It can be admitted that the best small chainsaw is the must-have tool of every people who is in love with gardening and woodworking.
It is helpful in most of the case, you can use the small chainsaw for cutting firewood, trimming, pruning and even clearing trees in your yard.
Sometimes, it is a great choice to save you in the dangerous circumstance such as the earthquake.
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Best Small Chainsaw Comparison Table
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Although small chainsaw works not as well as the professional and big one, it is very easy to use and carry.
Besides, it is safe for users, hence, it is recommended for the all of people from beginners to the experts, especially for the amateurs and even older people or the one who usually work outdoors.
In this article, I would like to make you better know about some great products. From that, you can compare each of them about drawbacks, features, and prices of models.
What is The Small Chainsaw?
Some people still wonder what is the best small chainsaw and the difference between the small and the big one. It is so simple, you can identify that the small chainsaw is 14 inch and under.
It weights around 6 to 12 pounds. Over 14 inch will be the normal chainsaw. Besides, the best lightweight chainsaw has to be really portable, small, easy to handle and control.
Actually, looking for the best chainsaw is not an easy task for most people. Sometimes, you found the one that matches your demand but over your budget.
I used to be in that situation many times, so I can understand it well. Good quality products with the variety of great features normally go with the high price.
However, you have to remember that the good chainsaw really deserves with spending your hard-earned budget on.
Before making a choice, you should make it clear in your investment. You have to identify your needs, what features you want to have, you are beginners or experts and your purposes, and so on.
Then you can choose the one that matches your needs and your money also.
As I found out, the small chainsaw is around $$ to $$$. There is still some chainsaw with the price of $$$.
In my review list, I will bring you small chainsaws which have enough features for both types of users and can be reasonable for every type of budget.
To make you understand clearly about the different type of chainsaw, I will go step by step and review the product of each type for you.
Besides, you also can compare the advantage and disadvantages of each model. From that, you will have the general view about lightweight chainsaw with typical features and limit.
Different Types of Chainsaw
Chainsaws can vary by design, teeth, and power source. Here we discuss Different Types of Chainsaw:
Electric Chainsaw vs. Gas Chainsaws
Your choice of gas vs. electric chainsaws depends on how you are going to use the best chainsaw. If you have bigger projects, you need a gas chainsaw. They are bigger and have more power than electric chainsaws. Electric chainsaws tend to be more compact. You do not have to do as much work with the gas chainsaw, but you have to know how to operate it. Electric chainsaws can be plugged up or charged. If you are in a remote area, you may not have anywhere to charge the electric chainsaw when it runs out whereas, with a gas chainsaw, you may have gas readily available.
Benefits of Electric Chainsaws
The Best Electric Chainsaw is easy to start, more lightweight, less expensive, and quieter, and require less maintenance and care. This does not require fuel so you do not have to deal with a gas and oil mixture.
Benefits of Gas Chainsaws
They are more powerful, cordless, range of bar lengths, and have a good bar oiling system. They are ideal for any heavy-duty use, but they can be noisy and heavy. You will have more mobility with a gas chainsaw.
Round vs. Square Cutter Teeth
Round Tooth cutter teeth are easier to clean. You can easily use a round file to sharpen a chainsaw. Round chains are more long-lasting than square chains because they stay sharp longer. The cutting edge of the round tooth is more durable because it is larger and better supported than the square cutter teeth chains.
There are two types of square cutter teeth. One has a round grind and the other has a square grind. The Square teeth round grind chain cuts 10–15% faster than the round tooth chain. It can be sharpened with a round file, and it requires less power than a round tooth chain. It is hard to keep this type of teeth sharp. Visit this article to find out the best chainsaw sharpener right now.
The square tooth square grind chain is the best of the teeth. It cuts 20–25% faster than the round chain. When it is sharp, it makes the best cuts. It has to be sharpened with a special file. It is the worst in the bunch in requires of its stay-sharp ability.
Bar Blade vs. Bow Blade Chainsaws
Bow blades are not frequently used today. They are chainsaws shaped as a bow. They are mainly used for repetitive bucking.
Most chainsaws are in the bar blade design. This design comes in many different lengths. They are more versatile than bow blades, and that is why most people go for the bar blade chainsaws.
Knowing how you are going to use your chainsaw should help you decide what chainsaw is right for you.
Top 6 Best Small Chainsaw 2020 on The Market
Best Electric Small Chainsaw
Electric is one of the most popular chainsaws.
