Last Updated on May 19, 2021
Choosing the best farm chainsaw can be a little overwhelming because of all of the many options out there. The good news is that we’ve done all the hard work for you. Through lots of research and personal experience, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best farm chainsaws that we think will be perfect for your farm, ranch, or homestead.
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A good farm chainsaw is a necessary farming tool if you are serious about cutting trees and clearing brush. Having a chainsaw that won’t start or won’t cut can be one of the most frustrating things on your farm. Because of that, we’ve put together this list of our favorites.
Our Overall Best Farm Chainsaw Pick
- 455 Rancher chainsaw is an ideal saw for landowners or homeowners who require a high powered and heavy duty chainsaw
- 55. 5cc 18 inch gas chainsaw with guide bar and chain
- 2 cycle engine with intertie activated chain brake for safety while operating
- Orange Husqvarna chainsaw Bar cover and 2. 6 ounce 2 cycle fuel Included, Bar and chain oil must be purchased Separately
- Automatic chain oiler delivers a steady supply of bar and chain oil for safe and effective use
- Simple, side-mounted chain tensioning system allows for quick chain adjustments while working
- The quick-release air filter facilitates easy cleaning and replacement of the air filter
- Husqvarna chainsaw with x-torque lowers fuel consumption and reduces emissions
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Let’s cut to the chase. We love this saw and it has everything we think you’ll need to be the best farm chainsaw you’ve ever owned. Just like the bar says, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is “Farm Tough”. Husqvarna chainsaws are known for their quality, longevity, and great warranty. And this one has the right amount of power and bar size to tackle most farm chores.
Our Best Budget Chainsaw Pick
- 42cc, 2-stroke engine with 18 Bar
- Ideal for medium-duty storm clean-up, cutting firewood, and felling trees
- Includes: Carry Case, Extra Chain, Built-in Scrench, 2-Stroke Oil
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you can’t afford a Husqvarna then our next choice is a Poulan Pro. Poulan’s are actually made by Husqvarna. The quality is not as good but the cost is way cheaper. So if you are on a tight budget and can’t afford a Husqvarna but still want a new chainsaw, check out the Poulan Pro.
Our Best Battery Powered Chainsaw Pick
- High Performance G-MAX 40V Lithium-Ion Battery delivers fade-free power with no memory loss after charging
- Robust 12-inch steel chain and bar with tool-less chain tensioning offers ease of use while delivering the highest cutting performance
- 3/8-inch chain pitch delivers the right amount of capabilities to get those limbs trimmed and cut with minimal kickback
- Automatic oiler applies oil to bar and chain when needed to ensure durability and optimal use with a translucent oil tank for clear view of oil level.Wrap around handle for multiple cutting positions to provide ease of use when trimming at different angles
- 40V G-Max and 40V Lithium-Ion Batteries are not cross compatible; this tool is compatible with the G-Max 2.0 Ah battery (29462) and the G-Max 4.0 Ah battery (29472)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Currently the best selling chainsaw on Amazon at the time of writing this, if you want to go with a battery powered saw, this is the one. No, it’s not nearly as powerful as the previously recommend gasoline chainsaws, but it can still hold it’s own. And you don’t have to deal with 2 cycle gas and oil which makes it a little more convenient. This saw will be good for some light duty work around your farm.
Our Best Pole Saw Pick
- SureFire Fuel Delivery System. Easy as..Prime, Choke and Pull Effortless Pull Starting - Spring assisted starter system for ease
- Auto return stop switch automatically resets to the ON position for easier starting
- Equipped with a dual-line feed TapN Go head for a superior cutting result. Reloading the trimmer spool is quick and simple
- Air Purge removes air from carburetor and fuel system for easy starting. Type of shaft : Straight
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This isn’t the greatest pole saw out there but for the price it’s currently our favorite. Again, made by Husqvarna, Poulan’s aren’t nearly as good quality wise but this pole saw should still get most jobs done with small branches in hard to reach places.
Our Best Kids Toy Chainsaw Pick
- Battery-operated toy chainsaw for kids who want to help!
