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Incorporating a small gas chainsaw into your yard work routine turns a long, tedious process into something overall quick and easy.
Gas-powered chainsaws have come a long way over the years with hundreds of models available, all of which are designed to be safe and lightweight enough for home use.
These chainsaws contain a variety of features that make cutting with them a piece of cake, including models that are 16 inches or smaller and are light, versatile, and efficient.
But with so many small gas-powered and mini chainsaws on the market, how are you supposed to choose? Here we’re going to take a look at our pick for the six best small gas chainsaws so you can make the perfect choice for all your home and backyard projects.
(Interested in an electric or battery-powered chainsaw instead? Check out the best overall chainsaw brands as well as our guide to the best chainsaw reviews of 2022.)
| Chainsaws | Product Information | Check Price |
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Top | Husqvarna 16 Inch 435e II Gas Chainsaw | Check Price |
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Top | Husqvarna 435 16" Gas Chainsaws, Orange | Check Price |
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Top | Poulan PL3816, 16 in. 33cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw | Check Price |
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Top | Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw, 16 inch | Check Price |
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Top | Echo CS-400 18" Gas Chainsaw | Check Price |
Top | Chain Saw, Gas, 12 in. Bar, 26.9CC | Check Price |
Husqvarna 435e II Gas Chainsaw
- 435E II chainsaw with the new x-cut chain and x-force chainsaw Bar is a lightweight and efficient all-round chainsaw, ideal for the homeowner who wants a reliable workhorse thats simple to use.
The Husqvarna 425e II features the new x-cut chain and x-force chainsaw bars which are lighter, have longer-lasting power, and also require less maintenance than previous models.
Also, this small gas chainsaw contains a clean 40.9 cc two-cycle engine that uses a low volume of fuel, so it releases low exhaust levels.
Looking for an efficient 16-inch gas-powered chainsaw that’s perfect for beginners while still designed with tree care professionals in mind? Well, look no further than the Husqvarna 425e II.
Husqvarna is a Swedish brand that caters to both homeowners and professionals alike with its superior line of power tools.
This gas chainsaw contains an air injection system that keeps dust and wood particles from entering the air filter, therefore improving the engine life with proper care and maintenance.
Also, the Husqvarna 425e II features an anti-vibration system that’s more comfortable on your hands, so it’s easier to keep a tight grip on.
Whether you’re looking to do some pruning, trimming, or cutting firewood, the Husqvarna 425e II is obviously a great easy-start model for the tree care enthusiast.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses a low volume of fuel. | Low and high idle screws are difficult to access. |
| Air injection system improves engine life. | Some buyers report quality control issues. |
| Anti-vibration system for a tight grip. | No tool-less chain tensioning. |
| Best Small Gas Chainsaws Review |
Specifications:
- Bar size: 14 inches
- Engine: 38.2cc 2-cycle
- Dimensions: 19 x 10 x 13.3 in
- Weight: 10.3 lbs.
- Warranty: 2 years
Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaw
- Husqvarna 16-inch 435 gas chainsaw is ideal for tasks such as tree pruning, yard cleanups and firewood cutting
The Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaw is a compact professional with a low-kickback 14-inch bar and chain and is ideal for tasks such as tree pruning, yard cleanups and firewood cutting, because Husqvarna is a high-quality, reliable brand known for its awesome power tools.
This model provides some great features, including Effortless Starting helps the chainsaw start quickly with minimum effort, a Simple, side-mounted tensioning system allows for quick adjustments while working.
Air Injection air cleaning system removes larger dust and debris particles before reaching the air filter, improving engine life.
a durable die-cast chassis that will last for many years to come, and an automatic oiler to ensure the saw cuts smoothly and safely every time.
LowVib anti-vibration system reduces vibration levels for the operator, and has a five-point anti-vibration system with a cushioned full wrap handle, so it’s comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.
Another reason this chainsaw is great for beginners is that it contains tool-free easy access to the spark plug and filter with a side-mounted, easy-to-use screw tensioning system, so you can make quick adjustments while working.
As a compact model, the Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsawl may be the best small gas chainsaw for you if you’re looking to cut logs with a diameter of around 12 inches.
It’s ideal for those who are looking to prune and trim small to medium-sized branches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact size ideal for pruning and storage. | Small size won't cut logs bigger than 12 inches. |
| Cushioned full wrap handle makes it comfortable to hold. | Some buyers report air filter is prone to clogging. |
| Effortless Starting technology for easier pull starts. | |
| Best Small Gas Chainsaws Review |
Specifications:
- Bar size: 14 inches
- Engine: 40.9cc 2-cycle
- Dimensions: 31.9 x 10 x 10.78 inches
- Weight: 11.68 lbs.
- Warranty: 2 years
Poulan PL3816 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
- OxyPower technology not only offers greatly lowered emission levels, but also reduces the fuel consumption and gives you more power
The Poulan PL3816 is a 16-inch 33cc 2-cycle gas engine chainsaw that is designed for light cutting jobs around the yard.
Another powerhouse Swedish brand that is actually owned by Husqvarna, the Poulan brand has been producing outdoor power equipment for over seven decades, with its customers depending on them for their high quality and affordable power tools.
The Poulan PL3816 is perfect for beginners with its lightweight build and primer bulb for an easy start, and it has an automatic oiler that will keep the saw running smoothly for years to come.
