The Greenworks 14-inch Electric Chainsaw is the best budget small chainsaw based on the value it provides.
It’s time to trim some branches in your garden. But you don’t want to use the good old pruning saw.
Sure, it does a good job of cutting branches but it takes a ton of your time and energy. So you did the right thing and decided to get a small chainsaw.
But there are a ton of options out there and those chainsaws can get a bit expensive. Can you get a good one with your limited budget that still does a good enough job?
Let’s take a look at some of the best budget small chainsaws that are available so that you can make an informed buying decision.
What is a small chainsaw?
A chainsaw is a cutting tool that has a bar and chain connected to an engine. As the motor turns, the chainsaw moves at a fast speed and cuts through wood.
You can get chainsaws in different sizes and power based on the work that you need to do. But for the purpose of trimming branches in your garden, a small and decent power chainsaw is more than sufficient.
Such a small chainsaw is lightweight so you can easily carry it around. The cost and maintenance of such a chainsaw are also lower than a professional grade power chainsaw.
What are the different types of small chainsaws?
The small chainsaw that is available fall into two categories: gas-powered chainsaw or electric chainsaw.
Gas-powered small chainsaw
A gas-powered small chainsaw uses a combination of gas and oil to run the engine.
Such a small chainsaw can be more powerful than an electric one. It is also more portable as a full tank of gas can last for a long time. And you can have a spare tank of gas in case the tank gets empty.
They do tend to have issues such as emitting fumes, being noisy, more complex in starting up and requiring a lot more maintenance than an electric chainsaw.
Electric small chainsaw
An electric small chainsaw can be found either corded or cordless.
A corded electric chainsaw means that you need to connect it to a power outlet for it to work. So you need a long outdoor extension cord to be able to use it around the garden. Still, with this limitation, they won’t run out of power so can be used for a long session of cutting branches.
A cordless chainsaw makes use of battery power to run the engine. So you need to charge the battery before you can use it. A fully-charged cordless chainsaw is quite portable and you should be able to use it for some time in your garden. But having a battery can make the chainsaw heavier than an electric corded chainsaw. And once you run out of battery power you need to spend some time charging it or using a spare battery.
Do you need a small chainsaw?
If you need to cut many branches in your garden or backyard but don’t want to spend time and effort with a pruning saw then the small chainsaw is the most suited tool for the job.
It will help you cut several branches without making you fatigued but not burning a hole in your pocket at the same time.
How to choose a budget small chainsaw
A chainsaw is a complex piece of equipment, unlike a pruning saw. So you need to be aware of some key factors before you make your buying decision.
And since we want to buy a budget small chainsaw, the price is going to be the most important consideration.
Price
The price of a chainsaw can vary a lot based on where you are going to use it. Professional grade chainsaws can cost several hundred dollars while budget ones can be bought for a lot less than that.
Gas-powered ones are more powerful but they also tend to cost a lot more and we don’t need them for our occasional cutting purpose.
So we will take a look at the electric corded and cordless small chainsaw that can give you the required cutting power while still being quite inexpensive. All the budget small chainsaws that we will look at should cost you less than a 100 dollars.
Guide bar length
The guide bar is the area of the chainsaw on which the chain is attached. The guide bar length determines the thickness of the wood that the small chainsaw will be able to cut.
So if the guide bar length is 12 inches then the chainsaw will be able to cut branches up to 10 inches thick. If you try to cut a branch thicker than the guide bar length, you will be uncomfortable and risk injury. Determine the average length of the branches that you’ll be cutting and then decide on the guide bar length of the chainsaw you will buy.
Small chainsaws are meant to trim small trees, branches, and shrubs in your garden. So chainsaws with a bar length between 10 to 14 inches should be quite sufficient.
Power
The power of the small chainsaw will determine the speed at which the chain cuts the wood.
For a small corded chainsaw, the power is measured in amps. A budget small corded chainsaw may have a rating of 9 amps.
A cordless chainsaw has power ratings measured in volts. A budget small cordless chainsaw can have anywhere from 24 volts to 40 volts.
Portability
If you need to move around a big enough garden then the portability of the budget small chainsaw plays an important part.
