Buyer’s Guide

Our Top Eight Choices For The Best Mini Chainsaws!

Mini chainsaws are the most effective tools for carrying out little cutting tasks.

For homeowners, who don’t really have to deal with a lot of cutting tasks around the house, mini chainsaws are the best. There are many types of chainsaws but can’t always have a bigger chainsaw in hand and roam around to get the tasks done that could be carried out more easily using mini chainsaws! 

Mini chainsaws are small, lightweight chainsaws named ‘mini’ but their working and efficiency for their type of cutting tasks are no less. They are compact, reliable, have high power and speed, and are super safe to use. Some of them, in fact, are designed in a way that they can be used single-handedly, making cutting tasks easier and even more convenient.

You can use mini chainsaws to prune shrubs, clear bushes, cut lumber for carpentry projects, and cut small tree limbs. They’re handy and practical tools!

Our articles cover our reviews of some of the best mini electric chainsaws on the market. Continue reading to look for details.

Our Top Eight Picks for the Best Mini Chainsaws in the Market!

For the mini chainsaws, we’ve tested quite many few of them and we’re here today with the reviews of the mini chainsaws that we found out were the best and stand out among others. Super effective and efficient tools!

Here are our top choices

  1. KIMO Mini Chainsaw 6-Inch
  2. Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 6-Inch
  3. RLSOO Upgraded 4-Inch 24V 
  4. WORX WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw
  5. Greenworks 24V 10-Inch Chainsaw
  6. Makita XCU06Z 18V LXT® 
  7. DEWALT 20V MAX* XR 
  8. Ryobi P546 10-Inch, 18-Volt Lithium

1. KIMO Mini Chainsaw 6-Inch

KIMO Mini Chainsaw 6-InchYou might have not heard much about this chainsaw before, but it is one of the best ones when it comes to mini chainsaws in the market. It’s also the bestselling small chainsaw and cuts, trims, and prunes super efficiently and powerfully. 

Because it’s just a 6-inch saw, you can imagine how small it would be. Perfect for beginners I’d say. The design is super sleek, insanely light in weight, and can be used one-handedly as well. It’s also very conveniently portable so you can carry it around easily. The ease of use, handling, and the performance of KIMO mini chainsaw are what makes it stand out tall from all other chainsaws on our list today.

For the performance, it works like no other mini chainsaw. It operates at a chain speed of 13.6 feet per second, which is way too high for a 6-inch chainsaw. This is what makes the KIMO mini chainsaw an exceptionally amazing choice for your backyard duties.

The KIMO 6-inch saw comes in 2 different bar sizes, and you can choose the one according to your work type. Also, the battery can be changed easily, must be 20 volts which is again an amazing thing about this saw because it’s always a great idea to have an extra battery alone. When charged once, the battery can be used for 30 minutes straight, without causing any inconvenience in between.

To keep wood from splashing, there’s this 100° Rotatable Top Guard Baffle. The chainsaw is also equipped with a Safety Lock Button to prevent accidental starting. To operate the hand chainsaw, you will need to simultaneously push the two buttons. In addition to providing more comfort, ease of control, and high-cutting performance, the rubberized grips also make it easier to hold and control.

This chainsaw comes in a complete kit which includes a guide plate blade, screwdriver, a cover, battery, charger, oil container without the oil in it, and the saw of course. 

However, unlike the other chainsaws, we’re reviewing today, this KIMO chainsaw does not have an automatic oiling system. You’ll have to add the oil into the reservoir that comes along when you purchase this saw but you’ll have to manage the oil manually.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 14 inches x 5.9 inches x 4.3 inches
Weight 3.1 Pounds
Power Source Gas Powered, Corded Electric, manual, Battery Powered
Horsepower 600 watts
Chain Length 6 inches
Chain Speed 13.2 ft/sec
Pros
  • Super lightweight and portable design
  • Easy to install and use
  • Excellent performance with highly efficient cutting
  • Perfect for beginners
Cons
  • An extra small blade
  • Doesn’t have an automatic chain oiler. You’ll have to fill up the oiling bottle manually

 

2. Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 6-Inch Lithium-Ion Cordless Pruning Saw Kit

Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 6-Inch Lithium-Ion Cordless Pruning Saw KitMilwaukee M12 is another supermini pruning saw with only 6 6-inch 6-inch-long blades yet a performance like no other. It’s small in size but a little bulkier than most of its competitors. Also, its design is more complete in terms of size, features, functionality, and performance than many other saws of the same type.

