Professionals that are always engaging with the outdoors like log jacks, landscapers and arborists cannot rely on domestic chainsaws to work effectively. This is because the chainsaws are unable to keep up with constant use without damage.
To save you the trouble of selecting, we’ve tested 12 models and chose 7 best professional chainsaws that are worth buying. Professional chainsaws feature stronger engines that work at first speeds to cut through whatever is needed. They also have a longer bar chain and features like anti-kickback chains that make work a lot easier. They will cost you more than the domestic chainsaw but the power they hold is worth the trouble. In our opinion, the Makita EA7901PRZ1 EA7901PRZ2 is the best for most people, thus it became our Editor’s Choice.
More features: two-point durable inertia/mechanical chain brake, advanced vibration dampening system
If you are using a chainsaw in cold conditions, chances are it might start to give you some technical issues. That is why you need a powerful model to help you to work, even when times are cold. Enter the Makita EA7901PRZ1. This is the most powerful chainsaw on this list, and it ensures that frigid temperatures do not take a toll on your chainsaw.
This powerful model comes with a 79CC engine that is powerful for the size. It comes with useful features to fight against the cold, including a heated handle that keeps your hands warm in the cold and a two-point mechanical chain brake.
It offers kick-back protection as well.
Aside from keeping you warm and working in the cold, it offers quick start up and an easily-accessible chain department. Therefore, you save time on cleaning and removing debris. If you are a frequent user, you will certainly enjoy that it comes with a heavy duty filter system that reduces maintenance and improve the durability of the product. As a powerful engine, it gives you raw strength to help you get your job done quickly and efficiently.
If you have been looking for a powerful saw with an impressive engine and that can be used in different types of weather, then this is absolutely the model that you should consider.
More features: centrifugal air cleaning system, low vibration mechanism, tool-less chain tensioning
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher delivers lower fuel consumption and emissions to meet the world environmental regulations. The unit also features smart technology that allows you to activate/start the chainsaw easily. This small chainsaw bears a 55.5cc 2-stroke engine that produces 3.5hp with speeds up to 9000rpm. It may not be as fast but it is still a nice chainsaw to work with and it houses 20-inch bar length.
Times have changed and now chainsaws like this have low vibration mechanisms. These mechanisms are able to reduce the stress on your muscles and also make the unit easier to handle. Together with low vibration comes the ever efficient centrifugal air cleaning structure that dispenses of sawdust before it clogs up the air filter system. This obviously saves you the time used to switch out filters.
This unit needs no tools to adjust the tension because the feature is included within the chainsaw structure. All you have to do is tweak it to the tension required and you are good to go. This unit comes with a 2- year limited warranty which gives you enough time to gauge the unit’s performance.
More features: anti-kickback chain, mechanical chain brake handguard, EcoBoost engine, engine clean air-intake system
The XtremepowerUS Chainsaw is designed to cater to light-medium tasks. The 45cc engine unit produces a power output of 2.4hp which is adequate to handle tasks that don’t need excessive power. The chainsaw has a speed of 9000rpm which is a standard for a unit its size. The unit weighs 16lbs with ergonomic handles to help manoeuvre better with the chainsaw.
To make the unit safer for use, the chainsaw comes with an anti-kickback chain feature an anti-vibration feature. The anti-kickback chain feature is especially convenient when dealing with hardwoods or thick barks.
This chainsaw also features a mechanical handbrake so that you are able to stop effectively when the need arises. The EcoBoost engine allows the unit to work with less emission and lower fuel consumption making it somewhat environmentally friendly. The unit possesses a cutting length of 22inches and a sufficient air cleaning system that prevents dirt piling up on the air filter. The chainsaw allows for tension adjustment and easy access to the carburettor, filers and fuel tank with ease. This unit has been tested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, therefore, it is safe for use.
More features: heavy-duty air filter, clutch-driven oiler, digital ignition system
The Echo CS-600P is a high-performance chainsaw that comes with a 59.8cc 2-stroke engine that offers an energy output of 4.3 horsepower. At the speed of 13000 rotations per minute, you will be able to accomplish your tasks faster. The 13.3lbs unit comes with rubber moulded handles to add comfort and facilitate a firm grip on the unit.
As you are busy felling trees, the unit uses the G-Force Engine Air Pre-CleanerTM to remove woodchips from the unit. Even though the unit has a heavy-duty air filter, the automated cleaning feature saves you from having to replace the air filter often which can be costly over time.
Another feature we observe in this unit is that it has lower oil consumption and this is because of the automated and adjustable clutch-driven oiler. Also, the chainsaw has provided upgraded cutting performance by allowing you to interchange the size of the bar chain. You can go as low as 16-inches or as high as 27-inches depending on your needs. The unit comes with a tip guard and a digitalized ignition system to make starting easy. This product comes with a 1-year warranty if you are using it for commercial reasons and a 5- year warranty for domestic purposes.
