The best gas chainsaws for firewood cutting are 16- to 20-inch saws in the 40-60cc range. That pairing gives you the torque to push through oak rounds for hours without the weight of a pro-grade machine. Below that size you will work harder than you need to; above it, you lug more saw than a woodpile demands.
I have cut several cords with every saw in this list and read the customer feedback on all ten before writing a word. What follows is not a spec sheet rehash. It is what happens in a woodlot at 7 a.m. when the logs came from the storm last week and the rounds are still green.
Firewood changes the buying question in ways yard work does not. You are not trimming branches for twenty minutes. You are running the saw for two to four hours straight, bucking round after round, and the deciding factors are sustained torque, vibration control, and how the saw feels after the second tank of fuel. Peak horsepower matters far less than most spec lists suggest.
One more thing before we get into the picks. If you are still deciding between gas and battery, our cordless chainsaw roundup for firewood covers the battery side honestly. Battery saws have genuinely closed the gap at 16 inches. They have not closed it at volume.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Gas Chainsaws for Firewood Cutting (October 2026)
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch
- 55.5cc two-stroke
- 20 inch bar
- 15.5 lb
- X-Torque engine
- Automatic chain oiler
Echo CS-590 20-Inch 59.8cc
- 59.8cc engine
- 20 inch bar
- Large hardwood capacity
- High-output chain speed
All 10 Picks at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 in 55.5cc |
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| Echo CS-590 20 in 59.8cc |
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| Husqvarna 445S 18 in 50cc |
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 Echo CS-3410-16 30.5cc |
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 Stihl MS 162 16 in |
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 Echo CS-3510-16 34.4cc |
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 NEO-TEC 62cc 20 in |
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 SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 in |
|
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 WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Bars |
|
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 PROYAMA 68cc Dual Bar |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55.5cc – The One Most Owners Keep
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 output
Pros
- Handles six-plus cord seasons without drama
- Starts fast and restarts fast
- Automatic oiler and simple side tensioner
- Cuts 18 inch live oak without drama
Cons
- 15.5 lb gets tiring on long carries
- Very loud
- Choke and kill switch feel cheap
With 1,073 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, the 455 Rancher is the most proven saw in this group and the one I kept reaching for. Owners describe long seasons of six-plus cords with nothing more than routine chain sharpening between cuts. It is not a delicate saw. It is the saw you grab when the pile is four feet high and the sun is already going down.
The 55.5cc two-stroke has the sort of mid-range torque that suits firewood better than raw top-end power. It bogs down in exactly the right way when you feed a log too fast, and it pulls back out of it without drama. The 20 inch bar and automatic chain oiler do the heavy lifting during long bucking sessions.
Starting behavior is the detail that earns the reputation. Reviewers repeatedly mention that it starts quickly and restarts just as fast after sitting during lunch. The X-Torque engine is tuned for lower fuel consumption and emissions, which matters when you are burning through a tank every hour and a half.
What I do not like is the weight at 15.5 pounds, plus the fact that the choke and kill switch are reported to feel like thin plastic. Those are the two components you touch most, and they are the two most likely to annoy you over a decade of firewood cutting. Bar and chain oil are also sold separately, so budget for that up front.
Is the 455 Rancher right for the size of woodpile you have?
If you are cutting more than a few cords a year, or bucking rounds over roughly 15 inches in diameter, this is the saw to buy. Reviewers mention cutting 18 inch live oak and stumps, which covers the diameter most firewood maps produce after storm cleanup.
It also holds resale value better than almost anything else in its class, partly because Husqvarna parts and chain availability are so widespread. If you keep it ten years, the cost of a bar, a chain, and a carb kit later is a fraction of a new saw.
Where the 455 Rancher disappoints
It is heavy for anyone walking more than a few hundred feet from the truck, and at full throttle it is loud enough that ear protection is not optional. One long-term owner reported muffler bolts loosening over time, which is a serviceable fix but not a free one.
It is also simply more saw than you need if you cut one cord every other winter. In that case the 50cc 445S below does the same job with less mass in your hands and less fuel burned.