The saw comes with a brushless motor and despite having only a 6-inch long blade, it still uses a full-house chain with super sharp cutters to make neat cuts in no time. With its ergonomic and compact design, it provides just the perfect balance and control over both, itself and the wood. This Milwaukee saw is an amazing option for beginners looking for one, to carry out little tasks around the house.

Because it’s a battery-powered cordless saw, you can charge it once and use it for about 30 to 45 mins, without needing another charge. And because it is cordless, you won’t have to look for an electric connection nearby. It’s highly portable and you can carry it anywhere. 

As compared to the 6-inch KIMO chainsaw, Milwaukee is a bit heavier, despite being the same 6 inches in size. It also comes with an automatic chain oiler with a transparent oil reservoir which means not only the chain be lubricated automatically but also, but you’ll be able to keep an eye on the fluid level in the reservoir. The automatic chain oiler doesn’t let the chain be dry or rough and hence increases the productivity and lifespan of the chainsaw.

What’s even more impressive about this saw is its adjustable speed, which in the case of such a mini chainsaw is hard to believe but yes, Milwaukee M12 comes with a variable speed trigger that lets you adjust the speed up to 984 FPM (feet per minute). Under one complete charge, you can use it for up to 120 cuts on a maximum diameter of 3 inches.

For anyone looking for a mini chainsaw of 6 inches, to begin with, your backyard cutting tasks, Milwaukee M12 is a complete package and a perfect 6-inch saw!

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 9.45 inches x 3.94 inches x 16.54 inches
Weight 4.1 Pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Horsepower 2.4 hp
Chain Length 6 inches
Chain Speed Up to 984 FPM
Pros
  • High quality build under a lightweight
  • Makes cutting tasks super easy and simple
  • Makes clean and sharp cuts
  • Small enough to work even in tight spots
  • No kickback when using from top to down
Cons
  • Battery life isn’t very long
  • A bit expensive than other 6-inch saws

 

3. RLSOO Upgraded 4-inch 24V Battery Powered Cordless Chainsaw

RLSOO Upgraded 4-Inch 24V Battery Powered Cordless ChainsawThis minier-mini chainsaw by RLSOO is another amazing chainsaw for people looking for the smallest chainsaw. Read about the KIMO and Milwaukee M12 right? This one’s an even smaller saw with just 4 4-inch 4-inch-long blades. But you shouldn’t be judging its functionality by its size. It’s a monstrous saw that can cut through the toughest of wood, as long as the diameter comes under its blade’s range.

We are totally a fan of the KIMO 6-inch saw, but that doesn’t come with a complete kit. So, if you’re interested in buying the whole bundle, this RLSOO chainsaw would be the best choice for you. The complete bundle includes two chains, the chainsaw itself, two batteries, a carrying case, the best chainsaw gloves, a charger, and a few tools that you might need with it.

The performance of this saw is definitely going to leave you stunned. Extremely powerful, this chainsaw has a beastly speed that lets you cut wood in seconds. So even after long use, the chainsaw wouldn’t overheat. It measures about 13 inches in length and weighs 2.4 pounds without the battery. Due to its handheld design, it’s very comfortable to hold in hand and easy to control, making it great for work outside in the family. Women can also use it easily.

The motor of RLSOO mini chainsaws is pure copper made. Compared to the aluminum motors that you’ll see in many other chainsaws; pure copper motors are way more efficient in their working and cut much faster. The chain is also made of high-quality alloy which proves to be super sharp and durable as well. You won’t need a replacement any time soon. 

