The use of a chainsaw extends to multiple tasks such as cutting, pruning, trimming, or felling. The machine is a valuable aid that allows you to take care of your green space. It is also widely used in agriculture and logging. Between the electric chainsaw and the gas-powered one, many hesitate about which model to buy. For those seeking performance, there is nothing like opting for the second category. If you want to equip yourself with one, this article has been written to guide you in your choice.

What is a gas-powered chainsaw?

To better clarify the subject, it is first important to provide a complete definition of the gas-powered chainsaw. It is a portable and professional saw equipped with a gas engine that operates with high power. This cutting tool is mainly used for pruning, cutting, and felling shrubs. It consists of multiple elements and spare parts including a guide bar, a control handle and another for holding, a chassis, a chain brake cover, and much more.

Different types of chainsaws

We can categorize 3 families of chainsaws. You have the electric chainsaw which stands out for its quietness and lightness. This machine is especially suitable for maintaining small gardens. To use it, you will need to have an electrical power supply nearby.

The second model is the battery chainsaw, which is cordless. Unlike the first example, this one can be heavier. But its operation does not depend on electrical current. Moreover, its guide bar length is limited between 11.5 to 20 cm due to its reduced power. The Erbauer battery chainsaw as well as the Stihl GTA battery chainsaw are among the most popular models on the market.

Compared to these 2 types of chainsaws, the gas-powered one stands out for its great power. As such, it is the ideal machine for carrying out more substantial activities such as felling trees with a diameter of 45 cm. To use it safely, it is recommended to equip yourself with a guide bar that matches the diameter of the trunk. The Oregon guide bar is favored for its superior quality.

How the gas-powered chainsaw works

The machine is equipped with a gas engine powered by gasoline. This central part generally operates according to the two-stroke cycle system. Its mechanism relies on the mixture of gasoline with oil. Through the carburetor, these substances blend with the air. The gas-powered chainsaw has an oil reservoir. However, this reservoir ensures the lubrication of the chain, but not that of the engine.

The product operates with a high power ranging from 1800 to 6,400 W. Due to this performance, it is the ideal companion for professionals to carry out major cutting jobs. The length of the gas-powered chainsaw blade can reach up to 50 cm or even 90 cm. With this part, it can easily tackle large trunks.

To vary their use, manufacturers offer a large number of models of gasoline chainsaws. Each product corresponds to a very specific use. For example, there is the gasoline pruning chainsaw which is reserved for trimming and cutting branches. There is also the professional chainsaw which stands out for its power and versatility. It is equipped with a gasoline engine ranging from 2,500 to 6,500 W. Due to this high power, it easily withstands intensive use.

Comparison of the best gasoline chainsaws: our top 9

Unlike the electric chainsaw, pruning chainsaw, or battery chainsaw, the gasoline chainsaw comes at a high price. Therefore, its choice is not made blindly or randomly. To give you a helping hand in spotting the right model, check out our ranking of the best products available on the market.

GarveeLife Gasoline Chainsaw 58cc, 2-stroke engine

The GarveeLife Gasoline Chainsaw 58cc is a powerful model designed for intensive cutting tasks such as felling, log cutting, or pruning large trees. Its 2.5 kW 2-stroke engine paired with a 45 cm (18″) guide bar offers good cutting capacity for hardwoods and thick sections. Designed for regular use, it combines high power, classic manual start, and an automatic chain lubrication system to maintain consistent performance.

In terms of comfort, this chainsaw features an ergonomic handle, an anti-vibration system, and a chain brake to enhance safety. Its generous tank allows for continuous cutting without frequent stops, while its robust design makes it more suitable for users seeking a high-performance machine for garden maintenance, firewood, or occasional to sustained forestry work.

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CS 50S McCulloch Gasoline Chainsaw

McCulloch CS 50S stands out for its multiple integrated technologies. Its 2100 W engine benefits from the OxyPower system, allowing it to reduce fuel consumption while optimizing its performance. Thanks to this innovation, it minimizes pollutant emissions as much as possible.  

The included Soft Start function simplifies its startup. As for the anti-vibration mechanism, it helps you cut firewood with precision. Its air filter features the CCS system used to clean the intake air before chips reach the carburetor. This mechanism extends the device’s lifespan. It is comfortably handled with its Soft Grip handle, which is both soft and ergonomic.

