Best 20″ Chainsaw [2024 Review]

Choosing a chainsaw isn’t a walk in the park. First, you want to consider its functions, safety features, and price point. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a faulty chainsaw for your next project. This article will help you choose the best 20” chainsaw you can land.

Top 5 20” Chainsaw Reviews

Your chainsaw needs to be powerful enough, completely safe, and suitable for your budget. With these considerations in mind, I rounded up the market’s top picks for you to choose from.

Best Overall 20” Chainsaw: ECHO 20″ Timber Wolf 59.8cc

With its reasonable price and excellent value for money, it’s no wonder the ECHO Timber Wolf is the choice of many woodworkers.

It’s a large machine, but lightweight, standing at only 13.2 pounds. Compared to the 17 pounds of the Poulan Pro 50cc, it’s considerably lighter, accounting for less fatigue when using it for long hours.

The Timber Wolf is made for both home and commercial use. It boasts a 59.8cc engine that’s powered by gas. It can handle heavy projects like a champ, but it also produces considerable noise, as most gas-powered saws do.

The chainsaw features wrap-around handles, so you can carry it easily without hurting yourself. On top of that, it comes fully equipped with a decompression valve that accounts for a fast, seamless start. You won’t have the saw coughing out on you while starting.

Like the Husqvarna 460, the Timber Wolf comes with an air filtering system. It’s a patented G-force cleaner that keeps the airflow clean. As a result, the engine will keep working without stopping.

Not only that, but the saw also has a dual-post chain brake for instantaneous stopping power, bumper spikes for better control, and a translucent fuel tank for easy checking.

Because gas-powered engines are loud, the Timber Wolf comes with a vibration dampener. Some users reported the machine is still noisy, though.

Pros

• A lot of intelligent features for a reasonable price
• Lightweight and easy to control thanks to the bumper spikes
• Heavy-duty air filter included to keep a clean airflow

Cons

• Some users complained about starting issues

Best Value: Poulan Pro 20″ 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

The Poulan Pro 50cc comes from the same mother company as the Husqvarna chainsaw, but its price is a fraction of the latter. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly but high-quality chainsaw, this one may be what you’re looking for.

Although the Poulan’s price tag is light, I can’t say the same about the saw itself. It packs 17 pounds, which is considerably more than the Husqvarna Ranchers. I’d live with the heavier weight for the price it comes with, but you may want to consider it before buying. It’ll have its toll on your shoulders and hands.

A 50cc motor chainsaw is sufficient for small projects, but it may be underwhelming for a professional woodworker. In return for the relatively low horsepower, though, you get a fuel-efficient motor. Poulan equips this chainsaw with OxyPower technology, which runs the engine on less fuel but more power.

The chainsaw has a pull-start system, which is basic and easy enough for anyone to use, even beginners. The company also claims their pull system requires 30% less pulling force, thanks to its innovative design. That’s good news for your arms here.

One more good thing about the Poulan is its quiet operation. It’s fully equipped with a vibration dampening system that keeps the saw on a low noise level while you’re working.

Pros

• A budget-friendly price for an innovative design
• Less pull force needed thanks to the OxyPower technology
• Vibration dampening is available to keep your work area quiet

Cons

• The heavyweight may be too much to handle if you have a slim figure
• A bit hard to put together for beginner users

Best Budget: PROYAMA 58cc Cutting Performance Handheld Gas Powered Chainsaw

If you want to buy a quality saw without breaking your bank, the PROYAMA 58CC Chainsaw may be the one you’re looking for. It’s not the best out there ergonomically, and the customer service isn’t as responsive as high-end brands, I can live with these downsides for an affordable price.

For one, the Proyama features a 46cc EPA-certified engine that’s designed to be fuel-efficient. Most gas-powered chainsaws eat through the gas like it’s free, but the Proyama is designed to save your money. It works similar to the OxyPower technology in the Poulan Pro chainsaw.

The engine may not be fit for significant projects, but it’s well-equipped for pruning, trimming, and cutting works.

The chainsaw comes fully equipped with an automatic oiler, so you don’t have to carry out the task yourself. On top of that, it boasts a purge bulb that accounts for an easy, smooth start. It pushes the fuel into the carburetor instantly, starting the engine in one pull.

One downside to this chainsaw is its heavy 18-pound body. It may cause arm fatigue if you work for long hours, but you wouldn’t expect better from the affordable price. Plus, some more expensive options, like the Poulan Pro, are only a tad lighter.

With a price less than half the Husqvarna 460, I’d say this one is quite the bargain.

Pros

• Effortless starting system thanks to the purge bulb
• Air filter available to keep the airflow to the engine clean
• Vibration dampening system included for a smooth, quiet operation

Cons

• Heavier than most similar options on the market
• The instructions may be hard to understand if it’s your first time buying a chainsaw

Best Premium Chainsaw: Husqvarna 20″ 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher’s price may throw you off, but that’s because it’s not for the faint-hearted. Boasting an impressive torque, air filtering system, and a whopping 9,000 RPM speed, the Husqvarna is worth every dollar you’ll pay for it. It’s made for professionals and real champs.

