My trusted 18-inch chainsaw hits the sweet spot of being the most practical size machine for general-purpose use around the yard. I can use it for cutting and clearing medium-sized trees, to preparing firewood for winter.
If I could only choose one size of chainsaw the 18” would be my machine of choice…
No doubt you’ve found this article because you are thinking in a similar way, right? One versatile tool for general use. I get it.
Over the years I worked my way through a few chainsaws and recognize that if you only have the budget or preference for one chainsaw…then it needs to be a tool you can rely on. Built strong, built to last, and deliver the right level of performance across multiple tasks.
With this in mind, I have worked through my list of favorite chainsaws and decided to give you my recommendations on the best 18-inch chainsaws to buy right now.
- 2 Best 18 Inch Chainsaws
- When to Use An 18 Inch Chainsaws
- 18-inch Chainsaw Buyers Guide
- Best 18 Inch Chainsaws Reviewed
- 1. STIHL FARM BOSS MS 271 18 in. 50.2 cc Gas Chainsaw
- 2. EGO Power+ CS1804 18-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Chain Saw
- 3. Husqvarna 445 18-inch Gas Chainsaw
- 4. Poulan Pro 18 in. 42cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
- 5. Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
- 6. OREGON CS1500 Self-Sharpening 18" Corded Chainsaw
- 7. WORX 18-Inch 15.0 Amp Electric Chainsaw
- 8. BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw, 18-Inch, 15-Amp, Corded
- Other Chainsaw Features to Consider
- Verdict: Best 18 Inch Chainsaws
2 Best 18 Inch Chainsaws
If you’re short on time, here are the two outstanding chainsaws from my trials. The Stihl is the best overall chainsaw and the best gas chainsaw. If you’re fixed on a cleaner quieter electric saw then the Ego is an easy winner from the corded electric or battery-powered chainsaw category.
Best 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw
Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Outstanding yard or farm chainsaw. 50.2cc engine produces 2.6kW of power which melts wood for fun.
Best 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw
EGO Power+ CS1804 Chainsaw
Innovative electric chainsaw weighing only 9.7 lbs. Ultra-quiet 86db yet still produces 11,000rpm of chain speed.
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When to Use An 18 Inch Chainsaws
As a versatile chainsaw, the 18-inch model gives you the flexibility to work through a whole range of tasks. The only exception is heavy work, the type of work that I can’t really see you need to do in your backyard like heavy storm clearance or very thick bucking.
- Cutting Firewood
- Felling Small and Medium Trees
- Bucking Medium Logs
- Light Storm Clean Up
For very light work such as limbing, pruning, and bucking small logs then an 8–14-inch saw is preferred. Obviously, the 18 inches will do the job, but it’s a touch long and slightly bulky for extended use with this type of activity.
Everything else, an 18-inch saw will handle well within its capability.
| Chainsaws Cutting | Bar Length (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Light/Medium Firewood | 14-20 |
| Felling Small Trees | 16-20 |
| Felling Medium Trees | 16-20 |
| Bucking Medium Logs | 16-20 |
| Storm Clean-Up | 16-20 |
How Big A Tree Can I Cut with an 18-inch Chainsaw
As a rule of thumb for a chainsaw to cut a tree in a single pass, the tree diameter will need to be 2 inches less than the length of the chainsaw bar. Therefore, an 18-inch chainsaw could cut a 16-inch diameter tree in a single pass through the trunk.
Cutting through a tree trunk with a diameter wider than the chainsaw will require cutting the tree from opposing sides, with the cuts meeting in the middle. Making it possible to work through a tree diameter of up to 32 inches with an 18-inch chainsaw.
18-inch Chainsaw Buyers Guide
An 18-inch chain saw can be your perfect power tool for executing both small and large cutting tasks. However, getting a high-quality chainsaw that meets your cutting needs can be overwhelming, given the number of products on the market.
That said, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the best buy practices before you pour your hard-earned money down the drain. In this guide, you will learn the considerations that can help you narrow down your chainsaw list and secure the best in the market.
