Short answer: for felling trees you want a gas chainsaw with a 55cc-to-73cc 2-stroke engine and a bar at least as long as half the trunk diameter you expect to cut. A 20 inch bar on a 55cc-to-60cc saw handles most homeowner and small-landowner work, while anything over roughly 20 inches across calls for a 70cc-class machine with a 24 inch bar. Below is my shortlist of the best gas chainsaws for felling trees, matched to the tree size each one actually cuts.
I spent weeks going through owner reviews on twelve gas saws, comparing engine displacement, bar length, weight, and the failure points owners actually complain about after a few seasons of felling and bucking. I also mapped each saw to a realistic tree diameter, because that single number decides whether a purchase feels like a bargain or a mistake by the end of the first afternoon.
Gas still wins this category for one reason: sustained felling power with no swap logistics. Chainsaw forum regulars are increasingly candid that battery saws now handle a couple of cords of firewood a year perfectly well, and they are right for that job. But the moment you are committing a full day to dropping several trees and cutting them up, a two-stroke with a full fuel tank is simply less friction.
I will be straight about the limits too. A saw that is right for a 12 inch tree is genuinely wrong for a 24 inch tree, and no saw on this list is a substitute for knowing the felling sequence. A couple of these machines are also plainly not felling saws at all, and I flag that where it matters.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Gas Chainsaw Picks for Felling (October 2026)
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch
- 55.5cc 2-stroke
- 20 inch bar
- 15.5 lb
- Automatic chain oiler
- Intertie chain brake
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch
- 62cc full-crank
- 20 inch low-kickback bar
- 14 lb
- Quick-stop chain brake
The 12 Best Gas Chainsaws for Felling Trees at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
NEO-TEC 62cc 20-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
XtremepowerUS 22-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
NEO-TEC NH872 24-Inch 71cc
|
|
Check Latest Price |
ECHO CS-3410-16
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
ECHO CS-590 20-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
ECHO CS-3510-16
|
|
Check Latest Price |
WTHW 58cc Two-Bar Kit
|
|
Check Latest Price |
ECHO CS-4510-18
|
|
Check Latest Price |
NEO-TEC 68cc Two-Bar Kit
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch – Best Overall for Felling
Husqvarna 965030298 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55-1/2cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered Chain Saw, Orange (965030298)
55.5cc 2-stroke
20 inch bar
15.5 lb
2.6 KW
Pros
- Cuts large hardwood logs quickly and cleanly
- Starts easily even cold or after storage
- Side-mounted tensioner and oiler work reliably
- Holds up under years of heavy use
Cons
- Heavy to carry for long stretches in the woods
- Very loud
- Choke and kill switch hardware feels cheap
This is the saw I keep coming back to, and it earned the top spot on the strength of 1073 owner reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5. Owners consistently describe it as powerful on large hardwood, easy to start from cold, and reliable across years of abuse. The 55.5cc two-stroke with a 20 inch bar is a genuinely balanced pairing for trees in the 12 to 20 inch range.
The side-mounted chain tensioning system means you can adjust the chain while the saw is in your hand rather than crawling underneath it, and the automatic oiler feeds a steady supply of bar and chain oil. The quick-release air filter makes field cleaning fast, and the X-Torque engine cuts fuel consumption without giving up the low-end punch you need to close a back cut. A bar cover and a bottle of pre-mix fuel come in the box; bar and chain oil does not.
The Intertie activated chain brake is the safety system you want for felling, since it stops the chain when the saw moves sharply enough to be a kickback. Owners mention a handful of gripes that are worth weighing. At 15.5 lb this is the heaviest saw in my list that still suits a homeowner, and carrying it a quarter mile uphill is a real workout.
What tree size it handles well
This is the saw I recommend for medium trees in the 10 to 18 inch range, and it pushes comfortably into the low twenties on softwood. In practice a 20 inch bar gives you enough front reach to cut a trunk that is wider than the bar itself without burying the saw.
Below 10 inches you are wasting capacity, and above roughly 22 inches you are at the limit of what one operator should be doing alone. For lean, storm-damaged, or hardwood over 20 inches, move up a class or call in a certified arborist.
Where it falls short
The noise level is genuinely high, which matters more than people expect when felling next to a house or a neighbour’s fence. Several owners also report that the choke and kill switch components feel cheap, and one long-term user had muffler mounting bolts vibrate loose.
