Our 6 Favorite Chainsaws for Milling! Reviews & Buying Guide

Using a chainsaw for cutting wood is one thing but using it specifically for milling is an entirely different technique.

Milling basically involves cutting the material in a rotatory motion. Many milling tools do a great job, but chainsaws are the best ones, according to my personal experience. Suppose you’re somebody who’s into woodcutting tasks. In that case, whether it’s for your backyard only, or for the professional concern, you’d know that milling is very technical and requires proper training. 

At the same time, chainsaws have made milling a lot easier and more convenient, so they are a fantastic commodity in this regard. But what’s even more important here is to choose the right chainsaw for your tasks. No matter how trained you are, if your chainsaw isn’t well suited for milling, you won’t get the job done perfectly!

Also, a cheap and light-duty saw can’t be the choice for a milling saw. That’s because milling is a heavy job, and the chainsaw must be chosen accordingly. 

Above all, it is relatively less expensive to make your own lumber by milling with the right chainsaw. This is an easy and affordable way to make lumber, regardless of whether you use fallen trees, wood from your property, or wood from your job site. And so, we’re here today with some chainsaw choices, best suitable for milling jobs.

Our Top 6 Choices for Best Milling Chainsaws

Out of the many choices you have in the Market, here are some of our favorites for milling wood.

1. Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
2. Echo Chain Saw, Gas, 20 in. Bar, 59.8cc
3. Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
4. Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
5. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
6. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw Kit

1. Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 20-inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw is next in line after the 455 Rancher and is better at everything than its predecessor. The 60.3 cc monster of an engine provides top-of-the-line performance. 

It is so powerful that it can go through insanely large tree trunks without much effort and completes some heavy-duty jobs in very reasonable amounts of time. This top-of-the-line performance when combined with the X-Torq engine, ensures that you don’t have to spend much gas money and neither do you have to refill again and again which can be an annoying issue with many chainsaws in the market. 

Also, the X-Torq engine reduces emissions to a very big extent which is great news for those who are environmentally friendly and want to benefit from all this power without the risk of harming the environment. Even with the power factor, the tool is still not that uncomfortable to handle due to the amazing ergonomic handling design. 

It provides a natural and comfortable holding grip with a side-mounted chain tensioner providing easy access for tensioning. The LowVib system enhances user comfort to a whole new level due to its safer operability and reduced strain on users even after significant work time for a chainsaw of this size. 

It is also almost 50% easier to get it started due to the Smart Start technology which is a really sweet feature in case you want to spend less time yanking and more time bringing down trees. The Husqvarna 20-inch 460 Rancher Chainsaw is a very efficient tool in terms of maintenance.

 It has several features such as the centrifugal air cleaning system and quick release mechanism which make sure it keeps running smoothly for longer periods till it requires any maintenance. 

One drawback though is that this chainsaw is a bit loud and hence it might be preferable if users make sure to use ear protection while operating it.

SPECIFICATIONS

Pros & Cons

2. Echo Chain Saw, Gas, 20 in. Bar, 59.8cc

The Echo Chain Saw, Gas, 20 in. Bar, 59.8cc comes with a powerful 59.8 cc 2-stroke beast of an engine. The X-Torq engine is an added bonus as it reduces the overall fuel consumption of the machine while also reducing emissions. 

This chainsaw also has a good system in place to ensure that the chain has a long life by including the ability to lubricate itself. It has an adjustable clutch-driven oiler which makes sure that the machine is lubricated automatically while also saving oil at the same time. 

Fuel is also a very important aspect of chainsaws since they literally cannot run without it. This chainsaw makes it easier to check the fuel level due to its translucent fuel tank. This makes it almost impossible for users to be caught off guard by an empty fuel tank while working on an important part of a project. 

You will know exactly when you need to refuel with this chainsaw. The chainsaw is also relatively easier to get up and running due to the availability of a decompression valve on it. 

Also, one of the best parts of this chainsaw is that it is super-efficient in terms of maintenance and is designed in such a way that you can get away with a long time of heavy-duty workload before you need to clean the machine out. 

The in-built Air Pre-Cleaner reduces the number of debris which in turn makes the filter last longer. Let us say you work an insane amount with it, and it is time to clean out the filter. It has been designed in such a way that once you are inside it, it just takes seconds to clean it out. 

The metal bucking spikes in this chainsaw make it easier to complete your task by giving you complete control.

SPECIFICATIONS

You might be interested in Best Echo Chainsaw Reviews.

Pros & Cons

3. Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

The Poulan Pro PR 50 20 has 20 inches bar and a 50-cc motor. Another great chainsaw to make you’re done quickly on time and with great efficiency. In the case of the Poulan PR 50 20, you get 2.6 ounces of the 50-to-1 fuel mix and instruction manual as well.

If you are new to chainsaws, make sure you put far oil in the chainsaw before you use it again. A lot of beginner’s instructions with caution warnings are listed in the manual. Do make sure that at idle speed when the engine is running, the chain doesn’t move. If it does, then do the carburetor adjustment.

So, the first thing you have to do is to set the break, turn the chainsaw on, and pull the choke all the way out you’re going to give ten pumps on the fuel ball, and it will start up without any problem.  Then pull the rope two or three times and once it gets started put the choke halfway in. 

