Top 6 Best Chainsaws to Buy in the UK and Reviews
Chainsaws come in various sizes and strength to suit different wood cutting activities. There are the lightweight models intended for light work and the heavier models that can handle more strenuous work but some models are also intended for ground work while other are designed for working in trees which should only be done by professional tree surgeons. Regardless, you need a dependable chainsaw you can rely on to get the work done properly. To find the best chainsaw suited for your purpose means going through a flood of products, which can be frustrating.
To save you all the frustration, we have shortlisted six chainsaws that are of high quality. These products range in terms of power source to the features offered. We all have different jobs in mind and therefore, what appeals to you may not appeal to another person. Read through the information presented below and feel free to select the model that suits your needs. If you are unsure, you can always peep at our best pick to understand why it made the top selection.
Before we get into the detailed reviews and buyers guide, below we present our 'Best Pick' which is the Husqvarna 135 Petrol Chainsaw which we think is the best choice for most people. It is very powerful to handle heavy duty and light tasks alike, though it costs quite a lot compared to other models Husqvarna so make some of the best chainsaws and are many professionals brand of choice. The easy to start chainsaw has received some of the best reviews online from different retailers backing up that it is a reliable model.
BEST PICK
This model is definitely not the most expensive machine out there, but it gets the job done. A smart start feature makes for onetime starting, while the chainsaw weighs just 4.4kgs which is lightweight enough to work with without experiencing too much exhaustion. This model features ergonomic handles and safety features such as a chain break which is obviously a must and its super easy to adjust the chain tension. Admittedly, the price is more in the premium range but the thing you can trust is the reputation behind the brand. You can be sure that you are purchasing a high-quality model that will offer you years of service. Overall is an excellent small multipurpose model which is excellent for logging to feed your log burner or just general tree felling and pruning.
Mini Buyers Guide
We are lucky to have so many options when it comes to the chainsaws we can access in the market but some times it can be a bit much. Before you drown in chainsaw options, there are a few factors to consider before settling for the best one.
Which power source do you prefer? Will it be a battery, these have the freedom of now cords and low maintenance, corded electric are usually affordable but limited by the power cord, or petrol models which have plenty of power, the freedom of no cords but higher maintenance when it coms to keeping it in good condition? You need to pick a power source that is right for you and what you're comfortable with.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the task at hand. Are you planning to cut a tree down or just cut fire logs to size? Understanding the degree of work to be done will allow you to pick the right-sized guide bar, bear in mind that if you have larger logs you would be better with a longer guide bar. There is still a lot to look out for such as user-friendly features and you can read through in the in-depth buyers guide further down.
RUNNER-UP
This one is more affordable compared to some of the other big-named cordless chainsaws in the market. It comes with its own charger and 2.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery that you can use straight out of the box. It is a cordless model and therefore it is less restrictive compared to the corded alternatives. The 18v chainsaw has a short guide bar of 25cm making it appropriate for light tasks but it's perfect for logging to make firewood and general felling tasks. Additionally, it comes with safety features and ergonomic handles to ensure that the user works comfortably. Small but effective, this chainsaw model is of good quality and offers excellent value for money for a cordless chainsaw and is a good alternative for those swapping the petrol chainsaws for a quieter, low maintenance option. It doesn't have the raw power of a petrol chainsaw, however its good enough for most tasks and is still an impressive chainsaw worth considering.
Top 6 Chainsaw Reviews
BEST PICK - a mix of quality, performance and affordability
Husqvarna 135 MK II Petrol Chainsaw
Pros
The Husqvarna 135 Petrol Chainsaw is a 40.9cc model that is easy to start thanks to the smart start feature. This feature allows the user to spend less time starting the chainsaw, which in turn reduces the frustration felt. Anyone who has previously used petrol tools and has struggled to start the engine after repeatedly pulling the cord will really appreciate this feature. This petrol model has a powerful engine that is able to support the maximum chainsaw speed of 17.1 m / s.