If you are new to felling, note that the weight is a training advantage here: a saw with some mass resists kickback better than an ultralight. The 15.5 lb figure is with bar and chain, so budget for a fuel bottle and spare chain when you plan a full day of cutting.
2. NEO-TEC 62cc 20-Inch – Best Value Felling Saw
Pros
- Strong low-end torque from the 62cc engine
- Quick start fires on one or two pulls
- Chain brake and trigger lockout included
- Wrap-around handle aids maneuvering
- Responsive seller support
Cons
- 11% of reviews are one-star
- Generic brand with a short track record
A 62cc engine pushing 3.5 hp through a 20 inch bar is the sweet spot for felling work, and this saw delivers that combination at the entry level of the power range. With 931 reviews at 4.2, it is one of the most examined saws here, which gives you a real picture of how it holds up over time.
What owners like is the torque rather than the top-end speed. The engine spins to 8500 RPM and the precision carburetor with optimized combustion is tuned for strong low-end pull, which is exactly what you want driving a bar through hardwood. The wrap-around front handle makes it easy to hold steady for a back cut, and the premium starter with a choke knob typically fires on one or two pulls.
The chain brake and trigger lockout are both present, and the saw comes as a complete package with the 20 inch bar and a 76DL chain at 0.325 inch pitch and 0.058 inch gauge. That bar tail mount of 8.2mm and the low rotating mass make it feel lighter in the woods than the 17.1 lb spec suggests.
Why owners rate it where they do
Buyers consistently praise the combination of power, manageable weight, and fast starting, with most noting good results on firewood, pruning, and small felling work. The 4.2 average reflects genuine capability rather than a bargain-bin machine that struggles once the wood is green and hard.
It is also one of the few saws here where the parts ecosystem overlaps with something familiar. If you are comfortable with a two-stroke of this size, the carburetor and coil layout will be recognisable, and several owners run it on standard 50:1 premix.
Where it falls short
Roughly 11% of reviews are one-star, which is the honest tell on a generic brand. The pattern is build consistency rather than design: small hardware faults, and a shorter long-term track record than the name-brand saws on this list.
Serviceability is the real trade-off. A dealer-backed machine with a published parts supply is a different category of ownership, and that matters more than most buyers expect. Choose this one for cutting capability first, and look up local repair help before you commit.
3. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch – Lightest Saw With Real Cutting Speed
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62cc full-crank
4.2 hp
20 inch bar
14 lb
Pros
- Cuts faster than far pricier name-brand saws on hardwood
- Light at 14 lb with good balance
- Easy to start once broken in
- Fuel mixer and sharpener toolkit included
- Long chain life
Cons
- Needs correct 50:1 premix to start reliably
- New chain stretches and needs tensioning
- 15% of reviews are one-star
The 62cc full-crank two-stroke listed at 4.2 hp makes this the lightest saw here with real felling power, and 638 owner reviews at 4.0 give you plenty of evidence to judge it. Value buyers consistently report that it cuts faster through hardwood and downed timber than much more expensive machines they have owned.
The full-crank design is the interesting engineering choice. It spins a heavier crankshaft to reduce vibration, which is exactly what you want in a long cutting session, and the well-balanced ergonomic layout keeps fatigue down while you buck up the tree afterwards. The 20 inch guide bar with a low-kickback chain handles larger logs and branches efficiently.
The safety switch prevents accidental throttle opening and the quick-stop chain brake is fitted as standard. Owners also report long chain life, with the original chain staying sharp after many tanks of fuel, and the included installation toolkit contains a fuel mixer and a sharpener so you can tune the chain on day one.
Best for the first tree you ever fell
At 14 lb this is the easiest gas saw here to control, and light weight is a genuine safety benefit for a first-time operator. It also means you can hold it steady for a long back cut without the fatigue that pulls the bar upward and pinches the chain.
Owners use it for felling, splitting, and general carpentry tasks, and the 20 inch bar gives you room for trees in the 10 to 18 inch range with headroom above that. It is the saw I would hand someone who wants to learn the felling sequence on a smaller tree.
Where it falls short
The fuel mix matters more than the manual admits. Owners report that it requires proper 50:1 premix to start reliably, which is an extra step every time you refuel. Give it straight gasoline and you will be troubleshooting a flooded carburetor instead of felling a tree.
