The best lightweight chainsaws

The Ryobi RCS-3835T chainsaw is considered relatively lightweight because it weighs only 4.4 kg (excluding the headset). A tool of this class is convenient to use when performing gardening tasks related to pruning trees, sawing small logs or preparing firewood for a heating boiler. The saw is equipped with a gasoline engine with a power of 1.77 hp. with a working volume of 37 cm³. The manufacturer has provided protection for the carburetor from freezing (so you can safely work in cold weather) and equipped the engine with a primer that allows you to confidently start the engine “cold” and “hot”.

Since the Ryobi RCS-3835T chainsaw is intended for domestic use, it is equipped with a medium-length bar of 350 mm. This is quite enough to saw logs, cut branches and fell young trees with relatively thin trunks. It is interesting to note that this tool has mechanisms for keyless chain tensioning and keyless blade replacement (they are often found on electric chainsaws, but are rarely used on gasoline ones). Therefore, a user working in a garden or on a personal plot can tighten the chain without the use of keys and screwdrivers - by simply turning the handle, which is located on the side of the body. True, you will have to tighten it often (literally every 10 - 15 minutes of work), because the standard Ryobi chain is of mediocre quality and gradually stretches. But you can easily turn a blind eye to this small drawback, if you remember the low price of this tool (Ryobi RCS-3835T is considered an inexpensive, although not quite a “budget” chainsaw). The saw comes with a jar of chain oil and a bottle of special 2-stroke motor oil - you can start the engine and start working immediately after unpacking.

The AL-KO BKS 3835 saw is one of the most affordable models in the line of AL-KO petrol tools. It is equipped with a relatively light (due to an aluminum alloy crankcase) 37 cc engine with a power of 1.63 hp. A Walbro carburetor is responsible for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber (the products of this company are considered very good, so they are used on many chainsaws, brush cutters and other types of garden tools produced by different manufacturers). The design of the carburetor allows you to regulate the quantity and quality of the fuel mixture for reliable operation of the internal combustion engine in various conditions, and also ensures easy starting and stable operation of the engine at idle and full throttle. The air entering the cylinder is cleaned by a two-stage filter (the conventional filter element is supplemented with a centrifugal cleaning system) - this is better for the engine, since good air purification from dust extends the life of the engine.

The saw comes with an Oregon chain and a 350mm saw blade. A good engine that holds speed well, in combination with a high-quality, sharpened chain, provides high sawing productivity and makes it possible to cut materials of different structures and densities: be it living branches or well-dried wood. The saw's anti-vibration system, consisting of several springs and dampers, does a good job of absorbing vibrations and beating, reducing the load on the user's hands. The only unpleasant thing to note is the noticeable play in some of the plastic parts of the case (despite the fact that the plastic itself is of very good quality), which slightly blur the positive impressions of this instrument.

In general, the AL-KO BKS 3835 chainsaw is an excellent option for those who occasionally need to cut down trees in the garden, trim branches, or prepare small amounts of firewood for a boiler or fireplace.

The Oleo-Mac GSH 40-14 saw cannot be called cheap, but at least it is the most affordable among all chainsaws of this brand. It is not heavy (4.5 kg without bar and chain), well balanced and fits comfortably in the hands. The aluminum central handle is covered with soft non-slip plastic. The metal springs on which the engine block is suspended and rubber dampers do an excellent job of absorbing vibrations.

Oleo-Mac petrol tools are famous for their good engines. It starts easily (this model has a primer, which makes starting the engine easier), works well at low temperatures and is economical in fuel consumption. The design of the saw provides quick access to the air filter and convenient adjustment of chain tension (the tensioner screw is located on the right side of the body). The only criticism is the Chinese carburetor of dubious quality, which, judging by user reviews, requires close attention and regular cleaning.

Oleo-Mac saws are traditionally equipped with American Oregon cutting equipment, known for its quality. A 35 cm long tire with a well-sharpened chain easily bites into wood and easily picks up dry logs with a diameter equal to the length of the tire.

Oleo-Mac Home Plus series household saws are not designed for any professional use. This is a technique that is intended for owners of private houses and summer cottages. It is suitable for cutting firewood, clearing bushes or getting rid of dead wood. For more serious tasks, there is the Tough Tech series and the Oleo-Mac Sharp Pro professional tool.

The Korean saw Hyundai X 370 is positioned as a semi-professional tool. Its motor is not the most powerful (2 hp or 1.5 kW), but simple and reliable. The motor is responsive and responds instantly to trigger movements. The crankshaft is mounted on bearings pressed into the crankcase halves (this design contributes to the durability of the internal combustion engine). According to the manufacturer, the engine service life exceeds 300 hours before repair, and this is a very respectable indicator.

The saw is easy to use. The housing cover, which is held on by one screw, provides quick access to the air filter. The filter element can be cleaned with a brush or washed with water. The blade tension adjustment screw is located on the side (and not at the bottom, like many chainsaws), so there is no risk of injury from sharp teeth when tightening the chain. The saw is sold with a 35 cm guide bar and Hyundai chain.

The tool has a primer for pumping fuel and a decompressor that reduces excess pressure in the cylinder. Therefore, the saw starts very easily (usually with one pull of the cable). But this is only true for warm weather. At temperatures below 5 degrees, problems with starting the engine are often observed.

This saw can be considered as a tool for public utilities, whose responsibilities include seasonal pruning of bushes and trees in gardens and parks. If its size and power seem too small for serious work, then you should take a look at other Hyundai chainsaw models, which are slightly larger: Hyundai X 420 with a 40-cm bar and Hyundai X 520 with a 50-cm bar.

Without taking into account the cutting set, the Husqvarna 353 15 saw weighs only 5 kg, so it is considered light. But at the same time, it is quite powerful (by the standards of its “weight category”). The 51.7 cm³ engine produces as much as 3.26 hp. (2.4 kW). Thanks to this power, the tool can be used not only to solve gardening problems, but also as a professional chainsaw for lumberjacks and builders.

The standard tire that comes with the chainsaw has a length of 38 cm. But the manufacturer allows the installation of other tires, up to long 50-centimeter ones, because the power reserve of the power plant is enough to cope with increased loads.

This chainsaw has been produced since 2002 and is considered a “legend” due to its reliability and high quality (all saws of the 353 model are made in Sweden). It has a magnesium crankcase, consisting of two halves with a crankshaft pressed into them. The tool is equipped with a decompressor and primer (for easy starting in any conditions), an adjustable oil pump (for adjustment to different operating modes) and a convenient chain tensioner, accessible from the side. Two-stage air purification (centrifugal system plus long-life, serviceable filter) perfectly filters dust and wood particles. The engine is capable of “digesting” gasoline of poor quality. A large tank (0.5 l) allows you to work up to 20 - 25 minutes on one fill. The anti-vibration system, consisting of several springs and dampers, absorbs beats and vibrations well, reducing the load on the hands.

The Husqvarna 353 15 chainsaw is intended for commercial use. It is designed for daily work for many hours per shift. It costs a lot, but among the “workhorses” that can withstand intense work on construction sites or logging sites, it is difficult to find something cheaper.