Rating of the best chainsaws of 2022

Choosing the best chainsaw for your home and garden. Mandatory criteria are: reliability, smooth engine operation (without jerking), quick start, ergonomics. For convenience, the rating is divided into the best models based on price/quality criteria and inexpensive but good models costing about 5,000 rubles. Chainsaws were selected taking into account the recommendations of a repair shop expert, Valery Potapov, as well as numerous customer reviews on specialized forums.

Owners of land plots with a summer house or their own house are required to have a chain saw in their workshop or shed. The choice is given primarily to gasoline ones due to their mobility - you can take them with you everywhere without worrying about recharging batteries and extension cords. A good chainsaw will help in collecting firewood in the forest and sawing it at home or with neighbors, lumber in small volumes, pruning the garden, dismantling old wooden structures, and construction.

Sooner or later, a problem arises: which chainsaw to choose instead of a used old one, what to look for when buying your first tool, what characteristics a saw should have for certain purposes. Not everyone uses saws for cutting firewood: some turn them into mobile mini-sawmills or regularly cut out garden sculptures and furniture. But many do not know that, in addition to fuel, the saw needs two types of oil: one to form the fuel mixture, the second to lubricate the chain and bar.

Which chainsaw to choose and what to look for when buying

In large construction stores you can find a wide range of chainsaws. All presented models are divided into 3 categories:

Household;
Semi-professional;
Professional.

These groups are formed depending on the engine power of a particular gasoline saw.

Let's figure out how chainsaws differ from each other, and also determine what to pay attention to if you are planning to buy this tool:

Tire (namely its length). The larger it is, the deeper the wood can be cut. Household saws have tires 30-40 cm long, that is, to completely cut a thick log you will have to approach it from both sides. Saws of other categories are able to cope with the same log in just one pass.

The length of the tire must clearly correspond not only to the class of the tool, but also to its power. The fact is that it affects the engine. The longer the tire, the greater the load on the engine. Household tires are equipped with low-power motors, and therefore there is a risk that the device will simply overheat and fail.

Chain. They differ in such characteristics as: profile height, tooth shape, pitch. A small step reduces the degree of vibration, but at the same time the quality of the cut decreases. The chain may stretch after a while, but the length can be adjusted (with a screw or by hand). Conventional chains have a length of up to 40 cm. If you have to carry out work on felling or cutting thick trunks, then this value should be from 50 cm and above.
Protection against vibration, which leads to hand fatigue and muscle pain for the master. The anti-vibration system allows you to get rid of such problems. For example, you can install a rubber gasket between the body and the handle. In professional models, in order to reduce vibration, an exact ratio of the weight of the engine and all other parts is provided.
Protection against kickback, which is present when working with hard materials. Kickback may result in personal injury. To protect against this, a special button is installed on the handle or body of the device, which instantly stops the chain. Some models also have an additional button that prevents the device from being turned on accidentally. An additional shield is provided to ensure that the master’s hands do not come into contact with the chainsaw mechanism when it is in operation. It is installed at the end of the unit.
Engine. Perhaps one of the main characteristics. The higher the engine power, the easier it is to achieve your goals. Household saws have a power of up to 2 kW (volume - up to 40 cm3), semi-professional - 2-3 kW (40-60 cm3), professional - from 3 kW (from 60 cm3). The reliable, durable and high-quality engine has a piston system with 2 compression rings, a forged crankshaft, a metal crankcase, and chrome-plated cylinder walls.
Weight. Even with the same power, devices can have different weights. The weight is influenced by: the design of the device, characteristics, parts and tank volume. The heaviest are Chinese models. Average weight – 3-6 kg. If a woman will be doing the work, then preference should be given to a group of amateur devices with light weight and low vibration.
Air filter. Dust protection ensures the saw can operate longer without needing repairs.
Fuel consumption. The most economical models are household class ones, while professional devices consume the most gasoline. The larger the fuel tank of a chainsaw, the greater the fuel consumption.
The type of lubrication mechanism is, of course, more convenient, automatic.
Additional options: heated handles, compensator, adjustable oil flow rate, primer, heated carburetor.