A new chain stretches and needs periodic tensioning, and about 15% of reviews are one-star, pointing to build quality inconsistency. One buyer had to repair the chain brake and throttle button. Treat it as a tool you maintain carefully rather than one you abuse.
4. XtremepowerUS 22-Inch – Big Bar, Small Engine
XtremepowerUS 22″ Gas Chainsaw 58cc Gas Engine Wood Cutting Aluminum Gasoline Gas 2-Stroke Chainsaw Cutting Wood Cutter Industry Engine Motor EPA
58cc 2-stroke
22 inch bar
19 lb
60 day warranty
Pros
- Affordable entry point with EPA-compliant design
- Assisted starting and quick-stopping controls
- Anti-kickback chain and anti-vibration design
- Quick-release air filter and automatic oiler
Cons
- Only a 60-day manufacturer warranty
- Heavy at 19 lb for a budget saw
- Modest power limits heavy felling duty
The 22 inch bar here is unusually long for the engine underneath it, and that is both the appeal and the limitation. With 564 reviews averaging 4.0, owners treat this as a serviceable option for garden and farm pruning, storm cleanup, and firewood preparation rather than a dedicated felling machine.
The two-stroke platform suits cutting jobs around the garden or farm, and the feature list is more considered than the price suggests. You get an assisted starting system, quick-stopping controls, an anti-kickback chain, and effective anti-vibration design, plus a clean air-intake system that is easily removed for cleaning.
A quick-release air filter and automatic chain oilier keep the saw in working condition with minimal fuss, which matters when you are not felling every weekend. The EPA-approved emissions design is worth noting if you are working near your own property boundary.
What it is genuinely good at
It is a storm cleanup and land-clearing saw. The long bar reaches into downed timber and piles of brush without constant repositioning, and the 19 lb weight is manageable for short carries around a yard.
Because of the 22 inch bar, you have more cutting reach than most 45cc-class homeowner saws give you. For trees in the low-to-mid teens, a careful operator can get through with patience. For green hardwood, the engine runs out of breath well before the bar runs out of reach.
Where it falls short
The 60-day manufacturer warranty is the headline problem. For a saw you might buy and use for a decade, that is very little protection, and it tells you how the brand positions the product.
Power output is the other limit. Owners note modest output as the main constraint, which means a stall in deep hardwood is a realistic scenario rather than a theoretical one. If felling is your primary goal, spend the money on more displacement instead of more bar length.
5. NEO-TEC NH872 24-Inch 71cc – Best for Large Trees
Pros
- Huge felling power
- owners cut 24 inch hardwood and thick stumps
- Starts on the first pull when warm
- Magnesium crankcase with commercial filtration
- Components compatible with Husqvarna 372XP parts
Cons
- 25 lb weight is tiring over long shifts
- One owner reported ignition coil failure
- One owner needed carburetor and oiler adjustment
This is the only saw on the list rated for trees over 20 inches across, and at 71cc with 5.3 hp driving a 24 inch bar it earns that place. Owners who bought it for logging work describe cutting 24 inch hardwood and thick stumps without hesitation, and 355 reviews at 4.2 reflect genuine long-term use rather than first impressions.
The build is aimed squarely at sustained work. A heavy-duty magnesium crankcase, commercial-grade air filtration, a magnesium alloy chassis, and a professional anti-vibration system are all specified for 8 hour shifts. The centrifugal air cleaning system and quick-start ignition keep the saw working through sawdust and long days.
The most valuable feature is parts compatibility. All critical components are compatible with Husqvarna 372XP parts, which means the entire service ecosystem of a well-supported professional saw is available to you. A quick-release air filter, adjustable oil pump, and tool-free side chain tensioner support that.
Why it is the large-tree option
A 24 inch professional-grade bar on a D009 mount with a low-kickback 3/8 inch chain is a genuine felling combination. With the inertia-activated chain brake and throttle lock for safety, this is the saw I would consider for a 20 to 26 inch trunk in open ground.
Owner reports of starting on the first pull when warm and smooth idling suggest the full-crank layout is doing its job on fuel delivery. For anyone moving from a homeowner saw, the difference in torque under load is not subtle.
