Buyer’s Guide

6 Best Small Gas Chainsaw – Top Product Review In 2024

Small gas chainsaws are an excellent choice for homeowners who need a saw for light- to medium-duty cutting. They’re also a popular option for property managers and professional tree trimmers.

While gas chainsaws offer more power and performance than electric models, they can also be more expensive. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best gas chainsaw for your needs and budget.

We will take a look at some of the best small gas chainsaws available for purchase today. We will also discuss some of the key features that you should look for when choosing a small gas chainsaw. So, if you are interested in learning more about small gas chainsaws, then please keep reading!

How are Small Chainsaws Made? How do Gas Chainsaws work?

Small gas chainsaws are extremely popular with homeowners and property managers who need a chainsaws for smaller cutting projects.

These saws often have a 14-inch or less bar length and only ‘medium’ power, so they aren’t designed to cut through very thick or dense material. Additionally, most small gas chainsaws are lightweight and easy to use, so they are perfect for people who aren’t very experienced with chainsaws.

Small gas chainsaws come in both two-stroke and four-stroke models. Two-stroke engines require users to mix oil into the gasoline before filling the tank, and Four-stroke engines do not need this extra step because oils are built into the gas.

Four-stroke engines are more expensive than two-stroke models, so most homeowners opt for two-stroke chainsaws.

6 Best Small Gas Chainsaws

The following are some of the best small gas chainsaws available for purchase today:

  1. Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaws, Orange
  2. Poulan PL3816, 16 in. 38cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
  3. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw
  4. Chain Saw, Gas, 18 In. Bar
  5. Chain Saw, Gas, 12 in. Bar, 26.9CC
  6. Hyundai 62cc Petrol Chainsaw

1. Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaws, Orange – Best overall

Husqvarna 435 16 Gas Chainsaws, Orange- Best overall

About:

The Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaws are designed for homeowners who need an easy-to-handle saw. These saws are ideal for smaller yard work projects, such as trimming trees or cutting firewood.

They come with a 16-inch bar and chain, which offers the perfect balance of reach and power for homeowner chainsaws.

Features:

These saws are extremely easy to use, which makes them great for homeowners who don’t have much experience with chainsaws. The Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaw has an anti-vibration system that reduces fatigue and stress on the user’s upper body during operation.

This model has a Smart Start feature, which reduces the force needed to pull the saw’s starter cord by up to 40%. This model weighs only about 11 pounds and features a compact design. Large hand guards and front bumpers protect both the user and the machine from damage during operation.

Specifications:

BRAND Husqvarna
DIMENSIONS 31.9 x 10 x 10.78 inches
WEIGHT 11.68 POUNDS
HORSEPOWER 2.2
POWER SOURCE Gas Powered
Pros
  • The Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaw is a powerful and efficient tool for felling trees, pruning branches, and cutting firewood.

  • High power-to-weight ratio

  • Easy start system

  • Low vibration levels.

Cons
  • One potential downside is that the saw requires regular maintenance to keep it running properly.

  • It can be challenging to use for novice users.

 

2. Poulan PL3816, 16 in. 38cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw – Best for heavy-duty engine

Poulan PL3816, 16 in. 38cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw- Best for heavy-duty engine

About:

The Poulan Pro 3816 Chainsaw is a powerful and durable tool that can handle all kinds of cutting projects, from felling trees to bucking firewood.

This small gas chainsaw has an 18-inch bar and chain, which gives it enough reach for most jobs while also providing plenty of power. It weighs about 14 pounds and has a 2-stroke engine.

Features:

This chainsaw features a Tool-less chain adjuster and an easy-start system that reduces the force needed to pull the starter cord by up to 40%.

This design makes it easier for homeowners to start and use this chainsaw compared with other models designed for similar purposes. The oil tank and bar are easy to access and check, which makes it easier to perform maintenance.

Specifications:

BRAND PARTNER
DIMENSIONS 12 x 16 x 11.8 inches
WEIGHT 15.42 pounds
COLOR Black
POWER SOURCE Gas Powered
Pros
  • The Poulan Pro 3816 is an extremely durable machine that easily cuts through dense material.

  • This model has a low kickback bar and chain, so the risk of kickback is reduced during operation.

  • It’s also resistant to corrosion, which makes it last longer.

