Best Top Handle Chainsaw 2019: 8 Top Picks Reviews

Whether you’re pruning, making a new bookshelf or anything in between, using a top handle chainsaw can make the job much easier! Using an amazing chainsaw can make quite a difference in the work you produce with it.

Since there are so many amazing chainsaws on the market, PowerOfTool wanted to share with you eight of the best top handle chainsaws to give you a better idea of what is actually worth your money.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an at-home arborist or a professional gardener who needs a new tool for your greenhouse, you’re bound to find a product you love below, along with some incredibly useful information that can save you money!

Top 8 Best Top Handle Chainsaw

Below you’ll find in-depth reviews for eight of the best top handle chainsaws that money can buy right now!

PowerOfTool.com has included an honest list of pros and cons to give you a better idea of which product will work best for your needs.

1. DEWALT DCCS620P1 20V MAX Lithium-Ion XR Brushless Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw Kit

DEWALT is a well-known company when it comes to power tools and this lightweight chainsaw is a great example of their work.

It weighs less than 10 pounds, yet can still pack quite a punch. It has a lithium-ion battery, meaning the battery life lasts longer and it charges faster than standard traditional batteries.

The motor is brushless, making this a great chainsaw if you’re looking for more control. The brushless motor also reduces vibration and noise, which who doesn’t love?

The chainsaw is designed with tool-free chain tensioning and there is a convenient bar tightening knob for easy adjustments. Lastly, this chainsaw has a chain speed of just over 25 feet per second!

Pros:

• Amazing warranty included
• Lightweight and portable
• Quiet motor
• Packs a lot of power
• Easy to control

Cons:

• Takes a lot of oil

2. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw

This Black and Decker chainsaw is another great option. It has a lithium-ion battery which gives it a longer runtime and makes the chainsaw life last longer overall.

It stays charged up to five times longer than chainsaws with traditional batteries. It has a 12 inch Oregon low-kickback bar and chain that will allow you to make smooth and quick cuts.

This is another lightweight chainsaw, weighing less than 10 ½ pounds! It’s easy to maneuver with and the handle is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.

When the battery is completely drained, it takes just four to five hours to fully charge again. This means you’ll spend less time waiting around for a charged battery and more time using it!

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• Long battery life
• Powerful motor
• Relatively inexpensive
• Ergonomic handle

Cons:

• The chain can easily come loose
• Oil may leak

3. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

This Greenworks cordless chainsaw weighs just six pounds, making it perfect to use around the yard to trimming trees. It has an automatic start that comes in quite handy as well.

There is also an automatic oiler built into this chainsaw, which is always a great feature to have. It’s important to note that there is a 14-inch version of this chainsaw that has a brushless motor if that’s something you’d like.

The powerful 40 volts will get you up to 75 cuts on 4 by 4 lumber! Like the other chainsaws you’ve read about so far, this one has a lithium-ion battery.

Less time charging and longer battery life will let you focus on whatever project you’re working on! This chainsaw is compact and portable, which is great if you ever need to travel with it for your job.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and compact
• Inexpensive
• Really quiet
• Fast charging battery
• Automatic oiler

Cons:

• No chain brake
• Not as powerful as gas-powered chainsaws

4. Makita XCU02PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 12″ Chain Saw Kit

This Makita chainsaw is quite the powertool! It has a brushless motor which helps to reduce vibration, giving you more control. It also makes the chainsaw much quieter while in use.

There is a fast-charging lithium-ion battery powering this 18-volt chainsaw that charges three times faster than other battery types.

There are convenient tool-less chain adjustment features and the handle is quite comfortable. It has a 12-inch guide bar that gives the machine more capacity.

The powerful Makita motor brings 1,650 FPM chain speed to the table, which means you’ll be able to cut more wood in less amount of time.

Pros:

• Lightweight (just over 12 pounds)
• Long-lasting battery
• Powerful and quiet motor
• Safety chain stop

Cons:

• Expensive

5. Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 32.2cc 14-Inch Top Handle Chain Saw

This 14 inch top handle chainsaw packs quite a punch, while providing clean and consistent cuts. It takes a lot less fuel than other chainsaws on the market.

There is a convenient half throttle choke with a purge primer bulb that makes starting the chainsaw a breeze.

It has an automatic gear-driven oiler, which will save you time from having to oil it up yourself. There is also a nice side access chain tensioning system that gives you the ability to make adjustments fast!

Lastly, this chainsaw has a sprocket nose bar and an Oregon chain that makes it much easier for you to control the chainsaw while it’s in use.

Pros:

• Comes with an amazing warranty
• Easy to use and control
• Ergonomic handle
• Convenient chain tensioning system

Cons:

• Has an unpleasant smell while in use
• A bit pricey for some

6. Hitachi CS33EDTP 2-Stroke Gas Powered Top Handle Chain Saw

This Hitachi gas-powered top handle chainsaw is perfect for pruning, shaping, and hobby work. It can be used by professionals or beginners and has a low emission two-stroke engine that’s quite powerful!

The cylinder is chrome-plated and there is a gear-driven oiler that improves cutting ability and makes the machine really durable.

