If you need your woodcutting jobs well done, they should be done with the right tools. As in the case of ripping logs, chainsaws are vital to make life easier by reducing the pressure on the operator’s arms when cutting heavy and hard logs.
Although chainsaws are pretty handy the ripping job puts a lot of pressure on the chainsaw as well. So buying the wrong one, you would not be able to achieve your ripping goals.
For which we are going to help you in finding the right tool for the job, hopefully without being hard on your wallet.
10 Best Chainsaws For Ripping Logs Reviews
There are three major forms of chainsaws, gas, cordless, or electric chainsaw. When intending for your own ripping jobs, you sure want a powerful saw.
However, this does not necessarily mean that you need a heavy-duty, largest engine saw, but professional-grade chainsaws should be given more consideration.
Below we have mentioned some of the top-rated, popular chainsaws capable of logging work.
1. Husqvarna 450 Rancher II – Budget Gas Saw
The 450 Rancher Chainsaw features a 50cc X-Torq engine, producing 3.2 horsepower aimed for lower fuel intake as well as low exhaust emissions as per environmental protocols, capable to generate from 2700 RPM to 9,000 RPM maximum power speed.
This saw has a Centrifugal air injection system to removes larger dust particles before they get to the air filter, resulting in reduced air filter cleanings as well as frequent changing, also improving engine life.
Additionally, this chainsaw features a combined on/off switch, fuel pump, and smart start which requires minimal effort for the machine to start quickly. The Husqvarna 450 is a smooth, low-vibration chainsaw with an auxiliary handle which makes it well balanced in your hands.
With a key safety feature of its chain brake which is activated by the force of inertia, a snap-lock cylinder for saving time when cleaning the filter or changing plugs, and a tool-less chain tensioner all encourage easy handling.
2. ECHO CCS-58V4AH – Power of A Gas Chainsaw
Weighing at 21 pounds, this chainsaw is a little heavier than other cordless saws but features the unique brushless motor which is extremely efficient and helps increase the tool life too, allowing the saw to handle those heavy-duty tasks with a 16-inch bar.
Echo is a great performing battery-operated saw in terms of excellent cutting efficiency, longer run time, and quick-cutting speed, a cutter powerful enough to easily take down a large tree, hence “perfect for felling a tree”.
Designed with an automatic oiling system, the optimum oiling level helps elongate the chain life as well. With the presence of a well-designed wide plastic trigger and handle the ECHO CCS-58V4AH rates well for ease of use and maneuver.
For safety purposes, this saw enrolls an inertia-activated chain brake and a safety switch that is mostly provided on the gas-powered chainsaws, surely without the fuss to pull out a cord to get it started. However, it is a little noisier than those.
3. Oregon CS300 – Onboard Self-Sharpening
This cordless chain saw is capable to provide about 250 to 600, 2-3 inch cuts on a single full charge while maintaining persistent power through discharge.
Weighing about 12 lbs., the CS300 is a well-balanced chainsaw and starts without any pull cords, simply by the pull of a trigger for comfort use and easy handling. With a C, the chain friction is reduced by optimum oiling, increasing the saw’s run time.
The Oregan CS300 features a unique and patented built-in PowerSharp Sharpening System that makes it easy to maintain the 16 Inch chain sharp. The chain can be sharpened simply in 3 seconds with the pull of a lever, keeping the performance level best every time.
Also, this saw has a convenient tool-less chain tensioner, by turning a red knob on, to tension the chain. There is also an overload protection feature provided in this cordless saw to safeguard that the motor auto shuts off in case the chainsaw is hard-pressed.
4. Greenworks G-MAX – Semi-Professional
This is one great chainsaw for users of all kinds of involvements either you are ripping logs or are a lawn care enthusiast; whether you are a beginner or an old hand.
The NEW G-MAX 16 inch DigiPro is 10.36 pounds battery-driven chainsaw powered with the advanced brushless technology motor stretching tool life, however generating more torque increasing efficiency, providing a longer run time, and is even much quiet.
Additionally, this chain saw features a tough and durable 16 inch Oregon bar and chain, with an automatic oiler which oiling to an optimum level extending chain life. Powered with an electric safety chain brake with low kickbacks, this saw is accustomed to increased user safety.
Apart from what some chainsaws incorporate, this one has stronger metal bucking spikes except those plastic ones. Once you begin working with the NEW DigiPro, Lithium-Ion System Chainsaw you will never go back to using that gas and oil mix gas-powered saws as they are sure to make your life easier.
5. Makita XCU04PT1 – Medium & Light Duty Tasks
The XCU04PT1 is designed to produce no emissions, lower noise, and noticeably less upkeep, ideal for logging and trimming jobs. Powered by 2 18V LXT Batteries (2 free) this Makita chain saw delivers true power, fast speed, and a good run-time.