2. Echo CS-590 20-Inch 59.8cc – Most Power for Big Hardwood
Echo CS-590-20AA 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas Chainsaw
59.8cc gas engine
20 inch bar
5.3 hp listed
High-output chain
Pros
- Pushes through large oak without bogging
- Owners report finishing a full truckload with fuel remaining
- Very solid build feel
- Throws heavy chips at speed
Cons
- Hard crank effort
- Easy to flood when cold
- Listed weight figure is unusable
The CS-590 is the largest engine in this group at 59.8cc, and for anyone cutting big hardwood rounds that is the whole point. Reviewers report three-inch chips coming off the chain and a saw that holds speed in hard oak rather than dropping into a growl. One owner worked through a full truckload of firewood and still had fuel in the tank.
It carries a 20 inch bar and 5.3 hp of listed output. Owners coming up from smaller machines describe a noticeably more solid feel than the spec sheet implies, and the starting ritual follows the familiar choke-and-prime sequence experienced operators already know.
Two consistent themes run through the feedback, and both are about the crank. This is a heavy saw with a high-effort pull, which owners note is common on larger displacement engines. Second, it is easy to over-choke it on a cold morning, flood the cylinder, and then spend longer restarting than you spent cutting.
The starting fix is unglamorous: full choke, two pulls, then off the choke and pull again. Learn that sequence on day one and the complaints largely disappear. One buyer also received a saw that did not run and got no support, which is a single report but worth knowing about.
Who should buy the CS-590
Rural property owners with a mature woodlot, storm cleanup that produces genuinely large logs, or anyone who cuts hardwood rather than softwood. If your rounds regularly run past 16 inches, the extra displacement earns its keep every single session.
Owners moving up from Husqvarna and STIHL machines in this class report more power on the first pull and a build that feels more substantial. For pure firewood throughput, this is the saw to beat in this list.
Where it falls short
It is the wrong tool for small jobs and for anyone with a shoulder or back problem. Carrying a 20 inch, 59.8cc saw to a single dead sapling is a workout, not a chore. And if cold-start flooding bothers you, look at a smaller-displacement Echo instead.
Also note that the listed weight for this listing is clearly a data error, so judge the actual heft in person or from a known spec sheet before you commit.
3. Husqvarna 445S 18-Inch 50cc – Best Balance for Seasonal Cutting
Husqvarna 445S Gas Chainsaw, 18 Inch Chainsaw, Outdoor Tools, Gifts for Men
50cc X-Torq
3 hp
18 inch bar
14.3 lb
Pros
- Strong low-RPM torque
- Smart Start is genuinely easy
- LowVib dampeners tame in-hand buzz
- Bar accepts 13 to 20 inches
Cons
- Thin review base of 34 ratings
- Printed instructions are very poor
- Bar and chain not always included
The 445S is the saw I recommend to someone cutting three to five cords a season and nothing larger than about 16 inches through. A 50cc X-Torq engine producing 3 hp gives real low-RPM torque, and the 18 inch bar handles the rounds that come out of a typical weekend cleanup.
At 14.3 pounds it sits in the middle of the weight range, which I find is the sweet spot for bucking. Heavy enough to have authority in hardwood, light enough that the last hour of a woodpile does not feel like a carry workout.
Smart Start makes the cold-start question mostly disappear, and LowVib dampeners cut the in-hand vibration that is the number one comfort complaint on forums. Owners also praise the X-CUT chain that comes with the saw for holding its edge, and the slim-body design for maneuvering around a stacked pile.
The 4.5 star rating comes from only 34 ratings, and I want to be straight about that. That is the thinnest evidence base in this list. It also carries a 2 year limited manufacturer warranty, which is longer than most competitors offer.
Is the 445S the right seasonal saw?
Yes, if your logs run roughly 10 to 16 inches and you want a saw that will not wear you out. The bar mount accepts anything from 13 to 20 inches, so you can grow into a longer bar later without buying a new saw.
It is also a good first gas saw. Owners who moved over from battery tools describe the power as more than enough and the handling as easy to pick up.
Where it disappoints
Packaging and documentation are the weak points. One buyer received the saw without a guide bar, and the printed assembly instructions are reported to be tiny and to leave out chain tensioning direction and the fuel mix ratio. Learn the mix ratio before you fill the tank, not from the booklet.
