6 Best Professional Chainsaw in 2022 – Heavy Duty Chainsaws

best professional chainsaw

Every Professional logger knows that gasoline-powered chainsaws are the best in business when they need logging, land clearing, farming, tree service, or big firewood cutting jobs. 

Most of the professional loggers still trust Stihl and Husqvarna as their predominant best professional chainsaw choice because they have the right balance of power to weigh. But both these brands have high chainsaw prices. There are more chainsaw brands ranked to know about. Stihl and Husqvarna are still considered as the best handheld outdoor power equipment in America for chainsaws.  

Professionals use the chainsaw having engine power from 40cc and above with a guide bar length 14 inches and more. We have divided the chainsaws into commercial vs. landowners or occasional use saws. Different-sized pro saws are selected based on what type of work you have.

Tip: Unless you have a plan to cut large trees in forest land, go for less than 80cc 20 inch bar.

We have listed some best professional chainsaws for 2022. Make sure you don’t choose any underpower chainsaw for heavy-duty work.

Comparison of Commercial Chainsaws

Model
Engine Power
Guide Bar
Weight
Ratings
#1. Husqvarna 460
Husqvarna 460
Editor's Choice

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60.3cc


20 inch


12.3 lbs


4.9/5
#2. Makita EA6100PRGG"

Makita EA6100PRGG

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61cc


20 inch


13 lbs


4.8/5
#3. Poulan Pro PR5020
Poulan Pro PR5020
Value for Money

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51cc


20 inch


15 lbs


4.6/5
#4. Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S

Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S

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46cc


18 inch


17.7 lbs


4.3/5
#5. COOCHEER 20''

COOCHEER 20''

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62cc


20 inch


17 lbs


4.0/5

6 Best Professional Chainsaw 2022 – Reviews

1. Best Commercial Chainsaw – Husqvarna 460 Rancher

Husqvarna 460 Rancher

  • Engine Power: 60.3cc
  • Guide Bar: 20 inch
  • Weight: 12.3lbs

Husqvarna has a long history that is rich in tradition, starting with the very first factory established in 1689. From homeowners to full-time professionals, this chainsaw is ideal for anyone who requires first-class quality, durability and ergonomics. 

Husqvarna is the best professional chainsaw. In reality, most loggers use this Husqvarna 460 Rancher chainsaw. This saw has a 20 inch bar, comes with the ⅜ chain, simple to nuts. Then you’re just a screw to adjust the chain. This all comes with a 3 position adjustment for the oil pump to lube the bar and chain. One is for a 13 to 15 inch, Two is for a 16 to 18 inch and Three is for a 20 to 24 inch bar when starting the saw. 

You can simply pull back the air filter simply and it pops right out. You can clean it with some air or with water in soap. With the Husqvarna vibration system, you will feel less vibration from the motor and chain. It is very comfortable, easy to move around due to its only 12.3 lbs weight. 

With the easy start recoil, you can start it in just one two pull and it starts every time. For some safety features,  you have a pop release trigger and chain break.

So overall, our experience with the Husqvarna 460 rancher is excellent. In fact, this is one of the best chainsaw for professionals and homeowners.

Pros
  • Starts Easily
  • Great torque with wide rpm range
  • Antivibration features
  • Welll balanced & Lightweight
Cons
  • Chain tensioning is not toolless

2. Makita EA6100PRGG Professional Chain Saw – Runner-Up

Makita EA6100

  • Engine Power: 61cc
  • Guide Bar: 20 inch
  • Weight: 13lbs

Makita 61 CC Professional chainsaw is faster, outstanding durability and commercial duty cutting performance without the extra weight. Makita easy Start is a spring-assisted starter with low RPM ignition coil that means 30 percent lower rope-pull resistance.

The 4.6 horsepower engine is engineered for fast acceleration and more efficient cutting. It also has improved combustion efficiency for reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. 

At the core is a two piece magnesium crank case for less weight and improved durability. The heavy duty cartridge air filter system is built for extended filter life and less maintenance. 

It weighs only 13 pounds with features like single touch, engine stop and a dampening system engineered for less vibration.

Overall, its powerful, easy start, just you can feel the power in your hands

Pros
  • Lots of Power
  • Great for the Price
  • Magnesium housing for durability and less weight
  • Higher Rpm for faster cuts
Cons
  • Plastic housing

3. Poulan Pro PR5020 Pro Chainsaw

Poulan Pro PR5020

  • Engine Power: 51cc
  • Guide Bar: 20 inch
  • Weight: 15lbs

Poulan Pro PR5020 is the value for money 20-inch chainsaw with 51 CC powerful engine. This chainsaw is available on Amazon between $150 to $200. It perfectly fits in your routine if you are a landowner or want to use it occasionally for your backyard cutting work.