Makita XCU04PT1 features the proficient Makita direct-drive outer rotor brushless motor to deliver its users high power efficiency as a gas chain saw. With a 16-inch guide bar, an adjustable speed trigger and the flexible speed delivers 0-3, 940 FPM, this chainsaw can distribute improved cutting speed.
Accounting for maintenance, no engine oil change is required, no need to replace the spark plug, or cleaning the air filter, neither do you need to drain the fuel if warehousing the saw
The handiness of this saw is empowered by tool-less chain tunings, in Built L.E.D power switch with auto-off in case of delayed operation, a front hand guard to activate chain brake, and an electric brake for all-out outputs.
6. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 – Ideal for Light to Medium Tasks
The easy to maneuver handle is a rubberized soft grip that allows cutting at various angles, and you’ll only feel a very minimum vibration effect. Battery operated means no gas, no cord so nothing will get in the way of you completing your task.
As it is a battery-operated tool, the 40V MAX* battery doesn’t offer more than 60 cuts on a 4×4’ lumber before it needs recharging, on the positive side it simply means less hand fatigue.
This 40Volt B&D chainsaw may not be able to cut huge trees, but it certainly is a fine performer for cutting smaller diameter logs. LCS1240 features a 12-inch OREGON bar and chain system for quicker, smoother cuts with low- kickback.
It offers good safety measures including a tool-free chain tensioning system, a lock-off switch to prevent accidental startup, a front hand guard to keep the sawdust away, and a guide bar scabbard that will shield the blade when it’s not in use.
7. EGO Power+ CS1600 – The Performance of Gas
The highly efficient brushless motor runs at 6800 RPM and the narrow kerf sprout bar allows quick, easily cutting ensuring longer run time, extended motor capacity, and reduced vibrations.
You can even adjust the chain tension using the tool-free chain tensioning adjustments. The saw’s rugged construction keeps the tool safe during extreme weather conditions. For safety and user comfort, they have equipped the tool with a chain brake.
This versatile, compact yet powerful saw features 56 volts lithium-ion battery that allows you to easily fulfills all your clean-up needs whether it involves taking care of the lawn or doing some tough yard work, even wood trimming, or other outdoor projects.
EGO’S lightweight design and ergonomic handle will provide optimal comfort and complete control during usage. It comes with a 35CM bar and chain with a double guard bar offering smooth cuts while keeping the kickback low.
8. Remington RM1645 – Ideal for Light Cutting and Trimming
The 16-inch lightweight, compact versa electric chainsaw is specifically with a 12 amps power motor that allows quick and easy pruning, trimming, and light-duty cutting with an easy to grip rear handle for comfortable handling and reduced vibration.
The automatic chain oiler ensures that the saw is filled with the appropriate amount of lubricant for efficient chain and bar running and the translucent oil viewer indicates when the oil needs to be filled.
The battle-tested and battle-ready saw can easily handle the outdoor yard projects with a 16-inch kickback less bar and chain guide. The wrap-around handguard keeps your hand away from sawdust and can be used in multiple cutting positions.
An easy-to-access adjustable external tensioning screw ensures the saw’s peak performance by providing proper tension critical to the machine’s performance.
9. WORX WG303.1 – With Cutting-edge, Innovative Technology
Worx has been in the power tool business for almost the last two decades and has been continuously growing ever since, competing with other high-end brands in quality, power, durability, and cost. Worx WG303.1 with its powerful 14.5-ampere motor is perfect for ripping a 16-inch thick tree or can cut up to 30 inches thick log.
The powerful, rugged 16” electric corded chainsaw with 57 chain links spins at 34ft/s stock with all the modern conveniences, which make it easy to use. Equipped with a patented auto-tension mechanism, which is designed to prevent over-tensioning of the motor, bar, and chain and prolongs its life, further.
Features outclass safety systems like metal spike bumper which firmly secures the wood offers more controlled, smooth cutting and the 3/8″ pitch prevents kickbacks and with a chain brake, you can avoid accidental cutting by using the quick-stop brake trigger.
Another top selling point is the auto-lubrication system which keeps the saw in its peak operating condition, efficiently increasing the cutting competencies.
The oil level indicator specifies the oil level in the tank and lets the user know when the oil needs to be refilled, providing the user with a perfectly well-oiled chain.
10. Poulan Pro PR5020 – Best Budget OxyPower Saw
The 20-inch chainsaw features a powerful 2-stroke engine and the OxyPower technology ensuring more power and less fuel consumption. The innovative mechanism provides powerful engines significantly lowering emissions by 70% and fuel consumption by 20%.