Normally, the electric chainsaw is highly recommended for those who are beginners because it is lighter and easier to start, just by pulling the trigger.
Besides, it works more quietly and cleaner than the gas chainsaw.
Especially, although it is light and portable, it can handle to work with every type of task from easy and simple to even the high duty task and hardwood.
However, it still has some of the limits in mobility, because it runs by electric so you just can go as far as your cord length.
Thus, you will have to equip the cord of proper gauge at least 50 foot. If you do not have a cord, you will have tried it and it can be a little bit expensive.
The following is 2 of good electric chainsaws in the market today and its attractive features and quality.
1. Makita UC3551A 14″ Electric Chain Saw
UC3551A, 14 inch at size is probably the best size for most people. It is easy to handle and you do not need a lot of strength to operate it, you just need to press on the button, they can start it up and begin with your job.
It uses automatic chain oil which helps to produce continuous cutting. Thank to the too free and blade adjustment, the maintenance can be reduced a bit. The 14-inch blade can handle most of the common cutting tasks efficiently.
Moreover, it is equipped with the good safety features such as the inbuilt motor limiter, which protect the users from the dangerous situation.
This model also works quietly and smoothly with no harmful emissions. The Makita chainsaw is great for cutting pieces of wood under 14 inches, even though it also can handle even the larger branches and trees.
The Makita UC3551A is very durable because of making from the tough materials to withstand extended usage.
Makita has been successful in managing to optimize and enhance the power generation. Its proprietary motor works well and requires little maintenance over the course of its life.
UC3551A, a veritable model of chainsaw brings high on the uninterrupted cutting ability for a very long time and clean performance. Besides, it is well designed for convenience and comfort when dealing with.
2. Remington RM1425 Electric Chainsaw
This mini chainsaw is of the lightest models about just 6.5 pounds which means that the users will not have to deal with the tension and strain of managing the chainsaw.
Besides, RM1425 features the low kickback bar that makes tasks lighter and not put much pressure on the user’s arms and back.
Especially, you do not need to deal with combining oil and gas or yanking chords with this chainsaw. You just need to pull its trigger and this device is ready for pruning and trimming.
This model has a hand guard positioned around the trigger casing, which make it safer to use. The low kickback gear doubles the safety which prevents the lowest level of tiredness and let for better control and minimal chance of injuries and accidents.
RM1425 is designed for homeowners who want to tend the small trees in their garden, and also tackle with pruning and trimming procedures. This RM1425 has the push button oilier which allows users to supplement a proper quantity of oil to the engine with each use.
Best Battery Small Chainsaw
This type of chainsaw is highly suggested for the light and medium jobs. Battery chainsaw does not have powder such as gas or electric.
However, it can be more expensive than two others because of its batteries and chargers. Battery chainsaw is very clean and easy to run.
Besides, you also can take it with you everyplace as long as you can understand its battery runtime ‘ s limitation. You can also bring some more additional batteries.
1. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
This model is 40V battery chainsaw which made from the high-quality components including the genuine bar and chain.
It is equipped with the auto oiling system which is a sign of the great chainsaw. Besides, it has the translucent oil window allow it to become easy to see when it is time to top up.
LCS1240 is suggested not only light but also the medium duty cutting task. It features the operators with a very nice balance of power and battery life.
It weighs about 8.3 pounds which is a lightweight model. Its battery can hold over 60 cuts on average for each charge. I advise buying 2 pack of 40V batteries because you can save a lot of your money.
Generally, this small chainsaw is powerful to handle all your trimming requirement. Its battery can last up to 45 minutes depends on your usage. It is the great choice for homeowners who do not have to cut the very big trees in regulations.
2. Makita XCU02Z Cordless 12″ Chain Saw
This XC02Z can handle much more than 36V because of double 18 V LXT. Its 12-inch bar can run relatively quiet. It is also very safe for users with a tool-less chain tensioner, chain brake, and the auto oiler.
Because the batteries are sold separately, you can choose which suit your purpose such as 3 or 4 amp. Makita XCU02Z is cordless which help to reduce the maintenance so no need to change engine oil or spark plug, drain fuel or clean air filter to store.
It produces low noise level at about 89dB and no emissions for comfort. Makita XCU02Z weight about 10 pounds without battery. Besides, You can upgrade your chainsaw’s performance by upping the specification of the battery you are using
Makita XCU02Z is designed for the smaller stuff that a homeowner will need to attend around their garden. Several features such as guard tool-less and chain adjustment can actuate chain brake when attend, the electric brake for max productivity.
