Some links on this page are monetized by affiliate programs - see disclosure for details.
Gas chainsaws are popular with homeowners, builders, landscapers and anyone who has a need to rapidly and efficiently cut through trees, logs, stumps, branches and other organic debris. While many early models of chainsaws were incredibly loud, dangerous tools, today’s models use advanced technology to reduce vibrations and improve safety.
Chain saws are one of the most powerful tools ever created, allowing users the flexibility of a completely mobile saw with the fearsome power of a high-powered cutting blade. Precisely because the razor-sharp teeth are rotating around the blade, a chain saw uniquely allows users to easily make cuts in both directions, dramatically improving efficiency and productivity.
Compare: The Top Ten Best Gas Chainsaws of 2018
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Husqvarna 450 | Husqvarna | $$$ | 4.9 |
 | Remington RM5118R | Remington | $$ | 4.8 |
 | Poulan Pro PP5020AV | Poulan Pro | $$ | 4.7 |
 | Makita DCS5121 | Makita | $$$$ | 4.6 |
 | Husqvarna 435 | Husqvarna | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | Tanaka TCS40EA18 | Tanaka | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 | Tanaka | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Hitachi CS33EDTP | Hitachi | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Echo CS-400 | ECHO | $$ | 4.5 |
 | XtremepowerUS Gas Chainsaw | XtremepowerUS | $ | 4.4 |
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
What is a Gas Chainsaw?
Contents
A saw is the general name for a tool that cuts through substances by using a hard-toothed edge. Whereas a knife or axe uses a single blade to cut through materials, saws use a repeating pattern of sharpened edges or “teeth” to make cuts. A great variety of different powered saws exist, which use powerful motors to spin the cutting edge of saws up to high speeds, but most of them are heavy and bulky and must be stabilized before they can be used. A chainsaw is a special kind of power saw that has all the benefits of using a spinning chain of sharpened saw teeth while offering users complete mobility.
The term “gas chainsaw” is industry shorthand for certain chain saws that are powered by a mixture of oil and gasoline. Most chain saws are designed to be easily carried and operated by a single person, and engineered well enough to withstand harsh outdoor conditions for many years.
Some homeowners and property managers with larger plots of land use chainsaws to cut and trim fallen trees, branches and other organic debris. Chainsaws can quickly cut wood for fireplaces, wood-fired stoves, outdoor wood pits, barbecue grills and other wood-burning appliances. Forests, woodlands, meadows and other undeveloped tracts of land go through regular cycles of natural pruning when storms topple dead trees and snap dead branches. Because of their portability and power, chain saws can be brought to bear anywhere that they are needed to cut and trim away dead trees, limbs and other organic debris.
Many chain saw users benefit by buying large logs or whole trees and then cutting them into appropriately-sized chunks for use in fireplaces or other wood-burning appliances.
What are the different types of Gas Chainsaws?
Gas chainsaws are the most powerful form of chainsaw available, using powerful motors to rapidly spin chainsaws up to high speeds. Using powerful motors allows gas chainsaws to quickly cut through even harder woods and other materials. Many of today’s models feature advanced designs to minimize vibration during use and increase maneuverability and handling. Some gas chainsaws feature an electric ignition to ensure operability during even the harshest outdoor conditions. Other gas chainsaws feature advanced safety features such as the ability to control the choke, and automatic systems to clean the air intake to prevent overheating during extended use.
Because the rotation of the chain blade can cause the tool to overheat, many advanced chain saw models today use centrifugal air filtration systems and other safety devices. So-called chain “brakes” help slow and stop the rotation of the blades when not in use to prevent accidental injuries and unnecessary heat build-up. Some chain saw models allow users to adjust the “choke”, or the air/fuel mixture, which improves the efficiency and operating power of the motor. Many manufacturers offer models of chainsaws with advanced emissions control technology that allows them to be compliant with California’s strict CARB regulations.
What are the advantages of owning a Gas Chainsaw?
Dead trees, windblown branches, large stumps and other sources of wood can easily be dispatched with the use of a gas chainsaw. Many homeowners and property managers use the power and versatility of chainsaws to trim and cut away dead and unhealthy wood from trees, branches and stumps to improve sight lines, ecological health and to provide a source of fuel for fire-burning appliances.
