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On the hunt to find a top handle chainsaw?
Not sure which one to get?
If so, you’ve landed on the right page.
There are a lot of chainsaws on the market, and it can be hard to search through them all to determine the best ones. Perhaps you’ve narrowed it down to the fact that you want a top handle but don’t know where to go from there? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!
Here I’ll go over 15 top handle chainsaws on the market today. I’ll cover their key features so you can compare them all in one spot.
Let’s dig in.
1. Dewalt 20V MAX* XR Chainsaw Kit
If you want a compact chainsaw that isn’t too heavy and doesn’t require two batteries to run, this DEWALT model is for you!
Key features:
- Cordless
- Low kickback
- 12-inch bar
- Compact
- 9 lbs
- Brushless motor
- 90 cuts per charge
- Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening
- 25 x 9 x 9 inches
- 20 Volts
2. Makita XCU08Z 36V LXT Chainsaw
If you are looking for a medium-sized chainsaw and a lot of power, Makita uses two 18V batteries to provide you with power.
- 8.74 x 19.76 x 10.95 inches
- 10.84 pounds
- Low noise level
- Brushless motor
- Provides the power of a 30cc gas saw
- Two batteries to deliver 36V power
- Low maintenance
- Variable speed trigger
3. Echo CS-271T 12-Inch Chainsaw
This Echo model comes with a 12-inch bar, is gas-powered, but can hold a lot of fuel.
Key features:
- 6.6 lbs
- Instant throttle response
- 26.9 cc 2-stroke engine
- Rear-mounted air filter
- 12-inch bar
- 8.1 fluid ounces fuel capacity
- 5.4 fluid ounces oil capacity
- 12 x 10 x 10 inches
4. Husqvarna 966997203 T435 Mid Size
This Husqvarna can hold a balanced 12- or 14-inch bar and is pretty lightweight.
Key features:
- 21 x 10.5 x 10 inches
- 7.5 lbs
- Reduced vibration levels
- Side-chain tensioning
- Low fuel consumption
- 12-inch bar
- 14-inch bar max
5. Farmertec Holzfforma 35.2cc Holzfforma G111
The Farmertec is designed for more heavy-duty work with a max speed of 11,500 RPM and a 40mm motor.
Key features:
- 35.2cc
- 11,500 RPM
- 22 fluid ounces fuel tank volume
- 14- or 16-inch guide bar
- 10.2 fluid ounces oil tank volume
- 10 lbs
- 14.96 x 10.24 x 10.24 inches
- 40mm bore engine motor
- 2-stroke
6. Shindaiwa 358TS Chainsaw 35.8cc Engine
This Shindaiwa is lightweight but pretty powerful with a 35.8cc engine and 11.2 fluid ounces fuel capacity, so you don’t have to stop to refill in the middle of your work.
Key features:
- 18 x 12 x 12
- 35.8cc
- 14- and 16- inch bar lengths
- 11.2 fluid ounces fuel capacity
- 8.2 fluid ounces oil capacity
- 8 lbs
- 2-stroke engine
7. Farmertec 25.4cc JonCutter Prowler Puppy Chainsaw
This is a mid-range product by farmertec, designed to keep costs down for regular users with an 8,500RPM max speed and 25.4cc engine.
Key features:
- 25.4cc
- 12- and 14-inch bar
- Single cylinder, 2-stroke engine
- 8,500 RPM
- 11 lbs
- 12 x 10.2 x 9.5 inches
8. CRAFTSMAN v20 Cordless Chainsaw CMCCS620M1
If you want to level items with your chainsaw, this CRAFTSMAN comes with a built-in bubble level and is designed for small spaces with the 12-inch guide bar.
Key features:
- 26.94 x 9.03 x 10.88 inches
- 9.9 lbs
- 44 chain speed
- V20 cordless power
- 4Ah battery
- Bubble level
- 12-inch chainsaw for small spaces
9. Makita XCU02PT 36V LXT Chainsaw
This one by Makita has a lot of power, a low noise level, and is heavy-duty at 22.8 pounds.
Key features:
- 12 x 24.5 x 12.5 inches
- 12-inch guide bar
- 1,650 FPM chain speed
- 36V of power thanks to two 18v batteries
- 87-89 dB(A)
- 22.8 lbs
10. Echo Chainsaw CS-355T
This Echo is made for comfort with an adjustable palm rest, contoured handles, reduced effort starter system, and even an automatic oiler.
Key features:
- 35.8 cc, 2-stroke engine
- Contoured handle
- Adjustable palm rest
- 14- and 16- inch bar lengths
- 8.2 fluid ounces oil capacity
- 11.2 fluid ounces fuel capacity
- 8 lbs
- 17 x 10 x 10 inches
11. Makita XCU06Z 16 Volt LXT Chainsaw BL1850B
This Makita is small, made for simple jobs with a 10-inch guide bar and the equivalent of a 20cc gas chainsaw in power.
Key features:
- Low noise level
- Zero emissions
- Brushless motor
- Power equal to a 20cc gas chainsaw
- Large oil filling port
- 10-inch bar
- 7.63 lbs
- 4,720 FPM
- 10 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches
12. PINKWAY 2-Cycle Top Handle Saw 22cc
PINKWAY isn’t a big name brand, and the chainsaw might look like a toy, but it brings power and size with an 18- or 20-inch chain and 8500RPM
Key features:
- 8500 RPM
- 63cc stroke engine
- Quickstart technology
- 18- and 20-inch chains
- 35.4 x 10.2 x 11 inches
- 17 lbs
- Comes with a chainsaw, 18-inch saw china and guide bar, 20-inch saw chain and guide bar, instruction manual, tool kit, and fuel mixing bottle
13. Hitachi CS33EDTP 2-Stroke Chainsaw
Hitachi is dedicated to producing gas engines that are environmentally friendly with low emission and CARB compliance.
Key features:
- 11.2 x 15.4 x 11.8 inches
- 8.4 pounds
- 2-stroke engine
- CARB compliant
- Low emission
- 32.2cc
- 14-inch sprocket-nosed bar
- 9.9 fluid ounces fuel capacity
- 6 fluid ounces oil capacity
14. Metabo HPT Tanaka TCS33EDTP
Metabo comes with covers and a commercial-grade engine to ensure you have power that lasts for a long time.
Key features:
- 32.2cc 2-stroke engine with PureFire technology
- Commercial-grade engine
- 12-inch bar and chain
- 9.9 fluid ounces fuel capacity
- 6 fluid ounces oil capacity
- Can fit 12- and 14-inch bars
- 8.4lbs
- CARB Tier III compliant
- EPA phase 3 compliant
15. STIHL MSA 161 T Chainsaw
STIHL has a ‘Caring for Nature’ seal and promises to do better than CARB or EPA standards with their gasoline engines.
Features:
- 7.5lbs
- 12-inch guide bar
- 3.5 fluid ounces oil capacity
- Caring for Nature seal (Cleaner than EPA or CARB standards)
- Anti-vibration handle
- 3.6 fluid ounces fuel capacity
That wraps ups my top 15 picks for top handle chainsaws. If you’d like to check out some of my other chainsaw reviews, check out these buying guides:
- Top 10 Best Rated Chainsaw Reviews
- Best Cheap Chainsaws for 2022 (Top Budget Chainsaws With Great Value)
- The Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood
Happy sawing!
Your Pal,
Chainsaw Larry
