The 8 Best Professional Chainsaws of 2023

Photo: Makita

Professional chainsaws differ from consumer saws in many ways. They come with more power, offer more comfort features, better design, and construction for durability.

So, if you’re faced with handling many trees regularly, you’ll need a saw that’s cut out for that. They may cost a little more than standard saws, but they are truly designed with heavy work in mind.

This professional chainsaws review focuses on making it easy for you to choose, with the following top-9 list and the accompanying buying guide.

8 Best Professional Chainsaws – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Poulan Pro PR5020 (Best Budget)	50-cc professional chainsaw The cheapest chainsaw on this list Innovative design with impressive features Backed by a 2-year warranty
	2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher (Powerful & Rugged)	Powerful chainsaw with a 60.3-cc engine Produces chain speeds up to 65.62 fps Accepts bar lengths from 13 to 24 inches Backed by Husqvarna’s standard 2-year warranty
	3. Husqvarna 455 (With 18 or 20 Inch Bar)	High-powered chainsaw with 55.5-cc engine Tough and durable design for professional use Available in 18 and 20-inch models Comes with a 2-year warranty
	4. Echo CS590 Timber Wolf (3.9 HP Digital Ignition Design)	Large 59.8-cc 2-stroke professional chainsaw Works with 18, 20, and 24-inch bars Features an automatic and adjustable oiling system 5-year consumer and 1-year commercial warranty
	5. Husqvarna 450 Rancher (Compact All-rounder Design)	Mid-sized but powerful professional chainsaw Highly efficient X-Torq engine Offered at a low and attractive price Backed by a 2-year warranty
	6. Echo CS400 (Small & Light)	Compact professional chainsaw Features a 40.2-cc engine Available with 16 or 18-inch bars 1-year commercial and 5-year consumer warranties
	7. Tanaka TCS51EAP (7-year Warranty)	50.1-cc powerful chainsaw Available with 16, 18, and 20-inch bars With an adjustable automatic oiler Backed by a 7-year consumer warranty
	8. Makita EA6100PREL (4.6 HP High-efficiency Design)	The largest engine in this review Includes a heavy-duty air filter Backed by a 1-year warranty

1. Poulan Pro PR5020 – Best Budget Professional Chainsaw

Photo: Poulan Pro

• Engine: 50 cc
• Bar Length: 20 inches
• Weight: 17 pounds

This Poulan Pro PR5020 is an opportunity for those on a budget, and who still need a high-quality professional chainsaw that can compare with the other brands.

Featuring the 50-cc OxyPower engine from Poulan Pro, you get better fuel efficiency, up to 70% fewer emissions, and more power to tackle all your cutting and trimming needs.

Downsides include its relative heaviness and there are so many plastic parts on the saw that you start to wonder how durable it is.

But then, it features an ergonomic design with anti-vibration, offers onboard tool storage space, a fast and convenient chain-tensioning system, and Poulan Pro backs it with a 2-year warranty to make it one of the best professional grade chainsaws.

More Detailed: Poulan Pro PR5020 Review

Pros:

• Powerful 50-cc professional chainsaw
• The cheapest chainsaw on this list
• Innovative and impressive engine features
• Covered by Poulan Pro’s 2-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s a relatively heavy chainsaw
• The housing is almost entirely plastic

2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher – Powerful & Rugged Professional Chainsaw

Photo: Husqvarna

• Engine: 60.3 cc, 3.62 HP
• Bar Length: 18, 20, & 24 inches
• Weight: 13.2, 20.9, 22.8 pounds

For the best all-around professional chainsaw, check out this Husqvarna 460 Rancher. It’s a powerful, reliable, and rugged chainsaw that’s made to last a long time.

Husqvarna offers the 24-inch model here, but you can also get the 18 and 20-inch models if that’s what you prefer. It generally accepts bars from 13 to 24 inches in length.

The 460 Rancher is a heavy-duty saw powered by Husqvarna’s relentless X-Torq engine with features like SmartStart and low-vibration technology.

It comes with a blade cover, but you’ll have to pay for the full carrying case. Another con is that you can get cheaper offers, but this 460 Rancher is a tested and proven champion, and Husqvarna backs it with a 2-year warranty.

Pros:

• Powerful 60.3-cc engine with 3.62 HP
• Produces chain speeds up to 65.62 fps
• Accepts different bar lengths from 13 to 24 inches
• Comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• You can get cheaper professional chainsaws
• The package doesn’t include a carrying case

3. Husqvarna 455 – Professional Chainsaw with 18 or 20 Inch Bar

Photo: Husqvarna

• Engine: 55.5 cc, 3.5 HP
• Bar Length: 18 & 20 inches
• Weight: 13.2, 20 pounds

Here comes another Husqvarna Rancher professional chainsaw. This time, it’s the Husqvarna 455 and it comes with a 55.5 cc gasoline engine.