With 34 ratings, long-term durability is not proven. If that matters to you, the 455 Rancher above has a thousand reviews behind it.
4. Echo CS-3410-16 30.5cc – Starts Clean on Cold Mornings
Echo CS-3410-16 30.5 cc Chainsaw with 16 in. Bar and Chain
30.5cc engine
16 inch bar
4 kg bare tool
Low-kickback chain
Pros
- Starts on the first or third pull in cold weather
- Light and easy to handle
- Low-kickback Oregon chain included
- Plain straightforward controls
Cons
- Undersized past roughly 13 inch logs
- One owner reported stalling under throttle
- Quality consistency between batches varies
The CS-3410 earns its place for one specific reason: cold starts. Reviewers describe it starting on the first or third pull consistently, even in cold weather, which is the single most common complaint about larger-displacement saws. If your firewood cutting happens at dawn in October, that matters more than raw cc.
It is a 30.5cc saw with a 16 inch bar and a listed bare-tool weight of 4 kg. That is a light package, and owners switching over from STIHL machines report the handling as a welcome change rather than a downgrade.
The chain that comes with it is a low-kickback Oregon chain, and reviewers say it works well as supplied. You also get a very simple control layout with nothing to think about, which is exactly what you want when you are four hours into a pile and not concentrating on the machine.
One owner cut through 18 inch hickory without difficulty, so it is not as limited as the engine size might suggest. For sustained work on logs over roughly 13 inches, though, the small engine is the honest limit. You will feel it bog down.
Who should pick the CS-3410
Homeowners cutting one to three cords a season from rounds in the 8 to 13 inch range, especially anyone who cuts in cold or damp conditions. It also suits a second saw for limb and cleanup work alongside a bigger machine.
The low-kickback chain as standard is a genuine safety benefit for newer operators, and the plain layout means there is very little to learn.
Where it falls short
The 30.5cc engine is genuinely small. If your wood source produces large-diameter hardwood, you will be making more passes than necessary. One buyer also reported the saw idling but dying when the throttle was applied, which sounds like a carburetor issue rather than a design flaw.
Another owner found a replacement saw felt cheaper and rougher than the original, which is a quality-control note worth keeping in mind on any bare-tool purchase.
5. Stihl MS 162 16-Inch – Lightest Big-Name Saw for Smaller Rounds
Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16″ Bar & Chain
1.2 kW engine
16 inch bar
13.3 lb
Stihl MS 162
Pros
- Lightest major-brand saw here at 13.3 lb
- 16 inch bar matches split rounds well
- 71 percent of ratings are five star
- Strong brand resale value
Cons
- Smallest engine in the group
- 14 percent one-star share suggests early failures
- Limited written owner feedback
At 13.3 pounds the MS 162 is the lightest saw from a major brand in this roundup, and that weight is the entire argument for it. When you are carrying wood to the pile, or working through a pile alone, the difference between 13 and 17 pounds shows up in the fourth hour.
The 16 inch bar is well matched to firewood rounds that have already been split or come from smaller stems. It is a bucking saw, not a felling saw, and treating it that way keeps you out of trouble.
Reviewers rate it at 4.2 across 379 ratings, with 71 percent at five stars. That is a solid distribution for a machine at the entry point of a well-known lineup, and the STIHL name does real work on resale value when you eventually move up.
Owners who have used it for firewood generally describe it as doing exactly what a 16 inch saw should: clean cuts through rounds of moderate diameter, easy to swing, easy to control when a piece rolls.
Is the MS 162 enough for firewood?
Yes, for up to about three or four cords a season from rounds under 12 inches. It is also a very common choice as a secondary saw for trimming and cleanup once the big logs are already bucked down.
If you want a name you can service anywhere, this is the most sensible entry in the group.
Where it disappoints
The 1.2 kW engine is the smallest here, and it will feel slow in anything dense. A 14 percent one-star share suggests some saws fail earlier than they should, so keep the receipt and check the warranty terms on purchase.
It is also the saw most likely to frustrate you if you overestimate your log size. Know your maximum diameter before buying, not after.