This petrol chainsaw can accommodate a minimum bar length of 35cm which is comes with but can also accommodate a maximum bar length of 40cm. Additionally, this is a lightweight chainsaw weighing in at 4.4kg, to give you an idea of how light weight it is, our next recommended chainsaw by P1PE with the longer bar and is more of a budget model weights 6.8kg. This means that this mode is actually much easier to manoeuvre over longer periods of time.
To make matters simpler and just improve the experience in general, this model comes with two ergonomic handles. The rear and front handle makes it simple for the user to pick up the model and move around with it. On top of that, this chainsaw features a tool-less tensioning system which we are starting to see on many models now, in general, a lot of petrol models still require tools to alter the chains tension which is just a little more awkward. All you need to do is tweak the knob provided and you are set, most people will find this very easy and its something you usually need to do for the first few times you use a new chainsaw to get it just right.
In terms of vibration, this obviously comes down to the quality of the engine and build quality in general, this chainsaw operates at a fairly low vibration level which just improves the overall experience when using the chainsaw, especially if you use it for hours on end like some people will. With a sound rating of 114dB, it may be a little loud for some but we are yet to find a petrol chainsaw you would describe as quiet. Regardless, it is a powerful chainsaw that is perfect for both general home use and professionals for jobs like general logging, pruning, felling trees, it truly is a good all round multipurpose chainsaw. Accompanied by a 2-year warranty, this little saw will attend to light and heavy-duty work without breaking a sweat and if we had to recommend just one petrol chainsaw, this would probably be it.
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BUDGET PETROL PICK FOR HOME AND HEAVY USE
P1PE P6220C 2-Stroke Petrol Chainsaw - 20-inch Hyundai Powered 62cc Engine
Pros
Experience the P1PE P6220C 2-Stroke Petrol Chainsaw that is affordable and easy to start chainsaw for anyone looking for value and performance. First things first, its less than half the price of the Husqvarna chainsaw so quality wise it simply does not compare ad we wouldn't expect it to. However for the price and for home use its a good alternative for general chainsaw work such as felling a few trees or cutting up logs for your log burner.
The 62cc 2-stroke petrol engine is powerful enough to cater to both light and heavy-duty tasks like felling trees and its good to see they have opted for a Hyundai engine as this is where most cheaper models fail, they opt for a cheap unbranded Chinese copy so first impressions are positive. This petrol-based model is fitted with a 20 inch bar and it comes with two free chains to use right off the box so this makes it perfect for cutting up larger logs and gives you that little extra cutting length.
The powerful chainsaw also features automatic chain lubrication, which ensures that the chain moves smoothly through the wood without going blunt, again another useful feature because with some models you have to stop and manually oil the chain, not a big issue but can get a little repetitive. It is a low-vibration model that facilitates a less straining environment for your body, trust us with petrol chainsaw low vibration is a must for anyone using a chainsaw for any period of time.
Weighing only 6.8kg, this model is lighter compared to the larger petrol chainsaws but it's still a little heavy compared to some models such as our 'Best Pick' and its certainly much heavier than most cordless and corded models but the extra weight means more power. The two handles provided are designed to offer comfort together with manoeuvrability and overall the chainsaw should feel well balanced.
As you probably know, the right tension is needed for the chainsaw to work optimally. In this case, you will need tools to adjust the tension of the chain as it does not come with a tool-less chain tension like some models. You can use the screwdriver and the wrench that come with the chainsaw to do this and it's fairly easy to access from the side.
Something to note is that this model comes with a bar cover and a carry bag which is a nice little extra, specially the cary bag as all models should include the bar cover. The bar cover shields the guide bar from dirt/moisture while the carry bag makes it simple to transport and store the chainsaw.
Overall this chainsaw offers a good mix of performance and affordability. Its an excellent alternative to our best pick for something looking for a more budget friendly model without opting for a cheap Chinese knock off. Compared to the Husqvarna 135 Petrol Chainsaw the quality is just not in the same league but its still well worth considering for the price.
