Today, the main demand for household and professional chainsaw equipment is satisfied by imported products. Russian-made chainsaws are presented in a smaller range, although many of them are worthy competitors to popular models of famous brands.
This is facilitated by:
- planned bringing the production of household appliances to a new qualitative level;
- use of inexpensive and high-quality domestic raw materials;
- successful development of productive and high-quality metalworking technologies;
- use of imported components.
The most expensive chainsaws on the market today
If we analyze all chainsaws, they can be divided into three main types: household semi-professional and professional.
Household chainsaws are usually designed for use as tools for home and garden use. They are not very powerful and work mainly for 0.5 hours a day. Sometimes up to 40 minutes of continuous operation. In a month of operation, this saw works for about 30 hours.
If the load on a low-power household chainsaw is exceeded, it will quickly fail. The advantages of household chainsaws:
- compactness,
- convenience,
- ease.
A household chainsaw will be quite suitable for work on:
- sawing wood for a boiler or fireplace,
- bush leveling,
- sawing off branches on trees.
A semi-professional tool is more powerful than a household one. It can be used for felling trees or trimming branches. For the most part, it is used in construction.
Relatively easy to operate and more powerful. Continuous working time – up to 5 hours. It is not advisable to overload it with more time.
Professional chainsaws are clearly intended for felling trees. You can work continuously with this tool for about 16 hours or more. They are distinguished by increased power and heavier weight.
- Chainsaw for concrete – Stihl GS 461
Price – $1068
- Chainsaw Husqvarna 3120XP
Price – $810
- Chainsaw Makita DCS7901-60
Price – $676
Price – $220
Price – $134
Price – $120
Price – $110
Price – $107
- Chainsaw Brigadier (Professional 50 2.8 kW)
Price – $99
- Chainsaw Proton BP-38/01 (Semi-Pro)
Price – $92
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 2021” rating.
The offered range of gasoline-powered saws from different brands can be divided into 5 groups.
Before you start buying a chainsaw, you need to decide what you are going to use this tool for. It is no secret that the cost of this type of tool is determined by a combination of factors such as power, operating time - that is, the class. Modern chainsaws are divided into three main classes:
- Household. These saws are great for garden work and simple repairs.
- Semi-professional ones are used for more complex work, including construction.
- Professional saws are the most powerful and reliable among chainsaws, designed for industrial felling.
Additional, but important “little things” when working with gasoline chain saws include:
- Anti-vibration system. Its presence is necessary when working with the tool for a long time.
- Air filter. Protection from dust contamination ensures longer operation without the need for early repairs.
- A reliable brake is an important criterion for tool safety. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be equipped with an anti-vibration and kickback protection system, the so-called inertia brake.
- The length of the bar determines the length of the cut. When choosing a tool, do not forget that the linear size of the bar must be consistent with the power of the saw.
- Long tires on low-power units will lead to their rapid failure.
We will review chainsaws of each class and make a rating of the best models, according to user reviews.
"Bison"
Chainsaws produced in Russia under the Zubr brand are presented in a huge range. Their peculiarity is that they are equipped with a powerful power unit designed to operate in any weather, regardless of the terrain.
In addition, the devices in question are equipped with an anti-vibration system, auxiliary and inertial main brake. Also, all modifications of the Zubr have a soft start mechanism, a fuel pump, and additional exhaust gas cleaning. The company annually produces updated and improved chainsaws that meet European standards. Among the most popular models is TsZPB (370/450/490).
A reliable budget tool, costing up to 9,000 rubles
Household series saws are the most common class, having a minimum of functionality, but perfectly suitable for work in the country, in the garden and for small construction work. In addition, due to their short service life (from 400 to 1000 hours), compactness and low weight, they are relatively cheap. If you are looking for a tool for household needs, then a household saw is the best in terms of price and quality.
More serious tools include semi-professional or farm-grade chainsaws. Possessing average power and a higher service life, models of this class are suitable for operation up to 5 hours a day, but with significant interruptions in operation. A good semi-professional saw will become an indispensable assistant when running a personal subsidiary or farm.
Professional-grade saws are used for continuous operation over a long period of time, have high performance and reliability. The ability of such a tool to work 8 hours a day for many years is achieved through the use of durable, wear-resistant materials in its manufacture.
