In the vast landscapes of Australia, owning a chainsaw can be an essential tool for managing your property, whether it's for clearing fallen trees, cutting firewood, or maintaining your yard. Chainsaws come in a variety of sizes and power levels, from small, lightweight models perfect for light-duty tasks, to medium and large chainsaws designed for heavier workloads. The key to choosing the right chainsaw lies in understanding your specific needs and finding a model that fits those requirements.

The market offers a wide range of chainsaws, each with its unique features and specifications. Some chainsaws are powered by petrol, offering powerful cutting capacity for heavy-duty tasks. Others are battery-powered, providing a quieter operation and the convenience of cordless use. Brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, and Makita are respected for their quality and performance, offering a range of models to suit various tasks.

In this article, we will explore the top chainsaws in Australia, divided into three categories - small, medium, and large. Each chainsaw will be discussed in detail, outlining their features and why they are a suitable choice. Whether you're a professional needing a reliable tool for your job or a homeowner looking for a chainsaw for occasional use, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Small Chainsaws

Small chainsaws are perfect for light-duty tasks around the home, such as trimming small trees, cutting firewood, and general yard maintenance. They're easy to handle, lightweight, and often quieter than their larger counterparts.

1. Stihl MS 170: The Stihl MS 170 is a compact and affordable chainsaw that is perfect for homeowners. It's designed for tasks like cutting firewood, trimming small trees, and cleaning up after a storm. The MS 170 features a 30.1cc engine with 1.3kW of power, a 35cm bar, and a weight of just 4kg, making it portable and easy to handle. It also boasts STIHL's anti-vibration system, which helps improve user comfort. A single lever lets you access all essential controls — start, stop, throttle, and choke — and STIHL's Ematic chain lubrication system keeps the chain and guide bar rails well oiled.

2. Husqvarna 120 Mark II: The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a compact chainsaw that is perfect for light cutting tasks. It features a 38.2cc engine that delivers ample cutting power for light cutting tasks. The chainsaw also features a combined choke/stop control, which makes it easy to start and reduces the risk of engine flooding. Its compact size and efficient operation make it an ideal chainsaw for homeowners who need a reliable tool for light cutting tasks.

3. Echo CS-310: The Echo CS-310 is a versatile chainsaw that is perfect for a variety of tasks. It features a 30.5cc engine that delivers ample power for a variety of tasks. The chainsaw also features a professional-grade, 2-stroke engine that provides powerful performance. Its i-30 starting system reduces starting effort, and its side-access chain tensioner makes adjustments quick and easy. The chainsaw also features an automatic oiler that keeps the chain well-lubricated, reducing wear and extending the life of the chain.

4. Black+Decker LCS1020: The Black+Decker LCS1020 is a battery-powered chainsaw that's perfect for light-duty tasks. It's quiet, which makes it ideal for residential areas, and it's also lightweight, which makes it easy to handle. The LCS1020 features a 20V MAX Lithium Battery for long run-time and long life. It also has a tool-free blade tension system for quick adjustments, and an oiling system with a clear window to gauge oil level.

5. Greenworks 20262: The Greenworks 20262 is another battery-powered chainsaw that's perfect for light-duty tasks. It features a 40V Lithium Battery that delivers fade-free power with no memory loss after charging. It also has a robust 12-inch steel chain and bar with tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments and reliable cutting performance. Its automatic oiler applies oil to the bar and chain to ensure durability and extend the life of the chain.

6. Worx WG322: The Worx WG322 is a battery-powered chainsaw that's perfect for quick cleanups and light cutting tasks. It features a 20V battery that provides ample power for most light-duty tasks. It also has an automatic, tool-free chain tension system that prevents over-tightening and keeps optimal chain tension while cutting. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use, and the automatic chain lubrication system extends the life of the chain.

7. Makita XCU02Z: The Makita XCU02Z is a battery-powered chainsaw that's perfect for light-duty tasks. It's quiet, which makes it ideal for residential areas, and it's also lightweight, which makes it easy to handle. The XCU02Z features a Makita-built motor that delivers 1,650 FPM for increased cutting speed. It also has a tool-less chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance, and a built-in lock-off lever helps prevent the chain from accidentally engaging.

8. Ryobi P546: The Ryobi P546 is a battery-powered chainsaw that's perfect for quick cleanups and light cutting tasks. It features a 10-inch bar and chain that's ideal for pruning and limbing branches. The chainsaw also has an automatic oiler for smooth operation, and the side access chain tensioning provides easy adjustments. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use, and the wrap-around handle provides user comfort during extended use.

