Bang For The Buck: 5 Best Chainsaw under $300 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Chainsaw under $300

Searching for the best chainsaw under 300 dollars? It can be very tricky to know which chainsaw is the best, though, but nowadays, 300 dollars will get you a pretty decent chainsaw. So, we have reviewed the sub 300 dollar chainsaw market to help you with your decision.

Chainsaws come packed with a decent amount of power and are highly flexible at this price range, and frankly, that’s what you want. You want a serious power tool that can do the heavy work when you spend 300 bucks, and not just a bit of tree trimming here and there.

For all sorts of outdoor maintenance work, chainsaws are the perfect tools. A chainsaw with performance and toughness is just what you need, whether you need to trim down an unruly hedge, stock up on logs for your burner, or take down an overgrown tree.

With a cutting-bar size of 12 to 18 inches, you can have a decent one in this price range. The price depends on factors such as gas saw engine size and electric saw voltage, length of cutting bar, fuel consumption, ease of use and more. The vast number of brands and models available on the market has made it more difficult to find an ideal chainsaw. Don’t worry though, we can help. We have compiled a list of the best chainsaw under 300 bucks; so without breaking the bank, you can tackle your yard tasks. Also read, Top rated and Best Selling Powerful Professional Chainsaws to Make Your Work Easier.


5 Best Chainsaws under $300


1. DEWALT DCCS670B Chainsaw – Our Top Pick

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We like how the DEWALT DCCS670 chainsaw is filled with characteristics that make it the best chainsaw you can buy for less than $300. It weighs 12 lbs, which is very lightweight and has got the best ergonomic design, ensuring that when working for long periods, you will not get tired.

The tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knobs are one of the awesome features that this chainsaw comprises, offering ample clamping force with an auto-oiling device for continuous lubrication and a quarter-turn oil cap for refilling purposes. Using this chainsaw, we felt safe as it includes a chain brake to help avoid crashes.

We have to admit we were super happy with the results when we tested the latest DEWALT FlexVolt battery technology on this chainsaw. You can make up to 70 cuts per charge on a 6′′ x 6′′ pressure treated pine wood with this high-quality battery that lasts all day. That said, it’s important to remember that, because they are not included, as usual, we had to buy the batteries and charger separately.

Pros:

  • Less maintenance: no sparkplug change, no air filter and carburettor to clean
  • Anti-kickback protection
  • Support 18″ bar
  • Lightweight & Ergonomic design

Cons:

  • Battery & Charger sold separately

2. Husqvarna 240 2 HP Gas Chainsaw

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If we didn’t rate it our No.1, Husqvarna 240 doesn’t mean that the range of innovative features included in this chainsaw didn’t inspire us. It is as strong as the DCCS670 chainsaw from Dewalt. The company has a bar length of 16 inches with a 38 cc engine and 2 HP, making it a heavy-duty instrument. This gas chainsaw has a tensioning mechanism for the side-mounted chain that lets it stand out from its rivals and helps you make tight and smooth cuts.

In order to minimise fuel consumption, the hybrid choke/stop control mechanism helps to save money on fuel, making it more economically viable than other chainsaws we have used. We found the levels of vibration were substantially lower than anticipated, which allowed us to work without discomfort for longer. Larger dust and debris are collected by the centrifugal air cleaning system, resulting in reduced air filter cleaning, extending engine life and maintaining efficiency over time.

Weighing 10.2 pounds, the Husqvarna 240 2 HP chain saw makes it strong enough to stay stable at work. We struggled often with the chain breaking off, which meant we lost precious time re-attaching it. Overall, this chainsaw is suitable for home use.

Pros:

  • Lower fuel consumption
  • heavy-duty chainsaw
  • Powerful motor
  • Supports a 16″ bar
  • Chain tensioner

Cons:

  • Chain slipping off frequently

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3. WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw

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We discovered that with the WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw, there are a lot of different features that work to its advantage. This sturdy 15 amp motor produces 4.0 peak horsepower, which is strong enough to cut firewood, clear brush, trim trees, and more for your hardest jobs around your yard or farm.

The patented auto-tension chain system is one of the most useful characteristics of this chainsaw, ensuring that we always cut at the right tension, regardless of the material. But smart technology didn’t end there, either.

The feature of automatic oil lubrication ensured that we used the correct amount of oil for the job. In addition, when using this chainsaw, the integrated chain brake and low kickback bar ensured that we felt well secured against injury.

Weighing about 11 pounds, this corded electric saw is heavier than our 2nd choice. But strength, balance & stability are offered by this heavy tool. We thought that this model provides enough power for an electric chainsaw to rival gas-fuelled options.

We also like how the rubber-coated ergonomic handle made it comfortable for us to grasp and generally easy to carry. This is our best deal for the under $300 money chain saw to be used at home or as a professional.

Pros:

  • Powerful 15 Amp motor
  • Auto-tension chain system
  • Automatic oil lubrication
  • Excellent value for money

Cons:

  • Oil reservoir may leak
  • The chain keeps coming loose

4. Black and Decker LCS1020 Cordless Chainsaw

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The Black and Decker are well-known for making feature-packed and robust instruments, and with the LCS102 chainsaw, that’s especially true. The high-quality 20 V lithium-ion battery has offered us a much longer run time compared to its rivals.

