Finding the best chainsaw for your needs depends on what jobs you plan to tackle. Whether you need a powerful petrol chainsaw for felling trees, cutting firewood, or a cordless chainsaw for light tasks around the garden, there is a tool to match your requirements. At AUTODOC, we stock a chainsaw range from trusted brands like YATO, designed for both domestic jobs and demanding tasks. Our specialists have reviewed the technical features, customer feedback, and build quality to bring you this guide.
This powerful petrol chainsaw sits at the top of our list for those who need serious cutting performance. With its 3.4 HP engine and 56.5 cc capacity, it handles heavy-duty work like felling trees and processing larger logs without breaking a sweat. The 20-inch guide bar gives you excellent cutting reach, while the anti-vibration system reduces fatigue during long periods of chainsaw work. Air-cooled with an 8500 RPM max speed, this machine delivers reliable performance for professional operators and serious garden enthusiasts alike.
Pros
High precision cutting with a powerful 3.4 HP engine
Long 48 cm bar length for bigger logs
Anti-vibration feature for extended use comfort
Large 0.24 L chain oil tank requires fewer maintenance breaks
Universal key included for easy chain tension adjustment
Cons
Heavier than battery-powered chainsaws
Requires fuel at the correct ratio (40:1 mix)
More power means higher noise levels
Specifications
Specification
Value
Power
3.4 HP
Engine capacity
56.5 cc
Bar length
20" (48 cm)
Chain thickness
1.47 mm
Oil tank capacity
0.24 L
Max RPM
8500
Cooling type
Air cooled
Fuel ratio
40:1
Chain type
Closed chain
Reasons to buy
Excellent cutting performance for felling trees and processing large timber
Anti-vibration system allows comfortable work for long periods
Great tensioning system with universal key for quick adjustments
Powerful engine handles demanding tasks that smaller engine models cannot
Pro tip from our mechanics: Always let your petrol chainsaw warm up for 30 seconds before starting heavy-duty cutting. This helps the engine brand reach optimal operating temperature and extends its lifespan.
This small petrol chainsaw offers the perfect balance for garden enthusiasts who need more power than battery saws but do not require the cutting speed of bigger saws. The 1.7 HP engine with 37.2 cc capacity handles small branches, cutting firewood, and trimming work with ease. At 14 inches, the bar length suits domestic jobs perfectly without being unwieldy. The anti-vibration feature and air filter system mean you get reliable performance without excessive fuel consumption. This model represents excellent value for those stepping up from cordless saws.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to handle for beginners
Lower fuel consumption than larger models
Anti-vibration for user-friendly operation
Compact size works well in tight spaces
Same way to operate as professional saws
Cons
Limited to small trees and medium logs
Still requires fuel mixing at the correct ratio
Pull cord starting can be tricky in cold weather
Specifications
Specification
Value
Power
1.7 HP
Engine capacity
37.2 cc
Bar length
14" (33 cm)
Chain thickness
1.27 mm
Oil tank capacity
0.17 L
Max RPM
8000
Cooling type
Air cooled
Fuel ratio
40:1
Chain type
Closed chain
Reasons to buy
Perfect small chainsaw for domestic jobs and garden maintenance
Lower running costs with a smaller engine and reduced fuel consumption
User-friendly design suits those new to petrol chainsaws
Reliable performance backed by YATO engineering quality
For those who prefer the convenience of battery-powered chainsaws, this 36 V cordless chainsaw delivers impressive cutting performance without the hassle of fuel mixing or pull cord starting. The Li-Ion rechargeable battery system provides clean, quiet power that suits residential areas where noise levels matter. At 4.8 kg, it is manageable for extended use while still offering a 14-inch guide bar for tackling small branches and light professional tasks. The chain tensioner works the same way as petrol models, so adjustments are straightforward.
