Best Small Gas Chainsaws 2024: Reviews + Buying Guide

Although chainsaws are often thought of as bulky tools, they can often be quite compact. In this article, we will be taking a look at the best small gas chainsaws. If you want to just cut to the chase, the best small gas chainsaw that we would recommend is the Echo CS-303T Professional Grade Top Handle Chainsaw.

How We Chose The Best Small Gas Chainsaws

Before diving into the reviews, we quickly want to go over how we actually decided on what chainsaws to feature as part of this review article.

Generally, when assessing gas-powered chainsaws, you want to look at how fuel efficient it is and how much raw power the chainsaw can deliver. Fuel efficiency is hard to gauge, but certain brands and motors are more reliable when it comes to being efficient.

With regards to a chainsaw’s cutting power, you want to look at things like the RPMs that it can achieve and what the horsepower is on the engine. You also want to consider other factors, like cost, size, and how often you have to do maintenance on the chainsaw.

A Spotlight On Some of The Best Small Gas Chainsaws 2024:

Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw

The first small gas chainsaw that we are going to be reviewing is from a very well-known power tool brand Husqvarna. So, right off the bat, we imagine that many of you are going to have a good idea of what to expect from this power tool as broadly speaking, Husqvarna is pretty consistent when it comes to their products.

When it comes to power and efficiency, we imagine that you will have very little to complain about when it comes to the
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw. This is an extremely powerful chainsaw with a high-powered, fuel-efficient motor. That last part is important because the motors that Husqvarna uses are known for lasting a long time, so you won’t have to worry about replacing this chainsaw for a long time.

This is also just a very easy chainsaw to use. The fuel cap is easy to open and close, even when wearing gloves that may be slick with mud, grease, etc. The chainsaw fits nicely in your hands and it is easy to keep a good grip on it, even when cutting through extremely thick objects.

Another benefit of this being a Husqvarna tool is that it is highly compatible with other Husqvarna products. If you are even remotely serious about power tools, then you likely already own a few tools from this brand and you also own some of the accessories for those tools. The good news is that a lot of those accessories are going to work with this particular chainsaw.

The only issue with this Husqvarna chainsaw has to do with the fact that it does some to require some minor adjustments out of the box to make it work on par with other Husqvarna tools. An example of what we are talking about is the tension in the chain, which is something that we would recommend adjusting before you start using the tool to cut anything.

Pros:

• Easy to open fuel cap.
• Fuel efficient motor.
• Very powerful chainsaw.
• Ergonomic design fits securely in your hands.

Cons:

• Might require some adjustments out of the box.

 

Echo 26.9 CC ChainSaw

The next chainsaw that we want to look at is the Echo 26.9 CC Chainsaw. This is going to be a very appealing option for those of you who are looking for a truly compact, affordable chainsaw (while still getting the performance that you would expect out of a modern power tool).

This is an exceptionally ergonomic chainsaw. Coming in at only about 12 inches long, this is a very compact chainsaw that is incredibly easy for anyone to use.

If you aren’t familiar with using chainsaws or if you aren’t comfortable with them, this would be a good option for you because you never have to worry about losing control. Despite this, the chainsaw manages to still pack quite the punch with its 26.9 CC gas powered engine. The Echo ends up boasting quite the mixture of ergonomic handling and cutting power.

This is also quite a budget-friendly option, so if you are looking for a chainsaw that won’t break the bank, the Echo should definitely be on your radar, especially when you consider the overall quality of this tool.

One downside to the Echo has to do with the overall feel of the chainsaw. While this is a very ergonomic chainsaw, it also doesn’t feel that durable.

The benefits of this chainsaw that we have discussed help to offset this, but it is something that seasoned handymen will probably recognize. We definitely wouldn’t let this little issue prevent you from consider the Echo for your next power tool purchase.

Pros:

• Good cutting power for a small chainsaw.
• Extremely compact design.
• Very easy to handle.
• Pretty fuel efficient.

Cons:

• Smaller chainsaw doesn’t feel quite as durable as you may want.

