A chainsaw is a fantastic tool for anyone to have in their arsenal. Chainsaws are versatile and useful for many situations, from cutting firewood to clearing brush. However, the best chainsaw under 200 dollars is not always easy to find! That’s why we put together this list of our top 7 picks when looking for the perfect saw at a low price point.
If you are in a hurry and you need to find the best chainsaw under 200 dollars fast, then there are three great options that you should check out. All of These saws will be perfect for the average homeowner that just needs to cut some wood or clear out brush.
Comparison of Our Top Picks!
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However, each of our top seven chainsaws has its own unique features and advantages, so we recommend looking at all of them before making your final decision.
Types Of Chainsaw And Their Benefits:
A chainsaw is a saw that uses chain links to cut wood. Chainsaws are often used in forestry, logging, and even for carving. They can be either
- gas powered,
- cordless or
- electric-powered.
You may think all three types of chainsaws are the same, but each type has some benefits depending on what you plan on using it for and your preferences.
In this section, I will go through the differences between the three main categories of chainsaws, so you know which one suits your needs best!
Gas Powered:
One of the most common tools that professional chainsaw users use is a gasoline-powered chain saw. This type of chainsaw can be used for heavy-duty tasks like cutting down trees or trimming branches off large trees.
A gas-powered chain saw is powerful and reliable, but it has some downsides against its pros.
One downside is the noise level: this type of chainsaw makes an enormous amount of noise, so you need to wear protective ear gear in order to avoid hearing damage.
Another downside is safety: if something goes wrong with your gas-powered chain saw, there are plenty of opportunities for injury since it’s not safe to simply switch it off and let go when things get dangerous.
But In a short gas-powered chainsaw is an excellent choice for those who need the extra power. In addition, the fuel and oil mixtures are both easy to find, which makes this type of saw easier to maintain than others types on the market.
Gas-powered saws have a lot of power due to their higher RPMs (revolutions per minute). However, cordless chainsaws are limited by a battery, and gas-powered saws are better for bigger jobs.
Cordless Chainsaw:
The cordless chainsaw is like your typical electric saw, but it has no physical connection to the power source. Instead, you just attach the battery, and you are ready to go! Cordless chainsaws make a great option if you need more mobility than an electric or gas-powered one offers, for example, in places where there might not be an available power outlet. The main disadvantage of cordless chainsaws is that they require more battery power and charge time. In addition, they are not that powerful as gasoline-powered chainsaws.
Electric Chainsaw:
Electric chainsaws are powerful than cordless type chainsaw, as it utilizes a power source to make them work. They have an electric motor that is powered by electricity and uses standard household current for this purpose. The engine does not need any kind of fuel, so there is no need to refuel these machines, making them ideal for people with limited mobility.
Electric chainsaws are also the safest type of chainsaw by far because they do not generate a lot of sparks and flames like other types of saws, which means that there is less risk for injury to occur while using them.
In addition, electric models often come with an automatic chain oiling system, so one does not need to worry about maintaining the saw.
Electric chainsaws do not require special maintenance, and they are easy to operate. That’s why this type of chainsaw is the most popular among beginners.
The drawbacks of electric chainsaw use are significant because they are not as powerful or fast as gasoline chainsaws. They also have a limited reach, which makes it harder to cut through large pieces of wood without the help of any additional equipment like a belt saw. Chainsaws that use gas fuel do not suffer from these issues, and they can be used for more strenuous tasks than electric models can handle.
Our Top Seven Chainsaw Under 200 and 250 Dollars Recommendations
DEWALT 20V Chainsaw Model : DCCS620B MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw
In this case, you’re only receiving the cordless chainsaw though it requires a battery to run. You can buy the battery separately or pay more to buy the battery with the chainsaw. It is plug and play with the 20 volt Max batteries by Dewalt if you already own one. It won’t accept 20-volt lithium ion batteries by other manufacturers.
This cordless chainsaw is lightweight. It comes in at under nine pounds. It has a 12 inch saw suitable for cutting through almost everything the average homeowner will need to cut through.
You can tighten the chain without any special tools. You can adjust the bar as well. However, the Worx chainsaw does not do this automatically for you, something that can frustrate you if you’re working with it for an extended period of time.
The chain saw has a very efficient, brushless motor. This feature maximizes the chainsaw’s operating life. The chain can move as fast as 25.2 feet per second. This is enough to cut through brush and thin tree branches.
It hardly kicks back when you’re using it. It is very safe to use and easy to control. However, it is designed for homeowners, not gardeners who work with the tool day after day.
One downside of this model is that it tends to leak oil from the bar oil reservoir, and it can leak from the oil cap. Note that you need to lubricate it before you use it the first time. The strike against this unit is how much oil it will go through if you are using it continuously.