Pros
No fuel mixing or pull cord required
Quieter operation than petrol models
Zero emissions for indoor workshop use
Instant start with the battery system
Lower vibration than powerful engines
Cons
Battery life limits continuous work time
Sold without battery or charger (purchased separately)
Less raw power than the best petrol chainsaw options
Specifications
Specification
Value
Voltage
36 V
Bar length
14" (34.5 cm)
Chain thickness
1.27 mm
Oil tank capacity
0.17 L
Max RPM
4500
Weight
4.8 kg
Battery type
Li-Ion Rechargeable
Chain type
Closed chain
Included
Battery and charger not included
Reasons to buy
User-friendly features make it ideal for occasional users
Cordless chainsaw freedom without trailing cables
Suitable for residential areas with noise restrictions
Same size bar as small petrol chainsaw models for similar cutting capacity
Expert advice: When using battery saws for extended sessions, rotate between two batteries. While one works, the other charges. This approach gives you near-continuous battery life without expensive battery investments.
The ROOKS AQ-ONE series offers an affordable entry into cordless chainsaw ownership. This 20 V battery-powered model features a 12” (30 cm) bar length suitable for cutting firewood, trimming small branches, and general garden maintenance. While it lacks the raw power of petrol models or higher-voltage battery saws, it handles light tasks competently at a fraction of the cost. Sold without accessories, you can pair it with existing 20 V ROOKS batteries if you already own other models from the AQ-ONE range.
Pros
Most affordable cordless chainsaw in our selection
20 V battery system compatible with the AQ-ONE range
Good 30 cm (12") bar for light professional and domestic use
Lighter than petrol alternatives
Simple operation for beginners
Cons
Sold without battery or charger
Less power than 36 V cordless or petrol options
Limited to lighter cutting tasks
Specifications
Specification
Value
Voltage
20 V
Bar length
12" (30 cm)
Product line
AQ-ONE
Included
Without accessories
Battery type
Compatible with the AQ-ONE 20 V system
Reasons to buy
Budget-friendly option for garden enthusiasts, starting with cordless saws
Works with existing AQ-ONE 20 V batteries from other ROOKS power tools
Suitable bar length for domestic jobs and small branches
Lower entry cost than other models while maintaining decent build quality
This highly innovative pole chainsaw solves the problem of reaching high branches safely from the ground. The telescopic arm extends from 1.1 m to 1.7 m, letting you trim overhead limbs without ladders. At just 1.1 kg for the cutting head, it reduces arm fatigue during long periods of overhead work. The 750 W motor delivers 12 m/min belt speed for clean cuts, while the adjustable tilt angle (−60 to +20 degrees) and rotation angle (180 to +90 degrees) let you position the 10-inch bar at the perfect cutting angle. Includes a support belt for comfortable extended use.
Pros
Telescopic arm reaches branches up to 5 m high
Lightweight 1.1 kg head reduces fatigue
Multiple angle adjustments for high precision cutting
Corded design means unlimited runtime
Belt included for comfortable operation
Cons
Compact 10” (25 cm) bar limits log diameter
The mains cable restricts mobility
Not suitable for felling trees
Specifications
Specification
Value
Rated power
750 W
Bar length
10" (25 cm)
Telescopic arm
43–67" (110–170 cm)
Chain links
40
Belt speed
12 m/min
Oil capacity
60 ml
Noise level
89.5 dB
Weight
1.1 kg
Tilt angle
−60 to +20 degrees
Rotation angle
–180 to +90 degrees
Mains frequency
50 Hz
Included
Support belt
Reasons to buy
Safely reach high branches without ladders or climbing
Lightweight design allows extended use without arm strain
Adjustable angles handle awkward branch positions
Constant power from the mains means no battery life concerns
Key buying considerations
Power source choice: Petrol chainsaws offer more power for heavy-duty work and felling trees, but require fuel mixing and regular air filter maintenance. Battery-powered chainsaws suit light tasks and offer user-friendly operation with less maintenance. Consider your typical cutting tasks before choosing.
Bar length matters: The guide bar determines maximum cutting diameter. A 14-inch bar handles most domestic jobs and small branches. For larger logs and felling trees, look at 18–20 inch options. Longer bars need more power to drive them properly, which affects your choice of model.
Safety features: Look for chain brake systems that stop the chain instantly if kickback occurs. Anti-vibration reduces fatigue and strain during long periods of use. A good chain tensioner makes adjustments quickly and safely without tools. These features matter for both beginners and professional arborists.
Chain oil system: Every chainsaw needs chain oil for lubrication. Check that the oil tank capacity matches your work patterns. Larger tanks mean fewer maintenance breaks during bigger jobs. Automatic oiling systems deliver consistent lubrication without manual pumping during cutting tasks.