Also, this mini chainsaw arrives almost assembled. All you’ll have to do is tighten the chain using the screwdriver which would be included in the tools that come along with your purchase. Tighten the screw then and also insert the battery. And you’re all set to go. One-hand use is simplest and easiest with this little saw!

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 13.39 inches x 4.65 inches x 7.48 inches
Weight 2.4 Pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Horsepower 550 Watts
Chain Length 4 inches
Pros
  • Extremely high chain speed yet quiet operation
  • Motor made of pure copper
  • Various safety features included
  • Two batteries included
  • Doesn’t overheat
Cons
  • Good for only small diameter woods because of the small blade
  • Manual chain adjustment

 

4. WORX WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw

WORX WG322 20V Cordless ChainsawWORX WG322 is a superb mini chainsaw and we’ve absolutely loved everything about this saw. Manufactured and designed by a very well-known and well-reputed company, this chainsaw is one of the best of its types and works extremely well for homeowners who have to deal with small to medium-cutting tasks. 

This 10-inch cordless chainsaw is a battery-powered chainsaw having a long battery life, which means it saves you from a lot of hustle and bustle which you mostly get to experience in the case of gas-powered chainsaws. Also, because it’s cordless, you can easily carry it around to get the cutting duties done. No worries about the chainsaw not reaching the target spot because its cord isn’t that long. No cord means less fuss!

WORX WG322 comes with an expandable battery and so, it can be used to power a lot of different tools in the power share family; mostly the 20 V, 40 V, 80 V tools as well as other gardening tools. It also comes with an automatic chain tensioning system which saves a lot of the time that you’d otherwise be spending on the manual adjustment of the tension in the chainsaw.

Only the perfectly tensioned saw will work powerfully and fast. The auto chain tensioning in WORX WG233 is what makes this possible. The chain is nicely tensioned according to how much is required and the results are fast, efficient, neat, and powerful cuts. This feature also contributes to increasing the lifespan of the chainsaw as it doesn’t have to put extra effort into rough cutting. 

Although it’s called the mini chainsaw, it does a lot more than the usual mini chainsaws. With a sharp cutting blade and 3.2 horsepower, it cuts with an ultra-powerful speed of 12.5 feet per second. As long as the work timing is concerned, WORX WG322 can work up to 45 minutes continuously, before it would need a recharge.

What’s even more impressive is that it comes with an indicator that indicates when your chainsaw needs a recharge and how much fuel is left. This is very helpful because you might be so busy at work that you might not realize your chainsaw is low on battery. But this feature has you covered here through its indicator.

Lastly, it’s very light in weight which makes it super easy to work with and carry around. 6.2 lbs. of weight lets you work with ease and for a longer time. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 25 inches x 7.5 inches x 9.5 inches
Weight 6.2 lbs.
Power Source Battery powered
Horsepower 3.2 hp
Chain Length 10 inches
Chain Speed 12.5 ft/sec
Pros
  • A mini yet powerful and efficient chainsaw
  • Can conveniently be used one-handedly
  • Has a long battery life
  • Comes with a safety interlock switch for a conscious effort to turn on the saw
  • The low battery indicator is extremely helpful
Cons
  • It might clog up a little if very small branches of the trunk are being trimmed
  • Not a very good choice for bamboo cutting

 

5. Greenworks 24V 10-Inch Chainsaw

Greenworks 24V 10-Inch ChainsawGreenworks – Another big name for the chainsaw manufacturers!

This Greenworks 24V chainsaw is a cordless saw, designed for extra convenience, ease of use, and powerful cutting. It works super efficiently for the lighter backyard duties, without having to put extra effort into working with it, as it is a nicely balanced saw with a lightweight.

First of all, We’ve had a very easy time starting it up, which is the first point of a good chainsaw. In fact, users who have been using other chainsaws than this one would definitely know that starting this Greenworks 24V chainsaw couldn’t have been simpler. Attach the battery, make sure the chain oil is filled as required, and then switch it on through the button, but unlock the switch lock first.

