There are a ton of different kinds of chainsaws that you can get nowadays, whether for a professional setting or even for a bit of light maintenance and trimming of your garden and hedges.
However, if you are on the lookout for a machine that will enable you to get done with more demanding cutting and sawing. For more heavy-duty tasks and jobs, users should consider investing in saws that are 18-inches in length.
These can do a range of tasks from felling down moderate-size trees to cutting down firewood to make it more manageable.
They are just as great for professional jobs and if you are a home user, it is preferred if you have a bit of experience before you wield one of these. Since it can be a daunting task to select the perfect device for your use, this will be a review of the 8 best 18-inch chainsaws.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Best 18 Inch Chainsaws in 2021
- A Quick Look at our Favorite Top Picks
- Buying Guide
- We are Starting with Our main Features
- Moving on, let’s take a look at the main FAQs
Best 18 Inch Chainsaws in 2021
Before you begin reading this review, take a look at the Remington RM4618 Gas Powered Chainsaw which is fitted with a chrome bore cylinder and is a chainsaw that is super comfortable to use for extended periods. Be sure to also take a look at the buying guide and FAQ section towards the end.
To start this review of the best 18-inch chainsaws, we are looking at the WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw which makes use of a 4.0 HP 15.0 Amp motor that has what it takes to cut through the toughest of hardwoods. This device comes with both a tool-free chain replacement and an auto-tensioning system which ensures that you won’t have to make use of any tools or equipment to tighten the chain. This saves both time and money.
This system is so great because it helps ensure that the life and performance of the chain and bar are enhanced. You get to work with precision and the longevity of your product is increased. Unlike others that use plastic ones, this is fitted with all-metal dogs to increase the overall stability of the device. These are situated at the base of its 18-inch bar.
Unlike gas-powered chain saws, this chain saw is powered electrically which means you won’t need to mess with the fuss of fumes or loud noise. However, the best part is that you still get that impressive mileage that only a gas-powered chainsaw could give. However, times have changed because this electric chainsaw from Worx can grant the same power and speed.
Pros
- No fumes
- Easy-to-lubricate sprocket
- Auto-tensioning system
- Auto lubrication
- Tool-free chain replacement
- All-metal dogs
Cons
- None really
Our next device for the best 18-inch chainsaws is called the Greenworks 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw which has all the makings of a great 18-inch device. The only thing we notice is that it has fewer features than we’d like. However, the ones that it does have are pretty good! It is powered by a 14.5 electric amp motor. It drives enough torque into the chainsaw to handle decent sized tasks.
Since it has an 18-Inch bar and chain, it can handle occasional bigger jobs such as felling trees and clearing out spaces. Along with this, it is also pretty simple to make easy adjustments to the chain such as tightening it up if it comes loose. The best part? You won’t even need any tools to accomplish this.
Another feature that we love in this device is the automatic lubrication system which keeps the system well-maintained and oiled periodically when needed. You won’t have to spend time oiling the internal workings manually. To ensure the safety of the user, there is a wraparound handle included which ensures that you can cut at various angles and not harm yourself. Finally, this is the best economical option for users of all kinds.
Pros
- Wrap around handle
- Automatic lubrication
- 5 Amp Electric Motor
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Affordable
Cons
- Fewer features
Next up, we have the EGO Power+ Cordless Chain Saw which comes with a series of excellent features that ensure that the user can get the unparalleled cutting power that they desire. Since chainsaws are quite dangerous, it is not preferred to use them in low-light situations. However, this machine comes fitted with bright LED lights which can allow you to light the way.
One of the coolest features is the updated chain tensioning system which doesn’t require any tools to tighten your chain. All you need to do is turn the dial which is on the machine and it automatically tightens up. With the 18-inch bar, you can be sure that this device has no problems felling bigger trees and cutting down fallen trees to clear paths.
This device is powered by a 56-Volt battery which in turn is powered by advanced Arc-Lithium technology for the best cutting performance. The best part is that this battery is compatible with all EGO POWER+ products. Overall, you get amazing performance, and that too without any of the problems with gas-powered devices.
Pros
- Chain tensioning system
- No noise
- Arc-lithium technology
- Led lights
- 56-volt battery
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Moving on, we are looking at the BLACK+DECKER Chainsaw which comes in a very lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around for various jobs and you get more versatility in its use. It also comes with enough power to seamlessly cut through wood. This is thanks to its 15 Ah motor which is super powerful.
Since this chainsaw is corded, you can be sure that it will provide you with constant power to finish your job. There is also an automatic oiling mechanism in this product which ensures that users won’t have to manually oil the chain. To check the level of oil within, there is an oil indicator window for convenience. For safety purposes, this device comes with a chain brake.