Power: Gas vs. Electric (Corded) Chainsaws
One of the first decisions you will need to come to terms with is your preferred chainsaw power source. Gasoline saws have a long-held reputation for generating a lot of power, but they come with maintenance needs and extra weight. Whereas electric chainsaws are lighter, and cleaner, but can be restricted by the length of the power cord or the lifespan of the battery. So let’s explore the two options in more detail.
Gas Powered Chainsaw
Gas-powered chainsaws are powered by…well yep, gasoline. They tend to be the preferred choice for landscaping professionals due to their power, speed, and longevity. They also have the inherent advantage of being cordless, allowing the flexibility to work in remote locations for extended periods of time.
However, gas-powered chainsaws have some limitations, leading to the increase in the popularity of electric-powered chainsaws. As with all technology battery-powered machines in particular reach a very high standard of performance in comparison to gas machines.
Gas Chainsaw Limitations:
- Gas engines tend to make chainsaws heavier than electric motor-powered machines
- More expensive than their electric-powered counterparts
- Significantly louder than electric chainsaws
- They tend to have more interruptions by gas outages
- Require maintenance, frequent oil and gas refills, engine servicing
- They pollute the environment and omit smelly fumes
Electric Chainsaws
There are two options for electric chainsaws. Battery-powered (cordless), or standard corded electric chainsaw. Both have their merits depending on what your goal is.
Corded Electric Chainsaw
Corded machines have a number of benefits worth considering before you dismiss them as not modern or rugged enough.
- Infinite run time, through main electricity
- Cleaner and quieter than gasoline models
- Lower purchase price and no servicing or fuel cost
- The lightest chainsaw technology. No engine weight, no battery weight
- Capable of generating a lot of torque and power from mains electricity
On the downside, they are tethered to the plug socket and have a trailing power cord. This reduces maneuverability and restricts where you can work and in what weather conditions you can work.
Battery Powered Cordless Chainsaw
Cordless chainsaws have grown significantly in recent years with more models hitting the market. There are plenty of superb options available, delivering very good power and providing a very convenient option.
For the average homeowner, I would be very comfortable suggesting a cordless battery chainsaw and in fact, I have one myself and can only say good things about how useful and easy to use it is:
- Push button easy start, no messing about so perfect for quick jobs
- Cleaner and quieter than gasoline models
- Full flexibility and maneuverability
- No maintenance costs other than purchasing additional batteries for extended run time
Okay…so what are the downsides…well there are a few. They tend to have a higher upfront purchase price compared to corded models, and as a general rule of thumb, battery-powered chainsaws generate less power than gasoline or corded models.
Engine and Motor Power
I thought you may be wondering about chainsaw power and how gasoline and electric technologies match up. Well, it’s complicated. I mean it’s complicated to get an exact comparison of any specification, as there are so many variables between these technologies.
Just because an electric chainsaw uses an 80V battery and motor does not necessarily mean it will discharge that power effectively relative to a 60V model. What I mean to say is…it is not necessarily 25% more powerful.
The same problem exists when comparing electric power to gasoline engine power. So, we can only really compare the whole system in practical use. However, for completeness, I will overview a few of the specifications so that at least it will give you a reasonable understanding of their role.
Horsepower and cc
Horsepower is often used to describe the power of a gasoline chainsaw. It is similar to how automobiles often use the term. It describes the grunt of the machine and its ability to create torque to drive the chain.
The cc refers to the cubic capacity or size of the engine. It will have a direct effect on the amount of power an engine can generate but I would recommend it as a secondary metric behind engine horsepower.
Volts and Amp Hour
Volts refer to the power output of an electric chainsaw motor, in a similar way that horsepower is used to measure engine power. A higher Voltage will often result in higher power output but not always.
Amp Hours refer to the battery capacity and run time, so let’s take a deeper look at this, as well as look into the run time of gasoline engines…
Runtime: Fuel Capacity vs. Battery Ah
When we talk about the run time of a chainsaw, we are really comparing the length of time the machine operates continuously on a single tank of fuel or a single battery charge.
Why does run time matter…?