The service life of a chainsaw directly depends on the master who uses it. It is necessary to correctly distribute the loads and allow the tool to “rest”. You need to take care of your chainsaw carefully and on time so that it lasts longer. As a rule, the tire is enough for two chains, and a simple chain can withstand 2-3 sharpenings. The engine's "life" will be longer if the fuel mixture is prepared in exactly the right proportions and from the recommended fuel.

In the table you will see how household, professional and professional chainsaws differ from each other, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Let's compare the models

Model	Power, W	Chain pitch, inches	Tire length, cm	Engine capacity, cubic meters cm	Weight, kg	price, rub.
Carver PSG-52-18	2400	0.325	45	52	6.2	4145
Huter BS-52	2800	0.325	50.5	52	7.5 kg (with chain and bar)	5740
CALIBER BP-2800/18U	2800	3/8	45	58	6.2	4999
KRUGER GCSK 35-45	3300	0.325	45	52	6	8700
STIHL MS 180-14	1500	3/8	40	31.8	3.9	12990
Husqvarna 135	1500	3/8	40	40.9	4.4	13990
Makita EA3202S-40	1350	3/8	40	32	4.1	10340
Husqvarna 450e	2400	0.325	50	50.2	5.1 kg (without bar and chain)	21490
STIHL MS 250	2300	3/8	45	45.4	4.6	21990
Makita EA3203S-40	1350	3/8	40	32	4.1	13240
STIHL MS 880-36	6400	0.404	91	121.6	10 kg (without fuel, tire and chain)	94990
Husqvarna 395XP	5200	3/8	90	93.6	8.1 kg (without sawing apparatus)	60990
STIHL GS 461	4300	3/8	40	76.5	7.6	114990

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Where are chainsaws used?

The equipment is intended for collecting firewood for the winter, cutting down bushes and trees at home or in the country. It is used in repairs and construction. A gasoline saw can be useful even when fishing in winter - for cutting through ice for an ice hole, or on a hike.

In construction, the device is used to roughly saw logs longitudinally and transversely, saw out boards, and cut off branches. The thickness of logs that the tool can handle depends on the length of the guide bar. The smallest chainsaw has a bar length of 30 cm, the professional model is equipped with a guide that reaches 1 meter or more. In addition to wood, the device cuts foam concrete, plastic pipes and is highly reliable.

The best chainsaw manufacturers

The first thing you should think about before buying a saw is the choice of manufacturer. Only leading companies can offer a truly high-quality product that will perform its intended functions well and last a long time. Today the following companies can be called leaders:

Stihl is a German company that has been producing tools for almost a hundred years. She was the first in the world to produce an electric saw. This manufacturer offers saws of all categories, as well as a special series intended for rescuers. The quality of the original products is assessed as high. The cost of gasoline saws is from 10 thousand rubles.
Husqvarna , a Swedish company that has been in business for over 300 years, is the world's largest manufacturer of chain saws, tools and equipment. This brand is presented on the market in all three classes. Cost – from 10 thousand rubles. Even the cheapest models have earned high marks from buyers, one minus is expensive spare parts.
Makita is a Japanese brand that began its work at the beginning of the 20th century, producing a wide range of tools based on gasoline and electric engines. Makita chainsaws allow you to perform any type of work.
Carver is a young company in Russia that sells construction tools made in China. The main part of the products is for household use and is of good quality. Cost – from 5 thousand rubles.
Huter is a German company that produces gardening equipment and electrical equipment. There is not much in the range of chainsaws. Models from this manufacturer attract buyers with their low price - from 5,000 rubles. Production is established in China.
Emak is a brand from Italy that makes saws called Efco and Oleo-Mac. The products of this manufacturer are in great demand outside of Russia, as they are characterized by high quality. In our country they buy less of it because of the high price.
Kioritz Corporation is a Japanese company that produces budget tools, as well as semi-professional chainsaws at an average price. Chainsaws from this company are chosen for their small size and weight.
Dolmar is a German brand that produces professional and semi-professional models with an average price.
Champion is a Russian manufacturer that produces good chainsaws. Production is established in China. The cost of products is affordable for a wide range of buyers.
Patriot is an American company that produces equipment for the garden, home and renovation. Chainsaws produced by it belong to the budget class, but are not reliable. Despite this, they cope with everyday tasks.
Hyundai is a South Korean manufacturer that, in addition to cars, makes devices for garden plots. The products of this company are distinguished by their reliability, quality, and affordable price.
Partner is a Swedish company that creates professional tools for felling and cutting trees. More recently, the production of inexpensive household models for gardens and cottages has been launched.