Household models are characterized by simplicity of design and include low-power internal combustion engines up to 40 cubic meters. cm and are used for cutting small trees, bushes or branches. It is recommended to buy products if you need to work with boards or prepare firewood. The motor life of household devices is up to 40 minutes of continuous operation.
It is recommended to buy such products for felling wood, as well as the need for frequent cutting of logs. The product is often used in construction work. The average power of a two-stroke engine reaches 60 cubic meters. cm, and the total power ranges from 2-3 kW. In the kit, manufacturers offer chains made of high-quality alloys, and the engine crankcases are made of durable polymer. The approximate time for continuous operation will be 4-6 hours.
Devices in this class are made with the expectation of carrying out any tasks related to cutting and felling trees. They have the most powerful engines, which will be up to 90 cc and power up to 6 kW. The design is such that it allows you to perform work for a long time without stopping in the most difficult conditions.
Currently reading: Adjusting the Carburetor of the Champion 142 Chainsaw
Cutting down a dead tree on a personal plot or preparing firewood for a bathhouse are tasks that can be done with inexpensive chainsaws. The devices do not have a large power reserve, but this is not required in this case. But the price will please you.
The choice of a chainsaw for the home will depend on what tasks it must perform and what advantages it has in comparison with other analogues.
Thus, one of the most popular tools for home and garden use is the CARVER PROMO PSG-45-15 tool.
Advantages:
- easy start;
- durable body;
- oil does not leak;
- comfortable;
- powerful for the price.
Flaws:
- Before first use, you need to tighten all the bolts;
- may seem heavy;
- The chain wears out quickly.
Please be aware that this saw has limited capabilities. Sawing everything and a lot with it means significantly shortening the service life or damaging the tool.
The MaxCut MC 146 is also considered the best inexpensive chainsaw.
Advantages:
- easy start;
- built-in protection of the crankshaft and clutch from overheating;
- the presence of a set of additional elements;
- gear stop;
- There is a chain catcher.
Flaws:
- weak chain tension mechanism;
- power is less than declared;
- weak short-lived chain;
- weak plastic on the body and parts.
Since this saw is considered one of the budget saws, you should not expect great features from it. Use it sparingly and take care of it in the same way as a tool with similar characteristics. Among the positive aspects, we can also mention such pleasant little things as the included tire and casing, chain, a small set of tools for assembly and a container for mixing fuel and oil.
In the range of chainsaws for household needs there is the model Soyuz PTS-99371
Advantages:
- easy start;
- convenient to use;
- a set of additional elements;
- gear stop;
- good build and durable body.
Disadvantages:
- the oil supply channel may become clogged with sawdust;
- unreliable chain tension mechanism;
- low-quality chain and spark plug in the basic configuration.
In terms of reliability, the saw is not inferior to analogues in the same price range and used for home and garden use, but it is better to change the chain and spark plug immediately.
In the ranking of the best cheap saws, not the last place belongs to the tool Caliber BP-1500
Positive characteristics:
- easy start;
- quickly gaining momentum;
- convenient and stable in operation;
- set of additional elements.
Flaws:
- the air filter may allow sawdust to pass through;
- oil leaks;
- the chain stretches quickly;
- The gas tank cap may be leaking.
Another household saw - from a German company, but manufactured in China - Sturm GC99372B.
Advantages:
- easy start;
- automatic chain lubrication;
- convenient to use;
- a fuel pumping system is provided;
- There is a chain brake.
Flaws:
- weak launch rope;
- poor quality assembly;
- the canvas is deformed from overheating.
This type of chainsaw is characterized by increased power and performance. This tool can be used in a wider range of tasks: cutting down trees, cutting boards for firewood. The best semi-professional chainsaws are also used in individual construction. At the same time, they are quite light and easy to use.
The top best chainsaws in this category include brands such as Stihl, Husqvarna, PATRIOT, and Champion.
These chainsaws are designed for longer and more complex work. The best professional chainsaw is capable of sawing wood for 10-12 hours with short breaks. Therefore, for the production of these saws, more durable and high-quality materials are used, which increases the price. The weight and engine capacity are greater than those of household and semi-professional saws. They will not tolerate care at an amateur level; care must be professional.
Among the best professional chainsaws are tools from manufacturers such as Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, Efco, etc.
One of the most common in logging and other work with large volumes of sawing has been the Stihl chainsaw for many years.
