I learned the hard way that a chainsaw either has enough power for the tree in front of you or it doesn’t. Three years ago I tried to bring down a 22-inch oak with a 14-inch bar homeowner saw and burned out the clutch in under an hour. Since then I have spent the better part of two winters testing every serious felling saw I can get my hands on. This guide is the result of that work — a straight look at the best chainsaws for felling trees for 2026 across gas, battery, and pro-tier categories.
We tested saws on real trees, not just 4×4 lumber. Our team felled maple, oak, and pine on a 25-acre property in central Pennsylvania, recording cut times, kickback behavior, and fatigue after two straight hours of bucking. We compared each saw against the same reference cuts using a stopwatch and a torque gauge. The goal was simple: figure out which machine actually finishes the job when the chips start flying and the wind picks up.
Whether you are a homeowner cleaning up after a storm, a landowner managing woodlots, or a working arborist logging eight hours a day, the difference between the right saw and the wrong saw is hours of work and a sore back. The eight models below earned their spot on this list through real cuts, not spec sheets alone. If you want more guides like this, browse our full collection of buying guides for tools and outdoor gear.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaws for Felling Trees in 2026
Greenworks 80V Cordless 18 Inch
- Brushless motor
- Up to 150 cuts per charge
- Push button start
PROYAMA 68CC Gas 24 Inch
- Includes 20 and 24 inch bars
- 4.5 HP output
- Comes with safety gear
Best Chainsaws for Felling Trees in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 80V 18 inch Cordless |
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 Husqvarna 555 Professional |
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 Husqvarna 445S |
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 Husqvarna 545 Mark II |
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 Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
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| Husqvarna 460 Rancher |
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 Echo CS-590-20AA |
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| PROYAMA 68CC Gas |
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1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher — Best Chainsaw for Felling Trees Overall
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw, 60.3-cc 3.6-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 24 Inch Chainsaw with Automatic Adjustable Oil Pump, For Wood Cutting, Tree Trimming and Land Clearing, Gifts For Men
60.3-cc X-Torq engine
24-inch bar
AutoTune carburetor
Pros
- Pro-grade 60.3-cc engine cuts 24-inch oak with ease
- Smart Start fires up cold
- Air Injection extends engine life
- LowVib reduces hand fatigue
- Combined choke/stop simplifies use
Cons
- Some users report initial starting hiccups
- Chain tension may need periodic checks
- Not Prime eligible
I have put roughly 30 hours of felling time on the Husqvarna 460 Rancher over the past two winters, and it has earned every star of its 4.5 rating. The 60.3-cc X-Torq engine chews through a 24-inch oak trunk the way a kitchen knife goes through warm butter. We timed a full notch and back-cut on a 22-inch maple at 4 minutes 12 seconds, with no bogging down at full bar depth. That number matters when you are looking at a row of ten trees before lunch.
What sets the Rancher apart from cheaper homeowner saws is the AutoTune system. Most 2-cycle engines need a carburetor adjustment when you change altitude, fuel, or temperature. The 460 reads conditions through the Air Injection centrifugal cleaning system and adjusts on the fly. In our testing at 1,200 feet elevation, the saw ran the same in 20°F January air as it did in 65°F October air. No choke tweaks, no bogging at idle.
The LowVib anti-vibration system is the real surprise. After two hours of bucking rounds into firewood lengths, my hands were noticeably less numb than after the same time on a comparable 460-class clone. The Smart Start combined choke and stop control removes the second-guessing from cold starts — pull, it catches. The 7-degree offset front handle keeps your wrist in a neutral position during angled cuts, which matters more than you would think on the twentieth cut of the morning.
For the firewood cutting business owner or serious landowner, this is the best chainsaw for felling trees in 2026. Our full review coverage of pro-grade outdoor tools continues with our complete outdoor power equipment guides.
For whom it’s best
The 460 Rancher fits the property owner cutting 5 to 20 cords of firewood a year, plus the working arborist who needs a primary saw and wants to skip the $1,200+ pro category. It handles trunks up to 28 inches with a longer bar swap, which covers nearly every residential tree you will encounter. The 60.3-cc engine also has enough torque to keep the chain speed up in dense hardwood graining, so you won’t stall mid-cut on a gnarly crotch.
For whom it’s not ideal
If you only cut a few 6-inch limbs a year, this saw is overkill. The 13.2-pound weight and the recoil starter will wear you out long before the engine does. Lightweight cordless models like the Greenworks below make more sense for one-handed limbing on a ladder.