Seeing as Husqvarna invented the original chainsaw design I’m seeing all over the world today, it’s no wonder their own designs are brilliant. The 460 Rancher here is an improved version of the 450 and the 455 with a 60.3cc engine.

Equipped with a 3.4 Nm torque and a 9,000 RPM speed, the Husqvarna cuts through wood like its butter. It’ll cut right through any type of wood, no matter how hard it is. And for further convenience, there’s a LowVib vibration dampening system, accounting for quiet operation and a comfortable grip.

If you’re a perfectionist who prefers cleaning the saw after every cut, you’ll love Husqvarna’s air filtering system. It features a quick-release filter that cleans the saw almost instantly, preventing wear and tear.

In addition to all those features, the chainsaw has a quick-access tensioning system, along with a chain brake, offering considerable stopping power. And unlike the Proyama’s heavyweight, this one only weighs 12.8 pounds.

Pros

• Automatic chain oiler included for more manageable handling
• High RPM speed for fast cutting through wood
• Advanced air filtering system included for instantaneous cleaning after you’re done

Cons

• Some similar options are available for lower prices
• Beginners may find it difficult to deal with it

Best Lightweight Chainsaw: Husqvarna 20″ 450 Rancher II Gas Chainsaw

If you like the Husqvarna 460, but it’s out of your budget, you can always go for its less expensive predecessor: the Husqvarna 450 Rancher. Aside from the lower price, this one is also one pound lighter than the former, accounting for more comfortable handling if you work for long hours.

The chainsaw features the X-Torq, which is engine technology designed to consume less fuel and produce less polluting emissions. And with the powerful air injection, the engine will still be as robust as ever.

The X-Torq isn’t the only impressive feature, though. The 450 Rancher boasts Smart Start technology, so you can pull-start it every time without a hitch and without making much effort.

And for further convenience, the 450 rancher has a centrifugal air filtering system, similar to the one on the upgraded 460 Rancher. It constantly cleans the air from debris and dust to keep your engine healthy.

The feature where the 450 falls short of the 460 is the engine. It’s a 50.2cc engine, and while it’s still powerful enough, it’s no match to the 460’s 60.3cc engine. Nevertheless, they can both achieve 9,000 RPM, which is a bonus.

Lastly, the 450 Rancher has a vibration dampener, an automatic lubricator, and an inertia-activated brake. However, it’s worth noting that some users complained that the bar oil leaks on occasions.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• X-Torq engine technology for less fuel consumption
• Lightweight for hours-long operation

Cons

• The bar oil leaks sometimes

Features to Consider When Buying a 20” Chainsaw

When buying a 20” chainsaw for your woodworking projects, there are a couple of features to consider. Otherwise, you may be paying a lot for features you don’t even need.

Corded or Cordless

The first thing to consider before buying is whether you want a cordless or a corded chainsaw. Cordless ones are, of course, easier to deal with and lighter. They offer better mobility and lower risk because there’s no tangling included.

On top of that, cordless chainsaws often run on batteries, so you won’t have to deal with gas and its expenses.

There’s a catch here, though. Batteries need recharging, and if you use your saw frequently, you’ll spend a lot of time waiting for it to recharge. Besides, if the battery is low-quality or empties fast, you’ll have gotten yourself a nuisance, not a chainsaw.

It’s also worth noting that cordless chainsaws are often less powerful than corded ones, and they cost more. Their convenience comes at a high price.

Corded saws may be a bit inconvenient with their cords and the tangling risk, but you can always get an extension cord. I generally prefer corded saws, but it’s up to you. They, too, have downsides. For example, you won’t be able to use one unless there’s an electric outlet close by.

Gas Powered or Electric

Gas-powered chainsaws are the most powerful out there, and they’re often targeted at professionals. Their major downside is their operation costs. Gas is expensive, and if you use your chainsaw frequently, you’ll have to refill its tank a lot.

Besides, gas-powered chainsaws are loud and difficult to maintain. They need regular maintenance to keep servicing you.

However, at the same time, they can perform heavy-duty tasks easier than ever, and they accommodate large logs like they’re nothing.

Engine Size

A 20-inch chainsaw should have a 50–60cc engine for optimal operation. Typically, as you go up with the bar length, you need more engine power.

As for the RPM of a chainsaw, 9,000 RPMs is considered middle of the road. You can measure the RPMs of your current chains with a tachometer, to get an idea of what you currently have. When choosing the chainsaw, make sure its engine can handle the work you’ll throw at it.

Anti-Vibration

Most chainsaws vibrate vigorously while working, especially gas-powered ones. The vibration also increases as you increase your speed, and it gets annoying eventually. Aside from the vibrating motion against your body, the sound will be too much to handle.

To avoid that, try to get a chainsaw with an anti-vibration feature. It won’t only help you work in a silent workspace, but it’ll also reduce faique from holding it.

You can go the extra step and get a chainsaw with rubber handles for ultimate comfort. Rubber won’t vibrate against your hand like other materials will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

My top 20” chainsaw pick is the ECHO Timber Wolf for many reasons. It’s lightweight, suitable for home and commercial use, and its price isn’t as daunting as the 460 Rancher from Husqvarna.