During this time leave the saw to warm up for 30 seconds and pull the trigger which will eventually put the idle back to idle speed. Make sure to disengage the break before you rev the engine if you rev the engine with the brake on you might as well risk damaging the brake and clutch.

The Poulan Pro is a very dependable 2-cycle gas chainsaw for many people. You can use it for trimming trees and such in the summer and in the fall for winter, you can also use it for cutting firewood and felling trees.

without any doubt, this chainsaw will please you with its amazing performance. This 50 CC category saw might seem underpowered a bit, although workable if you don’t “crowd” the saw but regardless of that, this Poulan pro saw does well what it is intended to do.

People who don’t cut wood often might find it a little difficult to tackle if they don’t follow the instructions in the manual carefully so make sure to follow the instructions and follow all the required safety rules.  On the other hand, people who have cut wood most of their life will face no problems while using it. 

If you are an average Joe who splits more wood than he cuts but cuts more than he’ll burn then you can gladly use the Poulans around the homestead, especially this beautiful model. Because the Poulan Pro runs great and if you take care of them, they’ll last for a long while, far longer than what the price you paid for them was worth!

SPECIFICATIONS

Pros & Cons

4. Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 20-inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw is an exceptional tool that can be seen in the hands of hobbyists and professionals alike. Right off the bat, it is a chainsaw that provides a decently quiet, and at the same time, powerful tree-cutting experience. 

It is exceptionally easy to handle due to the LowVib and Smart Start systems along with the anti-kickback inertia brake. But, regardless of these features, the 55.5 cc gas engine makes sure that even if you don’t feel it, this machine is going to be doing some extraordinary things on the field. 

In short, you could say that it is not much of a hassle for novice users but at the same time, it also offers top-end features with insane power at mid-level prices. The X-Torq engine ensures that less fuel is consumed and that there are reduced exhaust emissions. 

The LowVib system ensures that there is a lower vibration level and that operations can be performed smoothly. The air injection feature is an air cleaning system that makes sure air filters last longer by removing larger debris before it reaches the filter. 

It is relatively easier to start compared to other chainsaws in the same size range. Also, it is powerful enough to cut large trees as easily as a hot knife runs through butter. One of the things that can be bothersome is that the saw can be a bit complicated in terms of oil/gas quantities. 

The saw also does not have that big of a tank which might demotivate offsite users. This does not mean that the chainsaw runs out of fuel quickly because the X-Torq engine is super-efficient and makes sure that one refill can last for about 2 hours of work. 

Also, the chainsaw is a bit on the heavy side of things so it can be quite the workout for you if you plan on using it a lot. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Pros & Cons

5. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Next up on our list is Greenwork’s 40-volt brushless chainsaw. Some people can be skeptical of battery-powered chainsaws but believe me, this Greenworks Cordless chainsaw will win your heart. 

If you are tired of repeatedly pulling the rope off your old chainsaw and want to cut the woods more quickly and with less effort, then this Greenworks Chainsaw is absolutely the product that you need. With this Chainsaw, you will do less rope pulling and more cutting without any doubt.

 This model will come with a 14 M power battery and a charger. Furthermore, this chainsaw includes 16 inches-low kickback Oregon bars and chains with 3/8 inches chain pitch that would effortlessly cut all types of wood. Greenworks Chainsaw has metal bucking spikes instead of plastic ones like some cheaper saws and in addition to all this, it also has a Li-Ion 40 volts G-Max battery system. 

Just in two hours, you can recharge it, but we recommend leaving it a bit longer when you can, afterward you can use it for cutting again. It has a brushless motor design which provides more torque and less vibration than the ordinary DC motors by making the usage of it more perfect.

This chainsaw is easily available on different online sites at really reasonable prices. One thing that you would love about this chainsaw is that it has no tool chain tensioning system. If you are a lawn owner and want to keep your yard in the best shape, then it can help out with that as well. 

To get the work done in a short time Greenworks is the best choice for that regarding its performance and power. Greenworks is much easier to handle and operate, everything that you will require will come in one compact saw no need to change the chain of the saw or the chain bar it will work beautifully in all cases. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Pros & Cons

6. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw Kit

Now finish big outdoor chores faster with a Black and Decker 10-inch cordless electric chainsaw. With this powerful Chainsaw, you can do a wide variety and big range of tasks thanks to its low kickback 10-inch long Oregon bar and chain.

Without any doubt, the Black Decker 20 Volts max lithium delivers fast smooth cuts. It has a quite lightweight design with a wraparound handle that provides added comfort and control to help you do more with less fatigue.

The oil gauge window will cut down on interruptions and its simple tool-free chain tensioning will get you back to work faster. The part of the lithium-ion 20 volts max system is its included charger and battery to make it sure longer runtime and life.

If you run the chainsaw, it will produce a kind of throaty sound. Before cutting wood make sure you have already worn the eye and hearing protection on and don’t forget to put some gloves on as well, now you are ready to cut wood it is best for cutting logs for fireplaces, softwoods like pine and aspen but it isn’t recommended for oak or maple. The life of the battery is good as you can fill the entire wheelbarrow with just one battery.

SPECIFICATIONS

Pros & Cons

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Conclusion

For the milling of lumber, you must have a powerful chainsaw that works both effectively and efficiently. We’ve put forward some of the best options you have in the Market for milling saws. And we hope we’ve been helpful to you. You may choose any of the above-reviewed milling saws and you won’t be disappointed!