TOP-15 Best chainsaws for home and garden

Choosing the best chainsaw for your home and garden. Mandatory criteria are: reliability, smooth engine operation (without jerking), quick start, ergonomics. For convenience, the rating is divided into the best models according to the price / quality criterion and inexpensive but good models costing about 5,000 rubles. The chain saws were selected taking into account the recommendations of the repair shop expert - Valery Potapov, as well as the numerous customer reviews on specialized forums.

Owners of land plots with a summer cottage or their own house are required to have a chain saw in the workshop or shed. The choice is given mainly to gasoline ones due to mobility - you can take it with you everywhere without worrying about recharging batteries and extension cords. A good chainsaw will help in harvesting firewood in the forest and sawing them at home or from neighbors, small amounts of lumber, pruning a garden, dismantling old wooden structures, building.

Sooner or later a problem arises: which chainsaw to choose instead of the old one, what to look for when buying the first tool, what characteristics the saw should have for certain purposes. Not everyone uses saws for cutting firewood: someone turns them into mobile mini-sawmills or regularly carves garden sculptures and furniture. And many do not know that, in addition to fuel, the saw needs two types of oil: one - to form a fuel mixture, the second - to lubricate the chain with a bar.

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How to choose a good chainsaw

Chainsaws are divided by power class (conditionally):

• Household gasoline saw – affordable low-power devices designed for intermittent operation are an excellent choice for home and summer cottages. Their engine power reaches 2.5-3 hp. With a bar length of 35-40 cm, they can unfold and cut logs with a diameter of up to 55 and 65 cm, respectively. Weighs up to 5 kg.
• A good semi-professional chainsaw - designed to function for several hours a day with short breaks. Suitable for small forestry, utilities, construction crews, portable sawmill with rip chain. They are used for making wooden sculptures. Power is in the range of 3-4 HP, weight - 5-6 kg. With a tire length of 40-45 cm, it handles logs with a thickness of 65-75 cm.
• Professional chainsaw is designed for regular operation at logging enterprises, for commercial procurement of firewood, professional construction. They are made of high-quality materials and components, have vibration protection and increased service life. Power - from 5 HP, weight - from 6 kg. There is enough traction to work with a tire up to 90 cm long.

Bus length (indicated in cm and / or inches) - corresponds to engine performance. For budget models - 35-40 cm or 14-16 ”. They cope with trees with a diameter of up to 50 and 60 cm, respectively: the useful length of a 35-cm tire is about 26-27 cm, multiply by 2 (a cut in a tree circle or a longitudinal cut from two opposite sides) - it turns out about 52 cm.

Chain pitch for household chainsaws - 0.325 ", for semi-professional ones there are 0.375", for industrial - 0.404 ". The teeth can have a different profile depending on the application. There are sets that are sharpened for longitudinal sawing, work with frozen wood or for cutting logs from old buildings with small nails, plaster residues (clay, glue) - teeth with tungsten carbide.Chains adapted for cutting on hard materials wear quickly on soft ones. Chains, especially new ones, need regular tightening and sharpening. The first time or two, the cutting edge can be corrected with a special file, but in reality it can only be sharpened on a sharpening machine.

Weight depends on the dimensions and materials from which the tool components are made. The lower it is, the longer you will be able to work without feeling tired, the higher the maneuverability of the saw, which is important when pruning a garden. On the other hand, low weight may indicate the low quality of components.

Engine volume approximately indicates the operating time, for household units does not exceed 40-50 cm³ with power up to 3 HP - you can periodically work for a couple of hours a day - seasonal procurement of firewood or construction of a change house. The effective chain pitch is 0.325 ”. For motors from 4 kW - 0.375 ”.

The rating includes saws of various price categories that can solve a wide range of tasks at a construction site and on a personal site.

