When choosing the right chainsaw, understanding the available types and their intended uses is essential. Whether you’re a professional arborist, a homeowner with a large yard, or someone handling occasional outdoor tasks, there’s a chainsaw that fits your needs.
Different Types of Chainsaws
Chainsaws come in different categories, each suited for specific work environments and tasks:
- Petrol Chainsaws: Petrol chainsaws are powerful and portable. They’re best for heavy-duty tasks like felling large trees or cutting thick logs. Since they run on a petrol-oil fuel mix, they’re ideal for remote areas where electricity isn’t available.
- Electric Chainsaws: Electric chainsaws are quieter and lighter, making them easier to handle. They come in corded and cordless versions. Corded models offer unlimited runtime but require access to a power outlet. Cordless ones run on batteries, providing mobility at the cost of limited runtime and slightly less power.
- Battery-Powered Chainsaws: These are a type of cordless electric chainsaw and have grown in popularity thanks to advances in battery technology. They strike a good balance between mobility and performance, making them suitable for medium-duty tasks.
- Manual Chainsaws: Manual chainsaws are simple, human-powered tools with a chain and handles at both ends. While not ideal for regular use, they can be helpful in emergency or off-grid situations.
What’s Better, an Electric or Petrol Chainsaw?
The best chainsaw for you depends on the tasks at hand. Both petrol and electric models have pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Chainsaw
Pros:
✔️Eco-friendly with zero emissions
✔️Quieter operation, ideal for residential areas
✔️Lightweight and easier to handle
✔️Minimal maintenance—no fuel mixing or engine tune-ups
Cons:
✔️Corded models limit mobility
✔️Cordless versions have less power and shorter runtimes
✔️May struggle with thick or hardwood cutting tasks
Electric chainsaws are perfect for light to medium jobs like trimming, pruning, or cutting firewood in home gardens. Cordless options provide freedom of movement, while corded saws offer uninterrupted power if an outlet is nearby.
Pros and Cons of a Petrol Chainsaw
Pros:
✔️Ideal for remote or large outdoor areas
✔️High power output for tough cutting jobs
✔️Full mobility—no cords or charging
Cons:
✔️Heavier and louder than electric types
✔️Requires regular maintenance (fuel mixing, spark plug changes)
✔️Produces emissions and is less eco-friendly
Petrol chainsaws are best suited for professionals or anyone managing large properties. They offer unmatched cutting strength but demand more upkeep and protective gear during use. Their powerful engines make them ideal for felling large trees, heavy pruning, and other demanding outdoor tasks.
What Types of Chainsaws Are There?
It would be a pretty basic guide if I was to stop there. There’s more to chainsaws than just their power source. Beyond the fundamental categories, chainsaws can be further specialised based on their design and intended use:
All-Purpose Chainsaws:
All-purpose chainsaws offer the perfect blend of power and versatility, making them ideal for both homeowners and professionals who need a reliable tool for a variety of cutting tasks. Unlike specialised models that focus on pruning or tree surgery, these chainsaws balance strength, portability, and user-friendliness—making them well-suited for everything from chopping firewood to felling small to medium trees.
Most models feature medium-sized bars between 14 and 20 inches, giving users the flexibility to tackle a wide range of jobs. Whether you’re clearing storm debris, trimming branches, or cutting logs, these chainsaws deliver dependable performance without being too heavy or difficult to control.
Manufacturers design these tools with comfort in mind. Features like ergonomic handles, balanced weight distribution, and anti-vibration technology help reduce fatigue, even during extended use. This user-friendly design makes them accessible not only to professionals but also to DIYers and casual users.
Built with durable materials, all-purpose chainsaws withstand regular use in diverse environments—from dense bushland to backyard gardens. Many models include practical additions such as automatic chain lubrication, easy chain tensioning, and advanced air filtration systems. These features help maintain peak performance and extend the lifespan of the machine.