Best Gas Small chainsaw
This is a classic and traditional chainsaw. That is the reason why it is very rumbly and noisy. However, it is the strongest among 3 kinds of chainsaws. Thank it powerful breed, it can manage to handle heavier work and require a good maintenance.
Gas chainsaws have the well capable of mobility, you can use it at any distance from a power source. However, it requires more effort to start. It is heavier and there will be the ongoing cost of maintenance and fuel.
1. Echo Gas Chain Saw, 12 In. Bar, 26.9CC
It comes with a 12-inch bar and chain that makes it ideal for light to medium and heavy-duty cutting. Echo Gas Chain Saw also has G-Force engine air pre-cleaner make to lessen maintenance of air filters.
You can make the quick adjustments to your chain by using the tensioner what located at the side. It also features the i-30 system which promotes a quick start to 26.9 grade and 2 stroke motor engine.
It is very ideal for climbing and pruning but it can be dangerous in the wrong hands thus Echo just is recommended for tree service. This lightweight chainsaw offers you the greatest comfort when you prune trees and bushes.
It is compact that makes it nimble and comfortable to use. Do not suggest for the heavy-duty task, though it is very high quality and efficient performance
Echo lightweight is equipped with the clutch driven oiler which will automatically close so as to control excessive oil consumption. Especially, it will also accommodate a 14-inch bar. It is at the top for professional users.
2. Poulan P3314 Gas-Powered Chain Saw
Although it is a gas chainsaw, it is still suitable for light and medium cutting. It is also very easy to use and handle. It comes with a strong motor so you can finish your garden job quickly and good result.
Like the other counterpart, it has the clean air filter system and primer bulb for simple starting. However, it does not come with the anti-vibration each so you should buy separately the anti-vibration gloves to protect yourself.
Poulan P3314 14 is a lightweight chainsaw for money with high quality. It is powered by a small capable 33cc 2 cycle engine. It is also equipped with full basic features such as an auto chain oiler, clean air filter system, and primer bulb.
The Best Small Chainsaw Buying Guide?
Nowadays, there is a lot of different type of chainsaw. Having many choices sometimes makes you confused a bit and you have to decide based on your needs, your budget, and preferences.
To make you relax, I would like to share my experience with some points to be considered before buying a small chainsaw.
1. Type of Chainsaw
As I covered before, there are 3 types of the best small chainsaw, so you need to identify what you like the most.
Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks that may be suitable or unsuitable for different users.
The electric chainsaw is powerful, requires little maintenance and produce no emission, even less noise than gas chainsaws. It is also small and easy to handle and carry.
However, it comes to with a cord which must be plugged into the power source so it makes a little inconvenience. Battery chainsaw is also quiet, no emission.
Because of powering by battery, it has fewer power capacities than an electric one and has to be charged regularly. It also requires less maintenance and not attached to any cords.
However, it is more expensive than 2 other counterparts. Gas chainsaw is powered by fuel and fitted with 2 stroke engines. It is more powerful and used for the medium and heavy-duty task such as cutting and felling the larger size trees.
It has some downsides such as producing more noise and harmful emission and also requires more maintenance.
2. Your Money
In case you just buy the chainsaw for using not frequently, you can be wise when buying the cheaper models, it would not the best in the powerful, durable and expensive model.
If you need the one for long time and regulations, you must choose carefully the high quality and durable model.
3. Chainsaw Purpose
It is really important to consider your jobs, before getting a chainsaw. When you want to use the best small chainsaw for pruning or trimming tree limbs and branches, you can buy the small electric one.
However, if you work on cutting up logs and large trees, the gas chainsaw can be your best choice with more powerful advantage.
4. Safety
Safety features are also very must think factor. It helps to protect you from kickback and getting hurt while running the chainsaw.
If you are not familiar with using chainsaw you should go with the model that has more safety features to minimize the risk of accidents from using the chainsaw.
Conclusion
Choosing the good chainsaw has never been an easy decision. Different users will have different opinions of which is the best small chainsaw. I suppose that the most suitable chainsaw will be the best chainsaw for users.
Thus, you have to consider the full of factors related to your needs before giving the decision, if you do not want to waste your time and your effort. I hope that you can choose your right lightweight chainsaw for using a long time.
