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8 Best Gas Chainsaws of 2023: Powerful & Efficient
Carl Anderson
Dec 11, 2023
Gas chainsaws are powerful tools that are used for cutting down trees, pruning branches, and other outdoor activities. They are designed to be more efficient than electric chainsaws and are suitable for heavy-duty tasks. If you're in the market, a gas powered chainsaw one might be the right choice for you.
Power tools can be complicated. When looking for the best gas chainsaw, there are several things to consider. Firstly, you need to decide what you'll be using the chainsaw for.
- Are you a professional logger or a homeowner who needs to trim trees occasionally?
- Are you an arborist who needs to climb up 100 ft.?
- Are you just trying to cut some small branches hanging over fence?
The answer to this question will determine the size and power of the chainsaw you need.
We spent hours researching and testing the top gas chainsaws on the market to help you find the best gas chainsaw for your needs. In the next section, we'll go over our top picks and what makes a chainsaw the best gas powered chainsaw in 2023.
Best Gas Chainsaw: Full Analysis (Updated for 2023)
We have researched and tested various gas chainsaws to bring you the best options available in the market. Whether you are a professional logger or a homeowner looking to trim trees, a gas chainsaw can make your job easier and efficient.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best gas chainsaws based on their power, durability, ease of use, and safety features. Read on to find the perfect chainsaw for your needs.
Alternative Options: You may have noticed that this list is mostly Husqvarna. That's because Husqvarna really has the best gas chainsaw selling on Amazon. Some other reputable brands, such as Stihl are only available through the company website or by going into local hardware stores.
Pros
- Superior performance with increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- LowVib® Technology: Effectively absorbs vibration, reducing strain on arms and hands.
- Enhances engine life by expelling larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter.
Cons
- Weight: At 13.2 lbs (excluding cutting equipment), it might be heavy for some users.
- Price: With an MSRP of $599.99, it's a significant investment.
- Complexity for Beginners: The range of features and power might be overwhelming for novice users.
Upon using the Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw, I was immediately impressed by its robust and powerful performance. The X-TORQ® engine not only provided the power needed for tough cutting jobs but also impressed me with its fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
This is a significant advantage for those conscious about their environmental footprint. The chainsaw felt well-balanced and sturdy, indicative of Husqvarna's commitment to quality and durability.
The ergonomic design, featuring LowVib® technology, was a standout feature. It effectively minimized the vibration, making the chainsaw more comfortable to use over extended periods.
This is particularly beneficial for professional users who rely on chainsaws for prolonged durations. The Air Injection™ technology was another notable feature, ensuring the engine stays cleaner for longer periods, thereby enhancing its lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
In conclusion, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is an excellent chainsaw for both professional and heavy-duty home use. There's a reason why we have it as the best chainsaw for residential use. Its combination of power, efficiency, and user-friendly features makes it a top choice in its category.
While it may be on the heavier side and require a significant investment, the quality, durability, and performance it offers justify the price. It's a reliable tool designed to handle demanding tasks efficiently, making it a worthwhile addition for anyone in need of a high-performance chainsaw.
This is not a budget chainsaw. But most homeowners needing a chainsaw aren't climbing up trees, or felling huge Firs, no - they are chopping up firewood or removing large trees that fell. The Husqvarna 460 is perfect for that type of work but it might be too much power for some.
Alternative Options: If you are getting sick of seeing Husqvarna, check out this chainsaw by Poulan Pro. It's an 18" chainsaw that comes highly-rated.
You'll be able to cut a little bit bigger tree limbs with the added bar length, and at 32cc you have almost equal power to the 135 Mark II.
If you're looking for a reliable and efficient gas chainsaw for your home tasks, then the Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Chainsaw is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Smart Start feature allows for effortless start-up with minimal effort.
- Reduced emissions and fuel efficiency
- The LowVib technology reduces vibration levels, lessening operator fatigue.
Cons
- The 16-inch bar length may not be suitable for larger trees.
- The air filter can be difficult to find in some regions.
