Best Pruning Chainsaw – Choice, Opinions and Reviews

Are you looking for the best pruning chainsaw? I recommend that you read my guide, my reviews and my opinions.

A pruning chainsaw always requires complete information, because there are different models and the market offers a lot of alternatives. Combustion or electric? Light or heavy? With or without cable? These are just some of the questions you need to answer. Furthermore, a first distinction must be made between chainsaws for hobby use and professional ones, which are very different, due to the presence of a longer bar also designed for felling.

Features of pruning chainsaws

In this guide I will mainly focus on chainsaws for hobby use, but I will still explain the main differences. First of all, a model for pruning in my opinion should be quite light, because you will have to use it even at high heights (tree climbing). If you stay within 5 meters in height you can also opt for one chainsaw with telescopic stick, which you can learn more by reading my guide.

Secondly, it should be wireless between the feet, and therefore either petrol or battery powered. If we talk about non-professional models, the battery is undoubtedly the most suitable option.

Also, you need to understand what purpose you are going to use it for. Do you have to cut the primary branches or the smaller ones (therefore the secondary ones)? Based on the answer you will have to orient yourself towards a certain type of bar, choosing a length appropriate to your goal. The sliding speed of the chain also counts a lot, measured in meters per second, to obtain a lightning-fast and clean cut. And in addition to being light, it should provide you with extraordinary balance and an ergonomic grip, to give you the possibility to work in complete safety.

Other key details? The presence of a second side handle, perfect for 360-degree maneuvering of the pruning chainsaw, and for making both vertical and horizontal cuts. Don’t forget the quality of the materials and obviously the power of the engine, which must be high but without affecting too much weight. Finally, it also studies factors such as the lubrication system, the quality of the chain and the safety mechanisms.

Here is a small summary of the perfect identikit of the best pruning chainsaw:

Weight: from 2.5 to 5 kilograms

Bar length: from 25 to 40 centimeters

Type of bar: classic

Diet: battery or petrol

Power: from 500 to 2,000 watts

Handle: two-handed

Best chainsaws for pruning

1. Alpina ACS 40 Li 40 V Bar Length 30 cm

I have always had a strong predilection for chainsaws for pruning of the Alpina, due to their exceptional workmanship and excellent value for money. So if you are looking for a battery-powered pruning chainsaw, I recommend the ACS 40 Li, equipped with a 30 cm long bar and a weight of about 4 kilos. It is not the lightest on the market, but you have to consider the great quality of the materials.

In any case, it is a really handy and agile product, equipped among other things with a quick spool side chain tensioner. The safety equipment is excellent, given that it mounts the chain brake, while the motor is quite sparkling and has a power of 720 watts. Consider that this is not a professional electric tool, but it is especially suitable for cutting and pruning medium-small branches, no more than 25 centimeters in diameter. The battery life, on the other hand, is around 60 minutes.

Other data to underline? It is a very well balanced chainsaw, has an engine with an overheating protection system, and both the bar and the chain are Oregon. Secondly, the Alpina ACS 40 Li is equipped with an automatic oil pump and a double handle, so it’s super comfortable and simple to use. Know that the basic version does not include battery and charger, but here I leave you the link to the full version:

PRO

• Excellent value for money
• Compact and handy
• Excellent battery life
• Good maximum cutting diameter
• Automatic oil pump
• Quick lateral chain tensioner

AGAINST

• He is not a professional model
• Not suitable for thick and hard branches

2. Makita DUC254Z Electric Pruning Saw 18V 25 cm

I could not tell you about one cordless Makita pruning chainsaw, in my opinion one of the best. The price is higher than the average, but it is one of the most compact ever, weighing around 3.3 kilos. Consider that it has a 25 cm bar, so it can cut branches with a diameter of around 20-22 cm, unless you are working at full bar.

The battery is particularly durable, given that in this case an autonomy of 90 to 120 minutes is reached. The maximum power delivered this time corresponds to 570 w, while the chain runs at 22 meters per second. In addition, the DUC254Z has a classic chain tensioner (therefore not quick but keyed) and a partly transparent lubricating oil tank, so as to give you the possibility to monitor the residual level.

It is not a professional chainsaw, but it performs very well in cutting thin branches, remaining in a range within about 22-25 centimeters. The chain is an Oregon, and there is also a turbo mode, which you can activate by pressing the power button for 3 seconds. This option speeds up the chain for 30 seconds, allowing you to cut even medium hard wood. It does not include battery and charger, unless you purchase the version for sale on Agrieuro.

PRO

• Turbo mode for difficult cuts
• Rather light and easy to handle
• High battery autonomy
• Fast chain scrolling
• Ideal for pruning small branches

AGAINST

• Not for professional use
• It does not have the quick chain tensioner

3. Greenworks Battery GD40TCS Li-Ion 40 V 25 CM

It is the lightest pruning chainsaw, or at least one of the lightest in circulation, as it weighs 2.66 kilos (3 with the battery, not included). Also in this case we are faced with a tool designed for pruning small diameter branches, since it has a 25 cm long bar. The design is spectacular and the performances are excellent, with a chain that reaches 12 meters per second.

