Best 50cc Chainsaw [2024 Review]

One of the best things about 50cc chainsaws is that they offer awesome versatility. These nifty power tools allow you to fell, prune, limb, and buck trees, making them perfect for homeowners and landscaping experts alike.

Looking for the best 50cc chainsaw on the market? Well, you might just fall in love with one of the following products on my list!

Top 50cc Chainsaw Reviews

After some digging and in-depth research, I’ve managed to find the best four 50cc chainsaws that you may want to consider giving a shot.

Even better, each product shines in a certain area, be it the price point, value for the money, or another, to help you decide the perfect fit based on your priorities.

With all this in mind, let’s dive into my product reviews!

Best Overall: Husqvarna 445e-Series II 50cc Chainsaw

Husqvarna products have a special place in almost everyone’s hearts, and, naturally, that’s the case with the Husqvarna 445e-Series II 50cc chainsaw. Its powerful 50cc engine is only part of its charm, so let’s see what the fuss is about.

The first thing I admired about this buddy is that it has a bar length of 18 inches and a pitch of 0.325 inches. While that won’t give you as much strength as a 20-inch bar and a 0.375-inch pitch, these specs can be just right for normal landscaping duties.

With this length and pitch, you can still fell trees with pretty large diameters, get rid of unhealthy branches, and even cut firewood. That sums up almost everything a homeowner slash tree-cutting amateur would want to do!

Product Specs

  • Bar length: 18 inches
  • Pitch: 0.325 inches
  • Gauge: 0.05 inches
  • Power source: Gas-powered

Feature Highlights

  • A high-quality cutting kit that includes a chainsaw, bar, chain, and 3 WoodlandPro chain loops
  • Great balance of bar length and pitch that suits a huge selection of applications

Besides its great performance and much-appreciated power, the Husqvarna chainsaw can help you save some cash. Sure, it’s by no means an affordable product, but it comes with three chain loops so that you won’t need to buy them separately. Pretty cool, ha?

Last but not least, it’s hard to resist buying a chainsaw that doesn’t take forever to start, which also applies to this monster. This Husqvarna saw features Smart Start technology and an integrated fuel pump. That cuts down on starting time so that you can get to work with no delays.

If all those qualities don’t justify this chainsaw’s position as a top pick, I genuinely don’t know what would!

Pros

  • Offers an eco-friendly and powerful tree-cutting experience
  • Promises sturdy performance for amateurs and occasional users thanks to the 18-inch length and 0.325-inch pitch
  • Easy to start in a matter of minutes to get the work done quickly

Cons

  • May not be suitable for aggressive tree cutting

Best Value: Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Making the choice to invest in a rather expensive 50cc chainsaw is never easy, but it might just be with the Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher chainsaw. Even though it’s pretty pricey, the majority of users swear that it’s worth every penny, which is always good to know.

Now, just like the previous Husqvarna model, this chainsaw is quick to start and it works in a multitude of wood-cutting scenarios. However, this buddy comes with a 20-inch bar instead of an 18-inch one to handle more aggressive tasks.

The Rancher also features an automatic oiler that steadily greases your chain so that your cutting process goes as smoothly as possible. Additionally, this helps boost the chain and bar’s lifetime, saving you some money in the long run.

Product Specs

  • Bar length: 20 inches
  • Pitch: 0.325 inches
  • Gauge: 0.05 inches
  • Power source: Gas-powered

Feature Highlights

  • A heavy-duty gas chainsaw that can keep up with demanding tree-cutting chores
  • Professional-grade performance and quality

The power tool is also equipped with the LowVib anti-vibration system to minimize kickback injury risks and let you focus on what you’re doing. Plus, at 14 pounds of weight, the chainsaw shouldn’t be too heavy to work with.

Still, you should know that this beauty doesn’t come without flaws. The Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher chain tends to become loose faster than it would on other, more affordable chainsaws. Frankly, I was surprised that such a simple problem existed in a highly-rated product!

Pros

  • Convenient weight, length, and pitch to handle tough projects
  • A good choice for domestic and professional uses
  • Comes with an automatic oiler to increase longevity
  • Features an anti-vibration system to boost your safety

Cons

  • Pricier than all the products on this list
  • The chain pops off more quickly it does with most 20-inch chainsaws

Best Budget: Poulan Pro 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Want a beast-like chainsaw for your occasional tree-cutting that won’t have you breaking the bank? Well, according to those who gave it a shot, the Poulan Pro 50cc chainsaw can be a good option to consider here.

With an effective cutting length of 20 inches and a pitch of 0.375 inches, this big boy can handle the same tree sizes as the previous saw at a reduced price. However, it won’t get behind cutting hardwood trees, unlike the Husqvarna monster.

Still, Poulan Pro can up your environment-saving game because its engine lets out 70% fewer emissions than most models on the market. In addition, it doesn’t require as much fuel as other products on this list, saving both energy and money.

Product Specs

  • Bar length: 20 inches
  • Pitch: 0.375 inches
  • Gauge: 0.05 inches
  • Power source: Gas-powered

Feature Highlights

  • An all-round chainsaw for the majority of domestic work
  • The OxyPower engine releases 70% fewer emissions and consumes 20% less fuel than your average 20-inch chainsaw

As for its starting time, it’s also quite impressive. The engine only takes several pulls to roar into life thanks to the Effortless-Pull starting system, keeping you from breaking a sweat before you even begin the real work!

However, one annoying downside to this buddy is that you might need to tighten its bolts every once in a while.