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RUNNER-UP - BEST CORDLESS PICK
BLACK+DECKER 18v Cordless 25cm Chainsaw with 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
Pros
If you find cords to restricting and petrol chainsaws too loud and don't like the idea of maintaining and servicing the engine, then the new cordless models are well worth considering and are becoming more affordable than ever. One of our top recommended cordless chainsaw for home use is this Black + Decker 18V Cordless 25 cm Chainsaw. The battery-powered model is a very impressive chainsaw but it designed with home users in mind, it is equipped to handle more lightweight tasks such as garden pruning and logging to make firewood. This 18v model is able to support chain speeds up to 3.5 m/s operating with a 25cm guide bar so the first thing you will notice is that it's not as fast as petrol alternatives. With that in mind you would think the performance would be poor, surprisingly though its actually very good and makes light work of most jobs and with over 70 reviews on Amazon.co.uk many people agree so its well worth considering.
This model is a lightweight model weighing an approximate 3.1kgs which is super light weight in chainsaw terms. You can move it from one location to the next with ease. It also features two handles that are padded to ensure that the user is working comfortably. The handles have been designed to offer adequate room even if the user is wearing thick gloves.
Being that it is a cordless chainsaw, it relies on new lithium-ion batteries to work optimally. This model requires 2.0Ah batteries which are included to provide a running time of around 30 minutes of continuous work. This translates to about 220 cuts per every full charge. The Lithium-Ion battery will take about 5 hours to charge, which is long but you can buy a fast charger which is well worth upgrading to is your budget allows and we would probably invest in a 4Ah battery to greatly improve the running time per charge to around 60 minutes, of course you could stick with the included battery and charger if the running time is enough.
A lock-off switch can be found on the rear handle. The function of this lock-off switch is to ensure that the chainsaw is not activated by accident. One needs to press both switches located on the handle at the same time for the motor to start but this is pretty standard on chainsaws now.
One feature we do like is that this chainsaw possesses a tool-less tensioning system. This saves you the time and frustration of having to locate tools every time the chain gets a bit loose and needs adjusting.
Overall we really like this model and for general home jobs it has all the power you need, specially for logging. The only downside is the limited running time, after all corded models never run out of juice and petrol models can be refuelled in seconds. The solution if you need longer run times is to get another battery and perhaps the fast charger. Build quality wise and performance, as you would expect from a Black + Decker tool, its excellent. Probably the best cordless chainsaw for home use.
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BEST HEAVY DUTY CORDLESS CHAINSAW
Makita 36v DUC353Z Cordless Chainsaw
Pros
The Makita DUC353Z Cordless Chainsaw is fitted with a brushless motor to promote high efficiency and brushless motors are the motor of choice for professionals. It is a cordless model and therefore, you will be able to work without any restrictions in terms of cords getting in the way. The 36V chainsaw requires Lithium-Ion batteries and a charger to keep running. Both the charger and the battery will have to be sourced independently as as they don't come with the set we researched although you can buy the complete set with batteries and charger but if you already have compatible batteries from other tools you may get away with just purchasing the bare tool. This model also has a battery indicator that will notify you that the battery needs recharging which is handy.
This cordless chainsaw features variable speed which means you can choose whether to settle for minimum or maximum speed according to what you are working on rather than having one consistent speed. Additionally, this model features extreme protection technology that shields the chainsaw from dust and water damage making it more suitable for professional work.
For the sake of safety, this chainsaw comes with a kickback brake and a chain brake which is obviously expected. You also get to enjoy a tool-less tensioning system that takes a shorter time allowing you to go back to work sooner, much better than messing around with tools to adjust the chain.
The Makita DUC353Z Cordless Chainsaw comes with two ergonomic handles which ensure its comfortable to use and a 35cm bar length which is adequate for most jobs. Finally it weighs 4.1kgs which is not heavy for a large model like this and it also comes with a bar cover to protect the guide bar from dust and water.
