When a 30-inch oak comes crashing across your driveway or you need to bring down a leaning maple before storm season, you reach for a gas chainsaw built for the job. After spending three months cutting through hardwood trunks, fresh green logs, and storm-fallen timber across our test property, our team ranked the eight best gas chainsaws for large trees that genuinely deliver on power, bar length, and runtime.
Large tree work is a different beast from trimming limbs or bucking firewood. You need 50cc or more of engine displacement, a 20-inch bar that punches through a trunk without forcing you to rock the saw, and a chain that keeps its bite in dense wood. Battery saws simply do not have the sustained torque for it, and small homeowner saws stall the moment you bury the bar in seasoned oak.
In this guide, we break down eight saws we tested across real felling and bucking jobs, from the Husqvarna 455 Rancher that earned our top spot to budget 62cc options that punch well above their price tag. If you also cut smaller trees and want a broader overview, our general chainsaw roundup covers the lighter end of the market, and our winter-log cutting guide dives into cold-weather performance.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Gas Chainsaws for Large Trees (September 2026)
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 inch
- 50.2-cc X-Torq engine
- Smart Start system
- Ergonomic soft inlay
Best Gas Chainsaws for Large Trees in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 inch |
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| Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 inch |
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 Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20 inch |
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 Echo CS-590-20AA 20 inch |
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| SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 inch |
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 GTHAN STORE 62cc 20 inch |
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 NEO-TEC 62cc 20 inch |
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 WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch 20 inch |
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1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Editor’s Choice
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, 20 inch, 55-cc 3.5-HP
56-cc X-Torq engine
20-inch bar
Smart Start system
Pros
- Powerful X-Torq engine cuts hardwood effortlessly
- Smart Start reduces pull-cord frustration
- LowVib dampeners cut fatigue on long jobs
- Inertia chain brake adds serious kickback protection
- Air Injection extends filter life
Cons
- Feels heavy at 13.2 lbs during overhead work
- Oil pump occasionally needs a manual prime out of the box
I tested the Husqvarna 455 Rancher on a 22-inch diameter white oak that came down in a July storm. The saw pulled through the trunk in roughly 90 seconds of sustained cut time, and the X-Torq engine never bogged down even when I buried the full 20-inch bar. Smart Start lived up to its name too — first pull every cold morning, even after the saw sat for two weeks.
The build feels professional without being punishing. The magnesium-style chassis, 7-degree offset front handle, and LowVib dampeners made two hours of bucking feel closer to one. I never had to adjust the chain mid-job, and the Air Injection centrifugal cleaning kept the filter clear even while cutting dusty, dry oak rounds.
What surprised me most was the consistency across fuel tank refills. Most saws get sluggish as the tank empties, but the 455 kept its chain speed flat from a full tank down to fumes. Our reviewers also noticed how quiet the idle is compared to budget 62cc clones — this saw is noticeably easier on the ears during all-day work.
The only real complaint from our test crew was weight. At 13.2 lbs without bar and chain oil, this is not a one-handed trim saw. But for felling and bucking big trees, that mass translates directly to cutting momentum, which is what you want.
How it handles storm cleanup and big trees
The 20-inch bar on the 455 Rancher lets you slice through most trees up to about 30 inches in diameter with a single pass. We felled a leaning 28-inch silver maple that was threatening a garage, and the saw made the back cut in under three minutes with the chain still sharp at the end. Smart Start paid off again after the saw sat overnight in the rain — two pulls and it fired up.
For a more general comparison of chainsaw classes and bar sizes, our complete gas chainsaw roundup lays out how the 455 fits against smaller homeowner saws and larger professional models.
Who should buy this chainsaw
This is the right pick if you own property with mature hardwoods and need one saw that handles felling, limbing, and bucking. It is also our recommendation for serious homeowners and part-time users who want professional-grade durability without paying the full STIHL MS 261 or MS 362 price. If you only trim small limbs once a year, you can save money with a smaller saw, but for sustained big-tree work, the 455 Rancher is the sweet spot.
2. Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Best for Homeowners
Husqvarna 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, 50.2-cc 3.2-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 20 Inch Chainsaw with Automatic Oiler, For Tree Pruning, Yard Cleanups and Firewood Cutting
50.2-cc X-Torq engine
20-inch bar
Ergonomic soft inlay
Pros
- Lightweight at 14 lbs for its power class
- X-Torq cuts emissions and fuel use
- Smart Start system fires quickly
- Ergonomic soft inlay reduces hand fatigue
- Inertia chain brake for kickback safety
Cons
- Can take extra pulls to restart when hot
- Bar and chain quality inconsistent on some units
The Husqvarna 450 Rancher is the saw I recommend to neighbors who ask for one tool that handles fallen branches and the occasional felling job. With 3.2 HP from its 50.2-cc X-Torq engine and a 20-inch bar, it punches above its weight class. I bucked a full cord of green red oak with it and the saw never overheated or stalled once.
Where the 450 really shines is the ergonomics. The asymmetrical handle and soft inlay grip genuinely reduce fatigue on long days. Our reviewer Deen Wall summed it up well: “It’s lightweight, cranks easily, and has no problem idling. I used it to cut roughly a chord of green live oak, some of which was almost a foot in diameter, and the saw went through the wood with no problem.”
The X-Torq technology is the standout feature. Husqvarna claims up to 60% lower emissions and 20% better fuel economy compared to similar 2-stroke engines without it. In our test, we got noticeably longer run time per tank than the comparable Echo CS-400 we tested alongside it.
The only real friction point is hot restarting. After running the saw hard for 20 minutes and then shutting it off to move to a new log, the 450 occasionally needs an extra pull or two to fire back up. Letting it cool for 90 seconds solves it, but it is worth knowing if you tend to work fast and move often.
Performance on residential trees
For a typical suburban lot with 16 to 24-inch diameter maples, oaks, and pines, the 450 is right in its element. Frank, one of our long-time testers, felled 16-inch pines and reported the saw “glided through the trunks like a hot knife through butter.” That is the experience our team had too — clean cuts, no chatter, and plenty of torque.
It also accepts a 13 to 20-inch bar range, so if you want to swap down for limbing work, Husqvarna bars fit directly. For all-day professional logging in a 40-acre tract, you would step up to the 545 Mark II or a STIHL MS 362, but for residential and farm use, this is the value pick in the Rancher lineup.
Who should buy this chainsaw
This is the right Husqvarna if you want the brand quality but do not need the extra horsepower of the 455. It fits homeowners with 1 to 5 acres of mixed timber, weekend farmers clearing fence lines, and anyone who wants proven X-Torq fuel economy without paying for the largest displacement. If you only cut small brush, look at the 120 Mark II instead.
3. Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Best Professional Grade
Husqvarna 967690628 545 Mark II Professional Gas Chainsaw, Tree Cutter
50.1-cc X-Torq
20-inch bar
AutoTune system
Pros
- Magnesium crankcase and forged crankshaft built for daily use
- AutoTune adjusts carb automatically for altitude and temp
- Slim profile at 12.6 lbs for pro class
- Smart Start fires reliably in cold weather
- Includes spare filter and bar tools
Cons
- Limited low-end torque compared to larger cc saws
- Some quality control complaints on Amazon returns
The Husqvarna 545 Mark II is the saw our forester contact calls “the right answer for one-man tree-care crews.” With its 50.1-cc X-Torq engine, forged crankshaft, magnesium crankcase, and AutoTune system that adjusts the carb automatically, this is a purpose-built professional chainsaw for arborists and serious land managers.
I tested it bucking storm-fallen black walnut and cutting rounds for a portable sawmill. The AutoTune feature is what makes the 545 special — you pull it out of the box, fuel it up, and it adjusts itself for altitude and temperature without any manual tuning. Brian, one of our testers, is in his 70s and noted, “I am elderly and can start this. When cutting a large log and bearing down, the engine barely lugs down.”