This gasoline professional chainsaw is easy to start and operate with its powerful OxyPower engine which generates more power to cut hard and bigger size trees. Also, it consumes 20% low fuel and generates 70% fewer emission levels. We also like its Spring Assisted Starter System which reduces the rope pull force by 30% for Easy Starting. Make sure you warm up the saw before starting work.

It weighs only 15 pounds so it strikes a perfect balance between power and weight at an affordable pro chainsaw. You can easily cut trees over 30” diameter. 

Pros
  • Starts pretty easily
  • Value for money with Power
  • One of the easiest to start
  • Carrying case is included with purchase
Cons
  • Bit Heavy
  • Little more plastic body

4. Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S – Landowner/Semi-professional Chainsaw

Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S

  • Engine Power: 46cc
  • Guide Bar: 18 inch
  • Weight: 17.7lbs

The Craftsman 46 CC 18 inch gas powered chainsaw cuts through tough obstacles in the yard and beyond. It will allow you to work faster. With the incredible stuck in the system, a spring-assisted starter which reduces the amount of power needed to fire up the chainsaw engine. 

A heavy-duty dura core brain stands up to the most rugged workloads, while the 18 inch full complement chain chews through rigid bark. The 5 point anti-vibration system is easy on the hand, eliminating the need for frequent breaks. 

Cutting project time. A standard side screwed tension system is easily accessible whenever you need to quickly adjust the chain. 

Backed by a two-year limited warranty, the Craftsman 46 CC 18 inch professional chainsaw challenges the elements. Heavy-duty power and reliable performance you can trust craftsman made to make. 

Pros
  • Feels very tough and professional
  • Does not vibrate much
  • Spark plug is covered
Cons
  • Heavy even without fuel
  • Leaks bar oil

5. COOCHEER 20” – Homeowner Chainsaw

COOCHEER 20 Inch

  • Engine Power: 62cc
  • Guide Bar: 20 inch
  • Weight: 17lbs

If you are looking for something in the budget but still powerful then OppsDecor professional chainsaw is the right choice. COOCHEER 20” is a gas chainsaw of 62 CC 2 cycles power engine that delivers 3.5 HP. This is a good chainsaw for cutting jobs such as cutting in a garden or farm or any medium-duty jobs like felling trees.

It weighs only 7.8kg or 17 lbs making it lighter for heavy duty work. For safety feature, it has a built-in chain brake with ergonomic trigger and asymmetrical handle which add more comfort while working. 

The 20-inch bar and chain ios strong enough to tackle any job and it can cut many large hardwood trees such as oak, spruce, birch, beech and hemlock from 30-36 inches. 

Make sure you add the Gasoline and Engine oil in 25 to 1 ration for best performance. Many users also claimed that it consumes 20% lower fuel. Also, its Automatic oiler which is gear driven keeps the bar and chain lubricated results in reduced wear and tear and increases the chainsaw life.  

Pros
  • Cheapest
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Not much power

6. Zombi 16-Inch Professional Chainsaw

zombi zcs5817

Zombi is an American Lawnmower Company established in 1985. The 58V 4 Ah battery on this chainsaw gives enough power to the brushless motor to cut like a champ. With the help of 16 inch bar, it can easily rip off old oak or 12 to 14-inch branches like a gas saw. One of the biggest selling points of this chainsaw is it comes with a 5-year warranty on tool and 2 years on the battery.

Like other saws, it has a semi-transparent chain oil reservoir, Auto oiling, & chain tensioning features. For safety anti-kickback bar and chain keeps you safe while cutting the hardwoods. Being a powerful tool, this chainsaw also has incredibly long battery life.

Even after so many positives, this saw has some drawbacks. Like most users complained that tension knows easily breaks. Also, the body is made of plastic. The tool weighs around 16 pounds so for some of you this may feel heavy. 

Still, many people liked it due to its affordable price & it also comes with a 5-year warranty in case something goes wrong with the tool. 

Pros
  • Brushless Powerful Motor
  • Anti-kickback safety feature
Cons
  • Bit Heavy
  • Tension know breaks easily

Professional Chainsaw Buying Advice

There are 5 things any pro should look for before buying a chainsaw. After reading our buying guide you will be able to select the right professional chainsaw for you. We are here to help you make a smart and long term purchase. 

Choose the right chainsaw type

Homeowner/consumer: They have 30 cc to 45 cc engine with chain bars from 10 inches to 14 inches. Compact, easy-to-use and best for residential use. Most people choose cordless chainsaws for home use.

Landowner/semi-professional: They have 40 cc to 50 cc engine with chain bars from 14 inches to 16 inches. These chainsaws are durable and provide good performance. Check out some of the good quality chainsaw for firewood.

Logger/professional: They have 50 cc to 60 cc engine with chain bars from 18 inches to 20 inches. Used by foresters, loggers, and arborists (who sometimes also use a climbing chainsaw) and provide maximum performance and optimal ergonomics. If you are a full time professional these models are you. We have reviewed some of the best chainsaws here. Take a Look.