Among the presented manufacturers, buyers especially highlight Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws. Chainsaws from these companies were among the top 10 not only this year, but also in previous years.

To summarize, I would like to note that before you buy a chainsaw, you should definitely try it out - about 30-40 minutes at low speed. Then you should turn off the motor and evaluate the chain tension.

In our rating, we were guided by such criteria as reliability, build quality, durability, functionality, as well as customer reviews.

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Criteria for evaluation

When choosing a tool yourself, take into account:

real cost of a chainsaw;
efficiency and traction characteristics of the drive;
level of technical equipment;
in some cases - maintainability and interchangeability of spare parts with similar designs from other brands.

Marketing analysis shows that a good inexpensive chainsaw meets the basic parameters of the needs of ordinary people, agricultural farms, forestry and park management workers.

By all accounts, the best chainsaw for home and garden is an economical, simple in design, easy to use and durable model from a popular brand with a capacity of one and a half to three horsepower. A budget chainsaw, due to its limited capabilities, is most often purchased to perform one-time dismantling or construction work.

The top 10 best chainsaws published in the information field consists of new models from the brands Shtil, Husqvarna and Hitachi, known for the impeccable quality of their products. A test of chainsaws from these manufacturers proved their full compliance with the stated service and operational requirements.

The list also includes several popular tools from the ALPINA A 3700 and Daewoo brands. According to experts, these developments will take leading positions in the “Best Chainsaws of 2022” rating.

The offered range of gasoline-powered saws from different brands can be divided into 5 groups.

The most expensive (from RUB 50,000)

STIHL MS 880-47

pros

high power
winter and summer operating modes
ease of control
high-quality assembly
keyless chain tensioning method

Minuses

heavy weight (10 kg)
high noise level (116 dB)
the saw is demanding on the quality of fuel and oil
high price

From 110595 ₽

A powerful hand chainsaw with a long bar easily cuts through thick logs. It is indispensable in the construction of wooden houses and timber harvesting in forest plots. Precise balancing and a reliable anti-vibration system ensure comfortable and safe operation. Quality costs money, and this model is considered one of the most expensive.

Husqvarna 365H

pros

high performance
stable operation at temperatures down to -40° C
excellent ergonomics

Minuses

high noise level (114 dB)
high price

From 52426 ₽

A professional chainsaw with a 70 cm long saw bar, high horn handles and a 3.9 kW engine, ideal for felling trees. Thanks to its relatively low weight (6 kg) and anti-vibration system, working with this model is safe and comfortable. For better maneuverability of the saw, its design provides a function for rotating the handles.

Top 3. Oleo-Mac GS 650 18

Rating (2021): 4.65

26 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 44,990
Country: Italy (manufactured in China)
Power: 3500 W / 4.7 HP
Tire length: 45 cm (18”)
Warranty: 2 years

The Oleo-Mac GS 650 chainsaw with an 18″ tire is a professional equipment for harvesting firewood and felling large trees. It will cope with any difficult task, primarily due to the powerful 4.7 hp engine. Users note a very effective system for damping harmful vibrations and stable starting even in the most severe frost. Needless to say, the manufacturer even installed an anti-vibration mount on the carburetor. This approach ensures stable engine operation in any conditions. Not without its tar. The price tag for spare parts and consumables is puzzling, but you still have to manage to find them. In big cities there are official service centers, but in the periphery there may be problems with service. And the drink itself was not cheap, despite its Chinese origin.