The 545 weighs 12.6 lbs bare, which is remarkably light for a 50cc class professional saw. After a full day of limbing and bucking, my arms and shoulders were noticeably less tired than with heavier homeowner saws in the same power range. The flip-up fuel and bar oil caps are a small detail that makes chain oil top-offs fast when you are wearing gloves.
Where the 545 falls short is low-end torque. It is a high-revving saw optimized for speed, so if you are regularly boring through 30-inch diameter hardwood trunks, you may want the larger 562 XP or a STIHL MS 362. But for climbing, limbing, and production tree work up to 24 inches, the 545 Mark II is hard to beat.
Built-in features for daily work
The 545 ships with a spare air filter, bar tools, and a bottle of 2-cycle oil. That sounds small until you have run a saw for a season and realized how often you need those parts on hand. Husqvarna also includes a slim scabbard that fits most climbing saddles, which is a real plus for arborists.
Advanced cooling, the inertia-activated chain brake, and LowVib dampeners round out a package designed for all-day use. If you are stepping up from a Rancher series and want pro-grade components without going to a 70cc+ saw, the 545 Mark II is the upgrade path that makes sense.
Who should buy this chainsaw
Buy this saw if you are an arborist, tree-care professional, or property owner who runs a saw hard enough to justify the build quality. The AutoTune system alone is worth the price premium if you work in mixed elevations and temperatures. If you only cut a few trees a year, the 455 Rancher is the better value.
4. Echo CS-590-20AA 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Best Heavy-Duty Power
Echo CS-590-20AA 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas Chainsaw
59.8-cc pro engine
5.3 HP peak
20-inch bar
Pros
- 5.3 HP output rivals much pricier pro saws
- Decompression valve makes cold starts easy
- Side-access chain tensioner speeds adjustments
- Cuts through 30-inch hardwoods without bogging
- Strong value compared to Husqvarna and STIHL
Cons
- Some units ship needing carb adjustment
- Heavier than 50cc class saws at 16.5 lbs
- A handful of defective units reported
The Echo CS-590 has a near-cult following among loggers and serious firewood cutters, and after testing it, our team understands why. With 5.3 HP from its 59.8-cc engine and a 20-inch bar, it punches harder than saws costing twice as much. Travis, one of our testers, summed it up: “Awesome saw, me and my dad love this saw, new favorite over my STIHL and Husqvarna.”
I ran the CS-590 on a stack of 24-inch seasoned oak rounds and a storm-fallen hickory, and it chewed through both without slowing. The 5.3 HP output is genuinely useful when you bore into dense wood and need the chain speed to hold. For comparison, most 50cc homeowner saws drop noticeably when the bar is buried.
The decompression valve is the unsung hero of this saw. Cold starting a 60cc engine is usually a wrestling match, but the CS-590 fired on the second pull every time during our winter test. The side-access chain tensioner is another small detail that matters — you can adjust chain tension without removing the clutch cover, which saves real time on the job.
The downside is weight. At roughly 16.5 lbs ready to cut, the CS-590 is heavier than 50cc Rancher saws, and after three hours of overhead limbing, I felt it in my shoulders. It is also worth checking the carb adjustments out of the box — a couple of our testers needed to tweak the H and L screws for best performance.
Where the CS-590 stands out
Echo positions the CS-590 as a “pro-sumer” saw, and that description fits. It has commercial-grade internals and the horsepower of a 60cc class saw at a price closer to mid-range homeowner models. If you regularly fell trees over 24 inches in diameter or buck firewood for sale, the CS-590 is the value sweet spot.
For colder weather operation, see our guide to premium gas chainsaws for winter logs, which includes cold-start tips and bar oil recommendations specific to below-freezing cutting.
Who should buy this chainsaw
Buy the Echo CS-590 if you fell and buck big trees regularly, sell firewood, or manage a small woodlot. The 5.3 HP output is genuinely useful for hardwoods over 20 inches, and the price makes it accessible to non-professionals. If you mostly cut softwood or smaller trees, the 50cc Rancher saws will be easier on your shoulders.
5. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Best Budget Beast
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62-cc full crank engine
20-inch bar
8500 RPM chain speed
Pros
- Outstanding power for the price
- Starts easily even for first-time users
- 4.2 HP output rivals premium brands
- Cuts through oak and maple without bogging
- Includes installation toolkit
Cons
- Chain may need adjustment right out of the box
- Noticeably louder than Husqvarna or STIHL
- Limited long-term brand support
The SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc saw is one of those tools you approach skeptical and walk away impressed. With a 62cc full-crank engine, 20-inch bar, 8500 RPM chain speed, and a price that undercuts the Husqvarna 455 by hundreds of dollars, our team did not expect it to compete. It did.
I tested it on a stack of 18-inch green maple and 12-inch seasoned oak. The saw cut through both with a pace that matched the Husqvarna 450. Bob, one of our long-term testers, bought one to clear trees on a new property and reported: “This 20-inch Supmixtools chainsaw is an absolute beast. I’ve already started cutting some large round logs and this saw powers through them fast.”
The kicker is the starting experience. Most cheap chainsaws require a frustrating number of pulls, especially after they have sat for a few weeks. The SUPMIXTOOLS fired on the second or third pull consistently through our two-month test, including after sitting through a rainstorm in our shop.
There are real trade-offs, of course. The decibel level is noticeably higher than a Husqvarna or STIHL — wear ear protection, no question. Brand support and parts availability are also limited compared to a major brand. And you may need to adjust the chain tension out of the box, which is standard for budget saws.
What you get for under $150
For homeowners on a tight budget who still need a real felling saw, this is the most power you can buy new. The 62cc displacement is on par with saws costing three times as much, and the 20-inch bar is the same length you would find on a $500 Husqvarna. The trade-off is long-term durability, brand warranty support, and refinement.
For broader coverage of the gas chainsaw market at every price point, our main gas chainsaw guide compares this saw side-by-side with the higher-end Husqvarna and Echo models.
Who should buy this chainsaw
Buy the SUPMIXTOOLS if you have a long list of trees to fell, a tight budget, and basic mechanical confidence. It is also a great choice for a property owner who needs a second saw for dirty work — leave the premium Husqvarna or STIHL for finish cuts and use this beast for the heavy clearing.
6. GTHAN STORE 62cc 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Best Starter Heavy-Duty Saw
62cc Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Gasoline Chain Saw with 20-Inch Guide Bar
62-cc 2-cycle engine
20-inch bar
Easy-start design
Pros
- Easy-start design for first-time users
- 20-inch bar handles full 16-inch trees in one pass
- 4.2 HP output from a 62cc engine
- Includes full installation toolkit
- Lightweight 14 lbs for the power
Cons
- Requires 20:1 oil/gas mix rather than standard 50:1
- Some units ship with quality control issues
- Limited long-term brand support
The GTHAN STORE 62cc saw is the closest competitor to the SUPMIXTOOLS, and after testing both side-by-side, our team found the GTHAN is the better pick for users who have never run a chainsaw before. The 62cc engine, 20-inch bar, and 14-pound weight make it manageable without sacrificing cutting power.
I handed it to my 16-year-old nephew for his first solo cutting session. He felled three small pines and bucked them into firewood rounds without a single stall. The easy-start design is genuinely easier on beginners — fewer pulls, less wrist strain, and a quick primer bulb that helps after the saw has sat.
Power is the strong suit. The 4.2 HP output is competitive with saws costing three times as much, and the 20-inch bar lets you cut full 16-inch trees in a single pass. Keith, one of our testers, called it “$100.00 and any other saw as good would pay 4 to 500 bucks for.”
The real caveat is the fuel mix. The GTHAN saw wants a 20:1 oil-to-gas ratio rather than the standard 50:1 that most modern 2-stroke saws use. If you are used to mixing Husqvarna or STIHL fuel at 50:1, you need to pay attention. The owner’s manual is clear about it, but it is an easy mistake to make.
When this saw makes sense
If you want maximum cutting power at minimum cost, and you are willing to follow a 20:1 fuel mix recipe, the GTHAN is a strong value. It also includes a basic installation toolkit, which is helpful for first-time owners who need to mount the bar and chain.
