If you own property with a lot of trees or brush, or you cut your own firewood, then a good chainsaw is a must-have tool. Chainsaws make quick work of pruning tree branches, felling trees, slicing logs into firewood or lumber, or cutting through thick brush. With numerous brands available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best chainsaw brands for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, we have evaluated several top chainsaw brands based on factors such as types of chainsaws, reputation, quality, availability, and value. In this article, we will explore the best chainsaw brands for both professionals and homeowners.
Stihl: The Top Gas Chainsaw Brand
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Stihl is the best-selling chainsaw brand in the world, known for its high-quality saws for homeowners and professionals. The company offers a full range of chainsaws, including gas, electric, and battery-powered models. Stihl chainsaws are renowned for their reliability and professional-level quality. They are especially popular among loggers and professional tree-care workers due to their unmatched power and durability.
Stihl chainsaws are available in various models, such as the Stihl MS 250, which features a powerful 45.4cc 2-cycle engine and an 18-inch bar. This chainsaw is suitable for both professionals and home landscapers. Stihl also offers excellent battery chainsaws, like the Stihl MSA 300 C-O, which is their most powerful battery chainsaw to date.
One downside of Stihl is that its products can only be purchased through licensed dealers, limiting the availability. Additionally, Stihl chainsaws are known for being quite expensive, with prices starting at $200. However, their resale value is excellent, and collectors are always interested in vintage Stihl saws.
Husqvarna: A Top Choice for Professionals
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Husqvarna is another top chainsaw brand, known for its precision machinery and outdoor power equipment. With a history that dates back to 1689, Husqvarna has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality chainsaws for both homeowners and professionals. Their chainsaws are renowned for their ruggedness, reliability, and user-friendly features.
One of Husqvarna’s popular chainsaws is the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, powered by a 38cc 2-cycle X-torque engine. This saw offers quiet operation, reduced emissions, and excellent performance. It is an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a reliable saw for small-scale projects.
For professionals, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is highly recommended. It features a powerful 60.3cc engine and a 24-inch bar, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as felling large trees and cutting firewood.
Unlike Stihl, Husqvarna chainsaws are available for online purchase, providing more accessibility to customers. However, like Stihl, Husqvarna chainsaws tend to be on the more expensive side. Prices start at $200 and can go up to more than $2,000 for professional-grade models.
Makita: Trusted Pro-Grade Electric Chainsaws
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Makita is a Japanese company that has been manufacturing high-quality electric tools since 1915. They offer a range of corded and cordless electric chainsaws known for their reliability and performance. Makita’s chainsaws are particularly favored for their top-handled designs and trusted pro-grade electric tools.
One of the standout models from Makita is the Makita UC4051A 16-inch corded electric chainsaw. This saw is powerful and easy to use, making it a popular choice among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
Makita also offers cordless top-handle chainsaws, such as the Makita XCU08PT 14-inch 36-volt battery chainsaw. This model is highly regarded for its safety features and is a favorite among professionals who work on ladders or in tree branches.
While Makita chainsaws may not be as powerful or durable as those from Stihl or Husqvarna, they are more reasonably priced and easily accessible. Makita chainsaws can be purchased online or at many home improvement centers. The company provides a one-year warranty for their chainsaws and a three-year warranty for their batteries.
DEWALT: Reliable Battery-Powered Chainsaws
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DEWALT is a well-known brand that manufactures professional-grade handheld corded and cordless electric tools. While they do not produce gas chainsaws, their battery-powered chainsaws are reliable options for homeowners and DIYers.
DEWALT entered the battery-powered tool market in the mid-1990s, revolutionizing the industry with their lightweight cordless tools. Their chainsaws, like the DEWALT DCCS620P1 20-volt 12-inch chainsaw, offer power and performance similar to gas-powered equipment without the associated noise and emissions. This model is a great choice for basic yardwork.
For users who need more power, DEWALT offers 60-volt battery chainsaws that can deliver performance comparable to gas tools. These chainsaws are mid-priced and come with excellent features and innovative designs.
DEWALT chainsaws can be purchased online or at most home improvement centers. The company offers a three-year warranty on their chainsaws, providing peace of mind to customers.
Milwaukee: Reliable Battery Chainsaws
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Milwaukee is a reputable brand known for its reliable battery-powered tools. While they have a diverse product lineup, their battery chainsaws are a solid choice for homeowners and DIYers.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-inch chainsaw is a versatile and powerful tool that can handle various cutting tasks. It features a brushless motor and runs on Milwaukee’s M18 lithium-ion battery system, offering excellent performance and runtime.
Milwaukee chainsaws are designed to be easy to maneuver and control, making them suitable for working in tight spaces or on challenging projects. They are known for their reliability and durability, ensuring that they can withstand heavy use.
Milwaukee chainsaws can be purchased online or at home improvement stores. The brand provides a warranty for their chainsaws, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Greenworks: Cordless Electric Power
Greenworks is an innovative brand that specializes in cordless electric outdoor power equipment. Their chainsaws offer power and performance similar to gas-powered tools but without the associated noise and emissions.
Greenworks chainsaws are powered by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, providing a quiet and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chainsaws. The batteries are interchangeable among all tools in the same voltage range, making it cost-effective to build a collection of Greenworks tools.
The Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Chainsaw is a popular model that features a 16-inch bar and delivers up to 90 cuts per charge. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for various cutting tasks around the house.
Greenworks chainsaws can be purchased online or at home improvement stores. The brand offers a range of models to suit different needs and budgets, making it a versatile option for homeowners.
Black & Decker: Affordable and Reliable
Black & Decker is a trusted brand that offers a variety of hand tools and power tools designed with DIYers in mind. Their chainsaws are known for being durable, budget-friendly, and reliable options for homeowners.
Black & Decker chainsaws are available in both corded and cordless electric models. They offer a good balance of power and affordability, making them a popular choice for those looking for a cost-effective solution.
The Black & Decker 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw is a compact chainsaw with a 10-inch bar, making it lightweight and easy to use. It is a budget-friendly option that is suitable for small-scale projects around the house.
Black & Decker chainsaws can be purchased online or at home improvement stores. The brand provides a warranty for their chainsaws, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Other Notable Brands
While Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, DEWALT, Milwaukee, Greenworks, and Black & Decker are among the best chainsaw brands, there are other notable brands worth considering:
- ECHO: ECHO chainsaws are known for their simplicity, durability, and reliability. They offer a range of gas-powered chainsaws suitable for both homeowners and professionals.
- Craftsman: Craftsman chainsaws are a trusted choice for DIYers. They offer a variety of gas-powered and electric chainsaws at an affordable price point.
- Poulan: Poulan chainsaws are known for their simplicity and affordability. They are a good option for occasional medium-duty work.
- Oregon: Oregon is a reliable brand that offers a range of chainsaw products, including chains, bars, and accessories. They are known for their high-quality components and innovation.
Conclusion Best Chainsaw Brands
When it comes to choosing best chainsaw brands, it’s important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the reputation of the brand. Stihl and Husqvarna are the top choices for professionals, offering powerful and durable chainsaws. Makita, DEWALT, Milwaukee, Greenworks, and Black & Decker are reliable options for homeowners and DIYers, providing a range of corded and cordless electric chainsaws. Other notable brands like ECHO, Craftsman, Poulan, and Oregon also offer quality chainsaw products to suit different needs and budgets. By selecting a chainsaw from one of these top brands, you can ensure a reliable and efficient tool for all your cutting tasks.