A cordless chainsaw is quite portable because of the battery that can give you a cutting power up to 1-2 hours before you need to recharge the battery.
A corded chainsaw means that you need to plug the cord into a power socket. So you need to have a good outdoor extension cable if you need to move around in the garden while cutting. Of course, you don’t need to worry about running out of power with a corded chainsaw. And since it does not have a battery, these small chainsaws can be quite lightweight as well.
Tension adjustment
Before you use the small chainsaw, there should be the right amount of tension in the chain. This will improve the performance of the chainsaw while cutting as well as increase the life of the chain.
A small chainsaw comes with either a manual chain tension adjustment system where you need to use a screwdriver or wrench to adjust the chain tension. Or with a tool-free tension adjustment system where you just turn a knob to adjust the chain tension.
Try to get a budget small chainsaw with the tool-free tension adjustment system if you can because it will save you a bit of time when adjusting the chain tension.
Safety features
A chainsaw can be the most dangerous piece of cutting equipment that you use in your garden if you’re not careful.
So the more safety features they have the better. A budget small chainsaw should at least have the handbrake system that activates when you get a kickback. This is where the tip of the chainsaw touches the wood and comes back at you. In such a situation, the handbrake will get activated and save you from an injury.
Some budget small chainsaws also come with a kickback protection cover at the tip of the chainsaw. Get it if you can because it makes the chainsaw a lot safer.
Automatic Oiler
Keeping the bar and chain well-oiled ensures that the cutting is efficient and also increases the life of the chainsaw.
Some chainsaws come need manual oiling which means that you need to put oil on the bar and chain periodically as you cut.
Others come with an automatic oiling system where you fill up an oil reservoir before cutting. As you cut, the system pours out the oil on the bar and chain to keep it well-oiled.
I would recommend that you try to get a budget small chainsaw that comes with an automatic oiling system as it will save you time and stress of remembering to oil the chain.
Ergonomics
A small chainsaw is lighter than a bigger one so it should be comfortable for you to carry around. But make sure that the chainsaw is well balanced and you don’t feel too much weight pulling you forward.
Make sure the handle of the chainsaw is comfortable and is ergonomic so you can hold on to it for a long period of time.
Maintenance
The small chainsaw that we want is going to be an electric corded or cordless one. The good thing about these is that they require very low maintenance, unlike a gas chainsaw.
You just need to ensure that the chain is well-oiled during the cutting. In case of an automatic oiling system, you just need to make sure that the oil reservoir contains oil before cutting.
Also, remember to check if the chain is sharp enough before cutting. A dull chain will damage the chainsaw and in the worst case can cause injury due to kickback if you get the chain stuck in the wood.
You can get a manual or electric chain sharpener that will help you sharpen the chain. If you don’t know how to do it, you can get professional help to sharpen the chain.
Make sure to keep the bar and chain clean of sawdust and debris before and after the cutting. You can use some orange oil, vinegar, or WD-40 to clean the chain with a cloth.
Precautions when using a small chainsaw
- You need to be careful when using the small chainsaw otherwise you risk injuring yourself seriously. But don’t worry because when you follow these precautions you’ll be quite safe.
- The most important precautionary measure is to use safety gear. So make sure to wear heavy boots and chaps that will protect your feet in case of a kickback. Also, wear safety gloves to protect your hands and keep them comfortable during the cutting. Safety goggles will help prevent sawdust from flying into your eyes so get a good pair of those. And if you’re cutting branches overhead it’s good to invest in a safety helmet that will protect your head from falling branches as well as flying debris.
- A kickback situation can occur when the tip of the chainsaw hits the wood. But it can also occur if your chainsaw gets stuck in the wood during the cut. So remember to keep the chain sharp before you start the cut to avoid injury due to such kickback.
- Make sure to keep the chain tension well-adjusted before the cut. It should not be too tight otherwise you risk breaking the chain or too loose where it comes off the bar during the cut.
- A well-oiled bar and chain mean you will be able to cut efficiently and it will also increase the life of your chainsaw. If the chainsaw needs manual oiling then remember to oil the chain during use. If it has an automatic oiling system, remember to fill the oil reservoir before starting the cut.
