Just like you, my friend Smith needed a 16-inch chainsaw for his home last year.
He wanted to use it only for light pruning on his yard. He bought a very powerful chainsaw(Husqvarna 440e II) and thought he bought the best one and it will do his work very smoothly.
Unfortunately, He was wrong. The saw was overkill for his needs. He could not even handle it properly for pruning due to its weight(9.8 lbs) and hated to toil tugging at the rope.
The "Best" does not necessarily mean the "most powerful" or "most expensive". That's why I make a list of best 16-inch chainsaw for the homeowner based on the tasks you will need to do with it.
Top 10 Best 16-Inch Chainsaw of 2020
List of 16-Inch Chainsaw
WORX WG303.1 delivers double cutting performance while its weight is almost half compared to its gas counterparts of similar size.
Being an electric tool, it is easy to use and has plenty of power. Unlike a gas chainsaw, you don't need to clean it before storing for a long time or no need to carry fuel with you for working in a remote area. All you need to make sure an electric outlet in a nearby area.
The operation is as easy as "plug & play". You can compare it with the "Autoplay" feature of games/software installation on a laptop. Just put the plug into the socket and you are ready to start cutting. You can read more on the Worx WG303.1 in our full review.
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Being a lightweight and affordable tool, this is perfect for Homeowner, farmer, or rancher.
Although getting replacement parts is hard, it comes with a 3-year warranty. So you don't need replacement parts for this period of time.
Cutting with tip area is dangerous and causes kickback. The need for cutting on a tight area for a casual homeowner is also very low. Overall, this can be a very good chainsaw for regular use.
This is a battery-powered chainsaw with long-lasting backup time and plenty of power. It can perfectly do any type of cutting tasks around the house.
It is a good alternative to gas chainsaw without compromising power. It can cut trees and limbs like butter.
Being a battery-operated tool, it provides the benefit of easy portability like gas-chainsaw and low maintenance like an electric chainsaw.
On top of all, it is very user-friendly for the beginner. Loaded with safety features and numerous functions can make any chainsaw novice into expert very soon. You can read more on the Greenworks 20312 G-Max in our full review.
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Overall, I will rate Greenworks 20312 chainsaw 4.55 out of 5. With some backup batteries, you can operate the chainsaw for hours after hours without any delay for recharging.
Additional batteries may be expensive and increase the cost. But the good news is that it is a one-time cost. Like gas-chainsaw, there is no recurring cost to use these batteries for over and over again.
Makita is a renowned company from Japan in manufacturing high quality and user-focused power tools since March 21, 1915. Makita UC4051A chainsaw has introduced a large trigger for a soft and smooth start which makes operating a chainsaw super easy for the people who never use any chainsaw before.
It comes with a 14.5 AMP motor which is powerful enough for any cutting and trimming projects for homeowners. With the chain speed 2900 FPM, it can cut oak, hickory, and dogwoods like butter.
Its weight is 14 lbs. which is a bit heavy compared to gas or electric model chainsaw. However, once you are used to handling it, it would not be a big deal for you.
It is under $350 which may be a bit costly. But considering the build quality and performance, it is worthy of the money.
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The extension cord is actually not a big problem at all unless you're high in a tree. For most cases that a casual homeowner faces can be done within the cord range (100 ft).
A few owners complain about the oil leak. They either did not read the manual properly or adjust the oil system. This model has an oil adjustment where you can completely turn the oiler "off" or "on". There is no chance of oil leakage.
Husqvarna is a Swedish outdoor power tool manufacturing company since 1689. Husqvarna 240 can perfectly do pruning to cutting 20-inch logs and can be used in the home, yard or ranch.
Its 2 Hp power can take care of a large property and can clear, skirt and fell Pinion & Ponderosa pines. With an aggressive chisel point chain, you can even do heavy-duty tasks without any issue.
It is 10.3 lbs and the maneuverability is very easy. Unlike a gas chainsaw, this has an "Easy-start" feature which is great for keeping it idle for a long time and resume cutting when needed.
It comes with a price tag of under $350 and 2 years of warranty. As we highlight in the complete Husqvarna 240 review, if you want a chainsaw for casual tasks, this will be proved as a good chainsaw for you. Overall, I will rate it 3.8 out of 5.
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If you own Husky model 140e, you can use the cannibalized (leftover) parts such as spark plug, bar, chain, chain cover on this model.
At present, it is very easy to learn the basic chainsaw troubleshooting from the internet or YouTube. Doing so will also save a lot of money on repair in the long run.