Thanks to their adaptability, all-purpose chainsaws are a smart investment for general property maintenance, landscaping work, and emergency tree clearing. Whether you’re a weekend DIY enthusiast or a professional after a reliable backup saw, these tools get the job done efficiently.
Husqvarna offers a selection of all-purpose chainsaws to match different needs. The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is great for lighter tasks and beginners, while the Husqvarna 450e II and Husqvarna 455 Rancher provide more cutting power for medium-duty jobs. For professionals needing extra performance, the Husqvarna 550XP Mark II offers exceptional speed and strength. Every model in the range delivers on reliability, ease of use, and innovative features—ensuring you have the right tool for any task.
Top-Handle Chainsaws:
Top-handle chainsaws are compact, lightweight tools made for professional arborists and tree surgeons. They’re designed for one-handed operation, making them ideal for working at heights or in confined spaces.
Unlike traditional chainsaws, these are built for vertical work, such as when climbing trees or standing on ladders. The top-handle grip allows users to stabilise themselves with one hand while operating the saw with the other. Despite their small size, they’re powerful enough for pruning, trimming, and removing limbs.
Recommended model: The Husqvarna T540XP II delivers top-tier performance, with advanced safety and ergonomic features for professional use in elevated environments. Its compact design and precise handling make it perfect for arborists needing reliability while working at height.
Pole Chainsaws:
Pole chainsaws, or pole saws, make it easier to trim tall trees without a ladder. These tools consist of a small chainsaw mounted at the end of an extendable pole, offering a reach of up to 4 metres.
They’re perfect for pruning hard-to-reach branches, shaping tall hedges, or removing dead limbs. Most models have telescopic poles and angled cutting heads for better reach and flexibility. The cutting bar is smaller, typically designed to handle branches up to 20 cm thick.
Many pole chainsaws are lightweight and feature anti-vibration systems and ergonomic grips, making them comfortable for extended use.
Recommended model: The Husqvarna 525PT5S is a premium pole saw with a telescopic pole and excellent balance, ideal for professionals working in elevated or complex landscapes.
Mini Chainsaws:
Mini chainsaws are compact tools ideal for precision work like pruning, trimming, and cutting small branches. Their bar lengths usually range from 4 to 10 inches, allowing users to work efficiently in tight spaces.
These chainsaws are lightweight and easy to control, making them perfect for extended use or for users who find full-size chainsaws heavy. Most models have ergonomic designs with soft grips and intuitive controls, making them beginner-friendly.
Mini chainsaws also store easily and are convenient to transport. Battery-powered models offer quiet, cordless operation without sacrificing much power, making them perfect for home gardens and light professional work.
Recommended model: The Husqvarna 120i is a reliable mini chainsaw powered by a lithium-ion battery. It’s ideal for light pruning tasks, offering quiet performance and easy handling for homeowners and occasional users.
What Are the Top 3 Chainsaws?
When it comes to high-quality chainsaws, Husqvarna is a brand that stands out. Known for their durability, performance, and innovation, here are the top three Husqvarna chainsaws:
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher: This powerful and versatile chainsaw is perfect for landowners and part-time users who need a high-powered, responsive tool for all cutting conditions. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher ergonomic design makes it easy to handle, while the X-Torq® engine reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
- Husqvarna 592XP: Designed for professional use, this chainsaw offers exceptional performance with its powerful engine, low weight, and advanced features. The Husqvarna 592XP is ideal for demanding tasks like tree felling and cutting large timber.
- Husqvarna 572XP: A top choice for professional forestry and arborist work, the 572XP chainsaw combines power, efficiency, and durability. It’s built to withstand long hours of heavy-duty work in tough conditions.
The Best Chainsaws for Beginners:
- Why Ease of Use Matters
For beginners, choosing a chainsaw that’s easy to handle and operate is essential. The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a top choice, offering reliable performance and user-friendly features that help new users feel confident and in control.
