When it comes to a large number of outdoor woodcutting jobs, a gas chainsaw is definitely the way to go if you are looking for raw power. This powerful beast is useful and completely mobile – no need for an electric cord and can tackle tough jobs that other chainsaws cannot. It became a favorite among homeowners, arborists, lumberjacks, and construction companies.
Here are our top-rated gas chainsaws. Any one of these would be a great choice if you’re ready to purchase. However, if you would like to learn more about these powerful power tools, continue reading.
Best Gas Chainsaws
1. Husqvarna Gas Chainsaw 16-inch 38cc 2-Cycle
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- Capable of cutting down smaller trees and branches
- Have built-in safety brake
- Auto-oiling
- Easy to start and use
- Not easy to start for some people.
2. Remington Full Crank Gas Powered Chainsaw RM4214CS
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- Full crank 42cc 2-cycle engine produces more power and lower vibration.
- Lightweight to use
- Easy to start
- Auto-oiling for smooth cuts
- Comfortable grip
- Occasional loose chain reports
3. Husqvarna Gas Chainsaw 18-Inch 445e II
Amazon.com
- Powerful cutting with the 50.2cc 2-cycle engine
- Can handle most cutting jobs with the 18-inch bar
- Easy to start
- Automatic chain oiling
- Expensive
- Not easy to start for some people. It’s better to learn some chainsaw skills before use.
4. Craftsman Full Crank Gas Chainsaw
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- Provide smooth and powerful cutting with 42cc full crank 2 cycle engine and 16-inch bar chain.
- Not heavy to hold
- Adjustable auto-chain oiler
- Anti-vibration design and comfortable grip
- Rare bar oil leakage and starting difficulty
5. Poulan Pro PR4218 Handheld Gas Chainsaw
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- Can manage mid-sized trees and branches
- Efficient wood pruning with a 42cc, 2-stroke engine with an 18-inch bar
- Storage case and extra chain included
- Not for continuous use long time
- Require more skills to start before use.
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gas Powered Chainsaw?
Advantages
- Gas chainsaws are powerful enough to easily fell large trees, trim large branches off the trees, and chop large amounts of firewood. Because they have strong bars and chains to cut through the thick wood. An electric or battery-powered chainsaw is not capable of handling large trees.
- Gasoline-powered chainsaws allow for continuous work. You don’t have to stop mid-work to recharge the drained batteries. Gas-powered chainsaws can run for hours as long as they have gasoline.
- Gas chainsaws allow for maximum mobility. You can move the chainsaw anywhere you want to get the job done. You don’t need to worry about the electric cord length and safety. Because of their maneuverability, they are an excellent choice for emergencies, such as clearing stuck trees or branches on the road after a storm.
- Compared to modern electric or battery-powered chainsaws, traditional gas chainsaws are preferred by lumberjacks and arborists due to their powerful performance in the industry.
Disadvantages
- Gas chainsaws are noisy. Their engines can produce very loud noises that are dangerous to the human ear. If you live in the residential area, find out if you need a community permit to use it
- Gas-powered chainsaws are difficult to start unless you have lots of experience. Batter-powered or electric chainsaws can be turned on or off by pressing a button. But with a gas chainsaw, it may take several attempts to get the motor running, if it turns off, the process must be repeated again. This is a bit frustrating for people with little arm strength.
- Gas chainsaws are not suitable for light branch trimming works in small backyards. Especially when you have a 2-stroke engine and live in a crowded neighborhood. An electric chainsaw will be a better option for this situation.
- Due to their strong bars and saws, you’ll have to maintain them well by regularly oiling the blades and protecting them from moisture and rust. An unattended gas chainsaw will not perform well.
What to Consider When Buying a Gas Chainsaw?
You don’t want your project to be restricted by an electric chainsaw’s portability or runtime. A gas-powered chainsaw is better for big jobs. They require more fuel and maintenance. These heavy-duty tools can be extremely effective in cutting, pruning, and felling trees if used properly. There are some important features to consider when shopping for a gas chainsaw.
Purpose and power
Most gasoline engines are categorized in cc’s but you will occasionally see them rated in horsepower. Professional models can have chainsaws with a range of 25cc to 75cc. There are many options for horsepower. A mid-range model may have 4 horsepower. Heavy-duty models can pack even more power. However, gas-powered chainsaws have been banned in many cities and this trend will only continue. Choose the gas chainsaw motors and sizes according to your tasks.
Gas chainsaws for light-duty use (12 – 14 inches) are usually compact and lightweight. They are considered consumer-grade chainsaws. Equipped with a 30cc-40cc engine, This motor usually produces 1.5 to 2 horsepower. It means that they are more maneuverable than bigger saws and are the type you would use for general pruning and yard maintenance as well as storm clearing, pruning branches, and trimming overgrown hedges or grass.
Medium-duty gas chainsaws (14 – 16 inches) are slightly larger than their lighter-duty counterparts. Their engines are usually in the 40cc-60cc range and can produce 2 to 4 horsepower. These are sometimes called “ranch” and “farm” chainsaws. These tools can handle heavier loads and produce between 2 and 4 horsepower. They are sufficient to handle the majority of yard work and can be used for many residential tasks such as trimming small dead trees and clearing storm-damaged branches.
The pro-style gas chainsaws (18 – 22 inches) have motors greater than 60cc and are capable of producing between 4 and 8 horsepower. These tools are for professionals who require specialized skills. They are often used only for large tree felling. They can also manage smaller tasks. However, professional chainsaws tend to be powerful but can be very noisy in use. Make sure you need a community permit to use it in the backyard.