The "worn down" issue is applicable for all gas-chainsaw. You need to rebuild the carb from time to time. So this is not a “con” actually.
Husqvarna started producing chainsaws for a century. They are well-known for a high-quality and durable gas chainsaw. Husqvarna 440e II is an all-rounder saw for the homeowner who needs to do heavy-cutting such as storm debris clean up occasionally.
It delivers 2.4 Hp power which is enough for cutting limbs and firewood. Even professional firewood sellers can use it for cutting trees. It can cut the live or dead tree at the same speed.
Its weight is only 9.7 lbs. and with this lightweight, any physically weak person can lift and handle it with much ease. It has Husqvarna exclusive "easy start" function and can be started comparatively easily.
It comes with a price tag of under $300 and a 2-year warranty. Overall, I will rate it 4.15 out of 5. Be sure to check out our full review of the Husqvarna 440E.
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This chainsaw is mainly for light-duty tasks but you can do heavy-duty tasks sometimes. If you want to use it for 4-5 times a year, this is not for you. Because cleaning before and after an operation, you need to go through a long process.
However, if you need to use chainsaw regularly, this can be proved as a good choice for you.
DeWalt is a renowned American power tool manufacturing company established in 1924. DEWALT DCCS670X1 is a very good chainsaw for indoor and outdoor cutting tasks.
It is battery operated chainsaw with 40V motor. The battery is very long-lasting and you can continue cutting for hours with an extra backup battery.
It is 12.2 lbs and a bit heavy due to the battery. The weight is evenly distributed so it is easy to handle.
The maintenance is super easy because of no carburetors, spark plug, and air filter.
It comes with a price tag of under $350 and a 3-year warranty. Overall, I will rate it 4.35 out of 5.
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If you want to charge the battery faster, use a high quality charger.
The oil tank can hold a little amount of oil but you can easily fix the problem. Just take 1-2 bottle of oil with you to the jobsite.
Besides chainsaws, Husqvarna also manufactures trimmers, mowers, garden tractors and many more for a homeowner and outdoor use. It has safety features such as Interia activated chain and safety break to make it even better for newbies.
It has 1.88 HP power and you can do pruning or firewood cutting with it. With 9000 RPM chain speed, it can even do heavy-duty cutting such as red oak.
It is 10.7 lbs. and very lightweight to handle for hour-long cutting.
Due to Combined choke/stop control, the start/stop control is very easy for casual chainsaw operators.
Husqvarna's Exclusive X-Torq engine makes the chainsaw both Eco-friendly and budget friendly. The new technology reduces the fuel consumption (428 g/kWh) and gasoline emissions drastically in accordance with the world´s most stringent environmental regulations. The on-going maintenance cost will be much lesser compared to another brand's gas chainsaw.
With broken chain catcher, it catches the chain in case if it breaks or derails when running. It makes the chainsaw more durable and longer lasting.
It has air Inijection that can reduce air filter cleanings and improve engine life by removing larger dust and debris particles before reaching the air filter.
It comes with a price tag of under $200 and 2-year warranty. Overall, I will rate it 4.35 out of 5.
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No need earlier experience in a chainsaw to get the most of it. However, I strongly recommend you watch a few tutorials on YouTube before using it if you never used any chainsaw before.
The starting problems that most beginner operators face are due to a lack of knowledge.
I’ll advise them to read the manual and follow the instructions as directed. After that, you should pull a few times (Let's say 5-6) with the choke on, then shut choke off. It will start. Over time, you will be used to it and it will be easy for you.
Husqvarna offers great user-oriented products for both consumers and professionals. They also own server brands includes PoulanPro, WeedEater, Jonsered and many more. Husqvarna 435e II offers super maneuverability and easy handling for the homeowner and gardeners.
It has 40.9cc engine and can work with 13"-18" bar. it offers high power and good performance with relatively low weight.
It is 9.2 lbs and can cut downed branches with less effort. Even some tree cleaning service business use it for light cleaning tasks.
It comes with a price tag of under $250 and a 2-year warranty. Overall, I will rate it 4.15 out of 5.
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You have to purchase a bar and chain oil Separately
Leaks much oil
Sometimes safety brake seized and would not disengage if you work for hours without proper maintenance
I suggest purchasing a 2-3 bottle of bar and chain oil at the time of ordering for the chainsaw. Oil is a type of thing that you will need every time you operate the chainsaw.
DeWalt is now a popular brand among casual homeowner, professional power tool operators, and commercial contractors. Along with chainsaw, DeWalt also makes hammer drill and impact driver. DEWALT DCCS690M1 takes only 30 minutes for a full recharge.