- Chainsaw is 40cm long
- Batteries included
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Although we picked a Husqvarna for our favorite chainsaw, the award for the best toy chainsaw goes to Stihl. Make sure your kids have fun on the farm too!
How to Choose the Best Farm Chainsaw
Is a Gas Chainsaw, Battery Chainsaw, or Electric Chainsaw Better?
The best farm chainsaws will vary according to the user and the uses. As a rule of thumb, gas is more versatile than electric due to the cumbersome electrical cord dragging behind you and tangling around your feet. You will need to bring a gas can with you if you are away from your garage or shed. Gas generally gives you the most powerful cut and longest cut time. When comparing the best farm chainsaws, however, we cannot forget battery power. Rechargeable tools are making great strides and have come a long way as far as the power they provide and the length of time they stay strong.
Is Husqvarna or Stihl Better?
As far as brands go, Husqvarna and Stihl are probably among the top names and both offer great warranties. You can ask 20 different contractors and farmers and you will get ten different answers for which brand is the best. Everyone has their preferences. Here at Farmhacker.com, we prefer Husqvarna but agree that both are great brands.
What Bar Size Should I Choose?
The best farm chainsaw size you should buy for your farm is also widely argued. Some say the longer bar is better, others say the shorter bar is more user-friendly. This avid chainsaw user says the 18-inch bar is most versatile. You can cut down larger trees and it has friendly mobility to it. When cutting a felled tree the 18-inch bar can easily cut through the trunk and branches, as well as when the idle is up, the smaller branches too. Some say the 16-inch bar is better for smaller tasks such as cleaning in the spring or general maintenance.
Do I Need a Pole Saw?
Pole saws are also a handy tool to have around the farm. A lot of the time a ladder is not realistic and to cut that overhanging branch from the ground is just much safer. Pole saws also come in a variety of brands, types, and sizes. Generally, the chain sizes vary between 8 and 14 inches at the end of poles that can range from 10 feet to 30 feet. They come with straight poles or telescoping poles. Also, they are offered in electric (again, that cumbersome cord), battery, and gas. For pole saws, I personally think gas is the most versatile and easy to use.
How to Operate a Chainsaw
If this is your first chainsaw purchase, it is very important to know how to operate a chainsaw. Here is one of the best videos on how to do so.
Chainsaw Safety
Do you know how to operate a chainsaw safely. Most people would say yes to this question. However, I can almost guarantee you there are things you haven’t thought of. If you have a moment, check out this chainsaw safety video to learn more. Also, OSHA has a chainsaw safety checklist that can be helpful.
Wrapping It All Up
So when considering the best farm chainsaw, remember that versatility is key. Pole saws offer the least versatility of them all but have a specific job as well. The electric chainsaw has poor versatility due to the electrical cord being drug around and tangled. Battery power has a lot to offer and should be considered for smaller farms but if you have a larger farm you will want to invest in extra batteries. Gas chainsaws will offer the most use and versatility. You will have to carry a gas can with you but you always have to carry bar oil anyway.
Also, remember to consider the bar size for what type of cutting you are doing today and whatever cutting you may encounter in the future. Be aware of your surroundings and what is underfoot and be safe out there.
Please comment below and let us know what you think.
I have used Poulon (worst) , Tanaka arbor, and the Husky Rancher (favorite) over the past 10 years but my new favorite is the Oregon 15 Amp Electric. If you have access to power you want this chainsaw! Cheap and reliable I was able to quickly work my way through several loads of firewood. Love your website!
It’s good you mentioned that Stihl vs. Husqvarna part. I think the professional tree people think the rest of us are fools for going with Huskies. But we’re not tree people, we’re farmers. I use my 455 Rancher pretty much only in winter. It sits on a shelf in the barn all summer. If I used it every work day all year, it might have made more sense to get a Stihl, but the way I use it, the Husky will last a few decades, it was cheaper to buy and find parts for it, upgrade bars are readily available, and it works great. I got a 24″ bar (yep, the two footer) with a skip-tooth chain for some big willows and cottonwoods I had to mess with. It was under a hundred bucks for the Husqvarna match for my 455. Worked fine. If I were cutting a hundred of them, a Stihl would be better.