  • Fast cutting speed

  • Powerful engine

Cons
  • It’s difficult to start this chainsaw without the proper training, so it’s best for homeowners with previous experience using chainsaws.

  • The engine is slightly larger than other options in its class, which makes storing this machine more challenging.

 

3. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw – Best for lightweight

Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw- Best for lightweight

About:

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw is ideal for homeowners who need a lightweight chainsaw that’s easy to maneuver, but still packs plenty of power.

This model has an ergonomically designed front handle and a fuel pump mechanism with oil injection for easier starts and smoother operation. It comes with a 16-inch bar and chain, which is the perfect size for most jobs. It weighs about 11 pounds.

Features:

This chainsaw features an ergonomic design that helps reduce fatigue during operation. The anti-vibration system reduces vibrations by 40%, making this model less tiring than other models in its class.

This machine also has a Smart Start system and tool-less chain tensioner, so it’s easier to start this chainsaw compared with other models in its class.

Specifications:

BRAND Husqvarna
DIMENSIONS 32 x 9.25 x 4.21 inches
WEIGHT 4.22 pounds
COLOR Orange
POWER SOURCE Gas Powered
Pros
  • The Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw is an extremely lightweight model.

  • It can be operated for long periods without affecting the user’s upper body strength or endurance.

  • It’s easy to start and use.

Cons
  • Some consumers have reported that this machine has an oil leakage problem, which means the user must perform more frequent maintenance.

  • This chainsaw requires regular cleaning, so it has more requirements than some other models in its class.

 

4. ECHO CS-400-18 Chain Saw, Gas, 18 In. Bar – Best for durability

ECHO CS-400-18 Chain Saw, Gas, 18 In. Bar- Best for durability

About:

The ECHO CS-400-18 Chain Saw is a durable and high-powered machine that’s ideal for homeowners who need to cut firewood regularly. This model has an 18-inch bar and chain, which provides enough power for most jobs but also makes it easier to use than larger models. It weighs about 13 pounds.

Features:

The ECHO CS-400-18 Chain Saw features a quiet and smooth-running two-stroke engine. This model also has a tool-less chain tensioning system for easier maintenance, as well as an air purge bulb that ensures the machine starts up quickly and runs properly right out of the box.

Specifications:

BRAND Echo
DIMENSIONS 26 x 16 x 14 inches
WEIGHT 10.1 Pounds
COLOR Orange
POWER SOURCE Gas Powered
Pros
  • The ECHO CS-400-18 Chain Saw is a powerful machine with an easy-to-use design.

  • It’s also extremely quiet, which makes it ideal for homeowners who need a chainsaw that won’t disturb others.

Cons
  • Some consumers have reported problems starting this chainsaw when the temperature drops below freezing.

  • This chainsaw doesn’t come with a scrench necessary for regular maintenance.

 

5. ECHO ‎CS-271T-12 Chain Saw, Gas, 12 in. Bar, 26.9CC – Best for its design

ECHO ‎CS-271T-12 Chain Saw, Gas, 12 in. Bar, 26.9CC- Best for its designThe ECHO ‎CS-271T-12 chainsaw is a powerful, lightweight chainsaw that’s perfect for homeowners who need to cut firewood frequently. This model has an automatic chain oiler and an easy-to-handle design for more straightforward operation. It weighs about 10 pounds.

Features:

The ECHO ‎CS-271T-12 Chain Saw has a built-in tool kit, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. This model also comes with an automatic chain oiler that ensures the user doesn’t have to remember to add oil before each cutting session.

Specifications:

BRAND Echo
DIMENSIONS 12 x 10 x 10 inches
WEIGHT ‎10.18 pounds
COLOR Orange
POWER SOURCE Gas Powered
Pros
  • The ECHO ‎CS-271T-12 Chain Saw is extremely lightweight and easy to use.

  • Compared with other models in its class, this chainsaw has a smaller engine that requires less fuel and oil.

Cons
  • Some consumers have reported problems starting this model when the temperature drops below freezing.

  • This chainsaw doesn’t come with an anti-vibration system or an auto-tension system, which are both features found on other models in its class.

