Cutting down large trees can be a daunting task, and having the best chainsaw for cutting big trees is essential. Whether you’re a professional logger or weekend warrior, there are specific features to look for in order to tackle those big jobs.
Gas-powered chainsaws offer superior power and performance when it comes to tackling larger tree trunks, so if you’re looking for an efficient way to clear your property of any overgrown trees then you should consider investing in one of these powerful machines.
In this article, we will discuss the best gas chainsaws for cutting big trees, as well as provide a buying guide that outlines all the important factors to consider before making your purchase.
Best Overall: Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
⇣ Jump to ReviewFeatures To Look For In A Chainsaw for Cutting Big Trees
When searching for the best chainsaw for cutting big trees, you will notice that it comes with various features to choose from.
Guide Bar (Blade) Length
Often known as the ‘blade’, the guide bar and chain’s size will decide how big a piece of wood you can cut. This in turn affects what types of projects you can accomplish with your saw, such as cutting down trees, splitting firewood, trimming branches, etc.
Whether you’re a weekend lumberjack or a homeowner, guide bars for gas chainsaws come in an array of sizes to suit your needs – from 12 inches up to 72. For casual users, something between 12 and 20 inches works best; anything bigger requires professional-grade equipment.
Oiler Type
To ensure your chainsaw’s optimal performance and prevent the guide bar and chain from becoming overheated or worn out, it is important to consistently lubricate them with oil. Selecting the right chainsaw will necessitate a different oiling method.
- The Manual Oiler offers the optimal balance of convenience and precision – simply press a button to lubricate your bar and chain, allowing you greater control over when oiling happens or how much is used.
- The Automatic Oiler, a convenient self-oiling system that ensures constant lubrication to the chainsaw parts, is set for fixed flow and can not be adjusted.
- The Adjustable Flow Automatic Oiler is an automated lubrication system that provides the perfect amount of oil every time – you can even customize the flow to suit your needs.
Chain Brake System
Keep yourself safe while using a chainsaw with two types of chain brakes: manual and inertia-activated. Both styles, when kickback occurs, will stop the chain from spinning instantly to prevent any potential harm.
- Manual Chain Brake: When contact is made with the wide bar located in front of the top handlebar, the chain stops spinning. To trigger this chain brake and cease movement, your wrist will typically make contact with this bar.
- Intertia-Activated Chain Brake: The chain braking mechanism is immediately triggered when an unexpected upward pull of the bar is detected, all without any physical contact.
Chain Tensioner Type
Every chainsaw is equipped with an adjustable chain tensioning system to ensure optimal cutting performance.
- Scrench Chain Tensioner – To tighten the chain with this method, you must utilize a special tool called a “Scrench.” This unique device is both a screwdriver and wrench, combined into one compact size for your convenience.
- With the Tool-Less Chain Tensioner, you can easily adjust your chain tension without needing any tools. Just turn the knob and it’s done – hence its name.
Bucking Spikes
Gaining a secure foothold in the log is essential when cutting, and that’s where Bucking Spikes come in. These sharp metal spikes affixed to the chainsaw body form a base for your saw as you carve through wood with ease.
Bucking Spikes not only make cutting thicker trees easier and straighter, but they also provide a safeguard against dangerous kickbacks. With these invaluable tools, you can rest assured that your timber-cutting process is reliable and secure.
Best Chainsaw for Cutting Big Trees Reviewed In This Article
Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw
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The Husqvarna 16 Inch 130 Gas Chainsaw is the best choice for cutting big trees. This gas-powered chainsaw combines an efficient 38-cc., 2-HP X-Torq engine with a bar length of 14 to 16 inches and innovative Air Injection Technology that expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter, improving engine life.
An effortless start-up fuel pump and combined choke/stop control allow easier starting and reduces the risk of flooding, while LowVib technology dampens vibrations for less operator fatigue so you can handle this powerful cordless saw easily.
With its impressive emissions reduction (up to 60%) and increased fuel efficiency (up to 20%), it’s no wonder why this reliable chainsaw is perfect for all your large tree-cutting needs.
Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
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The Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw is the best chainsaw for cutting big trees. With its 42cc 2-cycle engine and OxyPower technology, you get more power, lower emission levels, and reduced fuel consumption.
