best chainsaw for felling big tree

Standing in pouring rain with a massive tree trunk to fell, I realized why a powerful, reliable chainsaw really matters. After testing dozens, the WTHW 63CC Gas Chainsaw 20″ with 2 Chains & Bars proved its worth. Its robust 3.2KW engine slices through hardwood and thick trunks with ease, making quick work of even the toughest trees.

This chainsaw’s dual 20-inch guide bars and sharp chains mean longer cutting sessions without constant downtime. The automatic chain oiler keeps everything lubricated during heavy use, while the safety features like the chain brake and low-kickback design give you confidence when handling big cuts. Starting it up is a breeze thanks to its CDI ignition—no frustrating pulls, just smooth power every time. I’ve tested similar models, but the WTHW stands out because it combines raw power with user-friendly features, making those giant felled trees manageable. It’s a smart pick if you want efficiency, safety, and durability in one package.

Top Recommendation: WTHW 63CC Gas Chainsaw 20″ with 2 Chains & Bars

Why We Recommend It: This chainsaw offers a powerful 3.2KW engine that handles big trees effortlessly. Its dual 20-inch guide bars and quick switch between chains increase productivity and reduce downtime—something others lack. The automatic chain oiler ensures consistent lubrication, extending the chain’s life, while safety features like the chain brake and ergonomic handle improve control and reduce fatigue. Compared to more complex or less durable options, this model’s balance of power, safety, and value makes it an easy top choice.

What Features Make a Chainsaw Ideal for Felling Big Trees?

The ideal chainsaw for felling big trees should possess several key features that enhance its performance and safety.

• Powerful Engine: A robust engine is crucial for cutting through thick trunks and hardwood efficiently.
• Bar Length: Longer bar lengths provide the reach and cutting capacity necessary for large-diameter trees.
• Chain Type: An aggressive chain designed for felling enhances cutting speed and efficiency.
• Anti-Vibration Technology: This feature improves user comfort and reduces fatigue during extended use.
• Weight Balance: A well-balanced chainsaw improves maneuverability and control, making it easier to handle.
• Safety Features: Essential safety mechanisms such as chain brakes and throttle lockout help prevent accidents.

Powerful Engine: A powerful engine, typically ranging from 50cc to 80cc for gas chainsaws, ensures that the tool can cut through large and dense wood without bogging down. This high horsepower allows for faster cuts, which is essential when felling big trees to minimize the risk of accidents due to unexpected movements.

Bar Length: Chainsaws with bar lengths of 16 to 24 inches are generally considered ideal for felling big trees, as they allow the user to make deeper cuts in one pass. A longer bar length also helps in making back cuts more efficiently, which is critical for controlling the direction of the fall.

Chain Type: An aggressive chain type, such as a full chisel or semi-chisel, is designed to cut quickly through tough wood fibers. These chains feature sharper cutting teeth that can penetrate the wood more effectively, making them suitable for felling large trees where speed and precision are vital.

Anti-Vibration Technology: Chainsaws equipped with anti-vibration systems reduce the amount of vibration felt by the user, which can significantly decrease the risk of hand and arm fatigue. This feature is particularly important during prolonged cutting sessions, as it allows the operator to maintain control and improve accuracy.

Weight Balance: A well-balanced chainsaw distributes its weight evenly, making it easier to handle, especially when making cuts at awkward angles. A balanced tool allows for better control when felling trees, reducing the risk of the saw slipping or the operator losing grip.

Safety Features: Essential safety features like chain brakes, which stop the chain instantly in case of kickback, and throttle lockouts prevent accidental activation, greatly enhance user safety. These features are crucial for anyone working with heavy equipment like chainsaws, ensuring peace of mind during operation.

What Bar Length is Most Effective for Felling Large Trees?

The most effective bar lengths for felling large trees typically range from 20 to 36 inches, depending on the size of the tree and the chainsaw’s power.