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Greencut GS2500 10

Greencut presents a thermal chainsaw with a 50 cm blade perfect for tough sawing jobs. It performs its tasks at full speed and with precision, thanks to its 62 cm3 2-stroke gasoline engine. This engine offers consistent power through its magnetic finned flywheel ensuring optimal cooling.

Upon delivery, the manufacturer provides the machine with the most useful protective equipment such as goggles, ear protection helmet, and gloves. To enhance your safety, it is equipped with a chain brake that stops it immediately once it detects a kickback.

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GT Garden Thermal Pruning Chainsaw

The French brand GT GARDEN returns with a thermal pruning chainsaw that is simple to use. It is equipped with an easy start device to be ready for use. Even a beginner can use it without difficulty. Moreover, the manual included with the delivery is translated into French, which simplifies understanding.

This pruning chainsaw offers great maneuverability. Lightweight, it weighs only 3.6 kg, allowing you to handle it with one hand. With its power of 0.9 kW and displacement of 25 cm3, it allows occasional branch cutting. The product comes with several necessary accessories such as a screwdriver and spark plug wrench, mixing bottle, and chain file.

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Advantages

• Easy to use
• Featherweight

Disadvantages

Designed only for occasional work

Einhell GC-PC 1435 I TC Petrol Chainsaw

The chainsaw stock from the Einhell brand stands out due to the success of its finish. This product comes with an Oregon chain guide, which is recognized as being of superior quality. Thanks to this component, the device guarantees cutting performance with every use.

Unlike other chainsaws, it offers easy use and maintenance. The lubrication of its chain and chain guide is done mechanically. The machine is equipped with a primer button and an automatic choke to facilitate engine starting. Versatile, it not only prunes large branches but also efficiently fells trees.

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Einhell GC-PC 730 Petrol Chainsaw

This model delights buyers looking for a lightweight petrol chainsaw. Weighing 3.8 kg, it never tires your arms, even if you extend your work sessions. If you are used to using a large machine, this product will surely please you with its featherweight.

But that’s not all, it is not too noisy unlike other chainsaws on the market. It thus does not risk disturbing those around you. The device is equipped with an anti-vibration system making its use more pleasant. It can be handled safely, thanks to the integrated anti-kickback protection technology.

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Ryobi RCS3835T Petrol Chainsaw

Thanks to its powerful engine, this Ryobi chainsaw allows efficient cutting of trunks, including those with larger diameters. It offers easy and quick starting by using 4 pumps. Despite the quality of its engine, it emits only low noise during operation.

In terms of design, the combination of green and black is very successful, attracting buyers’ attention at first glance. Measuring 47 cm long, 29.5 cm wide, and 26.2 cm high, this petrol chainsaw causes no storage problems. With its total weight of 4.6 kg, it is easy to handle.

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Maxx Gas Chainsaw 62 cm3

To successfully maintain your green spaces, nothing beats having a high-performance gas chainsaw. This petrol chain saw features a two-stroke engine that is both reliable and efficient. With its 62 cm3 displacement, no tree trunk can resist it.

The product features a gas chainsaw blade of 50 cm, allowing you to accomplish the toughest jobs. It is equipped with shock absorbers that limit vibrations. Upon delivery, it comes with multiple essential accessories including 2 spare chains, a chain guide, a practical toolbox, and a bag for storage and transport.

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‎GAS CHAINSAW 61.5 CM³ Timberpro

If you want to equip yourself with a semi-professional chainsaw that is easy to use, choose this product. Although it is ranked among competitive models, its settings are straightforward.

Like the best gas chainsaws, the device benefits from the Easy Start system for easy starting. It is equipped with a primer pump that helps start it more easily. Chain tension adjustment is simplified using the transverse screw. Assembly is quick.  

With 61.5 cm³, the chainsaw allows you to perform any felling task effortlessly. The guide bar length is 50 cm, helping you handle it easily. Despite its many advantages, it is offered at an affordable price.

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What is the best gas chainsaw?

To find the ideal product, it is important to know the details of a gas chainsaw. If you don’t have time to do the research, here are the essential selection criteria to consider.

