Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You are facing a fallen oak, broken limbs after a storm, or next winter’s firewood pile. What matters is a saw that starts on command, cuts straight through trunks, and does not leave you stuck mid-job. The real difference between a good day and a frustrating one depends on engine power, bar length, and whether the saw fits the size of wood you actually cut.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Here is a fact-based look at the best options, from corded electric to pro-grade gas models, to help you pick the right chainsaw for cutting trees without guessing which spec matters for your yard or woodlot.
Quick Picks
- Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw — Top Performer
- Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw — Best All-Around
- SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch — Value Beast
- BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16 in. Electric Chainsaw — Light Duty Champ
How To Choose The Best Chainsaw For Cutting Trees
Picking the right chainsaw is not about buying the biggest number on the box. It is about matching the saw’s engine size, bar length, and weight to the trees you cut most often. A lightweight electric saw handles a few overgrown bushes fine, but it bogs down on a 30-inch (76 cm) hardwood log. A heavy gas saw with a 24-inch bar reaches big trunks but tires your arms for limbing. Here are the three specs to match to your wood.
Bar Length vs. Engine Power: The Real Relationship
Bar length sets the largest trunk diameter you can cut in one pass — you want at least 2 inches longer than the tree’s diameter. But a longer bar creates more chain friction, so you need more engine torque (turning force, measured in cubic centimeters and horsepower) to keep the chain spinning under load. A 16-inch bar on a 12-amp electric motor works for limbs up to 14 inches thick. A 24-inch bar needs a 60.3-cc gas engine to push the chain through dense hardwood without stalling. Match a short bar to a big engine, and you get speed; match a long bar to a small engine, and you get frustration.
Engine Displacement and Torque (The cc and HP Numbers)
The cubic centimeter (cc) rating tells you the engine’s displacement — the volume the pistons sweep inside the cylinder. All else equal, bigger cc means more torque, so the chain keeps cutting under heavy load instead of slowing to a stop. Horsepower (HP) is the torque output at a given rpm (revolutions per minute). For firewood cutting, you need at least 45-50 cc if you fell trees over 12 inches thick. For smaller storm cleanup and trimming, a 30-35 cc saw or a corded 12-amp electric motor is plenty and saves you weight.
Bar Oiler and Chain Tensioning (The Maintenance You Cannot Skip)
Your chain spins at thousands of rpm against steel and wood dust. Without constant oil, it seizes on the bar in under a minute. Every saw here has an automatic bar oiler — a pump that delivers a steady drip of bar oil through a port into the chain groove. The difference is adjustability: some oilers are fixed rate, some are adjustable so you can dial more oil for hard dry wood or less for soft green wood. Tool-free chain tensioning (a knob you turn by hand) lets you adjust the chain quickly on the go; conventional tensioning needs a combo wrench. For a long day of cutting, tool-free saves you time and hassle.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Chain Length | Engine Power | Item Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 460 Rancher | Heavy firewood & large tree felling | 24 Inches | 60.3-cc / 3.6-HP | 13.2 Pounds | Amazon |
| Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Mid-sized tree pruning & storm cleanup | 20 Inches | 50.2-cc / 3.2-HP | 11.3 Pounds | Amazon |
| SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc | Budget-friendly heavy cutting | 20 Inches | 62-cc / 4.2-HP | 14 Pounds | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER CS1216 | Light yard cleanup & small limbs | 16 Inches | 12 Amp | 10 Pounds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw
The heavyweight workhorse that turns a full woodlot into manageable firewood.
The 60.3-cc engine delivers 3.6-HP (horsepower), giving you enough force to spin a 24-inch bar through dense oak and fir without slowing. The 24-inch bar is a full 50% longer than the 16-inch bar on the BLACK+DECKER electric, so you slice through trunks over 20 inches thick in one pass instead of flipping the log. That bar length difference is the gap between one cut and two cuts for a big tree.
Buyers report consistent performance after processing six cords of wood, and many note the saw starts easily every time thanks to the Smart Start system (a spring-assisted mechanism that reduces rope pull resistance). The LowVib technology (engineered mounts that isolate handle vibration) cuts hand fatigue noticeably — owners mention it outperformed another top brand when bucking downed oak and fir, with less arm fatigue at the end of a long day. The automatic adjustable oil pump lets you increase the bar oil for dry hardwoods or back it off for softwoods, a feature the mid-range SUPMIXTOOLS and the budget electric do not offer.
The catch is the weight: at 13.2 pounds, it is noticeably heavier than the 11.3-pound Husqvarna 450 Rancher. For limbing or overhead trimming, that extra heft adds fatigue by the end of a session, which is why some owners swap the 24-inch bar for a 20-inch bar to improve handling. The 2-year warranty and consistent dealer network give this saw a reliability advantage that off-brand models cannot match.
