You will probably need a chainsaw at some point. Perhaps a storm ripped off large branches and they are hanging from your eaves. Perhaps you are a hero who clears hiking trails on your own.
You’ll find a use for your chainsaw once you have it. These tools are both powerful and versatile. These are the top 5 small chainsaws.
Gas Chainsaw
There are three types of power sources for chainsaws: electric, gas and battery-operated. Each platform has its strengths as well as weaknesses. This will force you to think carefully about how you intend to use your chainsaw.
Gas is the classic. Gas is the classic. It rumbles and it’s loud, making cutting easier. These chainsaws can handle heavier work and are more difficult to maintain because they are more powerful. Gas is also the most mobile. This means that gas is your best choice if you intend to use your chainsaw far from a power source.
Gas is also the most noisy and takes the longest to start. This can be frustrating at times and exhausting at others. Some may consider the way gas starts a deal-breaker. Gas chainsaws tend to be heavier, and it is important to consider the ongoing costs of fuel and maintenance.
Electric Chainsaw
Electricity is quieter and cleaner than gas and requires less maintenance. Electric chainsaws are generally lighter than gas, and they can be started by simply pulling the trigger. These machines can handle light- to medium-duty jobs, and some models are capable of doing heavy-duty work.
However, your mobility is limited. Your extension cord can only take you so far. You will also have an extension cable dangling around. This is another thing you will need to be careful about. Using a chainsaw already requires your full attention.
A quality extension cord with the right gauge, at least 15.2m in length, is essential to get the most out of your electric chainsaw. You will need to purchase one if you don’t have any. It can be quite expensive, depending on the needs of your saw.
Battery Chainsaw
The best battery-powered chainsaws are for light to moderate work, but only on a very limited basis. These saws don’t have the same power as an electric or gas. These saws can be just as expensive, or even more expensive, than electric and gas. The cost of chargers and batteries is the reason.
They are easy to use and clean. They can be used in all areas that a gas chainsaw could. You should be aware of the battery’s limitations. If you don’t have enough juice, you will need to take a break for a while.
Safety Basics For Chainsaws
Chainsaws can be amazing, but they can also be dangerous. Chainsaws can be dangerous if you don’t know what to do or get too excited. Every year, chainsaws cause thousands of injuries. They are highly respected and command respect.
Kickback is the most dangerous part of a chainsaw for most people. There are two possible ways to kickback on a chainsaw. 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 most dangerous type of kickback. The chainsaw will want to turn back at the handler, possibly with the throttle still holding down, because all of the torque that the chain suddenly stops transfers to the body. This is literally where you start to see the problem.
This all happens in a flash and it can be very frustrating if you don’t have a firm grasp or if your mind drifts from the task at hand.
Quick Look: Chain Brake
A chain brake is an important feature of a chainsaw. The pressure trigger located in front of the left hand grip is the chain brake. The chain brake will stop the saw from flipping if it experiences kickback. This feature is not available on all chainsaws. Some chainsaws have this guard as a precaution. It is not necessary.
Chainsaws can quickly wear your hands, largely due to the vibration. You may lose your grip on the saw, which can make it difficult to control. If there was a kickback, it could be even worse.
Regular breaks can help you save your hands. A few chainsaws have an anti-vibration system, but it is a good idea also to get vibration reducing gloves. A good investment is to have chaps that cover your legs and provide protection for your eyes and ears. Like most things in life it is best to reduce your risk.
Your head is the best piece of safety gear you have, so make sure to use it first. You should pay attention to what you are doing and avoid taking unnecessary risks. If something feels unsafe, it most likely is.
Smallest Battery-Operated Chainsaw
Black & Decker LCS1240
The Black & Decker LCS1240 is a surprisingly powerful and determined machine. It is a pleasant surprise for a battery-operated saw. Although you won’t be cutting redwoods, the LCS1240 can handle almost any job a homeowner might need.
The LCS1240 can handle any trimming or brush clearing and can even cut small to medium-sized trees with a bit of patience.