- Lightweight for Better Handling
One of the standout features of the 120 Mark II is its lightweight build. It’s easy to carry and manoeuvre, reducing fatigue during use. This makes it ideal for those who aren’t used to power tools and need better balance and control when cutting.
- Safety Features for New Users
Safety is a key priority for first-time users. This model includes an inertia-activated chain brake that engages automatically when it detects a sudden jolt or kickback. It significantly reduces the chance of injury, giving beginners peace of mind while working.
- Simple Controls and Low Maintenance
The intuitive controls make starting and operating the saw straightforward. With features like easy chain tensioning and an air injection system that removes debris before it reaches the air filter, the 120 Mark II requires less maintenance than many other chainsaws.
- Perfect for Light to Medium Tasks
While it’s beginner-friendly, this chainsaw still packs enough power to handle tasks such as pruning, firewood cutting, and small tree trimming. It strikes the right balance between performance and control.
Summary: The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a solid entry-level chainsaw that combines safety, ease of use, and dependable power—perfect for those new to yard work or occasional DIY cutting.
What is the Best Chainsaw for Longevity?
When it comes to longevity, the Husqvarna 372XP is a top choice, renowned for its robust construction and ability to perform reliably over many years. This professional-grade chainsaw is designed with the rigorous demands of forestry and heavy-duty work in mind, making it a reliable tool for those who need a chainsaw that can withstand tough conditions over extended periods.
Its robust construction features high-quality materials and components that are built to endure the wear and tear of intensive use, from felling large trees to bucking logs.This professional-grade chainsaw is built with high-quality materials designed to withstand the demands of heavy-duty work, from felling large trees to prolonged use in forestry.
For example, the air injection system helps keep the engine clean by filtering out larger debris before it reaches the air filter, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and extending the life of the engine. Additionally, the magnesium crankcase and three-piece crankshaft are designed to handle high RPMs and heavy loads without compromising the saw’s durability.
Another factor contributing to the 372XP’s longevity is its user-friendly design, which includes features aimed at reducing strain on both the machine and the operator. The LowVib® anti-vibration system minimises vibrations transmitted to the user, reducing fatigue during long hours of operation and protecting the chainsaw’s internal components from excessive wear.
With proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning, chain sharpening, and timely replacement of wear parts, the Husqvarna 372XP can serve you reliably for many years. Its reputation for durability and consistent performance has made it a favourite among professionals, including loggers, arborists, and serious landowners who need a chainsaw that can handle demanding tasks day in and day out.
What is the Strongest Chainsaw?
The Husqvarna 3120XP is the most powerful chainsaw in Husqvarna’s lineup—and one of the strongest on the market. Built for professionals, it’s designed to handle extreme tasks like large tree felling and milling with ease.
Powered by a massive 118.8cc engine, the Husqvarna 3120XP delivers exceptional cutting force, allowing it to perform under heavy load without compromising speed or efficiency. It’s ideal for demanding forestry and commercial applications where reliability is critical.
Despite its size, this chainsaw includes features for user comfort, such as an anti-vibration system that reduces fatigue during long jobs. Its durable construction and high-quality components ensure long-term performance with minimal downtime.
If you’re keen on keeping your chainsaw running smoothly, you might want to check out How Do You Perform A Chainsaw Compression Test?—it’s a great guide that walks you through checking your chainsaw’s engine health. I also found How To Properly Store Chainsaws really useful for making sure my own chainsaw stays in top shape when it’s not in use. But we don’t just know about Chainsaws, and if you’ve ever wondered whether upgrading to a zero-turn mower is worth it, Is a Zero-Turn Mower a Good Investment? offers some solid insights that might help you decide.
If you are up for a new chainsaw, check out our Canberra Mowers shop in Mitchell. We stock the latest Husqvarna chainsaws Canberra wide for both professional and home users. And if you need an excellent chain to go with the saw, we have a wide range of chain saw chains for sale.