Chainsaws are an essential tool for gardeners, homeowners, and landscapers. The versatility of these powerful tools makes them a key part of the gardening toolset. They are used for simple tasks like pruning or collecting firewood and more complex functions like cutting trees.

There are several types of chainsaws. In this article, we will help you decide on the best chainsaw for you in Australia. We also look at different chainsaws, why they are good or not, and include a buying guide to help you decide.

Best Overall: Greenworks Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

The Greenworks Pro 80V brushless and cordless chainsaw is our best overall chainsaw available in Australia. The tool is elegant with a 16-inch chain that can cut trees up to 34 inches in diameter. It has a brushless motor with 2.7HP that is reliable, efficient, and durable. Greenworks' cordless chainsaw has an 80V 2Ah lithium-ion battery that can make up to 150 cuts when fully charged. The battery also charges rapidly within 30 minutes.

There is a metallic wrap-around handle and a comfortable grip for easy handling of the tool. It also has an electronic and mechanical chain break. The chainsaw has steel bucking spikes and tooled tensioning for smooth operation. The engine has an automatic oiler that keeps the chain lubricated. The transparent oil window makes it easily recognizable when a refill is needed. This chainsaw is easy to start as it does not have a choke.

Pros

• 2.7 HP brushless motor
• 16 inches chain with low kickback
• Automatic oiling with transparent window
• Lasting 2Ah Li-ion battery with fast charging
• Mechanical chain break for more safety

Cons

• Requires chain sharpening over time
• Maybe heavy to carry

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Best Mid Range Cordless Option: EGO CS1403E Cordless Brushless Chainsaw

For cordless chainsaw options, the EGO CS1403E is our best mid range cordless pick. This chainsaw comes with a 14-inch chain and bar. It has a strong and sturdy brushless motor with high efficiency, delivering up to 680 RPM speed. The brushless motor extends the run time life value of the tool. A 56V ARC lithium battery, combined with the high-end Power Beyond Belief technology, powers the chainsaw. The battery is compatible with all EGO Power+ products.

The chain on the Ego's CS1403E is designed with a low kickback and a kickback brake. It also has chain tension adjustment with a narrow sprocket nose design. A double guard bar and a 35cm guide bar offer safety for use. EGO CS1403E has a water-resistant IPv4 design. Thus, you can use the tool in heavy rain without damage. The gauge chain is 1.1mm with a 9.5mm pitch. It has a 5-year warranty on the tool and a 3-year warranty on the battery and charger.

Pros

• Cordless chainsaw with 16-inch chain
• Strong 56V Lithium battery
• Brushless motor with 680 RPM speed
• Low kickback chain
• Water-resistant design

Cons

• May be heavy
• May need frequent chain sharpening

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Best Commercial Chainsaw: Giantz 88C Commercial Petrol Chainsaw

Our best commercial pick is the Giantz 88C Commercial Petrol Chainsaw. It has a 24-inch bar and chain suitable for lumbering trunks and branches. This is a petrol-powered chainsaw with an 88l. It has a short start powered by a double recoil pull system. The chainsaw design features balanced weight distribution, which makes usage convenient.

Giantz 88C commercial petrol chainsaw has a wear-resistant 65Mn steel chain. It has a heavy-duty sprocket nose and centrifugal clutch design for increased performance. Chocking is prevented by an auto-throttle locking design. The chainsaw also has a carburetor anti-freeze mechanism with a self-cooling flywheel. The oiling is automatic, and the semi-chisel chain has a low kickback. The tool comes with a 5-year warranty.

Pros

• Long 24 inches bar and chain
• Powerful petrol-powered chainsaw
• Double recoil pull system for quick start
• Wear resistant 65Mn steel chain
• It is a heavy-duty sprocket nose design

Cons

• It can be noisy to use
• Can be heavy for some users

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Best Mini Chainsaw: STIHL MS 170 Mini Boss

The STIHL Mini Boss chainsaw is your best bet for small and minute chainsaw tasks. It is perfect for light operations like cutting firewood. It is lightweight, compact, easy to operate, and features an economical design. STIHL's Mini Boss has an Ematic chain lubrication system for long-lasting chain health. The Ematic oil system makes it uses less oil with efficient chain lubrication.

This Mini Boss also has an anti-vibration system that reduces the machine's oscillation. Thus, you can use it for long periods without inconveniences or health hazards. It is a petrol-powered chainsaw. It has a compensator that ensures the right amount of oil gets to the carburetor. The chainsaw is operated with one lever power control.

Pros

• Light-weight, compact and economical design
• Ematic chain lubrication system
• Single-lever control
• Anti-vibration system for better health
• Compensator improves fuel usage

Cons

• Not suitable for larger trees

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Best Cheap Option: BAUMR-AG Aborist Petrol Chainsaw

The best economical chainsaw option is the BAUMR-AG 25CC petrol chainsaw. As a medium-sized chainsaw that weighs only 3.6kg, it is operable with one hand. It can be used for cutting firewood and branches and clearing overhangs. The grab bar on the chainsaw is also ergonomically designed for comfort. It has a fast safety brake for rest when in use.

Baumr-AG's Arborist Chainsaw has a bar length of 10-inches that can cut up to 250mm in diameter. The 2-stroke commercial engine runs at a maximum speed of 11,000rpm and is powered by a 230ml fuel-tank capacity. The chainsaw has a quick chain tension system with automatic chain braking. It has a direct air injection carburetor for increased power generation. The BAUMR-AG Aborist Petrol Chainsaw is backed by a 12-month warranty.