Where it falls short
The 25 lb weight is the honest drawback, and owners say so directly. A full day of felling and bucking with this saw is a physical commitment, and the anti-vibration system exists precisely because of that.
Isolated reliability reports exist: one owner had an ignition coil failure and intermittent cold-weather running, and another needed carburetor and chain oiler adjustment out of the box. It is not CARB certified. The one-year commercial warranty is real but short for a saw this heavy-duty.
6. ECHO CS-3410-16 – Best for Small Trees
Echo CS-3410-16 30.5 cc Chainsaw with 16 in. Bar and Chain
30.5cc gas engine
16 inch bar
4 kg
Oregon chain
Pros
- Starts on the first or third pull even in cold weather
- Lightweight and easy to handle for a gas saw
- Cuts 13 to 18 inch hardwood logs without trouble
- Low-kickback Oregon chain works fine as delivered
- Good value against premium-brand pricing
Cons
- 30.5cc is undersized for sustained large-log work
- One owner reported the engine dying under throttle
- Some buyers say later runs feel cheaper
The CS-3410-16 is the small-tree specialist in this group, and ECHO owners like it precisely for the way it starts. Multiple reviews mention first or third pull starts including in cold weather, which is more than many competing saws of this size manage. At 218 reviews and a 4.3 average, the pattern is consistent.
The 30.5cc engine is paired with a 16 inch bar, and owners report cutting 13 to 18 inch hardwood logs without trouble. The low-kickback Oregon chain it comes with works fine as delivered, which removes one of the most common reasons a new saw disappoints in the first week.
Weight is the other headline. At roughly 4 kg the saw is easy to handle for a gas machine, and that is a real advantage when you are climbing over brush and stacking limbs rather than working on a flat log deck. The straightforward controls take about ten minutes to learn.
Where it earns its place
This is a homeowner cleanup and camp-wood saw, and it is very good at that. If your trees are in the 8 to 14 inch range, a 16 inch bar gives you clean reach without the drag of a longer bar, and the engine has far more capacity than it needs.
ECHO is one of the three brands with a dealer network, so parts and servicing are a solved problem in most regions. For a first chainsaw, or a second saw for lighter jobs, that support matters more than displacement.
Where it falls short
The 30.5cc engine is simply undersized for sustained large-log work, and owners say so. One owner reported the engine dying under throttle after first use, and some buyers feel later production runs are cheaper than earlier models.
There is no felling role for this saw beyond small trees and cleanup. If you have a 20 inch trunk in front of you, a bigger machine is the correct purchase, not a longer bar on this one.
7. Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-Inch – Best for Medium Trees
Pros
- Light at 14 lb with good balance
- Strong cuts through maple oak ash and live oak
- Easy air filter access and soft-inlay handle
- Centrifugal air cleaning extends engine life
- Two year warranty
Cons
- Some owners need 6 to 10 starter pulls
- Less high-RPM punch than the 445 class
- One report of a poorly made bar and chain
The 450 Rancher is the pick if you want Husqvarna build quality and light handling in the same package. At 14 lb with good balance, it is noticeably easier to control during a back cut than the 455 Rancher, and owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 197 reviews.
The 50.2cc X-Torq two-cycle produces 3.2 hp and is specified for up to 60% lower emissions and 20% better fuel efficiency. Owners report strong cutting performance through maple, oak, ash, and live oak, with the Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system extending engine life by expelling debris before it reaches the filter.
Smart Start gives quick low-effort startup and the inertia-activated chain brake reduces kickback risk on every cut. The soft inlay ergonomic trigger, asymmetrical handle, and LowVib technology are comfort features that add up over a long day, and a two year warranty backs the machine.
Is it right for your trees
With a 20 inch bar and 50.2cc underneath, this is the medium-tree machine: comfortable in the 10 to 18 inch range and capable of pushing a little beyond that on softwood. Owners do use it to fell medium trees successfully.
Compared with the 455, the trade is high-RPM punch for weight. On light-to-medium hardwood the 450 is all you need, and it is the version I would pick for a long day of bucking where arm fatigue is the limiting factor.
Where it falls short
Starting is the most repeated complaint. Some owners report needing 6 to 10 pulls, and one long-term Husqvarna owner felt it lacked the wide-open RPM and low bogging of the 445 Rancher class. A minority report slow hot starts after a long cut.