With this chainsaw, you can cut through branches, limbs, and even trees with not-so-thicker trunks. Furthermore, it also comes with an automatic lubrication feature which means you do not have to deal with manual lubrication, or you can say the chain tensioning of the saw. It does this automatically which ensures a smoother cutting experience. Smooth cutting leads to a longer lifetime of a saw.

To keep a record of the bar and chain oil, the reservoir is kept transparent in this saw which is something you won’t see in every chainsaw. There are also safety features included in its design to provide maximum protection to the user and prevent the chainsaw from having accidents. 

The manufacturer claims that the saw can cut up to a diameter of 14 inches but according to our personal experience, it works best for cutting through 8 inches of diameter. The speed of the saw isn’t adjustable or extremely fast, which means you’ll have to get into the cut slowly and carefully, and then leave the blade to do its job. 

The battery life of this saw, I must say, isn’t as good as that of some other saws but that’s not something that would lessen the worth of this superb saw. You can always have an extra battery with you!

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 24.8 inches x 8.07 inches x 12 inches
Weight 7.85 Pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Horsepower 500 hp
Chain Length 10 inches
Pros
  • Excellent saw for light cutting jobs
  • Batteries under the G24 range can be used
  • Safety features for a safe cutting experience
  • Transparent oil reservoir to keep an eye
Cons
  • Not the best one in terms of power
  • May result in rough cuts if forced into the cut

 

6. Makita XCU06Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless

Makita XCU06Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless CordlessMakita is quite a popular brand for its quality saws, and it hasn’t been disappointed with its 18V LXT mini chainsaw. If you’ve been previously using a gas-powered saw and now you intend to go for a battery-powered saw, this Makita chainsaw is the best alternative to that. With a compact design and light body weight, it’s a great option for a 10-inch mini chainsaw to carry out your backyard cutting duties.

Unlike many other battery-powered saws you’ll come along with, this Makita chainsaw is not only efficient in its working but quiet and less noisy as well. It is much more resistant to emissions and hence very safe to use. 

This saw can operate at a very high speed and power. I’d rather say, its efficiency of working at high power is a lot similar to the strong and powerful gas chainsaws. Not only that, but the speed is also easily adjustable so, you can have it increased or decreased according to the task in the process. The highest chain speed it can reach is 4720 FPM, which obviously is a lot!

Also, there’s this ‘Torque Boost Mode’ which can be activated through the press of a button when you’re working through hard or denser wood. This not only enhances the cutting speed but also cuts with even greater power and efficiency. The automatic chain lubrication feature also greatly contributes to this saw’s efficient cutting.

The ease of use with this saw is another exceptional feature it owns. You’d hardly need any maintenance if you use it correctly and keep the oil reservoir filled to ensure the on-time lubrication of the chain. The ease of use comes from the fact that no engine oil must be changed, no spark plugs must be changed, and no air filter or muffler has to be cleaned. Fuel can be stored without draining it. However, a separate 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion battery, which is sold separately is required to power the saw.

After a single battery charge, you can use it for up to 175 cuts which would be a lot more than enough to want from a 10-inch mini chainsaw for your around-the-house cutting and trimming tasks. There are also built-in safety features that protect you against the accidents such as its automatic shutdown feature which gets activated on its own when the chainsaw isn’t cutting.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 8.47 inches x 15.16 inches x 8.98 inches
Weight 7.19 Pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Horsepower 3.2 hp
Chain Length 10 inches
Pros
  • Compact design for ideal cutting and pruning
  • Power equivalent to that of s 22CC gas chainsaw
  • Good battery span with 175 cuts per charge
  • Comes with advanced safety features
Cons
  • Requires a wrench for its tension adjustment
  • Battery doesn’t come along with the saw

 

7. DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Chainsaw

DEWALT 20V MAX XR ChainsawDEWALT is a brand worth considering whenever you’re looking for a good quality chainsaw, whether it’s for home use or professional. It is one of the best chainsaw brands and has some of the best products for everyone searching. This particular MAX XR chainsaw is a very popular one. For both the price and quality, it’s a favorite tool of most homeowners.

