10 Best Chainsaws for Beginners

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Safety and ease of use are the most important considerations when choosing the Best Chainsaws for Beginners.

There are other important considerations and it’s paramount to look at them before we go through the specific products.

Chainsaws for beginners should be Lightweight and compact for ease of use and reduced fatigue.

Automation is also very important, especially Auto-Tension and Auto-Oiling for chain tightness and smooth tunning of the tool.

Power, you definitely need power for consistency in performance in different conditions.

The size of the bar will determine the thickness of trees and trunks you will handle with ease. Others include the design, comfort, and warranty among other features.

 

 Best Chainsaws for Beginners-Our Top Picks

 

Chainsaws for Beginners   Image                    Best Price
1) BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch  
2) WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp   
3) DEWALT FLEXVOLT 16-Inch 60V MAX Chainsaw Kit DEWALT FLEXVOLT 16-Inch 60V MAX Chainsaw Kit  
4) Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw  
5) Worx 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension Worx 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension  
6) Worx 20V Power Share Cordless 10-inch Chainsaw with Auto-Tension Worx 20V Power Share Cordless 10-inch Chainsaw with Auto-Tension  
7) Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw   
8) Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw  
9) BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw, 4.5-Amp  

 

Now let’s look at each comprehensively

 

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch

 

Check Best Price

 

The BLACK+ DECKER LCS 1240B cordless chainsaw as one of the best chainsaws for beginners is the most suitable chain saw for pruning branches and cutting fallen limbs up to 12 inches thick. It has a 12 inch Oregon low-kickback bar and chain for smooth and fast cuts. It is compatible with BLACK+ DECKER 40-Volt Max batteries which are usually sold separately.

Available in different styles

  • 40V Chainsaw (Tool Only)
  • 40V Chainsaw Kit
  • Kit w/ Leaf Collection Bin
  • Kit w/ extra 2.0 AH Battery
  • Tool Only w/ 2.0 AH Battery
  • Tool Only w/ Leaf Collection Bin

Features           

  • Tool-less chain tensioning for fast and easy adjustments
  • 12-inch cut capacity for a wide range of cuts
  • A lock-off button that prevents accidental starting
  • Has a guard bar scabbard protects against damage and injury when not in use
  • Cordless operation lets you work in remote areas
  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • Oling system for bar and chain

 

WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp 

WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp 

 

Check Best Price

 

WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp as one of the safest chainsaws is specially designed to prevent kickback to stop the chain almost instantly with a built-in chain brake. It’s lightweight and compact making it easy to operate for longer times without fatigue. Its 15Amp power cust through thicker branches and shines in all backyard projects.

Auto-Tension & Auto-Oiler makes running smooth and efficient for an easier cut and keeps the chain tight on the bar. This chainsaw brings you durability, consistency, and power.

The  18” Bar is long enough to handle thick branches and trunks of moderate size and up to 36” diameter fallen trees or 18”  for standing trees.

Features

  • Patented auto-tension chain system prevents over-tightening
  • 18” bar
  • Low kickback bar and built-in chain brake for added safety
  • Comes fully assembled right out of the box
  • 15.0 Amp
  • Automatic oil lubrication and built-in oil reservoir with window level indicator

 

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 16-Inch 60V MAX Chainsaw Kit

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 16-Inch 60V MAX Chainsaw Kit

 

Check Best Price

 

This  DEWALT 60v MAX Brushless Chainsaw comes with a 3.0AH battery and features a low kickback 16″ Oregon Bar and Chain for a wide range of cutting applications. Safety and kickback protection is enhanced by the chain brake.

Another great feature of this chainsaw is the tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for the needed bar clamping force. This chainsaw also features auto oiling for continuous lubrication. Get up to 70 cuts per charge.

Features

  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic design
  • Chain brake for kickback protection
  • Auto oiling for continuous lubrication
  • Tool-free chain tensioning

 

Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw

Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw

 

Check Best Price

 

Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw is made to take away the difficulty and danger that comes with trimming overgrown trees. It’s powered by a 6.5-amp motor to handle the most stubborn tree limbs up to 7.5-inches thick.

It has an 8-inch bar and chain with an auto-oiler for during use lubrication. Chain tensioning is effortless you just need to turn a screw. It’s ideal for cutting overhanging limbs and thin logs with the telescoping pole which extends to 8.7 ft for a  15 ft of overhead reach.

Features

  • Automatic chain lubrication
  • Ideal for cutting overhanging limbs and thin logs
  • Powerful 6.5-amp motor
  • Cuts branches up to 7.5 inches thick
  • Built-in safety switch to prevent accidental starting
  • The telescoping pole extends to 8.7 feet to provide 15 ft. of overhead reach

 

Worx 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension

Worx 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension

 

Check Best Price

 

Worx 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension as one of the best chainsaws for beginners is compact and lightweight. It has a 10” bar which is long enough to handle most backyard tasks. The pole is easy to attach and detach.

The chainsaw has a powerful 8-Amp Motor for reliability in performance. You also get durability and more power than most pole saws in the class.10 Feet of Reach, with an extension pole for all trimming and pruning jobs. The Rotating Handle makes it very comfortable in all tasks

Features

  • Powerful 8 Amp Motor offers a consistent performance
  • 2-tools-in-1: A pole saw and a regular chainsaw
  • Patented auto-tension chain system for extended bar and chain life
  • Rotatable working handle for sassy pruning
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • 8-foot extension pole with tool-less installation
  • Auto chain tension
  • Toolless installation

 

Worx 20V Power Share Cordless 10-inch Chainsaw with Auto-Tension

Worx 20V Power Share Cordless 10-inch Chainsaw with Auto-Tension

 

Check Best Price

 

Worx 20V Power Share Cordless 10-inch Chainsaw comes with a battery indicator, and auto tension to prevent over-tightening and improve efficiency.

