4 Best Small Gas Powered Chainsaws

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

If you are looking for the best small gas powered chainsaws, this post comprehensively covers the best with their features, pros, and more.

A chainsaw is one of the important outdoor power equipment. Saws come in a variety of sizes which also relate to the different prices. In this review, we look at small size gas chainsaws built for homeowners looking for a lightweight, compact and efficient chainsaws.

Gas chainsaws are more powerful and do not have restrictions that come with power cords or battery life. They are, however, more expensive and heavier to use.

The power gas engine offers a serious cutting machine for easy work including anything requiring pruning, cutting down, or cut to length. It is also helpful in any sort of construction work, as chainsaws can be used with attachments for measuring, planning, and milling among other things.

Best Small Gas Powered Chainsaws

 

1)Remington 42cc-14-Inch Full Crank 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw

Remington 42cc-14-Inch Full Crank 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw

 

 

This Remington gas-powered chainsaw is designed with quickstart technology for quicker, smoother, and easier pull-start, allowing you to get quickly to work on the yard, lawn care, and other areas.

It is a lightweight saw with a 3-point anti-vibration system that, coupled with the ergonomically designed handle, reduces vibration and user fatigue while increasing control and maneuverability, whether cutting through branches or trees. The tool-free access is made with advanced power to cut through branches and wood with ease.

The Remington gas chainsaw features a tough, heavy-duty, durable 42cc full-crank engine that provides greater power, less vibration, and longer equipment life. It has a premium 14″ bar and low-kickback chain for all-around superior performance, as well as a chain brake that is inertia activated for user safety.

A robust side-mounted tensioning system is included to save time and ensure chain tension stays consistent as chain adjustments are quickly made while working.

With an adjustable auto oiler system, the chain is kept properly lubricated, and you can manually increase or decrease the oil flow, helping to keep the chain sharp and ensure smooth and safe saw cuts.

Features

  • 14-Inch bar and low-kickback chain
  • 42cc full crank 2 cycle engine
  • Lightweight, durable poly chassis
  • Reliable performance and prolonged use
  • Easy to handle and provides or reliable performance and prolonged use with minimal user fatigue
  • Tool-less access to the spark plug and air filter provides quick and easy access to cleaning and replacement
  • Adjustable auto chain oiler with easy view maintains proper amount of lubricant on the chain
  • 3-point anti-vibration system and an ergonomically designed handle for balanced, maneuverable, and comfortable operation
  • Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
  • Quicker, smoother, and easier pull start

 

2) Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14 in. Gas Chainsaw

Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14 in. Gas Chainsaw

 

 

Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14 in. Gas Chainsaw is a compact, casual-use chainsaw that is designed to start up easily allowing you to quickly get to work.

The chainsaw is built for homeowners who need a lightweight and efficient cutting tool, with low kickback safety features including a built-in safety brake that helps to reduce risk during operation.  It is suitable for everyday tasks such as tree pruning, hobby work, or firewood cutting.

Features

  • Built-in safety Break reduces risk during operation
  • Easy to start, simple to use, and reliable
  • A simple tensioning system allows for quick adjustments while working
  • Ideal for light-duty, occasional trimming, and pruning
  • Features an x-torque engine for lower fuel consumption and emissions
  • Compact
  • Starts up easily
  • Low kickback safety

 

3) Echo 14 In. Bar, 30.5CC Gas Chain Saw

Echo 14 In. Bar, 30.5CC Gas Chain Saw

 

 

This gas chainsaw is designed with an anti-vibration handle that ensures easy and comfortable handling. It is a reliable and easy-to-use gas saw that allows you to get to your cutting work easily and conveniently.

Features

  • Anti-vibration handle for comfort
  • Automatic chain saw chain oiler
  • Manual bar length: 14 inches
  • Tank capacity: 8.5 oz.
  • Engine displacement: 30.5cc

 

4) ECHO CS-271T 12 In. Chainsaw

ECHO CS-271T 12 In. Chainsaw

 

 

This ECHO CS-271T 12 In. Chainsaw is easy and comfortable to use. It is designed with an anti-vibration handle that allows you to comfortably hold and gain total control over the tool. With an automatic chain oiler, your saw is kept well lubricated allowing you to adjust the lubrication.

Features

  • Ant- vibration handle provides user comfort
  • Auto/adjustable chain oiler
  • Easy to use
  • Manual bar length: 12inches
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8.1 oz.
  • Engine displacement: 26.9cc

Choosing the Best Small Gas Powered Chainsaws

Intended use- the strength of your saw is determined by the weight of jobs you need it for. Small chainsaws work perfectly well for small pruning and trimming activities.  They do not cause as much fatigue as their weight is lesser than the much larger ones.

Expertise- gas saws are more powerful than most of their electric counterparts. If you are a beginner or have little experience with chainsaws, it is good to familiarize yourself with safety hazards, safety tips, and proper handling techniques before embarking on your cutting activity.

Safety features- even though most saws have a similar operating procedure, there are slight variances in features and safety offerings. A wrap-around handle, for example, can enhance your comfort and cutting efficiency. Other safety features may include a low kickback blade design and chain brake depending on the model.