Another potential issue is the fact that you’re supposed to drain the bar and chain of oil after each use. That maintenance task is only a problem if you break the chainsaw out regularly for little tasks.
Another possible concern is the plastic piece that holds the blade. It won’t survive a heavy impact. Don’t drop it. Ironically, it may take a lot of force to get the oil cap open to fill the chainsaw with oil the first time, and that’s rather robust unless you break off the pin holding it in place.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Safe for novices to use
- Plug-and-play with other Dewalt 20 Volt batteries
CONS
- Battery required but not included
- Leaks oil likelihood
- Maintenance
If you can spend more about 200 dollars for chainsaw then check this review from here
Greenworks Brand 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw, 4.0 AH Battery Included, Model 20312
Greenworks Brand 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw is an electric chainsaw with a 16-inch saw. It comes with the four amp battery that powers it. The 40-volt lithium ion battery has a run long-time despite putting out significant power. The battery is compatible with every other Greenworks brand G-Max tool.
The brushless motor puts out a minimum of vibration while maximizing run-time. This chainsaw is the best chainsaw for the price for those who need a combination of safety and power. It has an excellent chain brake, and it has low kickback because the brake engages when it starts to kick. This chainsaw is one of the safest chainsaws on the market under this price range.
This isn’t the lightest chainsaw on our list, but that is partially due to the very long chain and bar. It weighs around ten pounds.
The electric start is a plus for those who hate trying to start gas powered chainsaws. The battery power doesn’t fade until the battery is almost out of power. You’ll get up to 160 cuts out of it on a single charge.
It doesn’t leak oil like the Dewalt, and the transparent oil tank allows you to monitor the oil level. Another point in favor of this chainsaw is the guard that minimizes how much debris is throw up at the operator.
No chainsaw is perfect. It isn’t easy to adjust the chain on this chainsaw. Yet you need to tighten the chain regularly. Fail to do this, and the chain could fall off.
PROS
- Battery included
- Powerful battery compatible with other Greenworks tools
- Incredibly safe
- Good guard system
CONS
- The chain needs to be tightened often
- Tendency to leak oil
BLACK+DECKER Model LCS1020 20V Max Lithium-Ion Chainsaw, 10-Inch
This is another little electric chainsaw. The ten inches saw blade is shorter than others on this list, but this also keeps the cost down. Yet it comes with the 20-volt battery you need to operate it. One of the points in favor of this unit is that the battery retains its charge five times longer than its competition. This electric chainsaw’s battery is plug-and-play with other Black and Decker 20 volt batteries.
You can tighten the saw’s tension without any special tools. While the blade is short, it has a premium kickback bar. It is very safe to use.
The chainsaw weights only seven pounds, allowing you to use it until the battery runs out. The battery life depends on how hard you’re working it. If doing light cutting, it could last twenty minutes or more. If you’re cutting through thick, hardwood, it may die after ten minutes.
It is better used cutting vines and small branches than thick tree branches or small trees. This is in part due to the ten inch saw blade. Don’t use this to cut thick tree trunks into firewood.
The Bale handle lets you comfortably use the chain saw in two or three positions. It has a basic guard system.
The oiling system is easy to refill. However, the oiling system does not always work.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Easy to use tensioning system
- Comes with the battery
CONS
- Lubrication system doesn’t always work
- Short blade
BLACK+DECKER Model LCS1240 40-volt 12 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Black and Decker chainsaw has a powerful 40-volt power source. It has a twelve inch long saw. The bar and chain are top-notch.
The Model LCS1240 chainsaw comes with the 40-volt battery needed to power it and a charger. The battery can be used with any of the 36 Volt or 40 Volt Black and Decker tools. It can cut up to sixty thick 4×4 beams on a single charge. It will recharge in around five hours.
The tool-free chain tensioning system lets you quickly tighten the chain without any special tools.
One point in favor of this model is that the handle allows you to hold it comfortably at any angle.
One strike against this model is its tendency to leak oil after it has been running for a while. The unit has an automatic chain oiler, but that doesn’t always work.
Another issue is battery life relative to power output. It may run for forty minutes if you’re cutting kudzu but ten minutes if cutting heavy wood.
PROS
- Comfortable handle
- Easy to use chain tensioner
- High quality, plug, and play battery
CONS
- Short run-time
- Often leaks oil
EGO Power+ 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw
This Ego Power Plus chainsaw has a long, fourteen-inch chain saw. It is powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery. The motor can run at up to 6300 RPM. With this level of power, you can cut through a two-foot diameter log. This is the chainsaw you need for cutting down small trees and converting them into logs for the fire.