Well, if you’re working pre-winter to clear trees or windfall then you are likely to be wandering around the landscape, felling trees, or bucking logs. This is time-consuming work, and you don’t want to run into downtime whilst you have to walk back to your workshop or garage to refuel or recharge batteries.
The same goes for cutting firewood…we want to get in and get out so to speak and get the job done!
Fuel Capacity cc
Now here’s the thing with engine cc and fuel capacity. The bigger they are, the more weight they add to your chainsaw. So, I would recommend not getting too distracted by the fuel capacity on your chainsaw if it’s for domestic or medium-duty use.
There’s no doubt you will need to have a gas canister loaded with fuel for topping up your saw, so it’s best to keep this refill ready and use it as needed along with your oil mix.
Most gas chainsaws will run with a 42cc engine which is ideal for this domestic or general-use situation.
For battery-powered electric chainsaws, it’s a little different…
Battery Run Time Ah
The battery is a critical part of the puzzle when it comes to electric cordless chainsaws. You will either need a high-charge battery or several lithium-ion battery cells to keep continual use.
Lithium-ion batteries are rated in Ampere per Hour or Amp Hours (Ah), which basically relates to how many amps per hour the battery can drive.
If a chainsaw motor requires 15 Amps, then a 5 Amp Hour battery will drive the motor for 20 minutes.
The battery will power 5 amps per hour, so the 15-amp motor will run 1/3 of an hour = 20 minutes.
I strongly recommend you consider investing in more than one battery cell, as this will work out cost-effectively and be practical in the long term.
Chainsaw Guide Bar (Blade) Length
When buying a new chainsaw, the length of the chainsaw’s guide bar will be proportional to the engine cc size to ensure that it can deliver powerful and fast cuts. Clearly, our interest is in an 18-inch chainsaw bar, which as I mentioned previously will be good for working on trees up to 16 inches in diameter and perfect for general use around the yard.
If you need to change the bar for any reason, you can determine the length of your chainsaw bar by measuring from the tip of the chainsaw bar to the bumper of the chainsaw and then convert the measurement to the closest even number in inches. For instance, if the bar measures 17 ¾”, the bar will have a called length of 18 inches.
Before purchasing the machine, you should also ensure that it is fitted with the automated oiler to lubricate the chain and the bar every time you use the saw. The oiler will relieve you from the burden of lubricating the components manually.
Chainsaw Chain Type
Most consumer saws use a type of 3/8″ chain called “low profile” which is good for general-purpose use and offers the most versatility. There are plenty of alternatives out there for you to try if you need a specific chain type or more specialist applications such as ripping or milling.
The chainsaws on this list are paired with a good quality chain so there is no need to worry about chain selection for general consumer use around the yard.
Chain Tension Adjuster
The chain tensioner keeps the chain snug to the bar for safety, reducing vibrations, and ensures efficient power transmission to the chains with just a twist on the tension dial. Most modern chainsaws have manual or automatic chain tensioners.
Chain Speed
The chain speed should tell you more about the engine capacity. The higher the revolutions per minute (RPMs), the more powerful the engine. A high-speed chain will give you more cutting speed options as well as variable speed allowing for slower speed-controlled saw work.
Chainsaw Body and Controls
The body of the chainsaw is often overlooked. But the design of an ergonomic chainsaw will be invaluable over time.
- Are the handles well-designed to reduce vibration and fatigue?
- Are there suitable safety features as standard? Grip guards, chains safety catcher good placement of controls and triggers
- Will the blade cover be solid enough to prevent injury when not in use?
The above are some of the factors to consider when assessing the body of the chainsaw. The other important aspects to consider include:
The Bumper Spikes
The bumper spikes are used for pivoting the chainsaw and preventing contact between the chainsaw body and the trees. It also provides a solid hold which helps reduce movement and prevents chainsaw kickback.
Anti-Vibration System
Generally, a chainsaw with an anti-vibration system will allow you to use the device for long without getting fatigued.
