Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Jeremy

Let’s dive into the world of gas chainsaws, where the roar of power meets the rustle of leaves in the great outdoors.

If you’re on the hunt wanting to read the best gas chainsaw reviews, you’re in the right place. In this revamped article, we’ll take a close look at some top-quality brands that will help you blaze a trail through your camping adventures.

The Beginnings

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Chainsaws have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and understanding their history can shed light on the fantastic options available today.

The first chainsaw, known as the “Osteotome,” was invented in the 1830s with the intention of being a bone-cutting saw.

Fast forward to 1926, and Andreas Stihl patented the first electric and gas-powered two-person saws. The chainsaw industry was born, and innovation became the name of the game.

In 1959, Husqvarna introduced its first chainsaw, followed by Stihl in 1964, which brought innovations like the anti-vibration handle.

Since then, these two giants have been competing for the top spot in the chainsaw market.

The Brands

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While some lesser-known brands like HomeLite, Remington, and Diston entered the chainsaw business early on, the battle between the top brands has always been fierce.

Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, and Poulan Pro emerged as the frontrunners. These brands represent quality, reliability, and performance.

They epitomize the idea of a chainsaw that’s versatile, portable, lightweight, and capable of cutting through the toughest wood.

The Better

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Now, let’s cut to the chase and focus on the cream of the crop among gas chainsaws. We’re skipping the “good” and going straight for the “better.”

1) Poulan PRO 20″ 50CC 2-cycle

Poulan PRO offers a fantastic option for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. This 20″ chainsaw combines ease of use with performance, featuring an effortless pull-start system and a reduced vibration handle.

It’s a 17lb. powerhouse that can make precision cuts without causing operator fatigue. Not to mention, it comes with handy features like an automatic chain oiler, on-board locking wrench holder, and a convenient carry case.

However, there are a couple of downsides. The saw has a pre-idle time before usage, and its handle is made of plastic. Fortunately, Poulan PRO backs it up with a 2-year limited guarantee warranty.

2) Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf

Echo, renowned for its brush-cutters, entered the chainsaw market with a bang. The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf is a beast of a chainsaw with a 20″ bar length, an 8CC engine, a decompression valve, and a generous 5-year warranty.

While it’s bulkier than most chainsaws at 17 lbs., its ergonomic handle ensures easy operation.

The Best

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The ultimate debate among chainsaw enthusiasts often centers on Stihl and Husqvarna. Just like the classic rivalry of Chevy, Ford, and Dodge in the 4×4 world, it all comes down to personal preference.

1) Stihl MS271

The Stihl MS271 is a durable chain saw designed for all-around use. It’s a part of STIHL’s new generation of fuel-efficient, low emission chain saws.

This mid-range unit is equipped with a stratified scavenging engine and modern construction technology.

It features enhanced ergonomics and an advanced anti-vibration system for operator convenience and comfort.

Other features include toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers, a transparent fuel tank, side-access chain tensioner, and a long-life air filtration system for ease of care.

The MS271 is the right choice for landscapers, farmers, and campers seeking a high-performance saw, offering 16″, 18″ and 20″ bars.

It’s also officially one that I own, so this is my personal recommendation!

2) Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24″

Husqvarna’s 460 Rancher takes the top spot in our best gas chainsaw list. This chainsaw means business with its impressive power, ergonomic design, smart start, air injection system, low vibration, and a combined choke/stop control.

Weighing just 13 lbs., it’s one of the lightest in its class. It also features a side-mounted chain tensioner, an inertia chain brake, and comes with a substantial 5-year consumer extended warranty.

Whether you’re felling trees or cutting firewood, these chainsaws have you covered.

The End

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In this Camper’s Guide to the Top 4 Brands of Gas Chainsaws, we’ve explored the rich history and evolution of these mighty tools.

Quality, reliability, and performance have been our guiding principles, and the top four brands – Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, and Poulan PRO – have certainly lived up to these standards.

Stihl, the longest-standing manufacturer in the chainsaw market, offers top-tier products. Husqvarna, though, is right on Stihl’s tail, showcasing incredible performance and durability.

When it comes to warranties, Echo and Husqvarna shine with their 5-year limited and restricted warranties, respectively.

All in all, these brands represent the crème de la crème of chainsaws, designed to cater to the needs of campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

While Jonsered was once a formidable competitor, it has since been absorbed into the annals of chainsaw history. And if you’re looking for top performance, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is our top pick, but not our first one.

And with the introduction of the Stihl MS271,we have yet another strong contender in the world of gas chainsaws.

If all else fails and you run out of gas, you can always resort back to the gool old fashioned hand chain saw, which you can eaily pick up from our online store:

We hope you've enjoyed this "cutting-edge" review. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them below. Cheers!