If you are into woodworks and would rather cut the materials on your own to maintain quality, then an arborist chainsaw would be the perfect power tool for you.
This kind of chainsaw cuts wood like a butter knife slices butter. Thanks to the looping chain mechanism, this tool can easily cut through wood without you breaking a sweat, and that is exactly what you need if you work with wood on a daily basis.
And to make sure your work is top-notch, you’ll need the best arborist chainsaw available.
Arborist chainsaws are also called top-handle chainsaws due to the way they are held and operated. But they come in different variations for different kinds of works. There are ones for light work, and there are ones for heavy work as well. So, let’s check out the best ones you can find in today’s market, shall we?
Top Handle Arborist Chainsaw Comparison Table
Image | Product Name | Power Source | Weight | |
  | Husqvarna 966997203 T435 Top Handle Saw | Gas | 7.5 Ibs | |
  | Makita XCU06T 10″ Top Handle Chain Saw | Battery | 12 Ibs | |
  | DEWALT DCCS620P1 Chainsaw Kit | Battery | 8.8 Ibs | |
  | Echo CS-355T 16-Inch Top Handle Chain Saw | Gas | 10 Ibs | |
  | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 12” Chainsaw | Battery | 9.9 Ibs |
Best Arborist Chainsaws Reviews
We have reviewed 7 of the most capable arborist chainsaws in the market now. They are top of the line and come with their own perks. So, here goes;
1. Husqvarna T435 Top Handle Saw
Let’s start with a hidden gem. Husqvarna is an underrated brand that doesn’t get the appreciation that they deserve. But we think that their T435 top handle saw has an amazing value. That’s why we think that this is a good one to start the list with.
The first thing that caught our eye about this arborist chainsaw is that it is surprisingly lightweight. We are not even kidding. It only weighs 7.5 lbs. This makes it the most lightweight arborist chainsaw that we have tried.
Thanks to this feature, you can easily move this chainsaw around. So, it’s a win-win situation.
The next thing that’s needed to be noted is the way this top handle chainsaw is powered by gas. And something that we all know is that gas-powered tools will always pack an extra punch when it comes to power, and especially power tools. So, no matter how big the tree is, the Husqvarna T435 can handle it.
Moreover, we noticed that this is an anti-vibration chainsaw. So, it’s going to be smooth sailing for most of us who use this. Gone are the times when your work would get ruined due to the vibrations of the power tools.
Another feature that would catch your eye is that it has a rope attachment. You can use it when you hoist the chainsaw up a tree. This makes things a whole lot easier.
So, apart from the comparatively higher price tag, this professional arborist chainsaw is an absolute gem.
Special Features
- Gas-powered Chainsaw
- Rope attachment for use when hoisting up a tree
Pros
- Lightweight as they come for better maneuvers – 7.5 lbs
- Packs a punch when it comes to power
- Anti-vibration system
- Good value for your money
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
2. Makita XCU06T 10″ Top Handle Chainsaw
Generally considered as the best top handle chainsaw around, the XCU06PT is another gem brought to us by Makita. It packs in some really awesome features that make the other ones look like nothing.
Firstly, it comes as a full package, and we are not exaggerating when we say a full package. It includes long-lasting batteries and even a fast charger in the box. So, you really don’t have to worry about buying these extra things. Moreover, the batteries are 18V LXT Lithium-ion ones. Quite the perk, right?
Secondly, it’s very quiet- to the point where we were baffled how a chainsaw this powerful can be this silent. It’s only 89 decibels, whereas an average gas chainsaw produces 112 decibels of sound. That will definitely save you from the curses thrown at you by your neighbor and even your family.
Thirdly, it’s even lightweight, weighing only 12 lbs. At 1650 FPM, this is highly impressive. So, it’s both powerful and easily maneuverable. That’s quite the combination, and we think that this can help you get some quality woodwork done.
Moreover, it’s also trigger dependent. So, you don’t have to worry about it running even when you let go of the trigger. That proves it safe. One thing that you should keep in mind is that the oil cap might leak if you rest it vertically.
Special Features
- Extremely powerful and has insane heavy-duty cutting speeds
- Easily maneuverable
Pros
- Comes fully packed – this includes batteries and a fast charger as well
- Surprisingly silent at only 89 decibels
- Lightweight at 12 lbs along with the batteries installed
- Trigger dependent; stops when you remove finger from the trigger
Cons
- Possibility of oil cap leaking if the saw is kept resting vertically on the handle
3. DEWALT DCCS620P1 Chainsaw Kit – Best Budget Top Handle Chainsaw
When it comes to arborist chainsaws or a power tool of any kind, Dewalt has a pretty good name in today’s market. All of their products have good critical reviews and always maintain good quality.
This 12-inch top handle chainsaw is no different from its predecessors. It comes with its own benefits that make it an amazing buy for anyone.