The best chainsaw manufacturers

The best tools have proven themselves from:

• Husqvarna - one of the leaders in the production of equipment for stone processing, garden maintenance and logging with a 330-year history;
• Makita - Japanese manufacturer with more than a century of experience; make high quality products with an advanced anti-vibration system;
• Huter - German chainsaws with a pleasant price-performance ratio;
• Echo - Japanese technology with a 5-year warranty; the company produced the most powerful two-cylinder and the smallest gasoline saws;
• Bison - one of the leaders among domestic manufacturers of household and industrial tools;
• Stihl - is famous for the Stihl 180 and 230 chainsaws, which are distinguished by an enviable motor resource. Produces household and industrial tools.

Rating of chainsaws for home price / quality

Let's start with the most reliable tools.

A good compact home chainsaw from Husqvarna, the oldest manufacturer of forestry equipment. With a power of 1.6 kW and a tire length of 40 cm, it is suitable for harvesting firewood, irregular felling and sawing small trees, it will allow you to harvest lumber in small volumes, for example, rough timber. Differs in reduced fuel and exhaust consumption, and as a result, less polluting of the atmosphere and requires less frequent maintenance. Combined switch for controlling ignition, carburetor, throttle.

Features:

• inertia brake aluminum cover;
• combined control lever;
• primer will make it easier to start;
• centrifugal air cleaning;
• anti-vibration elements.

The legendary saw that has proven itself on the construction site, during bucking and unbinding and among sculptors. It is capable of felling and sawing trees up to 65 cm thick onto timber / boards. Suitable for work in winter thanks to the carburetor heating with warm air. The automatic overrun brake stops the chain in a fraction of a second on kickback. The chain lubrication system saves up to 50% oil. For convenience, the chain tensioner has been moved to the side of the body.

Features:

• economical chain lubrication;
• single-lever control;
• vibration damping system;
• instant stop of the chain;
• engine heating for work in frost.

Compact model for home, summer cottages and construction on a private plot. Suitable for beginners as their first saw thanks to the Easy Start and primer.A damper for supplying warm air masses to the carburetor makes operation possible on frosty days. Comfortable handles with fine notches fit well in the hand even with gloves. The handlebars are coated to absorb vibration from the motor. Fuel and oil tank caps can be unscrewed without tools.

Features:

• side tensioner of the saw headset;
• excellent balancing;
• metal gears of the oil pump;
• cleanable air filter;
• two-year warranty, extendable up to 5 years.

Domestic development with a 5-year guarantee is an ideal choice for subsidiary farming and people who have not previously worked with chainsaws. Equipped with a light start system - a Japanese carburetor with a primer - and vibration damping. Operational safety is guaranteed by a double chain brake, metal stop and chain catcher. With a 45 cm tire, slabs, planks and beams can be harvested in small quantities. The chain is only lubricated under load, the intensity of the oil supply depends on its value.

Features:

• 5-year warranty;
• inconvenient location of the ignition off button;
• durable chrome-plated cylinder;
• effective vibration reduction;
• electronic ignition.

A reliable Japanese tool in a shock-resistant plastic case with the function of quick tension and replacement of the saw headset. A 400 gram fuel tank will last for 2-3 hours depending on the load. The lubrication intensity of the chain and bar is adjusted with a screw to adapt the lubricant supply to the cutting conditions. The ergonomic handles are covered with anti-slip and anti-vibration coating. The innovative primer makes starting the engine easier. The chain made in the USA keeps the sharpening and geometry for a long time.
Features:

• instrumental access to the candle and air filter;
• adjustable supply of lubricant;
• three position switch;
• four shock absorbers that absorb vibration.

Developed by South Korean engineers with an estimated resource exceeding 300 hours. Engine power and rpm are designed for processing wood of any density and structure. The length of the bar is selected so that it is convenient to hold the chainsaw above your head when decorating the garden. High-quality metal and heat treatment preserve the geometry of the chain saw set for a long time. The interlock will prevent unintended starting of the circuit. Soft start requires 30% less physical effort to start the motor.
Features:

• anti-vibration protection;
• toothed stop made of steel;
• lightweight launch;
• works only at positive temperatures.