- The chainsaw may require frequent cleaning due to the centrifugal air cleaning system.
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Chainsaw puts on an impressive performance. The Smart Start feature allowed us to quickly and easily start up the chainsaw with minimal effort, while the combined choke and stop control helped reduce the risk of engine flooding.
The 2.1-HP X-Torq engine provided ample cutting power while reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. We also appreciated the LowVib technology, which reduced vibration levels and lessened operator fatigue during use.
However, the 16-inch bar length may not be suitable for larger trees, and the air filter can be difficult to find in some regions. Additionally, due to the centrifugal air cleaning system, the chainsaw may require frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
At 16", you won't likely be using this for felling larger trees or cutting up larger firewood. But this is an excellent option for trimming trees. It's significantly lower cost than the Husky 460 so it's a great option for some. It's not too heavy so it's perfect weight for most residential users.
Pros
- The chainsaw is easy to start and handle, making it a valuable tool for a variety of tasks.
- It has an inertia-activated chain brake to reduce the likelihood of injury due to kickback.
- The chainsaw delivers superior performance with an efficient 38-cc, 2-HP X-Torq engine that reduces emissions and increases fuel efficiency.
Cons
- The chainsaw may leak bar oil.
- The spark-plug is not easily accessible.
- Some users reported issues with the chainsaw not starting.
We've used the Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw for a variety of tasks, including limbing, pruning, and tree cutting. The chainsaw is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it ideal for beginners and those who are not used to handling chainsaws.
We were impressed with the fuel pump and combined choke/stop control, which made starting the chainsaw effortless. The chainsaw's simple chain tightening & tensioning system also allowed for quick adjustments, which is useful when working on different projects out in the field.
One of the standout features of the Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw is its Air Injection technology, which removes larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter, improving engine life and reducing air filter cleanings. We found this to be particularly useful when working in dusty or dirty environments.
The chainsaw's LowVib technology also deserves a mention, as it uses dampeners to reduce vibrations and minimize operator fatigue for easier handling of recommended 14 to 16-inch chainsaw bars. We found this to be particularly useful when working on longer projects that require extended use of the chainsaw.
Overall, we highly recommend the Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw for beginners and those who need a reliable and efficient gas-powered chainsaw for home and garden tasks.
Pros
- The 62CC engine provides powerful cutting performance with less vibration, making it easier to handle.
- The quick-stop chain brake and safety switch help keep you safe while using the chainsaw.
- The automatic oil system provides a stable and efficient supply of chain and bar oil, which helps reduce fuel consumption by 20%.
Cons
- The chainsaw can be difficult to start at times, especially if it hasn't been used in a while.
- The chain may come off the bar if not properly tensioned, which can be frustrating to fix.
- The chainsaw is relatively heavy, which can make it tiring to use for extended periods of time.
We found the Supmix Gas Chainsaw to be an excellent tool for cutting down trees and handling other outdoor cutting jobs. The 62CC engine provides plenty of power and speed, making it easy to cut through even the toughest wood. We also appreciate the safety features, including the safety switch and quick-stop chain brake, which make it a safe tool to use.
One downside to the Supmix Gas Chainsaw is that it is on the heavier side, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, the documentation is sparse, which can make it challenging to find the information you need. Finally, the chainsaw can be difficult to start, especially for those who are not experienced with gas-powered tools.
Overall, we believe that the Supmix Gas Chainsaw is an excellent tool for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable chainsaw. With its impressive power and speed, safety features, and environmentally friendly automatic oil system, it is an excellent tool for any outdoor cutting job.
Supmix in general is a relatively unknown chainsaw brand. It's not as famous as Husqvarna or Stihl. That being said, user experience and quality control could vary.
Pros
- The air purge system and combined choke/stop control make starting the chainsaw easier and reduce the risk of engine flooding.
- The 16-inch blade with an inertia-activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback.
- The LowVib technology minimizes operator fatigue and allows for easier handling.
Cons
- The chainsaw can be difficult to start for some users.
- The hand guard may not stay in the brake off position.