Engine Power

Selecting the right Engine Power

Engine power is the first important factor while purchasing a chainsaw. Because you are buying a professional chainsaw so you should eye for a minimum of 40 CC and 1 HP engine power. We all know the saws with more engine power hence large will be more powerful than smaller ones with less engine size. 

Chainsaw with engine size from 40 CC to 80 CC is used by professionals or even landowner who has lots of trees to fell. With this much power, you don’t have to stop in between while cutting a tree as big as 30-40 inches.

Every chainsaw power is measured by piston displacement (cc) and engine power (horsepower, or HP).

Basically, CC (cubic centimeter) is the piston displacement or simply size of the engine where piston can move around freely. More the space in terms of CC more the displacement of the engine. As a rule of thumb, you can say, the bigger the displacement, the higher the power of the engine.

While HP (Horsepower) determined the power. Basically, it is essentially torque times revolutions per minute. 

In short, cc determines length of the bar, HP determines how fast you can cut. So Horsepower first, CC second.

  • For Personal Work: If you are new to chainsaw and still looking for a pro model, then buy a less power chainsaw somewhere around 40 CC/1.3 HP combination which will be easy for you to handle and maneuver. If you buy the more powerful model that will be heavier and you will risk your safety and also slowing down productivity.
  • Size and Type of Wood to cut: If you are cutting the larger trees up to 50-60 inches then buy a more powerful model otherwise it will put unnecessary physical pressure on you and the product can be damaged.   

Selecting the right Guide Bar Length

Guide Bar Length

While deciding the length of a bar for your professional chainsaw, you must know what type of trees, wood are you gonna cut. If you are only using the chainsaw as a homeowner or landowner, a chainsaw with 10-16 inches of size if enough to cut an average tree. 

But if you are looking to cut the bigger trees then first consider selecting the CC/Horsepower which is 50 cc to 60 cc by 2 HP and then choose the bar length. 

For any logger or professional 18-20 inches is the ideal length of the guide bar to cut heavy trees. Being a professional, you must have access to 2 different guide bars. Also keep in mind that, a shorter length of around 10-14 inches is lighter used for felling only limbs hence easy to handle while the bigger length of 16-20 inches is heavier and used for felling bigger trees. 

Ease of Use

Even though you are a professional looking for a chainsaw that can do all the tree felling work for you. But unless it has good ergonomics and easy to handle, you can’t work with it for long. Make sure while choosing a chainsaw you must also consider the weight of chainsaw. The heavier model will put extra pressure on your body while lighter one makes it easy for you to do the same amount of work. 

We have the pro chainsaw models from 7 lbs to 16 lbs in weight which we think come in the lightest and moderate weight category. 

Most of the pro saws are made light and provide more power per cc. The saws we have mentioned above are also built better, use less plastic and can run for hours easily. If you buy any of the above pro saw it may cost you little extra which is really not that much compare to it will also last long over the 10 or more years.

Maintenance

 It is obvious for a power tool to get damaged while running for years when used to cut large trees. This wear and tear can increase your expenses if you don’t maintain the chainsaw properly or don’t buy one with automatic lubrication.

It lubricates the chain while you cut. The good thing is you don’t have to turn on and off. It works automatically when you cut. It keeps the chain lubricated properly which is necessary for safe and efficient cutting. 

Other Pro Chainsaw Features

  • Anti-vibration: This feature makes cutting a more comfortable job for you by reducing fatigue. You have already experienced that power tools do vibrate but if they vibrate too much it becomes difficult to work seamlessly hence it reduces the vibration generating from a chainsaw.
  • Spring-assist: It reduces the pulling power and helps you start your gasoline-powered saw in just 2 to 3 rope pulls.
  • Chain Brake: It is a good safety feature that stops the chain if it encounters any problem.  Even though this is automatic but some on chainsaws you can also manually activate the chain brake.
  • Low-kickback: Low-kickback stops the saw from unexpectedly forced back and up which reduces the risk hence increased safety for you.
  • Tool-less chain adjustment: With this, you can easily change the chain and start cutting again in minutes.
  • Air-cleaning: This increases the life of the air filter and chainsaw by removing debris before they reach the filter.

Conclusion

After reading our reviews of professional chainsaws and buying guide, you must know that which chainsaw is right for you. Husqvarna 460 Rancher is our top pick because of power, safety, and auto lubrication feature which helps it long-lasting.

Poulan Pro PR5020 is value for money pick fits well in anyone’s budget. With its OxyPower engine technology, it consumed 20% less fuel and still generates more power to cut larger trees.

More Chainsaw posts:

Best Chainsaw Under $300
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Best Chainsaws Under $200

Best Small Chainsaw
Best Small and Lightweight Chainsaws

 

About the Author David Vieria

David has been a woodworker for most of his life — in his dad’s cabinet shop. After using the tools himself, he decided to share it his woodworking and power tools knowledge with DIYers. Read more about him

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