Using proper training and security precautions, live trees can be felled with the use of a chainsaw. Some enterprising homeowners have felled trees, shaped logs and constructed their own log cabins using chain saws. Even in suburban and urban areas, owning a chain saw can be an invaluable device in cutting through brush, undergrowth, timber, wood and dead trees in back yards and gardens. Some inventive people have even found new uses for chainsaws, including learning how to sculpt ice or trim ornamental hedges with them.
Which models are the contenders for the Best Gas Chainsaw?
Poulan Pro PP5020AV 20-Inch 50cc – This hefty 2-stroke gas chain saw comes with a big 20-inch blade powered by a beefy 50cc motor. The Poulan Pro PP5020AV features an advanced design that takes advantage of breakthroughs in metallurgy to prolong the life of the engine. With an automatic chain oiler and carrying case included, the Poulan Pro PP5020AV is ready to cut through even the thickest trees and branches.
Remington RM5118R Rodeo 18-Inch 51cc – This bold red-and-black chainsaw from Remington features advanced QuickStart technology and an electric ignition to ensure reliable operation in any weather. With a powerful 51cc motor and long 18-inch blade, the Remington RM5118R is ready to cut through fallen trees, timber, brush and other organic debris with ease.
Husqvarna 450 18-Inch 50.2cc X-Torq 2-Cycle – This rugged workhorse comes complete with a big 50.2cc two-stroke gas engine and a lengthy 18-inch blade. The engine uses advance engineering to dramatically reduce harmful emissions into the environment while simultaneously helping to increase fuel efficiency. With a generous four-year warranty and advanced air cleaning system, the Husqvarna 450 is designed to give reliable service even after years of hard use in outdoor conditions.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Chainsaw For You
- Blade Length – The longer the chain blade, the deeper the cuts that can be made with the chain saw. Big jobs will benefit more from a longer blade than occasional clean-up jobs around the property.
- Motor – A chain saw is useless without its motor, and many of today’s chain saws feature powerful motors to help users cut through tough and thick materials with ease.
- Operation – Chain saws are powerful and portable tools. If the design is not balanced or the engine is too heavy, a chain saw could be difficult to maneuver when out in the field. A good chain saw should be simple to operate efficiently and safely.
- Additional Features – Many of today’s chain saws come with additional features and accessories, including polycarbonate shock-resistant carrying cases and advanced chain braking systems.
Blade Length
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV features a very generous 20-inch blade that is carefully counterbalanced to provide maximum maneuverability and control.
The Remington RM5118R
The long 18-inch blade on the Remington RM5118R is more than enough to tackle even larger trees, stumps and logs. A well-engineered die-cast chassis and rugged crankcase and sprocket help improve cutting efficiency while reducing overheating.
The Husqvarna 450
The Husqvarna 450 comes equipped with a full-sized 18-inch blade, more than capable of slicing through large trees, stumps and other thick materials.
Motor
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV comes with a large 50-cc two-stroke gas motor equipped with the manufacturer’s patented DuraLife engine technology designed to greatly improve the longevity of the motor.
The Remington RM5118R
The large 51cc two-stroke engine is more than powerful enough to drive the blade through even thicker or knottier wood. An electronic ignition and the company’s QuickStart patented technology make starting the chainsaw reliable and simple in even the harshest outdoor conditions.
The Husqvarna 450
The Husqvarna 450 comes equipped with the company’s advanced 3.2 HP X-Torq engine that improves fuel efficiency while reducing toxic environmental emissions.
Operation
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV
Although the Poulan Pro PP5020AV comes with a full-sized blade, it is carefully counterbalanced to allow for smooth and easy operation. The well-designed pull system is virtually effortless to operate and a specially-engineered handle dramatically reduces vibration and user fatigue.
The Remington RM5118R
Many landscaping and woodland professionals agree that an 18-inch blade offers improved control and handling during even longer jobs. The Remington RM5118R includes two specially-engineered handles to help reduce vibration and numbness.
The Husqvarna 450
Perfectly balanced from its vibration-dampening handles to the tip of its razor sharp 18-inch blade, the Husqvarna 450 is well-engineered to be simple and easy to maneuver and operate.
Additional Features
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV
Comes with both a rugged carrying case that contains a convenient locking scrench holder. The Poulan Pro PP5020AV also comes with an advanced air filter system to help improve the durability of the chain saw’s air filter.
The Remington RM5118R
This rugged chainsaw comes with an equally durable hard carrying case and a well-balanced design to improve control and stability.
