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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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Our Overall Best Farm Chainsaw Pick
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.
- 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
Our Tight Budget Option
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.
- 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
Our Favorite Battery Powered Chainsaw
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 Greenworks Brushless motor provides your Greenworks tool with longer run-time, more torque and more power. This leads to less wear and tear, extending the life-time of the tool
- Compatible with Greenworks G-MAX 40V Li-Ion system offering a range of tools to Choose from
- Brushless motor delivers up to 30% more torque for the greatest cutting performance; oil tank: translucent
- Brushless motor design offers up to 70% less vibration for user comfort while working. One battery powers more than 25 tools. Battery capacity
- Chain brake and low kickback chain for increased user safety. Electronic chain brake prevents from accidental kick-backs.Saw Pitch:0.375 inches
Our Favorite Pole Saw
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.
- SureFire Fuel Delivery System. Easy as..Prime, Choke and Pull
- Effortless Pull Starting - Spring assisted starter system for ease of starting
- 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
Don’t Forget The Kids
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!
- Realistic pull-start and engine sounds
- Moving chain
- 40cm long
- Volume control
- Requires 3 x AA batteries (included)
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.
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