Anti-Vibration designs incorporate a set of springs that cushion vibration and absorb it, preventing it from traveling through the body of the chainsaw and through the user’s arms.
Safety Chain Catcher
A small clip on the bottom of the chains captures and shortens a derailed chain to prevent it from flailing and making contact with the operator, removing the risk of injury.
Chainsaw weight
To risk stating the obvious…the weight of a chainsaw will have a greater impact on your ability to work, over time. Fatigue is a real issue when working for extended periods so aim for a machine that suits your endurance and strength.
Warranty Cover
Some chainsaw manufacturers will usually provide a warranty to cover damages on transit, system defects, wrong delivery, etc. You should prioritize products from such manufacturers with at least a 2-year warranty cover.
Best 18 Inch Chainsaws Reviewed
Now that I’ve explained the most important features, and functions of modern chainsaws, it’s time to review the best of the best.
After testing these machines in various circumstances and with input from some of my close contacts and their experience, I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the best 18-inch chainsaws for domestic use and for medium-duty yard work.
1. STIHL FARM BOSS MS 271 18 in. 50.2 cc Gas Chainsaw
Best 18-Inch Chainsaw
- Engine: 2-Cycle Gas 50.2cc
- Power: Gas 2.6kW
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 0.325”, .050” RM3
- Weight: 12.3lbs
- Noise: 112dB
- Fuel Tank: 16.9fl.oz
- Price Range: $400-$450
Pros
- An exceptional chainsaw that is built to last a lifetime
- 2.6kW of power output melts even the largest logs
- Comfortable to use, beautiful to look at, and works hard
Cons
- None
The Stihl Farm Boss MS271 is achieving legendary status as a near-perfect utility chainsaw. I own one and can say I genuinely believe it will last at least a decade or more. Like all of the saws on review 18” is the sweet spot for all-purpose use and if you have a farm, woodland, or large yard then this tool will do it all without breaking its stride.
There is also a smaller Wood Boss MS251, which is another great chainsaw, but I’m giving you the best 18” chainsaw and that’s the Farm Boss MS271.
The Farm Boss 2-cycle 50.2cc gas engine will produce 2.6kW of power to melt all types of timber. As long as you keep the chains touched up it will work through a 16-inch log like a hot knife through butter. There is no official noise pressure rating published, but I measured it at 112db.
As you would expect from Stihl you get some great technology upgrades from the older MS270, with their anti-vibration system mounts making control comfortable over long working periods. 50% emission reduction and 20% improved fuel efficiency.
A new Pre-separation filter system will last you up to five times longer between filter changes. All the usual easy access spark plus, auto chain oiler, and side access tensioning are there as you would expect.
The chainsaw body has a new design that looks beautiful and feels very comfortable in your hands with smooth rounded edges on all corners and grips.
But for all that…it’s really the performance and reliability of the Farm Boss MS271 that makes it the number one choice. Okay, there are more expensive chainsaws crammed full of technology that retail for over $1,000, but I don’t feel they represent twice the performance for twice the price.
My strong recommendation is if you want the best-performing chainsaw for around $400, also delivering the best value for money, it has to be the Stihl Farm Boss MS271 check the latest price.
2. EGO Power+ CS1804 18-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Chain Saw
Best 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw
- Motor: 56V Motor
- Power: 5.0Ah Battery
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 0.38”, 0.050”
- Weight: 9.7lbs without battery
- Noise: 86 dB
- Price Range: $350-$400
Pros
- 11,000 rpm this saw fires at tremendous speed for electric
- Auto Chain tensioning means this is a ‘no tool required’ chainsaw
- Great idea to incorporate LED light for low light conditions
- 5-Year warranty
Cons
- None
The EGO Power CS 1804 is the next 18-inch chainsaw on my list. This machine uses a brushless motor, ensuring sufficient power transmission to the chain, hitting up to 11,000 Revolutions Per Minute (RPMs).
Okay, I know there is a lot of debate around the merits of battery-powered chainsaws…but let me tell you this beast kicked all of that to the curb when I got it into action.