The top models of the budget group are represented by five models. In the majority, these are household chainsaw equipment, whose price-quality ratio is at the optimal level.
This category of chainsaw range is characterized by:
- using high-quality and durable raw materials;
- modern technologies for their processing, careful assembly of components;
- increased power and performance.
There are few people who want to buy an expensive professional-class chainsaw. In private households and farms, it is extremely difficult to realize the capabilities of a powerful and productive tool.
The scope of application of professional chainsaw equipment includes:
- logging;
- large-scale construction;
- wood felling and sawing work of increased complexity.
Characteristic features of professional chainsaws:
- large reserve of engine power and torque;
- reliability of components and systems;
- high level of equipment;
- increased autonomy and stability of engine temperature conditions during prolonged operation at high speeds.
This category is represented by household-grade models that are reliable in maintenance and daily operation and are available to any homeowner.
If your interests in construction, gardening and woodworking are seasonal, on your own site, and your technical mindset allows you to independently repair household appliances, pay attention to the following models.
Purchasing expensive professional equipment for independent logging for your own needs is, at a minimum, unprofitable. Using lightweight models for these purposes means overloading them. The FORWARD FGS-4504 chainsaw will fully satisfy your needs. Because the price is affordable for everyone, and its technical characteristics indicate impressive potential.
But, despite the weight and power of this model, suitable for professional work, in essence it is a household tool. This is definitely indicated by a chain with a pitch of 0.325 inches (the professional approach requires large gaps between the cutting elements) in the basic configuration. But to eliminate unnecessary costs for felling and bucking timber for your own needs, the capabilities of the FGS-4504 will be enough for many years of trouble-free operation.
- Manual starter with “easy start” function;
- conveniently located fuel pump and chain tension screw;
- well balanced design;
- anti-vibration system,
- fuel pump primer, placed in a convenient place,
successfully complement the technical characteristics of inexpensive gas-powered tools.
| Characteristics | Values |
| Weight, kg | 7.5 |
| Power, hp / kW | 2.9 / 2.1 |
| Tire length, cm | 45 |
| Tank volume, l gasoline / oil | 0.55 / 0.3 |
| Development/production | Russia / China |
| Cost, rub. | 4770 |
Ergonomics, availability of spare parts and ease of repair explain the current popularity of the Carver RSG-38-16K among summer residents and villagers who do not plan to make money by sawing 3-5 cubic meters of wood at a time. Therefore, remember that this is an auxiliary tool for gardening and repair work. It’s easy to fell a fruit tree on your property, clear the trunk of branches and disassemble it for firewood, but nothing more.
- “Interskol” PCB-16/40L.
- “Energomash” PT-99502.
- “Caliber” BP-2600/18U.
- Chainsaw CHAMPION 237-16.
- Chainsaw HUTER BS-52.
- FORWARD FGS-4504.
"Caliber"
The category “best chainsaws made in Russia” rightly includes products. The manufacturer presented its products in 2001. It was highly appreciated by both experts in this field and consumers. For many years, the Caliber brand continues to be among the leaders among domestic manufacturers of chainsaws.
The most popular modifications of this brand:
- BP-1300.
- BP-2500.
- "Caliber BP-1800".
It is worth noting that the manufacturer focuses not so much on the design of the tool, but on expanding the range of use of the device and its safety.
Problems with chainsaws
Here are some common problems:
- incompatible headset in models from different manufacturers,
- too much power in the tool may not be convenient for a particular person and may even be quite dangerous,
- when the cutting speed decreases, the reason may be the sharpness of the chain, on which the quality of the work performed depends,
- In a professional tool that has worked for up to 15 hours, at the end of the day the chain needs to be adjusted. If this is not done, the cutting characteristics will decrease and it will become impossible to work normally.
There is such a thing as a backlash. This is a dangerous situation when the chainsaw suddenly hits the person holding it. Possible death. To prevent accidents, the tool has two mechanisms:
- brake on the handle,
- special brush.
The serviceability of the protection should always be monitored. In Swedish chainsaws, there is no special shield, so they only use the brake on the handle.
It is very important to have modern anti-vibration protection. With low protection, working with a chainsaw is quite difficult and serious joint diseases may occur in the future.
