A chainsaw is a valuable tool that you should have in your arsenal, whether you are trimming your elms to prevent the branches from getting into your eaves, or removing an old walnut to make firewood. They are unrivaled in their versatility, cutting speed, raw power, and utility for the homeowner.
Some chainsaws are better suited for tackling big cutting jobs like felling or bucking large trees and others are more maneuverable for the finer tasks of pruning and trimming. All the saws on our list are in the neighborhood of 45 ccs. This gives them plenty power without being too aggressive and allows homeowners to use them in many different positions for long periods of time.
Quick Look – Top Gas Chainsaws
Gas Is Still King
Displacement is the best option when it comes to the most difficult and challenging jobs a chainsaw can do. The gas-powered chainsaws offer greater cutting power, speed, runtime, mobility, and cut time than any corded electric, battery-operated, or corded-electric can. Technology will improve, but for the moment gas is the best option.
With electric or battery-operated you will have to sacrifice either mobility or run time, whereas with gas you can have both. The main drawbacks to gas are they can be difficult to start and they require more maintenance.
Chainsaw manufacturers have come a long way with the science of starting a chainsaw. Theyve come so far in fact, that firing up a gas chainsaw is largely becoming a non-issue. Some of the chainsaws on this list start almost as easily as a battery-operated or electric chainsaw. The only thing that makes a gas chainsaw more difficult is the additional maintenance. Small engines make it hard to avoid these tasks.
Manufacturers have made these items easier by creating quick-access clips for the air filter and saws that automatically adjust their timing. There will still be smaller jobs that need to be done if you have large cutting projects.
Although it can be rewarding, operating a chainsaw is not something you want to do lightly. Given the power of these gas saws, kickback is something that you need to be aware of.
Kickback on a chainsaw can occur one of two ways. The first occurs when the chain is caught between the material it’s cutting, and the saw drives backwards into the operator.
If the tip of the bar touches something, this is the second type. This is the more dangerous form of kickback. Because all the torque from the chain suddenly stopping gets transferred to the body of the chainsaw, the chainsaw wants to flip back at the saw handler, presumably with the throttle still held down.
You cant rely on your cat-like reflexes to stop the saw as it simply happens too quickly. This is where the chain brake becomes a life saver. When the trigger is pressed, the chain brake will immediately disengage the chain.
Many saws come with a manual chain brake, which turns the left handguard into a lever. This style requires your hand be positioned in order to hit the lever during a kickback. But if your hand is out of position, nothing will trigger the chain brake.
The saws in this list have an inertia brake that engages the chain brake when the saw moves quickly, such as during kickback. This is superior as you don’t have to hit the lever with your entire body. If your hand is out of position to hit the lever, such as on the side of the left handle, the brake will still activate.
All the saws reviewed also have a vibration reduction system. A vibration reduction system will keep your hands and arms from going numb while operating a saw for an extended time. You can’t hold on to the saw if your hands become numb. This can lead to serious problems. This is especially important with such powerful saws running at high RPMs while ripping through wood.
The Five
Husqvarna 445
Husqvarna is an established brand that is well-known. The 445 is no exception. Despite such strong brand recognition the 445 is still very affordable. This chainsaw is a top-quality machine that performs well and offers professional quality at an affordable price.
Its also one of the lightest at 49 kg. From the 445, you will get 2.8 hp out of a 45.7 cc engine. This translates into a chain speed of 17.3 m/s in the wood. The 445 will also accept bar lengths of 16, 18, or 51 cm.
In addition to having power and maneuverability, the 445 is loaded with quality-of-life features. The chain tensioner is side access and the fuel level can be visibly seen through a clear gauge. The Smart Start system makes it easy to get the 445 running. The 445 also has felling marks on the casing and a quick-release air filter.
Most complaints about the 445 revolved around the ease of starting the chainsaw. Owners complained that it was difficult to start the chainsaw, even with positive reviews. It can sometimes take upwards of 20 pulls before the machine kicks on. Others claimed that it was easy to start the chainsaw if you follow Husqvarna’s instructions.
Stihl MS 251 C-BE
Like Husqvarna and Stihl, Husqvarna has a great reputation among chainsaw makers. The MS 251 CBE is sturdy. It creates 2.95 hp from a 45.6 cc engine and will accept either a 16 or 46 cm bar. It is the largest saw, weighing in at 54 kg. This is a manageable weight that gives the Stihl an imposing feel.