Motor types
Two-cycle motors, also known as two-stroke motors, are the most common type of chainsaw motors. Two-stroke motors have been the standard for light-duty and general-purpose chainsaws. They are lighter, easier, and more affordable than traditional chainsaws. They usually run at higher revolutions per hour (rpm), which means they produce decent power for their size. However, they are also louder, consume more fuel, and produce higher levels of emissions.
Four-stroke motors are more common in heavy-duty professional models. They are heavier, more complicated, and run cleaner. These tools are more fuel-efficient and more durable than others.
Two-stroke motors are often not compliant with EPA and CARB emission regulations. This makes them illegal in over a dozen states. Some manufacturers have created two-stroke engines with lower emissions than their four-stroke counterparts.
It is illegal in certain states to use a gasoline chainsaw that has a motor, not CARB-compliant. Before buying, check the local regulations.
Bar length
A bar is the part of a chainsaw that houses the cutting blade. Different bar lengths offer different cutting capacities. The length of the bar is one of the most important factors in choosing the right gas-powered chainsaw for you. It indicates how large a log it can safely and efficiently cut.
Do not assume that a longer bar is better. A bar that is an inch or more longer than the log you are cutting should be chosen. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use the bar efficiently if it isn’t necessary.
A 16-inch bar is a minimum required by most homeowners. However, you can purchase a larger or smaller chainsaw if necessary. If you use the correct technique, a 12-inch chainsaw can cut down trees nearly two feet in diameter. In practice, however, this is unlikely to happen because the 12-inch gas motor of a chainsaw won’t provide enough power to cut down trees nearly two feet wide.
Weight
Although larger saws can generate more power for large jobs, they can be very heavy. The engine is the largest and most powerful component of a gas chainsaw. More powerful the engine, the heavier weight it has. A heavier chainsaw should not be a problem if you are fit. Most people care about the user experience and how to minimize fatigue.
You should choose a saw that is light enough to maneuver on a vertical plane, and sideways when cutting branches or angled logs. You should be realistic about the weight you can safely carry.
Start
Gas chainsaws have been difficult to start for a long time. Modern gas chainsaws can be started much more easily thanks to electronic ignition, auto chokes, air purges, and other helpful features.
Follow the instructions in the manual to start your chainsaw. People complain often of problems because they tried to start a chainsaw with a method they had years ago, but the new one is very different.
You shouldn’t have any trouble starting a gas chainsaw if you carefully read the manual. Or, you can also watch Youtube videos to learn some useful skills to easily start a gas chainsaw.
Safety
Chain brake: A chain brake is a great safety feature. It is often integrated into the guard for the front handle. It prevents the chainsaw from rotating while the engine is running by pushing it forward. The chainsaw will work normally if you pull it back.
Maintenance
Gas chainsaws need to be maintained and adjusted periodically in order to maintain a perfect position. These features include a tool-free adjustment knob for the chain and an automatic oiler.
Tool-free adjuster: The simpler it is to adjust your blade, the better. Many chainsaws come with an easy-to-use, tool-free adjuster.
Automatic chain oiler: Your chain will heat up and stretch if it isn’t properly lubricated. This can lead to poor cutting performance and shorter life expectancy. A chain oiler automatic is a great addition.
Blade cover: A blade cover should be included with all gas chainsaws. A carry case is an added bonus.
How to Safely Use and Properly Maintain A Gas Chainsaw?
Use a gas chainsaw with safety
Chainsaws may not be as scary as they are made out to appear, but there is a danger inherent in anything that can rip through branches and trees. You can take sensible precautions to keep yourself safe.
- Learn as many chainsaw operation skills as possible. Read the user manual before any operation.
- When operating a chainsaw, you should always wear work gloves, ear protection, and sturdy shoes.
- Never use a chainsaw if you are ill or tired.
- Always work directly in front of your body. Your body should be balanced, and your feet must be firm. Never work sideways with your chainsaw.
- Never use your chainsaw to cut beyond shoulder height. The cutting range should allow you to quickly turn the chainsaw off.
- Adjust the chain properly. If it is damaged, replace it.
- Turn off the chainsaw engine before you make any adjustments.
- Maintain the chainsaw steady, even if it’s on the floor. The rear handle of most gas chainsaws is designed so that you can place your foot there to maintain the saw steady.
- A 16-inch gas chainsaw is necessary for cutting down trees. For larger trees or firewood, an 18-inch chainsaw is best.
- Start with small branches first, then work your way up. You will soon feel comfortable using the machine.
- Keep your chainsaw away from pets and children. Even if the motor is off, small fingers can be damaged by blades.
- Check your blade often and sharpen it as necessary.
- Keep an eye on the fuel and chain oil. These oil spills can set off a fire.
- Remove debris and sawdust from your chainsaw’s air intake slots after each use, otherwise, it will choke or smoke.
- It is natural that you want your chainsaw blades to last as long as possible. However, if the adjustment has run its course, it is time to replace them. Untightened chains can be dangerous.
- Chainsaw blade replacement should have high quality. Don’t use cheap replacements. You get what you pay for.
Maintain your gas chainsaw well
Different chainsaws have different maintenance requirements, so it doesn’t matter if you only use them occasionally to cut wood or if you use them frequently to maintain the backyard. You can not leave your gas chainsaw unattended. It is important to familiarize yourself with the gas chainsaw operator’s manual. To ensure proper maintenance of your chainsaw, the following should be done:
- Check the motor and chain periodically. Regularly check the level of your chain oil. And add lubrication as needed. Make sure your auto-oiler is working correctly.
- Regularly check the tension of your blades and bar. Adjust it and keep it in place. Because the blades can be bent or twisted during use.
- Perform a quick inspection before you turn on your saw to ensure nothing is damaged or loose.
- If you are storing your chainsaw, drain the carburetor first and empty the fuel tank. To protect the blade and the bar, remove them and apply a light oil coating to them.
- Keep the tool dry and dust-free.
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