With this lightweight chainsaw, you won’t have to worry about fatigue. It even has an anti-vibration system built-in to bring you more control and comfort.

It has a 14-inch sprocket nose guide bar, along with a chain adjuster that makes for less kickback. This chainsaw is relatively lightweight, weighing in at just under 12 ½ pounds.

Pros:

• Relatively quiet
• Low vibration
• Has a built-in safety brake
• Gear driven oiler improves cuts
• It’s lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Chain loosens easily

7. Echo Gas Chain Saw

This is a more generic top handle chainsaw. It’s relatively lightweight and only weighs 11 pounds. It comes with a total of six years worth of warranty which is hard to beat.

There is a built-in inertia type chain brake and a throttle lock for safety. There is also a purge bulb that makes sure there is always fresh fuel in the carburetor.

The side-access chain tensioner makes it easy to make quick adjustments. There is also a G force engine air pre-cleaner that gives the machine a cleaner supply of air while in use. 

There is a convenient lanyard clip on the back of the chainsaw, making incredibly easy to attach to a belt.

Pros:

• It’s lightweight and compact
• Plenty of amazing safety features
• Uses less oil than other chainsaws
• Amazing warranty included

Cons:

• It’s expensive

8. Husqvarna T435 12-Inch 35.2 cc X-Torq Gas Powered Chain Saw

Lastly, let’s talk a bit about the Husqvarna T435 chainsaw. It has a unique X-Torq that is designed to help the chainsaw use less gas and create less exhaust emissions!

The oil pump is adjustable and easy to access. You’ll be able to easily control the oil flow when needed.

You can quickly and conveniently be able to access and adjust the chain tension from the side. There is also a quick-release air filter that keeps the air filter clean and fresh that gets pulled into the machine.

This chainsaw is incredibly lightweight and only weighs 7 ½ pounds. If you’re looking for a powerful chainsaw to get your yard work complete, this is one to consider!

Pros:

• Uses less fuel than other chainsaws
• The handle is comfortable
• Oil flow is easily controllable
• Lightweight and portable
• Durable chain

Cons:

• Really expensive
• The pull start could be improved                                                                                                                              

What Is a Top Handle Chainsaw Used for?

Top handle chainsaws are generally used by professionals. They are designed to cut down large tree branches and the like.

The main difference in a top handle and traditional rear handle chainsaw when it comes to use is that top handle chainsaws are usually used in higher places, while rear handle chainsaws are used for more common yard work.

Can Anyone Buy a Top Handle Chainsaw?

Just like most other power tools, anyone can purchase a top handle chainsaw. As you just read, they’re used by professionals more often than home hobbyists.

With that being said, anyone who’s interested in cleaning up the trees in their yard will be able to easily buy a top handle chainsaw online or in a retail store.

Who Should Buy a Top Handle Chainsaw?

Top handle chainsaws are great for hobbyists at home or professionals. No matter who you are, you can buy a top handle chainsaw if you need one.

They’re best used for pruning and cutting down large branches or trees. If you’re interested in a chainsaw for more DIY project types, consider getting a rear handle chainsaw.

Top Handle Chainsaw Buying Guide

We know that when you’re shopping it can be confusing to know what makes a product great. We’ve included a handful of features that you should keep your eyes peeled for when you’re shopping around for your next top handle chainsaw.

Hopefully, this guide will help you compare your choices to find which one will work best for your needs.

Brand

Just like most other things we buy, the brand plays a major role in the product. With brands like DEWALT, you’re guaranteed an amazing warranty and customer service for several months after you buy a product.

While brand names aren’t always important, it can make a difference to go with a well-known brand that is trusted by thousands of happy customers.

Budget

It’s important to have a budget in mind when shopping around for a top handle chainsaw. As you can see by the products reviewed above, there are options available at just about any price point.

The chainsaws that cost closer to $100 can perform just as well as ones that are over $500. Look at what you get for the budget you have.

It’s important to consider things like how it’s powered and if it has additional convenient features that might cost you more.

Size

There are also different sized chainsaws. Most commonly with top handle chainsaws, you’ll see two sizes: 12-inch and 14-inch.

The size you need may change based upon what you’re using the chainsaw for. If you are cutting down huge tree limbs and tree trunks, you may want to opt for a 14-inch chainsaw instead.

Gas vs Battery

Lastly, something to consider is whether or not you want a gas-powered or battery-powered chainsaw. Battery-powered is convenient because you don’t have to spend extra money on fuel, but you do have to wait for the tool to charge.

If you want to use a battery-powered chainsaw, consider one that has a lithium-ion battery. That way you’ll spend less time waiting for it to charge and the battery life lasts longer.

On the other hand, when you’re using a gas-powered chainsaw, you may notice it’s a bit more powerful, but you will have to spend money on gas.

Conclusion

There you have it! Those are the eight best top handle chainsaws that money can buy. There are plenty of options at a variety of different price points.

Remember to consider important factors like the size, brand or gas vs. battery powered. Keep in mind that just because something costs more, doesn’t mean it necessarily will perform better. Good luck and happy trimming!