Chainsaws are the most sought-after cutting tools worldwide: they’re convenient, highly portable, and powerful enough to bring down a huge tree. You can use these machines domestically or commercially.
Technological advancements have transformed the manufacturing of chainsaws. What users get today are power tools that perform better and last longer.
With so many brands out there, people have them easily accessible. However, if you’re on a tight budget, keep reading to discover the best chainsaw under 300 dollars.
Contents Summary
Chainsaws Less Than $300 Reviewed in 2020
We have taken the time to review some good but affordable chainsaws. Here’s a compiled list of them and the features that make each standout. The following information also bases on customer reviews. So, you can be sure that this comprehensive review has the users’ opinions in mind.
| Product Name | Weight | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zombi ZCS5817 Cordless Electric Chainsaw | 16 pounds | 5 years | Check Price |
| Tanaka TCS33EDTP Top Handle Chain Saw | 11.9 pounds | 7 years | Check Price |
| DEWALT DCCS620P1 Brushless Compact Cordless Chainsaw | 8.8 pounds | 3 years | Check Price |
| Remington RM4216 Rebel Gas Powered Chainsaw | 22 pounds | 2 years | Check Price |
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Chainsaw | 7.2 pounds | 2 years | Check Price |
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw | 9.3 pounds | 2 years | Check Price |
1. Zombi ZCS5817 Cordless Electric Chainsaw
Zombi ZCS5817 Cordless Electric Chainsaw is a modern battery-powered saw that offers everything you want in a power saw. It comes with a newly designed brushless motor and a 16-inch bar (Oregon low kickback bar). For added safety, this 16-inch chainsaw saw also includes a chain brake and a handguard.
These electric saws by Zombi are perfect for light and medium duties around the home. Zombi ZCS5817 is a light and compact cordless chainsaw that’s highly efficient, portable, and perfect for overhead projects. The saw also comes with a 16-inch blade. It handles a 14-inch log with ease in a single pass.
A chainsaw will only perform better if it is well maintained. The Zombi ZCS5817 Cordless Electric Chainsaw keeps the cutting rear lubricated with an auto oiling system. Once you fill it up with bar oil, you can work on your wood or tree without manually releasing the oil to the bar.
- The battery holds its charge better than most chainsaws
- It is less noisy than other saws
- This saw has textured handles that add a good grip
- Has a comfortable safety switch
- Efficient oil reservoir
- The blade cover is not strong enough
- It’s not the best for heavy-duty work
2. Tanaka TCS33EDTP Top Handle Chain Saw
Tanaka is one of the good chainsaws that run on a 32.2 cc gas-powered engine. This Tanaka Top Handle Chainsaw will handle not only light commercial grade applications but also do basic backyard work such as pruning and shaping trees. The powerful motor is another reason why professionals prefer it over expensive counterparts.
Tanaka TCS33EDTP comes with a half throttle choke and primer bulb, so starting and warming up the device is super easy. Considering that the machine also equips a gear-driven automatic chain, the oiler makes it convenient for beginners. You can quickly use a chainsaw such as this one as it has side access tensioning.
Comfort is paramount in any cutting machine, and Tanaka TCS33EDTP does not fall short. This saw has an anti-vibration system. Users also commended the perfect power-to-weight ratio of the machine.
Overall, Tanaka TCS33EDTP has outstanding fuel efficiency.
- Has an automatic oiler
- Less fuel consumption
- Easy to start and warm-up
- Good run time
- This saw has a convenient side mounted chain tensioning
- It is not the best machine for heavy-duty tasks
3. DEWALT DCCS620P1 Brushless
DeWalt produces outstanding cutting machines, and this affordable chainsaw is no exception. A 20V 5.0 Ah battery gives it impressive performance. The saw features a 12-inch bar that lets you perform all domestic tasks with ease.
DeWalt DCCS620P1 is a compact and lightweight chainsaw that fits in the smallest spaces of your workshop. The handgrip is quite comfortable even for long projects because of the sturdy rubber coating. The saw handle decreases vibrations significantly, and users have also come to love the tool-less chain tensioning system.
Instead of a large knob, the tensioning system of the DeWalt chainsaw is retractable. As a safety feature, the saw’s got a low-kickback tip. The solid plastic piece protects your hands from accidents, plus the chainsaw automatically shuts off if left idle for long.
- A small chainsaw but it contains a decent amount of power
- Good safety measures
- Comes with a brushless motor that is very efficient
- It is compact and will fit in a limited space.
- Uses a lot of bar oil during operation
4. Remington RM4216 Rebel Gas Powered Chainsaw
If you are looking for a powerful, under $300 chainsaw, you should consider the Remington RM4216 Rebel Gas Powered Chainsaw. This device has a sprocket tip that helps reduce friction and ensures the chain moves easily during work, giving you will a better cutting experience.