EGO claims this chainsaw can perform up to 300 cuts on a 4” log when powered with EGO 56V 5.0 Ah ARC lithium battery. From the work I did I am included to believe it. The power it generates and delivers into an incredible chain speed just melted the 8” logs I cut.
If you have never used an electric chainsaw before it’s a true pleasure to pick up the saw, push the electric start button and get to work immediately. Then to realize there are no fumes and no engine noise. I highly recommend it.
This battery took me 95 minutes to fully charge which is about what I expect from a 5.0Ah battery. The beauty of this machine is that the battery is compatible with all Ego 56V power tools, mowers, blowers, trimmers, etc.
A notable feature in the EGO Power’s cordless machine is the bright front-mounted led lights. A really helpful touch, allowing you to work into low light conditions or pull this saw out in emergency situations at night.
A second notable innovation on this saw is the automatic chain tensioner which really does make this a ‘no tool’ saw.
Without a doubt, the EGO Power’s 1800 Cordless Chainsaw offers the best way to fall trees, big branches, and dissect logs without noise, fuss, and fumes associated with gas-powered chainsaws.
This 18-inch battery-powered chainsaw is the only saw homeowners need. Lots of power, a 5.0Ah battery, and an outstanding performing tool for storm clearance, bucking logs, and cutting firewood. Check the latest Ego 18-inch Chainsaw price here.
- Engine: Gas 50.2cc
- Power Output: 2.8hp
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 0.325”, 0.050”
- Weight: 11.2lbs
- Noise: 114 dB
- Fuel Tank: 11.3fl.oz
- Price Range: $350-$400
Pros
- A great chainsaw for yard and farm work
- Powerful 50.2cc engine that produces 2.5hp
- 445 is renowned as a reliable and hard-working chainsaw
Cons
- The instruction manual would benefit from a re-shuffle
The Husqvarna 445 Gas Powered Chainsaw is another best-selling mid-range chainsaw that delivers the right level of price and performance for light to medium yard and farm work. It’s ideal for light and heavy clean-up, firewood, limbing and light felling.
This powerful tool by Husqvarna has a 2.8 HP X-Torq engine onboard that ensures efficient fuel consumption with minimal emissions, and you can see its efficiency when compared side by side to many of the other gas-guzzling saws I used.
Also, as you would expect in this price range all of the standard features such as an automatic oiler that ensures full-time lubrication of the chain and bar system, anti-vibration mounts, side access chain tensioning, pre-separation air filter, chain brake, and visible fuel level.
In use, you get the benefit of the well-designed and comfortable front and rear handles allowing for a firm grip and reducing the transfer of vibration to your hands.
This Husky has a touch more power output on paper, but it did not translate into a faster cutting time or chain speed in practice. There’s no doubt if you’re a Husky fan then the 445 will be very appealing to you and I would not hesitate in recommending it as an excellent chainsaw. But the Stihl Farm Boss just has that something extra.
Check the latest price of the Husqvarna 445 Chainsaw here.
- Engine: 2-Cycle Gas 42cc
- Power: Gas
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 0.325”, 0.050”
- Weight: 13.2lbs
- Noise: 116dB
- Fuel Tank: 11.3fl.oz.
Pros
- This is a good 18” chainsaw for medium-duty work around the yard
- Spring-assisted pull cord made for easy engine start
Cons
- Simply not on the same level as the Stihl, Ego, and Husqvarna
For those of you who do not know Poulan Pro is a brand owned by Husqvarna, so it stands to reason that many of the technologies are shared between these two product ranges.
Poulan Pro is aimed at the mid-consumer market putting high-quality chainsaws at reasonable prices and with perhaps a little more visual style than the professional Husqvarna range.
As far as the capability of this machine goes the Poulan Pro PR4218 is a perfect example of where Poulan Pro excels as a consumer brand. With an 18” all-purpose chainsaw, ideal for use around the garden and yard for medium-duty work such as storm clean up, tree felling, and firewood cutting.
This gas-powered chainsaw features a patented oxy-power transmission system that delivers more power, yet better fuel efficiency, and lower emissions.