 

6. Hyundai 62cc Petrol Chainsaw – Best for powered engine

Hyundai 62cc Petrol Chainsaw- Best for powered engine

About:

The Hyundai 62cc Petrol Chainsaw is a powerful machine with an easy-to-use design. This model has a tool-less chain tensioning system for easier maintenance, as well as an air purge bulb that ensures the machine starts up quickly and runs properly right out of the box. It weighs about 9 pounds.

Features:

The Hyundai 62cc Petrol Chainsaw has a built-in tool kit, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. This model also comes with an automatic chain oiler that ensures the user doesn’t have to remember to add oil before each cutting session.

Specifications:

BRAND Hyundai
Bar (inches) 20
Chain Size (inches) ‎3/8
COLOR Blue
ENGINE 62 cc
.

Pros
  • Compared with other models in its class, this chainsaw has a smaller engine that requires less fuel and oil.

  • This chainsaw has a toolless chain tensioning system and an automatic oiler, which makes it easy to maintain.

Cons
  • Some consumers have reported that this machine has an oil leakage problem, which means the user must perform more frequent maintenance

 

 

What is the smallest Stihl chainsaw?

The smallest Stihl chainsaw is the STIHL MS 251 C-BE. It has a .27 hp engine and weighs 10 pounds. The oil tank holds 0.26 quarts of oil, while the bar length is 8 inches long. This saw also comes with a hard carrying case that features room for safety equipment, lubricating oil, and gasoline.

Does Milwaukee make a mini chainsaw?

Yes, Milwaukee makes the M18 18V Lithium-Ion Chainsaw, and it has a 3/8 inch round chain and an 8-inch bar length. This small gas chainsaw weighs only 10 pounds and is ideal for use by property managers, professional landscapers, and homeowners who need a chainsaw for light-duty cutting.

How to choose a small Gas chainsaw?

When choosing a small chainsaw, there are a few factors to consider. First, you need to decide what size saw is best for your needs. Small saws are typically good for pruning and light-duty cutting, while larger saws can be used for more extensive cutting.

You also need to consider the power of the saw. A high-power saw will be able to handle thicker branches and logs, while a low-power saw may not be able to cut through tougher materials.

Finally, you need to think about the type of fuel the saw uses. Some small chainsaws use gasoline or oil, while others use battery power. Make sure you choose a model that is compatible with your needs.

Small gas chainsaw – FAQs

What is the smallest chainsaw size?
The smallest chainsaw size is approximately 9 inches. Most models feature a low-power engine that is perfect for cutting up limbs and brushes. These smaller saws are also lightweight, so they are easy to carry up into the tree or onto another project site.
How much is a small chainsaw?
Small gas chainsaws typically cost anywhere from $100 – $450. If you are just getting started with chainsaw use, we recommend purchasing a lightweight model that is easy to carry and simple to use.
What do you use a mini chainsaw for?
A mini chainsaw is typically used for light-duty cutting projects, such as pruning small limbs or cleaning brushes. These saws are perfect for people who are new to chainsaws or for professionals who need a few extra tools in their yard work arsenal.
Do mini chain saws need oil?
Yes, mini chainsaws require oil to continue working properly. These small saws typically come with a 2-stroke engine that requires users to mix oil into the gasoline before filling the tank. Most models also have a low-oil indicator that lets users know when it is time to refill the oil reservoir.
What is the smallest chainsaw Echo makes?
The smallest chainsaw that Echo makes is the CS-310. This small gasoline saw has an 18 cc engine and weighs 10 pounds. The oil tank holds 0.37 quarts of oil, while the bar length is 9 inches long. This saw also comes with a hard carrying case that features room for safety equipment, lubricating oil, and gasoline.
Does Husqvarna make a mini chainsaw?
Yes, Husqvarna makes the 361 XP. It has a .325 hp engine and weighs 9 pounds. The oil tank holds 0.23 quarts of oil, while the bar length is 7 inches long. This saw also comes with an extra set of protective features, including a handguard and heavy-duty kickback brake.

 

Conclusion:

Small gas chainsaws are portable, lightweight, and enable you to cut through limbs quickly. Many have an oil reservoir attached to the saw, so it is more convenient for extended use. If you are looking for a small chainsaw, I hope you find the answer in my article. Please check out our recommended products list to buy right now!

Join The Discussion