10 Best Rated Chainsaw For Homeowners [The Ultimate Guide 2023]

Dimension and Weight

Let’s start with what’s on the outside. This chainsaw weighs 12.79 pounds. Bar-wise, the recommended length is 13, whereas the maximum length caps off at 23 inches. When it comes to the chain, the pitch is 3/8’’, and its max speed is 65.62 fts. However, it can reach 87.27 fts at 133% of max engine power speed.

The Engine

This is where the fun starts. The engine’s cylinder displacement is 60.3cm3, or 3.68 cubic inches. Its maximum speed is 9000 rpm and the idling speed no less than 2700 rpm. All of this with a power output of 3.62 hp. The volume of the fuel tank comes up to 0.9 American pints, while it consumes 437 grams of fuel per kilowatt-hour.

This powerful chainsaw also comes with some interesting new technology. We get the return of Smart Start, a staple of most major Husqvarna products. But this time, it ties in with the X-Torq® engine, a powerful high rpm beast with a twist.

In fact, the maximum torque of X-Torq is 3.4 Nm. X-Torq consumes less fuel, not to mention reducing levels of emission. Hence it is eco-friendly that it meets the most stringent regulations regarding environmental protection. Something worthy of a potential best-rated chainsaw.

Air Injection

Next, we have to mention the air injection. Normally a lot of small debris get stuck in the filter. Clean it as you may, it will build up with the next cut. But this model has you covered. Inside the saw is a circular air cleaning centrifugal system. It is designed to get rid of bigger bits of debris and annoying dust before it finds its way to the filter. Not only will you clean your filter less, you’ll also extend the X-Torq’s life as a result.

Good Vibes

Are vibrations getting you tired?  LowVib® is the answer. With this innovation, your saw will work with extremely reduced vibration levels. The equivalent vibration level of the front handle amounts to 3.8 m/s2, and 6.9 m/s2 of the rear one. No more lax arms, you can saw away with less effort exerted.

Oil Flow Adjustment

Naturally, there are so many more innovations and features to experience with this best chainsaw for home use. There’s reduced noise, the chain brake, the quick-release air filter, the chain tensioner mounted on the side etc. 

Furthermore, you don’t get any extra weight, and the maintenance isn’t a massive hassle like with most other saws similar to this one. The engine is commercial-grade, and it provides reliable remarkable cutting performance.

The nose bar and the chain are both Oregon® sprocket ones, a sure sign of quality if ever there was one. These two reduce the overall kickback of the saw while still performing excellent cuts.

To tension the chain, you need only look at the side of the Tanaka chainsaw. Indeed, if there is anything a best-rated chainsaw must have, it's safety and quality bar-chain synergy.

Oil Flow Adjustment

The Tanaka has a fixed flow oiling system. In other words, the saw automatically oils the bar/chain when you use it, eliminating the need for you to do it manually before cutting.

The oil tank capacity is 6.0 fluid ounces, which is 3.9 fluid ounces smaller than the fuel tank. You cannot really adjust the amount of oil that flows with this model, so that might get you to look into other models.

Safety Features

In order for you to safely work on your cutting tasks, this model comes with plenty of safety aspect. The first is the chain brake, which helps with severe kickback. The saw itself forces your left hand to push forward, right on the brake. This will stop the saw in its tracks, and save you a trip to the emergency ward.

Next in line is the chain catcher. In case the chain fails, this feature…well, catches it before it can harm you. The throttle trigger lockout, the Tanaka's third safety attribute, prevents you from accidentally using the throttle trigger.

Should you have issues with flying debris or the chain reaching your left hand, the front hand-guard is there to ensure you keep all your fingers. And finally, there’s the anti vibrate system, there to reduce fatigue and vibration as much as possible.

Downsides of the Tanaka Top Handle Chainsaws

The one issue that might not make this one of the best is simply that it’s a top handle model. You cannot use it on the ground level, and can’t really cut down massive trees or thick branches. This saw is for elevated work only, meaning it is limited by its purpose.

General Overview

This is a homeowner-grade saw. Essentially, you won’t be getting into professional lumberjacking using the PR5020, but it will do wonders for your backyard.

The best thing going for this model is that it’s relatively cheap compared to more high-end products by more popular brands.

However, the smaller price does not, in this case, equate poorer quality. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. And to see why, we need to examine the PR5020’s make-up.

The engine is the first place to look, and emission-reducing, yet powerful engines always get bonus points to a saw aiming to be the best-rated chainsaw on the market.

This model boasts a Duralife 50cc two-cycle engine with OxyPower technology. This means 20% less fuel consumption and an incredible 70% less overall emissions. A clean, eco-friendly engine on a gas powered saw is a Godsend everywhere.

Bar & Chain

In addition, starting up the chain is easy with the EPS, or the effortless pull-start system. This system reduces the pull force while starting up the saw. As a result, you get 30% less pull force, easier starting, and less wearing.

Safety and Maintenance

You will, of course, have to think of safety when handling any chainsaw. PR5020 has everything a safe saw requires. There’s your everyday chain catcher near the root of the bar, in case your chain decides to fly off and hit you.

Following that, there’s the typical front hand bar, as well as a lockout system for the throttle trigger. But the main feature here is the double post chain brake. Like with other saws, this is a system that requires right hand activation and automatic inertia to be effective. In case of kickback, you can rely on this system to keep your limbs intact.

