3 Best Top Handle Chainsaw Choices
A top handle chainsaw is one that is only suitable to be used by professionals while off the ground. Unlike a conventional rear handle petrol chainsaw, which requires two hands to operate, a top handle chainsaw has grouped controls mounted in one location on the top handlebar.
Top handle chainsaws are designed for working in trees by trained tree surgeons. They should not be operated by members of the public or even untrained professionals.
I have used all three top handle chainsaws on the list below, so will be reviewing them from my personal perspective. For a quick look at prices today, click the links in the table below. For even lower prices, I secured additional discounts with an online hardware store.
Quickly Compare 3 Top Handle Chainsaws
Difference between Top & Rear Handle Chainsaws
The primary difference between a top-handle chainsaw and other chainsaws is the movement of the rear handle to the top of the chainsaw, which allows operation with one hand when needed. They are incredibly light to use, very compact and feels amazingly balanced when holding it.
Professional tree surgeons often climb to the highest parts of a tree. The lightweight design of top-handled saws allow tree surgeons reach difficult spots while still working safely and efficiently.
It goes without saying that traditional, rear handle chainsaws, are more suitable for use on the ground and should not be used at height.
In short – if you’re a tree surgeon or professional chainsaw user – a top-handled chainsaw could be for you.
Husqvarna 135 Petrol Chainsaw
Nowadays, chainsaws are designed – not just to be used by arborists like myself – but in many residential homes. These days, people don’t want to own too many different products for dealing with different problems. They want a quick and single solution or product.
This chainsaw is designed to offer most people a combination of power and convenient use.
This Husqvarna chainsaw is lightweight, compact and comfortable to use. This chain saw is powered by petrol and is suitable for DIY, cutting trees for firewood and trimming small trees.
Highlights
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Cuts easily
- Powerful
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It has a ‘strong rear handguard‘ and an active ‘chain brake‘ that assures the user of its safety when in use. It is a reliable and durable wood cutting machine, saving you from subsequent purchases over the years to follow.
This chainsaw also comes with features like a ‘side-mounted chain tensioner,’ which helps you to tighten the chain when needed and an easily adjustable ‘oil pump’.
Other Specifications – It has a 40.9 centimetres displacement and 1.4 kilowatts power. It also has a resting or idling speed of 2900 revolution per minute and a maximum speed rate of 9000 revolution per minute.
The Husqvarna 135 is powerfully efficient and easy to start with its smart start option. It is an ideal domestic chainsaw for cutting smaller diameter timber, firewood and general property maintenance.
The capacity of the oil pump is 13.13 millilitres per minute and its module for injection is open-air. The recommended chain bar length is between 36 to 40 centimetres.
The chainsaw engine has been designed to start up quickly with minimum effort – ideal for homeowners and keen DIY-ers. The resistance in the starter cord has also been reduced by 40%. The start/stop, Smart Start switch and fuel pump have all been combined to make the saw very easy and simple to start.
Pros
Cons
- It is a very convenient and lightweight chainsaw design (without chain and bars, it’s 4.4 kg).
- You can carry it with you wherever you go for wood cutting tasks.
- It has a powerful engine that is suitable for all cutting challenges.
- It saves effort and time.
- This chainsaw has only one drawback, which is its chain may come off.
Einhell GE-LC Power X-Change Cordless Chainsaw
The ‘Einhell cordless GE-LC 18 Li chainsaw kit’ has every little thing that a first-time chainsaw user needs. The fact that it is cordless helps eliminate the risk of falling or being caught up in tangled cables.
This chainsaw also has the facility to charge your all ‘Einhell products’ with a single battery (the power X-change system). This battery system is made specifically for ‘Einhell products’ users – allowing them just swap a single battery between all their power tools.
Highlights
- Lightweight
- Cuts small to medium
- Short cutting blade
- Cuts easily
- Safe to use
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This durable and reliable handy chainsaw with a short cutting blade is ideal for cutting small four or five-inch logs and cutting up firewood. So, if you are in the market for a lightweight chainsaw, then this is the one for you.
This chainsaw is very convenient to use around the yard. It can be used safely as its mechanical instant chain brake helps ensure that if kickback occurs, the chain stops working. The chain is also held in place using metallic stop claws, which are strong and durable.
The box it is supplied with comes with the cordless chainsaw, a Lithium-Ion cell Battery (3.0 Ah) with a fast and high-quality Charger, Oregon’s Bar and chain, OPI (Original operating instructions) and a Safety instructions guide.