 

VEVOR 25.4 CC 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw

The next small gas chainsaw that we are going to be reviewing is the VEVOR 25.4 CC 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw. This is an absolutely powerful chainsaw that is perfect for tackling extremely tough jobs while still remaining compact and fairly easy to use.

First off, let’s discuss the power of this chainsaw. The VEVOR is an extremely powerful cutting tool that you are going to be able to use for just about any job that you can think of. It has a powerful engine capable of reaching speeds of up to 11,500 RPM.

There’s no job that the VEVOR can’t do. At the same time, it remains an incredibly easy chainsaw to use. It is a tight 9.84 inches long and it weighs under 10 pounds, so you will have no problems using this in tight situations where a bigger chainsaw just wouldn’t be suitable.

Secondly, we want to stress that this is a very fuel-efficient chainsaw. You will get a lot of work done off a single tank. And when the time does come to refill the tank, the VEVOR makes it very easy for you to fuel up and get back to work.

Finally, we want to note that this is a surprisingly affordable option given the quality that you are getting. The bang for the buck that this chainsaw offers is one of the biggest reasons why we consider this to be the best small gas chainsaw on our list.

As is often the case with very powerful, high-quality chainsaws, you are required to put quite a bit of effort into keeping it in good shape. When you compare this product to some of the other options that have appeared on our list, the VEVOR does end up requiring more frequent maintenance to keep it performing at its high level.

Pros:

• Great value for the price.
• High-powered motor.
• Can reach speeds of 11,500 RPM.
• Very light and compact design.

Cons:

• Requires frequent upkeep.

 

Troy-Bilt 41AY4216766 16 in. Gas Chainsaw

This is also an extremely easy chainsaw to handle. It has a number of features that are designed to make it easier to handle and control, even when being used to cut through difficult materials. You should have absolutely no problems with kickback when using the Troy-Bilt.

Of course, handling is just one aspect of what makes a good chainsaw. Thankfully, the Troy-Bilt nails the other aspect, which is power. This chainsaw packs a lot of punch, and it is suitable for all sorts of tough cutting projects. It doesn’t matter how thick the wood is, this chainsaw will get through it with no problems.

A small, but often overlooked feature that can really make a gas chainsaw easier to use is an easy to use starting mechanism. Some gas chainsaws out there are surprisingly difficult to get started, which can really interrupt the flow of a job.

This is not an issue that you will encounter when using the Troy-Bilt 41AY4216766 16 in. Gas Chainsaw. This chainsaws starts up easily and smoothly every single time.

The one issue that we want to discuss with regards to this Troy-Bilt chainsaw has to do with its weight. This is a pretty heavy chainsaw. Given this is a review list dedicated to finding the best small gas chainsaw, we imagine that you are going to be looking for something that is very mobile and easy to maneuver with.

If this is the case, then you may want to consider one of the other options on our review list. But at the same time, the quality of this chainsaw is fantastic and you certainly wouldn’t regret giving it a try.

Pros:

• Easy to start.
• Smooth handling.
• Strong, fuel-efficient engine.
• Anti-vibration features.

Cons:

• On the heavier side, which can impact mobility.

 

Echo CS-303T Professional Grade Top Handle Chainsaw

We have saved the best for last on this review list as we are going to be taking a look at the Echo CS-303T Professional Grade Top Handle Chainsaw. This is, in our opinion, the best chainsaw that we have reviewed (and we have taken a look at some pretty good small gas chainsaws, so that is saying something).

The first thing that we want to talk about is the cutting power that this chainsaw brings to the table. The CS-303T is equipped with an impressive 3.5 horsepower motor, which allows it to achieve extremely high RPMs at a very quick rate.

This is great for those tough jobs that require a lot of cutting power to get the job. If you have very thick pieces of lumber or tree trunks that need to be cleared, this is an amazing chainsaw for that option.

Now, you might think that because this is a powerful chainsaw that it is also a heavy one, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The CS-303T is a remarkably lightweight chainsaw that feels great in your hands. You will have absolutely no problems maneuvering around with this chainsaw.