The Husqvarna 450
This powerful chainsaw comes with the company’s advanced Smart Start feature as well as a cylinder cover, centrifugal air cleaning system and handy inertia-activated chain brake. The Husqvarna 450 also features an intuitive choke/stop control to improve safety and operability.
Conclusion: Our Gas Chainsaw Reviews Are In
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV – Best Low-Cost
With an impressive 20-inch blade and a powerful 50cc gas motor, the Poulan Pro PP5020AV is well-designed to easily slice through trunk wood, fallen branches, stumps and other hard materials. With a built-in chain oiler, specially-designed engine and advanced air filtration system, the Poulan Pro PP5020AV is designed to provide years of service in harsh outdoor conditions.
Pros:
- This is saw is rough and tough and ready to rock and roll right out of the box
- Pull system is practically effortless and the well-designed handle really reduces vibrations so your hand doesn’t go numb during longer jobs
- With a bright yellow and black design, the Poulan Pro PP5020AV looks great in use and when stored in garages or workshops
- Rugged enough to last for years with only occasional light maintenance
Cons:
- This full-sized chainsaw may be too powerful for the needs of some homeowners and property managers
The Remington RM5118R – Best for the Money
The stylish red-and-black design of the Remington RM5118R elegantly displays the lengthy 18-inch blade and powerful 51cc motor. Using the company’s patented QuickStart technology and electronic ignition, the Remington RM5118R is designed to be reliably and easily started in all outdoor conditions. Weighing in at just over 26 pounds, this powerful gas chainsaw perfectly balances portability with a powerful motor and full-size cutting blade to make short work of felling trees, leveling stumps and cutting firewood.
Pros:
- The bold red-and-black design looks great, and the one-touch electronic ignition makes starting the Remington RM5118R a breeze
- With two vibration-dampening handles and a well-balanced design, the Remington RM5118R can easily be operated for hours without overheating or causing excessive user fatigue
Cons:
- All Remington chainsaws use the company’s unique ignition sequence procedure, which differs from other manufacturers
- Some buyers may experience frustration when trying to start the Remington RM5118R if they fail to adhere to the correct procedure
The Husqvarna 450 – Best Gas Chainsaw Overall
The Husqvarna 450 is a top-quality chainsaw, ready out of the box to easily saw through trees, logs and other thick materials. With advanced emissions controlling technologies, the is both CARB compliant and designed to last for years. With a generous four-year warranty and advanced X-Torq engine, the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw is built to withstand many hard use of service in inclement conditions.
Pros:
- With a bright orange body encased in a big, beefy handle, the Husqvarna 450 simply looks great right
- Advanced engine and air filtration keeps emissions and noise to a minimum while improving fuel efficiency
- Saw blade is long enough to tackle almost any job and the inertia-activated chain brake is a great safety feature
- Well designed overall to be put to hard use for hours without overheating
Cons:
- Although the Husqvarna 450 is a powerful machine, it is not capable of handling professional-grade logging services such as felling very large trees
In Conclusion
Chainsaws are absolutely indispensable tools for any landscaper with woodland, alpine or partially-forested property. Downed trees, stumps and big logs can be easily dispatched with a good gas chainsaw. Many of today’s chainsaws come with advanced features that allow for easy starts in any weather and exhaust systems that dramatically reduce emissions while improving fuel efficiency. Quality chainsaws use advanced air cleaning system and shock absorbing handles to greatly improve durability, allowing users to rely on their machines for years even when put to hard use in rough weather.
Short of a professional-grade lumberjack tree-cutting saw, no other gas chainsaw on the market can compare to the Husqvarna 450. With a powerful 50.2 cc X-Torq motor and long 18-inch blade, the Husqvarna 450 allows anyone to easily and safely cut through even thicker trees, stumps and logs. An advanced emissions reduction system meets or exceeds the requirements to make the Husqvarna 450 CARB compliant, and the manufacturer’s patented motor design dramatically reduces environmental emissions while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency.
The patented Smart Start feature and choke/stop control switch allow anyone to operate the Husqvarna 450 with intuitive ease. Combining the benefits of durability and emissions reductions with the raw power of a big, beefy 3.2 HP motor and a razor sharp 18-inch blade, the Husqvarna 450 is the “goto” to cut through thick and knotty wood without breaking a sweat.