9. DeWalt DCCS620P1: The DeWalt DCCS620P1 is a compact chainsaw that's perfect for construction and outdoor cutting applications. It features a low kick back 12" Oregon bar and chain for construction and outdoor cutting applications. It also has a high-efficiency brushless motor that maximizes run time and motor life. The chainsaw also features a tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force.

Medium Chainsaws

Medium chainsaws are ideal for heavier tasks, such as cutting larger trees and logs. They offer more power and longer bar lengths than small chainsaws, making them suitable for a wider range of tasks.

11. Husqvarna 455 Rancher: The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a robust chainsaw that is perfect for landowners and part-time users who require a high-powered, heavy-duty, and responsive tool for all cutting conditions. It features a 55.5cc engine that delivers 3.5 HP of cutting power. The chainsaw also features an adjustable oil pump that allows you to control the oil flow depending on the application and weather conditions. Its X-Torq engine reduces fuel consumption and emission levels, while its Smart Start technology ensures easy starts every time.

12. Stihl MS 271: The Stihl MS 271 is a durable chainsaw that is perfect for felling small trees, pruning and thinning, and cutting firewood. It features a 50.2cc engine that delivers 2.6 kW of power. The chainsaw also features a pre-separation air filtration system that extends the lifespan of the air filter for longer service intervals. Its side-access chain tensioner makes it easy to adjust the chain, while its advanced anti-vibration system increases user comfort during extended use.

13. Echo CS-400: The Echo CS-400 is a powerful chainsaw that is perfect for professional-grade jobs. It features a 40.2cc engine that delivers ample cutting power for a variety of tasks.The chainsaw also features an i-30 starting system for reduced effort starting, and an automatic oiler that keeps the chain well-lubricated. Its professional-grade, 2-stroke engine provides excellent performance, and its heavy-duty, easy-access air filter provides superior air filtration for long engine life.

14. Remington RM4618 Outlaw: The Remington RM4618 Outlaw is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for medium-duty tasks. It features a powerful 46cc 2-cycle engine that can handle all types of cutting tasks. It also has a 18-inch low-kickback bar and chain, with a quick-adjust chain tensioner to make fast work of any task. Its ergonomic design paired with the cushion wrap handle makes it comfortable to operate, reducing fatigue.

15. Poulan Pro PR5020: The Poulan Pro PR5020 is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for medium to heavy-duty tasks. It features a 50cc 2-cycle engine that delivers ample power for tough cutting tasks. It also has a 20-inch low-kickback bar and chain, with an effortless pull starting system that reduces pull force for easier starting. Its automatic oiler keeps the chain well-lubricated, ensuring smooth and reliable cutting performance.

16. Tanaka TCS33EDTP: The Tanaka TCS33EDTP is a top-handle chainsaw that's perfect for pruning and trimming tasks. It features a 32.2cc 2-stroke commercial grade engine that provides excellent cutting performance and reliability. It also has a 12-inch top handle bar and chain, with a half throttle choke with purge primer bulb for easy starting and warm up. Its automatic gear-driven oiler keeps the chain well-lubricated, ensuring smooth and reliable cutting performance.

17. Jonsered CS2245: The Jonsered CS2245 is a versatile chainsaw that's perfect for a variety of tasks. It features a 45cc engine that delivers ample power for a variety of tasks. The chainsaw also features a turbo air cleaning system that removes up to 97% of sawdust and other dust particles before it reaches the filter, resulting in improved engine life, reduced filter cleaning, and increased efficiency. Its compact size and efficient operation make it an ideal chainsaw for homeowners who need a reliable tool for medium cutting tasks.

18. Makita EA4300F40B: The Makita EA4300F40B is a gas chainsaw that offers a good balance of power and ease of use. It features a 42cc engine that delivers ample power for a variety of tasks. The chainsaw also features an easy-starting automatic half throttle lock and fully electronic ignition with optimized timing across all speed ranges. Its slide-out baffle can be configured for efficient cold weather operation, and the large dual spike bar provides increased productivity.

19. Ryobi RY3716: The Ryobi RY3716 is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for medium-duty tasks. It features a powerful 37cc engine that can handle all types of cutting tasks. It also has a 16-inch bar and chain, with a quick-adjust chain tensioner to make fast work of any task. Its ergonomic design paired with the anti-vibration handle makes it comfortable to operate, reducing fatigue.