It also features a Super Clean Air Filter System, Automatic Oiler, Reduced Vibration Handles, Spring-assist Pull Cord, and Easy-to-use Purge Bulb for easy starting with fewer cord pulls. Plus, it’s designed with superior comfort in mind to minimize user fatigue from handle vibration and make controls easily accessible.
Its integrated storage compartment comes with a snap lock cover to provide toolless access to the chain tensioning tool. Get your hands on this gas chainsaw today to take on any big tree-cutting job.
Additional Considerations Before Buying A Chainsaw for Big Trees
Carbide Tip Chain
Any chainsaw user should consider upgrading their chain to one with Carbide tips for enhanced performance. These specially-crafted blades are able to better fend off dirt, nails, and other items that would ordinarily cause a regular chain blade to quickly dull; yet remain sharp enough so as not to impede your cutting capabilities.
Fuel Gauge
While it may sound like a sophisticated, high-tech feature, this “fancy” piece of equipment is simply a plastic window that allows you to observe the fuel level in your gas tank without having to take off the cap.
Chainsaw Body Width
Arborists and professional chainsaw operators know that the best chainsaws are ones with narrow bodies since they offer lightweight maneuverability. Not only does a lighter body reduce overall weight, but it also makes those tools easier to carry and navigate in confined cutting spots.
Engine Size
The CC number of an engine determines its strength. Chainsaw engines range from 46 ccs to 61 ccs, with examples such as 55.5 ccs and 59.8 ccs in between these two benchmarks.
Horsepower
Chainsaw engines are measured in horsepower (HP), a unit of power that reflects the rate at which labor is completed. The higher the number, the more potent your chainsaw will be.
Speed
The rate of a chainsaw’s chain is measured in revolutions per minute (RPMs). RPM essentially tells us how much time it takes for the chain to spin in one full cycle. If you want more power and speed, look no further than the higher RPM numbers – they indicate faster rotation.
Common Questions About A Chainsaw for Big Trees
Why you should buy a gas chainsaw for cutting big trees?
- Power: Gas chainsaws are the ultimate power saws, as their fast-spinning chain is both formidable and cuts wood at a rapid pace. With a gas chainsaw, you can easily slice through even the toughest of woods with ease.
- Guide Bar Length: With these chainsaws, you get the liberty to pick out a guide bar and chain that will work for any job. In fact, gas-powered chainsaw blades can be up to an impressive 6 feet in length!
- Mobility: Unlike electric or battery-powered models, you won’t be restricted by any cords or batteries – as long as you have fuel in your tank, there is no limit to where and when you can cut!
- Safety: Despite their immense strength, these chainsaws come equipped with even more advanced safety features to ensure your protection. To guard against kickbacks, some models are designed with an Inertia-Activated Chain Brake that will immediately stop the chain from spinning when it is triggered.
- More Options: When it comes to gas chainsaws, the range of options is extensive. You can easily find a model that meets all your demands without having to compromise on any features. That’s why gas models are so popular.
What is kickback and why you should avoid it?
Kickback is a swift spinning motion of the chainsaw blade towards the user, causing unexpected cuts in areas such as the face or chest.
What is a choke?
2-cycle gas-powered chainsaws feature a choke that restricts airflow to enrich the fuel and air mixture when starting it up. This assistance helps your cold machine remain running until it warms up. Following a few minutes of activity, you can then shut off the choke since that function is no longer necessary.
Is safety gear necessary when using a chainsaw for big trees?
To remain safe while operating a chainsaw, you must wear the appropriate protective gear – a helmet with safety glasses or face shield to shield your eyes and ears from flying debris, leather gloves for hand protection, as well as leg guards known as ‘chainsaw chaps’ equipped with special cut-resistant material.
Video Review: Best Gas Chainsaw In 2023 [A List Of Top 6 Picks]
Looking for more options? Check out the video below and learn about some of the best gas chainsaws currently available on the market and learn which one will suit your specific needs best.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the best chainsaw for cutting big trees, there are several options available. Gas-powered chainsaws offer more power and durability than electric models but come at a higher cost. Ultimately, your choice should depend on the size of the tree you want to cut and how often you plan on using it.
Whether you choose an electric or gas model, make sure that it is powerful enough to handle large logs without struggling too much in order to ensure safety during operation. With these tips in mind, we hope that this article has helped guide you toward choosing the best chainsaw for cutting big trees!