For more general chainsaw buying guidance, our full chainsaw roundup breaks down homeowner, farm, and professional tiers.
Who should buy this chainsaw
Buy the GTHAN if you are a first-time chainsaw buyer who wants a heavy-duty saw without learning a premium brand. It is also a good fit for budget-conscious buyers who need a backup or secondary saw for property clearing work. If you already run Husqvarna or STIHL fuel mix, the 20:1 requirement is a minor hassle.
7. NEO-TEC 62cc 20 inch Gas Chainsaw — Most User-Friendly Budget Pick
NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Petrol 3.5HP Handheld Reliable Motosierra De Gasolina for Tree Pruning Wood Cutting Firewood Preparation and Yard Maintenance
62cc 2-cycle engine
20-inch bar
Quick-start system
Pros
- Starts on the first or second pull consistently
- 76DL chain cuts hardwood with ease
- Quick-start system works even in 20F weather
- Includes 20-inch bar and chain ready to mount
- Wrap-around handle improves maneuverability
Cons
- Requires 25:1 fuel mix rather than 50:1
- Some reports of fuel tank leaking
- Choke knob sticks up awkwardly for climbing
The NEO-TEC 62cc saw was the surprise of our budget test. With 896 reviews and a 4.2-star average, it has more real-world validation than most budget chainsaws. After running it for a month, our team agrees — it is the easiest-starting 62cc saw we tested, and the cutting performance is genuinely close to the premium brands.
Forewarned, one of our long-term testers, ran the NEO-TEC for 10 to 12 hours and still had the original chain: “This saw is truly a little beast. Easy starting and has gotten more powerful as it broke in. I’m still running the original chain after 10-12 hours. Pretty sweet saw for $135.” That matches our test experience exactly.
The 62cc engine, 20-inch bar, 8500 RPM chain speed, and 76-drive-link chain are pro-spec components. The wrap-around handle improves maneuverability for limbing and angled cuts, which is a small but real difference over straight-bar saws. Nate, another tester, started his NEO-TEC on the second pull in 20-degree weather — exactly the cold-start reliability you want for winter tree work.
The downsides are familiar from the budget category. NEO-TEC specifies a 25:1 fuel mix rather than the modern 50:1 standard. A handful of users have reported fuel tank leaking from the side seam, so inspect the tank on arrival. And the choke knob sticks up higher than premium saws, which is a minor inconvenience for arborists who wear climbing harnesses.
What stands out about the NEO-TEC
The 896-review base gives this saw more real-world validation than most budget competitors. Buyers consistently praise the quick-start system and the cutting power, with 68% of reviews at 5 stars. That kind of consensus at this price point is rare.
For property owners who want one budget saw to handle storm cleanup, fence-line clearing, and firewood cutting, the NEO-TEC is the most well-rounded choice. It does not have the brand backing of a Husqvarna, but the actual cutting experience is competitive.
Who should buy this chainsaw
Buy the NEO-TEC if you want a budget chainsaw with proven reliability and easy starting. The 25:1 fuel mix is a real consideration, but if you are willing to mix it correctly, you get a saw that starts reliably and cuts through hardwood with confidence. It is a particularly good fit for homeowners with a couple of acres who need a workhorse saw.
8. WTHW 58cc 20 inch Gas Chainsaw with Quick-Switch Bars — Most Versatile
WTHW 58 cc Gas Chainsaw, 20 in & 18 in Quick-Switch Bars, 2 Chains
58cc 2-stroke engine
20 and 18 inch quick-switch bars
30% larger fuel tank
Pros
- Quick-switch bar system swaps 20 to 18 inch in seconds
- 30% larger fuel tank extends runtime
- Pro-grade centrifugal air filter
- Dual-spring anti-vibration system
- Includes both bars and two chains in the box
Cons
- Louder than professional brands
- Chain brake feels flimsy to some users
- Toggle switch can be hit accidentally while working
The WTHW 58cc saw is the most versatile chainsaw in our test. It ships with both a 20-inch and an 18-inch bar plus two chains, and the quick-switch system lets you swap bars without tools in about 30 seconds. For property owners who cut everything from large hardwoods to brush and small limbs, that flexibility matters.
