Take Care of Everyday Lawn Care Chores With One of These Editor-Approved Mini Chainsaws

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

For trimming and pruning tasks that are too big for manual loppers but too small to use a regular chainsaw, reach for a mini chainsaw. These compact machines are rugged enough to chew through thick branches, but still compact enough to be easy to maneuver, and fit into areas that larger saws may not. If you’re getting ready to tackle that brush pile or prune your trees for fall yard cleanup, a mini chainsaw could be worth the investment. For more great lawn care equipment, check out our picks for the best pole saws, electric chainsaws, and wood splitters.

What to Consider

When choosing a mini chainsaw, take the time to consider what you’ll be using it for. Most importantly, are you going to be pruning trees or bushes that would otherwise require you to get on a ladder to reach? In that case, we would definitely recommend opting for one of the options that include a pole attachment, allowing you to reach high branches while remaining safely on the ground.

If you don’t want to worry about wrangling extension cords or hunting for outlets while you work, you’ll probably want to opt for a battery-powered option like the Greenworks 24V Chainsaw. If you’re short on storage space, you may want to go for an extra-compact, one-handed model.

How We Selected

We have years of experience using a variety of chainsaws, large and small, through our time spent as a landscaper as well as for at-home projects. This experience, combined with extensive online research, helped us curate this list of mini chainsaw options. Most users will probably only need their chainsaw for occasional projects, but for those who plan on using their saw more frequently, and for heavier-duty jobs, we made sure to include a commercial-grade option as well. We also did our best to include a range of styles and sizes, from tiny 4-inch blades to larger 10-inch options.

Cordless Mini Chainsaw

We’re big fans of Greenworks power equipment, and this little saw is a great example of why. Its user-friendly design makes it great for amateurs, and thanks to its 10-inch bar, packs an impressive amount of cutting power. The thick, rubberized rear handle, combined with the wide top handle, makes it easy to control and maneuver as you work.

Another nice perk is the comprehensive user guide that comes with this saw, which not only explains how the tool works, it also shows chainsawing techniques so you can use it effectively—and, more importantly, safely.

12-inch Brushless Mini Chainsaw

If you have heavy-duty projects lined-up, but don’t want to deal with larger, lumberjack-style chainsaws, this powerful 12-inch model still maintains a small footprint. We love that this saw uses a 5.0Ah battery, which will last much longer than the 2.0Ah versions you’ll find in most other tools.

It’s not the most affordable option out there, and may be overkill for some, but if you have a lot of work to do, this durable, high-quality tool could be a great fit. DeWALT tools have a great warranty, offer a year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Mini Chainsaw

This compact saw is packed with accessories, including a pair of work gloves to provide a nice, sturdy grip.

This could be a great option for those who aren’t comfortable handling a larger saw, though its 4-inch blade is still enough to tackle serious pruning tasks. It also comes with a backup battery, something we always appreciate, which allows you to have one charging while the other is in use. It’s also much easier to access hard-to-reach areas, where bulkier saws wouldn’t fit.

An integrated light is another convenient feature, illuminating your workspace and reducing the chance of an accident.

20V MAX Cordless Small Chainsaw

The scissor-style design of these Black+Decker loppers ensure that the blade is fully covered when not in use, and since both handles must be engaged to open it, reduces the chances of accidental starting.

Using both hands to cut also allows for much more control during cutting, and the hooked jaw cover prevents whatever you’re cutting from slipping or sliding out.

Its wide jaw can fit branches up to 4 inches in diameter, but if you stick to thinner, 1.5-inch debris, the battery can provide an impressive 150 cuts per charge.

WG320 JawSaw for Landscaping

This model is a great choice for users who might not be comfortable handling a traditional chainsaw, but still want the cutting power necessary to rip through branches and small logs up to 4 inches in diameter. Its long neck allows you to control the blade while maintaining a safe distance, and the mouth of the saw surrounds the blade as it works.

The blade actually totally retracts into the housing when you’re not using it, making it an especially safe option. Its light weight also makes it convenient for use overhead, when lopping off tree branches.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?