Want to buy a lightweight chainsaw but don’t know which one to go for?
Then you’re in the right place. In this article, you can learn more about the best lightweight chainsaws on the market and their features that can meet different needs and demands. The lightest chainsaw models on the market are reviewed in this article to help you find the best option for your cutting needs.
Key Information On Lightweight Chainsaws
Different Types Of Chainsaws
The market offers chainsaws that differ in many features, including the type of power they use. Chainsaws can be powered by gas, electricity, or batteries. Gas models are usually the most powerful, so they can’t be as lightweight as its battery and electric counterparts. However, electric and battery-powered models are more preferred by homeowners who need a chainsaw occasionally. These two types have zero emissions and produce less noise than gas chainsaws.
Who Should Buy A Lightweight Chainsaw?
Lightweight chainsaw models allow you to cut trees without feeling the fatigue, which is the case with heavy-duty models that vibrate and make your arms and hands hurt. Of course, the lightest chainsaw models are not suitable for cutting large trees, since it requires more power and longer chainsaw bars, which make the chainsaw less light in weight. If you are in a need of a chainsaw to cut down smaller trees, prune branches, trim bushes, or cut firewood, then a lightweight chainsaw could be the perfect solution for you.
What To Have In Mind When Purchasing?
When you decide to purchase a lightweight chainsaw, you should also know that the lightest chainsaw models also need to have some other features to be good options to get. For example, always look for safety features that include a chain brake and low kickback bar and chain. You should also look for an automatic oiling system that lubricates the chain and bar so you don’t have to worry about anything else but supplying the oil. Chain tensioning technology is also helpful for easy maintenance without having to take the whole chainsaw apart. Choose the bar length according to the size of the trees you want to cut with it.
Where To Look For Lightweight Chainsaws?
I would suggest you look up the lightest chainsaws online. By browsing the online retailer websites, you could save some money in case there are any active discounts. For example, Amazon sometimes offers discounted prices, as well as mostly free delivery that can save you some money. This large online retailer also allows you to check out what other customers have to say about a certain product in customer reviews.
Best 5 Lightweight Chainsaws Reviews
Best Lightweight Gas Chainsaw
Husqvarna Lightweight Chainsaw
Lightweight Design For Easy Maneuvering
This lightweight gas chainsaw is equipped with a 16-inch guide bar and chain powered by a 40.9cc engine. It weighs 9.8 pounds which makes it comfortable to use. It is easy to start this lightweight chainsaw, as well as maneuver thanks to its compact size. Its engine is designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower exhaust emission levels.
Easy To Maintain
This 2.4-horsepower chainsaw is one of the lightest gas chainsaw models on the market and delivers a fast cutting performance. The air filter is easy to access and replace, but its life is also prolonged thanks to the technology that keeps larger particles of debris and dust away from the filter and engine. To easily handle this lightweight gas chainsaw, it features a side-mounted chain tensioning system with the help of a scrench tool.
Delivers A Safe Performance
This lightweight gas chainsaw delivers efficient and safe performance as it has an automatic chain oiling technology that keeps both the bar and the chain lubricated. Safety features also include a chain brake that is activated by inertia in case of kickbacks. If this review got you interested in other gas models, check out this article about the best gas chainsaws on the market.
- 16-inch guide bar and chain
- weighs 9.8 pounds
- 40.9cc gas engine
Best Lightweight Electric Chainsaw
Greenworks Electric Chainsaw
Popular Among Homeowners
This 10.5-Amp electric chainsaw features a 14-inch guide bar and chain and is suitable for any yard work. It is popular among homeowners as it needs to be plugged into a power outlet to be able to operate. Since it is powered by electricity, it can start instantly, unlike gas models. It can be used to prune tree branches, cut wood, and clean up the yard after a storm.
Self-Lubricating Adjustable Bar & Chain
This lightweight chainsaw features a chain tensioning system that helps you to tighten the chain by turning the knob without using any additional tools. The bar and the chain are automatically oiled so that you don’t have to worry about being safe while operating this chainsaw.
Weighs 8 Pounds For Comfortable Operation
This type of chainsaw is easy to start and has zero emissions, while also producing less noise than gas models. This chainsaw weighs 8 pounds and its handles are ergonomically designed for comfortable use. Check out other corded electric models by giving this post about the best electric chainsaws a read.