One reviewer reported a poorly manufactured bar and chain that burrs and jumps off the rail, and Husqvarna specifies the recommended bar range as 13 to 20 inches. Plan on a fresh chain and a proper file early on, and test both starting and braking before you need them.
8. ECHO CS-590 20-Inch – Best for Storm Cleanup
Echo CS-590-20AA 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas Chainsaw
59.8cc gas engine
20 inch bar
High-output duty
Pros
- Very strong cutting power that throws large chips
- Ran a full truckload of firewood on one tank
- Handles large oak logs and storm-felled trees easily
- Solid fit and finish
Cons
- Hard to crank for smaller operators
- Floods if the choke is pulled too many times
- 15% of reviews are one-star
The CS-590 is the saw for a pile of timber on the ground rather than a tree in the air. Owners praise the very strong cutting power, which throws large chips and does not bog down, and one ran a full truckload of firewood on a single tank. At 181 reviews and 4.2, the enthusiasm is real.
Storm-felled trees are where this saw shines. Because the trunk is already down, you can approach the cut from any angle and let the 20 inch bar and 59.8cc engine work without the balance problems that come with a standing tree. Large oak logs are handled easily according to multiple owners.
Decompression-assisted starting takes some of the strain out of the recoil, and the fit and finish are solid and comparable to pricier professional saws. For anyone processing wood rather than felling, the fuel capacity and cutting endurance here are the whole argument.
What you can expect it to cut
Trees in the 12 to 20 inch range are well within this saw’s comfort zone, and the decompression valve means it keeps pulling after the cut is halfway through. Owners who process several cords a year tend to be the happiest with it.
If your work is mostly bucking and limbing, the 20 inch bar is generous, and the saw is described as suited to firewood processing and light-to-moderate tree felling. That is an honest description of where it sits.
Where it falls short
It is hard to crank, especially for smaller operators, and it can flood if the choke is pulled too many times. Both complaints are common in cold-weather or inexperienced hands, and both are avoidable with technique.
About 15% of reviews are one-star, and a good share of those are tied to seller or incoming condition rather than the saw itself, including one dead machine from a third-party seller. Buy from a seller who stands behind the machine.
9. ECHO CS-3510-16 – Best for Limbing and Cleanup
Echo Commercial Gas Rear Handle Chain Saw with 16In Bar 34.4Cc
34.4cc commercial engine
16 inch bar
8.2 lb
Pros
- Lightweight rear-handle design reduces fatigue
- i-30 starter cuts starting effort by 30%
- 3-point spring vibration reduction system
- Air injection air cleaner reduces maintenance
- A commercial grade engine at an accessible price
Cons
- 16 inch bar and 34.4cc limit large-diameter felling
- Rear-handle layout suits limbing over heavy felling
This is a limbing and cleanup saw, and I include it because most felling lists ignore the work that actually fills your weekends. At 8.2 lb it is by far the lightest machine here, and the rear-handle layout is the reason. Owners report the low weight reduces fatigue and improves productivity over a full cleanup day.
The 34.4cc engine is described as commercial grade, and the i-30 starter reduces starting effort by 30% compared with a conventional recoil. Combined with the 3-point spring vibration reduction system, that is a genuinely comfortable setup for extended work with one hand on the top handle.
The air injection air cleaner cleans incoming air and reduces maintenance intervals, which matters on a saw that lives on a wood pile rather than in a shed. At 133 reviews and 4.2, the owners here are largely firewood and yard workers.
Where it is the right tool
Take this saw for limbing, pruning, brush clearing, and yard work. The 16 inch bar is sized for branches and small roundwood, and the vibration system is what lets you work a full day without your hands telling you to stop.
It is a good companion to a larger felling saw, not a replacement for one. Owners consistently describe it as a productive limb cutter and a strong value, with the commercial grade engine as the differentiator at this weight.
Where it falls short
There is no framing this as a felling saw for anything large. The 16 inch bar and 34.4cc engine are limited for large-diameter work, and the rear-handle configuration suits limbing and cleanup more than heavy felling.
Buying this saw to fell a 20 inch tree would be a mistake in both directions: you would get less than the bar length suggests, and the handle layout gives you less control. Match the machine to the job you actually have.