Advantages and disadvantages

Stable operation in any temperature conditions
Excellent anti-vibration system
One of the most powerful motors among the best pro-class saws

Hard to find spare parts
Expensive service

Top 3. Oleo-Mac GS 820-30

Rating (2021): 4.45

25 reviews from resources taken into account: Forumhouse.ru

Extended warranty period Subject to registration, the manufacturer provides a record 4-year warranty for professional equipment, which indirectly confirms the high quality of the build.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 74,990
Country: Italy
Power: 4400 W /6.0 HP
Tire length: 50 cm (30”)
Warranty: 4 years

In order for the tool, equipped with a 6 hp engine and a 76 cm long tire, to serve for a long time and work in any, even the most difficult conditions, many successful engineering solutions were used in the design of this chainsaw. Firstly, all important components and parts are made of high-strength materials: the crankcase is made of magnesium alloy, the crankshaft is made of forged steel, and a special coating of the cylinder increases its service life. Secondly, a decompression valve and a special filtration system make starting easier and reduce the load on the engine. Experts recommend using this chainsaw specifically for heavy, voluminous work: felling large trees and bucking them. An electronic system for controlling and maintaining engine speed allows you to consistently cope with even the hardest wood, and proper weight distribution prevents the operator from getting tired. Users praise the successful automatic chain lubrication system and the convenient change of the air filter.

Advantages and disadvantages

Three-piece forged crankshaft
Piston with two rings
Magnesium crankcase

You can only buy on the official website
Poorly developed service base

Top 2. ECHO CS-353ES

Rating (2021): 4.64

172 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools, 220Volt

Longest warranty The warranty period for the ECHO CS-353ES can be extended to 5 years. To do this, the equipment must be registered after purchase on the official website and used only for its intended purpose.

Characteristics
Average price: 18,700 rub.
Country: Japan (manufactured in China)
Power: 1590 W / 2.16 HP
Tire length: 35 cm (14”)
Warranty: 5 years

The ECHO CS-353ES chainsaw is a lopper in the line of the Japanese manufacturer. The model turned out to be so successful and popular that it has been produced for many years. First of all, I would like to note the high reliability of this chainsaw, which increases its service life and safety margin by an order of magnitude for amateur home use. A well-thought-out filtration system will ensure uninterrupted operation and protect the mechanism from operating debris. The assembly itself is very neat, plus the vibration damping system works very well. This, by the way, is confirmed by numerous reviews in which one can see laudatory comments regarding the light weight and sufficient power. Small disadvantages are the not the most common saw chain size included and expensive spare parts. However, the price of the Echo 353 ES may seem too high to some, but this is more than offset by the high quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

Very reliable mechanism
Good reusable air filter
Effective anti-vibration system

Rare size chain included

Additional functions

When thinking about which chainsaw is best to buy in your case, also pay attention to additional tool options.

The following functions will be useful:

Easy start. This is a manual pre-priming pump that fills the carburetor with fuel in advance.
Electronic ignition improves engine starting in cold weather outside.
Anti-vibration protection. These are rubberized pads installed between the saw body and the holding handles. The anti-vibration system makes it easier and more comfortable to work for a long time.
Inertia brake. This is a lever that, when pressed, instantly stops the operation of the device. Accordingly, injury from the tool being thrown or the chain moving in the wrong direction is excluded.
Automatic fuel supply control, etc.