• 20 to 24 inches: This bar length is suitable for medium-sized trees and can effectively handle trees with a diameter of up to 24 inches. It offers a good balance of maneuverability and cutting power, making it ideal for users who need to fell trees in tighter spaces.
• 25 to 28 inches: This range is optimal for larger trees, generally handling diameters between 24 to 30 inches. Chainsaws with this bar length provide increased cutting depth and can manage larger trunks while still being manageable for most users.
• 30 to 36 inches: Chainsaws with bars in this length are specialized for very large trees, capable of felling trees with diameters exceeding 30 inches. These are typically used by professionals, as they require more strength and skill to handle effectively, but they allow for deep cuts that can take down substantial trunks.

Which Power Source (Gas, Electric, or Battery) is Best for Felling Big Trees?

The best power source for felling big trees depends on various factors such as efficiency, convenience, and the specific needs of the user. Here are the main options:

• Gas Chainsaws: Gas-powered chainsaws are often favored for felling large trees due to their robust performance and high cutting power.
• Electric Chainsaws: Electric chainsaws, while generally less powerful than gas models, can be suitable for felling smaller trees or for users who prefer a quieter and cleaner option.
• Battery Chainsaws: Battery-operated chainsaws offer portability and convenience, making them a good choice for users who need flexibility without the hassle of cords.

Gas Chainsaws: These chainsaws are equipped with powerful two-stroke engines that provide significant torque and cutting speed, making them ideal for felling large trees quickly and efficiently. They can operate for extended periods without needing a recharge, making them suitable for larger jobs in remote locations. However, they can be heavier, require more maintenance, and produce emissions that may not be suitable for all environments.

Electric Chainsaws: Electric chainsaws are generally lighter and quieter than gas models, which can make them easier to handle, especially for beginners or those working in residential areas. They are perfect for smaller tree felling tasks and are often easier to maintain since they have fewer moving parts. However, their cutting power can be limited, particularly with larger trees, and they require a power source, which can limit their mobility.

Battery Chainsaws: Battery-powered chainsaws are becoming increasingly popular due to their combination of portability and user convenience. They are lightweight, produce minimal noise, and emit no emissions, making them environmentally friendly. However, battery life can be a concern when felling larger trees, as they may require recharging or swapping batteries during extended use, which can interrupt workflow.

What Safety Features Are Crucial in a Chainsaw for Felling Trees?

When selecting the best chainsaw for felling big trees, several crucial safety features should be considered to ensure safe and effective operation.

• Chain Brake: A chain brake is an essential safety feature that stops the chain immediately when activated. This is particularly important in situations where kickback occurs, allowing the operator to react quickly and reduce the risk of injury.
• Low Kickback Chain: A low kickback chain is designed to minimize the force of kickback, which can occur when the tip of the chainsaw bar strikes an object unexpectedly. Using this type of chain helps to enhance safety by reducing the likelihood of the saw jerking back towards the operator.
• Safety Throttle Lock: This feature prevents the chainsaw from accidentally starting when the throttle is engaged. It allows the operator to maintain control and ensures that the saw doesn’t start running unless the throttle is intentionally activated.
• Hand Guards: Hand guards protect the operator’s hands from debris and accidental contact with the chain while working. These guards help in preventing injuries during operation and provide an added layer of safety when maneuvering the chainsaw.
• Anti-Vibration System: An anti-vibration system reduces the amount of vibration transmitted to the operator’s hands. This not only enhances comfort during extended use but also helps maintain better control of the chainsaw, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Tool-Free Chain Tensioning: This feature allows the operator to easily adjust the chain tension without the need for additional tools. Proper chain tension is crucial for safe operation, as a loose chain can lead to increased kickback and decreased cutting efficiency.
• Emergency Stop Switch: An easily accessible emergency stop switch allows the operator to quickly shut down the chainsaw in case of an emergency. This feature is vital for ensuring immediate control in hazardous situations.

What Do the Top Brands Offer for Chainsaws Designed for Big Tree Felling?

The best chainsaws for felling big trees are offered by several top brands, each providing specific features tailored for this demanding task.

• Stihl MS 661 C-M: This powerful chainsaw features a 91.1cc engine, making it ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks, including large tree felling. Its advanced M-Tronic technology automatically adjusts the fuel-air mixture for optimal performance, ensuring consistent power even in varying conditions.
• Husqvarna 572 XP: Known for its robust design, the Husqvarna 572 XP has a 70.6cc engine and offers excellent balance and handling, which is crucial when cutting larger trees. It includes an air injection system that minimizes wear and improves efficiency by removing debris before it reaches the air filter.
• Echo CS-800P: This chainsaw is equipped with an 80.7cc engine and is praised for its lightweight design, allowing for extended use without fatigue. The CS-800P features a professional-grade air filtration system that enhances engine longevity, making it suitable for intensive tree-felling tasks.
• Makita EA7901PRZ1: Boasting a 78.5cc engine, this chainsaw is designed for heavy-duty applications and comes with a low-vibration technology for more comfortable operation. The EA7901PRZ1 has a unique decompression valve that makes starting easier, which is beneficial when felling large trees.
• Jonsered CS2250S: This chainsaw features a 50.2cc engine and is known for its ergonomic design, making it user-friendly for prolonged use. Its X-Torq engine technology reduces fuel consumption and emissions, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious users while still being powerful enough for big tree felling.

How Should You Maintain a Chainsaw Used for Felling Large Trees?

Maintaining a chainsaw used for felling large trees is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency.

• Regular Cleaning: Keeping your chainsaw clean prevents debris buildup, which can affect its performance and longevity.
• Chain Tension Adjustment: Proper chain tension ensures optimal cutting performance and reduces the risk of kickback, making it essential to adjust the chain tension regularly.
• Sharpening the Chain: A sharp chain cuts more efficiently and requires less effort, so regularly sharpening the chain is vital for effective felling.
• Oil Maintenance: Ensuring that the chainsaw has adequate bar and chain oil is critical for lubrication and preventing overheating during use.
• Inspecting the Air Filter: A clean air filter allows for proper airflow, which is necessary for the engine to run efficiently, thus prolonging the life of the chainsaw.
• Fuel Quality Check: Using the right fuel mixture and ensuring it is fresh can prevent engine problems and ensure reliable starting and operation.

Regular cleaning of the chainsaw helps remove sawdust, sap, and other debris that can accumulate during use. This not only keeps the tool in good working condition but also enhances safety during operation.

Chain tension adjustment is critical because a chain that is too loose can derail, while one that is too tight can cause excessive wear on the bar and chain. Regularly checking the tension after every few cuts is a good practice to ensure safe operation.

Sharpening the chain is essential as a dull chain can lead to inefficient cuts and increased strain on the chainsaw. A well-maintained, sharp chain will make cleaner cuts and reduce the risk of kickback, promoting safety.

Oil maintenance is important to keep the chain and bar lubricated, which prevents friction and overheating. Always check the oil reservoir before starting work and refill as needed to ensure smooth operation.

Inspecting the air filter helps maintain the engine’s efficiency, as a clogged filter can restrict airflow and lead to poor performance or even engine failure. Regular cleaning or replacing of the air filter can significantly enhance the chainsaw’s lifespan.

Fuel quality check is essential, as using stale or incorrect fuel can cause starting issues and poor engine performance. Always use a fresh fuel mix that meets the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure reliable operation of the chainsaw.

How Does Performance Compare Among Different Chainsaw Types for Big Tree Felling?

Type	Power	Weight	Best Use	Safety Features	Noise Level
Gas Chainsaw	High power, suitable for large trees (Typical engine size: 40-60cc)	Heavy, can be tiring to use	Ideal for felling big trees	Chain brake, anti-vibration system	High (85-110 dB)
Electric Chainsaw	Moderate power, limited by cord length	Lightweight, easier to handle	Best for smaller jobs and pruning	Low kickback chain, safety switch	Low (70-90 dB)
Battery-Powered Chainsaw	Decent power, offers portability (Battery life: 30-60 minutes)	Light to medium weight	Good for light to medium tree felling	Chain brake, safety lock	Moderate (75-95 dB)
Professional Chainsaw	Very high power, designed for heavy-duty use	Varies, generally heavier	Best for commercial tree felling tasks	Advanced safety features, anti-kickback	High (85-110 dB)

Related Post:

• Best chainsaw face shield
• Best chainsaw for everyday use
• Best chainsaw for clearing brush
• Best chainsaw for bucking firewood
• Best chainsaw for around the house