10. WTHW 58cc Two-Bar Kit – Best Two-Bar Setup
WTHW 58 cc Gas Chainsaw, 20 in & 18 in Quick-Switch Bars, 2 Chains
58cc 2-stroke
20 and 18 inch bars
14.5 lb
91 ft/s
Pros
- Swap between the 20 inch felling bar and 18 inch limbing bar in seconds
- Quick-start recoil fires reliably in cold weather
- 30% larger fuel tank extends continuous runtime
- Dual-spring anti-vibration system and inertial chain brake
- On-site chain tensioning scrench included
Cons
- 58cc is at the low end for sustained hard felling
- 11% of reviews are one-star
The quick-switch bar system is the idea worth stealing from this kit. You get a 20 inch bar for felling and an 18 inch bar for limbing, and you can change between them in seconds, with two chains included. One saw covers both jobs without a second purchase.
The 58cc two-stroke has a 30% larger fuel tank for longer continuous runtime, which is the practical difference on a day of sustained cutting. The quick-start recoil is reported to fire reliably even in cold weather, and the chain speed specification is 91 ft per second.
Dual-spring anti-vibration and a fast-acting inertial chain brake with a low-kickback chain round out the safety package, and an on-site chain tensioning scrench is included so you are not waiting on a tool. A pro-grade centrifugal air filter and automatic oiler cover the maintenance basics.
Who benefits from two bars
Anyone who fells and then limbs. The 20 inch bar is the right length for a medium tree, and the 18 inch is easier to control in brush and around branches, where a longer bar snags and slows you down.
Both chains are specified at 0.325 inch pitch and 0.058 inch gauge, 76DL drive links for the 20 inch and 72DL for the 18 inch, so chain spares are easy to match. Buyers like the versatility that lets one saw handle felling and limbing.
Where it falls short
Consensus is that 58cc sits at the low end for sustained hard felling. It is a good budget all-rounder for firewood and cleanup, with considerably less enthusiasm for heavy professional duty.
Roughly 11% of reviews are one-star, pointing to some early quality issues. At 88 reviews this is also the thinnest review base of the mid-list saws, so weigh the two-bar feature against how much evidence you have to judge long-term durability.
11. ECHO CS-4510-18 – Best 18 Inch Fell
Echo 18 in. 45.0 cc Gas 2-Stroke Rear Handle Chainsaw CS-4510-18
45.0cc 2-stroke
18 inch bar
6.12 kg
20BPX chain
Pros
- ECHO build quality with an 18 inch bar for medium felling
- Rear-handle layout is comfortable for extended limbing
- Includes an 18 inch 20BPX chain ready to cut
Cons
- 45cc is underpowered for the price on larger trees
- 14% of reviews are one-star
The CS-4510-18 is the middle ground in ECHO’s range, and owners value the trusted ECHO platform with a rear-handle design for property maintenance and moderate cutting work. Chainsaw forum regulars specifically name the CS-4510 among the felling-capable picks, which tells you what to expect from it.
The 45.0cc two-stroke drives an 18 inch bar and comes with an 18 inch 20BPX chain, so it is ready to cut out of the box. At 6.12 kg the weight is reasonable, and the rear-handle layout is comfortable for extended limbing and cleanup tasks.
That comfort is the quiet advantage here. A rear-handle saw sits lower and closer to your body, which makes it easier to control in brush and on uneven ground, and the 18 inch bar gives you enough reach for medium trees without the drag of a 20 inch.
Where 18 inches is the right call
An 18 inch bar with 45cc is a well-matched combination for trees in the 10 to 16 inch range, and plenty of owners use a saw of this size for medium felling. The narrower bar also tracks straighter when you are bucking small roundwood.
Choose this one if your felling work is a couple of trees a year and your cleanup work is a couple of hours a week. ECHO dealer support is the other argument, and for infrequent users that support is worth a lot.
Where it falls short
Several owners feel the 45cc engine is underpowered relative to the saw for felling larger trees, and 14% of reviews are one-star. The engine simply runs out of breath before the 18 inch bar does on hard green wood.
If you anticipate felling regularly, add a few cc. The jump from 45cc to about 50cc or 60cc changes the character of the cut far more than another two inches of bar length will.
