10 Best Petrol Chainsaws

The Hyundai HYC6220 petrol chainsaw is a solid choice for homeowners and garden enthusiasts looking for a fairly powerful and versatile tool. It has a strong 62cc 2-stroke engine that delivers 2.3 kW of power, which is enough to handle medium to large cutting jobs like trees up to 40 inches in diameter. The 20-inch bar length is great for cutting larger branches and trunks, giving you good reach without being too bulky. At 7 kg, it is moderately heavy, so it might be a bit tiring for long periods of use, but not unusually heavy for a chainsaw of this size and power. Being a 2-stroke engine, it requires mixing fuel and oil, which is typical but less convenient than some modern alternatives. Safety is well covered with an anti-kickback chain and a manual chain brake, which helps reduce the risk of accidents.

It also has an automatic chain lubrication system and an easy side-mounted tensioner, making maintenance simpler. The chainsaw comes with useful extras like two chains, a carry bag, and a mixing bottle, which add value for new users. The noise level is quite high at 118 decibels, so ear protection is recommended. This chainsaw suits those who need a reliable, reasonably powerful petrol chainsaw for various outdoor cutting tasks but may not be ideal for professional or very heavy-duty use due to weight and lack of vibration damping.

The Stihl MS181 14-Inch Chain Saw is a robust choice for those in need of a reliable petrol chainsaw. It features a 31.8cc engine and delivers substantial power output of 1.5kw or 2 hp, allowing it to handle a variety of cutting tasks efficiently. The 14-inch bar length is versatile enough for both small and medium-sized jobs, making it suitable for homeowners and light to moderate professional use.

Weighing 6 kilograms, it strikes a balance between being sturdy and manageable, although some users might find it slightly heavy for extended use. The weight contributes to its stability during operation. The chainsaw produces a sound level of 100 dB, which is fairly standard for petrol chainsaws but still requires ear protection.

Stihl products typically include standard safety mechanisms like chain brakes and handguards. The Stihl MS181 is a powerful and dependable chainsaw, ideal for those seeking a balance of performance, durability, and safety, though it might be a bit hefty for some users.

The Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II is a powerful petrol chainsaw designed mainly for professional forestry workers and serious farmers. It has a strong 50.1 cm³ engine delivering about 4.08 kW (5.5 HP), which means it can handle tough cutting jobs with ease. The 38 cm bar length is a good balance, offering enough reach for most tasks without making the saw too bulky. At 7.24 kg, it’s relatively lightweight for a professional-grade saw, helping reduce fatigue during extended use.

The saw uses Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine technology, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces harmful emissions—so it runs cleaner and saves fuel compared to older models. Safety-wise, this model includes standard features such as a chain brake and an ergonomic design aimed at better control. Some users may find the price on the higher side, and with a cutting length of 38 cm, it may not be ideal for extremely large trees or heavy-duty logging.

This chainsaw fits well for users who need a reliable, efficient, and fairly lightweight power tool for regular professional or heavy farm work but might be more than what a casual user needs.