- For electric small chainsaws, make sure you are using a good outdoor extension cord. Don’t use the chainsaw in bad weather such as storms or heavy rains.
- For cordless small chainsaws, ensure that the battery is charged before use so that you don’t need to worry about the battery dying during the cutting.
- A kickback can occur when you’re using the chainsaw and the handbrake can save you a serious injury. So make sure that it is functional before you start the cut.
- Before you start cutting, check if there are any unwanted objects lying around and clear them. And don’t let children or pets be around the cutting area.
- When using the chainsaw stand at the side rather than behind the chainsaw. This will help you see the chainsaw work and will avoid it to jump on you during kickback.
- Never use the chainsaw standing on a ladder. If you need to trim high branches, get a pole saw or get the help of a professional.
- When using the chainsaw, use the lower part of the bar and chain for cutting instead of the tip. Also, don’t apply too much pressure and let the chainsaw do the work of cutting the branch.
How to use a small chainsaw
- Make sure the blade is clean, sharp and oiled before starting the cut.
- Keep your feet shoulder width apart with a slight bend in the knees to give you a stable standing position.
- Press and hold the throttle lockout and squeeze the throttle control to start the chainsaw. Then you can release the throttle lockout and continue squeezing the throttle control to keep it running.
- Hold the small chainsaw at the side and place the part of the blade closest to the engine on the wood. Apply steady pressure so that the blade does the cutting.
- Once done release the throttle control so that the chainsaw stops.
- Once the wood is cut, clean the blade with a damp cloth to remove any pieces of wood.
Maintaining your small chainsaw
It’s always good to maintain your tools because they will last longer and give you better performance.
- A sharp chain helps to cut faster as well as improve the life of your chainsaw. So make sure that the chain is sharp. You can use a chain sharpener or get the help of a professional to sharpen it.
- A well-oiled chain will help you cut efficiently as well as improve the life of the chainsaw. So make sure that the bar and chain is oiled during use. In case the chainsaw has an automatic oiling system, check that there is plenty of oil in the reservoir before use.
- After a cutting session, clean the debris from the blade using a damp cloth.
- Cover the blade with the protective cover and store the small chainsaw in a safe place away from children.
Reviews
Last update on 2024-04-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Greenworks 14-inch corded electric chainsaw comes with a 9-amp electric motor that is good enough to trim several branches with ease.
The guide bar is 14-inches long which will help you trim branches up to 12 inches thick.
It’s nice to have the tool-free chain tensioning system so you don’t need to struggle with a screwdriver. You can adjust the chain tension by turning a knob on the side of the chainsaw.
The automatic oiling system will help keep the bar and chain well oiled during the cutting to give you a good cutting performance as well as increase the life of the chainsaw.
The weight of this small chainsaw is just 8 pounds which makes it pretty lightweight. So you should not have problems using this chainsaw for a long cutting period in your garden.
The Greenworks 14-inch corded chainsaw is very inexpensive. So if you’re on a tight budget but want a good small chainsaw then this one is a very good choice.
This chainsaw comes with a limited four-year warranty which is quite a good period of time in case you have issues with it.
It does seem to slow down when you have to cut very thick and hard wood. It also consumes a lot of chain oil so make sure to keep an eye on the oil reservoir levels when in use. When kept in storage make sure to keep it away from other objects because it can leak oil when not in use.
Pros
Cons
Last update on 2024-04-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The WORX WG305 corded electric chainsaw comes with an 8-amp electric motor that is sufficient to cut small branches in your garden with little effort.
The14-inchh bar and chain means you will be able to cut branches that are up to 12 inches thick.
It comes with a tool-free chain tensioning system that helps to keep the chain tension well-adjusted without the need for a screwdriver.
This chainsaw does not come with an automatic oiling system. This means that you need to manually apply oil on the chain during the cutting session.
The WORX WG305 small electric chainsaw weighs about 9 pounds which makes it decent weight for you to carry around in your garden while you are cutting several branches.
This chainsaw comes with a limited three-year warranty which is a pretty long time.
The WORX WG305 does tend to jam sometimes and the chain comes off. So you need to keep checking the chain tension in between your cutting session.