This chainsaw comes with a 12-inch blade and a very lightweight and ergonomic design. Firstly, the chainsaw is extremely comfortable to use because of the padded handle. Your hands won’t get tired or sweaty no matter how long you’ve been working. Also, tightening or loosening is made super easy with this saw. All you have to do is rotate the knob located on the right, and you’ll be able to tighten or loosen it.

DEWALT 20V Max XR has a brushless motor and easily penetrates into the wood, making deep, sharp, and neat cuts. There are safety features installed to ensure the maximum protection of both the user and the tool and there is very little chance of kickbacks with this saw. Moreover, it’s a very powerful saw, capable of making approximately 90 cuts on 4×4 pressure-treated wood per charge.

While purchasing a chainsaw, it is important to consider the combination of weight and balance. As for this chainsaw, it’s been extremely well-maintained. Although the overall weight of the chainsaw will vary depending on what type of battery you use, it is nicely balanced in such a way that most of the weight is directed toward the handle. 

A very noteworthy feature of this chainsaw is its battery usage and consumption as it has proven to be a very valuable feature for most of its users. I think it is safe to say that it is one of the most remarkable features of this chainsaw. Larger tasks can be accomplished on a single charge using a 5AH battery.

In general, this chainsaw is very well-balanced, making it easier to handle all kinds of tasks. It doesn’t take extra effort to get the chainsaw working smoothly. You’ll do a great job if you know how to grip it properly.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 25 inches x 9 inches x 9 inches
Weight 8.8 Pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Horsepower 3.5 hp
Chain Length 12 inches
Pros
  • Compact design, easy handling
  • Tool-less chain adjustment
  • Battery lasts longer
  • Quiet operation with a fabulous performance
Cons
  • Even though it’s a 12-inch blade, it is not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
  • Busking spikes are of plastic
  • Specifically, the DEWALT battery has to be purchased separately

 

8. Ryobi P546 10-Inch ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium + Cordless Chainsaw

Ryobi P546 10-Inch ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium+ Cordless ChainsawRyobi is one of the emerging brands for tools like chainsaws and I’d say the hype for this chainsaw is for some good reasons. Firstly, anybody whose first priority is affordance should consider this chainsaw a good option if your concern is to deal with smaller tasks like climbing. It is one of the most affordable ones you’ll find out there.

This battery-powered chainsaw comes with a weight of only 5.8 Pounds and is the best at what it does. Perfect for beginners! It has a super comfortable rear handle which easily lets you cut and trim the wood as well as the branches on the trees. The chain oiler keeps the bar and chain nicely lubricated and contributes to efficient and smooth working throughout.

To keep track of oil levels, the oil reservoir is kept transparent, so you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel without knowing. Also, there’s side access to the chain tensioning system which allows quick and easy tensioning. 

If I talk about the power of this saw, it’s very powerful. Other than the fact that its cutting speed cannot be adjusted, it also doesn’t have a high speed while cutting, but it does cut with great power. But, what’s important for you to note here is that it doesn’t have a safety chain break feature which means you’ll have to be extra careful about the bounces and the kickbacks. 

Also, what keeps this chainsaw a bit behind all other front-line chainsaws is its manual oiler. When you fill the reservoir with oil, you’ll have to push it a couple times until the oil gets onto the chain. And every once in a while, you might have to do it again. According to my personal experience, it will leak over time. To prevent this from happening, you must empty it when you’re done.

In a nutshell, this isn’t a heavy chainsaw. It’s nicely weighed and balanced. If you’re looking for something to cut some really small firewood, almost 5 to 6 inches in diameter, it works great without a doubt. If you want to use it for little stuff, such as cleaning a small area in your yard or cutting bushes, it’s perfect. But if you plan to cut trees, it’s not the perfect tool I’d say. It would be slower for such tasks. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions 25 inches x 10 inches x 10 inches
Weight 5.8 Pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Chain Length 10 inches
Pros
  • Well balanced tool and provides a good control
  • Transparent oil reservoir to keep track of oil levels
  • Good battery life
  • Great for beginners
  • Easily gets into the narrow spots
Cons
  • Non-variable speed
  • Manual chain oiler
  • There are complaints about oil leakage at times

 

 

Mini Chainsaws Vs Small Chainsaws

Although the names make them seem the same, they’re actually different.

