When it comes to using a chainsaw for various tasks, either by a homeowner around their house or yard or by a professional in the forest or wherever, an important fact is that you need to use the right type of chainsaw suited for the power and precision needed for the job.

In that regard, you would most likely be in the market for one of the three main types of chainsaws, which are gas, corded electric or battery-powered chainsaws. Now, while you can choose whichever of the three suits the task at hand, it is fair to assume the majority of people will go for a gas chainsaw.

Also, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say more than a fair amount of lumberjack or simple homeowners prefer to have a gas chainsaw than any other type of chainsaw.

The reason for gas chainsaws being preferred to others is quite simple. The gas chainsaw is effortlessly more powerful and precise, as well as smoother to use. Also, unlike an electric chainsaw, there’s no cord to affect your work and you would be assured of easily carrying out heavy-duty jobs with a gas chainsaw, than when using a battery-powered chainsaw.

In general, when compared to the other two, the gas-powered chainsaw is definitely more efficient when it comes to mobility, run time and cutting speed. However, this doesn’t mean the electric or battery-powered chainsaw are ineffective or inadequate, it just means that the gas chainsaw models have various advantages over the other two.

Also, you should note that, ultimately, the right type of chainsaw for you is always based on what you need your chainsaw for.

Whatever chainsaw you choose for whatever reason or task, your safety must be a top priority. This is extremely important when it comes to gas chainsaws, as they require more maintenance than any other type of chainsaws. And we know that lack of proper maintenance can lead to a host of chainsaw accidents.

However, a lot of chainsaws now come equipped with a lot of safety features to protect you from issues like kickbacks.

Some of these safety features include anti-vibration technology, designs limiting kickbacks, chain brakes, etc. Nonetheless, a chainsaw that comes with said safety features may still lead to an accident, especially when the chainsaw is of low quality.

In that regard, the best way to ensure safety while using a chainsaw, as well as to ensure you have the right chainsaw for the job is to get the best chainsaw model possible. Now, to help you with that, this article will highlight the very best chainsaws on the market, however, our focus is on gas chainsaws.

Also, a buying guide will be giving to help you know the factors you need to consider when getting a gas chainsaw.

The Best Gas Chainsaws

Husqvarna 24 Inch 460 Rancher

To start off our list is a product from one of the oldest and widely recognized chainsaw brands around today. The Husqvarna chainsaw brand is often known to provide a wide range of heavy-duty chainsaw option, much like this very one, the Husqvarna 24 Inch 460 rancher.

This chainsaw is incredibly powerful and offers a great cutting performance, and this is due to its amazing features. The first of which is the 60.3 cm³ gas engine that more than adequately powers this chainsaw. Also, this gas chainsaw comes equipped with large blade size, in the form of its 24-inch blade and a length that surpasses a lot of other top-tier gas-powered chainsaws.

Now, apart from the amazing power and reach this chainsaw boasts, it also provides an X-Torq feature which allows for lower or reduced fuel consumption, as well as a low rate of environmental emissions. Also, the Husqvarna 24 inch 460 rancher also sports a quick-release oil filter that makes cleaning, replacing and all-round maintenance stress-free.

Also, it comes with a soft grip ergonomic handle that serves to enhance cutting precision for the user. Furthermore, when it comes to offering safety for the user, this Husqvarna chainsaw provides a safety feature, in which the 2 cycle engine it sports, is equipped with an inertia activated chain brake.

Pros

• Consumes less fuel despite its amazing power.
• Has a 2-year warranty.

   Cons

• It’s a Husqvarna, so it is one of the more expensive brands out there.

 

 

Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 Inch Gas Chainsaw

Yes, we have another option on the list from the Husqvarna brand, however, as already stated before, the Husqvarna has a wide range of gas chainsaws, so you may even see another before the list ends. Now, on in its own right, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is definitely meant to be on any list of the best gas chainsaws.

The reason for such a statement is simple, as this chainsaw offers a lot of value for its set price. The first of which is the 35 cm³ gas engine that ensures a more than decent cutting performance, especially when you consider that it is equipped with just a 16-inch blade.

Also, another feature that ensures a good cutting performance from this chainsaw, is its compact and lightweight body design.

Furthermore, like most gas chainsaws, this Husqvarna comes equipped with an automatic oiler delivery function, ensuring its performance is of good quality for a very long time. Now, as safety features are a must, this gas chainsaw is designed with low kickback features.

Pros

• It gives proper value for its price.
• Like most Husqvarna chainsaw, it has a 2-year warranty.

       Cons

• It isn’t really suited for larger trees.

 

Echo CS-400 18 Inch Gas Chainsaw

The next on the list is finally not a Husqvarna or a Remington, rather we have the Echo CS-400, which is an amazing blend of power and precision. This Echo gas-powered chainsaw has an 18-inch blade, as well as a two-stroke, 40 cm³ gas engine that offers enough power to cut through difficult pieces of wood with ease.

Apart from that, the Echo CS-400 is further designed and manufactured with a lot of high-quality features in place. For one, it is equipped with a reduced effort starting system, as well as a digital ignition to finish up a wonderful quick start feature, so even as it’s a gas chainsaw, it will be easy to fire up.