If you follow the provided instructions, the MS 251 CB-BE has an Easy2Start spring assisted system to get it started. Some said that the Stihl started quickly, but others said that Easy2Start was too generous with fuel and caused the saw’s flood easily.
The MS 251 CBE excelled in comfort and ease of use. The vibration reduction system is by all accounts top notch which your hands and arms will thank you for. The Master Control Lever is located to the left of the reargrip. It is a single, multisetting switch that includes the throttle lock, choke, and on/off.
The Quick Chain Adjuster, a tool-less tensioner that can be adjusted by the chain was only available on the 251. The QCA is flush to the side of your saw until you are ready to use it. Pop it up and wind the chain. Then, you can snap it back down. Its incredibly quick and efficient but its also plastic. Over time this part may become brittle and snap off. Although, to be fair, no one has mentioned it happening so far.
The Stihl MS 251 C-BE chainsaw was the most expensive. It seems reasonable considering that you can get a comparable product for a much lower price. However, those who purchased the Stihl saw great satisfaction with their purchase.
Jonsered CSS 2245
The Jonsered CS 2245 was the lowest cost chainsaw but still a favorite. The CS2245 can handle bars from 33 to 46 cm in length and only 49 kilograms in weight. The engine is a 45.7cc 2.8hp and features the Clean Power engine design. This engine produces 75% less emissions and 20% more fuel efficiency.
Turbo intake air cleaning systems remove 97% of sawdust from the air filter. This keeps the saw working at its best and prevents it from becoming dehydrated.
The CS2245 features a side-mounted chain tensioner as well as a clear fuel gauge. Its also known to have excellent vibration reduction and a great oiling system. Many users claim that the oiling system is what caused this saw to not bog down, even when making difficult cuts. Fast work is possible with plenty of lubrication, and a powerful saw.
Many users were impressed by the saw’s quality and power, while still being less expensive than the more expensive models.
Only problem with this saw is the choke. It can be hard to adjust and takes some getting used to. Overall, the CS 2245 is a great saw with a great reputation that wont disappoint.
The Dolmar PS-421 saw was often recommended as an alternative to other saws on this list. However, the Dolmar PS-421 was discontinued and rebranded with Makita to make the EA4300FRDB. Its the same saw as the Dolmar PS-421 but now it carries the Makita name and the black and red color scheme of Dolmar.
At 42 cm, this saw is the smallest. However, it punches well above its weight with 3.0 horsepower. The saw weighs in at 49 kg and comes with a 41 cm bar. This could prove to be an issue for those who require their saw to do larger jobs.
It has vibration reduction and side access chain tensioning. The automatic oiler is also disabled when the saw is idle. The EA4300FRDB has a magnesium crankcase that is lighter and stronger than aluminum.
Dolmar PS-421, and now Makita EA4300FRDB are known for being extremely easy to start, especially when it’s warm. Makita attributes this to their Easy Start spring assisted design and optimized engine management.
My only gripe with this saw was the trigger safety. It was fussy and prone tripping, locking out the trigger.
Although the ECHO CS-450 is not the most expensive, it does a great job justifying the additional money. It can take bar lengths of 16 to 51cm, making it a versatile saw that can handle large jobs. The powerful 45 cc engine will give enough grunt to the chain to get those jobs done too.
There are some new features, such as a side-access tensioner and an inertia brake, an automatic oiler and a vibration reduction program. However, it also has an automotive-style air filter and engine precleaner that other models did not have. The CS-450 also includes a digital ignition to automatically adjust the engine timing for better performance. This saw runs like an instrument of fine tuning.
ECHO backs the engine with a 5-year warranty. The engine also has the highest EPA durability certification. This saw was built to last. Users echo this sentiment as many have indicated this saw is durable and holds up to serious abuse.
The few complaints that existed were about the quality of the case which was mostly plastic and there were several owners who had issues with the factory bar either bending or seizing up.
Conclusion
Picking the right chainsaw is as much about price as it is about your personal needs, habits, preferences, experience, and even your fitness level. So, its extremely important you be honest with yourself when making a choice.
Each saw listed here is an exceptional pick. They are all great saws produced by great companies with a reputation for excellence. Assess your needs and personal habits, and tailor the saw to fit yourself. Then enjoy throwing some dust.