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Cheap chainsaw
• One-hand operation with ergonomic handle
• Quick tension system with an automatic chain brake
• Direct air injection carburetor

Cons

• Only a 10-inch chain so cannot cut large tree trunks

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Best Portable Pick: Worx 20V Cordless 25cm Chainsaw

The Worx 20V cordless chainsaw is our best portable pick. It has a chain length of 10 inches. This chainsaw is a compact and lightweight tool. It has an auto lubrication system with an oil level window. It has an auto-tension system for proper tightening of the chain. The chainsaw is powered by a 20V battery with high capacity and low self-discharge.

The handling of this tool is aided by a soft grip handle and a hand guard. This kit comes with a 2Ah Battery and charger that are also compatible with any of WORX's cordless garden tools. Due to its size, we recommend the chainsaw for light cuttings like firewood collection and pruning of small branches.

Pros

• Portable and compact design
• Light-weight
• Auto tension system for proper chain tightening
• Auto lubrication oil system
• Durable 2Ah battery and charger

Cons

• Only a 10-inch chain so cannot cut large tree trunks

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Types of Chainsaw

Chainsaws are classified based on the type of power source. They are either Petrol Powered or Electric Powered. Electric Powered chainsaws could also be corded, plugged into a power source directly during operations, or cordless; reliant on a battery to perform. We look at them in detail below.

Petrol Chainsaw

The petrol chainsaws are powered by petrol. They are the traditional types with the most strength and durability. These chainsaws are used for lumbering; they can cut through the thickest of woods.

Petrol chainsaws are most suitable for professionals. They are mainly used on farms and remote places. The main pitfall to them is noise and the smoke they emit. Ear muffs or plugs are usually required to protect the ear when used.

Corded Chainsaw

External sources power corded chainsaws. They require an extension cord and a plug to connect to a power source. These chainsaws are less powerful compared to the petrol types. The use of cords makes them limited in usage. They cannot be used without being connected to a power source.

On the bright side, these chainsaws are less noisy and require less maintenance. They are suitable for general gardening work around the house or on the farm.

Cordless Chainsaw

These are the most modern types of chainsaw. The cordless chainsaws are operated without a cord to connect them to an external power source. They are powered by batteries that require charging to keep the chainsaw in use.

The only drawback to using these chainsaws is the extra weight that comes from the battery. They produce much less noise and emit no fumes. Cordless chainsaws are easy to use and require little maintenance.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Chainsaw for Your Use

There are essential qualities to pay attention to when you want to buy a chainsaw. The first parameter is the intended use of the tool. To help you decide on which one to buy, you should consider these properties:

Power Source

There are three power sources to pick from. There are the petrol-powered chainsaws which are the strongest. They are more suitable for professional and commercial use. The main downside to the gasoline types is the noise, more vibration, and the emissions from burning the fuel.

The next option is the cordless chainsaws that are powered by rechargeable batteries. These are modern designs that are good for home and gardening usage. Cordless chainsaws are quieter but don’t last as long as petrol chainsaws.

The third choice is the corded ones that require a direct connection to an electric power source. These are pretty limited in use because of the cord. This leaves most people going for cordless chainsaws. For commercial or large cutting jobs, petrol chainsaw is better.

Size

Chainsaws have different lengths for the bar. Averagely, the cutting blade should be 5 cm longer than the wood it aims to cut. Big chainsaws from 16 to 24 inches are suited for cutting large trunks. They are usually heavier and have less control. The smaller ones are only able to cut small branches and firewoods. But these are easier to control and use. Depending on the intended use, decide which size is good for you.

Handle Position

Handling a chainsaw is essential. This is why size, weight, and handle position are important purchasing parameters. Only buy a chainsaw you can carry and use conveniently. Some small-sized chainsaws have one-hand handling. The rear handle positions are suitable for working on the ground. It may be best to consider a chainsaw with a handle positioned above the saw for working at heights. This makes the chainsaw lighter to carry.

Safety Features

Using a chainsaw can be hazardous, which makes safety features very important. You should carefully consider the chainsaw's safety features before making a purchase. One of the safety features to look at is the chain brake system. This feature protects you from fatal injuries that can result from a kickback. Other safety features include a chain catcher, hand guards, and anti-vibration.

7 Safety Tips for Chainsaw Use

It can be dangerous to use a chainsaw, especially when some safety tips are not taken. Due to the associated hazard, modern chainsaws have safety features like automatic chain brakes, chain catchers, and hand guards. Pay attention to these seven safety tips when using a chainsaw:

1. Wear protective gear like goggles, heavy-duty clothes, thick gloves, booths, and ear protection, especially when using a petrol chainsaw.
2. Pay attention to the kickback zone and avoid it.
3. Ensure to use a sharp chainsaw. Dull chainsaws can pose more hazards to the user.
4. Don’t cut alone; always have a partner around when using a chainsaw.
5. Start with smaller pieces before moving to bigger logs.
6. Use the chainsaw for the right job, don’t try to cut beyond the saw capability.
7. Maintain a stable stance when using the chainsaw.

Buying Your Next Chainsaw

Your need will mainly determine the choice of chainsaw you go for. There are three main types to pick from. For large-scale commercial use petrol chainsaws are more suitable. But for most work the cordless models are now great.

We have carefully selected different models and types suited for different needs. There is at least one option for your chainsaw purchase in Australia. Whether you want something for a professional lumbering engagement or a homestead use, there is something in our review for you.