The chain saw has a manual chain tensioning knob. This means you will need to do the chain tensioning yourself, whereas other models in our list do so automatically. The chain gauge is 0.043 inches, while the pitch is three-eighths of an inch.
It comes with a basic chain kickback brake. This is a standard safety feature. The oil tank is somewhat easy to fill, but the oil feed tube can get kinked, preventing the blade from being lubricated. This can cause the chainsaw to overheat and need to be turned off, even if you have battery life left.
This chainsaw is unusual in being very weather resistant. For example, you could use it while a storm is raging, as long as you don’t drop it in a large puddle.
PROS
- Powerful
- Greatest cut diameter of any chainsaw on our list
- Decent, basic safety features
CONS
- No battery or charger included
- Need to monitor the lubrication system’s performance
- Manual chain tensioning
Blue Max Model 20160
No products found.This is our only Blue Max chainsaw review in our list. The Blue Max model 20160 has the highest cutting speed on our list, too. Its maximum speed is 10,500 RPM. The engine has a whopping 56.5 cc of displacement. It manages this by being gas powered. This saw is the best gas chainsaw in its price range.
The saw’s anti-vibration measures allow you to work with it without causing carpal tunnel syndrome. That makes it easy to control, too.
The 22-inch bar is excellent for cutting tree branches well above your head. That’s the longest bar of any chainsaw on our list. It is the best chainsaw bar for cutting through large swaths of brush, too, due to its combination of length and power.
The Blue Max chainsaw comes with a chain brake and automatic chain lubrication. One downside of the model is how fragile it can seem. Forget needing to add gas. That is similar to the need to recharge the battery or swap out batteries in a cordless chainsaw. Instead, we’re looking at things like how easily the handle breaks if dropped. It isn’t weather-proof like the EGO Power Plus chainsaw.
Being gas powered, it needs to be started up. The ignition coil sometimes fails to work, and then the battery won’t work. And this isn’t something you can fix.
Worx WG322 20V Cordaless Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
The Worx WG322 chainsaw is sold specifically as a cheap log splitter. But If you need a robust log splitter for firewood or other purposes then check these log splitter options. It is light and compact. You can use it like a tree branch cutter if you buy an extension pole that is sold separately.
This cordless chainsaw is a good overall value because it comes with both the battery and charger. The 20 Volt battery and charger work with any other Worx brand 20-volt power tools.
It isn’t powerful enough to cut through thick logs, but it will work well enough for pruning and clearing brush. Don’t try to cut thick logs with this, or it will kick-off. It doesn’t have a good kick-back prevention system. For cutting branches from an elevated position try these top handle saws.
It comes with a number of features chainsaw buyers want. It has an automatic chain lubrication system, and it comes with an oil level indicator, so you don’t run the chainsaw without lubrication. It has a tool-free chain tension system that works automatically.
You can’t use it at many angles, but it is ergonomic to hold and cut the log right in front of you. At only six pounds, it won’t wear you out lugging it around.
PROS
- Comes with batteries and battery charger
- Plug and play with other 20 volt Worx batteries and chargers
- Lightweight
CONS
- Average ergonomics
- Won’t cut through thick wood pieces
- Can kick dangerously when cutting thick wood
Things To Consider Before Buying a Chainsaw Under $200
A chainsaw is a hand-held power tool that can be used to cut down trees, logs, or branches. A chainsaw consists of a sharp chain that rotates at high speed and teeth on the guide bar, which helps keep the chain in contact with the wood.
When you are looking for the best chainsaw under $200, there are a lot of factors to consider. In this section, I will go over some of the most important aspects to look at before making your final purchase decision.
Length of the Chain:
The length of the chain is important because it determines what size logs you can cut. If you want to cut smaller logs, then a short-chain bar will do the trick.
For bigger logs, a long chain bar is better. If you plan to cut small trees and take off tree branches, then a saw with a bar 16″ – 18″ inches long would be the best for you. But if all you want to do is trim and prune, then a saw with 10″ – 16″ inch bars would be better. I would recommend a saw with a 20″ inch long bar for a large tree. Fo mid-level cutting, then a 16″ bar would be perfect.
Gas, Electric, or Cordless:
The next thing to consider is what power source you want to use. Gas chainsaws have the benefit of being completely portable and can run on either a gas or propane tank. Still, they are slightly more expensive than their electric counterparts.
Battery-operated chainsaws also offer portability while avoiding many problems associated with owning an electrical corded model – such as tripping over cords or getting tangled. One thing to mention battery chainsaws is not suitable for cutting firewood or any type of heavy-duty work.
