When it comes to finding the best all-round petrol chainsaw in the UK, you need a model that balances power, versatility, ease of use, and durability. A good all-round chainsaw should handle a wide range of tasks—from light pruning and limbing to cutting firewood and felling small to medium trees. It should be reliable, easy to maintain, and offer safety features that make it suitable for both novice and experienced users. Here’s a list of top petrol chainsaws that stand out as the best all-rounders for various cutting needs.
Best All-Round Petrol Chainsaws in the UK
1. Husqvarna 135 Mark II Petrol Chainsaw
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 38cc, 2-stroke X-Torq® engine
- Bar Length: 40 cm (16 inches)
- Weight: 4.7 kg
- Features: LowVib® anti-vibration system, Air Injection™ air cleaning system, inertia-activated chain brake
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to start, fuel-efficient, versatile for multiple tasks
- Cons: Not for heavy-duty logging
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is an excellent all-round petrol chainsaw designed for homeowners who need a reliable tool for a variety of garden tasks. Its 38cc X-Torq® engine offers a great balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for pruning, cutting firewood, and even felling small trees. The LowVib® anti-vibration system enhances user comfort during prolonged use, while the Air Injection™ system keeps the engine cleaner for longer, reducing maintenance needs. Its lightweight design and inertia-activated chain brake add to its safety and ease of use. This chainsaw is ideal for general use and offers exceptional value for those looking for a dependable all-rounder.
2. Stihl MS 211 Petrol Chainsaw
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 35.2cc, 2-stroke engine with M-Tronic
- Bar Length: 40 cm (16 inches)
- Weight: 4.3 kg
- Features: Anti-vibration system, M-Tronic engine management, Ematic chain lubrication system
- Pros: Lightweight, fuel-efficient, excellent build quality
- Cons: Mid-range power, slightly higher price
The Stihl MS 211 is another top choice for an all-round petrol chainsaw, offering a great combination of power, efficiency, and ease of use. With a 35.2cc engine and M-Tronic electronic engine management, it adjusts automatically to ensure optimal performance, even in varying conditions. The anti-vibration system significantly reduces user fatigue, making it comfortable to handle for extended periods. The Ematic chain lubrication system reduces oil consumption by up to 50%, making it more economical to operate. It’s perfect for general use, from limbing and pruning to light firewood cutting, offering reliable performance and long-lasting durability.
3. Makita EA4300F38C Petrol Chainsaw
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 42.4cc, 2-stroke engine
- Bar Length: 38 cm (15 inches)
- Weight: 4.9 kg
- Features: Touch & Stop system, Easy Start, automatic chain lubrication, anti-vibration
- Pros: Powerful engine, user-friendly design, durable build
- Cons: Heavier than some competitors, slightly pricier
The Makita EA4300F38C stands out as a powerful and durable all-round chainsaw suitable for both homeowners and more experienced users. With a 42.4cc engine, it provides plenty of power to tackle a range of tasks, from cutting firewood to felling small trees. The Touch & Stop system enhances safety by stopping the engine with a single touch. It also features an Easy Start mechanism to reduce effort when starting the engine and an anti-vibration system for added comfort. The 38 cm bar length strikes a good balance between maneuverability and cutting capability, making it a versatile choice for general use.
4. Echo CS-400ES Petrol Chainsaw
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 40.2cc, 2-stroke engine
- Bar Length: 40 cm (16 inches)
- Weight: 4.6 kg
- Features: Easy Start system, G-Force engine air pre-cleaner, side-access chain tensioner
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to start, low emissions, reliable brand
- Cons: Lower power output for heavy-duty tasks
The Echo CS-400ES is a well-balanced, all-round chainsaw that offers excellent ease of use and reliability. It features a 40.2cc engine that provides enough power for a variety of tasks, including pruning, cutting firewood, and felling small trees. The Easy Start system reduces the effort needed to start the engine, while the G-Force engine air pre-cleaner helps keep debris out, extending the life of the engine. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. It’s perfect for those looking for a user-friendly chainsaw that delivers consistent performance.
5. Hyundai HYC6220 62cc Petrol Chainsaw
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 62cc, 2-stroke engine
- Bar Length: 50 cm (20 inches)
- Weight: 6 kg
- Features: Easy-start recoil system, anti-vibration, automatic chain oiler
- Pros: Very powerful engine, long bar length for larger tasks, affordable price
- Cons: Heavier, more suited for experienced users
The Hyundai HYC6220 is a powerhouse chainsaw for those needing extra power for more demanding tasks. With its 62cc engine and 50 cm bar length, it’s capable of handling tougher jobs like felling medium trees and cutting through thicker logs. Despite its size, it features an easy-start recoil system and an anti-vibration handle to improve user comfort. The automatic chain oiler ensures the chain remains lubricated during operation, reducing wear and tear. This chainsaw is best suited for more experienced users who need a versatile tool capable of heavy-duty work while still being an affordable choice.
Key Considerations When Choosing an All-Round Petrol Chainsaw
When selecting the best all-round petrol chainsaw, consider these important factors to ensure it meets your needs:
- Engine Size: For an all-round chainsaw, aim for an engine size between 35cc and 45cc. This range provides a good balance between power and weight for most garden and light forestry tasks.
- Bar Length: A bar length of 14 to 16 inches is ideal for most all-purpose use, offering the versatility to handle both small and medium-sized jobs.
- Weight: A lighter chainsaw (4-5 kg) is easier to handle and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. Heavier chainsaws are more powerful but can be tiring.
- Safety Features: Look for features like anti-vibration systems, chain brakes, and easy-start mechanisms to improve safety and comfort.
- Ease of Maintenance: Choose models with tool-less chain tensioning, automatic chain lubrication, and accessible air filters for easy maintenance.
- Reliability and Build Quality: Opt for reputable brands known for their quality, reliability, and after-sales support.
Conclusion
Choosing the best all-round petrol chainsaw in the UK depends on your specific needs, experience level, and the range of tasks you plan to tackle. For a versatile and reliable choice, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II and Stihl MS 211 are top picks that offer excellent performance and durability. If you need more power, the Makita EA4300F38C provides robust performance with user-friendly features. The Echo CS-400ES is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use chainsaw, while the Hyundai HYC6220 is a powerful yet budget-friendly option for heavier-duty tasks.
With the right chainsaw, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any cutting job in your garden or property with confidence and ease!