Saw for construction and logging for personal needs, is regularly used to clean communications (roads, railways, yards) from trees and bushes. Easy start allows even a woman and teenager to start a cold engine. The screw at the bottom of the housing adjusts the flow of oil to the saw head. The 45 cm bar allows you to cut a log up to 75 cm in diameter.
Features:

• the inertial brake is attached to the cover;
• easy starting of the motor;
• collapsible leading sprocket;
• anti-vibration system based on springs;
• low engine noise.

A powerful tool for cutting trees, collecting firewood and lumber at home. The handles are covered with ribbed vibration-absorbing material. It improves grip security and reduces hand fatigue. The band brake will quickly stop the chain in case of kickback, protecting the operator. The chain is tensioned using a wrench and a screwdriver, access to the filter is toolless.

Features:

• the inertia brake handle is attached to the cover;
• the tire is installed in one position;
• difficulty in replacing the saw headset;
• excellent value for money.

The top quality saws are closed by a powerful domestic model with a 50 cc engine. It can be used by utilities, for seasonal harvesting of firewood in considerable quantities, for creating garden sculptures and dismantling old buildings. The easy start option will allow the engine to start after a slight jerk of the starter. The washable air filter can be removed without tools.

Features:

• saving oil at idle speed;
• function of heating the carburetor in winter;
• anti-vibration system;
• instant reaction of the chain brake when recoil.

The best inexpensive chainsaw about 5000 rubles

A tool for rare and gentle exploitation on a limited budget. Needs careful maintenance, often repair. Inexpensive chainsaws usually serve three to five seasons, depending on the activity of operation.

The rating of budget models is opened by a German development with a powerful engine, placed in a compact case. Its tractive effort is enough to break up logs up to 65 cm thick. Unlike analogs, a single-cylinder engine needs an oil-gasoline mixture in a ratio of 1 to 40. The sprocket takes on part of the load, making the engine work easier. For uniform tire wear, turn it at regular intervals. The air filter cover is secured with a thumb.

Features:

• reliable grip;
• blocking accidental launch;
• the chain catcher will protect the operator in the event of a rupture of the saw headset;
• difficult, as for a beginner, tire installation;
• end chain tensioner.

Powerful saw with a two-stroke engine with extended service life. It starts with a little effort thanks to the Easy Start system. Inertia brake and starter covers are cast from magnesium alloy. The anti-vibration system reduces stress on the hands, extending the work session. Operator safety is enhanced by a chain catcher, an inertia brake, an accidental start guard and a guard. The filter and plug are serviceable without tools.
Features:

• lightweight engine start;
• multilevel operator protection;
• automatic oil supply;
• lateral chain tension;
• quick access to spark plug and air filter.

Small-sized gasoline saw with 35 cm tire, designed for small quantities of wood, clearing areas of unnecessary bushes and trees. An excellent choice for gardeners considering the low price. The engine speed is adapted for sawing all types of wood, including dry wood. The high-tech ignition mechanism and primer make it possible to start the motor with female hands.

Features:

• fuel pump;
• advanced vibration protection;
• complete with Oregon saw headset;
• chrome-plated cylinder.

A tool with a long bar for periodic cutting of logs with a diameter of up to 75 cm. Owners advise to do this less often, taking into account the price. Equipped with advanced safety mechanisms: engine brake in case of kickback, start blocker. Rubberized grips provide a secure grip with frozen hands and prevent vibration transmission from the motor to the operator. The fuel pump makes starting the engine easier.

Features:

• long bar for cutting large trees;
• tool chain tension;
• work at low temperatures;
• difficulty in reinstalling the cover.

The cheapest chainsaw is enough for a garden and cutting firewood for a shish kebab. Harvesting firewood, lumber, construction, regular sawing and making garden sculptures requires a powerful tool from a renowned manufacturer.

Video: How to choose a good chainsaw