It all depends on which power source would be better for you; if the battery runs out too quickly, go with gas. If not, then electric or cordless are your best options.
Engine Performance:
Another factor to consider is engine performance and chainsaw size. Chainsaws with a higher power output are generally better for larger pieces of wood. In contrast, those with a lower power output are best-suited to cut smaller branches.
If you’re buying a gas-powered chainsaw, it will have an engine inside. So to make sure it cuts well, get one with at least 42cc. And also, make sure it should be two-cycle to make the cutting process easier.
Battery:
Take this point into consideration if you want to buy a cordless chainsaw. You must need to look for a long-lasting battery, has plenty of power and doesn’t run out frequently. Lithium-Ion batteries are strong and will work for an extra long time when compared to other types of batteries.
Start & Stop Feature:
The chainsaw should have a start and stop feature to avoid accidental starts. This will also help to prevent the chainsaw from turning on when not in use. The start and stop feature should be easy to access, like a button at the handle or tip of the saw. Also, the instant starting feature should be present, which will shorten the time to start up.
Automatic Oiler:
A good chainsaw should have an automatic oiler that will apply oil every so often without adding oil manually. When using a chainsaw, keeping the bar and chain lubricated is crucial because this will help maintain performance and reduce friction.
Cleaning Facility:
Some chainsaws have a built-in cleaner, which does all the hard work of cleaning and oiling for you. Others require that you use a small brush to clean the chain and oil it up. If you choose a gasoline-powered chainsaw, chances are you will encounter more debris and dirt that will require some sort of cleaning.
Fuel Consumption:
Try to find such chainsaws which consume less gas or fuel. The less gasoline or fuel consumed, the less maintenance and cost is required.
Vibration Reduction Feature:
Some chainsaws have a vibration reduction feature where it reduces the vibrations from the engine. This will help those who suffer or are susceptible to getting carpal tunnel syndrome and other types of overuse injuries.
Chain Tensioning System:
The best chainsaw comes with a chain tensioning system. This prevents the blade from coming in contact with the ground when it becomes loose or unadjusted and protects the user. There are two types of chain tensions: manual and automatic. Manual systems require you to manually tighten them, while automatic ones have a spring-loaded system that does it automatically.
Budget:
If you are looking for the best chainsaw under $200, your budget will be a critical factor to consider. Chainsaws can range from anywhere between $100-$500+, and it is tough to find one that falls in the middle of these two price ranges.
A good rule of thumb when buying any power tool or machinery is to never spend more than 50% of your budget on the purchase.
Take a look at our list of chainsaws and find one that falls in your price range!
Warranty:
The warranty of the chainsaw can be a vital feature for some people. If you are a professional who will use the tool every day, having a more extended warranty is important.
In order to determine which chainsaw is right for you, there are several questions you may still need to ask yourself.
Purpose
What will you be cutting with the chainsaw? If you are clearing brush and converting thin branches into kindling, any chainsaw on our list will work for you. If you want a chainsaw that will cut through the thick wood, a common requirement for those who need firewood, you need to pick one of the most powerful chainsaws on our list.
What cordless power tools do you already own? This doesn’t matter if you’re looking at the gas-powered chainsaw such as gas pole saw on our list. However, if you’re considering a cordless chainsaw, you should give preference to the chainsaw that works with the rechargeable batteries you already own. This is critical if you are looking at one of the cordless chainsaws on our list that don’t come with the battery and/or charger.
What is your total budget? Remember that the total cost of the cordless chainsaw will include the battery and charger if the chainsaw doesn’t come with one.
Conclusion
We’ve witnessed the rise of cordless chainsaws that are almost as powerful as gas-powered chainsaws, though we saw fit to recommend at least one for the heavy duty jobs that still come up. This is why we included the best gas chainsaw under 200 on our list. Understand what you need and want from the chainsaw so that you can find one that is right for you and your application, many of whom can be considered the best chainsaw under 200 for most users.
4 thoughts on “Best Chainsaw Under $200 – 7 budget chainsaw That Won’t Break Your Bank”
Excellent review article. Such an informative post you share that gives the visitors full guideline to buy a chain saw. From your share, I get a helpful resource, and Idea for a chain saw, I also understand the major features of a chain saw. Pros & cons also help a visitor buy a best chain saw.
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Thanks, Shohel, It’s been pleasure receive such great compliment
Hi
You shared better content plan with us. Your content is full of resources which is given better idea about Chainsaw Saw. I get some extra-ordinary information like pros and cons, using blade, changing blade etc.
Thanks for your awesome words. By the way, if you have other ideas about the pros and cons, changing blades – you are free to share here.
We appreciate your kind feedback.