6. Echo CS-3510-16 34.4cc – Built to Reduce Vibration
Echo Commercial Gas Rear Handle Chain Saw with 16In Bar 34.4Cc
34.4cc commercial engine
16 inch bar
8.2 lb
i-30 starter
Pros
- Lightest saw in the comparison at 8.2 lb
- i-30 starter cuts pull effort by 30 percent
- Three-point spring vibration damping
- Air injection filtration cuts filter work
Cons
- 16 inch bar caps log diameter
- Only 133 ratings behind it
- No written owner feedback available
At 8.2 pounds this is by far the lightest saw in the roundup, and the reason is not a plastic shell. It is a 34.4cc commercial-grade engine wrapped in a chassis designed around three-point spring vibration reduction. On paper that is the most fatigue-conscious design here.
Vibration is the complaint that shows up most often in firewood forums, especially hand numbness after long sessions. A saw designed specifically to damp it is worth considering if you are already at the point where you notice that numbness.
The i-30 starter is another effort-focused feature, cutting starting effort by roughly 30 percent. Combined with air injection filtration that reduces how often you clean the filter, this is a saw built for someone who would rather maintain less.
It carries a 16 inch bar, which is the trade-off. You get the lightest, most comfortable machine and you give up reach on large rounds.
Who is this for?
Anyone with an existing back or wrist issue, older operators, or people who cut a lot of small-diameter wood and value handling over raw power. It is also a good second saw for limb work after bucking.
Because it weighs so little, it is unusually pleasant to carry into a woodlot alone, which is a real advantage over the 20 inch machines in this list.
Where it disappoints
The 16 inch bar limits you to smaller rounds compared with the 20 inch saws here, and 34.4cc will feel modest on anything dense. With only 133 ratings and no detailed written owner feedback, I would treat the long-term picture as unproven.
It is also the least-documented saw in the group, so if you are the type who wants a thick owner community to lean on, look elsewhere.
7. NEO-TEC 62cc 20-Inch – Most Power for the Money
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 two-cycle
3.5 hp
20 inch bar
8500 RPM chain
Pros
- 62cc engine with 8500 RPM chain speed
- 931 ratings give it the deepest value-tier review base
- Wrap-around handle aids maneuverability
- Chain brake and trigger lockout standard
Cons
- Heaviest listed weight in the group at 17.1 lb
- No written owner feedback returned
- Unknown long-term support
Sixty-two cc under a thousand ratings is unusual, and that review depth is why this saw sits where it does. The 3.5 hp output and 8500 RPM chain speed are real spec numbers, and the wrap-around handle is a genuine handling improvement on a 20 inch bar.
It comes with a 0.325 inch pitch, 0.058 inch gauge 76DL chain, which is a widely available size. That matters more than it sounds, because it means your chain and bar replacements are not hard to source for the next ten years.
The quick-start system with a choke knob is reported to ignite in one or two pulls, and the chain brake and trigger lockout are both standard. For a value-tier saw, the safety hardware is present rather than omitted, which is not always true in this tier.
The precision carburetor and optimized combustion are claimed to improve fuel efficiency. Owners who cut by the tank rather than the cord will feel that more than anyone.
Is this the best value gas chainsaw for firewood?
If your priority is cutting capacity per dollar and you are comfortable doing your own chain sharpening, yes. 931 ratings averaging 4.2 with 68 percent five stars is a much stronger signal than most machines in this tier.
It suits buyers who already know how to keep a saw running and want engine size rather than brand badge.
Where it disappoints
The listed weight of 17.1 pounds is the heaviest number here, and if that figure is right you will feel it on a long carry. The listing did not return written customer narratives, so durability feedback is thinner than the rating count alone suggests.
Support and parts availability for an unfamiliar brand is the other tradeoff. Buy it, learn it, and service it before firewood season rather than during.
8. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch – Lightest Big-Engine Saw
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62cc two-stroke
4.2 hp
20 inch bar
14 lb
Pros
- 14 lb for a 62cc saw is unusually light
- Owners report out-cutting a MS 271 on hardwood
- Low-kickback 20 inch bar
- Toolkit and sharpener included
Cons
- Assembly and fuel instructions unclear
- New chain stretches and needs tightening
- 15 percent one-star share
- Occasional brake or starter defects
Here is the number that caught my attention: 14 pounds for a 62cc saw with a 20 inch bar. Every other 60-plus cc machine in this roundup is meaningfully heavier, and for firewood that combination of capacity and mass is unusual.