This device also features a low kickback bar and chain which is from the Oregon brand and this is both a safety feature and a way to enhance cutting performance. As a safety feature, it limits the force that is exerted on the user, and as an efficiency feature, it decreases vibration and makes the cut speed better.
Finally, this device also comes with a tool-less tensioning system which is completely automatic, hence there being no need for any equipment. With time, your chainsaw’s chain can become loose, so to overcome this, users can simply set up this with a knob or switch that might be present externally.
Pros
- Low-kickback bar and chain
- Automatic oiling system
- Oil indicator window
- Lightweight design
- Minimized vibration
Cons
- None really
The next product for today is called the Remington RM4618 Gas Powered Chainsaw and the reason this is one of the best 18-inch chainsaws is because of the premium quality construction and feature sit comes fitted with.
This is a premium and high-end gas-powered chainsaw that is powered by a 46cc engine which ensures that you get maximum cutting strength and speed. This 18-inch bar also comes fitted with a low-kickback chain which improves the performance along with acting as a safety net for the user. There is also easy access to the tensioning system which ensures that you won’t have to employ any tools to fix the loose chain. Now coming to the premium build of this device, it comes with professional-grade components and has a die-cast chassis and pro-grade components that enhance durability. For comfort, there are even cushioned handles to help minimize vibration.
Talking about its power functions, its 46cc engine has a high output result thanks to the chrome bore cylinder inside. This device has everything to make it an excellent device, the only real drawback is that like all gas-powered devices it is slightly expensive.
Pros
- Die-cast chassis
- Pro-grade components
- Chrome bore cylinder
- Cushioned handles
- Durable
- 46cc engine
- Comfortable to use
- low-kickback chain
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Moving on, we have the Sun Joe Electric Chain Saw which is another excellent contender for today’s list of the best 18-inch chainsaws. This device is super lightweight which means that it can be maneuvered around with complete ease. It weighs only 9.7 pounds. There is also an ergonomic handle which is completely adjustable so that you can work for longer with more comfort.
The device is super powerful and has a 14-amp motor which means that you no longer have to pull at a startup level or puller. Working with a chainsaw device has never been easier. It is strong enough to cut trees down and trim and maintain overgrown branches.
It also comes with a few exemplary safety features that include accidental starting preventions witch. There is also a handguard that has a kickback brake for safety.
Pros
- Weighs 9.7 pounds
- Ergonomic handle
- Push start button
- 14-amp motor
- Handguard with kickback brake
Cons
- No metal dogs
The Echo18-inch Gas Chainsaw is next up on today’s list and this is a really simple device that is user-friendly in more ways than one. Regular maintenance of your chainsaw is crucial to increasing its life. This is why it is so simple to access the internal components when you need to clean them.
It is a stable device that might be longer but the way it has been constructed ensures that it is well balanced. The inclusion of its wrap-around handle ensures that the user can easily cut at various angles with complete safety.
There is a T-wrench style chain tensioner which means you won’t have to open the device up with tools to tighten the chain. Finally, another safety feature is the cut-off switch that is easy to use and has a comfortable grip.
Pros
- Wrap-around handle
- Easy-grip
- Pull starter
- T-wrench style chain tensioner
- Stable
- Cut-off switch
- Easy access
Cons
- Fewer features
Finally, for our list of the best 18-inch chainsaws, we have the HUYOSEN Gas Powered Chainsaw which comes with an impressive 12-month warranty. While this isn’t as long as we would prefer, it still is a great fall back safety measure in case anything goes wrong with your gas-powered chainsaw. This device has a powerful engine that can get up to speeds of about 8500 rpm at a time.
This gas chainsaw has what it takes to fell trees and cut through almost anything. One of the best features is its low-kickback function which acts as a safety measure and the electronic ignition system works to enhance the efficiency of the chainsaw’s performance.
This device also comes with an auto-lubrication system which makes the entire process so much easier. No longer will you have to manually oil the chain and bar. This helps increase the longevity of your device and improve efficiency.
Finally, this is a product that comes with quite a few safety features which sometimes also double as comfort features. The first one is the safety switch which can be pressed in case of an emergency to immediately put a halt to the device. It has been made keeping ergonomics in mind as it comes with a wrap handle that is completely cushioned. This is both shock absorbing and ensures a firm nonslip grip for effective control.
