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Pruning is one of those jobs that can take a lot of time. So I find having the best chainsaw for pruning makes a big difference. The point of a tool in my opinion, is to make life easier. So you don’t have to spend all your time doing chores. Which is why I think it’s best to prune using a chainsaw.
While there are other tools that you definitely do need. The chainsaw is the one that helps make the job easier the most. So I highly recommend anyone who wants to make there life easier, to invest in a chainsaw for pruning.
Here at split wood club we have spent countless hours researching, so you don’t have to. Just to find what is the best of the best really is. On this list you will find variety of chainsaws who earned there spot on this list.
A Quick Buyers Guide
I know not everyone has a lot of time to sit and read thousands of words for reviews. I also don’t like seeing best of lists that just 20 different items. So I’ve compiled a small table, of the best on the market in my opinion.
| Power Source | Bar Size | Our Rating | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  |
Electric 14.5 Amp | 16 Inches | 9.9 | Check Price On Amazon |
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Electric 15 Amp | 18 Inches | 9.4 | Check Price On Amazon |
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Gas 38.2cc | 18 Inches | 9.5 | Check Price On Amazon |
The Best Electric Chainsaw For Pruning
Makita UC4051A 16 Inch Electric Saw
Makita is one of those companies who pride themselves on quality. Which is exactly what you get with this chainsaw. Sadly it does come with the price tag to match. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend the chainsaw below. If you can afford it, I’d recommend this Makita over any other saw on this list.
A Beast Of A Chainsaw
With a 14.5 amp rating, this chainsaw packs more of a punch then it really should. Thanks to the incredible engineering that went into it. With this saw being able to get though a tree that was 20 inches in diameter. So it will handle any pruning you throw at it.
Since it is an electric you will want to make sure you use the right gauge extension cord. If you don’t this can cause you to break the saw itself. So just a word of warning to those who have never used a electric saw before.
Comfort Is Important
Have you ever used a tool, it just felt good to use. This is how I felt using this chainsaw. It’s extremely comfortable to use, and maneuver around. With the 16 inch bar this chainsaw was able to get into smaller areas easier. For me 16 inches is the perfect size for a pruning chainsaw.
There is a 14 inch option, if you want something that is smaller. Which it’s the exact same saw, but with a smaller bar which you can check it out here.
Why Is This The Best Chainsaw For Pruning?
In my opinion this is the best 16 inch electric chainsaw money can buy. It’s of high quality, with a good amount of power. You don’t need to do a lot of maintenance since it’s electric. It’s also very quiet for a chainsaw as well, which you’re neighbors will love.
It’s also extremely comfortable use, and can do more then just prune. It’s one of the few electric saws, you could chainsaw carve with. It’s extremely versatile, that after using it to prune, you’ll want to do more with it. Just to use it again.
The Specs
- Amp Rating – 14.5 Amps
- Max Chain Speed – 14.5 m/s
- Weight – 13.3lbs
- Bar Recommendations – Maximum 16 Inches/ Minimum 14 Inches
The Best Value For Money Chainsaw For Pruning
Oregon CS1500 Self Sharpening Electric Chainsaw
When it comes to pruning with a chainsaw, I believe electric to be king. This is for a number of reasons. One thing is the noise, often when you’re pruning it’s in a neighborhood. So you don’t want a loud gas saw, getting you complaints from neighbors.
The Insides Of This Machine
It is powered by a 15 amp motor, which packs a good amount of power. Which allows to handle things that you most likely won’t use it for. It was easily able to handle a 12 inch branch, with very little effort.
The bar is 18 inches which is a good size for pruning, tho I prefer 16 inches for pruning. 18 inches still does a fine job. Having the longer bar does allow it to cut those slightly larger branches. So that is a handy plus side. Maneuvering the bar into smaller tight spaces is a little difficult, at 18 inches.
Is The Self Sharpener Worth It?
This is one of those features that for an experienced chainsaw user, won’t really like. For a novice user on the other hand, it’s a great feature. Since sharpening a chain can be a little intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing. This self sharpener really gives you peace of mind.
Since all you need to do to sharpen the chain. Is have the chain running for 5 seconds, while holding the sharpen button. Then you ready to go. Unlike doing this the normal way. Which can take hours to do.
Are There Any Issues With This Chainsaw?
There aren’t to many issues with this chainsaw. The biggest issue that I came across with this chainsaw, was the chain. While the self sharpening feature is great. It does make life easier, the chain itself doesn’t have a long life expectancy. Not the biggest issue but something that needs to be mentioned.
The Specs
- Rated Voltage – 120 Volt/ 60 Hz
- Power Input – 15 Amp
- Bar Size – 18 Inches
- Weight – 12.9 lbs
The Top Rated Gas Chainsaw For Pruning
Husqvarna 120 Mark II 18 Inch Gas Chainsaw
You can’t have a best chainsaw list and not have a Husqvarna on it. There is a reason that they have been market leaders for such a long time. This is a quality small gas chainsaw that rates very highly in the industry.
While it’s not a 70cc powerhouse professional saw, it wasn’t made to be. It’s 38.2cc X-Torq engine will still give you plenty of power for pruning. Being gas it’s fairly loud, a little quieter then other gas saws. But louder then the electric saws on this list, which is expected.
A Lightweight Gas Chainsaw
For a gas chainsaw it’s fairly lightweight. Being only 10.7lbs without the cutting equipment. With it can vary a bit, since bars can weigh differently. But it weighs roughly a little over 12lbs. Being so light makes it easier to use for extended periods of time.
If you’re a beginner and worried about the maintenance, that comes along with a gas saw. Which is a natural worry for a starter. Which if this does worry you, I’d try one of the electrics first. If it doesn’t worry you, then you will have a really great chainsaw for yours.
What Are The Downsides?
There aren’t a lot of downsides to this chainsaw, with the main one just being the noise. Depending on where you live, this might not be an issue. So this isn’t a big issue, but something to consider before you buy.
The Specs
- Engine – 38.2cc
- Horsepower – 1.8HP
- Bar Length – 18 Inches
- Weight 9Excluding Cutting Equipment) – 10.7 lbs
My Thoughts On Chainsaws For Pruning
Chainsaws are becoming more of a necessity in modern day life, in my opinion. While they’re great at cutting trees down, and cutting firewood. They are often overlooked when it comes to pruning, which is strange for me. They make the job so much easier and quicker. Which is important, since time is getting harder to find now days.
If I had to choose a chainsaw on this list, which I think is the best. It’s 100% the Makita, it’s a amazing electric chainsaw. Not only that but just an amazing saw over all. This doesn’t mean the others are bad, they are both excellent and highly recommended.