Top 4. ECHO CS-4200ES-15

Rating (2021): 4.40

27 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools, 220Volt, DNS, Otzovik

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 31,900
Country: Japan
Power: 1890 W / 2.57 HP
Tire length: 38 cm (15”)
Warranty: 5 years

The ECHO CS-4200ES-15″ farm chainsaw is designed for construction and firewood harvesting. Due to its high reliability, it is popular among professional timber harvesters. This model may well compete for the first positions in the ranking of semi-professional saws, but time has revealed several shortcomings. Firstly, the power and torque are not enough to fully fell trees. Secondly, for such functionality and declared characteristics the price is too high, which often repels a potential buyer. And yet, according to reviews, the Echo CS-4200ES is a very worthy Japanese-made chainsaw, with which you will not have problems with proper care.

Advantages and disadvantages

High-quality Japanese assembly
Effective anti-vibration system
Very convenient according to user reviews

Low revs and weak torque
Cost is higher than direct competitors

Top 5. CARVER RSG 241

Rating (2021): 4.20

25 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools, 220Volt

Best price For a fairly budget price, you get a completely reliable, lightweight and economical chainsaw for working in the garden and for repairs.

Characteristics
Average price: 5800 rub.
Country: Russia (manufactured in China)
Power: 1300 W / 1.8 HP
Tire length: 40 cm (16”)
Warranty: 1 year

If you want to save as much as possible and need a chainsaw for your household, then the CARVER RSG 241 will be a suitable option. Of course, the quality of materials here is not the same as that of famous brands, and the motor power is only enough for sawing in the garden or small preparation of firewood. However, often a household needs just such a light and economical chainsaw, with clear and comfortable controls. The RSG 241 carver is easy to start and performs well when sawing at low temperatures. Another advantage is that the chain and bar included are quite wear-resistant, which is very rare for such a budget class.

Advantages and disadvantages

Attractive price
Easy start system
Economical fuel consumption

Low engine power
Inconvenient chain tension

Top 1. Stihl MS 180-14

Rating (2021): 4.78

402 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, 220Volt, Otzovik, IRecommend

The most popular Stihl chainsaws have long been a mark of quality, and the MS180 model has gone down in history as the best-selling modern chainsaw with a two-stroke engine. This is confirmed by numerous reviews, in our case there are more than four hundred.

Characteristics
Average price: 18,700 rub.
Country: Germany (manufactured in China or Germany)
Power: 1500 W / 2.0 HP
Tire length: 35 cm (14”)
Warranty: 2 years

Video review

One of the most, if not the most, popular household chainsaw, which is found in every second user. Despite its far from low price, it is in high demand due to such qualities as: light weight, ease of operation and repair, and availability of spare parts. Among its competitors, this is one of the lightest chainsaws, weighing 3.9 kg. There is no better option for cutting knots. The Shtil MC 180 really feels like home in your hands; it is a lightweight and fairly reliable chainsaw. Of course, it is not without its shortcomings. Rare complaints about the Stihl are related to poor starting. It is not always possible to start it the first time. Often the cause is the banal flooding of a candle. Another minus is the very small oil tank. Just as soon as I started working, I need to go “refuel” again. The manufacturer, apparently, did this to reduce the overall weight of the saw.

Advantages and disadvantages

Time-tested quality
Very durable mechanism
Wear-resistant chain and bar included
The best garden equipment service in Russia

Small oil tank volume

to the beginning of the rating

Top 2. Stihl MS 660

Rating (2021): 4.77

65 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Forumhouse.ru

The best resource and power The Shtil 660 (not to be confused with a Chinese fake!) will work at the logging site for at least 5 seasons, and this is taking into account daily use. In addition, this is the most powerful chainsaw in the rating.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 71,490
Country: Germany
Power: 5200 W / 7.1 HP
Tire length: 50 cm (20”)
Warranty: 2 years

Having deprived the semi-professional class of elongated tires, the developers from Shtil decided to make up for lost time in the segment of professional chainsaws - in the MS 660 model, the length is as much as 90 centimeters. But the positive dynamics in this component sharply worsened other indicators - the saw became heavier and, more importantly, more expensive than its competitors. In this situation, models from other manufacturers would be preferable... if not for a good resource. Users who have managed to purchase and test the Stihl MS 660 for a long time unanimously declare the high quality of the product.

Advantages and disadvantages