While this small gas chainsaw is a great investment if you simply need to cut branches and firewood, it’s therefore not recommended for more heavyweight jobs because it only has a 16-inch blade.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic oiler. | 16-inch blade isn't suited for heavyweight jobs. |
| Economically priced. | Difficult to pull start. |
| Compact and lightweight. | Kill switch can be difficult to maneuver. |
| Best Small Gas Chainsaws Review |
Specifications:
- Bar size: 16 inches
- Engine: 33cc 2-cycle
- Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 11.8 in
- Weight: 15.42 lbs.
- Warranty: 2 years
Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw
- Compact, casual-use chainsaw that’s designed to start up easily
- Lightweight chainsaw is compact and maneuverable with excellent ergonomic comfort features
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. gas chainsaw comes with a variety of features you’ll love, including a casual-use chainsaw that’s designed to start up easily, a built-in safety break, reduces risk during operation with an automatic oiler that delivers a steady supply of chain lubrication for safe and effective use.
A 16-inch bar and chain model is also available, depending on what type of cutting jobs you need to perform.
So if you’re looking for a high-quality small gas-powered chainsaw that is ideal for pruning and cutting down tree branches, then the Husqvarna 120 Mark II could be for you.
The X-Torq engine cuts down small trees effortlessly with less fuel consumption, meaning it also produces especially ultra-low emissions.
This chainsaw is also built for comfort, with an anti-vibration system and this gas-powered chainsaw is ready for tree pruning, hobby work and other light tasks.
Easy to start, simple to use and a smart tool to have in your shed or garage in any season.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful for its small size. | Top handle makes it unsuitable for ground work. |
| Built-in lanyard ring for convenience. | Air filter cover can become dislodged and lost. |
| Easy to start. | On/off switch can be hard to maneuver. |
| Best Small Gas Chainsaws Review |
Specifications:
- Bar size: 16 in. – 18 in. max
- Engine: X-Torq engine
- Dimensions: 32 x 9.25 x 4.21 inches
- Weight: 4.22 lbs.
- Warranty: 7 years
Echo CS-271T-12 12″ 26.9CC
- 25 cc professional-grade, 2-stroke engine G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner for extended filter life Clutch-driven adjustable oiler - oiler only runs when chain is moving Choke with automatic fast idle for easy starting Side-access chain tensioner for easy chain adjustment
Echo CS-271T-12 12″ 26.9CC chainsaw is ideal for small tasks, such as pruning and shaping of plants and trees and small hobby work.
Echo is known for being a high-quality innovative brand that produces professional-grade power tools and indeed its small gas chainsaws are no exception.
Perfect for the beginner or an experienced user, the Echo CS-271T-12 is another small gas chainsaw with a 14-inch power bar and a 26.9cc engine.
This gas chainsaw may be small, but it’s also built to last. It has a chrome-plated cylinder and forged steel connecting rod as well as a heavy-duty, gear-driven oiler, and these features contribute to its reliability and superb cutting performance.
Some additional features of the Echo CS-271T-12 include its anti-vibration system for maximum comfort, side-access chain tensioner providing quick and easy chain adjustment, and finally its half throttle choke and purge primer bulb for an easy start.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for the price. | Compact size isn't suitable for bigger jobs. |
| Easy to start. | Some buyer's report idling when new is rough. |
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver. | |
| Best Small Gas Chainsaws Review |
Specifications:
- Bar size: 14 inches
- Engine: 26.9cc 2-stroke
- Dimensions: 11.2 x 15.4 x 11.8 in
- Weight: 12.4 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
ECHO CS-310 Gas Chainsaw
- ECHO 14 inch chainsaw CS-310 cuts up to 25 diameter logs Chainsaw reduced-effort starting system makes start ups a breeze A lightweight chainsaw thats easy to handle
Finally, we have the ECHO CS-310. ECHO may not be as much of a household name as the other brands included in this review, however, the brand has been around for over 70 years and specializes in consumer-grade outdoor lawn equipment.
The engine displacement of the ECHO CS-310 is the only 30.5cc, making it less powerful than our other chainsaws, however, it’s still one of the most highly rated small gas chainsaws.
Why? Because it’s lightweight, incredibly convenient, and can still be used to make any kind of cut, and it also contains an automatic chain oiler and an anti-vibration handle.
Therefore, this is another 14-inch bar chainsaw that’s perfect for smaller pruning and shaping jobs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic chain oiler for easy maintenance. | Some buyers displeased with Echo warranty. |
| Lightweight and compact. | Small size unsuitable for heavy-duty jobs. |
| Easy to start. | Not as powerful as other models. |
| Best Small Gas Chainsaws Review |
Specifications:
- Bar size: 14 inches
- Engine: 30.5cc
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 11.5 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 10.3 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
Should I buy a small gas chainsaw?
Small gas chainsaws are great if you’re looking to accomplish small hobby work, cutting firewood, or overall basic pruning and shaping of plants and trees.
When it comes to these jobs, you want a lightweight chainsaw with a shorter blade rather than a larger, heavier chainsaw that is meant for heavy-duty projects.
Given that, we’d recommend any of these six small gas chainsaws for the at-home handyperson who above all is simply looking for a tool to help maintain their yard.
Regardless of which chainsaw you choose, make sure you get educated on the dangers of using a chainsaw as well as answers to common questions like “Can chainsaws get wet?“ and whether chainsaws can cut through metal.