The 2-cycle X-Torq engine delivers 3.5 HP and drives the chain up to 65.2 fps speeds. It also features a chain brake, low fuel consumption, and better emission levels.

Using this chainsaw will leave you with no doubt that Husqvarna makes some of the best heavy-duty chainsaws. It weighs just 13.2 pounds without a bar and is compatible with 18 and 20-inch bars and chains.

For cons, there’s no carrying case and you’ll need to buy the chain oil on your own. Still, this remains a great chainsaw with its ergonomic design, anti-vibration technology, and 2-year warranty.

More Detailed: Husqvarna 455 Rancher Review

Pros:

• High-powered 55.5-cc chainsaw
• Tough and durable design for professional use
• Easy to clean and keep up
• Backed by Husqvarna’s 2-year warranty

Cons:

• The package includes a chain cover but no carrying case
• You need to separately buy the chain oil

4. Echo CS590 Timber Wolf – 3.9 HP Digital Ignition Professional Chainsaw

Photo: Echo

• Engine: 59.8 cc
• Bar Length: 18, 20 inches
• Weight: 13.7, 14.1  pounds

The Echo CS590 Timber Wolf is one of the most powerful chainsaws on this list with its 59.8 cc and 3.9 HP output. This offer is for the 20-inch model, but it’s also available with 18 and 24-inch bars and chains.

Other nice features include an adjustable automatic oiler, a translucent fuel tank for the operator’s convenience, and a digital ignition system.

There’s also an air pre-cleaner to cut down on filter maintenance and the filters are also easy to reach for cleaning when needed. This Echo Timber Wolf weighs just 13.2 pounds, but that’s without the bar and chain.

The package lacks a cover and carrying case. However, it comes with 1-year commercial and 5-year consumer warranties, making it one of the top-rated professional chainsaws.

More Detailed: Echo CS-590 Review

Pros:

• Large 59.8-cc professional chainsaw
• Accepts 18, 20, and 24-inch bars
• Includes air pre-cleaner for less filter service
• 5-year consumer and 1-year commercial warranty

Cons:

• There are cheaper offers
• It doesn’t include a chain cover or carrying case

5. Husqvarna 450 Rancher – Compact All-rounder Professional Chainsaw

Photo: Husqvarna

• Engine: 50.2 cc, 3.2 HP
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 10.8 pounds

For a more compact professional chainsaw, check out this offer from Husqvarna. It’s smaller than the previous two but is very much as powerful and efficient.

This saw packs a 50.2-cc Husqvarna X-Torq engine with a 3.2-HP output, able to drive its chain up to speeds of 56.89 fps. It also features a vibration minimization technology, snap-lock cylinder cover, and a chain brake.

For downsides, this Husqvarna 450 Rancher produces less power than the larger chainsaws. But it also costs less, is easier to handle and maneuver, and is still powerful enough for most tasks.

Pros:

• Mid-sized but powerful professional chainsaw
• Features a 3.2-HP X-Torq engine
• A low and attractive price
• Comes backed by a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• It has the smallest Husqvarna engine
• You can only get it with an 18-inch bar

6. Echo CS400 – Small & Light Professional Chainsaw

Photo: Echo

• Engine: 40.2 cc
• Bar Length: 16, 18 inches
• Weight: 10.1 lbs

The best professional chainsaws don’t necessarily need to be large. All you need is a saw that can handle the type of jobs that you’ve got. So, here’s a professional chainsaw for woods up to 16 inches thick.

You can get it with either a 16 or an 18-inch bar. It’s powered by a 40.2-cc 2-stroke gasoline engine with an automatic oiler that you can also adjust to suit any cutting condition.

Although it’s a compact powerhouse, you should keep in mind that it’s not as powerful as the other chainsaws in this review. It also can’t handle guide bars that are longer than 18 inches.

It comes with a 5-year consumer warranty, however, and 1-year only for commercial use. Plus it includes an air pre-cleaner and an automotive-style air filtering system for convenience and efficiency.

Pros:

• Small-sized professional chainsaw
• Powered by a 2-stroke 40.2-cc engine
• Available with 16 or 18-inch bars
• Backed by 5-year consumer and 1-year commercial warranties

Cons:

• It can’t handle guide bars longer than 18 inches
• There are chainsaws with more powerful engines

7. Tanaka TCS51EAP – Professional Chainsaw with 7-year Warranty

Photo: Tanaka

• Engine: 50.1 cc
• Bar Length: 16, 18, & 20 inches
• Weight: 8.4, 10, 17.6 pounds

Tanaka is a very old Japanese brand that is now part of Metabo HPT. This offer features a 50.1-cc engine and is available in 16, 18, and 20-inch bar lengths.

The engine is for maximum power delivery and minimal fuel consumption. It also features an auto-return choke, a primer bulb, and a decompression valve for more convenient starts.