Large Chainsaws

Large chainsaws are designed for heavy-duty tasks and professional use. They're perfect for felling large trees, cutting through thick logs, and other tasks that require significant power.

21. Husqvarna 460 Rancher: The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a robust and versatile chainsaw that is perfect for demanding cutting jobs where more power is needed. It features a 60.3cc engine that delivers 3.62 HP of cutting power. The chainsaw also features an adjustable oil pump that allows you to control the oil flow depending on the application and weather conditions. Its X-Torq engine reduces fuel consumption and emission levels, while its Smart Start technology ensures easy starts every time. The chainsaw also features a side-mounted chain tensioner for easy chain adjustment.

22. Stihl MS 391: The Stihl MS 391 is a fuel-efficient chainsaw that is perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a 64.1cc engine that delivers 4.4 HP of cutting power. The chainsaw also features a pre-separation air filtration system that extends the lifespan of the air filter for longer service intervals. Its side-access chain tensioner makes it easy to adjust the chain, while its advanced anti-vibration system increases user comfort during extended use.

23. Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf: The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf is a professional-grade chainsaw that is perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a 59.8cc engine that delivers ample cutting power for a variety of tasks. The chainsaw also features a decompression valve for easier starter rope pulling, and an automatic oiler that keeps the chain well-lubricated. Its professional-grade, 2-stroke engine provides excellent performance, and its heavy-duty, easy-access air filter provides superior air filtration for long engine life.

24. Poulan Pro PR5020AV: The Poulan Pro PR5020AV is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a 50cc 2-cycle engine that delivers ample power for tough cutting tasks. It also has a 20-inch low-kickback bar and chain, with an effortless pull starting system that reduces pull force for easier starting. Its automatic oiler keeps the chain well-lubricated, ensuring smooth and reliable cutting performance.

25. Makita EA6100P53G: The Makita EA6100P53G is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for professional use. Itfeatures a 61cc engine that delivers 4.6 HP for the most demanding professional applications. It also has a 20-inch bar and chain, with an easy-starting automatic half throttle lock and fully electronic ignition with optimized timing across all speed ranges. Its slide-out baffle can be configured for efficient cold weather operation, and the large dual spike bar provides increased productivity.

26. Jonsered CS2260: The Jonsered CS2260 is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for full-time forestry use and heavy cutting tasks. It features a 60.3cc engine that delivers ample power for tough cutting tasks. It also has a 18-inch bar and chain, with a turbo air cleaning system that removes up to 97% of sawdust and other dust particles before it reaches the filter, resulting in improved engine life, reduced filter cleaning, and increased efficiency.

27. Remington RM5118R Rodeo: The Remington RM5118R Rodeo is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a powerful 51cc 2-cycle engine that delivers ample power for tough cutting tasks. It also has a 18-inch low-kickback bar and chain, with a quick-adjust chain tensioner to make fast work of any task. Its ergonomic design paired with the cushion wrap handle makes it comfortable to operate, reducing fatigue.

28. Tanaka TCS51EAP: The Tanaka TCS51EAP is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a 50.1cc commercial-grade PureFire engine that delivers clean, powerful performance with less fuel consumption. It also has a 20-inch Oregon bar and chain, with a side-access chain tensioner for quick and convenient chain adjustments. Its automatic oiler ensures constant lubrication of bar and chain, and the decompression valve ensures easy starting.

29. Craftsman CMXGSAMNN4214: The Craftsman CMXGSAMNN4214 is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a powerful 42cc full-crank 2-cycle engine that provides greater power and less vibration. It also has a 14-inch low-kickback bar and chain, with an adjustable automatic oiler to keep the chain in quality condition. Its cushioned full wrap handle and 3-point anti-vibration system makes it comfortable to operate, reducing fatigue.

30. Ryobi RY10521B: The Ryobi RY10521B is a gas-powered chainsaw that's perfect for heavy-duty tasks. It features a powerful 46cc engine that can handle all types of cutting tasks. It also has a 20-inch bar and chain, with a quick-adjust chain tensioner to make fast work of any task. Its ergonomic design paired with the anti-vibration handle makes it comfortable to operate, reducing fatigue.

In conclusion, the size of the chainsaw you choose should depend on the tasks you plan to undertake. Small chainsaws are perfect for light tasks and are easy to handle, while medium chainsaws offer more power for larger tasks. Large chainsaws, on the other hand, are designed for heavy-duty tasks and offer the most power.