Pros

  • Reduces harmful gas emissions and fuel consumption
  • Quick to start in a few string pulls
  • Suitable for a huge range of applications
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • The bolts may require frequent tightening at regular intervals
  • Doesn’t cut smoothly into more solid trees
  • Weighs 17 pounds, which is heavier than the average 14-pound 50cc chainsaw

Best Versatility: Proyama 50cc Gas-Powered Chainsaw

If your entire focus is on functionality and versatility, the Proyama chainsaw might be just what you need. Its magic doesn’t only lie in its ability to keep up with most domestic wood-cutting duties but also in its ease of use and ergonomic design.

Let’s just start by saying that this is a full-fledged cutting kit. It includes a 50cc engine unit, an 18-inch and 22-inch bar and chain, carrying case, face shield, ear protector, gloves, and many more items. A perfect gift for your gardening-lover friend, ha?

But that’s not all. Having two bars of different lengths means you basically have two chainsaws. Therefore, you’ll be allowed to work on a larger selection of tree sizes than you will with the previous chainsaws on the list. And, that’s at a much more affordable price!

Product Specs

  • Bar length: 18 and 22 inches
  • Pitch: 0.375 inches
  • Gauge: 0.05 inches
  • Power source: Gas-powered

Feature Highlights

  • A durable 50cc chainsaw that comes with two bars for a wider range of uses
  • EPA-certified engine for more eco-friendly performance

What I was also fascinated about is that the chainsaw consumes less fuel and releases fewer harmful gases than most models on the market. Plus, it’s equipped with Soft Start, which enables you to start, pause, and stop operation quickly.

Apparently, this chainsaw has as much to offer as all the previous products combined. Yet, it has a more comfortable grip and a generally lighter weight.

Pros

  • Available with many helpful accessories and two bar and chain lengths to suit a multitude of cutting scenarios
  • The anti-vibration system and ergonomic design adds a notch of comfort to your tasks
  • Releases fewer emissions and uses up less fuel to help you protect the environment
  • Weighs only 11.5 pounds without the chain and bar

Cons

  • Won’t handle heavy-duty work
  • The user’s manual isn’t very informative

50cc Chainsaw Features to Consider

Even with four great chainsaws to pick from, it can be a bit tricky to choose a favorite. Well, you’re in luck because this section addresses the factors you should think about before buying a 50cc chainsaw.

A person a chainsaw on one hand

Bar Length

Admittedly, the most important thing to consider before buying a chainsaw is the guide bar size. Determining this completely depends on the type of projects you intend to use the chainsaw for.

For example, a 14 or 16-inch bar could help you prune tree limbs. Yet, it won’t be much help in more demanding tasks such as tree felling.

A slightly larger bar, say 18 inches, can allow you to fell trees, but only to a certain degree. Here, I’m talking medium-diameter trees that a homeowner or an amateur can handle on their own.

If you need a chainsaw for more serious work, maybe you should consider 20-inch, 22-inch, or even 24-inch bars instead. Combined with the engine’s impressive power, those bar lengths could withstand bigger and more solid trees.

Safety

Working with a chainsaw requires all the safety features you can think of to keep any risks to a minimum. Therefore, the more a chainsaw model has in terms of safety, the higher up it should be on your list of priorities.

With that in mind, the best 50cc chainsaw would include:

  • Low-vibration technology to prevent kickback-related injuries
  • A chain brake and a chain catcher to protect the user from dangerous scenarios
  • An ergonomic and secure grip that leaves no room for slipping

Ease of Use and Convenience

Besides the previous two features, remember that ease of use can make or break a chainsaw in the eyes of the user.

For example, a chainsaw that takes only two or three pulls to start is much better than one that requires endless pulls. Not only will it save you time, but it’ll also let you focus your energy on the cutting task itself instead of on pulling the string.

Also, it’s always a good idea to invest in a chainsaw that features an automatic oiler to give you a steady flow of grease while you work. Besides being convenient, that feature ensures that your chainsaw parts don’t wear off easily.

An image of a chainsaw on top of logs

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Weight for a 50cc Chainsaw?

The answer to this question depends on what you’ll be able to work with and how long you’ll be operating the chainsaw. Yet, generally speaking, a chainsaw should be around 11.5 to 14 pounds without adding the bar and the chain.

Of course, there are lighter alternatives, but those won’t be as strong and can only be used for simple jobs. The opposite is true; heavier chainsaws endure tougher work, but they’ll need you to take more breaks!

What Should I Think About When It Comes to the Chain of the 50cc Chainsaw?

One of the greatest things about most chainsaws on the market is that the included chains tend to be on the durable side. However, just like any other part of a power tool that you use over and over, the chain will eventually need a replacement.

Therefore, what you should focus on when picking the chain in a saw is whether or not there will be a good replacement for it in the future.

How Can I Tell if the Chainsaw Is as Durable as I Want It to Be?

Sadly, due to the huge size of the chainsaw market, people might stumble upon power tools that don’t end up being as sturdy as they’re advertised.

The best way to make sure that doesn’t happen to you is to consult a professional to help you pick a reliable product. Or, if a friend of yours has a decent chainsaw that they use, ask them to take a look at it to judge its quality yourself.

If these two scenarios aren’t on the table for any reason, you could always check out product reviews to get unfiltered advice about chainsaws.

How to Use a Chainsaw | This Old House

Final Thoughts

You might’ve started the article with this question, but hopefully, now you have your answers!

My top pick for the best 50cc chainsaw has to be the Husqvarna 445e-Series II chainsaw. I like that it’s capable of most domestic wood-cutting tasks, comes with three extra chain loops, and is quick to start.

However, if you prefer a more affordable alternative, why not consider the Poulan Pro chainsaw? It’s almost as tough, reduces harmful gas emissions, and cuts down on fuel consumption.

Raised with a fix-it and improvement mindset, my wife and I completely restored our Craftsman-style home. Learning how to DIY a variety of home improvement projects, I started SawsHub with my father. He's the fine woodworker, I'm the DIYer!