More features: turbo intake air cleaning technology, low vibration mechanism, tool-free chain tensioner
The Jonsered CS2245 is an amazing 2-stroke engine chainsaw that uses clean power technology. This means that the unit works with fewer emissions up to 75% and less fuel consumption by 20% which will save you money over time. The unit features a quality 45.7cc engine that produces 2.8hp output for clean cuts. The unit has a speed of 9000rpm which is not as high as such but will provide optimal performance.
The 13lb unit features a turbo air intake technology that applies centrifugal force to dislodge dust/sawdust from the unit. Your air filters will be saved from piling up too much dust that will affect the chainsaw’s performance. Also, the chainsaw has springs fitted to absorb the energy produced so that you experience lower vibrations and increase your comfort levels.
No need to fetch a range of tools to adjust the tension because the chainsaw has its own tensioner installed at the side of the unit. You will also discover the friendly quick release cylinder that allows you to access the air filter and spark plug without having to dismantle the unit. This well-assembled unit comes with a 2- year limited warranty to handle any concerns that you may have.
More features: centrifugal air cleaning system, adjustable oil pump, quick-release air filter, choke/stop control, the low vibration mechanism
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a high-quality gas chainsaw that comes with a 2-cycle engine to provide optimal power. The unit weighs 13.2lbs which is manageable compared to industrial size chainsaws. The chainsaw also features X-TORQ functions that allow the unit to be more environmentally conscious as it facilitates low fuel consumption and minimize emissions.
No frustrations are experienced when switching on the unit as it has a smart start function. Both the on/off function are under one button for easy access. The system is also is designed to keep the vibration down and thus reduce any kickback. This function also reduces the fatigue felt when handling a chainsaw for long hours.
The 3.6 horsepower unit has a displacement of 60.3cc making it powerful enough to tackle large chops. With a speed of 9000rpm, you will find the sharp blade slicing through wood like butter. The centrifugal air cleaning system allows the unit to dispense of dirt and reduce the need to clean air filters regularly.
The bar chain length is 24 inches ensuring you can slice through without having to do it in sections. You will also discover that the unit comes with a quick-release air filter, an adjustable oil pump and a 2-year warranty. The well-designed unit will not disappoint you.
More features: 5-point anti-vibration system, side-access chain tensioner, automatic oiler, heavy-duty case included
The Remington RM4618 Outlaw is no joke coming in at 16.4 lbs. The well-assembled unit relies on a 2-stroke engine that is able to produce around 2.4-3hp that will allow you to make clean cuts. The 46cc unit has an 18-inch bar which provides you with enough length to slice through thick trees. The chainsaw doesn’t take hours to start as it has been designed with better technology that allows pull starts to be activated with ease.
To add to the features of this chainsaw is the 5-point anti-vibration system that muffles the vibrations to ensure comfortability as you work. The handle has been padded to add to the comfort experienced when handling this 16.4 lbs unit. To adjust the tension of the bar chain needs little time and no tools because the feature is installed in the structure. All you have to do is go to the side of the chainsaw and tweak the tension.
In addition to all the features presented, the chainsaw comes with an automatic oiler thus providing consistent performance without jamming. The unit also comes with a heavy-duty carry case and a 2-year limited warranty. It is only prudent to go over the terms and conditions to get a better sense of what is covered.
To find a reliable professional chainsaw there are a few factors to look into. These factors will help you narrow down your selection to the exact model you need.
Professional chainsaws have a lot of benefits compared to the normal chainsaw. Some of these benefits are:
The kind of work you want to delve to determine the type of chainsaw to get. You might be looking for a hard wearing unit or a quality unit for domestic work, the fact remains that it has to be cost efficient and satisfy the work requirements. You are able to select between the choices below:
Battery powered
Battery powered units are the kind that you get if you don’t want to be tied down by cords or fuel costs. They are the lightweights of the group adaptable to small tasks. These batteries have a voltage that tells you the amount of power to expect. If the batteries have a high voltage then the more power you have to work with. In most cases, manufacturers use lithium-ion batteries because they charge faster and provide more compact energy. There are also NiCad batteries that are less expensive and function pretty well apart from the fact that they take longer to recharge.
Fuel/gas based
These models are the alphas of the group because of the amount of power they possess. They have been around for a while and show no signs of going off the market. If you have an affordable fuel source then these chainsaws make good company for heavy work. Their output is determined by their capacity that is measured in cubic centimetres.
Electric chainsaws
Electric chainsaws come in smaller sizes than petrol models but they are able to undertake a lot of work. You can tell how strong a unit is by looking at the units Amperage, the higher it is the more power is at your disposal. These units are also good for the environment as they do not produce emissions. Their only downfall is that they cannot work if they are not plugged in which can be inconvenient when the lights go out.
Getting the most out of your chainsaw means that you have to take care of your unit. There are those who it is there first time handling a chainsaw so here are a few tips to help out:
For more useful information you can watch the video below:
Chainsaws are not tools that you can play around with because they can cause a lot of damage. To save you a trip to the emergency room read through these safety tips:
Finding the right unit makes a whole difference when you are out there in the field. Below are some factors that will affect the kind of choice you make. These factors may affect other people’s choice differently but it is all about knowing what you need.
