Keen on buying a mini chainsaw to get small cutting jobs done easily? Not sure what you can do with a small chainsaw?
Then this article is a must-read for you! You can find out the difference between small gas chainsaw models and electric corded and cordless models to help you decide which one works better for your requirements. In this article, you can also learn about the specifications and features that make the best small chainsaws.
Buyer’s Guide To Mini & Small Chainsaws
Different Types Of Mini Chainsaws
The market offers these little chainsaws powered by either gas, or battery, or electricity. Gas models are usually more powerful, but also heavier and produce more noise. They are preferred by professionals who use the chainsaw regularly for many different cutting jobs. On the other hand, corded and cordless electric models are popular among homeowners and other occasional cutters, as well as beginners. They also require less maintenance than gas chainsaws.
Applications Of Small Chainsaws
Small chainsaws are usually equipped with a guide bar with a length between 8 and 14 inches. They are usually suitable for smaller and lighter work, such as pruning trees, trimming trees and bushes, as well as cutting firewood and smaller logs. You can also fell small trees with a mini chainsaw with a bar length of 14 inches, as well as cut firewood with this chainsaw model. The chainsaws with bar guides of 12 inches and under, allow you to prune and trim, as well as cut small logs.
Choosing The Best Small Chainsaw
When you decide to buy a small chainsaw, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure the bar length corresponds with the thickness of the wood you plan to cut with it. Secondly, make sure the motor or the engine is powerful enough to perform the cutting jobs you wish to do. Also, opt for models that have safety features to prevent dangerous kickbacks while using the chainsaw to cut wood.
Where To Search For Them?
I would suggest you browse different online retailers to find the best deal on a small and mini chainsaw. Amazon, for example, offers a wide range of different mini chainsaws so that there is something for different needs and budgets. Amazon also lets you check out customer reviews to see what other buyers have to say about a certain product.
Best 5 Mini & Small Chainsaws Reviews
Best Small Gas Chainsaw
Small Echo Chainsaw
Top Handle With Easy-To-Access Controls
This best small gas-powered chainsaw features a 25cc professional-grade engine with a 14-inch long guide bar and a chain. It has a top handle with easy access to all the controls and is designed for professional use of arborists and tree surgeons. This design means that it can be used while climbing trees to prune branches and keep the trees healthy.
Weighs Only 5.2 Pounds
This mini gas chainsaw is one of the lightest gas chainsaws in North America. It weighs only 5.2 pounds without the attached cutting equipment so that it is is to control and maneuver. It has a clutch-driven automatic oiling system that reduces oil consumption while supply the bar and the chain with enough lubrication. Chain adjustments are easy thanks to the side-mounted chain tensioning mechanism.
Metal Lanyard Ring For Easy Attaching & Detaching
The textured grip allows easy control and the metal lanyard ring allows you to easily attach and detach the small gas chainsaw to the saw operator when climbing trees. As it is lightweight, it is easy to maneuver for arborists and the top handle design also helps here. In case you are interested in gas models, read this post about the best gas-powered chainsaws on the market.
- 25cc professional-grade engine
- 14-inch long guide bar
- top handle lightweight design
Best Small Battery-Powered Chainsaw
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
For Occasional Cutting Jobs
This small cordless chainsaw is powered by a 20-volt lithium battery that is engineered for longer run time and can stay charged up to 5 times longer. The cutting equipment is designed to prevent kickback situations to keep the saw operator safe while using this small chainsaw with a 10-inch log guide bar. The cordless mini chainsaw provides smooth cuts and is suitable for small and occasional cutting jobs.
Easy Chain Maintenance For Smooth Cuts
The chain and the blade can be easily adjusted without having to use any tools as this small battery chainsaw comes with a knob for tool-free chain tensioning. The automatic oiling system keeps the cutting equipment lubricated and greasy enough for effective and safe sawing. The oil pump has a clear window to easily check the oil level inside.
Prevents Fatigue & Increases Comfort
This mini chainsaw weighs only 7.2 pounds and thanks to its lightweight design provides comfort during use. Apart from that, it also reduces fatigue while sawing. In case you are looking for a battery chainsaw, take a look at this article about the best battery-powered chainsaws on the market.