Guide bar or blade length- the blade and chain length determines how thick of wood piece the chainsaw can cut. The blade length of chainsaws ranges from 12 to 17 inches. This is suitable for most residential work.

Engine power- although a large engine translates to more power that can handle any tasks, small engines are easier to move so they are perfect for pruning and trimming tasks. The CC rating or capacity of the engine should tell you the engine power, whereby 24cc to 46cc is suitable for small tasks.

Oiler type– like any other machine with moving parts, lubrication is an important thing to consider in a chainsaw. It helps keep the chain and blade workable and prevents the components from getting damaged or overheated. The oiling process differs from one chainsaw to another, whereby there are three types of oiling methods;

  • Automatic oiler (fixed):  also known as self-oiling system provides lubrication to chainsaw components constantly and its flow cannot be adjusted.
  • Automatic oiler (adjustable): this is also a self-oiling system but it comes with the option of adjusting the lubrication. It ensures a steady flow of oil to the chain and bar.
  • Manual oiler: a button is used to oil the chain and bar. It allows you to control the oiling and amount of lubrication.

Why Small Gas Powered Chainsaws

Power- gas chainsaws are considered to be more powerful compared to other chainsaw models. The gas chainsaw chain spins much faster and tougher, hence can easily cut through wood of any thickness.

Mobility- gas chainsaws are flexible enough allowing you to carry out your work regardless of where and when you use them. Their electric counterparts are limited extension cord length while the battery chainsaws require a power source to recharge. Gas chainsaws do not have any of these limitations.

Guide bar length- gas chainsaws are available in different bar lengths, allowing you to choose the chainsaw with the most suitable bar length for your job. The longest blade length available with gas-powered chainsaws is the 72inches or 6feet length.

Safety- other than being powerful, gas-powered chainsaws are designed with several advanced safety features that are specifically meant to ensure the safety of the user. Some models come with an inertia-activated chain brake which stops the chain from spinning in case of kickback. These kinds of safety features may not be available in other models.

More options- gas chainsaw models are more popular than the rest. This means that there are a variety of options to choose from. Finding a gas model that suits your specific needs without any adjustment is much easier than other types of chainsaws like the electric and battery models, which have limited options to choose from.

Things to Avoid When Gas Chainsaws

Remember a chainsaw is just as dangerous as any other machine or tool out there and therefore, proper handling is key to ensure user’s safety especially in case of kickbacks. It also requires maintenance to ensure the best performance as well as an increased life span. Here are some of the things you should not do when using a gas chainsaw;

  • Do not use a chainsaw that has loose, damaged, or missing parts
  • Do not run with the chainsaw
  • Do not leave the chainsaw unattended especially there are pets and kids running around to avoid accidents
  • Restrain drop starting the machine if you are controlling it only with one hand or when the chain is touching any part of your or other human body
  • Do not make any adjustments to the chain or part of the chainsaw while in operation
  • Avoid using the chainsaw when you are alone. It is recommended that you have a partner nearby to maintain the work area clear while you pruning or felling trees

Best Small Gas Powered Chainsaws FAQs

  • What is the best small gas chainsaw?

In this review, we have reviewed the best small gas chainsaws. Remington 41AY4214983 and Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14 in. Gas Chainsaws are some of them.

  • Are electric or gas chainsaws better?

Just like any product, both electric and gas-powered chainsaws have pros and cons. With this in mind, the best chainsaw will depend on the intended use. Electric chainsaws are quieter than gas, they start easily, are easy to maintain, and are usually more compact and lightweight. They feature a shorter blade than gas versions and cut slower. These are suitable for small cutting activities, such as tidying shrubbery and trimming small trees. Gas-powered on the other hand are powerful, have long blades, and cut through wood very quickly hence ideal for heavy-duty activities.

  • Is Stihl or Husqvarna better?

Stihl has more low-end torque, making it a better choice for tough cutting. Stihl chainsaws are a little cheaper than Husqvarna. They are also known for requiring less routine maintenance and hence more preferred by homeowners.

  • What fuel do I need for my gas chainsaw?

Your gas chainsaw deserves the best power source, which comes in the form of fuel, in order to provide the best performance. To correctly mix oil and gas for your chain saw, you will need ethanol-free gasoline and 2-cycle, or two-stroke oil. Mix them thoroughly in a container, according to the manufacturers’ ratios, then add them to the machine.

  • What size chainsaw is best?

The size of your chainsaw is determined by the amount of cutting you intend to do. Generally, you should choose a saw that has a length of approximately 23 inches longer than the diameter of the tree you need to cut.

  • Do I need to sharpen the blade?

Chain saw blades require regular sharpening in order to perform at the required standard. The frequency of sharpening the blade will depend on what you are cutting. Most professionals recommend sharpening after two tanks of gas have been consumed.

Conclusion

Choosing the best gas chainsaw can be challenging, especially if you are trying out cutting with saws for the first time. This review and buying guide is meant to help you choose the best small gas-powered chainsaws there are in the market, their features, and other important information you need to know before buying a chainsaw. We hope you get the most suitable saw for the work you intend to do.

See Also