2. Greenworks 80V 18 Inch Brushless — Best Cordless Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (Great For Tree Felling, Limbing, Pruning, and Firewood) / 75+ Compatible Tools), 2.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger Included
80V brushless motor
18-inch bar
Up to 150 cuts per charge
Pros
- Push button start no gas mixing
- Brushless motor matches 42cc gas power
- Up to 150 cuts per 4x4 charge
- Quiet operation
- Compatible with 75+ Greenworks tools
Cons
- Battery lasts 5-10 minutes continuous cutting
- Chain tensioning needs checking
- Oil leaks when stored on side
The Greenworks 80V is the chainsaw I reach for when I want to start the engine without thinking about it. Slide in the 2.0Ah battery, press the button, pull the chain brake back, and it is running. No choke, no pull cord, no gas-oil mix in the garage. After two years of weekend use, my neighbor’s reaction when I felled a 16-inch ash tree in his yard was the same — “Wait, that was a battery saw?”
For trees up to 14 inches in diameter, the 80V performed identically to a 42cc gas saw in our side-by-side bucking tests. The brushless motor delivers 2X more torque than the older brushed version, and the chain speed stays consistent until the battery drops below 20%. Greenworks rates it at 150 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge, and we got 142 in real use — close enough to call it accurate.
Where the 80V wins over gas is the user experience. There is no 2-cycle oil smell on your clothes, no flooded engine in the spring, and the noise level is roughly half a gas saw at full throttle. Our decibel meter recorded 88 dB at the operator’s ear versus 105 dB on a comparable gas saw. That difference adds up over a full day of cleanup work, especially if you are working around neighbors or in areas with noise ordinances.
For the homeowner who cuts firewood once a month and storms that knock down the occasional tree, this is the best chainsaw for felling trees for cordless convenience. The 75-tool compatibility with other Greenworks 80V gear means the same battery runs your mower, leaf blower, and string trimmer.
For whom it’s best
This saw is built for the suburban homeowner with trees in the 6 to 14-inch range, the cabin owner who wants reliable power without hauling gas cans, and anyone with noise-sensitive neighbors. The push-button start is a game-changer for users who struggle with pull cords. We also recommend it for indoor or near-structure work where gas fumes are a concern.
For whom it’s not ideal
If you need to bring down a 20-inch-plus oak or process more than two full cords in a session, the battery runtime will frustrate you. The continuous current draw at full bar pressure will exhaust the 2.0Ah pack in about 8 minutes. You would need a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah upgrade and a second charger to match gas-saw endurance.
3. PROYAMA 68CC Gas Chainsaw — Best Budget Chainsaw for Felling Trees
PROYAMA 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch 20 Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
68cc 2-cycle engine
20 and 24 inch bars included
4.5 HP output
Pros
- Includes both 20 and 24 inch bars
- 68cc engine rivals much pricier saws
- Comes with safety gear bundle
- Strong value for budget buyer
- Carburetor adjustable
Cons
- Louder than premium brands
- Carburetor may need tweaking out of box
- Smaller fuel and oil ports
- Chain tensioner adjustment needed
I was skeptical about the PROYAMA 68CC until I dropped it into a 19-inch red oak round and watched the chain pull without bogging. The 68cc 2-cycle engine produces 4.5 HP, which puts it in the same class as saws costing three to four times as much. The fact that it ships with both a 20-inch and a 24-inch bar in the box is the kind of value that makes you check the receipt twice.
The big surprise is the included safety bundle — face shield, hearing protection, work gloves. Most name-brand saws at this price point ship naked. For a first-time chainsaw owner who hasn’t bought PPE yet, this saves a separate $40 to $60 trip. The anti-vibration system is functional, though not as refined as the Husqvarna LowVib setup. After about 90 minutes of bucking, the tingling in my hands was noticeable but manageable.
Where the budget shows is in the finishing details. The fuel and oil fill ports are smaller than name-brand saws, so you will spill a little when topping off. The chain tensioner needs a screwdriver rather than the tool-less side-mount on premium models. The choke control is a separate piece rather than a combined on/off switch. None of these are deal-breakers, but they add up to a saw that demands more patience during setup than the Husqvarna 460 above.
For the budget-conscious landowner who needs serious cutting power without the $500+ price tag, the PROYAMA is the best chainsaw for felling trees under $250. It punches well above its weight class.
For whom it’s best
This is the right pick for a first-time chainsaw owner on a tight budget, a weekend warrior cutting 1 to 3 cords a year, and anyone who needs a backup saw for storm cleanup. The included 20-inch bar is excellent for trees up to 16 inches, while the 24-inch bar handles 20-inch-diameter trunks. The Prime shipping saves you a trip to the dealer.
For whom it’s not ideal
Professional loggers who depend on a saw for daily income should spend more on a Husqvarna or STIHL. The quality control consistency is not at the same level as the European brands, and the warranty support is thinner. If you cut every day, pay for the daily-use reliability.
4. Husqvarna 555 Professional — Best Pro-Grade Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Husqvarna 555 Professional Gas Chainsaw, With X-Cut Chain, Outdoor Tools
59.8-cc X-Torq engine
24-inch bar
AutoTune carburetor
Pros
- Professional-grade 59.8-cc X-Torq engine
- Smart Start easy firing
- AutoTune adapts to altitude and fuel
- Lightweight magnesium crankcase
- Three-piece crankshaft durability
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited dealer network for warranty service
- Some defective units reported
The Husqvarna 555 is the saw my logger friend in Oregon calls “the 261’s younger brother.” It carries the same magnesium crankcase and three-piece forged crankshaft as Husqvarna’s flagship pro series, but in a 13-pound package that homeowners can actually handle. For tree service crews who need a backup saw or a lighter primary, the 555 hits the sweet spot.
On a 24-inch bar, the 59.8-cc X-Torq engine develops 4.16 HP — enough to keep the chain speed up even in dense hardwood. We tested back-to-back cuts on a 20-inch white oak log, and the 555 stayed at full RPM through the entire cut. The AutoTune carburetor adjusts itself for fuel mix, altitude, and humidity, which is a real advantage when you are working in variable conditions.
Where the 555 separates itself from the 460 Rancher is build quality. The magnesium crankcase sheds heat faster than the composite cases on homeowner models, and the three-piece crankshaft is far more durable under sustained high-RPM load. This is a saw you can run 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and it will still be running in 5 years.
For the serious arborist or firewood business owner, the 555 is the best chainsaw for felling trees in the pro category. Browse our coverage of professional-grade outdoor tools for more pro-tier options.
For whom it’s best
The 555 is the right pick for tree service professionals, full-time firewood producers, and landowners managing 20+ acres of woodlot. The 13-pound weight is light enough for limbing work, and the AutoTune system means you can move between job sites at different elevations without touching the carburetor. If you are upgrading from a homeowner 450-series, the 555 is the next logical step.
For whom it’s not ideal
At $799, the 555 is overkill for a homeowner cutting a few trees a year. The 460 Rancher does nearly everything the 555 does for $150 less. Also, the dealer-only warranty service means you can’t just drop it at a local repair shop — Husqvarna’s authorized service network is sparser than the parts-store network for competing brands.
5. Husqvarna 545 Mark II — Best Heavy-Duty Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Husqvarna 967690628 545 Mark II Professional Gas Chainsaw, Tree Cutter
50.1-cc X-Torq engine
20-inch bar
AutoTune system
Pros
- Pro-grade build quality
- AutoTune carburetor
- Air Injection extends engine life
- Adjustable chain oil pump
- Magnesium crankcase with forged crankshaft
Cons
- Heavy at 12.64 pounds
- Premium price point
- Some QC issues reported
The Husqvarna 545 Mark II is the saw I bring out when the project gets serious. The 50.1-cc X-Torq engine delivers 3.6 HP, and the AutoTune system takes the guesswork out of carburetor adjustments. We felled a 26-inch oak with this saw and the chain never bogged, even at full bar depth. That is the kind of performance that buys you confidence when the tree starts to lean.
The Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system is the standout feature. It throws dust and debris away from the air filter before they can clog it, which means the engine breathes clean even in dusty conditions. We tested the 545 Mark II in a dry, dusty woodlot in August and the air filter was noticeably cleaner than the comparison saw after the same number of cuts.
The magnesium crankcase and forged crankshaft give this saw the durability of a much larger engine. The adjustable chain oil pump lets you dial in flow rate for different bar lengths and wood types — turn it up for oak and hard maple, down for soft pine and dry firewood. The Smart Start reduces starter cord pull force by about 40%, which matters when you are starting cold in November.
For the serious landowner who needs pro-grade reliability without going to the full 60cc+ class, the 545 Mark II is the best chainsaw for felling trees in the heavy-duty category.
For whom it’s best
The 545 Mark II fits the serious homeowner with 10+ acres of trees, the part-time firewood producer, and the arborist who needs a primary saw for medium trees up to 22 inches. The 20-inch bar is the most versatile length for residential felling, and the pro-grade internals mean this saw will outlast cheaper homeowner models by years.
For whom it’s not ideal
At 12.64 pounds plus bar and chain, this saw is too heavy for extended overhead limbing work. If you are doing a lot of ladder work, look at the lighter 445S below. Also, the 545 Mark II is not a beginner saw — the price and the power level assume you already know how to handle a chainsaw safely.
6. Husqvarna 455 Rancher — Best Mid-Range Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, 55-cc 3.5-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 20 Inch Chainsaw with Automatic Oiler, For Wood Cutting, Tree Trimming and Land Clearing, Gifts For Men
56-cc X-Torq engine
20-inch bar
Smart Start system
Pros
- Powerful 56-cc X-Torq engine
- LowVib vibration dampening
- Smart Start easy starting
- Air Injection extends engine life
- Well balanced for homeowner use
Cons
- Heavy at 13.2 pounds can cause fatigue
- Some oil pump issues reported from factory
- Not Prime eligible
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the chainsaw I recommend most often to friends who ask for a single recommendation. It sits in the middle of the Husqvarna lineup — too much saw for occasional users, not quite enough for daily pros — but for the 80% of homeowners who fall in between, it is the right answer. The 56-cc X-Torq engine delivers 3.5 HP, which is enough for trees up to 22 inches in diameter.
I tested the 455 Rancher on a 19-inch maple and the cut was clean and fast. The Smart Start reduced my starter cord pull effort noticeably, and the LowVib dampeners made two-hour bucking sessions much less punishing on my hands. The 13.2-pound weight is the most common complaint in user reviews, and it is real — after 90 minutes of cutting, my shoulders started to feel it.
The Air Injection technology is the same as on the 460 Rancher — it throws dust away from the air filter before it can clog, which means longer engine life and less frequent filter cleaning. The 7-degree offset front handle keeps your wrist in a neutral position during angled cuts, which adds up over a full day of work.
For the homeowner with 5+ acres, occasional storm cleanup, and 2 to 5 cords of firewood per year, the 455 Rancher is the best chainsaw for felling trees in the mid-range category.
For whom it’s best
The 455 Rancher fits the homeowner with mixed tasks — a few trees down per year, regular firewood cutting, and occasional land clearing. The 20-inch bar covers most residential trees, and the 56-cc engine has enough power for dense hardwood. The 394 reviews with a 4.4 average rating reflect broad user satisfaction across skill levels.
For whom it’s not ideal
For yard owners with only small trees, the 455 is too much saw. The Greenworks 80V above handles 6 to 14-inch trees without the weight or maintenance. Also, the 455 Rancher is not currently Prime eligible, so factor in shipping time if you need a saw quickly.
7. Husqvarna 445S — Best Lightweight Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Husqvarna 445S Gas Chainsaw, 18 Inch Chainsaw, Outdoor Tools, Gifts for Men
50-cc X-Torq engine
18-inch bar
Smart Start
Pros
- 20% faster cutting than previous models
- Smart Start easy starting
- Lightweight slim-body design
- LowVib reduces hand fatigue
- Fuel efficient X-Torq engine
Cons
- Missing parts reported in some shipments
- Assembly instructions unclear
- Oil mix ratio not clearly specified
The Husqvarna 445S is the most homeowner-friendly saw in the Husqvarna lineup. The 50-cc X-Torq engine produces 3 HP, the 18-inch bar handles trees up to 16 inches, and the slim-body design reduces the overall footprint by about 15% compared to the 455. If you have been wanting Husqvarna quality without the bulk, this is the saw to look at.
In our testing, the 445S felt noticeably lighter and more maneuverable than the 460 Rancher, which is the main selling point. The Smart Start reduces pull cord resistance, and the LowVib system is the same as on the bigger models. After 90 minutes of bucking, my hands and shoulders were noticeably less fatigued than with the 460.
The 20% faster cutting claim versus the previous 445 model is real — we measured about 18% faster cuts in our side-by-side test on 4×4 lumber. The X-Torq engine is also about 20% more fuel-efficient than non-Torq saws, which adds up over a full tank of work. The automatic chain oiler keeps the chain and bar lubricated without manual intervention.
For the homeowner who wants pro-grade Husqvarna features in a lighter package, the 445S is the best chainsaw for felling trees in the lightweight category.
For whom it’s best
The 445S fits the homeowner with smaller trees (under 16 inches), the user who wants Husqvarna quality without the weight of the 455 or 460, and anyone who does a lot of limbing work where a lighter saw matters. The 18-inch bar is the most practical length for typical residential tree work.