It features the typical attributes of a good-quality chainsaw including, an automatic chain oiler, air filtering system, and anti-vibration and comes with a carry case, spare extra chain, and some 2-stroke oil.
Another notable feature of this handy machine is the advanced control system. For instance, you can use the device for a long time without experiencing fatigue with properly fixed handles.
The machine is easy to start through its spring-loaded cord, meaning fewer cord pulls, and I was on the go.
The onboard scrench further enhances the efficiency of the machine. If the term is new to you, a scrench is a chainsaw maintenance tool. It features a combination of a screwdriver and two wrench sockets.
You can use the scrench to remove the spark plug, remove or tighten the bar nut, and adjust the tension in the chain. Proper utilization of the scrench reduces the machine’s tension and vibration hence more efficiency.
Overall, this is a very good all-around chainsaw well suited to medium-duty work around the yard at a very appealing price. Check Poulan Pro PR4218 price here on Amazon.com.
- Engine: 80V Motor
- Power: 2.0Ah Battery
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 0.325”, 0.050”
- Weight: 10.8lbs
- Noise: 87dB
- Run Time: 100 Cuts
- Price Range: $150-200
Pros
- Great mid-price battery chainsaw for light clearance and firewood
- 2.0Ah battery recharges in just 30 minutes
- 4-Year Warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence
Cons
- 2.0Ah battery, only good for up to 150 cuts
If you are looking for a lightweight and mobile chainsaw that can make up to 150 cuts on a 4×4 lumber with a single charge, then the Greenworks 80V chainsaw is a great option. This mid-price saw the sweet spot between mobility, convenience, and performance that most home users are looking for.
This chainsaw is not comparable to the EGO Power CS 1804 on performance, or run time, but this Greenworks saw is just half the price. For a chainsaw under $200, you’re getting a lot of convenience in a single 18” tool, which represents great value for money.
Light to medium storm clearance, limbing, cutting firewood, felling medium-sized trees are all within the capability of this chainsaw. I managed 107 cuts through 4-6 inch logs which is plenty of firewood. If you think about it, how many times does the home user need more than 100 cuts for working around the yard? Not often.
All of the basics are included from auto oiler, side tensioning, chain brake, and so on. The build quality of this chainsaw is robust and it was comfortable to use for the duration of its battery life.
It’s worth noting that you can buy additional batteries and work across two or even three units. However, the 5.0Ah battery is $209 so at this point, you may as well switch your attention to the EGO Power CS 1804 which is simply a better chainsaw all-around.
Check the latest price of Greenworks 80V Chainsaw here.
- Engine: 15Amp Motor
- Power: Corded 120V
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 3/8” 0.050”
- Torque: 4.9Nm
- Weight: 13.2lbs
- Price Range: $100-150
Pros
- Innovative self-sharpening chain mechanism
- A great low-cost saw for local work around the workshop or in your backyard
Cons
- The area of application is limited to the length of the cord
- Needs an additional extension power cord
Not everyone has the need to walk the woods and attack huge storms fall. Many users are looking for the best 18” chainsaw for wood cutting, pruning, and other domestic residential work. If that’s you and you need a low-cost chainsaw then this Oregon chainsaw may appeal at around $120.
Despite the obvious power cord limitations, the Oregon CS 1500 is a relatively high-power and low-noise corded chainsaw that you can use for most wood-cutting operations. Including cutting firewood, small-diameter trees, and trimming branches in your yard. It’s not a chainsaw for farm work ‘on location’ storm clearance due to the corded power restrictions.
You don’t have to sharpen the blades manually. If you feel that the blade is not sharp enough, you can always sharpen it automatically by pulling the power sharp lever on the chainsaw. I really like the idea of this mechanism for the occasional saw user who doesn’t want the hassle of sharpening.
I have mentioned the limitation of the power cord, however, it is worth noting the cord from the back of the saw is 18 inches, so you will definitely need an extension cord to use this saw.
