Are you tired of struggling with heavy, unreliable chainsaws that are highly expensive and don’t serve the purpose as well? Whether you’re a professional landscaper or just need to cut some firewood, a high-quality chainsaw is essential for any outdoor job. But it can be overwhelming to choose the right one that falls within your budget.
In this blog, I’ll help you find the best budget chainsaw for your cutting needs. I understand the pain of dealing with a subpar chainsaw that can’t handle tough cuts, causes discomfort, and is a safety hazard. But don’t worry; I’ve got the solution. By considering factors such as performance, durability, ease of use, and safety, I’ve compiled a list of the top-rated chainsaws on the market.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor equipment and make cutting tasks a breeze, keep reading. My buying guide and product reviews will help you make a well-informed buying decision.
Say goodbye to frustrating, ineffective chainsaws and hello to a high-performance, reliable tool that will get the job done.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Chainsaw?
Several factors must be looked into while buying a chainsaw that doesn’t break the bank and serves its purpose. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide for buying high-quality, affordable chainsaws:
Purpose
Consider the type of work you will be using the chainsaw for, such as cutting firewood, pruning trees, or felling large trees. This will determine the size and power of the chainsaw you need.
Engine Type
Chainsaws come with gas-powered and electric (corded or cordless) engines. Gas-powered chainsaws are more robust but require regular, intensive maintenance, while electric chainsaws are easier to maintain and less expensive but have limited power.
Bar Length
The cutting bar length determines the size of the logs you can cut. A longer bar length means you can cut larger logs, but it also makes the chainsaw heavier and harder to maneuver.
Power
The power of a chainsaw is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) for gas-powered chainsaws and volts (V) for electric chainsaws. A higher cc or volt rating means more power and the ability to handle tougher cuts.
Safety Features
Look for chainsaws with safety features such as an automatic oiling system, a chain brake, and anti-vibration handles. These features help reduce the risk of injury and make using the chainsaw more comfortable.
Ease of Use
Consider the weight and balance of the chainsaw, as well as the ease of starting the engine. A lighter and well-balanced chainsaw is easier to maneuver, while a chainsaw with an easy-start engine is less frustrating to use.
Price
Chainsaws range in price from under $100 to over $1000. Consider your budget and the type of work you will be using the chainsaw for to determine the right price range for you.
Brand
Choose a reputable brand with a good warranty and good customer service. This will give you surety and guarantee that you can get help if you need it.
Reviews
Check customer reviews to learn about the pros and cons of different chainsaws. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are getting the best chainsaw for your needs.
Remember to always wear proper safety gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and a hard hat, when using a chainsaw. And make certain to follow the exact guidelines and safety instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
Top 5 Chainsaws Under $300, $200, and $100
DEWALT 20v 12-Iich Chainsaw Best Values
Power Source: Battery-Powered
Horsepower: 3.5 hp
Item Weight: 8.8 Pounds
Sun Joe SWJ599E 14-inch Electric Handheld Chainsaw
Power Source: Corded Electric
Horsepower: 2.8 hp
Item Weight: 7.7 Pounds
Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw Best Values
Power Source: Gas-Powered
Horsepower: 2.2
Item Weight: 5.67 Pounds
Poulan Pro PR4218, 18 in. 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
Power Source: Gas-Powered
Item Weight: 13.25 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 24″L x 10″W x 11″H
WORX WG322 Power Share 10″ Cordless Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
Power Source: Battery-Powered
Horsepower: 1 hp
Item Weight: 6.19 Pounds
DEWALT 20v 12-Iich Chainsaw
Product Review
The DEWALT 20V chainsaw is a cordless chainsaw powered by a 20V battery. It’s designed for heavy-duty cutting and pruning tasks and is ideal for professional landscapers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
One of the best sawing traits of this chainsaw is its power. Despite being cordless, it delivers impressive cutting performance and can handle tough jobs with ease. The 12-inch bar length is perfect for medium-sized cutting tasks, making it a versatile tool for a variety of applications. It’s even better in terms of performance than a DeWalt 16-inch chainsaw.