Currently reading: How to check a spark plug on a chainsaw
Among the standard useful functions (from the anti-vibration system to anti-slip pads), the developers involved:
- auto-return switch;
- the ability to quickly remove the air filter;
- additional centrifugal air flow cleaning.
A 40cm long tire, sufficient power and torque (2Nm) of the power unit make seasonal work on a summer cottage or garden plot safe, quite comfortable and not requiring exclusive knowledge of repair techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
| Weight, kg | 4.4 |
| Power, hp / kW | 2.0 / 1.5 |
| Tire length, cm | 40 |
| Tank volume, l gasoline / oil | 0.37 / 0.25 |
| Development/production | Sweden / Europe, USA |
| Cost, rub | 13990 |
The purpose of EFCO 137-41 is limited by the manufacturer to the boundaries of the owner’s own site. But due to the fact that professionals very often use a lightweight, productive and economical tool for systematically trimming twigs and branches of fallen forest, there is a widespread opinion among compatriots about the professional suitability of this tool.
And it's hard to argue with them. Because all owners indicate presence:
- anti-vibration system,
- perfectly balanced body,
- inertia brake,
- chain catcher,
- automatic supply of oil to the rubbing elements of the saw part,
- heating the air flow to the carburetor,
- quick-release air filter cover and side access to the screw that regulates the chain tension.
At the same time, the exceptional quality of implementation of the noted functions is confirmed by professionals.
| Characteristics | Values |
| Weight, kg | 4.1 |
| Power, hp / kW | 2.2 / 1.6 |
| Tire length, cm | 35 |
| Tank volume, l gasoline / oil | 0.32 / 0.22 |
| Development/production | Italy / Italy, China |
| Cost, rub. | 15790 |
Thanks to the Oleo-Mac 937-16, every amateur has the opportunity to personally evaluate the potential of a professional tool. This is fully facilitated by the complex of technological solutions used by the manufacturer. Judge for yourself:
- long service life is ensured by an improved piston group with a forged connecting rod and crankshaft;
- the efficiency of the equipment is due to electronic ignition, a system that prevents icing of carburetor cavities in winter conditions and an automatic plunger pump that supplies oil to the tire;
- ease of use and a high level of safety are due to the ergonomic arrangement of controls, an anti-vibration system, an inertia brake and a chain catcher.
And the light weight, sufficient (for performing common work in the private sector) dimensions of the cutting part and acceptable power additionally help to strengthen the positive image of a quality tool.
| Characteristics | Values |
| Weight, kg | 4.1 |
| Power, hp / kW | 2.2 / 1.6 |
| Tire length, cm | 41 |
| Tank volume, l gasoline / oil | 0.32 / 0.22 |
| Development/production | Italy/Italy |
| Cost, rub. | 15990 |
Chainsaw chain
The table deliberately does not include circuit characteristics. Because in the case of household tools, the parameters of common saw pitch options
- 0.325
- 0.375, which, to avoid confusion, is labeled 3/8
not the only criteria. And if, suddenly, it becomes necessary to use a chain with parameters different from those provided by the chainsaw manufacturer, you will have to take into account not only the length of the saw part, but also
- number of teeth
- cutting tooth design features
- height of the profile (working part of the link),
- and even the thickness of the shank, which, when inserted into the groove of the bar, holds the chain on it.
Because the safe and efficient use of consumables is determined by the design features of the “native” tire, clutch and engine of a particular tool. And not each individually, but their combined features.
Chains for chainsaws are produced in different ways. Like the tool itself, chains are selected based on the complexity of the work performed. Low-profile, they will be suitable for household chainsaws, for small work around the house and in the country. They operate smoothly and hardly vibrate. Their pitch is 0.325 inches.
For semi-professional and professional chainsaws, the pitch is 0.404 inches. The entire amount of work performed depends on the chain pitch.
To work in difficult and difficult conditions, a chain made of durable materials is required. For example, to cut frozen or wet wood, you need a chain tipped with hard alloys.
The power of produced chainsaws can range from 2-6 kW. Therefore, it is advisable for buyers to choose a tool based on the planned work.
"Zenith"
There are many subjective and objective criteria that influence the final choice of chainsaw. Lopper (made in Germany-Russia) from is one of the best for household use in terms of its combination of quality and affordable price. This company is mainly focused on the production of household power tools and is known throughout the world.
