Last Updated on January 10, 2023
With so many different options, choosing the best farm chainsaw can be overwhelming. The good news is that I’ve done all the hard work for you. Through lots of research and personal experience, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best farm chainsaws and farm chainsaw accessories that will be great 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.You need a chainsaw that is not only tough enough to handle all you can throw at it, but one that is also easy to handle, maintain, and repair.
With this in mind, I put together a list of the best farm chainsaws that are available on Amazon.
In a Hurry? Here’s My Top Picks…
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
The Best Farm Chainsaw
The best farm chainsaw is the Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw.
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.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher has a powerful 55.5cc 2-stroke engine. That along with it’s ergonomic design makes this saw a pleasure to use.
I love this saw and it has everything I think you’ll need to be the best farm chainsaw you’ve ever owned. And just like the bar says, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is “Farm Tough”.
2. ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf Gas Chainsaw
The Second Best Farm Chainsaw
The second best farm chainsaw is the ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf Gas Chainsaw.
ECHO saws have come a long ways and this saw proves it. Being cheaper than Husqvarna and STIHL, a lot of people choose ECHO to save money while not sacrificing power.
With a 59.8 cc 2-stroke engine, this thing is a beast. Like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher, the ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf will handle most farm projects you throw at it.
3. Poulan Pro PR4218 Gas Chainsaw
The Best Budget Farm Chainsaw
The best budget farm chainsaw is the Poulan Pro PR4218 Gas Chainsaw.
If you can’t afford a Husqvarna and you are looking for a budget chainsaw then I recommend the Poulan Pro PR4218.
Poulan’s are actually made by Husqvarna. The quality of the saw may not be as good but the cost is way cheaper. And with a 42cc 2-stroke engine, this saw can still hold its own.
I personally own one of these and it has been a good saw.
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 PR4218.
4. Greenworks 48V 16″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
The Best Battery Powered Farm Chainsaw
The best battery powered farm chainsaw is the Greenworks 48V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw.
A cordless chainsaw will never be as powerful as a gas powered chainsaw however, the Greenworks 48V cordless saw is great for light-duty work or quick jobs on your farm
The benefits of having an electric chainsaw are you don’t have to deal with 2-cycle gas, it’s lighter, and it’s much quieter.
Also, this has been the best selling chainsaw on Amazon for a while now.
5. STIHL Battery Operated Chainsaw for Kids
The Best Farm Chainsaw for Kids
The best farm toy chainsaw is the STIHL Battery Operated Chainsaw for Kids.
Although I picked a Husqvarna for my overall favorite farm chainsaw, the award for the best toy chainsaw goes to STIHL.
This kids chainsaw makes real sounds, has a chain that moves when you pull the trigger, and even has a pull string like the real thing. Now your kids can pretend to cut up wood while you do the real thing.
Make sure your kids have fun on the farm too!
6. Husqvarna Chainsaw Protective Chaps
The Best Farm Chainsaw Chaps
The best farm chainsaw chaps are the Husqvarna Chainsaw Protective Chaps.
Chainsaw chaps are arguably the most important accessory to have when you are running a chainsaw. I personally own these and they have actually prevented me from cutting myself.
They are designed to pull apart and clog up the sprocket system which slows down or stops the chain from running when they are hit with the chainsaw.
Mine have been very durable and have lasted me several years.
7. Oregon Chainsaw Helmet
The Best Farm Chainsaw Helmet
The best farm chainsaw helmet is the Oregon Chainsaw Helmet.
Not only will this thing protect your head from getting hit by a branch or a log, they also protect your ears from noise and your face from debris.
8. Vgo 12-Layer Chainsaw Gloves
The Best Farm Chainsaw Gloves
The best farm chainsaw gloves are the Vgo 12-Layer Chainsaw Gloves.
Simliar to the protective chaps, these gloves are designed to reduce the risk of injury from the chain accidentally running across they back of your hand.
They also help you grip the saw better and protect your hands while you handle logs.
9. STIHL 2 in 1 Easy Chainsaw Sharpener
The Best Farm Chainsaw Sharpener
The best farm chainsaw sharpener is the STIHL 2 in 1 Easy Chainsaw Sharpener.
You no longer have to use a vice and a file to sharpen your chain. This sharpener is so easy anyone can use it.
The STIHL 2 in 1 chainsaw sharpener will turn a 30 minute job into a 5 minute job.
10. TIPU Felling Wedges
The Best Farm Chainsaw Felling Wedges
The best farm chainsaw felling wedges are the TIPU Felling Wedges.
Felling a tree is very dangerous. Wedges can make this dangerous job a little safer by helping you control the direction the tree actually falls.
Being as cheap as they are, it doesn’t make sense not to use felling wedges.
Questions and Answers
What is the best chainsaw for farm use?
The best chainsaw for farm use is the Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw. The combination of power, bar length, and price makes this chainsaw a great option for almost any farm owner.
On your farm, you will mostly be felling trees, cutting firewood, and clearing brush. This chainsaw can handle all of that.
Husqvarna chainsaws are very reliable and have an awesome warranty in case you do ever have a problem. You should be very happy with how this saw performs on your farm.
Is a Gas Chainsaw, Battery Powered 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.
I personally prefer gas chainsaws for most of my farm work.
Is Husqvarna or Stihl Better?
I personally prefer Husqvarna but agree that both Husqvarna and STIHL are great brands. Both offer very reliable, powerful and versatile chainsaws with 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.
I like the way a Husqvarna chainsaw feels while cutting because of its ergonomic design. Husqvarna also offers a way to upgrade their warranty making it longer than the STIHL warranty.
Check out a full review on the Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss vs Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
What Bar Size Should I Choose?
The bar size you should choose for your farm chainsaw is also debated. Some say the longer bar is better, others say the shorter bar is more user-friendly.
This avid chainsaw user says the 20-inch bar is most versatile. You can cut down larger trees and it has friendly mobility to it.
When cutting a felled tree, the 20-inch bar can easily cut through the trunk and branches, as well as when the idle is up, the smaller branches too.
A 16-inch bar is better for smaller tasks such as cleaning in the spring or general maintenance. A 20-inch bar is better for felling larger trees more easily.
I recommend anywhere from a 16-inch to a 20-inch bar for your chainsaw depending on how you plan on using it.
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 6 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 that you learn how to operate a chainsaw. Here is one of the best videos on how to do so.
How to Operate a Chainsaw Safely
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 some things you haven’t considered when operating your chainsaw.
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.
The electric chainsaw has poor versatility due to the electrical cord being drug around and tangled.
Battery powered chainsaws have a lot to offer and can 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 me 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.