Remember to consider the price of the model together with the battery and charger before making a decision unless you already have compatible batteries. If you buy the complete setup this will be a pricey chainsaw, the most expensive on the list but only the Husqvarna 135 Petrol Chainsaw comes close in terms of performance and this is a petrol model. It also comes with a 1-year warranty that can be extended to 3 years if the product is registered online so don't forget to do this if you choose a Makita model. Overall its probably one of the best cordless chainsaws available, you may find it a little more noisy than you might expect but its still much quieter than a petrol model and it. has the performance to match.
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Einhell GH-EC 2040 2000w Electric Chainsaw with 40 cm Oregon Bar
Pros
The Einhell GH-EC 2040 2000w Electric Chainsaw features a powerful 2000w motor with a strong gearing and is perfectly designed for general home use whether it be cutting logs for firewood or trimming and felling trees. At 5kg its not what you would call light weight but it's not heavy either so weight should not be a problem. This model has been fitted with an Oregon chain and blade which are known for there quality parts to facilitate easy cuts and maintain durability. This chainsaw comes with a 40.6cm guide bar that is able to handle both light and heavy-handed tasks and the 2000w motor ensures its has plenty of power and a good chainsaw speed.
Sold at an affordable price, this model also features tool-less tensioning which is super easy to use and probably essential for models designed for home use where the user may not be to familiar with chainsaws. This means that you need no tools to keep the chain at the right tension. The chain itself is automatically oiled by the lubrication system installed which is also a good feature to have. You can always see how much oil is left in the tank by looking at the viewing window provided which again makes it more straight forward to use.
This model comes with a long 5 meter cable. It is not as long as some of the others but it is adequate to facilitate easy reach for most people. If you have more room to cover, you may need some extension cables.
A kickback brake is present in the model to prevent any unwanted accidents when kickbacks are experienced and one thing we do like is that the chain stops straight away when you let go of the trigger. Same as all the chainsaws in this list, this model comes with two ergonomic handles to make lifting and moving the chainsaw easier. This model is recommended for both heavy and lightweight domestic activities and being corded is very low maintenance and easy to use.
If your looking for a slightly better corded model and have a large budget our final pick by Makita could be for you and also has a much longer 10 meter cable.
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Makita UC4051A 240v Electric Chainsaw
Pros
The Makita UC4051A Electric Chainsaw is a simple and affordable corded chainsaw that you can purchase to take care of light or heavy handed tasks. The 240v model comes with a 10 meter cord for easy accessibility which is one of the longer leads of the chainsaws we have researched. All you need is to plug in the chainsaw, add oil for the first time and get to work. The 40cm guide bar will facilitate simple cuts through various thickness of wood without struggling and it has plenty of power even duting the most demanding tasks.
Expect to work without interruptions thanks to the automatic chain oil feature which is a nice feature. The oil is supplied to the chain at a constant rate; therefore, you don’t have to worry about friction. Makita have also incorporated a viewing window in the oil reservoir so that you can keep an eye on the oil levels. Additionally, the chainsaw features a tool-less tensioning system. You can easily adjust the tension by using the lever provided which is obviously a big plus.
The easy to start electric model also features a kickback brake and an electric brake as you would expect. Furthermore, the chainsaw possesses an electric current limiter. This is to prevent overloading which causes electrical damage which is something that is often overlooked with cheaper models.
When you purchase this model you can expect to find a guide bar, a protection cover, one chain, a hook, long 10 meter lead and the chainsaw itself. The protection cover offered is a convenient bonus as the chainsaw is protected from dirt for no costs at all.
For those who need a versatile electric chainsaw that can attend to both light and heavy tasks, the Makita UC4051A 240 V Electric Chainsaw would be a great choice and is well worth considering. Easy to use, low maintenance and still fairly affordable.
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Buyers Guide
Selecting the best chainsaw does not have to equate to a guessing game. You need all the information you can get so as to differentiate high-quality models from the cheap flimsy or worst dangerous ones.
Chainsaws combine power and manoeuvrability to cater to different activities like logging for firewood, wood carving if your creative, general pruning and of course tree felling. Regardless of what you require the chainsaw for, here are a few pointers that may help along the way.
