The best models of chainsaws: top 2019

Harvesting firewood, sawing logs, sawing off old trees and shrubs, trimming skeletal branches require a lot of time and good physical fitness. The chainsaw helps to save time and effort. Today we will tell you what characteristics the best chainsaw should have.

Content

1 How to choose a chainsaw
2 For home
3 Semi-professional
4 Professional

How to choose a chainsaw

The chainsaw was invented a long time ago, but the tool has become widespread relatively recently. This device used to be used mainly for felling trees in the forest. Today, the chainsaw is considered an indispensable assistant for every summer resident. With the help of a working tool, you can perform a variety of construction, agricultural and municipal work on the site.

All chainsaws are similar in design. The petrol 2-pin engine drives the sprocket located on the housing. The sprocket, in turn, starts the sawing part of the device - the bar and the chain with teeth.

The modern market offers a huge selection of chainsaws. Depending on the power, household, semi-professional and professional units are distinguished. To understand all this variety of working tools, you need to know what to look for. Let's see what the criteria for choosing chainsaws are.

Tire

One of the important points of choice is the length of the bus. The longer the bar is, the deeper the wood is cut. For example, the average bar length of a household saw is 30–40 cm. To cut thick logs, you have to cut from both sides. Semi-professional and professional tools do it in one go.

In this case, the length of the bar must correspond to the class of the tool and its power. The larger the tire, the higher the load on the engine. Since most household saws are equipped with low-powered motors, there is a high risk of overheating and tool failure.

Chain

Chainsaw performance depends on the structural characteristics of the chain. So, chains are distinguished by the height of the profile, by the pitch and by the shape of the teeth. A small pitch reduces vibration, but negatively affects the quality of the wood cut. The chain pitch should be set taking into account the technical features of the chainsaw and the nature of the work performed. The chain can stretch over time. You can adjust the length manually or using a special screw on the side of the case.

Kickback protection

On contact with a solid object, the saw is thrown back. Kickback can injure a person. To increase the safety of the work tool, many manufacturers have provided kickback protection. We are talking about an instant chain stop button installed on the handle or body.

Please note that many chainsaws have a button to prevent accidental activation. Do not forget that a chainsaw is considered a highly traumatic tool. It is necessary to work with the device carefully and extremely carefully.

Anti-vibration protection

The vibrations caused by the operation of the engine lead to fatigue in the arms and muscle pain. Craftsmen who have to work a lot with chainsaws often complain of joint diseases and impaired blood flow.

The vibration level can be reduced by installing an anti-vibration system.The easiest way is to install a rubberized gasket between the handle and the body of the tool. Anti-vibration protection of professional chainsaws is achieved by the correct ratio of the weight of the engine and other elements of the unit.

Engine

The engine is deservedly called the heart of the chainsaw. It's simple: the higher the power, the more productivity. Depending on the power of the engine, there are three types of chainsaws:

Household, or for the home. Power - up to 2 kW, volume - up to 40 cm³.
Semi-professional, or farm. Power - from 2 to 3 kW, volume - from 40 to 60 cm³.
Professional. Power - from 3 kW or more, volume - from 60 cm³ and more.

The reliable and quality engine has a piston system with two compression rings, a metal crankcase, a forged crankshaft and chrome-plated cylinder walls. Additionally, a spring-type starter and primer can be installed.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of household, semi-professional and professional chainsaws

For home

Having dealt with the selection criteria, we will proceed directly to the acquaintance with the working tools. Let's start with household chainsaws.

STIHL MS 180-14

Optimum work tool for clearing unwanted hard vegetation. It can be used for preparing firewood for the winter, trimming shrubs and tree branches, making wooden fences. The STIHL MS 180-14 has a robust and reliable housing. Inertial chain brake and anti-vibration system are provided.

Pros:

lightness, compactness, maneuverability;
ease of use;
good performance for low power;
low fuel consumption;
quick start;
low vibration.

Minuses:

difficulties with replacement / repair of original spare parts;
overestimated cost of components;
lack of primer;
frequent clogging of the air filter.

Video "STIHL MS 180-14 Review"

This video tells about the peculiarities of the operation of a chainsaw of a famous brand.

Husqvarna 236

Lightweight and compact chain saw for home use. It is actively used for harvesting firewood, cutting boards and thin logs, cutting branches from bushes and trees. The Husqvarna 236 has an engine with the innovative X-Torq system, which reduces fuel consumption by 20%.

The Husqvarna 236 chain saw is equipped with a chain brake, chain stop, fuel pump and Air Injection.

Pros:

simplicity and ease of use;
compactness, reliability, practicality;
economical fuel consumption;
no difficulties with storage and transportation;
excellent build quality;
body resistant to mechanical damage;
low vibration and medium noise.

Minuses:

when the tool is tilted, oil begins to flow;
difficulties with starting;
incomprehensible instructions for use;
Incorrect information in the instructions for use.

Video "Husqvarna 236 - quality and reliability"

This video shows how easy and simple it is to assemble a working tool.

PARTNER P340S

PARTNER P340S is equipped with an inertia chain brake

Universal chainsaw for household use. Quickly and neatly removes branches from bushes and trees. It can be used for cutting small thicknesses of logs and preparing firewood for the winter. PARTNER P340S is equipped with an inertial chain brake, an efficient anti-vibration system and a built-in accidental start switch. The presence of a fuel pump contributes to reasonable fuel consumption.

Pros:

ergonomic body;
the presence of an anti-vibration system and protection against accidental start;
good balancing;
convenient and understandable instructions for use;
no difficulties with maintenance.