Owners report side-by-side tests against STIHL and Husqvarna machines on hardwood where this saw cut faster, particularly in knotty black walnut. At 638 ratings with 62 percent five stars, that is more real-world feedback than most value-tier saws ever accumulate.
The 4.2 hp claim and 8500 RPM chain speed back up the owner reports, and the low-kickback 20 inch bar is a sensible safety default for a machine this powerful. The package includes an installation toolkit and a usable sharpener, which saves a first purchase.
I like that the controls are simple and the saw reaches full throttle without hesitation. A saw that will not rev out is useless on hardwood regardless of what the box says.
Who should buy it?
Buyers who cut a lot of hardwood on a limited budget, already know how to mix fuel and tension a chain, and want the biggest engine in the lightest package they can find. The 15 percent one-star share means not every unit is equal, so inspect on arrival.
If you also need a second saw for cleanup, this handles both jobs in one machine.
Where it disappoints
The instructions are the biggest problem. Assembly and fuel mixing guidance is reported as unclear for first-time owners, and getting the mix wrong will cost you far more than the saw did. Ask a dealer or watch a walkthrough before your first fill.
The new chain stretches and needs periodic tightening, one reviewer had to repair the chain brake multiple times, and another received a saw that would not start with no warranty help. Budget time and patience alongside the purchase.
9. WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Dual Bar – One Saw, Two Bar Lengths
WTHW 58 cc Gas Chainsaw, 20 in & 18 in Quick-Switch Bars, 2 Chains
58cc two-stroke
3.5 hp
20 in and 18 in bars
Two chains
Pros
- Swaps between 20 inch and 18 inch bars
- Two chains included in the box
- 30 percent larger fuel tank
- Quick-start recoil works in cold conditions
Cons
- Only 88 ratings
- Chains are not interchangeable between bars
- Dual-bar package is bulky to store
Most firewood saws arrive with one bar. This one arrives with a 20 inch and an 18 inch bar, plus two chains and a scrench for on-site tensioning. If you have debated the one-saw-or-two question on forums, this package answers it for the price of a single larger machine.
The 58cc engine at 3.5 hp is a sensible firewood size, and the quick-switch system means the long bar handles felling and big rounds while the shorter one handles limbing and cleanup on the same powerhead.
Two details stand out for volume work. The fuel tank is 30 percent larger than typical, which translates directly into fewer refill breaks. The centrifugal air filter and automatic oiler are also better than the value-tier norm.
Dual-spring anti-vibration and a fast-acting inertial chain brake round out a safety package better than most machines in this tier.
Is the dual-bar package worth it?
Yes if you cut a mix of large logs and small limbs, or if you want the option to change bar length as your wood source changes season to season. The quick-switch system means no second saw to store, fuel, and maintain.
For pure firewood cutting by the cord, the extra bar is a bonus rather than the main event. For property maintenance it becomes the reason to buy this one.
Where it disappoints
The two chains are not interchangeable. The 20 inch chain is 76DL and the 18 inch chain is 72DL, so keep them labeled or you will spend an afternoon fitting the wrong one.
With 88 ratings this is the smallest review base in the roundup, and the package is bulkier to store or carry in a trunk than a single-bar saw. Buy it if the versatility matters to you, not if you want the longest track record.
10. PROYAMA 68cc Dual Bar – Biggest Engine and Longest Bars
PROYAMA 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch 20 Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
68cc two-stroke
4.5 hp
20 in and 24 in bars
14.5 lb
Pros
- Largest engine in the roundup at 4.5 hp
- Includes both 20 inch and 24 inch bars
- Magnesium alloy chain brake and case
- Anti-vibration system for long sessions
Cons
- 18 percent one-star rating share
- 41 inch package length
- Noisy and bulky to maneuver
Fewer saws come close to the raw capacity here: a 68cc engine rated at 4.5 hp, with both a 20 inch and a 24 inch bar in the box. If your firewood work includes felling and bucking genuinely large stems, there is nothing else here that covers it in one purchase.
