve.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• expensive spare parts.

4. Stihl MS 260

The most popular chainsaw in the rating - Stihl MS 260 - occupies the leading position of semi-professional saws. Due to its versatility, power and durability, it enjoys a well-deserved popularity among lumberjacks and builders. Suitable for both felling and construction work. With a relatively low weight, it has a good reserve of power, which allows it to be used during the day in any conditions. It is completed with tires 37 and 40 cm long, but its capacity allows you to install long tires, up to 50 cm.

Advantages:

• ease of launch;
• low vibration;
• high quality chains and tires;
• ease of maintenance and cleaning.

Disadvantages:

• absent.

The best professional chainsaws

Professional-grade saws are used for continuous work for a long time, they have high performance and reliability. The ability of such a tool to work 8 hours a day for many years is achieved through the use of durable, wear-resistant materials in its manufacture. Such saws are intended, first of all, for felling timber on an industrial scale, but they are also used in construction and logging in large volumes.

1. Husqvarna 395XP

The Husqvarna 395XP professional saw is used for sawing hardwood. It has a fairly high performance and power of 7.1 HP with a low weight for a tool of this class. High engine torque provides fuel economy. The model is equipped with an excellent vibration protection system, an easy start and quick start function and a centrifugal air cleaning system. For continuous work, the saw is equipped with an ergonomic grip that does not fatigue the hands under load.

Advantages:

• adjustable oil pump;
• durable crankcase made of magnesium and aluminum alloy;
• quick-detachable mount of the air filter;
• high power.

Disadvantages:

• high noise level, it is simply impossible to work without headphones.

2. Stihl MS 661-28

The Stihl MS 661-28 chainsaw is designed for extreme loads during operation, has high performance and power. This is the best model for harvesting large timber. This model is equipped with "non-lost" nuts for fastening the chain sprocket cover, which is very important when working in the forest. The anti-vibration system is quite high quality, the saw does not load the body. The presence of a compensator ensures the efficiency and constant power of the unit. Heated carburetor with a winter-summer switch.

Advantages:

• power and high performance;
• easy start;
• single-lever control gives comfort when working;
• effective anti-vibration system.

Disadvantages:

• high price in comparison with competitors.

3. EFCO MT 8200

The gasoline chain saw from the Italian manufacturer EFCO MT 8200 is perfect for both logging and construction sites, and for owners of country houses. The model is equipped with a decompressor, thanks to which even a beginner can cope with starting a chainsaw. The controls are conveniently located on the saw handle. Thanks to the original electronic coil, the cooling of the mechanism is improved. Light weight and anti-vibration system create comfortable operation.

Advantages:

• easy start;
• convenient control;
• reliability and durability.

Disadvantages:

• absent.

We recommend watching an interesting video on how to choose the right chainsaw!

Which chainsaw is better to buy

We hope that our review of the best models of chainsaws for home and summer cottages for 2020 will help you decide which tool to choose for your tasks. In this category of gas powered tools, when selecting devices, our experts were guided by such parameters as reliability in operation, build quality, functionality and, most importantly, feedback from users who already had the opportunity to evaluate the quality of each presented chainsaw in the rating.