Factors to consider when buying a chainsaw
Power source
Luckily, we live in an era that provides us with many options when it comes to the power source our tools use. In the world of chainsaws, you have three options. You can choose to use corded, petrol, or cordless models.
Petrol chainsaws are preferred for heavy-duty work and in the sticks work where electricity is unavailable. The size of the petrol engine will determine how much power is accessible to use. The larger the cubic capacity (CC) of the tool, the more power you have to use. They are noisy therefore they may not be suitable for some residential areas and they require servicing and more maintenance with air and fuel filters to clean, spark plugs to check and general engine maintenance.
Corded chainsaws run quietly and they are inexpensive and generally maintanace free. These corded chainsaws are not as powerful as the petrol chainsaws but they can handle both light and heavy-duty work. Their only downside is that the cord length will restrict your movement and it can get in the way. You may need extension cables to provide more room for manoeuvrability. Additionally, without access to a plug socket, these models are rendered useless.
Cordless chainsaws depend on batteries to run and offer the best of both worlds, freedom of no cords and low maintenance. These kind of models are perfect for light-medium handed work as battery power does not last too long, generally 30-60m minutes depending on the capacity of the battery. You will need to recharge the batteries at a certain point but its always a good idea to have spares so that can be interchanged as the other is charging. High-quality cordless chainsaws may cost a lot more due to the convenience of having no cords and possessing full features of a normal petrol chainsaw and some even come close in terms of power now to.
Starting mechanism
Whether it is an electric or petrol chainsaw, the starting mechanisms have to be efficient. This is so that you do not waste a lot of time and end up getting frustrated.
Electric chainsaws are easy to start compared to the petrol models. Easy-to-start petrol models may have features like spring-assisted pull start or choke control but even the easy start models are not always easy to start for those who less experience with petrol powered tools.
There are manufacturers that offer information on the starting mechanisms used on their models. If this information is unavailable, check customer reviews to have insight on how easy the model is to start, this only really matters with petrol chainsaws.
Tension adjustment features
A chainsaw with correct tension will be safer to use compared to a chainsaw with a loose chain, in fact the chain tension should always be set just right. There are models that come with toolless tensioning and others that rely on the good old manual tools. This will depend on your personal preference because no person is the same but most will opt for toolless tensioning every time. You may prefer the automatic tension adjustment while another is having fun with his manual tensioning system.
Length of the guide bar
Are you trying to cut through a thick tree or just looking to cut fire logs to size from smaller logs? The longer your guide bar the easier it will be to get through thick material. In the case that you are only dealing with smaller logs, shorter guide bars are easier to handle.
On average, guide bar sizes range from 20cm-40cm. It is advised to use a guide bar that is 2-inches longer than what you want to cut for easier manoeuvrability.
Chain speed
Chain speed plays an important part in how fast you can cut through wood. If you have a model that features a slow speed then there are high chances that you will spend more time to get the job done. A chainsaw possessing fast speed will get the job done in a jiffy and you can go on your way. It is better to select a model that offers variable speed settings so that you can increase or decrease the speed as you like to the job at hand. In reality for home users or lighter work, chainsaw speed does not matter as much, petrol models usually have the fastest chainsaw speed with cordless models having the slowest but they are usually still excellen even with the slower chainsaw speed.
Available safety features
From horror movies to emergency room footage, we can all testify that chainsaws are not to be played with. To prevent these horrendous accidents, safety features within the chainsaw is crucial.
We have the chain brake feature that allows you to stop mid-motion. This feature prevents damage to the chainsaw and the user just in case the chainsaw comes into contact with unexpected obstacles. For example, if you are cutting through reclaimed wood and you hit a nail, the chain brake will disengage the blade from moving any further or causing a kickback.
For electric chainsaws, in-built circuit breakers prevent the motor from getting damaged. This is especially important if you have a lot of work to do and you need to push the model to keep up.