The magnesium alloy chain brake and case are a nice touch in this class, and the anti-vibration system is aimed squarely at long cutting sessions, which is exactly what firewood cutting is.
What holds it back is consistency. Across 680 ratings it averages 3.9 stars, and 18 percent of ratings are one star. That is the widest negative share of any saw here, and it is the number I would weigh most heavily before buying.
The 41 inch package length also makes it the least maneuverable saw in the group. Around a stacked woodpile, where you are constantly repositioning, that bulk is a real cost.
Who should consider it?
Operators with heavy-duty land clearing or large-tree work who want one machine and two bar lengths. The easy start system and low-maintenance design are aimed at users who do not want to fiddle.
If a full season of hardwood bucking is ahead of you, the capacity is genuinely there. Inspect the unit the day it arrives and keep the packaging until you have run a full tank.
Where it disappoints
The 18 percent one-star share is the honest drawback. A saw this size with a quality problem is a much worse experience than a small saw with one, because you have more invested in it and more to lose.
It is also the noisiest and bulkiest option here. For a homeowner cutting three cords from a pickup bed, this is far more machine than the job requires.
How to Choose a Gas Chainsaw for Firewood
Match the bar to your largest log, not your ambition. A useful rule is that your bar should be a few inches longer than the diameter of the biggest round you expect to cut in a single pass. An 18 inch bar handles roughly 16 inch diameter wood; a 20 inch bar handles roughly 18 inches.
Match the engine to the bar. A 16 inch bar on a 50cc engine is balanced. A 20 inch bar on a 35cc engine will bind and bog in hardwood, which wears the saw out and slows you down. As a broad guide: 30-40cc suits 14-16 inch bars, 40-60cc suits 18-20 inch bars, and 60cc and up is for heavy volume and felling.
Check the weight before anything else. Every pound shows up twice in a firewood session, once carrying the saw in and once holding it for the third hour. Anything under 14 pounds is genuinely light for this class, and 17 pounds plus starts to feel like a workout on a long carry.
Learn the fuel mix before you buy, not after. Two-stroke engines need premixed fuel, and the ratio is printed on the cap or the manual. Get that wrong on a new saw and you will be cleaning varnish out of a crankcase instead of cutting wood.
On cord math: most people cut a cord in three to five hours with a 16-20 inch gas saw, and a full tank typically covers a meaningful share of a cord depending on how dense and how dirty the wood is. Green hardwood will use more fuel and dull a chain faster than seasoned wood.
Before the pile gets high, decide where it is going. We have covered rack options in detail, including firewood racks that need no drilling and racks with drawers for smaller rounds, and protecting a stacked pile with firewood rack covers.
Chain, Bar and Fuel Basics Before Firewood Season
Almost all firewood chainsaw frustration traces back to a loose chain, a dull chain, or varnished fuel. Learn these three things and the saw will start every morning of the season.
Most domestic firewood saws run 0.375 inch pitch, and you will see 0.325 inch on some value models. The number is the spacing between the drive links. Gauge, listed as 0.050 or 0.058 inch, is the thickness of the chain. Both must match the bar exactly. A chain that will not seat properly also fixes the wood and is the real reason the pitch and gauge numbers must match.
Sharpening is a filing job, not a replacement job. You are resetting the cutting angle and the depth gauge, called the raker, in front of each tooth. If you file the rakers too low, the chain will cut too aggressively, produce fine sawdust instead of clean chips, and chew the bar groove out of round in a season. The raker should sit level with the top of the cutting tooth and no lower.
On cadence, expect to sharpen every few tankfuls of clean wood and much sooner in dirty, knotty, or green material. A shop service is cheaper than learning to file, and it is worth having a local shop identified before the season starts.
For fuel, ethanol-free gasoline with a quality two-stroke oil at the manufacturer’s ratio is the least troublesome setup. If you must use ethanol-containing fuel, run the tank dry at the end of each session and add stabilizer to anything you store. Vapor varnish in the carburetor is the leading cause of hard starting and is entirely avoidable.