- The factory chain may need to be replaced after a few hours of use.
The Husqvarna 120 gas chainsaw features an efficient 38-cc, 1.8-HP X-Torq engine that reduces emissions and increases fuel efficiency. The chainsaw is equipped with Air Injection technology, which removes larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter, improving engine life and reducing air filter cleanings.
The simple tensioning system allows for quick adjustments, and the chainsaw comes with an extended warranty on pre-mixed fuel. The centrifugal air cleaning system expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter for improved engine life.
In conclusion, the Husqvarna 120 gas chainsaw is a reliable and efficient tool for a variety of home and garden tasks. While it may be difficult to start for some users, the chainsaw's features such as the air purge system, combined choke/stop control, and LowVib technology make it a valuable addition to any tree cutting equipment and landscaping tools.
Pros
- The chainsaw is equipped with a powerful 52cc engine that delivers excellent cutting performance, making it suitable for tree felling, wood cutting, and other outdoor tasks.
- The ergonomic front and back anti-vibration handles, cushioned wrap handles, and balanced design make the chainsaw comfortable to use and easy to operate.
- The chainsaw comes with an automatic chain lubricator, adjustable chain oil feed, and quick and easy chain tension adjustment, making it easy to maintain and operate.
Cons
- The chainsaw is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The chainsaw can be noisy during operation, which may be a concern for users who prefer quieter tools.
- The chainsaw may require some assembly before use, which may be a challenge for users who are not familiar with the process.
Overall, if you're looking for a powerful and reliable gas chainsaw that can handle heavy-duty tasks with ease, the WEMARS Gas Chainsaw 52cc 18 Inch Power Chain Saw is definitely worth considering.
With its powerful engine, ergonomic design, and easy-to-use features, this chainsaw is perfect for cutting wood, felling trees, and other outdoor tasks.
This might be the best option for anyone looking for a gas chainsaw on a budget. With that price tag, it's great for people looking to just start with a chainsaw. Professional arborists may want to look elsewhere because this company is relatively unknown.
Pros
- The chainsaw boasts an efficient air filter, inertia-activated chain brake, ergonomic design, and an adjustable automatic chain oiler for optimal performance.
- It is lightweight and portable, weighing only 14 lbs., making it convenient for extended use without causing fatigue.
- The simple-to-activate launcher and fail-safe switch make it easy to start and stop the chainsaw.
Cons
- The assembly instructions are a poor translation into English, making it difficult to assemble for those with little experience with chainsaws.
- The instructions for mixing gas with oil are not user-friendly.
- The safety brake may be inconvenient for those who prefer not to have one.
The SUNGEL Gasoline Chainsaw is a reliable and efficient tool for homeowners, farmers, and professional users alike. It is easy to operate and has a powerful cutting ability that makes it ideal for various cutting tasks. It's also low cost meaning it's another great budget option for anyone looking to not break the bank.
The chainsaw is designed with an efficient air filter, which ensures that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. The inertia-activated chain brake is an added safety feature that stops the chain in case of a kickback. The ergonomic design and adjustable automatic chain oiler make it easy to handle and oil the chainsaw.
The SUNGEL Gasoline Chainsaw is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for extended use without causing fatigue. It weighs only 14 lbs., which means it can be operated with a single hand, making it perfect for in-tree work.
The simple-to-activate launcher and fail-safe switch make it easy to start and stop the chainsaw. However, the assembly instructions are a poor translation into English, making it difficult to assemble for those with little experience with chainsaws. Also, the instructions for mixing gas with oil are not user-friendly.
In conclusion, the SUNGEL Gasoline Chainsaw is a reliable and efficient tool for various cutting tasks. Its superior power-to-weight ratio, efficient air filter, inertia-activated chain brake, ergonomic design, and adjustable automatic chain oiler make it a must-have for homeowners, farmers, and professional users.
Pros
- The dual throttle switches ensure safe and reliable operation, preventing accidental starting.
- The high-power 2-stroke cycle engine is efficient, reliable, and has a long lifespan.