Further, features of this chainsaw include bumper spikes and an automatic oiling system that you can adjust to fit your working conditions.

What makes it one of the best professional-grade chainsaws, however, is the included warranty. Tanaka covers it with a 7-year warranty for home use, 2 years for commercial use, and 1 year for rentals.

Note: This exact chainsaw is also available as the Hitachi CS51EAP with the same features and warranty.

Pros:

• 50.1-cc powerful chainsaw
• Comes in 16, 18, and 20-inch bar lengths
• Also features an adjustable automatic oiler
• Includes a 7-year consumer warranty

Cons:

• It’s a relatively heavy chainsaw
• There are cheaper professional chainsaws

8. Makita EA6100PREL – 4.6 HP High-efficiency Professional Chainsaw

Photo: Makita

• Engine: 61 cc
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 13.2 pounds

With its 4.6-HP output, this Makita professional chainsaw features the largest engine in this review at 61cc. It’s a powerful chainsaw with a compact and easy to handle design.

Designed with an 18-inch bar, it offers a simple and convenient control system with a simple lever to cut and kill the engine. Starting is also easy with its spring-assisted design.

The saw comes in a magnesium housing for durability and manageable weight. It also features an advanced vibration dampening system to make it easier to use.

For downsides, it’s the costliest offer on this list. But this is a Makita chainsaw and if you consider its impressive technical stats, then you may find that it’s worth that price as one of the best professional chainsaws in the market.

Pros:

• With 61cc, the largest engine in this review
• Includes a heavy-duty air filter for durability
• Easy and convenient spring starter
• Backed by Makita’s 1-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s the costliest chainsaw on this list
• You’ll find lighter chainsaws

How to Buy the Best Professional Chainsaws

Photo: Echo

Here are the factors to understand and look out for when choosing the best industrial chainsaw.

1. Engine

You want a chainsaw with enough power to cut through the toughest woods without dropping a sweat. This is the first feature that sets professional chainsaws apart from the rest.

This demand for raw and unbridled power means that mostly gas-powered powered chainsaws can fit the bill. Of course, electric chainsaws are often very powerful. But if you want a chainsaw with merciless cutting power, then you need a gas-powered model.

Here, engine sizes are given in cc or Cubic Centimeter and can range from about 20cc to well over 100cc. Higher cc values mean more power, and often, a higher price-tag as well.

2. Bar Length

The chainsaw bar is that long and protruding part that supports and guides the chains in its circular cutting motion. Bar length is important here because it helps to decide how efficiently you can get your work done.

Bar lengths range from about 10 to 24 inches, depending on the chainsaw’s power output. So, if you’ll be cutting small trees and branches, then a 10 to a 16-inch bar might work for you. Else, you need something larger.

The recommended bar length is at least 2 inches longer than the largest tree-diameter that you intend to cut. This simply means that your intended job will help you to come up with the right bar length.

Also, note that some chainsaws allow you to use different chains and bar lengths.

3. The Handles

A handle is another important part of a chainsaw. Every chainsaw comes with a front and a rear handle and they are usually well spaced to offer a good level of control for the operator.

The rear handle usually includes the saw’s operating controls such as the trigger, with the overall design such that you need to hand to control the saw.

Some chainsaws feature a top-placed rear handle, however. These try to make one-handed control possible, but they often come at the cost of the operator’s safety.

4. Design & Sturdiness

Another important feature of professional chainsaws is quality design and construction, which also means longer lifespans.

You should, therefore, keep an eye on the construction materials of the engine, chains, and other parts. The best commercial chainsaws should look and feel indestructible.

5. Ease of Use & Maintenance

The ease of use and maintenance of a professional chainsaw is an important consideration because you’ll be using it for hours at a go. This means having the right weight, easy to handle and control, as well as feature as much comfort and ergonomics as possible.

For maintenance, you are better off with a saw that offers easy disassembly and assembly. This way, you can easily change worn out or broken parts, so you can quickly get back to the job at hand.

6. Price & Budget

Professional chainsaws have a higher design and construction quality, and this also means more production costs and a higher price tag than consumer saws.

As professional saws can cost many hundreds of dollars, it’s left for you to set a realistic budget of what you want and can afford. Then concentrate on finding a good chainsaw within your budget.

7. Handedness

One last important feature to consider is handedness. All chainsaws are for right-handed use. And unlike guitars, it’s very dangerous to try to fit any chainsaw to left-hand use. If you’re left-handed, then learn to use it the right-handed way first.

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of this professional chainsaws review and you’ve seen all the best offers out there. You’ve seen powerful 18-inch and 20-inch chainsaws, as well as the real heavy-duty 24-inch models.

You’ve also seen the affordable budget models and those that feature only the best materials. This final decision, however, is all yours to make because it’s only you that knows what you truly want and can afford.