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STIHL
The gold standard entry-level chainsaw. STIHL's dealer-only model means you get proper setup and local support. Light enough for homeowners, capable enough for serious work. Buy once, maintain properly, use for decades.
16"
30.1cc
8.6 lbs
Gas
| Product | Rating | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS 170 Chainsaw 16" Bar Best STIHL | 4.8 | $219 | View |
 POWER+ 56V 18" Chain Saw EGO | 4.7 | $349 | View |
 120 Mark II 16" Chainsaw Value Husqvarna | 4.5 | $239 | View |
 40V 12" Cordless Chainsaw Greenworks | 4.3 | $129 | View |
 DCCS620B 20V MAX 12" Chainsaw DeWalt | 4.6 | $179 | View |
* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
STIHL
The gold standard entry-level chainsaw. STIHL's dealer-only model means you get proper setup and local support. Light enough for homeowners, capable enough for serious work. Buy once, maintain properly, use for decades.
16"
30.1cc
8.6 lbs
Gas
EGO
The battery saw that finally matches gas. EGO's 56V platform delivers genuine cutting power without the maintenance headaches. Neighbors won't hate you on Sunday morning. The future of homeowner chainsaws is here.
18"
56V brushless
14.5 lbs
5.0Ah included
Husqvarna
Swedish forest heritage at homeowner prices. That X-Torq engine runs cleaner and longer than the competition. Heavier than STIHL's entry level but more powerful. Husqvarna is the professional's other choice.
16"
38.2cc
10.7 lbs
Gas
Greenworks
The approachable chainsaw. Six pounds, battery included, no gas mixing or pull-starting. Perfect for occasional limb removal and small trees. Not for serious logging—but that's not what most homeowners need.
12"
40V
6 lbs
2.0Ah included
DeWalt
For the homeowner already invested in DeWalt's 20V system. That 12" bar handles most residential tasks: limbs, small trees, storm cleanup. Not a logging tool, but excellent for its intended purpose.
12"
20V MAX
8.8 lbs
Low kickback
For most homeowners, a 16" bar handles everything you'll encounter. Rule of thumb: your bar should be 2" longer than the diameter of what you're cutting. If you're only doing limbs and small trees, a 12-14" saw is lighter and easier to handle.
When it stops throwing chips and starts making sawdust. For average use, every few tanks of gas or hours of battery use. If you hit dirt or rock, sharpen immediately. A sharp chain cuts safer and faster than a dull one.
Modern premium battery saws (EGO, Makita, Milwaukee) match gas saws for homeowner tasks. They won't outperform professional gas saws for all-day logging, but for storm cleanup, limbing, and occasional tree removal, they're excellent.
Minimum: chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots. Recommended additions: helmet with face screen, high-visibility clothing. Chainsaws are the most dangerous common tool—dress appropriately.
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