Available options

As manufacturers compete in inventiveness in the composition of gasoline chainsaws, they offer many interesting options. Assisted start, quick chain tensioner, compensator carburetor, automatic choke and decompressor are among the features most appreciated by buyers. The Easy Start system is also attracting more and more buyers when selecting this machine.

Type of use

To know the best gasoline chainsaw, it is recommended to determine the nature of the use you plan to make with the device. If you intend to use it regularly for firewood felling, a model with a cutting length of 35 to 40 cm will do the job. For occasional use, you can favor a chainsaw equipped with a guide length between 30 and 35 cm. The Makita EA3200S35 gasoline chainsaw and Stihl gasoline chainsaw will not disappoint you.

For extreme and professional use, favor a high-performance item like a Husqvarna chainsaw with a cutting length of more than 45 cm or even 50 cm. The Garden gasoline chainsaw is also capable of this. If you frequently perform pruning work, a gasoline pruning chainsaw will suit you perfectly. Choose a handy and lightweight product that helps you easily trim tree branches.

Power and displacement

Expressed in watts or horsepower (hp), power is one of the key indicators of the machine’s potential. It is designated by the displacement. The higher it is, the more powerful the product’s engine can be. For professional use, the device must have a displacement exceeding 60 cm³. This allows knowledgeable farmers and forestry experts to carry out intense tasks such as felling, pruning, or cutting large volume wood.

The engine

The gasoline chainsaws on the market operate using a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

The first is especially widespread in the market. Available inline, it is prized for its light weight. Even better, the 2-stroke engine is easy to start. It runs on a mixture of fuel and oil. It offers satisfactory performance. As for its downside, it is quite noisy. 

Regarding the 4-stroke engine, it is heavy. It uses unleaded gasoline to operate. Its strong point is that it ensures optimized user comfort because it is less noisy. Moreover, it is less polluting.

Comparison table of models

Characteristic	Entry-level (Leisure)	Mid-range (Semi-pro)	Professional
Displacement	30 to 35 cm³	40 to 55 cm³	More than 60 cm³
Guide length	30 to 40 cm	40 to 50 cm	50 cm and above
Average weight	4 to 5 kg	5 to 6.5 kg	More than 7 kg
Main use	Pruning, small wood	Regular felling, cutting	Intensive forestry work

To transform your logs into ready-to-use firewood, using a high-performance wood splitter is an ideal additional step. Once the cutting is finished, it is also crucial to know how to safely split logs to optimize drying. Finally, don’t forget that regular maintenance of your cutting tools is the key to their longevity, especially by learning how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with the right techniques: afterwards, you will gain efficiency in all your outdoor work.

How to use a petrol chainsaw?

Due to the noise generated by its engine, its use is governed by regulations set by the town hall. If you do not respect the hours during which your chainsaw is allowed, you risk a fine. In this case, you must use it during working days from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM. For weekends, these time slots are more restricted.

That said, it is essential to perform a complete check of the machine before using it. The first element to check is the filter. It must not be clogged, otherwise you need to clean it. Then check the oil level. If it seems insufficient, just add a few drops.

Don’t forget to wear personal protective equipment or PPE for your safety. Generally, this includes goggles, a helmet, gloves, a visor, and special shoes. But you can also wear reinforced trousers or chaps, as the risk of cuts can occur at any time.

Once you are properly equipped, you can proceed to start your petrol chainsaw. Unlike the electric chainsaw, this operation can be more complex.

First, set the control to the start option. Then press the primer bulb several times to pump the fuel. If the engine is warm, keep the choke closed. When it is cold, open it.

Now grasp the starter handle with your right hand and the carrying handle with your left. Then, pull the starter sharply and use both arms for an easy start. Once the engine is running, let it run for 10 seconds, then remove the choke.

The best brands of petrol chainsaws

Husqvarna

Buyers consider Husqvarna as the leader in chainsaws, thanks to the performance and quality finish of its products. Certainly, they are expensive, but they are well worth the cost. The manufacturer offers superior quality petrol chainsaw blades for precise tree cutting. Likewise, the power and user comfort are top-notch, meeting all needs.