The power is guaranteed by a super efficient motor, with a wattage of 1,000 w, which manages to guarantee an always clean and clean cut. It is also equipped with a quick lateral chain tensioner, which you can therefore use without special tools. Also know that this model by Greenworks has the usual double handle, which allows you to make vertical and horizontal cuts without difficulty.

The oil tank has a transparent section that makes it easy for you to check the level, while the LED lights on the battery help you understand when it is running low. Secondly, the chain lubrication is automatic and the 2.0 Ah battery lasts for about 40 minutes. Consider that both the battery and the charger must be bought separately, and that if you want to extend their life you can choose the 4.0 Ah or 6.0 Ah batteries.

PRO

• Really light and compact
• High wattage motor
• Good speed of the chain
• There is the quick chain tensioner
• Easy to use and ideal for hobbyists

AGAINST

• It is not a professional chainsaw
• Better to buy a replacement battery

4. Alpina 240271000 / A18 Petrol AC 27 T 26.9 CC 25 cm

One of my favorites is this petrol-powered pruning chainsaw from Alpina, probably one of the lightest in the thermal engine sector. In fact, it weighs around 5 kilograms, compared to an average that hardly falls below 7 kilos in these models. And it doesn’t give up power, considering a decent 26.9 CC and 700 w petrol engine.

The bar is 25 centimeters long, and basically you can tell from the weight: being short, therefore, it is ideal especially for small pruning jobs, as it cannot cut branches with a diameter greater than the length of the blade. Not bad, because it is fantastic for gardening, and has a chain that runs at almost 23 meters per second. In addition, this model from Alpina integrates an anti-vibration system, so it is very comfortable to use.

The chain tensioner is screw type, and there is the automatic lubricating oil pump, while the design is optimized for both two-handed and one-handed work. I advise you not to use it with one hand, if you are not used to it, because it can become risky. Then consider that there is the eyelet, which allows you to attach it to the belt in case of aerial cuts (tree climbing), and that the ignition never gives problems, being very fast.

PRO

• The featherweight of gasoline saws
• High chain speed
• Good base power
• Automatic oil pump
• There is the eyelet to hook it
• There is the anti-vibration system

AGAINST

• Not suitable for professionals
• It does not have the quick chain tensioner

5. Hyundai Pruning Chainsaw YS-2512 1,2 HP 25 CM

Another lap, another race, another petrol model. It is not the best gasoline pruning chainsaw in terms of performance, but it is certainly one of the lightest, weighing around 5 kg. It means that you can also use it for overhead cutting and limbing operations, also due to its excellent balance. To reach this weight, the length of the bar is obviously sacrificed, which in fact does not exceed 25 centimeters.

Having made this necessary premise, the heat engine is really performing even if it is not professional, since it reaches 1.2 HP (900 watts), with a displacement of 25.4 CC. The chain tensioner is not quick but screw, and the starter is not electronic but manual, also because it is a fairly economical model. But it is excellent for small pruning jobs, even at considerable heights, if you prefer a thermal model.

It has a two-handed handle but can also be used with one hand, which I do not recommend, due to the potential dangers. In spite of the high power, it consumes little mixture and therefore is also excellent in terms of economic savings on fuel. Of course I remind you that, although it is petrol powered, it is not a professional pruning chainsaw and therefore it is only suitable for small cuts.

PRO

• Very light and handy
• Pretty cheap price
• Good engine power
• Robust plastic materials
• Ideal for small pruning

AGAINST

• He is not a professional model
• The chain must be tensioned often

How to choose the pruning chainsaw

1. Power supply

Both the battery models and the petrol chainsaw for pruning they can be used without problems for this purpose. There are obviously differences, especially in terms of long-term reliability and cutting power.

Let’s say that a professional pruning chainsaw is almost always petrol, as it delivers higher power and is more suitable for cutting primary and very hard branches, with a diameter that can even exceed 40 centimeters. Not surprisingly, the petrol engines are also used for felling and forestry work, such as thinning, but they are heavy (about 7 kilos). In any case, there are saws with an entry-level petrol engine, therefore lighter than the “big sisters” and with a bar with a length of around 25 cm.

A battery-powered chainsaw, on the other hand, it is the most suitable solution for hobby or semi-professional use, both in the garden and in large plots of land. It is lighter than those with internal combustion engines, and still allows you to cut branches with a decent diameter, from 20 to 35-40 cm. If you need to focus on small and secondary branches, then, you can also find the mini battery chainsaws, ideal for cutting twigs, super light and “almost pocket-sized”.

In addition, the electric models are quieter, do not produce annoying fumes, consume less and often have a longer range, especially if you buy a spare battery. And they are ready for action at any time, so they don’t suffer from the classic problems of thermal saws. The latter could hardly ignite when it is very cold, although in reality the best solve this problem with an electronic ignition system. Finally, maintenance is very simple.