A good chainsaw has a reliable engine because without the engine the saw is unusable. You want an engine that is able to keep up with your daily power requirements. Most gas chainsaws produced today have 2-stroke engines for a powerful performance but lighter overall build. The higher the engine cubic centimeter displacement the higher the power. For electric models, a unit that has a motor between 12-15Amps will work perfectly for various activities.
What is the scale of work to be done? Small-medium activities do not require an industrial size chainsaw. It is easier to work with a unit that you can actually handle and maneuver around with. It is important to look over the product dimensions before purchasing so as to determine if it is good for the job. In the case that you are felling large trees then you need a unit with a highly powerful engine and large bar to match. It might be heavy but it will be effective.
Weight and size are somewhat correlated. Smaller units are lighter easier to move around with but they don’t have enough power to handle heavy-handed tasks. Larger units possess bigger engines thus providing more power. Depending on the scale of work to be done choose a unit whose weight can be managed even if you are working for long hours. The good news is that manufacturers are doing a good job in balancing between weight and power produced by these units.
The length of the bar affects how fast and effectively you slice through wood. There are tools that come with the 16-inch bar while others possess a 28-inch bar. Even with fast engine speeds, the unit with the shorter bar length will take more time to slice through compared to a unit with a long bar traveling at the same speed. If you are felling large trees a long bar is more appropriate while a short bar is adapted to light activities. Our best examples of a heavy-duty action in chainsaw would be: Husqvarna 460 Rancher and Makita EA7901PRZ1 EA7901PRZ2.
You need a unit that doesn’t take forever to start because time is a resource we cannot get back. Most of the chainsaws offer an easy way to start the engine by involving recent technology. Like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher has the smart technology that allows you to start your engine without having to engage the throttle too much. Select units that feature spring assisted starting mechanisms or those that have a choke control.
Safety is paramount whether you are cooking eggs in the kitchen or felling trees. There are safety features that are not found in all models but are none the less important.
The manual chain brake allows the unit to stop dead in its tracks whenever you need it to. You might have an emergency and you need to stop in the nick of time. Chain catchers prevent the rotating chain hitting your arm and instead of hitting the stopper. The chain stopper is used hand in hand with a chain break to avoid the chain rotating while hitting the user.
Anti-vibration and anti-kickback features will lower the risk of the chain flying off and hitting you. The anti-vibration features keep your muscles and nervous system in check even when operating the saw for long periods.
Search for units with a lock-out switch which prevents the unit from being activated by mistake.
The quality of the material that makes the chain cannot be flimsy. Cheap bar chains always end up blunt quickly and never stay in position. Chain bars made from materials like chromium steel are durable and can be sharpened without damaging the chain. Ensure the tension of the chain is okay before starting to work. Also get chainsaw sharpener to maintain your device better.
When it comes to handles on a chainsaw, you have two options. The rear handle and the top handle. The top handle is intended for users who work on top of a tree or an elevated platform. The handle allows the user to be comfortable even when cutting at awkward angles. The rear handle is designed to be used for people cutting trees on the ground and happens to be the common handle found in many chainsaw models.
What you pay for is what you get. If you settle for a cheap unit do not expect it to last a whole while without some kind of damage. When buying a unit see to its quality and determine its value. If you are unable to determine the quality of the unit user reviews online will provide better insight. Any plastic parts should be made of high-quality plastic to avoid damage caused by sun exposure over time.
Additional features are like the cherry on top of the cake. When it comes to additional chainsaws here is what to expect:
For those who cannot but products without security should buy chainsaws with warranty. There are plenty of units with flaws and the warranty ensures that you are covered. Always read the terms and conditions to fully understand what the manufacturer is offering in case of any issues. If the company has a bad reputation for how they handle warranties it is just better to pick another brand.
Adjust the tension one more time for a perfect fit and firmly nuts on the chainsaw side plate.
The products that have been presented here all have features that we would appreciate. Out of the seven, we mostly loved the Makita EA7901PRZ1 EA7901PRZ2. It has an easy start, powerful engine, and comes with a 30-day return policy plus it works like a beast.
If you are interested in a lightweight product, then our recommendation is definitely the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. Despite its light weight, this product provides plenty of power and is suitable even for the most difficult projects.
Our budget Pick is the XtremepowerUS Chainsaw, which produces a power output of 2.4hp and is designed for light-medium tasks. It is very safe to use thanks to its anti-kickback chain and an anti-vibration features.
While this is by no means the complete list of professional chainsaws, it certainly gives you great options depending on your needs. If you still haven’t found your best professional chainsaw from this list, then it’s somewhere out there and the guide above should lead you to it.
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Thank you so much, Ali, for your kind words. Our team is improving our research each and every day and people like you, who appreciate all the efforts, are making us go!