- Engine power: 1.2 kW
- Bar length: 35 cm
- Chain speed: 21 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.4 liters
- Weight: 6.7 kg
- Sound level: 99 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Alpina product page
Guide: Choose the right gasoline-powered chainsaw
By Simon Berg Dec 1, 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.
1. Alpina Acs 39
Price Range: 1,900 - 2,100 SEK
Alpina Acs 39 is an affordable and user-friendly chainsaw, ideal for simple gardening projects such as cutting firewood and pruning. Its compact design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice 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
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling.
- Affordable and ideal for beginners.
- Sufficient performance for smaller projects.
- Slightly limited power for tougher tasks.
Quality
7/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
7/10
Value for money
9/10
Total rating: 7.8/10
2. STIHL MS 162
Price Range: 1,900 - 2,400 SEK
STIHL MS 162 is an robust chainsaw that combines ease of use with enough power for small to medium tasks. Perfect for beginners or those with simpler needs.
- Engine power: 1.2 kW
- Bar length: 30 cm
- Chain speed: 23 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.396 liters
- Weight: 4.5 kg
- Sound level: 100 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Stihl product page
- 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
- Easy to use with effective vibration damping.
- Affordable for small to medium tasks.
- Reliable performance for home use.
- Best suited for light tasks, not larger projects.
Quality
8/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8.3/10
3. Stiga CS 545
Price Range: 3,200 - 3,700 SEK
Stiga CS 545 is an versatile chainsaw suitable for both home use and light forestry work. With good power and a comfortable design, it is ideal for medium-sized projects.
- Engine power: 1.9 kW
- Bar length: 40 cm
- Chain speed: 23.1 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.49 liters
- Weight: 7.62 kg
- Sound level: 98.7 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Stiga product page
- Safety features: Manual chain brake, anti-vibration system (AVS)
- Starting system: Manual pull start
- Chain type and tensioning: .325" chain pitch, side-mounted tensioning
- Easy to handle thanks to the anti-vibration system.
- High chain speed for efficient cutting.
- Reliable for both small and medium-sized projects.
- Weight is slightly higher, but offers stable construction.
Quality
8/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8/10
4. STIHL MS 251
Price Range: 5,200 - 5,900 SEK
STIHL MS 251 is an powerful chainsaw ideal for regular use in the garden or forest. Designed to deliver reliable performance with low fuel consumption.
- Engine power: 2.2 kW
- Bar length: 35 cm
- Chain speed: 18.6 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.39 liters
- Weight: 4.8 kg
- Sound level: 103 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Stihl product page
- 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
- Efficient and easy to start.
- Good balance between power and weight.
- Low fuel consumption.
- Slightly pricier in its class, but great performance.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
7/10
Total rating: 8.5/10
5. Husqvarna 445 E-series Gen II
Price Range: 5,900 - 6,500 SEK
Husqvarna 445 E-series Gen II is an powerful and user-friendly chainsaw for medium to large projects. Featuring advanced technology like X-Torq® for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
- Engine power: 2.1 kW
- Bar length: 33 cm
- Chain speed: 17.3 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.45 liters
- Weight: 5.1 kg
- Sound level: 103 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Husqvarna product page
- 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
- Easy to start with Smart Start®.
- Low fuel consumption thanks to X-Torq®.
- Ideal for medium-sized tasks.
- Starts slightly slower in cold weather.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
6. STIHL MS 261 C-M
Price Range: 8,800 - 9,500 SEK
STIHL MS 261 C-M is an professional chainsaw with high precision and advanced features, perfect for demanding work and daily use.
- Engine power: 3,0 kW
- Bar length: 35 cm
- Chain speed: 24.8 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.50 liters
- Weight: 4.9 kg
- Sound level: 105 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Stihl product page
- 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
- Powerful performance and high durability.
- M-Tronic™ adjusts the engine automatically for optimal operation.
- Great ergonomics and lightweight for its class.
- Can feel a bit heavy during longer sessions.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
7/10
Total rating: 9/10
7. Husqvarna 572 XP G
Price Range: 13,200 - 16,900 SEK
Husqvarna 572 XP G is an robust and reliable chainsaw designed for heavy and demanding tasks. With advanced technology and high performance, it’s a favorite among professional users.
- Engine power: 4.3 kW
- Bar length: 45 cm
- Chain speed: 22 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.70 liters
- Weight: 6.8 kg
- Sound level: 107 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Husqvarna product page
- 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
- 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.
- Price is high, but reflects professional performance.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
6/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
8. STIHL MS 500i W
Price Range: 20,700 - 21,000 SEK
STIHL MS 500i W is the world’s first chainsaw with electronic fuel injection, offering instant acceleration and high performance. A top choice for professionals demanding the best.
- Engine power: 5.0 kW
- Bar length: 50 cm
- Chain speed: 24 m/s
- Fuel tank: 0.78 liters
- Weight: 6.3 kg
- Sound level: 106 dB(A) (LPA)
More info on the Stihl product page
- 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
- Market-leading performance and instant response.
- Electronic fuel injection for optimal fuel efficiency.
- Ergonomic design and anti-vibration system.
- Premium price, but superior power and features.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
6/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
Compare products
| # | Product | Engine power | Price Range (SEK)Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpina Acs 39 | 1.2 kW | 1,900 - 2,1001,900 - 2,100 SEK |
| 2 | STIHL MS 162 | 1.2 kW | 1,900 - 2,4001,900 - 2,400 SEK |
| 3 | Stiga CS 545 | 1.9 kW | 3,200 - 3,7003,200 - 3,700 SEK |
| 4 | STIHL MS 251 | 2.2 kW | 5,200 - 5,9005,200 - 5,900 SEK |
| 5 | Husqvarna 445 E-series Gen II | 2.1 kW | 5,900 - 6,5005,900 - 6,500 SEK |
| 6 | STIHL MS 261 C-M | 3,0 kW | 8,800 - 9,5008,800 - 9,500 SEK |
| 7 | Husqvarna 572 XP G | 4.3 kW | 13,200 - 16,90013,200 - 16,900 SEK |
| 8 | STIHL MS 500i W | 5.0 kW | 20,700 - 21,00020,700 - 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.
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