Minuses:

average build quality;
lack of an indicator for monitoring the amount of fuel;
minimum equipment.

Video "Detailed review of the PARTNER P340S saw"

This video shows you how to assemble, start up and use the instrument.

Comparative table of technical characteristics of household chainsaws

Semi-professional

For a private house and a summer cottage, it is better to take a semi-professional tool, the power of which will be enough to perform various household tasks.

Husqvarna 135

Husqvarna 135 is equipped with an ergonomic rear handle

One of the best semi-professional saws on the agricultural and construction machinery market today. It is characterized by efficient power consumption, fast start-up and well thought-out safety system. For example, the Husqvarna 135 is equipped with an ergonomic rear handle and anti-vibration system. The innovative X-Torq technology contributes to economical fuel consumption. The chainsaw has a quick-release air filter and a centrifugal air precleaner.

The Husqvarna 135 saw is designed for active use. It is used for sawing logs, cutting branches, preparing firewood and making wooden fences and hedges.

Pros:

American assembly;
high-quality components;
reliability, durability and versatility;
resistance of the case to mechanical damage;
low noise;
economical fuel consumption;
ease and simplicity of operation.

Minuses:

strong vibration when starting;
when tilting, oil leaks;
expensive original spare parts.

Video "Husqvarna 135 in-depth review"

This video explains how to operate your chainsaw.

STIHL MS 250

Compact and lightweight semi-professional saw with high power. The tool can be used for felling trees with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. It copes with various household tasks quickly and efficiently. The STIHL MS 250 is suitable for domestic use as well as for use in farming and forestry environments. Doesn't require much storage space.

Pros:

high impact resistance of the case;
compactness, lightness and maneuverability;
no difficulties with storage, transportation and maintenance;
high service life.

Minuses:

lack of fuel pumping;
"Weak" gasket between the cylinder and the muffler;
difficulties with starting;
noisy idle.

STIHL MS 250 Overview Video

This video provides a detailed overview and test drive of the semi-professional tool.

Makita DCS4610-40

It features a well-thought-out ergonomic design. Due to its high power, it can be used not only for domestic use, but also on the territories of farms and forestry. The Makita DCS4610-40 saw is characterized by an effective anti-vibration system and a low level of noise performance. The presence of a protective plastic shield increases the safety of the device.

Pros:

high-quality German assembly;
reliable and durable case;
no difficulties with the replacement / repair of components;
convenience and ease of use;
adequate price.

Minuses:

oil leakage;
high oil consumption;
difficulties with starting at subzero air temperatures.

Makita DCS4610-40 Review Video

This video presents the main technical characteristics of the device.

Professional

At the end of today's ranking, we offer the Top 3 professional tools as reviewed by users and service center employees.

STIHL MS 880-36

The professional chainsaw of high power for a large amount of work. It is used for regular harvesting of large-sized wood. Saw STIHL MS 880-36 provides high-quality and accurate cutting of wood of any thickness. Can be used for felling trees.

The STIHL MS 880-36 has a heated carburetor. There are no problems with starting at sub-zero temperatures.

The STIHL MS 880-36 chainsaw is equipped with an instant chain brake and an advanced anti-vibration system. In case of strong feedback, the “Stop” system is triggered. The saw is characterized by an increased level of safety and reliability.

Pros:

high power;
high efficiency;
versatility of application;
quick start in all weather conditions;
reinforced anti-vibration system;
low noise performance;
robust and reliable case;
resistance to shock, falls and other mechanical damage;
the presence of a chain brake;
automatic oil supply.

Minuses:

heavy weight;
overpriced.

Video "STIHL MS 880-36 - the best saw for quality and reliability"

In this video, experts talk about the benefits of working with a professional unit.

CHAMPION 265-18

A powerful and reliable tool for active use. CHAMPION 265-18 is highly resistant to wear and tear. The body is made of durable and reliable material. Thanks to its high performance, the saw copes with a large amount of work. Can be used in farming and forestry. CHAMPION 265-18 is often used for a number of construction jobs. The ergonomic shape of the handle and low vibration enhance the performance of the tool.

Pros:

high-quality assembly;
resistance of the case to mechanical damage;
excellent anti-vibration protection;
ergonomic handle;
simplicity and ease of use;
high productivity.

Minuses:

large dimensions;
noise during intensive use;
oil leaks when tilted.

Video "CHAMPION 265-18 Review"

This video shows the scope of delivery of the instrument.

STIHL MS 661-28

STIHL MS 661-28 - the powerful saw for tough jobs

Extremely powerful saw for tough jobs. It is characterized by high performance under all operating conditions. STIHL MS 661-28 features a high-quality anti-vibration system. The presence of an instant chain brake increases the safety level of the device. With strong kickback, the chain brake is automatically applied. Thanks to the heating of the carburetor, the chainsaw can be used even in severe frosts.

: HD2 filter

: Fuel tank

: ElastoStart - quick start

: Chain lubrication Ematic

: Chain tensioner

Pros:

versatility of application;
high performance;
convenience and ease of use;
reliable protective system;
good anti-vibration;
reinforced body.

Minuses:

noise is above average;
difficulties with replacement / repair of original spare parts.

Video "STIHL MS 661-28 Overview"

This video demonstrates how the chainsaw behaves in operation.

Comparative table of technical characteristics of professional chainsaws

When choosing a chainsaw, pay attention not to the design of the unit, but to its technical characteristics and functionality. A high-quality and reliable chainsaw will serve faithfully for more than a dozen years.