For cutting down a small tree, trimming up a branch, or doing some yard work, a little chainsaw is a great purchase. There are many choices available to choose from, from small cordless tools to lightweight, powerhouse mini chainsaws — there are countless highly rated products focused on simplicity, portability, and cutting performance. So let’s get into the top mini chainsaws and small cordless chainsaws of 2018.
1. DEWALT DCCS620P1 20V MAX ULTIMATE Cordless Chainsaw
If you are shopping for a good small chainsaw DEWALT DCCS620P1 is a great choice. With a 12-inch bar and chain this cordless 20V MAX is great for small-to-medium jobs. It’s lightweight and portable at 8.8 lbs, and comes with a brushless motor to maximize runtime and efficiency. Love its toolless chain tensioning and automatic oiling system, saving time on maintenance and maintaining the chainsaw. Most customers laud its strength, comfort, and power for such a small chainsaw.
2. Greenworks G-MAX 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Chainsaw Power and portability combine to make the Greenworks G-MAX a good contender among top rated mini battery chainsaws. The 12-inch bar and chain are just right for short to medium yard work, and the 40V battery is ample for smaller logs, brush, and branches. The most notable is its brushless motor, which gives you more runtime and less upkeep. Many users like how quiet it is and easy to operate — even though it can be used for small cuts.
3. WORX WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw
The WORX WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw is another excellent mini cordless chainsaw. This lightweight and compact 10-inch bar and chain chainsaw is perfect for small branches and light yard work. There is an automatic tensioning mechanism to keep your chain tension perfect, and a hydraulic oiler for easy operation. Users laud the WG322’s cost, portability and ergonomics, especially when performing quick, simple yard work.
4. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V MAX Electric Chainsaw
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020, rated the best and most popular home owners small chainsaw. A 10-inch bar and 20V MAX lithium-ion battery mean it is easy to carry and fast to cut. Its knife-less blade tension system makes adjustments easy and the lightweight construction (it is a little over 7 lbs. It’s touted as being durable, reliable and cost effective by a large majority of its consumers, especially for short-cut pruning and other small wood-cutting.
5. Stihl GTA 26 Garden Prune
A fantastic mini chainsaw is the Stihl GTA 26 Garden Pruner. This little chainsaw, while compact, is a high performance machine, perfect for trimming and pruning, and other small woodworking jobs. This battery-operated pruner has a 4-inch guide bar that's perfect for fine-cutting and it comes with a protective cover for added protection. Customers continue to rate it high on the portability, ease of use and battery life. Still, you should keep in mind that the Stihl GTA 26 typically only becomes available at Stihl dealers.
6. Makita XCU06Z 18V LXT Cordless Chainsaw
This is another excellent mini cordless chainsaw, the Makita XCU06Z, which is super powerful and light-weight. The device has a 10-inch guide bar and an 18V lithium-ion battery, so it cuts well and has good runtime. It is very quiet, a favorite choice for a home and it comes with a variable chain speed and toolless chain adjustment. Users love its compact size, lithium-ion battery and fine cutting, it can be used for DIY projects and light trimming.
7. Ryobi ONE+ 18V 8-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 8-Inch Cordless Chainsaw, a small and powerful tool for trimming and pruning tasks on the go. It is a part of the popular ONE+ battery series, and this chainsaw works with a variety of Ryobi tools. It’s light, easy to carry thanks to the comfortable handle and the 8-inch bar is great for small branches. The ports, ease of use, and the extra convenience of the ONE+ battery are common themes of reviews.
8. Sun Joe SWJ807E Electric Convertible Pole and Chainsaw
Sun Joe SWJ807E for a more versatile pole and chainsaw The Sun Joe SWJ807E has a convertible pole and chainsaw. It’s both a standard chainsaw and a pole saw with a detachable handle for reaching branches above. Its 10-inch bar and chain gives good power, great for small to medium branches. It has the added reach that users like and it works well for trimming trees and hedges.
Factors to Think About When Buying a Small Chainsaw.
When buying a mini or small chainsaw, you’ll want to consider a few things before you settle on a model that is right for you:
- Life of Battery: Battery life is something you will want to check for cordless units if they can keep up with the workload you have.
- Weight: Lighter chainsaws are easier to carry and keep — even for long periods of time.
- Bar Size: The length of the bar (usually 8–12 inches with the mini chainsaws) is the maximum cut size.
- Features For Easy Care: Find tensioning that isn't required a tool and automatic oiling for easier care.
End of Story: Which Small Chainsaw Is Right For You?
DEWALT DCCS620P1 and Greenworks G-MAX 40V are great picks if you’re looking for power and durability, but other models like the WORX WG322 or BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 are small and convenient for smaller jobs. Stihl GTA 26 or Ryobi ONE+ 18V make pruning specific work more precise and portable. These best small chainsaws all feature different options for specific yard projects, so there’s bound to be a model for you.