Do you want to be able to cut down trees and clear out brush, but not break the bank? If so, then this guide is for you. It will help you find the best chainsaw under 300 bucks.
There are many chainsaws on the market today, and it can be difficult to find a quality one that is under 300. This article will help you understand the different features of various chainsaws so you can make an informed decision on which one to buy. It also includes reviews for some of our favorite brands.
In making our selection, we considered several factors—top among them, guide bar length, ergonomics, and power.
The Best Chainsaw Under 300 Reviews
So without further Ado let’s dive into the review section
EGO Power+ CS1400 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chainsaw
You don’t need a $1000 gas-powered chainsaw for your home landscaping and yard work. A low-cost cordless chainsaw can be the answer. And one of the best in this category is the EGO Power 14-inch cordless chainsaw.
One of the first things you notice about this tool is that its makers decided to throw conventional design cues out of the window. Not that we are complaining, though. For one, the placement of the battery underneath the handle helps balance the tool for when in use.
The 56Volt lithium-ion battery on this Chainsaw is a beast. It is more powerful than the batteries of other models we have used. On average, it can make 100 cuts on a single charge, which is pretty impressive for a cordless model.
There is also a functioning chain brake that guarantees safety in case of a kickback. At the front of the saw is the 14 inch Oregon chain and bar. It is easy to tension this chain using the chain tensioning knob.
Two Thumbs Up For
- The Chainsaw features a powerful 56v battery
- Since it is a cordless chainsaw it is easy to start
- Thanks to the brushless motor it runs quietly
- There are no tools required to tension the chain
- The battery recharges quickly
What’s Not To Like
- You need to monitor the oil to avoid spillage when in storage
- The battery and charger are not included
Its power, ease of use, and convenience earn this model the title of the best cordless Chainsaw for its price segment on the list. For general yard and landscaping works, this is a more than sufficient tool for cutting trees.
Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
There aren’t many chainsaws that are friendly to both the environment and your wallet. This puts the Greenworks 16 inch 40V cordless chainsaw on a league of its own. It’s a decent chainsaw that offers enough power for around-the-home tasks.
Behind is power is a 4.0 Ah 40V G-MAX battery. While it isn’t as powerful as gas-operated models, this battery offers plenty of power for most tasks. You can expect a run time of about four hours from this battery, which is pretty good in our view.
We definitely approve of Greenwork’s choice of a brushless motor instead of a brushed one. Brushless motors run more quietly and are generally more efficient.
One of the best things about this saw is how easy it is to start. Simply push the start button and engage the engine and voila you are good to do. We were also delighted with the inclusion of an electronic chain brake, which stops your chain from spinning in the case of a kickback.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Is easier to start compared to similar gas-powered models
- This cordless Chainsaw runs quieter than most other similar chainsaws
- Due to it being lightweight it is easier to maneuver compared to gas-powered models
- Is offered at a relatively affordable price tag compared to gas-powered models
- The 40v battery is long-lasting and can go for four hours before requiring a recharge
What’s Not To Like
- The Chainsaw’s oil may get drained when in storage
- Is not as durable as gas-operated chainsaws and only has a few year lifespans
The question you are probably asking yourself is whether you should get a battery-powered Chainsaw. Granted this model is not as powerful as gas-operated saws, but for the price, you are getting a good deal. For basic home use, this is the Best battery-powered Chainsaw for the price range have around the house.
Makita Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar
Makita has a long history of producing tools of exceptional quality. And this is evident from the quality of the company’s 16 inches electric 16-inch chainsaw.
A 16-inch spiked bar combines with a 14.5 amp motor to deliver enough power to cut through 14 and even 16-inch limbs. This means it will have no problems handling general around-the-home cutting tasks.
Given it’s a corded model, you can use it with either a 100 foot 12 gauge cord or a 50 foot ten gauge cable. One of the things that impressed us about this Chainsaw is the auto oiling feature. With its interchangeable brushes, you can easily customize how you want the chain to be lubricated.
The safety features of this model were not a surprise to use given Makita’s reputation. It comes with a chain brake as well as overload protection. It holds up very well in continuous use.
Two Thumbs Up For
- The Chainsaw has an excellent build quality
- Boasts of good safety features that include a chain brake and an overload protection
- It is a lightweight and easy to use Chainsaw
- The auto-oiling feature ensures the Chainsaw stays lubricated
- Has a smooth start compared to gas-powered models
What’s Not To Like
- This is a corded model and thus requires a nearby power supply to function
- Is a bit pricier than other models on the list
One of the brands whose products you can never go wrong with is Makita. You may have to cough up some extra dollars than with other models, but it’s worth it. This is a powerful tool that can effortlessly cut through thicker limbs.
EGO Power+ CS1600 16-Inch 56V Lithium-ion Cordless Chainsaw
EGO is one of the newer entrants to the chainsaw industry. But the company has already created a reputation for producing high-quality tools. One such tool is the company’s CS1600 56v cordless Chainsaw.
Powered by a brushless motor and a 56v lithium-ion battery, this Chainsaw is capable of cutting through 14.5 inch thick metals. It is fitted with a 16 inch Oregon bar and 3/8 inch Oregon chain with 0.043-inch thick drive links.
Compared to other models, the trigger on this one is very long. And is one of its standout features. The extra-long trigger gives you more surface area to grip, which is always nice.