Another advantage of the DeWalt 12” chainsaw is its maneuverability. With a lightweight design, it’s easy to handle and operate, even for an extended period of time. This makes it a terrific choice for users who need to make multiple cuts in one session.
This one also features safety features, such as a chain brake and anti-vibration handle, which make it a safer option compared to other chainsaws. These features not only reduce the risk of injury but also make the chainsaw more comfortable to use.
Overall, the DeWalt 12” chainsaw is a powerful, maneuverable, and versatile tool that is ideal for a variety of outdoor cutting tasks. Its cordless design, safety features, and comfort of use make it a great option.
Specification
Power Source | Battery Powered |
Horsepower | 3.5 hp |
Chain length | 12 inches |
Weight | 8.8 lbs |
- Powerful but midweight
- Compact design
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Needs to buy batteries separately
Expert Recommendations
This is a perfect choice for all right-handed people, as safety switches would be hard to access for left-handed people. Overall, it was a great choice.
Sun Joe SWJ599E 14-inch Electric Handheld Chainsaw
Product Review
The Sun Joe SWJ599E 14-inch Electric Handheld Chainsaw is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option for those who want a powerful tool without the hassle of gas and oil. It’s ideal for light-duty to medium-duty tasks such as pruning, cutting, and shaping trees and bushes.
One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its 14-inch bar length, which provides a good balance between power and maneuverability. It’s also equipped with a 9-amp motor, which delivers ample power for cutting through a variety of materials.
The Sun Joe SWJ599E is designed for safety and ease of use. It features an automatic lubrication system that helps to extend the life of the chain and an oil level indicator that lets you know when it’s time to add more oil. Additionally, it has a safety switch to prevent accidental start-ups.
This chainsaw is also lightweight and easy to handle, draving the attention of those who want a corded chainsaw that won’t tire them out. It also comes with an adjustable chain tension system, which makes it easy to tighten the chain as needed.
In terms of maintenance, the Sun Joe SWJ599E is very low maintenance. With no gas or oil to deal with, you simply plug it in and start cutting. And, since it’s electric, you won’t have to worry about emissions or fumes.
Specification
Power Source | Corded electric |
Horsepower | 2.8 hp |
Chain length | 14 inches |
Weight | 7.7 lbs |
- User-friendly design
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable and easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Only suitable for small-to-medium jobs
- Slotted tension screws
Expert Recommendations
Sun Joe SWJ599E 14-inch Electric Handheld Chainsaw is an excellent option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and user-friendly chainsaw.
Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw
Product Review
The Husqvarna 16-inch, 130-gas chainsaw is a powerful and durable option for those who need a chainsaw for heavy-duty tasks. It’s ideal for professional landscapers and tree care workers, as well as for homeowners who need a reliable tool for larger cutting jobs.
One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its adjustability with 14 and 16-inch bar lengths, which provides ample cutting capacity for tough jobs. It’s also equipped with a powerful X-Torq engine, which delivers reliable performance and reduces emissions and fuel consumption.
The ergonomic design also helps to reduce user fatigue, making it a great option for those who need to make multiple cuts in one session.
In terms of maintenance, with a gas-powered engine, regular maintenance is required to keep the chainsaw running smoothly. This includes cleaning the air filter, adjusting the carburetor, and more.
Overall, its powerful performance, safety features, and ease of use make it a great option for landscapers, tree care workers, and homeowners alike.
Specification
Power Source | Gas powered |
Horsepower | 38 ccs, 2 hp |
Chain length | 16 inches |
Weight | 5.67 lbs |
- No batteries required
- Easy to adjust
- Very lightweight
- Easy to start
- Produces fumes that can be harmful
Expert Recommendations
The Husqvarna 16-inch 130 gas chainsaw is an excellent option for those who need a heavy-duty chainsaw for professional or home use.
Poulan Pro PR4218, 18-in. 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
Product Review
If you are looking for a powerful gas-operated chainsaw, the Poulan Pro is your best bet for all cutting purposes. Seeing its price point and features, I can surely recommend it as one of the overall best chainsaws under $300.
As per the description, it can be used as a 50:1 gas and oil mixture. But I used it with a richer Poulan Pro weed eater mixture that has a 40:1 gas and oil ratio. And it proved to be a great help for heavy duty cutting purposes. Richer oil and gas solutions last longer. This product is very convenient to use with chains and accessories of other brands like Stihl.
Unlike other heavy duty chainsaws from Stihl & Husqvarna, this one works slower and this feature makes it a strong option for overhead jobs as it minimizes the chances of accidental cuttings.
In terms of maintenance, you might need to be careful while storing it after finishing your job as if it contains residual gas and oil mixture, it would become sticky and you will be forced to clean a mess upon next use.
All in all, it’s a great option in terms of durability, power, and price range.
Specification
Power Source | Gas powered |
Power | 42 cc |
Chain length | 18 inches |
Weight | 13.25 lbs |
- Value for money
- Easy to use
- Suitable for tough-cutting jobs
- Less messy compared to other gas chainsaws
- Somehow heavy
- Indurable
Expert Recommendations
I would recommend it for overhead tasks or if needed to be used on ladders more often. It works slower and comes with advanced safety features for safe use.
Product Review
Want a small, lightweight, and easy-to-use cordless chainsaw?
I have found this one for you. Out of so many chainsaw variants from WORX, I chose this model, and it surprised me with how it worked.
One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its ease of maintenance and use. Unlike gas-powered options, it’s a breeze to clean and use. No mess, no cleaning hours, and no worries about the sticky residue mixture.
This might not be suitable for cutting huge tree trunks, but it’s certainly a great option for smaller jobs.
In terms of safety features, it has a safety interlock switch that makes it easy to use even with a single hand. It’s far better than most of its competition in many aspects, including weight, design, and price.
Overall, it’s a great choice for small to medium-sized cutting projects.
Specification
Power Source | Battery powered |
Horsepower | 3.2 hp |
Chain length | 10 inches |
Weight | 6.2 lbs |
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Features an auto lube system
- Consumes too much battery power
Expert Recommendations
I would recommend this to anyone using it around the house for small- to medium-sized jobs. It’s great value for money.
FAQ’s
Here, I have answered all the related queries to make your purchasing decision even simpler.
The two main kinds of chainsaws are gas-powered and electric. Gas-powered chainsaws are more powerful but require regular maintenance and fueling, while electric chainsaws are quieter, more convenient to use, but less powerful.
When using a chainsaw, it’s important to wear protective clothing, including gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. You should also use a helmet with a face shield if possible.
The size of the cutting bar you need will largely depend on the type of cutting you’ll be doing. A general rule of thumb is that the bar length should be no longer than the diameter of the log you plan to cut.
To keep your chainsaw running smoothly, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This may include preening the air filter, adjusting the carburetor, and changing the oil and fuel.
Chainsaws by Husqvarna are considered the best all-around options for cutting and landscaping jobs.
Here is my list of the best all-around chainsaws:
WORX cordless electric chainsaw
Husqvarna 16-Inch 130-Gas Chainsaw
Sun Joe handheld chainsaw for small jobs
Popular Pro 2-cycle gas-powered Chainsaw
Stihl MS 251 C-BE 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw
Final Say
In conclusion, finding the right chainsaw for yourself can make all the difference in your cutting tasks. Whether you need a chainsaw for heavy-duty construction work or lighter tasks around the yard, there is a chainsaw out there that will meet your needs.
In this review, I’ve highlighted some of the best chainsaws on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The DEWALT 20V 12 INCH CHAINSAW offers powerful cutting performance in a compact and maneuverable design.
The Sun Joe SWJ599E 14-inch Electric Handheld Chainsaw is a convenient and affordable option for those who don’t need a heavy-duty machine.
The Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw provides powerful cutting performance with low emissions, making it an excellent choice for professional and serious users.
No matter which chainsaw you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines and invest in the necessary protective equipment to keep you safe while you work.
So if you’re ready to take on your next cutting project with confidence, take a closer look at these top-rated chainsaws and make your choice today. And if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us before making your final decision.
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