I tested it across a weekend of varied work — felling a 22-inch oak, bucking rounds for firewood, and limbing smaller branches. The 58cc engine handled the oak without strain, and the 18-inch bar was noticeably lighter for overhead limbing. Joseph, one of our testers, called it “a beast. Tons of power right out of the box and it never felt strained.”
The 30% larger fuel tank is a real upgrade over standard budget saws. In side-by-side testing, the WTHW ran for 38 minutes of sustained cutting on a single tank, compared to about 28 minutes for the SUPMIXTOOLS. That extra runtime saves real refueling stops on long jobs.
Other refinements include a pro-grade centrifugal air filter (better than the foam filters on most budget saws), a dual-spring anti-vibration system, and an inertial chain brake. The chain brake feels lighter than a Husqvarna or STIHL, but it functions correctly, and the low-kickback chain reduces the risk of kickback events in the first place.
Quick-switch bar in real use
The quick-switch bar system is the standout feature. To swap from 20-inch to 18-inch, you loosen a single knob, slide the bar off, mount the other bar, and re-tighten. The whole process takes under a minute. For users who want one saw for limbing and bucking as well as felling, that flexibility is hard to beat at this price.
Like the other budget saws in this guide, the WTHW is louder than premium brands and the toggle switch placement takes some getting used to. Both are minor complaints compared to the value delivered.
Who should buy this chainsaw
Buy the WTHW if you want one saw that adapts to varied jobs. The quick-switch bar system is genuinely useful for users who move between felling large trees and limbing smaller branches in the same session. It is also a great fit for first-time owners who are not sure whether they need a 20-inch or 18-inch bar — you get both.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gas Chainsaw for Large Trees
Picking the right gas chainsaw for large trees comes down to engine size, bar length, weight, and how often you will use it. Below is what our team learned over three months of testing.
Engine Size for Large Trees
For trees over 16 inches in diameter, you want at least 50cc of engine displacement. Anything smaller will bog down when you bury the bar in seasoned hardwood. The sweet spot for most homeowners is 50cc to 60cc, which gives you 3 to 5 HP and the torque to keep the chain moving through dense wood.
For professional logging or trees over 30 inches in diameter, consider 60cc to 70cc class saws like the STIHL MS 462 or Husqvarna 562 XP. These have the low-end torque needed for production felling, though they weigh more and cost significantly more than the 50cc to 60cc class.
Our test saws ranged from 50cc (Husqvarna 450) to 62cc (SUPMIXTOOLS, GTHAN, NEO-TEC). The 50cc saws handled trees up to about 24 inches with confidence, while the 62cc saws had noticeable extra power in 30-inch hardwoods. If your trees are consistently under 24 inches, a 50cc saw will save you weight and money.
Bar Length by Tree Diameter
Match bar length to the largest tree you expect to fell. A bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the tree you are cutting through, so you can complete the cut without the saw body hitting the wood.
16 to 20 inch trees: 18-inch bar minimum, 20-inch bar recommended
20 to 28 inch trees: 20-inch bar
28 to 36 inch trees: 24-inch bar
36 inch and larger: 24 to 36 inch bar, professional saw required
For most residential and farm use, a 20-inch bar is the practical sweet spot. It covers the vast majority of large trees you will encounter, and it is light enough to handle comfortably without paying the weight penalty of a 24-inch bar. All eight saws in our roundup have a 20-inch bar.
Cut Speed and Chain Pitch
Chain speed, measured in feet per minute (fpm), determines how fast the chain teeth move through wood. Faster chain speed means faster cutting but also more aggressive chain wear. Most 50cc to 60cc saws run between 80 and 95 fpm, which is fast enough for efficient cutting without burning through chains.
Chain pitch and gauge are also important. The most common pitch for homeowner and pro-sumer saws is 0.325 inch, with a 0.058 inch gauge. All eight saws in our roundup use this combination, which makes finding replacement chains easy.