Also, there’s still an automatic oiler in place, as well as a heavy-duty air filter to ensure the chainsaw runs smoothly at all times and for a long time.

In addition, this chainsaw also has a side-mounted chain tensioning system, like the Remington above, which as well, serves to provide quick chain adjustments while working with the chainsaw. In all, this gas chainsaw is an amazing professional-grade tool that is sure to give you proper value for every penny you spent.

Pros

• It is relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
• It comes with an amazing 5-year warranty.

       Cons

• Not as powerful as some of the other chainsaws within the same price range.

 

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 18 Inch Had Chainsaw

You were warned that there will be another Husqvarna and here it is, in the 455 Rancher gas Chainsaw. This powerhouse of a chainsaw is designed with top-notch quality to be able to handle and effortlessly cut through the most demanding tasks.

Now, the reason for the effortless power and cutting performance that this chainsaw offers is due to amazing design features that it has. One of which is the 55.5 cm³ gas engine that powers this amazing chainsaw. Also, it has an 18-inch blade or guide bar, which is perfect for almost any big yard or general clearing work.

Additionally, if you need longer reach for bucking or pruning jobs, this chainsaw can perfectly allow the introduction of a 20-inch guide bar. Also, for decent and continuous lubrication, the 455 Rancher is equipped with an automatic chain oiler and it also has in place a side-mounted chain tensioning system for quick chain adjustments on the go.

Furthermore, this chainsaw also has safety features in place, in the form of chain brake that ensures user safety, in accidents like a kickback.

Pros

• Provides a chain brake to ensure safety during use.
• It is designed to make chain lubrication as easy as possible.

       Cons

• It isn’t that suited for smaller jobs.

 

Mcculloch CS 42S Petrol Chainsaw

The Mcculloch brand is one of the oldest and most widely known brands in the world when it comes to a chainsaw, so it’s of no surprise to see a product of theirs here. The Mcculloch product on this list is the CS 42S Petrol Chainsaw, which is an incredibly powerful and well-performing gas chainsaw.

It is designed with a lot of features that guarantee durability, power and proper performance with either homeowner type work or professional grade. One of the said features is the two-stroke 50.2 cm³ petrol engine, which has a unique patented design to reduce fuel emissions. Therefore, making it not only powerful but still environmentally friendly.

Apart from that, the CS 42S has an ergonomic design, as well as a low vibration feature which ensures comfortable handling and uses for lengthy periods. Additionally, this chainsaw has a unique feature that sets it apart from most chainsaws, in that, it has an easy start feature, which has the setting for summer and winter starting up.

Also, it has a 16-inch blade or guide bar, but like the Husqvarna above, it can accommodate a 20-inch bar for a longer reach, when necessary. In all, the Mcculloch CS 42S Petrol Chainsaw is one of the most powerful and especially durable chainsaws out there.

Pros

• It is extremely durable with an automatic oil pump type.
• Quick and easy to start. 

     Cons

• Many users reported the chainsaw developed problems once it was out of warranty, so it is worth getting an extended warranty when purchasing.

Buying Guide for Best Gas Chainsaws of 2020

With the list out of the way, the next bit of information to pass on is the things you need to look out for when buying a gas chainsaw. Therefore, below are briefly explained factors you need to consider in order to get the best gas-powered chainsaw for you.

Blade Length

If you check through the list above, you would see that the length of each chainsaw on the list was mentioned. This is because the blade or guide bat length of a gas chainsaw is very pertinent, as it determines which tree or piece of wood the chainsaw can cut, based on how thick the tree is.

In that regard, you should note that for casual lumberjacks or simple residential use, a guide bar length of 12 to 20 inches is quite acceptable. However, for heavy-duty tasks or professional-grade cuts, it is recommended to get a guide bar length of 20 inches and above.

Power or Gas Engine Size

When it comes to power tools, we all know that the larger the engine, the more powerful it is, as well as being more likely to handle more difficult tasks. Now, this same fact applies to gas chainsaws, as the larger the engine, the more power you get for difficult or heavy-duty jobs.

More so, the smaller the engine, the more they are suited to easy tasks like pruning or trimming. In that regard, you should note how to measure the power of your gas engine, and this is by taking note of the CC rating. The CC rating is basically the capacity of the engine.

Therefore, for easy or simpler tasks, a CC rating of 24 to 45 is fine, while for heavy-duty tasks, you should be getting gas chainsaws of 50CC and upwards.

Safety Features

This should be straightforward and easy to understand. You simply need to put your safety into consideration when getting gas or any type of chainsaws.

To accomplish this, you need to find out the safety features the gas chainsaw of your choice of equipped with. Therefore, check if they have a suitable chain brake system.

Final thoughts on The Best Gas Chainsaws of 2020

We all know a major fault of most gas chainsaws is that they can be super loud, however, we all so know that when it comes to power and overall cutting performance, no other type of chainsaw can beat a gas-powered chainsaw.

Therefore, if you need a chainsaw for a task that you know requires outright power, then there’s no better choice than a gas chainsaw and this is why there are so many options for it available.

To reduce your stress and to effectively get the best gas chainsaw for you, you can easily turn to the options above, as well as the buying guide.

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API