2. Length of the bar

The length of the bar is fundamental, not only for a question of cutting performance but also for the overall weight of the instrument. The lightest pruning chainsaw never has a bar that exceeds 30 centimeters, while the professional or semi-professional ones are often heavier, due to a bar that can even reach 55 centimeters. Mini chainsaws, on the other hand, hardly have a blade that exceeds 10 centimeters.

In summary, the length of the guide bar depends on the diameter of the branches you have to cut, but always keep this rule in mind: the wider it is, the heavier the tool will be and less easy to manage and handle. In some cases, unfortunately, the weight goes up and you can’t do without it, for example when it comes to pruning very large and hard branches or for felling, but in that case we go back to the professional field.

3. Type of bar: classic or carving?

As for the type of blade, you must know that there are two categories: the classic bar and the carving bar. Carving can be considered as the blade par excellence for pruning work, due to the presence of a tapered bar at the tip. This guarantees the possibility of carrying out extremely precise work, but you must not underestimate the traditional bars anyway. The latter are also suitable for pruning, and to be honest they are more versatile, as well as less expensive.

Personally, I recommend that you buy a pruning chainsaw with a carving bar only if you need to carry out dendrosurgery operations, for example to remove the diseased sections from the shrubs. So if you have to make a professional and very targeted use. Being more tapered, then, the carving is usually less robust when compared with a classic bar (more “fat”), with the risk that it can be damaged during normal pruning operations with the most demanding branches.

4. Engine power and performance

A little above I mentioned the differences between battery and petrol power. The speech relating to power is a bit different, because on sale you will find electric chainsaws that almost equalize the performance of the petrol ones. Of course it all depends on the wattage, which usually starts from a minimum of 500 watts up to a maximum of around 2,000 watts. Be aware that battery powered ones have lower wattage, but performance remains excellent.

If, on the other hand, we are talking about internal combustion models, we take into consideration the displacement and the power in HP of the engine (almost always a 2-stroke). Generally saws with motors from 20 to 35 CC are suitable for small diameter branches, while those from 40 to 60 are ideal for medium diameter branches. The professional petrol models, over 60 CC, are also perfect for forest clearing and felling work.

The power of the engine must always be such as to be able to support the work of the bar. Consequently, a pruning chainsaw with a longer bar will need a more powerful engine. Conversely, a model with a shorter bar will be able to offer almost the same performance as a powerful saw, but with a less powerful motor. This is a rule that applies to both petrol and electrical products.

Finally, if the bar is too big and the engine is not very powerful, the latter will work slower and risk being damaged in the long run.

5. Safety equipment

The best pruning chainsaw can not only be light and powerful, it must also ensure you a high degree of protection. It is in fact a tool that can become dangerous, and using it at high heights and in often precarious conditions certainly does not help you. What, then, are the most important safety features?

• On / off button: a pruning chainsaw must always start only after pressing the appropriate on / off button. Otherwise, accidentally touching the triggers could hurt yourself a lot.

• Double button to start the saw: many models have a trigger and an upper button, which unlocks the energy supply. To start the saw you will therefore have to press them both at the same time, so as to further reduce the risk of accidents.

• Chain brake: this is a device that stops the saw in the event of a kickback or kickback. It can be manual or activated automatically.

• Hook or claw: the hook is a claw that blocks the chain in case it should break. In summary, it prevents it from lifting up and out of the bar track, preventing it from crashing into you.

• Upper shell: supplied only in mini saws. The cap protects the small blade and prevents the user from coming into contact with it while cutting.

Clearly, in addition to the equipment provided by the pruning chainsaw, I recommend that you also equip yourself with all the necessary wearable safety devices. Among the most important PPE are protective goggles or helmets with visors, anti-noise headphones, clothing and work gloves.

6. Structure, grip and other factors

The best pruning chainsaws always have an eyelet construction, which gives you the ability to tie them to your belt and keep them close at hand. I assure you that during the tree climbing operations this small detail can make all the difference in the world. Secondly, as I have already mentioned, the double handle is a very important component, because it allows you to cut horizontally or vertically, making the tool more versatile and adaptable.

The handle should also have an ergonomic, non-slip coating to ensure maximum comfort (and safety as well). Furthermore, on a structural level, always check if there is an oil pump for automatic chain lubrication, and how big the special tank is. Finally, pay attention to the side chain tensioner, which can be quick (spool) or simple: in the second case, to tension the chain, you will have to use the special supplied wrench.

Conclusions

Today you have had the opportunity to read more than one advice on the best pruning chainsaw, from the lightest to the most performing. I remind you that I have not dealt with the reviews of professional pruning chainsaws, for a simple reason: having a long bar, they are heavier and difficult to manage for aerial pruning at great heights. However, I have given you all the useful information to choose even the chainsaws of this type, in case you need them for work.