- The automatic lubricating system reduces friction and prolongs the lifespan of the chain.
Cons
- Some oil may residue on chains and back flow on the bottom of clutch then drip oil, which is a common phenomenon for all kinds of chainsaws.
- The chainsaw may not be suitable for heavy-duty commercial use.
- The chainsaw may require some maintenance to keep it running at its best.
We've been using the GTHAN Gas Chainsaw for a few weeks now, and it has been a reliable and powerful tool for various cutting tasks. The dual throttle switches make it easy to start and operate safely, and the high-power 2-stroke cycle engine makes quick work of cutting through wood.
One of the standout features of this chainsaw is the automatic lubricating system, which reduces friction and prolongs the lifespan of the chain. We also appreciate the easy-to-install design and the simple start system, which makes pull starts easier to rev up and get right to cutting.
However, we did notice that the chainsaw may not be suitable for heavy-duty commercial use, and it may require some maintenance to keep it running at its best. Additionally, some oil may residue on chains and back flow on the bottom of clutch then drip oil, which is a common phenomenon for all kinds of chainsaws.
Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and powerful gas chainsaw for occasional use, the GTHAN Gas Chainsaw is a great option to consider.
What To Consider Before Buying A Gas Chainsaw
When looking to buy a gas chainsaw, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Power and Engine Size
One of the most important things to consider when buying a gas chainsaw is the power and engine size. The size of the engine determines how much power the chainsaw will have, which in turn affects how quickly and efficiently it can cut through wood.
Generally, the higher the engine size, the more powerful the chainsaw will be. However, a higher engine size also means a heavier and bulkier chainsaw, which may not be suitable for all users.
But let's be honest - this is why we love gas saws. Nothing beats the power you feel with a gas powered chainsaw. You can quite literally fell a giant tree in a matter of hours with these power tools.
Bar Length
The bar length of a chainsaw refers to the length of the 'blade' that cuts through the wood. The longer the bar length, the larger the diameter of wood that can be cut. However, longer bar lengths can also make the chainsaw heavier and more difficult to maneuver.
Consider the types of projects you will be using the chainsaw for and choose a bar length that is appropriate for your needs. If your only trimming branches that are less than 10" in diameter, you shouldn't be looking at most chainsaws above 12" or 14".
Safety Features
Safety features are an important consideration when choosing a gas chainsaw. Look for features such as anti-vibration systems, chain brakes, and safety switches. These features can help prevent accidents and injuries while using the chainsaw.
Maintenance and Ease of Use
Finally, consider the maintenance and ease of use of the chainsaw. Look for a product that is easy to start, has good ergonomics, and is easy to maintain. A chainsaw that is difficult to start or maintain can be frustrating to use and may not last as long as a well-maintained product.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best gas chainsaw for your needs. Gas powered chainsaws might be a bit harder to maintain than an electric chainsaw. However, both need the right amount of maintenance so they can b e used for a long time.
Gas powered chainsaws or electric models
Maybe you actually want an electric chainsaw. No problem. We have an extensive guide on some of the best electric chainsaws in 2023. Otherwise, it will come down to preference.
Most arborists use a smaller electric chainsaw which is a battery powered chainsaw for quickly trimming branches higher up in trees. Then when it comes to felling the tree, they'll usually switch over to gas powered chainsaws.
Battery powered chainsaws are just as useful as gas powered chainsaws when it comes to trimming branches and pruning trees.
Overall, it shouldn't matter if the chainsaw is gas or electric, so long as the job gets done. Both have pros and cons and are reliable tools for cutting trees.
Final Say On The Best Gas Chainsaws of 2023
There's our list. Hope you liked it! If you want to see the best chainsaws overall, including gas and electric saws, then be sure to check out our guide.
Best Gas Chainsaws FAQs
Carl Anderson
Carl Anderson is an avid outdoorsman with a keen interest in writing about and reviewing tools. He has over 20 years of writing experience and the only time he isn't feverishly typing away at his computer is when he's outside in nature working on his projects. You can learn more about him here.
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