It has a 40v motor which is more than enough for limbing and bucking light to medium-sized trees. It has a variable speed trigger for changing the rolling speed based on wood type.
It is 16 lbs. and needless to say, it is heavier than most of the chainsaws. If you are physically strong, you should not have any problem in handling it.
It has a brushless motor that delivers more torque and deep cutting performance
It comes with a price tag of under $300 and a 3-year warranty. Overall, I will rate it 4.65 out of 5.
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If you use a piece of cloth, it will be easy to remove the oil plug without any issue. You can read the detailed review of DEWALT DCCS690M1.
You can fell a tree of 14-inch in diameter with a single cut. If you have a property of medium-sized tree, it will be easy to maintain with this chainsaw.
Zombi manufactures battery chainsaws, hedge trimmer, string trimmer and many more power tools for consumers. Although Zombi ZCS5817 is a battery-powered chainsaw, it can deliver cutting performance similar to a gas chainsaw.
It comes with 58V motor and can cut logs, limbs and fell small trees with ease and without pushing hard. The battery goes for a long hour. So you can work for hours without any tension of battery recharge.
It is 16 lbs. in weight but it is normal in battery-operated chainsaw. For home tasks or projects, it is perfect.
It comes with a price tag of under $300 and a 3-year warranty. Overall, I will rate it 4.37 out of 5.
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If you need a battery-powered chainsaw for working long hour, this is a very good option for you. After doing all these tasks over 3 hours, it still remains powerful. The LED display showed a 15% charge remaining. Another interesting fact is that even at 15% charge, it delivers full torque.
For the oil leak issue, you can use a plastic bucket to keep it and catch the leaked oil. However, if your saw leaks a lot of oil, I suggest you contact them for support.
Although you can do heavy work such as falling or cutting, I suggest not to do heavy tasks very often. If you do it regularly, the motor may give out a puff of smoke. Assuming that you will use it in your home or yard mostly, this is actually not a problem at all.
Buying Guide: what you need to consider before buying 16-inch chain saw
There is no universal chainsaw that will be the best for all. To find out which one will be the best for you, you need to consider a few things . They are:-
I'm going to discuss each factor in brief.
Types
The electric or corded chainsaw works best for cutting around the house, garden or yard. This is most popular among homeowner. For the power source, all you need is to make sure the presence of an electric outlet in a nearby area.
On the other hand, battery-powered chainsaw works best for cutting in a high tree or remote area. Gas-chainsaws are famous for their speedy cutting performance.
Working environment
The surroundings or environment also plays an important role in choosing the best chainsaw for yourself. If you want to use it in a residential area, you must choose a quiet chainsaw. Otherwise, your neighbor may complain against you. Gas chainsaw creates maximum noise.
Similarly, if you work indoor, buying gas chainsaw may not be a good decision as it creates smoke.
Rating is also an important factor to consider. A highly rated chainsaw will never disappoint you since it has already got so many votes from customer to prove the quality.
Features
There are countless additional features in each chainsaw. You need to give priority on those features that will be beneficial for your tasks.
For example, the most chainsaw has "Tool-less chain tightening system". It is a great feature for most operators. You don't need any wrench or extra tool for tightening the chain.
Value
When looking for a chainsaw, pick the chainsaw that gives the best value for the money.
There some chainsaws that cost a lot of money and there are cheap ones. If you compare different model, you will get the difference.
The expensive chainsaw is usually for professionals. For casual home tasks, you don't need such chainsaw.
On the other hand, battery chainsaw trends to be expensive than corded and gas chainsaw as they contain a battery. Gas chainsaw needs ongoing costs for gasoline whereas corded and cordless chainsaw needs only a one-time cost.
Tip: Last year, I wanted to buy a bandsaw. As I was in a tight budget at that time, I did research on the models and features. Finally, I got a budget bandsaw that met both my budget and requirement.
Portability
Since you will not have a fixed working place, you will need to get a chain saw that is very light.
This will make it easy for you to move it to where you want to use it.
You will need to ensure that it is of a manageable size for you to have the best services from it.
You will not need to have a very big space to store it.
If portability is your top priority, I suggest you buy cordless tools such as cordless sawzall or chainsaw.
The Final Word
For you to have the best product that you need, there are several things that you need to consider.
You need to know the available products that serve almost similar services.
With the help of this article, you will find it easy to make the right choice of the 16-inch chain saw.
You will get the best services from the chain saw that you get this way.