Product types
Type
Features
Best for
Petrol chainsaw
Powerful engines, portable, high cutting speed
Felling trees, heavy-duty cutting, and remote work
YATO chainsaws: Polish power tools brand offering reliable performance at competitive prices with strong warranty support.
Husqvarna chainsaws: Swedish premium brand known for professional chainsaws with highly innovative features and durability.
STIHL chainsaws: German engineering excellence delivering professional saws trusted by arborists worldwide for decades.
GRAPHITE chainsaws: Quality European brand providing user-friendly cordless saws with ergonomic handle chainsaw designs.
ROOKS chainsaws: Affordable workshop tools offering good build quality for domestic jobs and light professional use.
Conclusion
Choosing the best chainsaw depends on matching the tool to your typical cutting tasks. For heavy-duty work like felling trees and processing bigger logs, select models with 50 cc+ engines and 16–20" bars from reputable brands. Garden enthusiasts tackling domestic jobs benefit from 35–40 cc saws or capable battery models in a more manageable package.
Those who prefer cordless convenience should consider the YATO YT-82813, which provides a similar bar length to small petrol chainsaw models without fuel hassles. For reaching high branches safely, the YATO YT-84877 pole chainsaw fills a specific need brilliantly.
All models in our chainsaw range feature proper chain tensioner systems, chain oil delivery, and safety features you would expect from quality power tools. While brands like STIHL MS series and Husqvarna chainsaws dominate the premium market, YATO offers comparable build quality and reliable performance at more accessible prices.
Consider your power source preference, bar length, and if anti‑vibration features matter for your typical use patterns. With over 6.7 million spare parts available at AUTODOC, you can also source replacement chains and accessories for ongoing maintenance.
The best brand depends on your budget and needs. STIHL saws and Husqvarna lead the premium market for professional use. For excellent value without sacrificing quality, YATO chainsaws offer expertly engineered tools at accessible prices.
Is Husqvarna better than STIHL?
Neither is objectively better. Husqvarna chainsaws typically feel lighter with more ergonomic designs, while STIHL offers stronger dealer networks in Europe. Both brands produce professional-grade tools, so the choice often comes down to personal handling preference and local service availability.
What is the best professional chainsaw to buy?
For professional arborists, a top-handle petrol chainsaw from the STIHL MS series or the Husqvarna T-series offers the manoeuvrability needed for tree surgery. Ground-based professionals often prefer full-wrap handle models with 50–70 cc engines for felling work.
Which is the strongest chainsaw?
STIHL MS 881 leads with 121.6 cc displacement and 8.6–8.7 HP (6.4 kW) output designed for milling and large timber operations. For typical professional forestry, 70–90cc models from both STIHL and Husqvarna provide sufficient power without excessive weight.
Which chainsaw is more powerful?
Among consumer models, the STIHL MS 500i produces 6.8 HP with fuel injection technology. Husqvarna 592 XP delivers 7.6 HP. Power ratings vary across other models, so compare specific units rather than brands when raw cutting force matters most.
Why is STIHL the best?
STIHL maintains strict quality control by manufacturing key components in-house. Their dealer-only sales model ensures proper setup and service support. German engineering standards and decades of forestry expertise make their professional saws exceptionally durable under demanding conditions.
Why do loggers prefer Husqvarna?
Many loggers favour Husqvarna for the lower vibration levels during all-day cutting sessions. The Swedish brand pioneered anti-vibration technology and offers slightly better power-to-weight ratios on some models, reducing fatigue during extended felling operations.
Which is more expensive, STIHL or Husqvarna?
Prices sit remarkably close between equivalent models. Professional STIHL saws cost £600–1,200, while comparable Husqvarna units fall within the same range. Regional pricing varies, so compare specific models locally rather than assuming one brand costs more.
What is the most common problem with Husqvarna chainsaws?
Carburettor issues from stale fuel cause most Husqvarna complaints. Ethanol-blended petrol degrades quickly, clogging jets and causing starting problems. Using fresh fuel with stabiliser and running the tank dry before storage prevents this common issue with petrol chainsaws generally.
26 January 2026 (updated) 