- 14-inch chainsaw
- corded electric power source
- automatic oiler
- weighs 8 pounds
Best Lightest Top Handle Chainsaw
ECHO 12-Inch Bar Chainsaw
Features Prolong Engine Life
The lightest top handle chainsaw weighs 5.2 pounds excluding the cutting equipment and is powered by a gas engine. It features a 12-inch guide bar and chain and a 25cc professional-grade 2-stroke motor and is covered by a fine grid that prevents dust and debris particles from damaging the engine. The air filter life is prolonged thanks to the technology that keeps it clean for longer.
Compact For Convenient Use
This lightest chainsaw is recommended for professional use only and can be used for climbing trees and pruning branches. It is suitable for this kind of work as it features a top handle that makes the chainsaw more compact for use in smaller spaces. The clutch-driven adjustable automatic oiler lubricates the bar and chain only when the chain is spinning to reduce oil consumption.
Textured Grip On Top Handle
The chain can also be easily adjusted by using a side-mounted tensioning system. A durable chain brake is also featured to prevent dangerous kickbacks. To easily control this lightweight chainsaw, the top handle comes with a textured grip that also allows comfortable operation. You can check out other top-handle chainsaws on the market if you visit this post with my selection of the best arborist top handle chainsaws.
- 25cc professional engine
- powered by gas
- weighs 5.2 pounds
- features a top handle
- durable chain brake
Best Lightweight Battery-Powered Chainsaw
Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
Battery Stays Charged 5 Times Longer
This lightweight battery-powered chainsaw features a 10-inch guide bar and chain powered by a 20-Volt lithium battery. It also includes a charger and a cover for the guide bar for protection and safe storage. The included battery has a long run time and stays charged up to 5 times longer. Compared to gas models, this battery small lightweight chainsaw has zero emissions and produces less noise.
Tool-Free Chain Adjustments
The guide bar and the chain are both designed to prevent kickback situations to keep the saw operator safe. The chain can also be easily adjusted by using the tool-less tensioning system on the side of the chainsaw body. Moreover, the chain and bar will stay lubricated thanks to the featured automatic oiling technology that allows safe performance.
Comfortable & Lightweight Design
As this lightweight chainsaw weighs only 7.2 pounds, it is easy to control and maneuver while pruning branches or cutting firewood. The handle is wrapped around the body for comfortable handling and operating from different angles while reducing the feeling of fatigue. If this review of the best small lightweight chainsaw got you interested in battery models, read my article where I have reviewed some of the best battery-powered chainsaws on the market.
- 10-inch guide bar and chain
- includes a battery and a charger
- weighs 7.2 pounds
Best Lightest 50cc Chainsaw
Makita 50 cc Chainsaw
18-Inch Chainsaw Weighs 11.9 Pounds
This lightweight chainsaw features a 50cc gas engine and is manufactured with magnesium housing for durable and efficient performance. It weighs 11.9 pounds and can cut trees with the chain speed of up to 13800 revolutions per minute. The 3.9 horsepower chainsaw can start easily with the help of spring assist. It comes with an 18-inch long bar and chain.
Touch & Stop Lever
To be able to safely use the lightweight chainsaw, it features a chain brake that can be activated either mechanically or by inertia to prevent any injuries and otherwise dangerous situations. The engine shuts off with a single touch on the stop lever. It can store 15.9 ounces of fuel and 9.1 ounces of oil.
Smooth Rounded Surfaces For Comfort
The vibration of the lightweight chainsaw is reduced to allow comfortable operation. The compact design makes this chainsaw easy to maneuver and use for different cutting applications thanks to the rounded surfaces that are also smooth enough for easier cleaning. You can check out other 50cc chainsaws if you read my article about the best 50cc chainsaw models.
- weighs 11.9 pounds
- 13800 revolutions per minute
- inertia activated chain brake
- 18-inch guide bar and chain
Conclusion: Which Lightweight Chainsaws To Buy?
To conclude this chapter about the best lightweight chainsaw models, I would like to recommend two models: the Echo chainsaw and the Black+Decker lightweight cordless chainsaw. The first model is powered by a professional-grade gas engine and features a 12-inch guide bar and chain. It has a top handle and is suitable for professional arborist use. The second model is powered by a 20-Volt lithium battery and has a 10-inch bar and chain.
You can check out other types and models of chainsaws, by giving this post about the best chainsaws a read. If you’d like to check out small models, read my article about the best small and mini chainsaws. If you are buying a chainsaw on budget, check out my article about the best cheap chainsaws.