GT Garden

This French brand sells countless models of petrol chainsaws on the market. Although they are efficient, they come at a reasonable price to suit all budgets. GT Garden offers a 24-month warranty as a guarantee of their quality. Their spare parts are in stock in case you need them.

Einhell

This German brand is known for the success of its DIY and gardening tools. It is among the major brands of petrol chainsaws due to the quality of its products. They stand out for their best anti-vibration system offering more user comfort.

McCulloch

To outperform its competitors, this manufacturer uses many innovative technologies in the design of its products. That is why their price seems a bit high compared to other products in the same category. They also stand out for their low noise. While gasoline chainsaws are sometimes very loud, their models guarantee great user comfort due to their reduced noise pollution.

How much does a gasoline chainsaw cost?

Given the variety of gasoline chainsaw models on the market, you can easily find a product that fits the budget planned for the purchase. Its price varies according to many parameters such as its power or displacement, guide bar length, weight, user comfort, and especially its type of use.

If you are not very demanding about power, an item around 110 euros may suffice. The Garden GT gasoline chainsaw costs 109.80 euros. Conversely, if you are looking for a high-performance and competitive chainsaw, you must prepare a substantial budget. The price of the Husqvarna gasoline chainsaw 560 XP climbs up to 940 euros. It should be noted that some retailers offer free delivery when purchasing their products. Thanks to this discount, you only have to pay the product cost.  

How to maintain your gasoline chainsaw like a professional?

Acquiring a gasoline chainsaw requires a heavy investment. To make it last, it must be regularly maintained. The chain is one of its components that requires careful attention. To ensure it cuts under better conditions, it must be more precise. To ensure its efficiency, you must disassemble it and then sharpen it.

Once done, move on to the gasoline chainsaw guide bar. This must be well lubricated with quality oil. If you notice dust marks, clean the affected parts. Spray the special product on the chain, guide bar, chain sprocket, and the housing. Then scrub with a brush until you get clean gasoline chainsaw chains. After this step, wipe all parts with a dry and soft cloth to prevent rust.

To make the maintenance of the chainsaw easier, it is advisable to favor the side chain tensioner. It allows you to tighten the chain with a screwdriver without having to disassemble everything.

As for the engine, check if the air filter is dirty. If so, it will need to be cleaned. Often, this part is washable. As for the fuel filter, you can also clean it using compressed air or a brush. If it is already worn out, it is better to replace it. Once maintenance is complete, all you have to do is reassemble all the components and put the engine cover back in place.

If you plan not to use your machine for months, it is advisable to empty its tank. Regarding chainsaw storage, store it in a place that is both ventilated and dry.

Advantages and disadvantages of a gasoline chainsaw

Considered a professional saw, the gasoline chainsaw ensures firewood cutting and felling. It has countless remarkable advantages compared to its electric competitor.

First of all, its strong point lies in its high power. From 1200 W to 6500 W, it meets the requirements of specialists to perform cuts on large trunks. That’s not all, it demonstrates high resistance to intensive use. Even if you use it for a long time, the chainsaw does not suffer any damage.

Aside from that, its other asset relates to its great autonomy. The machine carries its own power. It does not need to be plugged into a power outlet to operate. However, it is capable of working for hours in an area far from electricity. If you plan to cut firewood throughout the day, a jerrycan of gasoline is more than enough to fuel it.

Despite its many advantages, the gas chainsaw has its own drawbacks. Whether it is a Husqvarna gas chainsaw, Stihl gas chainsaw, Black Decker gas chainsaw, Makita gas chainsaw or Garden gas chainsaw, almost all these models are characterized by their more or less disturbing noise.

Indeed, the level varies from one product to another. But wearing noise-canceling headphones is always recommended during use. The gas engine vibrates strongly and emits a lot of sound throughout its operation.

If we compare the gas model to the electric one, the former is distinguished by its heavy weight. This example of chainsaw weighs between 4 and 7 kg. Its handling requires a certain physical strength.

Moreover, it requires meticulous maintenance to optimize its performance and increase its lifespan. Certain elements such as the tension, sharpening, and lubrication of the gas chainsaw chain must be performed regularly.

The gas chainsaw is also criticized for being harmful to the environment, as it emits carbon dioxide. Nevertheless, major brands have already taken the necessary steps to improve their products.

Frequently Asked Questions