Best Gas Powered Chain Saw Reviews
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Product Name:
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Price:
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Rating:
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Husqvarna 460 Rancher
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$$$
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Remington RM5118R Rodeo
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$
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Husqvarna 450 X-Torq
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$$
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Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12
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$
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Poulan Pro
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$
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Husqvarna 460 Rancher
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$$$
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Remington RM5118R Rodeo
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$
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Husqvarna 450 X-Torq
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$$
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Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12
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$
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Poulan Pro
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$
Good for
Gas-powered chainsaws are probably the most used type of them all. Anyone from experienced lumberjacks to occasional DIYers loves using this particular type mostly due to its superior power output. Therefore, if you’re planning on cutting large trees and thick branches, you might want to consider getting one of these machines. As far as the advantages go, the biggest ones are mobility and the already mentioned power output. However, it does come with a price of required regular maintenance.
Versatility is also one of the strongest points of this particular type. You can use a gas-powered model anywhere without thinking about packing cables, batteries, and chargers. All you need to have is oil and a spare can of gasoline in case you run out of fuel. They are fairly easy to use but are also quite dangerous if not handled correctly.
Not recommended for
People who aren’t keen on doing regular maintenance usually struggle with gas-powered chainsaws. This type requires frequent checkups and maintenance because otherwise the inner parts might deteriorate or fail during use. As you can assume, any type of malfunction is potentially a life-threatening factor and should be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, if you’re a green person, you won’t like the amount of pollution these machines produce due to burning fuel fumes.
The level of noise is also a thing you need to think about before getting a new chainsaw, especially if you live in a highly populated neighborhood. These machines produce up to 105dB of noise, and even though you might be wearing ear protection, people around you probably aren’t. We usually recommend electric models for occasional users due to less noise, weight, and complexity. However, if you’re aiming for sheer power and ultimate portability – gasoline models are your safest bet.
Top Rated Gas Powered Chainsaws
Husqvarna 460 Rancher
Editor’s Choice
Our Rating: 4.3
Even though this model is designed by a well-known Swedish brand, the question is – will it live up to its name? The short answer is – Yes. As expected, Husqvarna did not disappoint with their 460 Rancher edition. It features an XTorq 2.7kW (3.62HP) motor with more than enough RPM for smooth and clean cuts. Interestingly enough, this particular motor is more economical regarding fuel consumption than some weaker versions of it found in other Husqvarna models.
The air injection system is one of the strongest points of the 460 Rancher. It works on a pretty simple principle by removing large particles using centrifugal force. It results in cleaner filters and an increase in engine life. As far as the design goes, it’s durable and most importantly – trustworthy. The chances for a kickback are at a bare minimum, although you should always stay focused and aware of your surroundings. Safety features at a satisfactory level.
The level of vibrations is minimal thanks to the innovative system designed to decrease fatigue and exhaustion. This model weighs around 13 pounds meaning you have to be in good physical shape in order to use the full potential of it. What makes the 460 Rancher special are high quality and power. If you’re among the people who look for raw cutting power and high durability – this model is the recommended one.
As far as downsides go, there aren’t many. Some people complained about the noise levels, but it’s an expected outcome when it comes to gasoline models. However, you can easily solve the issue by wearing proper ear protection. Economical fuel consumption is something most people are delighted by, and it’s one of the biggest selling points of this model, besides its high-quality design.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Remington RM5118R Rodeo
Our Rating: 4.0
This 51cc chainsaw is an ideal solution for cutting branches, downed trees, pruning, and trimming. It’s also quite easy to use, and it doesn’t require any special expertise. In fact, it is beginner-friendly meaning you can learn how to operate it within a day or two as long as you follow the safety instructions. The 2-cycle motor delivers enough power to offer smooth cuts.