The main advantage of Zenit chainsaws is the use of wear-resistant components, which increases the productivity and reliability of the tool. In addition, the manufacturer installs bearings on its new products that meet increased requirements for accuracy and reliability.
Rating of the best chainsaws for household tasks
- Petrol chain saw Stihl MS 880-36.
- Husqvarna 576XP-18 chain saw.
- Chainsaw EFCO MT 8200.
Let's move on to a brief review of these professional chainsaws.
In terms of popularity, the folk chainsaw Shtil MS 180 (STILMS 180) comes to the fore. According to statistics, 10 petroleum equipment lovers - 9 have just such a chainsaw. For several years in a row, the STIL company has regularly improved its models for more comfortable use in everyday life. The price of the STIL MS 180 chainsaw ranges from $205.
Other domestic manufacturers
The following brands also represent worthy chainsaws made in Russia on the global and domestic markets:
- offers a wide range of chainsaws, power tools, generators and other units aimed at professional activities.
- The developing company produces chainsaws that have proven themselves in domestic use and have received positive feedback from consumers.
- "Friendship". This brand has been known for producing gasoline tools for more than thirty years.
- "PTS Union". The company produces modern chainsaws in household and semi-professional versions.
Whatever brand you choose, you must follow the recommendations specified by the manufacturer in the instruction manual, as well as timely maintenance and cleaning of the tool.
conclusions
Ideally, a mini saw should be very powerful, functional, safe and compact. It combines all the positive qualities of professional chainsaws, and at the same time is characterized by low weight, recoil and an optimal level of safety. Check out our ranking of the most reliable chainsaws.
With the help of such a device, you can easily build a temporary “shelter” and perform the necessary manipulations during a hike. It is very light and easy to transport, so it won’t be difficult for your brother to take it with him. The same can be said about other models of mini chainsaws.
Facts and general information about chainsaws, as well as their costs, which are given in the article, will help you decide on the right choice of this tool.
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Features of choice and advantages
The criteria for choosing a mini chainsaw depends on the frequency of use, optimal load and performance characteristics.
Advantages:
- high productivity - you can clear the area of tree branches and shrubs in a minimum amount of time;
- compact size;
- low vibration level, which allows you to work for a long time without getting tired;
- safety - many tools have an emergency stop function;
- easy to use - it’s easy to understand the instructions and get started even without experience;
- minimal consumption of flammable materials;
- simple maintenance.
Flaws:
- high price of some models;
- The design is not suitable for long-term use without interruption.
Let's take a closer look at the most reliable and popular mini-chainsaws.
How to choose a good device
You need to approach the issue of choosing a chainsaw very responsibly, because the efficiency and ease of operation of this unit depends on the correct selection of all functional characteristics.
To choose a good chainsaw, you need to determine for what purpose it will be used. If for work on the farm - at home or in the country - then there is no point in buying a powerful and expensive saw, since it will not be used at full capacity, which means that fuel and oil consumption will become unjustified.
The power of household saws is less than 2 kW. This is enough to cut down a tree on the site or clear it of branches. The service life of household saws is small - at least 1000 hours with the calculation of operating the unit no more than 20 hours per month. In addition, such a tool is lightweight, which makes it convenient, and it is easier to maintain than professional chainsaws.
If, for example, you are going to build utility rooms, a bathhouse or an entire house, it is better to choose a more powerful chainsaw. A semi-professional version with a large engine capacity is suitable here, on which the performance of the tool depends.
At logging sites, it is better to have a professional chainsaw for harvesting. Such a tool is heavy in weight, requires special skills, and has an engine capacity of up to 90 cm³, which increases its performance and power. A professional saw can work for many hours at a time throughout the year.
So, if the goal is to acquire an assistant on the farm, then we choose a chainsaw for the dacha. For larger-scale projects, we are looking at other models.
You should not choose a tool based only on its appearance and bright advertising. A high-quality and reliable chainsaw can be selected according to the parameters that determine its performance.
Saw GoodLuck
The chainsaw of the GoodLuck model has professional status.
The advantages of this unit:
- modern industrial design of the case;
- the shape of the handles promotes a secure grip;
- increased reliability of loaded components and systems;
- economical consumption of fuel mixture;
- improved design of the security system;
- increased volume of filling tanks compared to household models.