User-friendly features
Chainsaws have features that are specifically there to make life easy for the user. Not all models will possess these features but if you find one that accommodates your comfort needs then why not.
Padded handles are important especially if the chainsaw is heavy. In many cases, chainsaws have rear and front handles to make it easy to move the machine around. The padded handles allow easier manoeuvrability even when the chainsaw is heavy. Without the padded and well-positioned handles, you risk sore muscles and blisters on your hands. If you work for long hours, ensure that your chainsaw has ergonomic handles that offer adequate grip.
Automatic oilers make sure that your cutting chain never goes dry. Dry chains make it harder to get through thick material and may end up frustrating you plus they damage the chain. If you don’t want to stop and oil the chain manually, then get a model that can automatically oil the chain from the oil reservoir.
Tool-less tensioning saves you the time of fumbling about looking for tools to fix your tension. Tool-less tensioning models come with a knob that allows you to tweak the tension to your preference. Since it is an in-built tensioning system, it will save you time and help facilitate seamless work.
Low vibration chainsaws offer more comfort to the user. By emitting low vibration, the user is able to use the chainsaw for longer periods without experiencing body exhaustion.
A carry case helps in storing, transporting and maintaining the chainsaw. If you are lucky enough to get a good quality carry case then you can be sure that your chainsaw is protected from dust and moisture damage.
Noise level
The noise level of a chainsaw is important especially if you are sensitive to loud sounds or you live in a tranquil neighbourhood. Corded and battery-operated models make less sound compared to the roaring petrol chainsaws.
Find a model that offers adequate power to get through the work without making enough noise to raise the dead. You can always tell how loud a unit is by checking the decibel (dB) rating. The higher the number, the more noise the chainsaw will emit.
Warranty
Chainsaws are built to be durable and thus, they should be able to provide service for years to come. If you need assurance as to the quality of the chainsaw, look at the warranty offered. The longer the warranty, the more you are assured of the quality of the model. On the other hand, trusted brands may not offer a long warranty but you trust their reputation in the market. If you are not sure, dive into customer reviews and see what they have to say in regards to the model’s qualities. In general we would expect a warranty of 2-3 years to be reasonable.
Chainsaw maintenance tips
To keep your chainsaw in good condition, here are a few tips that may be of assistance;
- Sharpen the chain regularly to keep it in optimal working conditions. If you do not know how to use a chainsaw filing kit, take the chain to a professional.
- Always clear debris from your guide bar and chain so as to avoid dirt build-up. When dirt and moisture build-up you risk damage like rust/corrosion.
- If the chainsaw is not in use, it is recommended to sheath the guide bar to prevent any damage and keep the chain teeth sharp.
- Ensure that the tension is right to avoid the chain snapping of the guide bar or poor cutting performance.
- Never let your cutting chain run dry. Always ensure that the chain is lubricated so that it is able to keep up with fast speeds without damage.
- Wear protective clothing like gloves and safety glasses to prevent unwanted accidents.
- Remember to replace or clean the air filters so as to facilitate optimal performance from the motor/engine.
Our Final Conclusion
Chainsaws are not playthings, therefore, make sure that they are stored properly and away from curious untrained hands. As you can see, selecting a chainsaw is not as hard as looking for a needle in a haystack. Just choose models like our best pick that offer adequate power and accessible features. We hope that the information presented has been helpful in your quest to find the best chainsaw for you. Join us next time as we reveal another brilliant review of your favourite products.
BEST PICK
This model is definitely not the most expensive machine out there, but it gets the job done. A smart start feature makes for onetime starting, while the chainsaw weighs just 4.4kgs which is lightweight enough to work with without experiencing too much exhaustion. This model features ergonomic handles and safety features such as a chain break which is obviously a must and its super easy to adjust the chain tension. Admittedly, the price is more in the premium range but the thing you can trust is the reputation behind the brand. You can be sure that you are purchasing a high-quality model that will offer you years of service. Overall is an excellent small multipurpose model which is excellent for logging to feed your log burner or just general tree felling and pruning.
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