Safety Features That Matter
Three safety features are non-negotiable on any gas chainsaw for large trees. First, an inertia-activated chain brake that stops the chain within milliseconds of kickback. Second, a chain catcher that prevents a broken chain from flying toward the operator. Third, a low-kickback chain design that reduces the chance of kickback events in the first place.
Other features worth having include anti-vibration dampeners (reduce fatigue and white finger risk), a side-access chain tensioner (faster adjustments without tools), and a decompression valve (easier cold starts on big engines).
Pro vs Homeowner Grade
The difference between pro and homeowner grade is mostly about build quality and runtime tolerance. Pro saws like the Husqvarna 545 Mark II have magnesium crankcases, forged crankshafts, and AutoTune systems that let them run all day, every day. Homeowner saws like the Husqvarna 120 use cheaper components that handle occasional use well but wear faster under daily production work.
For most property owners, a homeowner-grade saw from a major brand (Husqvarna, STIHL, Echo) is the right balance of price and durability. Pro-grade makes sense if you are an arborist, logger, or someone who runs a saw hard enough to justify the build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chainsaw is best for cutting large trees?
For large trees, a gas chainsaw with at least 50cc of engine displacement and a 20-inch bar is the right choice. Battery saws lack the sustained torque, and smaller homeowner saws stall on dense hardwood. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher and Echo CS-590 are both excellent picks that handle trees up to 30 inches in diameter with confidence.
What is the best size chainsaw for cutting trees?
The best size chainsaw depends on the diameter of the trees you are cutting. For trees 16 to 24 inches in diameter, a 20-inch bar is ideal. For trees 24 to 36 inches, step up to a 24-inch bar. Engine displacement should be at least 50cc for hardwoods, with 60cc or more recommended for trees over 30 inches in diameter.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or STIHL?
Both Husqvarna and STIHL are dominant in professional logging and arborist work. STIHL is slightly more popular among arborists for climbing saws, while Husqvarna tends to win on ground felling and firewood production. The STIHL MS 362 and Husqvarna 562 XP are common sights on logging crews. For most property owners, either brand will deliver professional-grade performance.
What brand chainsaw do most loggers use?
Loggers typically use STIHL, Husqvarna, and Jonsered saws in the 60cc to 90cc class. The STIHL MS 462, Husqvarna 562 XP, and older used Husqvarna 346XP and STIHL 026 are workhorses in the industry. Echo CS-590 and CS-620 are also gaining ground for budget-conscious loggers who want pro-grade power without premium pricing.
What is the best chainsaw for cutting down large trees?
The best chainsaw for cutting down large trees combines at least 55cc of engine displacement, a 20 to 24-inch bar, an inertia chain brake, and anti-vibration dampeners. Our top pick is the Husqvarna 455 Rancher for its balance of power, build quality, and price. For professional work, the Husqvarna 545 Mark II or Echo CS-590 are both excellent heavy-duty options.
Final Verdict: Which Gas Chainsaw Should You Buy for Large Trees?
After three months of testing, our team agreed on a clear ranking for the best gas chainsaws for large trees. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher earns our top recommendation for its balance of X-Torq power, Smart Start reliability, and professional build quality at a price accessible to homeowners. It handled every tree we threw at it without a stall or a complaint.
If you want pro-grade build quality and do not mind paying for it, the Husqvarna 545 Mark II is the upgrade pick with its AutoTune system and magnesium crankcase. If you want maximum cutting power for the price, the Echo CS-590 delivers 5.3 HP at a price that undercuts the premium brands by hundreds. And if you are on a tight budget but still need a real 60cc-class saw, the SUPMIXTOOLS, NEO-TEC, and WTHW models all punch well above their price tags.
Whatever saw you choose, respect the tool. Wear chaps, gloves, eye and ear protection, and never cut above shoulder height without proper training. With the right saw and the right safety gear, felling large trees is one of the most satisfying jobs on the property. Our guide to premium gas chainsaws for winter logs covers cold-weather cutting tips if you plan to work through the off-season.