The overall level of comfort during use is what makes this model desirable by many consumers. The handgrip system is designed well which results in fewer vibrations and a better grip. The ignition system is electronic which means you can count on a reliable start even under rough weather conditions. In other words, you can take it to the woods and not worry about whether it’s going to start. The amount of injected oil is regulated automatically thus preventing overflow and excessive consumption.
The chassis is durable and made of sturdy materials. Contrary to popular opinion, sturdy machines aren’t necessarily heavy. On the other hand, this model is not particularly light either. One thing you should consider before buying this model is your readiness and physical shape. If you’re not able to hold 20 to 25 pounds for a while, it might not be a good idea to go with this model.
Noise levels aren’t difficult to cope with, but they can’t be ignored. Make sure you wear ear protection at all times even when the machine is idling. You shouldn’t be concerned about the other safety features because most of them are built into the unit. Read the user manual before you start it for the first time and make sure everything is set up correctly. Also, make sure to turn the unit off while adjusting and fine-tuning the chain.
Remington RM5118R Rodeo
Our Rating: 4.0
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Husqvarna 450 X-Torq
Our Rating: 4.2
If you’re looking for a high-quality all-around model, the 450 X-Torq might be a good solution. It offers everything you need for smooth cuts and comfortable operation. Its 3.2HP motor delivers up to 9000 RPM on maximum load which is more than enough to go through a piece of wood like a hot knife through butter. As for the fuel consumption, it’s not the greatest one on the market, but it’s acceptable.
The design doesn’t differ much from the other models issued by Husqvarna. The air injection system utilizes centrifugal force in order to eliminate large debris before they hit the filter. It’s a great mechanism that prolongs engine life and reduces air filter pollution. The X-Torq technology is responsible for decreasing the levels of air pollution to a bare minimum.
When it comes to maintenance and cleaning, this model is one of the most user-friendly ones and doesn’t require many additional tools. The air filter features a quick-release mechanism which facilitates cleaning and replacement. The ergonomic aspect is okay, although we would have liked to see serrated rear handle instead of a smooth one. One cannot say it’s a particularly slippery handle, but it could use some anti-slip integration.
Vibrations are acceptable but far from non-existent. You can rest assured that you will feel the consequences in your muscles regardless of your readiness and physical condition. However, with proper use of some safety equipment such as thicker gloves, you can minimize the effects of intense vibrations. The model weighs only around 10 pounds; therefore, it can be considered quite light. However, it still requires a good deal of physical strength if you want to use the full potential of it and cut downtime. The price is more or less expected, and it’s usually a recommended investment for people who seek premium quality and longevity.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12
Our Rating: 4.4
When it comes to the sheer power packed in a compact chassis, this particular model is among the best ones available. It features a 32.2cc (1.6HP) motor which brings enough power for hobby detailing and even some pruning tasks. The bar is shorter than average which makes it ideal for tight spots and trims. You cannot expect a great performance when it comes to massive trees, but you can rest assured that it’s a perfect choice for occasional pruning and trimming.
The sheer reliability of its design is what makes it a worthy investment for many people. As you may know, one of the main selling points of most gas-powered saws is their ignition system, apart from fuel consumption and power output. This model features a trustworthy ignition system that shouldn’t fail even under rough weather conditions. However, even though it’s commercial-grade, quite a lot of users reported that it fell short of comparable units.
The 12-inch Oregon bar comes with a chain set with a 3/8-inch pitch. While it is far from an 18-inch one, it does offer a good deal of sheer cutting power. On top of that, models of compact size are much easier to handle, carry, and maintain in good condition. Speaking of maintenance, it doesn’t require any special care. As long as you stick with the instructions from the user manual, there shouldn’t be any problems.
Most people who bought this unit love its ease of use and simplistic design. If you’re too keen on having a high-maintenance machine, this 13-inch version might be your cup of tea. The noise levels are bearable, and the vibrations are okay. They could have included a bit more rubber to eliminate even more vibrations, but it’s still far from unacceptable, especially with proper safety gloves.
Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12
Our Rating: 4.4
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Poulan Pro Chainsaw (967061501) with Carrying Case
Our Rating: 3.9
People who are looking for great fuel consumption, minimal pollution, and sheer power would certainly find good use in this particular model. Its OxyPower technology offers extra power while saving up to 20% more fuel. Also, it eliminates around 70% of emission gases. Furthermore, the ignition mechanism features a pull-system that allows you to start the machine up effortlessly.
The design is great. Everything is designed to be within reach and easy to switch or maintain. The hand grip is cushioned to reduce the amount of vibrations. The cushion does its job quite well even though it’s not a premium feature whatsoever. When it comes to maintenance, the only tool you need is integrated into the rear handle for easy access. As you can tell, while it’s not a low-maintenance model per se, it’s not a complex one either.
When talking about ideal applications for this model, you can use it for almost anything. Cutting large trees isn’t a particularly big deal for the Poulan Pro, and neither is pruning or trimming. The 50cc motor outputs enough power to cut through most trees without a single issue. As for the downsides, a couple of users reported problems with the magneto ignition module in their saws. Whether those are isolated cases or not, we don’t know, but it’s a good thing to have in mind if you’re planning a purchase.
One of the biggest advantages is the OxyPower system, and it’s a center point of this whole model. It’s not significantly different from most other models on the market design-wise, but the OxyPower integration launches it to the top of the list. If you’re aiming for high percentages of saved fuel and filtered emissions, consider checking this model out. It’s affordable, friendly to the environment, and easy to use.
- Design
- Functionality
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Quick Product Comparison
| CYLINDER DISPLACEMENT | OIL PUMP | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Husqvarna 460 Rancher |
60.3 cc | 12.8 pounds | $$$ | Check Price | |
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Remington RM5118R Rodeo |
51 cc | 26.1 pounds | $ | Check Price | |
|
Husqvarna 450 X-Torq |
50.2 cc | 11.3 pounds | $$ | Check Price | |
|
Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12 |
32.2 cc | 11.9 pounds | $ | Check Price | |
|
Poulan Pro |
50 cc | 15.4 pounds | $ | Check Price |
Before You Buy: How a Gas Powered Chainsaw Works?
Before you decide which model to purchase, you must first know the basic mechanical principles behind these tools. Once you figure out the way chainsaws work, it’s going to be much easier to find the best-suiting one for yourself. There are a few things you should pay attention to so that you know what to expect if you ever opt for a gas-powered unit.
Fuel
As the name suggests, these machines are powered by a mixture of gasoline and oil. Most manufacturers recommend a 50:1 ratio of oil and fuel in the mixture, but there are some rare exceptions. In other words, make sure you check out the user manual before you start mixing or else you might jeopardize the integrity of the engine. Most models have a tank that holds up to 1.1 liquid pints of gas to keep everything as lightweight as possible. As you can assume, an additional can of fuel is a mandatory accessory for anyone who’s planning on going to the woods with their saw.
Ignition
As with most gasoline engines, spark plugs are responsible for ignition. The principle is fairly simple, once the mixture of air and fuel passes into a cylinder; it gets ignited by a spark. The most common way of causing a spark is via a pulling system or electronically.
Clutch
Chainsaws use a centrifugal clutch which works on a principle of engaging under high speeds and disengaging under lower speeds. In simpler words, the mechanical arms inside the clutch fly outward due to centrifugal force and lock in the inner and outer parts together. As a result, the chain starts spinning at high speeds and stays motionless while the machine is idling. This is a fairly simplistic explanation, but it offers enough information for you to get an idea of how it works.