The chain is a low-kickback type, and with a chain size of 3/8 inch pitch, 0.5 inch gauge and 57 drive links, this is powerful enough to do all kinds of projects at home. This Remington chainsaw is perfect for taming medium to large-sized branches. Users appreciated the ergonomic design and the cushion wrap handle that makes this device maneuverable, balanced, and easy to work with.
- It has a powerful 42cc engine that can work on heavy tasks around the home
- It is highly portable for on the go contractors
- It is compact enough to fit in your workshop
- It is quite heavy as compared to other saws in the same class.
5. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020
BLACK+DECKER LSC1020 is a battery-powered chainsaw that delivers impressive performance for its size. Since this saw offers a 20V power output, executing larger applications at full charge is not a problem. The saw has a bar length of 10 inches, making it ideal for logs of varying diameters.
A great chainsaw manufacturer is one that prioritizes safety. The BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Chainsaw’s designed for maximum protection as it comes with a low kickback design and handle guards. The chain lock feature is also crucial as it minimizes the possibility of kickback. The effortless operation also ensures that users don’t encounter any struggles that may lead to accidents.
- It is easy to use a chainsaw with safety features ideal for beginners
- Smooth handling saw which suitable for long projects
- Lightweight
- The battery is not that powerful. Therefore, you need to charge it often
- It is a powerful chainsaw but not enough to handle larger projects.
6. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaw
Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a lightweight and easy-to-use 16-inch gas chainsaw. We picked this product for the casual user.
Like others on the list, it’s packed with tons of features such as low-kickback, built-in safety break, ergonomics, and an automatic oiler for a smooth supply of lubrication to the machine.
The maximum bar length that we suggest using for this product is 18 inches. Its simple tensioning system contributes to the steady workflow by allowing for super quick chain adjustments. There’s also a tool-free blade tension adjustment guide on Husqvarna’s website.
Meanwhile, the X-Torq engine technology is responsible for low fuel consumption and low emissions.
Husqvarna’s centrifugal air cleaning system is the key to extending the Mark II’s runtime and reducing its engine wear. It aids in the removal of dust and debris before they reach the air filter.
Homeowners will find the Husqvarna 120 Mark II a perfect tool for everyday use.
- Simple yet efficient
- Compact
- Affordable
- Combined choke/stop control
- Easy, tool-free chain tensioning system
- Needs to be “broken-in” before it can perform its best
Buying Guide: Important Qualities of Chainsaws Under $300
The two types of chainsaws in the market are the gas-powered and the electric-powered. Most customers only buy based on that and overlook other factors that make them choose the right product. So, here are some factors to keep in mind when looking for an affordable chainsaw in said price range. We’re going to help you get the most out of your 300-dollar budget!
Power
The size of the engine has a direct correlation with the power of the chainsaw. For gas saws, the engine size is in cubic centimeters (cc). A higher cc will yield a more powerful saw.
Engine sizes range from 23 to 120 cc. If you want a decently powerful saw that will take on big tasks such as cutting down trees, we recommend getting more than 45 ccs.
On the other hand, electric chainsaw motors measure in Amps, and the range is from 8 to 15 Amp motor. Amps are also directly related to power.
Weight
Most chainsaws weigh around 11 pounds. At first glance, this may seem lightweight, but do you think it would still be light after 20 minutes of carrying it?
Electric chainsaws are usually lighter than gas chainsaws. However, electric chainsaws are best suited for small DIY projects.
Safety and Ergonomics
Safety is a key consideration in a cutting machine- a good chainsaw should have more than one throttle trigger.
Also, go after good ergonomics to avoid body pain in the future. After all, cutting wood is taxing to your muscles and your posture.
Features
Modern chainsaws have an outstanding list of features that can be overwhelming to beginners. However, the primary thing you need to keep an eye on is the starting mechanism: a chainsaw that’s hard to start is hard for newbies to use and might turn them off from these wonderful machines. This factor is applicable to both cordless and corded electric chainsaws.
Most modern chainsaws have an automatic oiling and self-sharpening system.
What’s the Ideal Guide Bar Length?
The guide bar length is the distance from the chain to the housing entrance and represents the active cutting area. A longer guide bar length corresponds to a larger piece of wood that the saw can cut. If you want to cut large portions, we highly recommend choosing a chainsaw with a longer guide bar. Out of our top picks, we’d say the Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16-inch chainsaw and the Zombi ZCS5817 16-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw both have a pretty great guide bar length.
What Brand Do You Recommend?
Dewalt is a pretty reputable brand of power tools. It’s been featured multiple times in our buying guides and reviews because it’s an overall good, reliable maker of cutting equipment. Get one of these if you want a heavy-duty workhorse in your yard space.
For beginners, we suggest BLACK+DECKER. Although our product listing here is more of a lightweight tool, we can’t overlook its user-friendliness.
Final Verdict
Now that we’ve outlined quality chainsaws under 300 bucks, you should have an easier time navigating the market. Although these products are not exactly fit for gigantic tasks, they’ll get basic jobs done.