The grunt you can count on
- 60.3-cc X-Torq engine produces 3.6-HP for heavy cuts without bogging
- 24-inch bar handles trunks over 30 inches (reviewer confirmed)
- Adjustable oil pump lets you control bar lubrication rate
- LowVib handles reduce vibration for longer cutting sessions
The weight trade-off
- At 13.2 pounds, it is heavy for limbing and overhead work
- Premium price compared to the SUPMIXTOOLS or entry-level options
- Longer bar adds chain friction, so the 20-inch bar suits general property use
Grab it if: you cut firewood from large hardwoods, clear storm-felled timber regularly, or need a saw that starts day after day for years.
Look elsewhere if: you only trim branches or cut a few small trees a year — the weight and price are overkill for light use.
2. Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw
The balanced middleweight that cuts storm damage without wearing you out.
This is the just-right option for property owners who face medium-to-large trees but do not want the 13.2-pound heft of the 460 Rancher. The 50.2-cc X-Torq engine puts out 3.2-HP, which is 31% less horsepower than the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc’s 4.2-HP. But the difference in real cutting is that the Husqvarna uses less fuel and starts easier while still pulling the 20-inch chain through large logs. Reviewers confirm the 20-inch bar length easily cut larger logs from recent storm damage, and owners note it feels both powerful and manageable. At 11.3 pounds, it is 2.1 pounds lighter than the 460 Rancher — a difference you feel when trimming overhead branches for an hour.
The Air Injection technology (a centrifugal fan that throws dust out before it hits the air filter) is a genuine maintenance advantage: it keeps the saw breathing cleanly between air filter cleanings, unlike the SUPMIXTOOLS which offers no such system. Buyers also praise the Smart Start (a spring-assisted mechanism that reduces rope pull resistance) and the inertia-activated chain brake that stops the chain if the saw kicks backward. One owner reported the saw consumed fuel a little quicker than their old Stihl but considered the trade-off worth it for the easier starting.
Unlike the budget SUPMIXTOOLS, the 450 Rancher has a dedicated parts network and the 2-year warranty, which matters when you need a replacement chain or bar. The LowVib handles and ergonomic trigger make extended use feel less punishing than the rigid plastic grips on entry-level gas saws.
Why it works for most properties
- 20-inch bar + 3.2-HP handles medium-to-large trees without overkill
- Air Injection reduces dust reaching the air filter, extending maintenance intervals
- At 11.3 pounds, it is easier to maneuver than the heavier 460 Rancher
- Smart Start and chain brake give real safety and convenience
The honest limits
- Not as torquey as the 62cc SUPMIXTOOLS for extreme hardwoods
- Some customers note fuel consumption is higher than older Stihl models
- The recommended max bar is 20 inches, so you cannot swap up to 24 inches later
Buy this if: you cut a mix of storm debris, fallen limbs, and firewood logs — it hits the right balance between muscle and endurance.
Pass if: you process full-time firewood from large oaks; the 460 Rancher’s 60.3-cc engine will serve you better.
3. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch
The budget-friendly workhorse that punches well above its price tag.
Reviewers point out it cuts 36-inch oak and 27-inch cedar easily without bogging down — performance you usually associate with chainsaws costing two to three times as much.
The 20-inch bar gives you the same reach as the Husqvarna 450 Rancher, but the larger 62cc engine means it keeps its chain speed at 8,500 rpm (revolutions per minute — a measure of how fast the chain spins, which affects cut speed) under the heaviest loads. One reviewer who compared it to their Stihl MS 271 noted it cuts faster on knotty black walnut and starts easier. The quick-stop chain brake and safety switch add the fundamental safety features you need.
Honestly, the biggest risk here is quality control: a significant minority of shoppers say the saw will not start or that plastic parts broke on the second pull. Customer service can be hard to reach. For the price, you get tremendous power-to-dollar value, but you accept higher odds of a lemon compared to the Husqvarna models with their 2-year warranties.
The big power at small price
- 62cc engine with 4.2-HP — the highest torque in this guide for the lowest price
- 20-inch bar and 8,500 rpm chain speed cut large oaks and cedars in single passes
- Ergonomic handle and safety brake add comfort and protection
The quality gamble
- At 14 pounds, it is the heaviest saw here; fatigue comes sooner
- Mixed reliability reports — some owners break parts on first use
- No established parts or service network compared to Husqvarna
Pick it if: you need maximum cutting power for occasional heavy firewood or land clearing but cannot justify a premium-tier saw.
Avoid if: you depend on your saw for daily work or need a reliable brand with local service support.
4. BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16 in. Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)
The lightweight corded electric that starts every time without mixing fuel.