Pros
Cons
No products found.
The Remington RM1425 corded electric chainsaw comes with a powerful 8-amp electric motor that should be sufficient to cut branches in your garden.
The guided bar is 14 inches long which means you can cut branches that are up to 12 inches thick. It’s not of the Oregon brand which have the best quality chains.
It comes with a push button oiling system so you need to keep pushing the button in between the cutting to keep the bar and chain well-oiled. You need to do this because it ensures you get a good cutting performance and improve the life of the chainsaw.
This chainsaw comes with a limited two-year warranty which is useful in case you have problems with the chainsaw.
The Remington RM1425 weighs about 6.25 pounds which makes it very lightweight. You should be able to carry it around the yard as you cut branches for a long period of time.
This chainsaw does not come with a tool-free tension adjustment system. This means you need to use a screwdriver to adjust the chain tension manually before using the chainsaw.
The Remington RM1425 is quite inexpensive and comparable to the Greenworks chainsaw when it comes to the price.
Pros
Cons
Earthwise LCS32010 Cordless Chainsaw
The Earthwise LCS32010 is a cordless chainsaw that comes with a 20V Lithium-Ion battery. It has sufficient power to cut small branches in your garden.
The bar and chain length is 10 inches long which should enable you to cut branches that are up to 8 inches thick. It’s of the Oregon brand so you can be assured of good quality.
It’s nice to have the automatic oiling system in this price where you don’t need to worry about keeping the chain well-oiled. Just fill the oil reservoir and the automatic oiling system will do the work during the cutting.
The tool-free tension adjustment system is quite useful because you can adjust the chain tension with the turn of a knob instead of struggling with a screwdriver.
The battery that comes with this chainsaw is fast-charging. This enables the battery to be fully charged in just an hour.
The Earthwise LCS32010 weighs just 7.25 lbs which makes it quite lightweight. So you should be able to carry it around the yard without getting fatigued as you trim several branches.
It comes with a limited two-year warranty on the chainsaw as well as battery and charger.
The Earthwise LCS32010 cordless chainsaw costs more than a corded one. But that’s because you get a cordless chainsaw that comes with a battery and charger. It is one of the inexpensive cordless chainsaws that you can get.
Pros
Cons
Last update on 2024-04-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Greenworks 20362 is a cordless chainsaw that comes with a 24V Lithium-Ion battery which is sufficient to give you some good cutting power. It has a 2Ah charger that takes about an hour to fully charge up.
It has a 10 inch bar and chain that is sufficient to cut through small tree branches and limbs. With this chainsaw, you should be able to make about 35 cuts on a single charge.
It comes with a tool-free tensioning that makes it easy to adjust the chain tension before using the chainsaw so you don’t need to struggle with a screwdriver.
This chainsaw has an auto-oiling system that makes it easy to keep the chain and bar well oiled so that you can cut the branches with ease and keep using the chainsaw for a very long time.
The GreenWorks 20362 weighs less than 8 pounds including the battery which makes it quite lightweight and easy to use for long cutting sessions in the yard.
The chainsaw has a four-year warranty and the batteries and charger have a two-year warranty which is pretty good.
If you like things that look pretty you’ll like this chainsaw because it is very ergonomic and has an eye-appealing design.
Like many auto-oiling chainsaws, this one leaks oil on storage as well. The battery has decent juice but will only last you about an hour on a single charge.
Considering that the Greenworks 20362 is a cordless chainsaw that comes with a battery and charger you get a good small chainsaw for a budget price.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
No longer do you have to worry about spending time and energy trimming branches in your garden.
All you need to do is get yourself a good small chainsaw and you’ll be cutting up branches in no time.
The good thing is you can get yourself a small chainsaw even if you have a limited budget.
If you’re really short on money and don’t mind dragging a cord around then I would recommend you get the Greenworks 14-inch electric chainsaw. It’s quite inexpensive and does a good job of cutting branches.
If you can afford a little bit more and want a truly portable budget small chainsaw then consider the Earthwise LCS32010 cordless chainsaw. It’s inexpensive and highly portable due to the rechargeable battery it comes with.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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