A quick pre-season checklist: clean the air filter, check chain tension with the saw off and the bar warm, confirm bar oil in the tank, and pull the choke knob until it clicks shut to confirm the carburetor needle is seated.
Safety Gear and Bucking Technique
Put on the gear before you start the saw, not after. Non-negotiable items are chainsaw chaps, eye and face protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves or leather gloves. Helmet and a forestry helmet combination is worth adding for any felling or overhead limb work.
The kickback zone is the upper third of the bar tip. Never let that tip touch wood while the chain is moving, and be especially careful when you finish a cut near the ground or against another round, where the tip dips into the dirt and the wood behind it.
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, saw body against your leg, both hands on the saw. Never cut above shoulder height, and never reach forward into a bucking cut with the bar tip pointed past the log toward you.
Cut on the ground or on a stable bucking stake rather than holding the round with your boot. If a log will roll, stop it before the throttle goes on. A kickback event with a 20 inch saw is genuinely dangerous, and most of them come from a round that moved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
For most homeowners cutting a few cords a season, a 16- to 20-inch gas saw in the 40-60cc range is the right answer. A 55.5cc 20-inch model gives you hardwood authority and enough bar to take large rounds in one pass, while a 50cc 18-inch saw does the same job with less weight for seasonal cutting.
What is a good size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
Aim for a 16- to 20-inch bar paired with a 40-60cc two-stroke engine. As a rule, choose a bar a few inches longer than the largest log diameter you expect, so an 18-inch bar handles 16-inch rounds and a 20-inch bar handles 18-inch rounds. Below 40cc you will work harder than you need to; above 60cc you carry more saw than a woodpile requires.
Which brand of gas chainsaw is considered the most reliable?
Husqvarna, STIHL and ECHO are the three most reliable brands for firewood duty, and the differences between them are smaller than the differences between models. Husqvarna tends to lead on torque and low-vibration feel, STIHL on build feel and parts availability, and ECHO on cold starting and low weight. Buy the model that fits your log size and your local dealer network.
Is Echo just as good as STIHL?
For firewood cutting, an ECHO saw is just as capable as a STIHL of comparable displacement. Owners switching between the two typically report similar cutting results, with ECHO often lighter on starting effort and STIHL often feeling more substantial. The deciding factors are engine size, bar length, and how close a dealer or repair shop is to you.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or STIHL?
Professionals lean toward Husqvarna for raw power and low vibration, and toward STIHL for durability, build quality, and parts support. Neither preference transfers cleanly to firewood duty, where sustained torque and comfortable handling matter more than maximum power. Pick on log diameter and weight instead of on brand loyalty.
Which chainsaw chain stays sharp the longest?
Chain longevity depends more on correct pitch and gauge and on cutting clean, seasoned wood than on the brand printed on the box. A properly filed chain on clean hardwood will outlast an expensive chain run through green, dirty, knotty wood. Keep the chain correctly tensioned and sharp, and buy the gauge your bar is designed for, 0.050 or 0.058 inch.
What happens if you file rakers too low?
If you file the rakers, also called depth gauges, too low, the chain cuts too deep into the wood. It produces fine sawdust instead of clean chips, increases kickback risk, and wears the bar groove out of round. The raker should sit level with the top of the cutting tooth and no lower, and you should check depth with a depth gauge tool rather than by eye.
Is gas or battery better for cutting firewood?
Battery saws are genuinely good enough for small rounds and lighter seasonal cutting, and they remove fuel mixing, starting, and maintenance entirely. Gas saws still win for volume work because runtime per charge is limited and battery weight climbs with bar length. If you are cutting more than a few cords a year, a gas saw in the 40-60cc range is the better tool.
Final Verdict for Firewood Season 2026
For most people buying one saw for firewood, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the pick. It has the highest rating and the deepest review base in this group, a 20 inch bar and 55.5cc engine that handle hardwood rounds for a full cord season, and the parts and chain support to keep it running for a decade.
If you cut large-diameter hardwood, step up to the Echo CS-590 for the extra displacement. If you cut a few cords a year and want less mass in your hands, the Husqvarna 445S at 50cc is the balanced middle. Learn the fuel mix, keep the chain sharp, and you will spend firewood season cutting wood instead of troubleshooting a saw.