Check the latest price for the Oregon CS1500 here
- Engine: 15Amp Motor
- Power: Corded 120V
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 3/8” 0.050”
- Torque: 4.9Nm
- Weight: 11lbs
- Price Range: $100-150
Pros
- Surprisingly good electric chainsaw for around $100
- Plenty of power and is easy to set up straight out of the box
Cons
- The operation area is limited to the length of the power cord
Worx WG304.2 18” electric chainsaw is a low-cost, overperforming chainsaw. What I mean by that is for around $100 you can get yourself a chainsaw that will do more than you would expect for that price.
It was ready to use straight out of the box other than applying bar oil (which was not included). The power cord was 10ft in length so you need an extension cord for most cutting jobs.
I used this saw to trial log cutting and preparing firewood and it will be very effective, clean, and relatively quiet. Vibration is low thanks to the rubber mounts and rubber-coated handles.
Seriously this Worx chainsaw is definitely worthy of making my list, as I have no doubt that the infrequent chainsaw user who just wants to cut firewood and tidy up the backyard now and then will find this saw perfect.
Check the latest price of the Worx Chainsaw here.
- Engine: 15Amp Motor
- Power: Corded 120V
- Bar Length: 18”
- Chain: 3/8” 0.050”
- Weight: 12lbs
- Price Range: $100-150
Pros
- Good for firewood and other lightweight tasks around the yard
- A household brand name that will appeal to occasional users
Cons
- Heavier than the Worx 15Amp chainsaw
Similar to the Worx 15Amp chainsaw this Black+Decker saw is in the same price range and offers very similar features. There is a slight weight difference with the Worx chainsaw weighing one pound lighter. I would also say the Worx tool felt a little more balanced in use.
The Black and Decker chainsaw has a side knob tension system to keep the bar perfectly snug.
A standard auto oiler keeps the chain and the bar lubricated and a chain braking system is also included in the machine.
It’s a decent chainsaw for the money. Check the Black+Decker 15Amp Chainsaw price here
Other Chainsaw Features to Consider
Front and Rear Grip
During your selection, ensure that your machine’s front and rear handles are well-fitted to reduce vibration and enhance your safety during the operation.
Look for ergonomic designs, soft-touch materials, and good handle placement on the chainsaw body for a well-balanced machine.
Handguards
Protects your hand from being hurt by a derailed chain, wood kickbacks, or other flying debris.
Chain Brake
Stops the chain instantly in case of an emergency.
Chainsaw Controls
The position of the chainsaw controls and the quality of the materials used, will all contribute to an efficient and positive user experience. Here are a few smaller items to look out for when selecting the best 18” chainsaw.
Easy to Start Primer
Allows for easy and quick transfer of priming oil from the tank to the carburetor for the instantaneous start of the engine.
Large Grip Starting Handle
Available in gas-powered chainsaws. Ensures a firm grip to use when pulling the engine start cord.
Throttle Trigger Lock
Prevents the accidental start of the engine when not in active use.
Personal Safety Equipment
PPE or personal protective equipment is not optional. Goggles, ear defenders, gloves, and steel-toe-capped shoes are a prerequisite for anyone handling chainsaws. I have left it to last on my list…but you should make it the first thing you purchase prior to using your new saw.
Verdict: Best 18 Inch Chainsaws
I have reviewed and tested a whole bunch of chainsaws to offer you the best 18” chainsaws for yard and farm use. These are not the most technical saws available, not specialist logging saws, or the most expensive…but they are the best chainsaws for all-purpose use.
I can recommend the Stihl Farm Boss MS271 with total confidence. This is the ultimate chainsaw for anyone who is looking to own just one excellent all-purpose chainsaw and have it last a lifetime.
Best 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw
Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Outstanding yard or farm chainsaw. 50.2cc engine produces 2.6kW of power which melts wood for fun.
If you are ready to move over to electric-powered saws then the EGO Power CS 1804 offers excellent power and cutting capability and retains the full mobility of a cordless saw.
Best 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw
EGO Power+ CS1804 Chainsaw
Innovative electric chainsaw weighing only 9.7 lbs. Ultra-quiet 86db yet still produces 11,000rpm of chain speed.