The 30 cm-long low-kickback chain and bar is used by the chainsaw. It weighs only 38 kg. Black & Decker’s 2.0Ah MAX lithium-ion 40-volt motor is used in all other Black & Decker products. This is a huge advantage if you already have Black & Decker-operated tools.
The battery can make approximately 60 cuts and last for about 50 minutes before it needs to be recharged. There are some great features in the LCS1240, such as an automatic oiler and a tool-less chain tensioner. Some have complained about the automatic oiler, which leaks, not just after being used but completely.
This is a wonderful tool to have if you keep within the capabilities of the LCS1240.
Makita XCU02Z
Makita XCU02Z can be described as a battery-powered beast mode. It is capable of handling more than its 36-volts (two 18V LXT Lithium Ion batteries). Makita is known for making excellent tools, and this chainsaw is no exception.
The motor is powerful enough to crank the chain at 1650 FPM, and it can chew through logs and trees with great gusto. The motor can handle all trimming, pruning, and clearing of brush. It weighs 46 kg, but it is light enough to maneuver easily.
The XCU02Z runs on a 30 cm bar, and is very quiet. The XCU02Z has a toolless chain tensioner and an automatic oiler. It also features a chain brake to ensure safety. The only problem with the XCU02Z? It is very expensive.
The battery or charger are not included in the base price. These can be as expensive or more than the chainsaw and make this item slip to the top. This is not an issue if you have battery-operated Makita tools that run on the 18-volt platform.
Smallest Electric Chainsaw
Makita UC3551A
This is the XCU02Z’s powerlifting older brother. They might look the same, and they may even be related, but we will know who to call when you need a fridge moved into your third-floor apartment.
This chainsaw is capable of handling everything, even professional tree felling. The saw has a 36 cm diameter bar and a 15-amp motor that can rip the chain at an insane 2900 FPM. The saw has a limiter built in to prevent the motor from being burned if you push it too far.
The chainsaw is easy to use and can handle regular, heavy work. The chainsaw has an automatic oiler, which can be used with different viscosities.
It is quite expensive for the UC3551A because you will need a length of at least 15.2m, 10 to 12 gauge extension cord to make this machine run optimally. This will increase the cost. I am a big believer in the « buy nice or twice » mentality. However, for many people this is a significant investment for a tool that could far exceed their usual usage requirements.
Remington Limb N Trim, RM1425
The Remington Limb N Trim RM1425 electric chainsaw is at the opposite end of the spectrum. This light-duty chainsaw is capable of cutting surprisingly large jobs. This is the best choice for small jobs like trimming, pruning, clearing bush, falling very small trees and making firewood from smaller logs.
The RM1425 is incredibly lightweight at 283 kg. It has a 36 cm low kickback bar and chain, and an 8-amp motor. It is easy to use, even for beginners. It has very basic features: the chain tensioner can be adjusted by side access, while the oiler can be manually adjusted. There is no chain brake.
The RM1425 chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners as it’s affordable and powerful. Although it will require a decent 12- to 16-gauge extension cable, this will increase the price. However, if you have a good understanding of the RM1425’s capabilities and a little patience, you can achieve a lot with it.
Best Small Gas Chainsaw
Echo CS-310
It seems that there are very few quality, well-reviewed gas saws available in the 36 cm bar and below market. Most manufacturers seem content to let electric and battery-operated chainsaws dominate.
Despite this, the Echo CS-310 is more than enough to satisfy a hunger for a small gas chainsaw.
With its 36 cm bar, 30.5cc engine and grunty 30.5cc motor, the CS-310 will rip through larger lumber with authority. It is also light enough to be used for trimming and pruning (40 kg). Although the Echo i-30 system makes it easier to start, it won’t be as easy as an electric or battery-operated engine. The noise level is the same. While it is quiet in comparison to gas, electric or battery, it is quite different.
The CS-310 is a pro-grade piece of equipment in terms of features. It has an automatic oiler, side-access chain tensioner, and a chain brake. It has a vibration reduction system and a chain brake for safety and comfort.
Although it is not as quiet or as quiet as electric or battery, there is something about the gas chainsaw’s revving, especially when it rips through lumber like an animal on a starved diet.