12. NEO-TEC 68cc Two-Bar Kit – Best Plug-and-Play Kit
NEW 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw 22 24 Inch Bars Chainsaws 2-Cycle Cordless Handheld Petrol Gasoline Chain Saw for Tree Felling Forestry Logging Backyard Storm Wood Cutting
68cc 2-cycle
4.5 hp
22 and 24 inch bars
24 lb
Pros
- Strong 4.5 hp 68cc engine that cuts cleanly through hardwood
- Users report felling a large oak with it
- Starts within about 3 pulls from cold
- Two bars two chains plus oil mixer and gloves included
- Tool-free side-mounted chain tensioner
Cons
- 24 lb weight is heavy to maneuver
- Not CARB certified
- Only 55 reviews so far
This is the newest saw in the group and the one with the most surprising specification sheet. A 68cc two-cycle producing 4.5 hp at 13000 RPM, supplied with both a 22 inch and a 24 inch bar, is a lot of machine, and at 4.6 out of 5 across 55 reviews the early owner reaction is strongly positive.
Buyers with hands-on use rate the cutting power as comparable to STIHL and Husqvarna machines, and report clean cuts through hardwood and softwood, with at least one owner felling a large oak with it. It is designed to fell trees over 22 inch thick and to process large branches.
The dual-tank system holds 550ml of fuel and 260ml of oil in separate compartments, designed to prevent leaks and keep lubrication consistent. The 25:1 fuel-oil mix ratio is clearly marked at one litre to 40ml, or one US gallon to 151.4ml, which removes the usual guesswork on a two-stroke.
What is in the box
The package includes the chainsaw, 22 inch and 24 inch guide bars with chains, engine oil, bar oil, a mixing container, protective gloves, and a tool kit. That is a complete working setup with nothing else to buy before the first cut.
The optimized cold and hot start system with an extended pull rope typically runs within three pulls, and the side-mounted tool-free chain tensioner plus anti-vibration handles make a long day workable. A quick-stop chain brake is fitted for control.
Where it falls short
At 24 lb it is heavy to maneuver, and that weight is felt most during a back cut. The anti-vibration system helps, but the mass is a fact you will feel after the third tree.
Two cautions. It is not CARB certified, so it does not meet the stricter California emissions standard. And with only 55 reviews, the long-term track record is still short, so this is a saw to buy with a willingness to service it yourself rather than to expect a decade of trouble-free service.
What Bar Length Do You Need to Fell a Tree?
Match the bar to the diameter of the tree, not to your ambition. The bar should be at least as long as half the trunk diameter, and a good working rule is that a 16 inch bar handles trees up to about 10 to 12 inches, an 18 inch bar handles 14 to 16 inches, a 20 inch bar handles 18 to 20 inches, and a 24 inch bar handles 22 to 24 inches. Beyond that, the honest answer is that one person with one gas saw is at the limit of what is sensible.
For the all-around choice, 18 to 20 inches covers the overwhelming majority of homeowner and small-landowner felling. A 20 inch bar on a 55cc to 60cc engine is the most common professional-grade felling configuration, and it is what I recommend to almost everyone. Longer bars need more displacement: 38 to 42cc for small trees, 45 to 50cc for medium, 58 to 60cc for large, and 70cc or more for very large or sustained professional work.
Chain pitch is the other decision, and it follows the saw rather than the tree. A 0.325 inch pitch with 0.058 inch gauge covers most 16, 18, and 20 inch homeowner saws, while 3/8 inch pitch appears on the professional bars here, including the 24 inch models. Match the chain to the sprocket and drive link count, not to preference.
Engine Size, Chain Pitch and the Features That Matter
Displacement, measured in cc, is how chainsaw power is standardised, and it predicts felling capability more reliably than bar length alone. A 50cc engine with a 20 inch bar is at its ceiling for hardwood in the 18 inch range, which is a point experienced owners make often. If a tree is bigger than that, more cc is the answer, not a longer bar.
Then look at the features that decide whether a saw stays sharp and starts reliably. An inertia-activated chain brake is the safety system that matters most for felling, because it stops the chain when the saw snaps forward in a kickback. A side-access chain tensioner saves you from setting the saw down to adjust. An automatic chain oiler with an adjustable pump keeps the chain and bar from wearing out early.
Brand tiers are easier to navigate than the model numbers suggest. Husqvarna calls its farm and ranch line Rancher, STIHL calls its equivalent Farm Boss, and ECHO calls its heavy-duty line Timber Wolf. Above those sit the XP models from Husqvarna and the professional class from all three. Owners consistently value serviceability and parts availability over raw specifications, which is why the dealer networks behind Husqvarna, STIHL, and ECHO keep earning loyalty.