Pros
- Low-kickback function
- Electronic ignition system
- Automatic Filling Oil
- Comfortable design
- 12-month warranty
- 8500 rpm engine speed
- Ergonomic design
- Non-slip and shock-absorbing
Cons
- Expensive
Buying Guide
Now that you have gone over our extensive list of products, you might feel like you are far better equipped to make an informed decision to buy one from the best 18-inch chainsaws.
However, we would advise against doing that before you are well aware of the main features that you shouldn’t miss out on when buying an 18-inch device. Of course with longer chains, you’d expect more cutting power and that doesn’t come cheap!
So, to justify such a hefty investment, it is better to have done your research first. That’s why the coming buying guide will list out the main features that you should always look for when buying a chainsaw. After that, we will answer a few of the most frequently asked questions as well.
We are Starting with Our main Features
Automatic Lubrication
This is an important feature that is quite common nowadays in the top major brands. It is an automatic system where all of the chain and guide bar is periodically oiled by the oiler.
This is so you don’t have to do it manually and your role in the maintenance is reduced to checking that the oil doesn’t run out. The real advantage of this is that it prevents the gradual wearing down of your machine and thus helps uphold its longevity.
Low Kickback Bar
Another feature that we appreciate is a failsafe safety mechanism. If you have ever started a chainsaw, you will know that the sheer force of the machine starting exerts a jolt onto the user which can be potentially dangerous. This may also occur when you are operating the device and it hits a snag.
The safety feature in question is called a low kickback bar and you should consider adding this to your must-haves when buying a chainsaw. The addition of these does mean that you might lose a bit of your torque and cutting power but if you are an occasional user, then you will not be affected a lot.
Chain Brake
When it comes to safety features, there is nothing better in a chainsaw than a chain brake. This is an especially vital piece of component that should be present if you are a beginner with less skill. These little mechanisms ensure that in case of an emergency, the chain can be stopped within a second.
Automatic Tensioning System
Now and then it is wise to check if the chain of your chainsaw has come a little loose, this can be due to weather changes (metal expands in hot weather) or just because of gradual wear.
However, it must be addressed. This is why you must find a device that has an automatic tensioning system which is a little switch or a knob you can press to tighten the chain. You won’t have to buy any tools for this so it’s a great little feature.
Moving on, let’s take a look at the main FAQs
What is the Most Reliable Chainsaw?
With so many options available for the most reliable chainsaw, we chose the Remington RM4216 Chainsaw based on its amazing reviews online and its popularity.
However, on closer inspection, you find out that it is truly worth the hype.
This device has a bar length of 16-inches and is the best moderate cutting power tool that you might need for smaller to medium-duty jobs. To make the experience more comfortable for the user, there is a 5-point anti-vibration system that minimizes any vibrations which when dealt with constantly can be uncomfortable.
Other than this being a super affordable device as well, it also has an auto-lubrication system which ensures that the inner mechanism is well maintained and oiled at all times.
It also has adjustable flow so that it senses when the chainsaw might need more or less.
How Big of a Tree can an 18-inch Chainsaw cut?
If you have an 18-inch saw, you will be able to cut down smaller and medium-sized trees in a single pass that range from about 14 to 15 inches in diameter.
Should I get an 18 or 20-inch Chainsaw?
It’s all about the cutting power and how long you aim to use the chainsaw. If you have heavy-duty tasks and will be using your device much more often, then a 20-inch makes more sense.
However, if you are just looking for some occasional light work, then go for the 18-inch. The 20-inch has more capacity to cut through trees of a larger diameter.
Can I put an 18-inch Bar on a 16-inch Chainsaw?
This would depend on the model and manufacturer of the product because sizes across brands are not consistent.
There is always some room to add in a longer or shorter chain however it is important to remember that this won’t be a foolproof solution for each kind of chainsaw. If your 16-inch chainsaw is a powerful device then a longer chain might work better.
Which Chainsaw is Best for the Homeowner?
There are quite a few chainsaws that we would recommend to be best for the homeowner, but our top pick for today is the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020. As an occasional user, your device must be super lightweight so that it is easy to maneuver around with ease.
However just because this 10-inch machine is small doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a seriously strong punch!
It cuts through softwoods with expert precision and can even tackle some kinds of hardwoods. This is a versatile device as well which can be used for light-duty tasks like trimming and pruning but will also let you chop up some firewood.
If you want to adjust the chain and tighten it if it gets loose, there is an adjustment knob that can be set without any tools.
If you were worried about safety, then the addition of the low kickback chain ensures you can stand your ground even after you start the machine.
Since you will most likely be running this device at your home, the quiet operation is one of the best features of this device. Of course, this is all thanks to the fact that it is powered by a battery.