As far as maintenance goes, this model has the reputation of actually being easy to tinker with. Should you want to perform tool-less maintenance, you have the handy combination tool right there in the rear handle. Another onboard tool keeps your scrench, or screwdriver-cum-wrench, close at hand.

Studying the instructions will show you just how easy it is to disassemble and reassemble the chainsaw. And considering it uses Husqvarna parts, you’ll be able to get replacements easily should anything break down.

Downsides

These saws is not powerful enough to help you with projects outside of your backyard.

On top of that, be ready to stockpile some oil, as this chainsaw uses up a lot of it during cutting.

General Overview of The Outlaw

Before we start off, we should note that the Outlaw is so versatile that it can actually be of moderate use to professional lumberjacks. Naturally, it is primarily a product for your average consumer, and as such, it performs amazingly well.

One look at the engine and you know you’re dealing with a sturdy bastard. At 46cc, it’s no exaggeration to call this a high output engine. Its cylinder bore is a stunning professional grade chrome. With it, your engine has a long life ahead of itself, not to mention the durability of an ox.

And speaking of durability, we cannot forget the die-cast chassis, a perfect solution to all those long, draining cutting tasks. Finally, this best value chainsaw would not be that much of a saw if its materials weren’t as durable as the rest of it. Both 18-inchers, the tough bar and chain that you get with the saw can split almost any wood in half.

Safety

Normally, you’d want your saw to vibrate as little as possible, mainly for safety reasons. Aside from your typical safety factor, the Remington 4618 Outlaw has a five-point no-vibration setup.

On a side note, Remington’s anti-vibrate systems are what more or less sold their product to the masses at large. They have become something of a staple, and it’s no wonder this continued with the Outlaw. You needn’t worry about vibrations with this model.

Similarly, you needn’t worry about kickback, either. The chain is low-kickback, hence you can trim down those branches with ease and the saw won’t hurt you.

Performance

We mentioned reduced vibrations earlier. You have the cushioned wrap handle to thank for that. Not only do you feel fewer vibrations as you cut, you also feel less fatigued. Considering this is a saw weighing 16.4 pounds, this is definitely a plus.

Oiling is done automatically, so your chain will always have the necessary lubrication. In addition, you can adjust your chain tension on the side of the saw based on what you plan to do with it.

Maintenance

This is a minor point, but it merits mentioning. If you want a saw with easy maintenance, the Outlaw is your tool of choice. You have the tool-free access to both the filter and the spark plug, so in case anything goes wrong, they are easy to reach, replace, and/or repair.

Downsides

The main issue the Outlaw has happens to be that, as powerful and durable as it is, it just isn’t made for robust tasks. Massive trees in extreme weather will break this chainsaw, and it is hence best used for everyday tasks. Though, we should note, everyday tasks that are not in the “hard” category.  

General Overview: Echo CS-400

The CS-400 is another saw in the line of great two-stroke engine tree-cutting products of today. It is purposely made to be as powerful as it is – Echo wants you to work this saw to the bone. And if this 40.2 cc engine wasn’t enough, you have two more components that make it stand out.

The first of those is the air filter. But bear in mind, this is not your everyday felt filter. It is, in fact, a robust, automotive-style filter to end all filters. The only thing better than this filter’s performance and make-up is how easy you can access it for removal and cleaning.

This felt masterpiece will provide you with the best filtration during sawing, as well as the easiest cleanup.

The second component that makes this engine a beast is the so-called G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner™. As you can assume, this pre-cleaner provides the saw with clean air, giving your Echo CS-400 proper protection against debris and dust.

Performance

You start up your Echo CS-400 with the greatest of ease. The reason behind that is the  i-30™ reduced-effort starting system. Using digital ignition, you will be able to start up your CS-400 easily and will have no trouble with acceleration.

The bar and chain boast durability, like much else on and in this bad boy. If you would like to adjust your chain, the tensioner is on the side and easily accessible. In addition, the saw has an automatic oiler.

Your chain will remain well and oiled during the entirety of your task, without the need to apply the oil manually. This is considered to be one of the best chainsaw for cutting trees.

Safety

This will be a minor point, as the CS-400 comes with most of the same features other professional chainsaws have in terms of safety. It has the automatic chain brake, and the chain it comes with is perfect for battling kickback. I

n fact, it’s almost beat-for-beat the same as with other brands. You either manually clutch the hand-guard or let inertia do the work for you.

But how does it handle vibrations? Well, there is an area between the handle and the engine. And in said area, the good people over at Echo decided to put rubber bushings or metal springs.

These absorb most of the vibrations and make the saw run smoothly. This, of course, reduces user fatigue – the less tired the arms, the better the cuts.

It’s also worth noting that the material that makes up the bushings is less rubber and more polyurethane. Not as hard as plastic, but not as soft as actual rubber. Many users claim this model to be the best 16 inch chainsaw in the market today.

Downsides

What would be the little things that prevent us from deciding this particular saw as the best gas chainsaws? Well, a few minor bits and a few major bits.

The minor bits include not having a tool-free chain tensioner, unlike most saws. The major bits actually have to do with the manufacturer itself.

If you read the warranty carefully, you will see that your saw isn’t covered if you use the wrong type of oil mix to the one they specify. Naturally, they don’t outright mention this to their customers, and they end up learning about this at the repair shop.

This can lead to – and has led to – uncomfortable interactions. So in order to avoid unnecessary matters, read the warranty conditions carefully upon purchasing.