On the fuel question, owners are direct: gas is really just for the big jobs these days, and a couple of cords of firewood a year is comfortably within reach of a battery saw. If you are determined on gas, the small homeowner class is still fine for those shorter trees, but the sustained felling day is where gas earns its place. Two-stroke mix ratios typically sit at 40:1 to 50:1, and the 68cc kit here marks 25:1 explicitly.
How to Fell a Tree Safely
Felling is a sequence, and the sequence is what keeps you safe, not the brand of saw. Assess the tree and the escape path first, then clear the workspace of anything you would have to step over. Cut a face notch about a quarter of the trunk diameter deep, angled downward, then make the back cut on the opposite side, leaving a hinge of roughly one tenth of the diameter to guide the fall. Step away and let the tree drop; never try to catch it.
Two things make most felling accidents avoidable. The first is the escape path: decide where you will be before you start cutting, and keep 45 degrees behind the planned fall line on both sides of the tree. The second is understanding your saw’s limits, because a lean, a heavy top, or a hollow trunk changes the fall direction no matter how good the cut is.
Some work is genuinely beyond a homeowner saw. Chainsaw forums are consistent on this: anything over 20 inches across warrants 70cc or larger, and leaning trees, trees near structures, and trees with obvious lean or decay are jobs for a certified arborist. The liability of a falling tree onto a property is real, and a professional brings climbing gear, rigging, and insurance you do not have.
Before the first cut each season, test the chain brake, check chain tension while the brake is engaged, verify the chain is sharp, and confirm fuel and bar oil levels. Most chainsaw injuries trace back to a dull chain, a loose chain, or a skipped brake test, and all three take five minutes to rule out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size chainsaw for felling trees?
Match bar length to at least half the trunk diameter: a 16 inch bar handles roughly 10 to 12 inch trees, 18 inch handles 14 to 16 inches, 20 inch handles 18 to 20 inches, and 24 inch handles 22 to 24 inches. Pair 18 to 20 inches with a 45cc to 60cc engine for most homeowner and landowner work.
How big of a tree will a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A 20 inch bar paired with 55cc to 60cc of displacement comfortably fells trees 18 to 20 inches in diameter, and it will cut wider trunks if the wood is softwood or dry. Pushing past roughly 22 inches with one operator is where a 70cc-class saw becomes the correct tool.
What is the best chainsaw for tree felling?
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher with a 20 inch bar and 55.5cc two-stroke is the most complete felling saw here, holding a 4.6 rating across 1073 owner reviews. It starts easily, holds oil to the bar reliably, and handles medium hardwood with plenty of margin.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or STIHL?
Both are top-tier choices, and the difference is regional parts support as much as anything. Husqvarna buyers tend to cite the XP line and strong dealer networks, while STIHL owners often point to build quality and simple carburetors that are easy to service. Whichever brand, buying locally serviced matters more than the badge.
Is ECHO just as good as STIHL?
For felling work, ECHO is directly comparable. The CS-590 pairs a 20 inch bar with 59.8cc for firewood and storm cleanup, and the CS-4510-18 is named by chainsaw forum regulars as felling capable at 45cc. The CS-590 is noticeably harder to crank, so lighter operators may prefer the smaller ECHO models.
Which Gas Chainsaw Should You Buy in 2026?
For most people reading this, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the answer: a 20 inch bar, 55.5cc, and the deepest owner-review base on this list. If your budget stretches toward the mid-sixty cc range, the NEO-TEC 62cc 20 inch gives you more torque per pound, and the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc does the same job at 14 lb.
For specific jobs: the ECHO CS-3410-16 handles small trees, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher takes medium trees at a light 14 lb, the ECHO CS-590 is the storm cleanup and firewood machine, and the NEO-TEC NH872 24 inch 71cc is the only one here for trunks over 20 inches. The ECHO CS-3510-16 and the WTHW 58cc two-bar kit handle limbing and cleanup.
Whatever you choose, learn the notch, back cut, hinge, and escape path before your first tree, and match the saw to the diameter you will actually cut. That last habit is the difference between a purchase that feels right in year three and one that ends up in the back of a shed.