The chain tensioning knob makes tensioning the chain easy, while the oil inspection window gives you the ability to monitor the saw’s oil level.
Two Thumbs Up For
- With a 56v battery, it offers plenty of power for cutting through wood
- Is lightweight and easy to use
- Has a low kickback making it a safer option
- Since it’s a cordless model, it has reduced maintenance compared to gas-operated models
- Is a very well balanced model
What’s Not To Like
- Does not come with the battery and charger
- Is not as power-efficient as other similar models
This best value chainsaw is a decent enough model for most general yard work. When we tested it against other pricier models, it performed impressively well. Thus, it holds up very well when in use.
Husqvarna 14 Inch 120i Cordless Battery Powered Chainsaw
If you are a homeowner looking for a reliable chainsaw for light-duty tasks, the Husqvarna 14 inch 120i cordless chainsaw is one you will want to look at. This is a chainsaw built to last and will serve you well.
As its name suggests, it features a 14-inch bar and chain. The chain has a 3/8 inch pitch, 0.05 gauge, and 52 drive links.
When it comes to power and run time, this model scores high. The 40-volt battery, combined with its brushless motor delivers plenty of power. It has a rating of 4 amp per hour, which is very impressive.
Most chainsaws we have tested similar to it offer a rating of 2 amp per hour. This rating has everything to do with how long the Chainsaw runs. As such, you can get about 45 minutes of cutting from a single charge.
Two Thumbs Up For
- It is a lightweight chainsaw
- The automatic lubrication system ensures your Chainsaw is always lubricated
- There are no tools required to adjust the chain’s tensioning
- Features a brushless motor for an efficient and quiet operation
- Has a large oil reservoir
What’s Not To Like
- The time it takes to charge is more than of other models
- Might not be ideal for handling multiple projects
Most of the concerns we had about this model revolved around the battery and are easy to address. In regards to the tool itself, it’s a pretty robust tool for home use.
Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12 32.2cc 12-Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
The Tanaka TCS33EDTP is a gas-powered chainsaw that has a slightly smaller than average engine. Making it the perfect tool for taming your wild shrubbery.
Powering this great top handle chainsaw is a 32 cc 1.6 horsepower low emission engine. The latter is a two-stroke engine and works in any orientation. While it can be used with longer bars, it comes with a 12-inch bar and chain as its default.
The chain has a pitch of 3/8 inches. It is designed for efficiency when cutting while minimizing the risk of a kickback. We love the position of the Chainsaw’s chain tensioner, which is positioned on the side.
We are also big fans of the top handle design of this Chainsaw. It makes it easy to handle and maneuver, especially when paired with its shorter bar.
Two Thumbs Up For
- It is a lightweight model weighing only 9 pounds
- The engine on this model can be used with longer bars
- The chain tensioning knob is conveniently located on the side for quick and easy adjustment
- Is less costly compared to other gas-operated chainsaws
- This is an easy to use and maneuver Chainsaw
What’s Not To Like
- Is a bit too loud compared to electric models
- The motor may struggle when used continuously
This is perhaps the Best gas chainsaw in its price range, it is compatible with longer bars and can handle most light to medium tasks. Also, its shorter 12-inch bar and chain make it easier to maneuver than other gas-operated models.
Still Confused? Check Then How To Select The Best Chainsaw Under $300
There all kinds of chainsaws in the under 300 price range. To pick out the one that suits you best, there are some things you need to know. Crucial among them what factors to consider when shopping for one.
Length of the guide bar
The guide bar is the part of a chainsaw that is active when cutting. It is the bar on which the chain wraps around. The length of the guide bar is measured from the tip of the chain to where it connects with the chainsaw housing.
For domestic cutting tasks, a 14 inch or 16-inch bar will be sufficient. Ideally, the right guide bar length is 2 inches longer than the size of the wood you want to cut. So if you predominantly cut a 14-inch piece of wood go for a 16-inch bar.
Power
Chainsaws can be classified into three, gas-powered, electric, and battery-powered. Gas-powered chainsaws are the most powerful but are also the most expensive. Electric and battery-powered chainsaws dominate the under 300 markets.
When it comes to power, the more the power, the thicker the woods you can cut. For electric chainsaws, their power is calculated in amps. Thus the higher the amps, the more powerful the Chainsaw.
For battery-powered, the power is calculated in volts. A high voltage translates to more cutting power. This is something to keep in mind when shopping for Chainsaw.
Safety features
If you are a homeowner in search of cheap chainsaw chances are you don’t have a lot of experience with these power tools. As such, you will want a model that has safety features to protect yourself.
A chain brake is an important safety feature to have in a budget model. This safety feature protects you from injury in case of kickbacks.
Tensioning mechanism
The chain on your Chainsaw will not maintain tension on the guide bar forever. As such, at some point, you will have to adjust the tension. Unlike gas-powered models, electric chainsaws are pretty easy to adjust the tension.
For battery-powered models, look for one that does not require tools to adjust the tension.
Conlcusion
Most chainsaws in the under 300 price segment are electric and battery-powered models. These are perfect for trimming, pruning, and felling of small trees. However, this price point also offers low-powered gas chainsaws with low emissions.
Overall the best Chainsaw under 300 will offer plenty of power for most light to medium tasks. These are mainly landscaping and general yard tasks.