Pros
Cons
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- This chainsaw is very lightweight at about 3 kg.
- It is easy to manoeuvre, cuts up to 4 or 5-inch trunks with ease.
- The battery system can be used with all the other ‘Einhell’ products.
- It is ideal for cutting little DIY jobs around the house and for cutting small branches around your garden.
- Does not start up as quickly as the Husqvarna.
- It only has a short cutting blade.
Makita DUC353Z Cordless Chainsaw
This Makita cordless chainsaw is supplied with two 18 Volts Li-lon batteries, the combined 36 Volts give you superior performance with a brushless motor. The built-in motor gives immense power to perform wood cutting jobs efficiently.
This chainsaw helps if you just need something to cut logs of firewood and trim trees in your garden, but the chainsaw is not suitable for continuous use, mainly associated with larger jobs. With this chainsaw, domestic cutting jobs became a lot easier. You simply need to wear some protective gear, pick it up and press the button and cut.
Highlights
- Supplied with 2 batteries
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy to start
- Good for rookie DIY-er
Click for the Lowest Price on this Makita Chainsaw
It is easier to use compared to petrol chainsaws because with a single charge of the batteries give enough power to cut a medium sized tree. While the battery is noisier than you would expect, it is not as loud as a typical petrol chainsaw. It is surprisingly powerful when it comes to more extensive log work.
Key Features – The chain on this cordless chainsaw can be adjusted and lubricated from the large oil storage container with a view window. Users can add or fill the oil bar level easily when noticing it is at a low level.
It has a variable speed and has an inbuilt automatic on or off LED switch (auto-off power function). This automatic feature shuts the engine when the chainsaw is not in use to help extend its battery life. It is a waterproof top handle chainsaw that has a soft grip, allowing you hold on to it for long periods and not end up with a hand full of blisters.
The box comes supplied with one Makita DUC353Z, a saw chain, a guide bar and oil supply.
Pros
Cons
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- The soft grip and battery life make this Makita Chainsaws convenient to use.
- It has lower noise levels compared to petrol-powered chainsaws.
- It is environment friendly and releases no smoke or toxic fumes.
- An easy to start chainsaw, ideal for someone new to chainsaw use.
- Carrying additional attached batteries can make it heavier if using for an extended time.
Things to Remember When Using a Top Handle Chainsaw
It is important to remember that when operating a top-handle chainsaw all safety equipment and protective clothing should be used correctly.
While no PPE can provide 100% protection against cuts from chainsaws, when climbing, chainsaw users always should wear the following:
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- A safety helmet.
- Eye protection.
- Hearing protection.
- Appropriate gloves for the task.
- Leg protection.
- Protective boots.
- Hi-visibility clothing if possible.
Before starting any work it is also important to check the following;
- Are all external nuts, screws and fastenings secure?
- Is the chain tension correct? (To check, pull the chain fully round the guide bar
in the running direction. Wear gloves or use a cloth.) - Is the on-off switch effective?
- Is the chain brake effective?
- Is the chain stationary when the saw is idling without the chain brake applied?
- Is the chain oiling system working?
Using a Top Handle Chainsaw
Top-handled chainsaws have two handles. To maintain proper control of the saw ensure, wherever possible both handles should be used.
It might sound like it is just common sense but keep the saw well clear of yourself and your climbing equipment at all times. Ensure you obtain the best available cutting position to minimise the risk of being struck by the saw (including kickback), or by severed pieces of wood.
Incorrect, one-handed use significantly increases the risk of injury from the saw if it kicks back, skates or bounces on contact with a branch, or drops through at the end of a cut.
Never ‘hold and cut’ a section. Do not attempt to catch a falling section.
One-handed use should be restricted to circumstances where one hand is required to maintain a stable working position and the saw is used at extended reach with the other hand.
Poor work positioning in the tree is not an acceptable reason for one-handed use.
The chainsaw may be attached to the climber’s harness by means of a suitably rated or tear-away lanyard. However, ensure that it is not attached to the climber in situations where there is a risk of the chainsaw being trapped or taken with a severed section.
Ensure that the chainsaw is switched off, or the chain brake applied, after each cutting operation.
Do not leave the engine running for long periods when not in use.
If a top handle chainsaw is not right for you, compare other chainsaws available on the market today. Getting an alternative lightweight chainsaw will still work just as well.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