It’s lightweight at only 6.2 lbs making it easy to operate and control. Its ergonomic grip is not only comfortable but also a vibration absorbent. The Auto-Lubrication System keeps the chain at optimal lubrication.

Features

  • Automatic chain lubrication system for smoother and efficient cuts
  • Fast and powerful
  • Compact design
  • Lightweight
  • Powerful battery
  • Auto chain lubrication
  • 12.5 ft/s chain speed

 

Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw 

Check Best Price

 

With this chain saw, you get to tackle your projects with confidence knowing your chain saw has the power you need and great quality and safety features. The ergonomic design of this chain saw allows you to handle the power of the saw with ease.

Smart technology ensures that the tool is powerful and easy to start. This gas-powered chain saw is ready to cut trees, whether you need to prune, limb, or cut firewood.

Features

  • 2 cycle engine with an inertia activated chain brake for safety while operating
  • Automatic chain oiler
  • A simple side-mounted chain tensioning system allows for quick chain adjustments
  • Quick-release air filter facilitates easy cleaning and replacement of the air filter

 

Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

 

Check Best Price

 

Equipped with a filtering system that guarantees long air filter life and reduced fuel consumption, this chain saw conquers tree felling, firewood cutting, or other clean-up with ease.

Features

  • Quick and easy to start
  • Combi tool that is integrated into the rear handle is always there when you need it for maintenance
  • Purge bulb which provides the carburetor with fuel
  • User-friendly combined choke/stop control allows faster starting
  • An effortless pull starting system reduces pull force 30% for reduced wear on the starter mechanism

 

BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw

BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw, 4.5-Amp

 

Check Best Price

 

This chain saw is ideal for pruning tree branches up to 4 inches in diameter, cutting fallen branches, and cutting branches into small pieces that are manageable.

Features

  • Heavy-duty cutting bar and chain ensure fast cutting of thick branches and logs
  • 5 Amp motor for innovative clamping jaws that grab and cut in one easy motion
  • Heavy-duty cutting bar and chain 
  • Fast cutting of thick branches and logs
  • 4-inch cut capacity
  • Bar Length-6 inches

 

Makita 14″ 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless ChainSaw

Makita 14" 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless ChainSaw

 

Check Best Price

 

With zero emissions, low noise, and considerably less maintenance, this chain saw is a welcome solution for cutting and trimming applications.

Features

  • Features extreme protection technology(XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
  • Low noise level and zero emissions for operator comfort
  • Tool-less chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
  • Variable speed trigger and high chain speed for improved cutting performance
  • A Built-in lock-off lever helps prevent the chain from accidentally engaging.

 

Related: 10 Best Chainsaws for Home use

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Chainsaws for Beginners

  1. Safety features-Chain saws are capable of causing serious harm so you need to be careful. It is important to ensure that your chain saw has protective features built into them.
  1. Price-Buy a chain saw that doesn’t strain your budget.
  1. Size-There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself in relation to size. Do you have storage space for the chain saw? How heavy is the saw and will you be able to comfortably handle it? Whatever you do, don’t buy an over-sized chain saw
  1. Guide bar size-When looking at the blade size, there are a number of things that you should put in mind. Firstly, a longer blade will in all likelihood mean a heavier saw, which in turn could be more difficult to handle. Also, do not opt for a larger blade just because you think it will cover a greater range of tasks. Actually, if you are just doing some light pruning, a large blade could actually hinder rather than help.
  1. Vibration dampening system-This makes cutting a far more enjoyable experience and reduces fatigue as well as long term injury if the saw is used on a regular basis.

Advantages

  • Light and compact

This means that they are not a burden to carry

  • Easy to start and operate

Most of the chain saws for home use start with the touch of a button

  • Built with weather-resistant features

They are built with special weather-resistant features that let you use them in all weather conditions with minimal maintenance.

  • Safety features

These chain saws come with safety features that minimize kickbacks when they are being used for tough jobs.

  • Easy to store

You simply turn the chainsaw off, unplug it and set it aside.

FAQs about the Best Chainsaws for Beginners

  1. What is kickback?

Kickback occurs when the moving saw chain near the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a rotational force on the chainsaw in the direction opposite to the chain movement. This may fling the bear up and back in an uncontrolled arc mainly in the plane of the bar.

  1. What protective gear is required for chainsaw operation?

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator should wear protective gear. Protect your hand s with gloves when handling saw and saw chain. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your grip and protect your hands. Good footing is also very important in chainsaw work. Wear sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Steel-toed safety boots are also recommended.

  1. My chainsaw will start and idle but won’t run or stall when I go to full throttle. What could be wrong? There are several things you can check. First, ensure that you are using a fresh fuel mix. Second, clean the spark arrester screen in the muffler. Third, replace the fuel filter in the fuel tank. Lastly, clean or replace the air filter. If none of these works, take the machine to be checked at a chain saw dealer.

Conclusion

Safety, Ease of use, Lightweight, Automatic oil lubrication, and Auto Tension are just but some of the features to look for when choosing the best chainsaws for beginners.