The 12-amp corded motor delivers unlimited runtime as long as you have an extension cord — a real advantage over gas saws that need fuel mixing and pull-starting. One buyer easily cut nine 14-inch diameter cedar trees with it, and another cut three 6×6-foot boxwoods in under 30 minutes. The 44% weight difference versus the SUPMIXTOOLS (10 pounds vs 14 pounds) means you can work overhead on trimming without your arms giving out. The automatic oiler with a clear window (a transparent plastic port on the side) lets you see the oil level at a glance, and the tool-free chain tensioning knob lets you tighten the chain without any tools.
The 16-inch bar is enough for limbs and medium trees, but compared to the 24-inch bar on the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, it is 8 inches shorter — a 50% smaller cutting reach. That matters when you face a 22-inch trunk: the BLACK+DECKER forces you to cut from both sides, while the 460 Rancher does it in one pass. The chain takes 5-6 seconds to stop after you release the trigger, which is slower than the chain brake on any gas saw here. Reviewers also note the chain can jump off the bar if you apply sideways pressure, because the plastic guide rails provide less lateral support than the steel bar groove on a Husqvarna. For light, frequent work around the yard, these are manageable trade-offs; for heavy-day firewood cutting, they become annoyances.
The corded design means you need a 100-foot 12-gauge extension cord (the thicker cord that carries 12-amp power without voltage drop) to roam your yard, which is less portable than a gas saw you can carry into the woods. But the cord gives you instant starting, zero fuel purchase, and far less maintenance — no carburetor cleaning, no stale gas problems.
What makes it convenient
- At 10 pounds, it is the lightest saw here — easy for overhead trimming
- Corded motor starts instantly and runs as long as you have power; no fuel hassle
- Tool-free chain adjustment and clear oil window simplify every day use
Where it falls short
- 16-inch bar is limited — cannot cut large trees in one pass like the 24-inch Husqvarna
- Chain takes several seconds to stop after trigger release; no inertia brake
- Requires a 100-ft cord; not practical for remote or dense property cutting
Great for: the homeowner who faces occasional fallen limbs, yard cleanup, and trimming — wants a saw that works every time without the gas ritual.
Not for: anyone who cuts firewood, fells large trees, or works away from a power outlet.
Understanding the Specs
Engine Displacement (cc) and Horsepower (HP)
These two numbers tell you how much raw cutting force the motor produces. Displacement is measured in cubic centimeters — the volume the piston sweeps inside the cylinder. More cc generally means more torque (turning force), which means the chain keeps spinning when you push it into a thick hardwood trunk. Horsepower is the total output of that torque at a certain rpm. A 60.3-cc engine producing 3.6-HP will cut through a 30-inch oak without slowing, while a 12-amp electric motor (about 1.5-HP equivalent) on a 16-inch bar is designed for limbs and small logs. The higher the cc and HP, the heavier the saw and the more fuel it uses. Match this number to the diameter of the thickest tree you need to fell — if you rarely cut anything over 12 inches, a 50-cc / 3.2-HP saw like the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is plenty and saves you 2 pounds of carry weight over the 60-cc models.
Bar Length and Chain Oiler
Bar length (measured in inches from the saw body to the tip) determines the thickest trunk you can cut in one pass — the general rule is you need 2 more inches of bar than the tree diameter. A 20-inch bar handles up to 18-inch logs; a 24-inch bar handles 22-inch logs. The automatic bar oiler is the lubrication system that pumps oil from a built-in reservoir through a small port into the groove the chain rides in. Without it, steel-on-steel friction heats the bar and chain to the point of seizing in under a minute. Adjustable oilers let you increase the flow for dry hardwoods (which absorb more oil) or decrease it for softwoods. All saws here have automatic oilers, but only the Husqvarna 460 Rancher has an adjustable pump that gives you control over the flow rate.
FAQ
What bar length do I need to cut down a tree?
Can I use a 20-inch bar on a engine rated for 16 inches?
What is the difference between a chain brake and a chain catcher?
How long does a chainsaw chain last before sharpening?
Is a corded electric chainsaw powerful enough for firewood?
What fuel mix does a 62cc gas chainsaw use?
How do I stop the chain from jumping off the bar?
What is the best chainsaw for someone who never used one before?
Can I replace a 20-inch bar with a 24-inch bar on the Husqvarna 450 Rancher?
How often should I oil the bar and chain?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the winner is the chainsaw for cutting trees winner is the Husqvarna 450 Rancher because it delivers the best balance of reach (20-inch bar), manageable weight (11.3 pounds), and proven reliability from a brand with local parts support. If you need maximum power for felling large hardwoods and processing firewood, grab the Husqvarna 460 Rancher with its 24-inch bar and 3.6-HP engine. For budget-conscious buyers who still want to cut big trees, the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc delivers 4.2-HP at a fraction of the premium price. And for light yard cleanup around the house, the BLACK+DECKER CS1216 keeps things simple with instant electric starting and a 10-pound frame.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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