📊 What Reddit Says
Reddit users generally recommend pro-grade chainsaws from Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo for cutting trees. For most homeowners and occasional users, a 50-60cc saw with an 18-20 inch bar offers the best balance of power and weight.
📣 The Reddit Consensus
The Reddit community is largely united in recommending pro-level saws from Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo. Beginners are often advised to start with a lighter 50cc saw like the Stihl MS 261 or Husqvarna 550xp to learn safely, while more experienced users lean toward larger displacement models (70cc+) for efficiency. Safety gear, dealer support, and the importance of proper chain sharpening are consistently emphasized across threads. Many users warn against cheap homeowner saws for serious cutting, with Echo seen as the best budget-friendly alternative.
🔑 What Matters Most According to Reddit
These are the factors Reddit users consistently bring up when discussing best chainsaw for cutting trees. Know these before you buy.
Weight and Ergonomics
Reddit users stress that a lighter saw reduces fatigue and is safer for beginners. Comments note that getting tired with a heavy saw can be dangerous, and a 45-50cc saw with a 16-18 inch bar is ideal for learning.
Bar Length
An 18-20 inch bar is sufficient for most trees up to 24 inches in diameter, and users recommend longer bars (28-32 inches) for large trees to reduce bending. However, longer bars require more engine power and can be heavier.
Pro vs Homeowner Build
Many commenters advise buying a pro-grade saw (e.g., Stihl MS 261, Husqvarna 550xp) because they are lighter, more durable, and have better vibration dampening. Homeowner saws are often seen as throwaway items not suitable for regular use.
Safety Gear and Training
Safety equipment like chaps, a forestry helmet, and sturdy boots is repeatedly mentioned as essential. Users also stress learning proper cutting techniques (e.g., understanding tension and compression) and starting with small saws to build skill.
Dealer Support
Several users emphasize buying from a local dealer with a good service shop. Dealer support is considered crucial for warranty work and maintenance, and some recommend choosing between Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo based on local dealer quality.
🏆 Top Recommended Products
Ranked by Reddit recommendation frequency and sentiment. Scored based on how strongly users endorse each product.
Stihl MS 261
The Stihl MS 261 is a top-recommended pro saw that balances weight and power. It is frequently suggested for homeowners and professionals who need a reliable, light saw for most cutting tasks.
✅ Pros from Reddit
- +Lightweight and easy to handle for long days
- +Plenty of power for a 50cc saw; runs a 20 inch bar well
- +Pro-grade build with excellent vibration dampening
❌ Cons from Reddit
- -May be underpowered for trees over 24 inches in diameter
- -Some users wish it had more torque for hardwoods
💬 Notable Reddit Comments
“A Stihl 261c is really all the saw you need for that... it's light and has a ton of power.”
“MS261 16 inch bar or a 550xp with a 15 inch or 18 inch bars.”
“261 mtronic 20 inch bar is a great combo, very reliable.”
Stihl MS 362
The Stihl MS 362 is a solid mid-range pro saw, but many commenters now suggest the MS 400c as a better choice for a similar price. Still recommended by those who own it.
✅ Pros from Reddit
- +Good power for a 60cc saw; handles 20-25 inch bars
- +Lighter than bigger saws, reducing fatigue
- +Reliable and easy to maintain
❌ Cons from Reddit
- -Outshined by the MS 400c which is lighter and more powerful
- -May struggle with full comp chain on 25 inch bar
💬 Notable Reddit Comments
“Stihl 362 would be a great saw for your situation.”
“My 362 runs a full comp 25 inch just fine on pine.”
“If you don't want to break your back, the Stihl MS362 is choice.”
Stihl MS 500i
The MS 500i is Stihl's flagship pro saw, praised for its revolutionary fuel injection and raw power. It is the top choice when budget is no object, especially for large-scale cutting.
✅ Pros from Reddit
- +Fuel injection provides excellent throttle response and easy starting
- +Incredible power for large bars (28-36 inches)
- +Set it and forget it; no carb adjustments needed
❌ Cons from Reddit
- -Expensive and hard to find in some areas
- -Overkill for most homeowners and smaller trees
💬 Notable Reddit Comments
“MS500i with a 25 or 28 inch bar if price isn't an issue.”
