There's Work To Do, Your Chainsaw Has to Keep Up

Yards are a lot of fun, but they also require some serious upkeep. This is especially true in wooded areas. If your yard is carved out of a natural forest, then trees need to be trimmed, fallen limbs must be chopped up, and oversized stumps must be decapitated. All this work requires not just a chainsaw, but a functional, efficient, high-powered chainsaw you can count on.

There’s no use having a chainsaw if it breaks every time you really need it. A chainsaw is only as good as the toughest job it can properly carry out. You want a reliable, high-quality machine capable of doing all necessary tasks around the house and yard. That means you need to do some research before buying your next chainsaw. Buying the first thing you see or relying on a second-hand tool from a friend is asking for trouble. The last thing you want is to leave a job half done because your chainsaw failed at the worst possible moment.

To make a smart decision, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the top chainsaws on the market. There are plenty of high-quality chainsaws out there, but these particular models are among the best.

1 - Echo CS-400-18

If you’re after a high-powered saw that can do it all, then don’t look farther than this gas model. Its eighteen-inch bar is strong and sturdy, while its two stroke engine offers plenty of heft. Consumers have reported satisfaction with its rapid slicing and its ability to power through solid pieces of wood. Despite all this power, the Echo CS-400-18 is remarkably easy to handle. It starts more simply than most gas-powered saws, and at only ten pounds it is relatively lightweight. With such a unique blend of power and manageability, this chainsaw is an excellent overall choice.

2 - Husqvarna 455 Rancher

This machine stands out among high-end chainsaws for its impressive power and durability. It cuts well and quickly, allowing the user to make short work of the task at hand. With a twenty-inch bar and powerful two stroke engine, this chainsaw is no joke. Despite its incredible force, the Rancher is low-vibration, making it quite user friendly. A number of innovative gizmos place this saw right on the cutting edge of modern technology. The centrifugal filtration keeps the device clean and operable, while the Start Smart system makes it easy to get working. For a sophisticated, high-functioning saw, you can’t go wrong with the Husqvarna 455 Rancher.

3 - Makita UC4051A Electric Chainsaw

Electric chainsaws by their nature are smaller, less powerful, and easier to handle. This saw, however, is a bit of an exception in that it combines all the usual benefits of an electric model with remarkable, gas-like power. The 16-inch bar is nothing to scoff at and it succeeds at cutting through hefty logs and trees. Of this saw’s many features, perhaps the most impressive is the current limiting device that helps prevent burnout. The Makita also boasts a chain break and a chain oiler that functions automatically. If it weighs a bit more than a typical electric model, those extra pounds are worth the increased strength they provide. For an electric chainsaw with a gas-like attitude, check out the Makita UC4051A.

4 - Remington RM218 Rebel

For a wonderful chainsaw at a great price, you can’t go wrong with this gas-powered model from a storied, reliable brand. It starts well and works even better, with its engine providing enough power for most jobs around the yard. Its pieces are made of high-quality, durable materials, and users report that this is a chainsaw that lasts. Despite its weight, the Rebel’s anti-vibration technology makes it surprisingly easy to handle. As far as value goes, this chainsaw can’t be beat.

5 - Greenworks 20362 Cordless

Smaller and less powerful, this is not the chainsaw for all possible yard projects. What it lacks in power it makes up for in portability and convenience. Not having to run an extension cord is a definite advantage over other electric saws. For light-duty work, this can be a perfect machine. At only eight pounds, it is easier on the arms than almost any other chainsaw. It requires a charge every forty-five minutes or so, making it annoying for all-day tasks but perfectly adequate for simple chores. If the occasional odd-job is all you’ll need it for, then this could be the perfect chainsaw for you.