The one potential downside with the Echo CS-303T is that it is a bit of a pricier option. When compared to some of the cheaper chainsaws on this list, you will definitely end up spending a bit more on this one than you would on some of the other options on this list.

Now, this isn’t necessarily a downside for everyone, since everyone has their own budget they operate on and for some, tool purchases are necessary. However, we just wanted to mention it. We would also add that, for those concerned about the cost, you are definitely getting your money’s worth with the Echo (and then some).

Pros:

• Has a very powerful motor.
• High RPM output.
• Very lightweight.
• Easy to handle, even at higher speeds.

Cons:

• On the pricier side of the spectrum.

 

Gas Chainsaws Buying Guide

At the start of this article, we talked a bit about how we picked the various chainsaw options that we reviewed on this list. In this second part of our article, we are going to be going into more depth on exactly what you should be looking for when you are trying to buy a gas chainsaw of your own.

Why Go For Gas?

The first thing that we want to talk about in this buying guide is why you should even buy gas in the first place. There are two types of chainsaws, gas and electric. Of the two types, electric ones are more common, especially when you are shopping online.

Despite being more common, when it comes to the main tasks that you usually use a chainsaw for, we think that gas ends up being the superior option.

Generally, gas chainsaws are more powerful and last long, both of which are very important qualities for any power tool but are especially crucial for something like a chainsaw. Even more important, however, is the fact that gas chainsaws let you be very mobile without sacrificing any power.

Cordless electric chainsaws tend to be very weak, and the more powerful corded models end up really restricting your mobility. So, gas models just tend to be better all-around.

RPMs

One of the biggest things to consider when it comes to evaluating the potential cutting power of any chainsaw, including a gas one, is by looking at the RPMs that it is capable of outputting.

RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and it is a measure of how many times the chain does a full cycle per minute. It isn’t the only thing that determines the cutting power, but it is certainly an important component and one thing to keep an eye on.

Horsepower

Another thing to consider when buying a gas powered chainsaw is the horsepower of the engine. A good horsepower level is essential as it allows your chainsaw to complete really tough jobs (like cutting through large amounts of thick branches).

Unlike RPM, determining the horsepower of a particular chainsaw is usually extremely easy as it is always advertised front and center. By looking at both the horsepower and the maximum RPMs of a gas chainsaw, you can get a good idea of the overall power of the tool.

Other factors do matter (such as the quality of the saw blade and how much the tool weighs), but just going off the horsepower and RPMs should be enough.

Anti-kickback Features

From a safety perspective, one of the most important things that you can look for on a gas chainsaw is a good array of anti-kickback features.

The reason why is because gas chainsaws are almost always more powerful than both electric chainsaws, as well as most other types of common power tools. If you aren’t careful, you can easily lose control of the chainsaw (this becomes more common when you start using the really high-powered gas chainsaws out there).

Even veteran handymen might sometimes find themselves getting kickback from a really strong gas chainsaw. So, we always recommend looking for chainsaws that have good anti-kickback features (such as a low anti-kickback bar). This will make your tool safer and more efficient.

Automatic Lubrication

If you are looking to make your life a whole lot easier and also improve the effectiveness of your chainsaw, then you want to make sure that whatever gas chainsaw that you buy has some sort of automatic lubrication.

For those who are new to the world of chainsaws, chainsaw blades require frequent lubrication to continue working safely and efficiently.

On some chainsaws, you actually have to stop using the tool and manually lubricate the chainsaw blades with oil. Thankfully, many chainsaws out there (especially gas-powered ones) come with automatic lubrication features.

This means that the chainsaw blade gets automatically lubricated as you work. It isn’t an essential feature by any means, but it is also one that we would recommend you look for because of how convenient it is.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you found our best small gas chainsaws review list to be helpful and we hope that you were able to find the right tool for your needs using our review and buying guide.

If you found this guide helpful, check out our in-depth review of thermal imaging cameras for your projects.