“Stihl 500i. Set it & forget it. Brain box is doing all the adjustments.”
“The 500i is my go to saw these days as it's power/lb and throttle response is superb.”
Husqvarna 550xp
The Husqvarna 550xp is a highly regarded 50cc pro saw, often recommended alongside the Stihl 261. It is praised for its light weight and responsiveness, making it a favorite for arborists and homeowners.
✅ Pros from Reddit
- +Lightweight and quick revving; great for limbing and small trees
- +Pro build quality with excellent balance
- +Easy to start and reliable
❌ Cons from Reddit
- -Not as torquey as Stihl MS 261; less suited for large hardwoods
- -Some users prefer the Stihl for better dealer network
💬 Notable Reddit Comments
“If a 20 inch bar is all you need i have a 550XP and it's a screaming little saw.”
“550xp is like 50cc and I've been using it ever since with 18 inch bars.”
“MS261 16 inch bar or a 550xp with a 15 inch or 18 inch bars.”
Echo CS-590
The Echo CS-590 is consistently recommended as the best budget-friendly chainsaw. It provides pro-level displacement at a fraction of the cost, ideal for those who need a reliable saw without breaking the bank.
✅ Pros from Reddit
- +Best value for money; offers 60cc power at a lower price
- +Reliable and easy to start
- +Great for homeowner and semi-pro use
❌ Cons from Reddit
- -Heavier than pro saws like Stihl MS 261
- -Not as refined or durable for daily professional use
💬 Notable Reddit Comments
“Echo CS-590 is unstoppable.”
“Budget and on the small side for 24 inch trees but will do just fine: Echo CS-590.”
“CS-590 for the win.”
🎯 Best Pick for Every Scenario
Different needs call for different products. Based on what Reddit recommends for each use case:
Beginner/First Saw
🏆 Husqvarna 460 Rancher
Users recommend a lighter 55cc rancher line saw with a 20 inch bar for learning, as it is safe, user-friendly, and sturdy without being overpowered.
Professional/Heavy Use
🏆 Stihl MS 500i
For full-time or demanding cutting, the 500i is touted as the top saw with fuel injection, incredible power, and ease of use, ideal for 28-36 inch bars.
Budget-Friendly
🏆 Echo CS-590
The Echo CS-590 is consistently called the best value saw, offering 60cc pro-level performance at a lower price, making it a top choice for cost-conscious buyers.
Small to Medium Trees
🏆 Stihl MS 261
This 50cc pro saw is ideal for trees up to 24 inches, being light enough for all-day use yet powerful enough to handle most homeowner and professional tasks.
Large Tree Felling
🏆 Husqvarna 372xp
The 372xp with a 28 inch bar and skip chain is a proven workhorse for big timber, widely used by professional tree crews and praised for its reliability and power in large wood.
⚔️ Head-to-Head: What Reddit Prefers
When Reddit users debate between two products, here's which one wins — and why.
Reddit users point out that the MS 400c is lighter and more powerful (67cc vs 60cc) for only about $130 more, making the MS 362 obsolete in comparison.
The 372xp has a manual carburetor, which users find more reliable than the autotune on the 572xp. Comments mention that the 572xp is hit or miss with idle issues, while the 372xp is a proven workhorse.
Both saws are highly praised, but the Stihl MS 261 is mentioned more frequently for its slightly greater torque and wider dealer support, especially in North America. Users often say either is excellent, but the 261 edges out on overall consensus.
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
Reddit users flagged these pitfalls and things to be careful about:
- ⚡Avoid cheap homeowner saws (e.g., Craftsman, Poulan) for any serious cutting; they are unreliable and not repairable.
- ⚡Husqvarna 572xp has reported autotune issues; some units won't idle properly, so check for reliability in your area.
- ⚡Do not buy a used chainsaw without thorough inspection; used saws often have hidden problems and lack warranty.
- ⚡When cutting fallen trees, be aware that root balls can fall back into the hole after cuts, creating a dangerous situation.
- ⚡Kickback risk increases with longer bars and inexperience; use a safety chain and consider a smaller bar for beginners.
📚 Sources from Reddit
Analysis based on comments from these Reddit discussions: