| Motor Power | 1.2 kW |
| Bar Length | 35 cm |
| Chain Speed | 21 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.4 liters |
| Weight | 6.7 kg |
| Noise Level | 99 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
Guide: Choose the right gasoline-powered chainsaw
By Simon Berg Apr 10, 2024
Choosing the right chainsaw can make all the difference in completing your project, whether you need to prune trees, or perform heavy forestry work.
This guide will help you find the right model for your needs and budget. When buying a chainsaw, it's important to think about how and where you plan to use it. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Tasks: Do you need a lightweight model for simple gardening tasks, or a powerful saw for large, demanding projects?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Budget models are often sufficient for simpler tasks, while professional-grade saws are more expensive but offer high performance and durability.
- Experience: If you are a beginner, a lightweight and user-friendly model might be the best choice, while experienced users can benefit from advanced features.
- Fuel type: Gas-powered chainsaws are powerful and suitable for demanding tasks, but require more maintenance than electric or battery-powered models.
- Safety: Ensure the saw has good safety features, such as a chain brake, low vibration, and an efficient starting system.
By considering these factors, it becomes easier to find a chainsaw that suits your needs and makes the work both safe and efficient.
Selected products
Our selected Chainsaws
After reviewing the market, we have selected 8 Chainsaws from affordable options to premium models. See our recommendations below.
Price Range: 1,900 – 2,100 SEK
Alpina Acs 39 is an easy-to-use and affordable chainsaw, perfect for cutting firewood and pruning in the garden. Its compact design and reliable performance make it ideal for beginners and hobby users.
- Safety features: Manual and inertia chain brake, anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Easy start with primer
- Chain type and tensioning: 3/8" .050" chain, side-mounted tensioning
- Slightly limited power for tougher tasks.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling.
- Affordable and ideal for beginners.
- Sufficient performance for smaller projects.
Quality
7/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
7/10
Value for money
9/10
Total rating: 7.8/10
Price Range: 1,900 – 2,400 SEK
The STIHL MS 162 is a lightweight and reliable chainsaw for beginners and light garden work. With easy start, low weight, and great balance, it's perfect for firewood cutting and basic pruning—an ideal choice for home users.
| Motor Power | 1.2 kW |
| Bar Length | 30 cm |
| Chain Speed | 23 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.396 liters |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Noise Level | 100 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Chain brake, anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Manual pull start with primer
- Chain type and tensioning: 3/8" P chain, side-mounted tensioning
- Best suited for light tasks, not larger projects.
- Easy to use with effective vibration damping.
- Affordable for small to medium tasks.
- Reliable performance for home use.
Quality
8/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8.3/10
Price Range: 3,200 – 3,700 SEK
The Stiga CS 545 is a versatile petrol chainsaw suitable for both domestic use and light forestry tasks. It combines solid power with a comfortable design, making it an excellent choice for handling medium-sized projects.
| Motor Power | 1,9 kW |
| Bar Length | 40 cm |
| Chain Speed | 23,1 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0,49 liter |
| Weight | 7,62 kg |
| Noise Level | 98,7 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Manual chain brake, anti-vibration system (AVS)
- Starting system: Manual pull start
- Chain type and tensioning: .325" chain pitch, side-mounted tensioning
- Weight is slightly higher, but offers stable construction.
- Easy to handle thanks to the anti-vibration system.
- High chain speed for efficient cutting.
- Reliable for both small and medium-sized projects.
Quality
8/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8.0/10
Price Range: 5,200 – 5,900 SEK
The STIHL MS 251 is a powerful and versatile chainsaw for regular use in gardens and forests. With strong performance, low fuel consumption, and good ergonomics, it’s ideal for firewood cutting and light forestry tasks.
| Motor Power | 2.2 kW |
| Bar Length | 35 cm |
| Chain Speed | 18.6 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.39 liters |
| Weight | 4.8 kg |
| Noise Level | 103 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Chain brake, anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Manual pull start with primer
- Chain type and tensioning: 3/8" P chain, side-mounted tensioning
- Slightly pricier in its class, but great performance.
- Efficient and easy to start.
- Good balance between power and weight.
- Low fuel consumption.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
7/10
Total rating: 8.5/10
Price Range: 5,900 – 6,500 SEK
The Husqvarna 445 E-series Gen II is a powerful, easy-to-start chainsaw for medium to large tasks. It features X-Torq® technology for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, making it both efficient and eco-friendly.
| Motor Power | 2.1 kW |
| Bar Length | 33 cm |
| Chain Speed | 17.3 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.45 liters |
| Weight | 5.1 kg |
| Noise Level | 103 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Chain brake, LowVib® anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Smart Start® with fuel pump
- Chain type and tensioning: .325" chain pitch, tool-less tensioning
- Starts slightly slower in cold weather.
- Easy to start with Smart Start®.
- Low fuel consumption thanks to X-Torq®.
- Ideal for medium-sized tasks.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
Price Range: 8,800 – 9,500 SEK
The STIHL MS 261 C-M is a professional chainsaw with high precision and advanced M-Tronic technology. It delivers reliable performance for daily forestry work, ideal for professionals who demand power, efficiency, and accuracy.
| Motor Power | 3,0 kW |
| Bar Length | 35 cm |
| Chain Speed | 24.8 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.50 liters |
| Weight | 4.9 kg |
| Noise Level | 105 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Chain brake, anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Manual pull start with decompression valve
- Chain type and tensioning: .325" RS Pro chain, side-mounted tensioning
- Can feel a bit heavy during longer sessions.
- Powerful performance and high durability.
- M-Tronic™ adjusts the engine automatically for optimal operation.
- Great ergonomics and lightweight for its class.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
7/10
Total rating: 9.0/10
Price Range: 13,200 – 16,900 SEK
The Husqvarna 572 XP G is a professional chainsaw built for extreme performance and reliability. Designed for heavy forestry work, it features advanced technology and heated handles—perfect for demanding environments.
| Motor Power | 4.3 kW |
| Bar Length | 45 cm |
| Chain Speed | 22 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.70 liters |
| Weight | 6.8 kg |
| Noise Level | 107 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Chain brake, LowVib® anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Smart Start® with decompression valve
- Chain type and tensioning: 3/8" chain pitch, side-mounted tensioning
- Price is high, but reflects professional performance.
- Extremely powerful and suitable for large trees and tough tasks.
- AutoTune™ ensures optimal engine performance under all conditions.
- Heated handles for comfort in cold weather.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
6/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
Price Range: 20,700 – 21,000 SEK
The STIHL MS 500i W is the world’s first chainsaw with electronic fuel injection. It delivers top performance, instant throttle response, and excellent power-to-weight ratio—perfect for professionals demanding the very best.
| Motor Power | 5.0 kW |
| Bar Length | 50 cm |
| Chain Speed | 24 m/s |
| Fuel Tank | 0.78 liters |
| Weight | 6.3 kg |
| Noise Level | 106 dB(A) (LPA) |
| Product page | Link |
- Safety features: Chain brake, anti-vibration system
- Starting system: Electronic fuel injection (STIHL Injection)
- Chain type and tensioning: 3/8" RS chain, side-mounted tensioning
- Premium price, but superior power and features.
- Market-leading performance and instant response.
- Electronic fuel injection for optimal fuel efficiency.
- Ergonomic design and anti-vibration system.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
6/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
Compare products
| # | Product | Motor Power | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpina Acs 39 | 1.2 kW | 1,900 – 2,100 SEK |
| 2 | STIHL MS 162 | 1.2 kW | 1,900 – 2,400 SEK |
| 3 | Stiga CS 545 | 1,9 kW | 3,200 – 3,700 SEK |
| 4 | STIHL MS 251 | 2.2 kW | 5,200 – 5,900 SEK |
| 5 | Husqvarna 445 E-series Gen II | 2.1 kW | 5,900 – 6,500 SEK |
| 6 | STIHL MS 261 C-M | 3,0 kW | 8,800 – 9,500 SEK |
| 7 | Husqvarna 572 XP G | 4.3 kW | 13,200 – 16,900 SEK |
| 8 | STIHL MS 500i W | 5.0 kW | 20,700 – 21,000 SEK |
Summary
Choosing a gas-powered chainsaw depends on your specific needs and budget:
For light gardening tasks:
If you’re looking for an affordable chainsaw for pruning and simple gardening tasks, Alpina Acs 39 and STIHL MS 162 are excellent options. They’re suitable for beginners and provide sufficient performance for smaller projects.For medium tasks:
If you regularly work on larger branches or small trees, STIGA CS 545, STIHL MS 251, and Husqvarna 445 E-series Gen II are better choices. These models offer a good balance of power and price, making them ideal for home projects and light forestry work.For professionals and heavy tasks:
For experienced users or professional use, STIHL MS 261 C-M, Husqvarna 572 XP G, and STIHL MS 500i W are the best options. These chainsaws combine high performance, durability, and advanced features to handle the most demanding jobs.
Choose a chainsaw that matches your tasks and budget. A budget model is sufficient for small projects, while the professional range is perfect for heavy and advanced tasks.
FAQ
Look at engine power (cc or kW), bar length, and weight. Think about your intended use – cutting firewood, felling trees, or heavy-duty tasks? Choose a model that matches your needs and experience.
For small trees and firewood, a 35–45 cm³ engine with a 30–35 cm bar is usually enough. For larger trunks or professional use, go for 50 cm³ or more.
Use alkylate petrol or 2-stroke petrol with the correct oil mix (typically 2%). Chain oil is separate and must be refilled regularly. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Clean the air filter and cooling fins, keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, refill oil, and replace the spark plug as needed. Regular maintenance improves safety and extends lifespan.
Yes, if you use the saw frequently or in demanding conditions. More expensive models typically have stronger engines, better anti-vibration systems, enhanced safety, and longer durability.
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