For starters, it’s very lightweight. The material has been carefully crafted, making it easy to hold and use. Thanks to this feature, the chainsaw has proved to be easy to maneuver as well. You can easily move it around and get precise cuts in the wood when necessary.
Moreover, there is an auto-oiling system in the chainsaw that caught us by surprise. This auto-oiling system solves a lot of our problems by simply oiling the guide bar whenever necessary, letting you focus on your work all the more. So, the more you focus, the better the cuts.
Along with all that, this top handle chainsaw boasts a 5 Ah battery that runs as good as a gas powered chainsaw. The battery is pretty long-lasting, letting you work long hours with it and getting a lot of work done to increase efficiency.
Another notable feature would be how quiet this chainsaw is. We were surprised to see that it’s very quiet compared to its competition. So, the people at your place can actually relax as you work. And when it comes to cons for this one, we didn’t find any.
Special Features
- 5 Ah battery-powered chainsaw
- Auto-oiling system
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Comparatively quiet
- Small, yet powerful
- Has a long-lasting battery for you to work long hours
Cons
- This one exceeded our expectations, meaning we didn’t find any cons
4. Echo CS-355T 16-Inch Top Handle Chainsaw
Products made by Echo are also some of the better choices in the market, and they always deliver on their promise to provide top-notch quality. And the CS-355T doesn’t disappoint as well. It has some amazing specs, both on paper and field.
Firstly, the whole thing has a professional-grade engine that also happens to be a two-stroke engine.
The engine excels in performance, thanks to all the power that it provides. This kind of motor power lets the chainsaw cut through wood as a butter knife cuts through butter.
Secondly, this top handle chain saw comes with an ergonomic handle. So, let’s discuss how important this feature is and how it definitely makes the deal for this arborist chainsaw.
Ergonomics is crucial when using a power tool because it’s important that you don’t injure your hand while doing all the heavy work. Now, the CS-355T has a handle angle that lets you maintain your natural wrist position while you cut. So, that keeps your wrist in a spot where it is safe.
Moreover, the contoured handle is shaped to fit your hand perfectly. You can work with a perfect grip, which will in no way make you uncomfortable. Along with all that, the palm rest also supports your hand and provides a kind of leverage that keeps your hand comfortable while you work to perfection.
And as for cons, we didn’t find any.
Special Features
- Ergonomic design
- Professional Grade 2 Stroke Engine
Pros
- Comes with a powerful engine
- Comfortable handle for a better grip
- Automatic-oiler takes care of the lubrication of the guide bar
- 16-inch Chainsaw
Cons
- Honestly, we didn’t find any
5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 12” Chainsaw
CRAFTSMAN is another top-of-the-line brand that gives you power tools with amazing quality and functionality. Their V20 cordless chainsaw doesn’t fail to maintain consistency when it comes to quality, just like their other appliances. We were caught in awe when we saw its potential. Here’s what we had to say about it.
Firstly, it is surprisingly affordable. This lightweight design top handle chainsaw packs in quite the features, yet it comes at a price that most people in the woodworking businesses can afford.
This proves that CRAFTSMAN had their customers and their ability to afford in mind while creating this. So, if you have a tight budget, this one is a no-brainer.
Secondly, this arborist chainsaw also happens to have an auto-oiling system. Honestly, at this price point, having this feature is quite amazing. As mentioned before, the system automatically oils the guide bar when you work. So, no more lubrication breaks and you can work as long as you need.
Thirdly, the chainsaw has tool-free chain tensioning system, which lets it be adjusted almost effortlessly. So, gone are the days hustling and bustling while trying to get your chainsaw ready.
Additionally, the chainsaw has a compact design. This kind of design lets it reach places that you could never reach before. And along with all that, the bubble level lets you make some deadly accurate cuts.
But the battery falls a little short, so you might have to charge the battery every hour when you’re trying to get some job done for a long time.
Special Features
- Tool-free tensioning
- Compact design
Pros
- Very affordable
- Has an auto-oiling system that keeps the guide oiled up all the time
- Designed to reach hard-to-reach places
- Can make accurate cuts, thanks to the bubble level
Cons
- Might have to recharge the battery every other hour during big jobs
6. Makita XCU08PT LXT 14″ Top Handle Chain Saw
If you’ve seen the XCU06PT, well, get ready for the XCU08PT because it’s the same top handle chainsaw, just with a longer guide bar length. They both pack the same kind of power and the same kind of features.
Makita is widely known for catering to all kinds of customers. So, they happen to bring out different variants of their products. This is what happened with the XCU08PT.
It comes with everything included in the box. There are two 18V batteries and a 36V fast charger that help you use the whole thing non-stop when you’re deep into work. Pretty convenient, right?
Moreover, it’s also amazingly silent. Thanks to Makita’s optimization, it enables everyone to work with less sound pollution, and it also saves you from people’s curses. But compared to its competition, it’s a winner when it comes to silence.
Along with that, the chainsaw is insanely powerful. So, you can use it to cut through the sturdiest of wood. And all that power also lets you do it all at insane chain speed. Plus, it comes with a highly efficient brushless motor and electric chain brake for best results.
And to top it all off, this top handle chainsaw is on the lighter side. So, that makes it easier to move and handle. Like the XCU06PT, this one also has the probability of a leaking oil cap if kept vertically on its handle.
Special Features
- Extra battery
- Fast charging
Pros
- Has everything included in the box
- Silent compared to its competition
- Very powerful and can cut at amazing speed
- Considerably lightweight, even with the batteries on
Cons
- Oil cap might end up leaking if you keep the saw vertically on its handle
7. Husqvarna 18-Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
As we said before, Husqvarna is highly underrated. Their products impressed to a level where we were compelled to add two of their arborist chainsaws to our list. And this 18-inch Gas Chainsaw has a feature that a lot of us will like.
Now, power tools are not easy to use, and most of them need some kind of training to learn and properly use. But what if you could get a top handle chainsaw that was made specifically for beginners. Well, this one is just that. It’s more of a homeowner chainsaw than a semi-professional one.
This Husqvarna chainsaw can be easily used right off the box, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to handle it. On the plus side, it’s also gas-powered, so you’ll be able to use it with ease as you cut through wood.
Moreover, the whole thing comes with built-in safety features. That takes away the one thing that people worry about when using a chainsaw, the probability of injuring themselves. But, regardless, you should be extra careful when you use it to handle your work.
Along with all that, as this is an arborist chainsaw made for beginners, it’s great for light work. But at the same, these features limit it from pulling off large tasks. So, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher chainsaw won’t be that effective for heavy work.
Special Features
- Made for beginners
- Built-in safety
Pros
- Can be easily started right from the box
- Gas-powered
- 18-inch chainsaw
- Works amazing for light jobs
Cons
- Not good for large tasks
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is an arborist chainsaw?
An arborist chainsaw is a type of chainsaw that has been specifically designed to be used by an arborist. They have many features in common with regular chainsaws, but they also have some key differences.
Arborists use these types of saws all the time to cut tree limbs and branches so that trees can be trimmed without harming them or other structures around them. The saws are typically lightweight and have a small chain bar, which makes them easier to use in the tree’s canopy.
What is a top handle chainsaw used for?
A top handle chainsaw is a type of chainsaw that is used for high-performance cutting jobs. It’s perfect for removing large trees and branches from around power lines.
It’s especially useful for those with limited mobility, as it allows you to stand while cutting in a more upright position. The design of the saw also prevents fatigue and provides greater control over the blade than other types of chainsaws do.
Top handle chainsaws are also called “brush cutters” because they are often used to clear brush from logging roads or trails in forests.
Can you use a top handle chainsaw on the ground?
This is a question that many people ask themselves when they need to take care of tree branches and other things in their yard.
A top handle chainsaw can be used on the ground, but you have to make sure that it is either on a flat surface or propped up at an angle before using it.
Are Top handle chainsaws dangerous?
No, top-handle chainsaws aren’t dangerous.
A top handle chainsaw is a type of chainsaw that has an additional grip on the top near the blade. This extra grip provides more control and stability when you are sawing, which makes it easier and safer to cut branches off trees or logs in half.
Top-handle Chainsaws are also quite dangerous to use without proper training, experience or the right protective gear. So, make sure that you have your protective gear and proper training. Otherwise, choose a regular rear handle chainsaw.
What should you wear when using a chainsaw?
There are many things to consider when using a chainsaw, and one of those is what you should wear. You will need to protect yourself from the risk of injury if something goes wrong, which can happen even if you’re careful.
Every chainsaw comes with its own safety instructions but in general, you should wear proper personal protective equipment when using a chainsaw.
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment to use because it will protect your head from injury. In addition to wearing a helmet, you should always wear earmuffs or earplugs to prevent hearing loss and goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
You may also want to consider gloves, long sleeves, pants, and boots if possible as these can help provide additional protection for sensitive body parts like arms and legs which are more likely targets for flying objects while operating the saw.
The Bottom Line
Now, those were some of the finest arborist chainsaws that money can buy, ensuring good value. We hope you can choose the best arborist chainsaw for you with the help of this review guide.
These chainsaws come in variation due to a certain reason: they are meant for multiple jobs. So, the first thing you have to identify before choosing one from the reviews above is the kind of work you are targeting it for.
Once that is nailed down, you can easily jot down your needs and choose one chainsaw that best suits them. And practically, that takes care of most of your work for you. And once you get your hands on the chainsaw, make sure you tread carefully, otherwise the consequences can be dire.
With all that said, we would love some feedback from you. So, if you think there’s something we have missed, please don’t hesitate to contact us.