Mini chainsaws – are basically smaller than ‘small chainsaws. They are supposed to be used one-handedly, for extremely small tasks around the house. And so, they’re designed compactly so that they can be handled single-handedly. Their blade lengths range between 5 to 10 inches, while some even have only a 4-inch blade length.

The downside of mini chainsaws is that they can ONLY be used for very few tasks. Only the small-diameter wood and branches can be handled with these mini chainsaws.

Small chainsaws – on the other hand, are very much similar to the big, professional saws but they’re designed to be used for smaller to medium cutting tasks. They are also compact in size, but their blades aren’t as small as those of mini chainsaws. They range between 10 to 16 inches. Also, unlike mini chainsaws, they have to be handled with both hands. 

Buyer’s Guide

While buying a chainsaw, there are some important factors you must focus on. Not every chainsaw would offer you everything, but there are certain things you shouldn’t be ignoring while making a purchase.

Safety Features A chainsaw without safety features could be extremely dangerous. You could get injuries for life if your chainsaw isn’t safe to use. So, safety features are the first thing you shouldn’t be compromising on. Go for a chainsaw that comes with safety features such as a safety lock, chain break, etc.

Power The power of a chainsaw defines how powerfully or fast it cuts. The low power of a chainsaw means slower and less sharp cutting. Hence, you should choose a chainsaw that has high power so that it cuts fast and efficiently.

Weight and Balance Weight and Balance are something that determines comfort while a chainsaw is being used. A very heavy chainsaw would make the work tiring and frustrating while an extra light chainsaw would make it difficult to get a firm grip. So, chainsaws should neither be too heavy nor too light.

Also, the balance of a chainsaw defines how well and in the position it sits on the wood. An imbalanced chainsaw would not stick to its target and would make the cutting tasks difficult. So, look for a chainsaw that has a good weight-to-balance ratio.

Battery Life Considering the battery life while buying a chainsaw is very important. Nobody wants to buy a chainsaw whose battery would die after a few cuts. Battery timing should be such that it lasts for about 40 to 60 minutes. And for that, batteries with 20 to 40 volts are ideal for both mini and small chainsaws.

Best Mini Chainsaws – FAQs

What is a mini chainsaw?
Mini chainsaws are a mini version of small chainsaws and come with blades 4 to 10 inches long. They are designed for very basic and light-duty backyard tasks such as the pruning of branches, clearing bushes, or cutting small logs.
What is the best-rated mini chainsaw?
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet is the best-rated mini chainsaw with a 6-inch-long blade. It is a bit bulkier in design and works super efficiently.
Who makes the best mini chainsaw?
KIMO and Milwaukee are the top manufacturers of the best mini chainsaws. Their top products are the KIMO 6-inch cordless saw and the Milwaukee M12 6-inch saw, respectively.
Does Stihl have a mini chainsaw?
Yes. GTA 26 is an amazing mini chainsaw by STIHL, the world’s top brand for chainsaws. It has a 4-inch-long blade and 12 volts of battery power.
Is it worth buying an electric chainsaw?
Electric chainsaws are definitely worth buying. They are a lot better than gas chainsaws, both in terms of environmental and personal benefits. They do not emit harmful fumes and hence, contribute less to air pollution. Also, they require less maintenance and work super efficiently.
Can you cut down a tree with an electric chainsaw?
Probably, yes. But it mostly depends on the diameter of the tree trunk and the size of your chainsaw. Professional and heavy-duty chainsaws are used for cutting down trees.

 

Our Verdict

Bigger chainsaws are more widely used for a lot of different tasks around, but they are not very well suited for smaller tasks. To carry out little cutting tasks, nothing could work like the mini chainsaws. They are very effective and easily get the job done by being able to reach narrow target spots as well.

We hope we’ve been helpful to our readers to choose the mini chainsaw they’ve been looking for. You may buy any of these saws we’ve reviewed above, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

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