Best Lightweight Chainsaws

The Vitals BKZ 2510s chainsaw is an inexpensive household tool. Due to its low power (1.1 hp), it is unlikely to be suitable for professional use, but its characteristics are quite enough for the needs of a home craftsman or a homeowner with a garden. This saw is equipped with a 2-stroke engine with a displacement of 25.4 cm³. The inner surface of the cylinder is chrome-plated to ensure engine reliability and durability. The engine starts manually with a pull starter equipped with a spring-loaded "easy-start" mechanism. The electronic ignition system ensures easy starting and stable engine operation throughout the entire range of operating speeds.

The cutting equipment consists of a guide bar and a cutting chain. The bar is 300 mm (12 inches) long. This saw does not have a tool-less chain tensioning mechanism, so when assembling the tool, it is necessary to tightly tighten the two bolts to securely fix the bar. The chain has a common size (pitch 3/8", 45 links), so there should be no problems selecting cutting accessories. The lubrication system includes an automatic pump (with adjustable oil flow) and an oil tank with a capacity of 0.16 liters. The package includes all the tools necessary for setting up and maintaining the saw, as well as a small plastic container for preparing the fuel mixture (A-92 gasoline and special two-stroke engine oil in a ratio of 25:1).

The Vitals BKZ 2510s saw is lightweight (4 kg) and very compact (primarily thanks to the top handle). Despite its low power, this tool can be used for pruning trees, harvesting firewood (from logs and trunks of small or medium diameter), as well as for implementing small construction projects.

The AL-KO BKS 3835 saw is one of the most affordable models in the AL-KO range of gasoline tools. It is equipped with a relatively lightweight (due to the aluminum alloy crankcase) 37-cubic engine with a power of 1.63 hp. The Walbro carburetor is responsible for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber (products of this company are considered very good, so they are used on many chainsaws, trimmers, and other types of garden tools produced by different manufacturers). The carburetor design allows you to adjust the quantity and quality of the fuel mixture for confident engine operation in various conditions, and also ensures easy starting and stable motor operation at idle and full throttle. The air entering the cylinder is cleaned by a two-stage filter (the regular filtering element is supplemented by a centrifugal cleaning system) - this is better for the motor, as good air cleaning from dust prolongs the engine's service life.

The saw comes with an Oregon chain and a 350 mm guide bar. A good engine, which perfectly maintains speed, in combination with a high-quality, sharply sharpened chain, ensures high productivity and allows cutting materials of different structures and densities: whether live branches or well-dried wood. The saw's anti-vibration system, consisting of several springs and dampers, effectively absorbs vibrations and beats, reducing stress on the user's hands. Among the unpleasant moments, it is worth noting the noticeable play of some plastic body parts (even though the plastic itself is of very good quality), which slightly "smears" the positive impressions of this tool.

Overall, the AL-KO BKS 3835 chainsaw is an excellent option for those who need to occasionally cut trees in the garden, prune branches, or prepare small volumes of firewood for a boiler or a fireplace.

The Korean Hyundai X 370 saw is positioned as a semi-professional tool. Its engine is not the most powerful (2 hp or 1.5 kW), but simple and reliable. The engine is responsive and instantly reacts to trigger movements. The crankshaft is mounted on bearings pressed into the crankcase halves (this design contributes to the engine's durability). According to the manufacturer's claims, the engine resource exceeds 300 motor hours before maintenance, which is quite a decent indicator.

The saw is easy to operate. The body cover, held on by one screw, provides quick access to the air filter. The filter element can be cleaned with a brush or washed with water. The tensioning screw is located on the side (not at the bottom, like in many chainsaws), so there is no risk of injuring yourself on sharp teeth while tensioning the chain. The saw comes with a 35 cm guide bar and a Hyundai chain.

The tool is equipped with a primer for fuel priming and a decompressor that reduces excessive pressure in the cylinder. Therefore, the saw starts very easily (usually with one pull of the cord). But this is true only in warm weather. At temperatures below 5 degrees, starting the engine often presents problems.

This saw can be considered as a tool for utility services, whose responsibilities include seasonal pruning of shrubs and trees in gardens and parks. If its size and power seem too small for serious work, you should look at other Hyundai chainsaw models that are slightly larger: Hyundai X 420 with a 40 cm guide bar and Hyundai X 520 with a 50 cm bar.

The Oleo-Mac GSH 40-14 saw is not cheap, but at least it is the most affordable among all chainsaws of this brand. It is not heavy (4.5 kg without bar and chain), well balanced, and comfortable in the hands. The central aluminum handle is covered with soft, non-slip plastic. Metal springs on which the engine block is suspended and rubber dampers excellently absorb vibrations.

Gasoline tools by Oleo-Mac are known for their good engines. They start easily (this model has a primer that makes starting the engine easier), work well at negative temperatures and economically consume fuel. The saw's construction provides quick access to the air filter and convenient chain tension adjustment (the tensioning screw is located on the right side of the body). The only complaint is the Chinese carburetor of questionable quality, which, according to user reviews, requires close attention and regular cleaning.

Oleo-Mac chainsaws traditionally have American cutting equipment Oregon, known for its quality. The 35 cm bar with a well-sharpened chain easily bites into wood and can effortlessly handle dry logs equal in diameter to the bar length.

Oleo-Mac household saws from the Home Plus series are not designed for professional use. They are intended for homeowners and garden plot owners. They are suitable for cutting firewood, clearing shrub thickets, or removing dead woods. For more serious tasks, there are the Tough Tech series and professional tools Oleo-Mac Sharp Pro.

Without considering the cutting attachment, the Husqvarna 353 15 saw weighs only 5 kg, so it is considered light. However, it is quite powerful (by the standards of its "weight category"). The 51.7 cm³ engine produces a total of 3.26 hp (2.4 kW). Thanks to this power, the tool can be used not only for garden and home tasks but also as a professional chainsaw for loggers and builders.

The factory bar, supplied with the chainsaw, is 38 cm long. But the manufacturer allows the installation of other bars, up to long 50 cm bars, because the engine's power reserve is sufficient to handle increased loads.

This chainsaw has been produced since 2002 and is considered a "legend" due to its reliability and high quality (all 353 model saws are made in Sweden). It has a magnesium crankcase consisting of two halves with a pressed-in crankshaft. The tool is equipped with a decompressor and a primer (for easy starting in any conditions), adjustable oil pump (for tuning to different work modes), and a convenient chain tensioner, access to which is on the side. The two-stage air cleaning (centrifugal system plus a durable serviced filter) excellently filters dust and wood particles. The engine is capable of "digesting" low-quality gasoline. The large tank (0.5 liters) allows you to work for 20–25 minutes on one refueling. The anti-vibration system, comprising several springs and dampers, effectively absorbs vibrations, reducing strain on the hands.

The Husqvarna 353 15 chainsaw is intended for commercial use. It is designed for daily work for many hours per shift. It costs a lot, but among the "workhorses" that can withstand intensive work on construction sites or logging, it is hard to find something cheaper.