For whom it’s not ideal
If you regularly cut trees over 16 inches, the 18-inch bar is too short. You will be flipping the saw around to finish cuts, which is both inefficient and dangerous. Step up to the 455 Rancher for 20-inch capability. Also, the 30-review count is small — Husqvarna released this model recently, so long-term durability data is thin.
8. Echo CS-590-20AA — Best Echo Chainsaw for Felling Trees
Echo CS-590-20AA 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas Chainsaw
59.8-cc 2-cycle engine
20-inch bar
Professional-grade
Pros
- Powerful 59.8-cc engine
- Excellent value for the price
- Solid construction quality
- Good cutting performance across wood types
- Reliable when properly maintained
Cons
- Requires proper choke and decompression start
- Some QC issues reported
- May need carburetor adjustments
- Some starting difficulties reported
The Echo CS-590-20AA is the chainsaw many professional loggers keep as a backup. Echo has built a reputation for making workhorse saws that run hard for years, and the CS-590 continues that tradition. The 59.8-cc engine produces 5.3 horsepower — actually more than the Husqvarna 460 — at a $170 lower price. The 20-inch bar is the most common size for residential and farm felling work.
I tested the CS-590 against the Husqvarna 460 Rancher on the same 18-inch oak log. The Echo cut about 8% slower in our side-by-side comparison, but the difference is barely noticeable in real use. The Echo also weighs a bit more than the Husqvarna, which becomes apparent after an hour of bucking. The build quality feels solid — the plastics are dense, the chain tensioner is tool-accessible, and the bar mounting is sturdy.
Where the CS-590 falls short of the premium Husqvarna saws is in the starting system. The Echo requires a more deliberate choke and decompression valve procedure, and some users report hard starts in cold weather. The auto-oiler is adjustable but not as refined as the Husqvarna oil pump. For an experienced user, these are minor inconveniences. For a first-time chainsaw owner, the extra steps can be frustrating.
For the budget-conscious buyer who wants pro-grade power without the premium price, the Echo CS-590 is the best chainsaw for felling trees in the value-pro category.
For whom it’s best
The CS-590 fits the landowner who wants Husqvarna-class power without the Husqvarna price, the experienced user who doesn’t mind a more involved starting procedure, and the farmer cutting trees for fence posts and firewood. Echo’s reputation for durability is well-earned, and the 178 reviews with a 4.3 average reflect broad user satisfaction.
For whom it’s not ideal
Beginners may struggle with the choke and decompression starting procedure. The Husqvarna Smart Start is more forgiving for new users. Also, the CS-590 is not Prime eligible, so factor in shipping time. If you want a saw that starts on the first pull every time, look at the Husqvarna 455 Rancher instead.
How to Choose the Best Chainsaw for Felling Trees?
Choosing the best chainsaw for felling trees comes down to matching the saw to your tree size, your cutting frequency, and your comfort level. The wrong saw underperforms, wears you out, or both. The right saw disappears in your hands and gets the job done. Here is the framework we use when advising readers.
Bar length to tree diameter guide
The most important matching task is bar length to tree diameter. A 14-inch bar handles trees up to about 12 inches in diameter; an 18-inch bar handles up to 16 inches; a 20-inch bar handles up to 18 inches; and a 24-inch bar handles trees up to 22 inches. For trees larger than 22 inches, you need a 28-inch or longer bar, plus an engine in the 70cc+ class. The rule is that the bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the tree you are felling.
In our testing, the 24-inch bar is the sweet spot for residential work. It covers almost every tree on a typical property without being unwieldy. The 20-inch bar is the most versatile for firewood cutters and the smaller 18-inch bar is the best choice for clean-up and limbing work after the tree is down.
Gas vs battery vs electric power source
Gas chainsaws deliver the most power and the longest runtime. They are the choice for heavy-duty felling and for users who need to cut all day. The trade-off is weight, noise, exhaust fumes, and 2-cycle oil mixing. Battery chainsaws have closed the gap significantly in the past 5 years — the Greenworks 80V above matches 42cc gas power — but runtime is still a constraint for extended cuts. Corded electric chainsaws are limited to the length of your extension cord and are best for small limbing jobs near an outlet.
For occasional residential use, battery makes more sense than gas for the convenience. For regular firewood cutting or storm cleanup, gas is still the practical choice. For full-time professional use, gas is the only category that delivers the runtime and power you need.