- 20-volt battery
- 10-inch low kickback bar and chain
- tool-free tensioning mechanism
- automatic oiler
Best Mini Electric Chainsaw
Greenworks 14-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Instant Start With A Pull Of A Trigger
This 14-inch small electric chainsaw is powered by a 10.5-Amp motor and features an instant electric start with a push of a button. By pushing a button to unlock and then pulling the trigger, this electric chainsaw will start instantly, unlike its gas counterparts. The corded electric model is limited in reach to the length of the cord used to plug in the mini chainsaw.
Unlimited Cuts After Plugging In
Unlike battery and gas models, a corded electric chainsaw offers unlimited cuts as it can operate as long as it is plugged into a power outlet. It features an automatic oiler that keeps both the guide bar and the chain lubricated so that the chainsaw can cut smoothly while prolonging the lifespan of the chain and the overall chainsaw. To keep the chain optimally tight, there is a side-access tool-less chain tensioning mechanism to do that quickly and easily.
Zero Emissions & Less Noise
Compared to gas chainsaws, electric models produce less noise and have zero emissions, which makes them more environment-friendly. Unlike battery and gas models, mini electric chainsaws only need plugging in to be able to work. If you want to learn more information about corded models, read this post about the best electric chainsaws.
- 10.5-Amp motor
- 14-inch long guide bar
- instant start
- automatic oiler
- tool-free chain tensioner
Best Small Handheld Chainsaw
Small Husqvarna Chainsaw
Top Handle Suitable For Climbing Trees
This small handheld chainsaw features a 12-inch long guide bar and a 35.2cc engine. The engine is made to reduce gas consumption and lower harmful emissions at the same time. It is designed with a top handle so that it can be used with one hand when climbing trees to cut off branches. It can be used by arborists and other professionals to prune trees in vineyards, orchards, as well as parks and other tree areas.
Features A Sturdy Rope Attachment
This small handheld chainsaw comes with safety features including a chain brake with a view window so that you can always have a clear view of the cutting bar and its tip. To be able to easily hoist this chainsaw up into a tree, it comes with a sturdy rope attachment. While working, you can always adjust the tightness of the chain easily and quickly by using the chain tensioning mechanism.
Well-Balanced Body With Anti-Vibration
This small gas chainsaw weighs 7.5 pounds without the cutting equipment attached to it. Although it is lightweight, it is also powerful and can be easily controlled and maneuvered thanks to the well-balanced body. The anti-vibration technology reduces fatigue for comfortable sawing. If you’d like to check out other such models, read my post about the best one-handed handheld chainsaws.
- 35.2cc gas engine
- 12-inch bar
- weighs 7.5 pounds
- anti-vibration technology
Best Cheap Mini Chainsaw
Sun Joe 12-inch Electric Chainsaw
Safety Switch & Instant Start
This corded electric chainsaw is equipped with a 9-Amp motor and a 12-inch long guide bar with a chain. It can start instantly after it is plugged into a power outlet and the safety switch prevents it from accidentally starting. It can be used for cutting logs and pruning branches with a maximum diameter of 11.5 inches.
Safety Brake With A Hand Guard
The automatic chain oiler keeps it lubricated so that it can deliver smooth and effective performance. The oil reservoir has a window that allows you to check the oil level at any time. The safety brake stops the chain from rotation in case of kickback situations. At the same time, it guards your hands against injuries.
Corded For Homeowners
This small chainsaw weighs just over 7 pounds for comfortable sawing so that you can easily maneuver it around your yard. As it is corded, it is ideal for homeowners who occasionally need to get some house chores done. It is listed for the price between 70 and 90 dollars on Amazon. If you are buying a chainsaw on a budget, check out my post about the best cheap chainsaws.
- 9-Amp motor
- a 12-inch long bar
- includes safety features
Conclusion: Which Mini & Small Chainsaws To Buy?
In conclusion to this article about the best small and mini chainsaws, I would like to recommend the following two models. Firstly, the small Echo chainsaw is equipped with a 14-inch bar and a 25cc professional-grade engine. It has a top handle design so that it can be used even when climbing trees. Secondly, the Black & Decker 20-volt chainsaw is powered by a lithium battery and features a 10-inch long guide bar so that you can use it for small cutting jobs occasionally.
If you want to check out other kinds and types of chainsaws on the market, read my post about the best chainsaws. If you’d like to check out hand chainsaws instead, read my post about the best pocket chainsaws available at the moment. If you need a telescopic chainsaw, read my post about the best extendable chainsaws on the market.