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Gas chainsaws.

Five rear-handle gas saws for home property care and firewood. Compare the exact bar setup, ready-to-use weight, engine care and local service.

Compare the five picks

Research shortlist: AI-assisted research. We haven’t personally tested these products.

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Gas chainsaws: five research recommendations
RecommendationConsider forKey detailObserved cost · USD
01ECHOCS-4010 · 18-inchAn everyday property-care starting point41.6 cc two-stroke engine; 18-inch bar
Check current priceView source ↗
02STIHLMS 182 · 16-inchA shorter-bar choice for light property work16-inch bar; SKU 11482000216US
Check current priceView source ↗
03STIHLMS 251 WOOD BOSS · 18-inchA mid-size firewood choice through a local dealer18-inch bar; SKU 11432000700US
Check current priceView source ↗
04HUSQVARNA450S Rancher · 20-inchA current 50 cc-class landowner configuration50.2 cc engine; manufacturer-rated 3.2 hp
Check current priceCheck Amazon price ↗Affiliate link · We may earn a commission.
05ECHOCS-590 Timber Wolf · 20-inchA larger-engine option for regular firewood work59.8 cc two-stroke engine; selected 20-inch configuration
Check current priceCheck Amazon price ↗Affiliate link · We may earn a commission.

Dated seller observations, not live quotes. Prices can change; tax and delivery are extra. Match the exact package shown below.

Before choosing a chainsaw

Read and follow the exact model’s manual and obtain appropriate training and protective equipment. Kickback is a risk with both gas and battery saws. Do not cut overhead; use professional help for hazardous tree work beyond your training. This shortlist is a buying comparison, not an operating tutorial.

CPSC: chainsaw and yardwork safety
01

ECHO

CS-4010 · 18-inch

An everyday property-care starting point

Research pick
ECHO CS-4010 · 18-inchPhoto: ECHO
Cost to compareCheck current price

An exact-package price has not been verified yet. Check what is included before comparing.

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The CS-4010 pairs a 41.6 cc engine with an 18-inch bar. Its spring-assisted starter, automatic oiler and side-access tensioner make it a practical specification-led starting point for occasional firewood and ground-level cleanup.

  • 41.6 cc two-stroke engine; 18-inch bar
  • Spring vibration reduction system
  • Spring-assisted i-30 starter and automatic chain oiling
The tradeoff

This is the smaller-engine 18-inch option here; bar length alone does not establish large-log performance. ECHO lists 9.4 lb dry online and 9.3 lb without fuel, bar or chain in its manual; working weight is higher.

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02

STIHL

MS 182 · 16-inch

A shorter-bar choice for light property work

Research pick
STIHL MS 182 · 16-inchPhoto: STIHL
Cost to compareCheck current price

An exact-package price has not been verified yet. Check what is included before comparing.

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The standard MS 182 pairs a 16-inch bar with a 2.2-cubic-inch gas engine. Side-access chain adjustment and retained, tool-free filler caps support routine care. This is the standard model, not the separate C-BE starting-system variant.

  • 16-inch bar; SKU 11482000216US
  • 2.2 cu in engine displacement
  • 10 lb without bar, chain or fuel; 11.9 lb system without fuel
The tradeoff

Its shorter bar and light-duty positioning favor smaller work. The standard model does not include the C-BE variant’s starting and tensioning upgrades; confirm the full model at the dealer.

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03

STIHL

MS 251 WOOD BOSS · 18-inch

A mid-size firewood choice through a local dealer

Research pick
STIHL MS 251 WOOD BOSS · 18-inchPhoto: STIHL
Cost to compareCheck current price

An exact-package price has not been verified yet. Check what is included before comparing.

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The standard MS 251 uses a 2.8-cubic-inch engine and 18-inch cutting setup. STIHL specifies 3 bhp and a 12.6-pound system weight before fuel. It offers a middle step between the compact saws and the heavier Timber Wolf for a homeowner comparing firewood tools.

  • 18-inch bar; SKU 11432000700US
  • 2.8 cu in engine; manufacturer-rated 3 bhp
  • Side-mounted chain adjustment; retained tool-free caps
The tradeoff

The 12.6-pound figure includes the cutting equipment but excludes fuel; it is not comparable to a bare powerhead figure. Choose the standard WOOD BOSS carefully rather than the different C-BE model.

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04

HUSQVARNA

450S Rancher · 20-inch

A current 50 cc-class landowner configuration

Research pick
HUSQVARNA 450S Rancher · 20-inchPhoto: HUSQVARNA
Cost to compareCheck current price

Check Amazon for the current price of the 450S Rancher complete gas chainsaw, 20-inch bar, US model 970702318; not 450X or older 450 Rancher.

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The 450S Rancher combines a 50.2 cc engine, 20-inch bar and SP33G chain in US model 970702318. The retained bar nut and quick-release air filter are useful maintenance details. Compare this current S model directly rather than treating older 450 Rancher specifications as interchangeable.

  • 50.2 cc engine; manufacturer-rated 3.2 hp
  • 20-inch bar and SP33G chain; SKU 970702318
  • 11 lb excluding cutting equipment; Smart Start system
The tradeoff

The published 11 pounds excludes bar and chain. A 20-inch gas saw adds handling effort and regular engine care; the manufacturer’s speed claim is against its older 450 Rancher, not our other picks.

View on Amazon

Amazon affiliate link · We may earn a commission. Manufacturer specifications ↗

05

ECHO

CS-590 Timber Wolf · 20-inch

A larger-engine option for regular firewood work

Research pick
ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf · 20-inchPhoto: ECHO
Cost to compareCheck current price

Check Amazon for the current price of the CS-590-20AA Timber Wolf complete gas chainsaw, 20-inch bar, 59.8 cc; not replacement bar/chain or another bar length.

Check Amazon price ↗Affiliate link · We may earn a commission.

The 59.8 cc Timber Wolf is the larger-engine comparison for experienced users who regularly process firewood. The selected configuration has a 20-inch bar. A decompression valve assists starting, while its adjustable, clutch-driven oiler and accessible filter support maintenance.

  • 59.8 cc two-stroke engine; selected 20-inch configuration
  • 13.2 lb dry, without chain and guide bar
  • Decompression valve and adjustable automatic oiler
The tradeoff

The heaviest dry powerhead here adds fatigue before bar, chain and fluids. Other bar options appear on ECHO’s page; this recommendation is specifically 20 inches and is not a reason to attempt oversized or hazardous trees.

View on Amazon

Amazon affiliate link · We may earn a commission. Manufacturer specifications ↗

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Know what’s behind a pick.

Linked product sources, clear tradeoffs and no paid placements. No fabricated votes.

Last researched: October 23, 2026

Explore a different use or approach. Each guide has its own scope and five picks.

Battery chainsaws Five cordless saws, from compact 12-inch tools to an 18-inch option. Compare the exact kit, battery family and charging setup. Bar length is not a safe cutting-diameter guarantee.

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