Best Gas Powered Chain Saw – Buyer’s Guide
Many people think that buying a power tool is as simple as it sounds. However, you can rest assured that it’s not the case at all. In fact, more often than not, people end up buying an overpriced product that they can’t fully utilize due to various limitations. Instead of purchasing the first thing you stumble upon, take a moment and read this article. You might find an advice or two that will prove helpful in the long run. Here is a list of things you need to think about when buying a chainsaw:
Power output
The amount of power you’ll need depends on the intended use. In other words, you have to think about what you are going to do with a saw before you decide to buy it. That way, you will be able to determine whether or not a particular model is underpowered or overpowered in comparison to your requirements.
Don’t mix the overall power output with the size of the product. If a unit seems smaller than regular that doesn’t necessarily mean it has less power. In fact, some of the compact units on the market offer as much if not more power than the ones with a rugged and cumbersome design. The key is in finding the right values such as the respectable amount of horsepower or large percentages of fuel saving.
Safety
Most modern units have plenty of safety features already built into the mechanism. However, that doesn’t mean you should take this step lightly. In fact, the safety aspect should be one of your primary concerns while shopping for a new saw. For example, low kickback is a mandatory feature for all new units. If you cannot find a declaration from the manufacturer which says the model features low kickback, it might be a good idea to skip it and move to the next one. Other safety features include anti-slip handles, high adjustability, and easy-maintenance systems.
Price
Even though these machines don’t come cheap, there are plenty of underpriced models on the market. As one can expect, they are far from recommended and cannot be considered safe, especially if they aren’t certified or graded. Needless to say, you should avoid buying suspicious models at all times as they never turn out to be a worthy investment. As far as heavy-duty tools go, you must be ready to invest a significant amount of money in order to get the best possible results. Although it may sound discouraging, it’s always better to pay more for less pain than pay less for constant issues.
Weight
While 20 pounds may not sound terrifying, you can rest assured that it can be a burden to carry around, especially when bigger projects are in question. In other words, you must consider your physical shape and readiness before you opt for a particular model. The reason is pretty simple – the heavier it is, the more downtime you’ll have. It’s not necessarily a golden rule, but it’s a good reference point for many consumers. Therefore, if you’re an occasional user, a heavier machine might not be such a big deal. On the other hand, if you’re using saws on a daily basis, aim for the lighter ones as they are much easier to handle and cope with.
Maintenance frequency
Every model requires some level of maintenance; you won’t find a maintenance-free gas-powered chainsaw. However, there are some mechanisms that alleviate the hassles related to regular maintenance. For example, some models feature a centrifugal turbine with eliminates large debris and thus prevents them from messing up the air filter. Furthermore, pay attention to the position and accessibility of the oil tank. Make sure it’s easily accessible and can be cleaned without too many issues. Also, the “tool-less” models offer the most convenience when it comes to taking a unit apart.
Chain brake
This mechanism cannot be simplified too much, but it’s not too hard to comprehend. Most modern models utilize the chain brake in two ways – automatically and manually. It’s a simple handle located on the top of the chassis that can be engaged by pushing forward and disengaged by pulling back. The brake is usually engaged manually by the operator, but in case of a kickback, it’s automatically activated. The reason behind this is the fact that the speed of a flying chain exceeds the reaction time of an average human. In other words, you wouldn’t be able to react properly to a malfunction before an injury occurs.
The conclusion
If you aren’t sure about which model to go with, take a moment and refer to our list of the recommended ones. They are all quite similar to each other in many ways, but they still differ in some crucial features. As we said, the key to finding the best one for yourself is in your requirements. If you’re an occasional user, don’t bother investing in the most expensive one or the one with the most auxiliary features. More often than not, you won’t be able to use its full potential, and it won’t turn out to be a good investment. On the other hand, if you do deal with large wood on a daily basis, make sure you find a unit with enough power and torque to meet your expectations.
As far as we are concerned, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher offers a good balance of quality, price, and reliability. It’s our recommended choice for most all-around consumers, but if you’re looking for something more specific, feel free to check our other reviews out. Remember to follow the safety regulations and make sure you read the user manual before first use.
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