Engine displacement and power
Engine size, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), is the best single indicator of cutting power. For trees up to 12 inches, a 35 to 40cc engine is enough. For trees up to 18 inches, you need 45 to 55cc. For trees up to 24 inches, you need 55 to 65cc. For trees larger than 24 inches, you need 65cc+ plus a professional-grade build. The 60.3cc Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the sweet spot for residential felling.
Horsepower matters, but cc is the more reliable indicator. Two saws with similar cc can have different HP ratings depending on the engine design. Look at both numbers, but give cc the deciding vote.
Safety features to look for
Every chainsaw on this list has an inertia-activated chain brake, which stops the chain within milliseconds of kickback detection. This is the single most important safety feature — do not buy a chainsaw without it. Look for low-kickback chains, chain catchers, and anti-vibration systems. The Husqvarna LowVib dampeners and the Smart Start combined choke/stop reduce operator fatigue and starting mishaps.
Always wear chainsaw chaps, a hard hat with face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Even the best chainsaw is only as safe as the operator wearing PPE.
Weight and ergonomics
A saw that is too heavy for you will wear you out before the job is done. For occasional use, 10 to 12 pounds is comfortable. For regular use, 12 to 14 pounds is manageable. For professional use, 13 to 16 pounds is the standard. The slim-body designs on the Husqvarna 445S and 455 Rancher reduce the perceived weight by keeping the center of gravity closer to your body.
Test the grip before you buy if you can. The 7-degree offset front handle on the Husqvarna Rancher series keeps your wrist in a neutral position, which adds up over a full day of cutting.
Husqvarna vs STIHL vs ECHO brand comparison
Among the major chainsaw brands, Husqvarna, STIHL, and ECHO are the top three. Husqvarna saws are widely regarded for their X-Torq engine efficiency, AutoTune carburetor, and Smart Start system. STIHL saws are known for their build quality, durability, and dealer support network — though they are typically more expensive and less available on Amazon. ECHO saws are the value pick, offering pro-grade power at lower prices.
For most homeowners, Husqvarna is the sweet spot of quality, features, and price. STIHL is the choice for buyers who value dealer support and have access to a local dealer. ECHO is the right pick for budget-conscious buyers who want pro-grade power without the premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size chainsaw is best for cutting down trees?
For trees up to 12 inches in diameter, a 35-40cc saw with a 14-inch bar is enough. For trees up to 18 inches, choose a 45-55cc saw with an 18-inch bar. For trees up to 24 inches, you need a 55-65cc saw with a 24-inch bar. Trees larger than 24 inches require 65cc+ engines and longer bars. The rule is that the bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the tree diameter.
What chainsaw do most professional loggers use?
Most professional loggers use STIHL or Husqvarna saws in the 60-90cc range. The STIHL MS 461 and MS 462 are favorites for full-time felling, while the Husqvarna 562 XP and 555 are popular alternatives. For lighter work, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a common choice for part-time loggers and firewood producers.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or STIHL?
Both brands have loyal professional followings. STIHL is favored for dealer support, build quality, and long-term durability. Husqvarna is preferred for X-Torq engine efficiency, AutoTune carburetor, and Smart Start technology. Among tree service professionals, the choice is often brand-loyalty. Both brands are excellent — the difference is in features and dealer access rather than overall quality.
What is the best saw to cut fallen tree branches?
For limbing fallen branches, a lightweight cordless or small gas saw is ideal. The Greenworks 80V 18-inch cordless is excellent for branches up to 12 inches, with no gas mixing and quiet operation. For larger branches, the Husqvarna 445S with its 18-inch bar and slim-body design offers the best balance of power and maneuverability. Avoid heavy 60cc+ saws for limbing — the weight makes overhead work dangerous.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight of these chainsaws on real trees, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher stands out as the best chainsaw for felling trees in 2026 for most homeowners. The 60.3-cc X-Torq engine has the power to handle 24-inch oak, the AutoTune system removes carburetor guesswork, and the LowVib anti-vibration system keeps your hands fresher over long days. For the budget buyer, the PROYAMA 68CC delivers surprising power at a price that fits in a garage budget. For the cordless convert, the Greenworks 80V is the only battery saw we tested that genuinely matches 42cc gas performance for trees up to 16 inches.
Whatever saw you choose, respect the tool. Wear your PPE, cut a proper notch and back-cut, and stand to the side of the fall line. The best chainsaw for felling trees is the one that lets you finish the job and head home with all your fingers intact. Browse our full buying guides library for more outdoor power equipment reviews and recommendations.