The reliable spring-supported Effortless Pull-Start System (EPS) quickly starts the engine with minimal cord-pulling effort prolonging the saw’s life.
The saw requires a bit of maintenance which can easily be done using the combined tool placed at the rear of the handle. The purge bulb on the saw is also protected, reducing any risk of damage.
The adjustable chain tensioning lever on the side of this robust model along with the accessible cylinder cover clips offers a convenient approach to the spark plug and air filter allowing easy handling and maintenance.
Electric vs Cordless vs Gas Chainsaws for Ripping Logs: which one should I buy?
- Gas chainsaws are ideal for heavy-duty work and hardwood cutting. They require a mix of oil and gas to run on. But they are usually heavy, creating fatigue, and louder than electric and cordless chainsaws.
- In the case of a corded electric chainsaw, you are mostly confined to one area. But they are much reasonably priced as compared to gas chainsaws which makes them appealing to novices.
- Cordless chain saws are advantageous as they are easily portable, quieter than gas-driven saws, and require low maintenance. Also, the batteries can be used interchangeably on other outdoor power tools that can run on the same battery.
Living on a farm or homestead, or your job requires a lot of ripping trees and logs, a professional-grade gas chainsaw is probably your best bet. It can cut through big trees and easily cracks logs into fuelwood.
The gas ones also feature various bar lengths to meet most of your job requirements. And if you have a proper gas supply you can work longer and uninterrupted without having to fear running out of battery, as in case of a cordless electric chainsaw or the cord falling short while working a little farther from the power outlet.
THE BUYING GUIDE OF RIP LOGS CHAINSAW
You must have liked a few models so far, but you still need to shorten up your list, right?
When deciding on the best chainsaw for logging, you will need to take into account your personal preferences as well as the following features according to the job requirement.
- Electric Powered Chainsaws
Electric chain saws can either be corded. Both are quite powerful in their own ways, even when compared with some smaller gas-powered chainsaws. Electric saws require very little maintenance and are easy to use.
These are generally lighter in weight and run quietly as well, and are perfect for light to mid-sized jobs, with an ability to occasionally perform even larger jobs thrown at them.
- Gas-Powered Chainsaws
Gas-powered chain saws are more powerful machines with a wide range of sizes to choose from. They are run by a 2 cycle engine needing a mix of fuel and gas, requiring simple maintenance.
- Bar and Chain Length
Most of the electric-powered chain saws are offered in an 8 to 18-inch bar length, which is perfect for trimming, small tree cutting, and light logs cutting. The corded engine sizes for these bar lengths mostly run between 9 and 15 amp power, and 20 to 60 volts in cordless chain saws.
However, the larger powered engines and multiple batteries are able to handle longer bar lengths, as well. And in the case of the gas-powered chainsaws, to be used by a typical homeowner, to be used around your property and for your logging purposes.
Mostly recommended chainsaws fall in the middle of 16 and 24 inches of bar and chain length, backed by 32 to 62cc engine displacements (62cc being the heaviest).
- The Size of the Chainsaw
You sure don’t want to deal with a 30 lbs. heavy chainsaw while ripping your logs neither do you want to end up with the super-lightweight saw bouncing out vibrations damaging the accuracy of your work. So, it is advised to choose a good balance between the size and ripping capacity.
- Use of the chainsaw
When buying a chainsaw, you should perhaps consider a more versatile saw to complete smaller jobs other than logging around your home or milling? Hence, the less expensive electric saws are recommended as they can handle most of the small and medium-sized jobs easily.
- Size of the Wood
The size of cuts you want to make on the lumber is reliant on the size chain saw. Smaller chainsaws are capable to cut down large trees effectively just with a little extra effort and time, but the milling process requires strong and even cuts provided by the heavier engines, spinning the chain more quickly, making the cutting process more effective, and easier to control.
- Using a Chainsaw
One should have good control over their saw before beginning to rip logs as learning the handling and running of your saw is very important to achieve perfectly smooth cuts just with a little practice.
- The Safety
One should always try to be safe when using these deadly machines. Fortunately, most brands have innovated a few safety features in modern chainsaws including electronic chain brakes, guards, anti-kickback systems, etc.
CONCLUSION
To rip a log, you require a reliable, well-balanced, and powerful chain saw without being the heaviest one or having the largest engine.
There are multiple features that go into chain saws for ripping logs, which we have mentioned above in a detailed analysis of the most popular and highest-rated chain saws in the market today, along with a buying guide to help you pick the smart one required for the logging work.
Though, whichever you choose, it’s going to be generally useful even for other than wood cutting jobs.
Happy Log Cutting!!!