We also liked how convenient the wrap around the bale handle is to use. It includes a tool-free tension device for the blade and a 10″ low kickback bar and chain in Oregon that ensured that we were as safe as possible while operating.

This cordless chainsaw comes with a battery included, unlike some others, making it an inexpensive option and easy to use. The lightest of all, built for ease of manoeuvrability and decreased fatigue, weighs just 7 pounds. A clear window is created to easily check the level of the oil.

As such, for long-term uses, we would not suggest it. But it is best for swift jobs. In addition, we think that this model felt less durable than its rivals, particularly great for home use only.

Pros:

  • Tool-free blade tension system
  • Battery lasts longer than competitors

Cons:

  • Chain speed is quite slow
  • Overheats easily
  •  Oiler acts up

5. Poulan Pro PR4218 Chain Saw

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Poulan Pro PR4218, since it is not a powerful chainsaw, is at the bottom of our list. Although we like that, it has a 42cc 2 cycle engine that ensured that we were able to perform cutting with ease through heavy, thick materials such as medium-duty storm clean-up, tree felling, and firewood cutting.

It can vibrate in the beginning when you start cutting, but it has an anti-vibration system to minimise it. The company also launched a new feature called OxyPower technology that provides better fuel efficiency, more power, 70% less emissions, and 20% lower fuel consumption.

We also found it particularly difficult to start this chainsaw and the bulky nature made it awkward for us to carry it. In addition, we found that the switch and case were made cheaply and broke easily, so overall, we thought that this model could do with some enhancement.

Pros:

  • Powerful 2 stroke 42cc engine
  • SuperClean Air Filter System

Cons:

  • Chainsaw case is cheaply made
  • The switch may easily break
  • Difficult to start

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Buyer’s Guide:

It can be tricky to choose the right chainsaw for your needs. We discuss some of the most important characteristics to consider before making your final decision in this section:

1. Guide Bar Length

For its overall performance, a chain saw guide bar length is important and also determines the thickness of the materials you would be able to cut. The longer the length, the more suitable it is for thicker trees and hedges, as well as large pieces of wood. Shorter ones, by comparison, will only be sufficient for smaller tasks and thinner pieces of wood.

Guide bar lengths usually vary between 6 and 20 inches, with lumberers or other practitioners frequently using the larger ones. The length is more than enough for the likes of small trees and thin hedges, between 6 and 15 inches. However, you can choose one between 15 and 20 inches in length if you need a chainsaw for medium to large sized trees and chopping firewood.

2. Power

A multitude of distinct power options are available for chainsaws. You’ll have to pick between gas, electric and battery operated models when determining which chainsaw is right for you.

Much of the variations between these sources of power concern versatility and how economical they are to operate. Cordless electric and gas chainsaws, for example, can provide a considerable amount of versatility, but they require you to frequently buy gas or charge batteries.

Corded electric chainsaws, in contrast, provide a continuous supply of instant power. But they must be plugged in, meaning that when running, you would need to remain within a certain distance of a socket. This can be very uncomfortable, especially if you have a big area to cover. Extension cables are one option, but when you work, you have to be careful not to fall over or cut the cables.

Gas-powered models appear to be more powerful than electric or cordless electric models, in general terms. These are better suited to heavy-duty work, therefore.

3. Safety Features

When it comes to chainsaws, protection is a must, since they can cause severe and life-threatening injuries if anything go wrong. However, manufacturers have noticed this and implemented a number of distinct safety features to limit this risk.

Kickback bars and auto-stop chains are the most important of these safety features, which prevent any cuts or accidents from happening if you lose control of the chainsaw.

4. Ease of use

Historically, chainsaws have been hard to use, which is why most people who used them in the past have been professionals. However, chainsaws nowadays also have various features that make them more acceptable for less experienced users.

It’s best to select a lightweight model that has ergonomic handles and easy, tool-free chain adjustments if you are new to chainsaws. But you can go with a chainsaw over 40cc if you are a professional skilled logger. Since you won’t have to worry about running out of oil and ruining your chainsaw, automatic chain oiling is also a bonus.


Final thoughts:

While all of the chainsaws we have reviewed make good choices, we believe that the DEWALT DCCS670 is the best chainsaw on our list, and you should go for WORX WG304 if you are looking for something with value for money. Its auto-lubrication and ergonomic handle made it incredibly easy to use, while after hours of heavy cutting, the lightweight design meant we didn’t feel exhausted.

Even though it’s an electric model, we discovered that the DEWALT DCCS670 FlexVolt battery had enough power and let us work comfortably for a whole day. The brake chain ensured that we felt safe and well protected from any possible accidents.

Overall, while we had to purchase the batteries and charger separately, we still highly suggest the DEWALT DCCS670 as the Best Chainsaw under 300 dollars. Also, we already have an article about the best chainsaws overall, just a heads-up (without considering the budget). You may be able to get some ideas from it.


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