BEST TOP HANDLE CHAINSAWS (TOP 7 PICKS)

Table could not be displayed.

If you’re a professional arborist or avid gardener, you know that efficiency, precision, and maneuverability are critical to successful tree care.

Top handle chainsaws are specifically designed to provide the utmost control and balance in tight spaces, making them indispensable for your tree maintenance needs.

With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best top handle chainsaws that meet your needs and elevates your experience.

That’s why we have researched and compiled the best top handle chainsaws for you to make the decision-making process easier.

So, sit back, relax, and read on to find your perfect top handle chainsaw match.

7 BEST TOP HANDLE CHAINSAWS

1. RUNNER UP — Makita XCU09PT Chainsaw

2. BEST PROFESSIONAL — V-MODEST Chainsaw

3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK — Akoblyh Mini Chainsaw

4. BEST OVERALL — SKIL PWR Chainsaw

5. BEST LIGHT-DUTY — VIvosun Chainsaw

6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY — Matika XCU08Z Chainsaw

7. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT — DEWALT 20V Chainsaw

First on our best top-handle chainsaws list is the Makita XCU09PT. Because of the brushless motor and torque boost mode that provides a chain speed of 940 FPM, it can handle tough jobs easily.

You can also control the speed with the speed trigger to get the most power and performance out of the gun.

Lithium-ion batteries, which come with this chainsaw, give users reliable power that lasts for a long time.

As a battery-powered chainsaw, it doesn’t have the torque of a gas-powered chainsaw, but it is still powerful enough to handle a variety of tasks.

Next on the list is the V-MODEST 10-inch chainsaw. Like the Makita XCU09PT, it is also a good choice for those looking for a top-handle chainsaw.

It comes with a high-speed brushless motor that provides 70% greater power output, making it easy to operate and reducing noise for a longer-lasting life.

It only weighs 5 pounds, and its safety and ergonomic features make it safe and easy to use.

Powered by a 24V, 4000mAh battery that lasts 60 minutes, this chainsaw is perfect for cutting wood, trimming trees, and pruning in the garden.

The guide chain is also deeply quenched, which makes it easier to cut and more resistant to wear.

While some consumers may be put off by this chainsaw’s price tag, its valuable features more than justify its cost.

It has a 10-inch chain, two rechargeable batteries, a charger, two safety gloves, a small oil bottle, a screwdriver, and a user manual.

Overall, easy installation and portability make the V-MODEST 10 Top Handle Chainsaw a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable top-handle chainsaw.

Akoblyh Cordless Chainsaw is another top-handle chainsaw that makes cutting and trimming trees much easier. The saw is compact and only weighs 1 kg with a length of 13 inches. Best of all, its oblique handle design ensures precise and comfortable work.

The variable-speed design and high-quality switches provide comprehensive protection.

It also features a non-slippery handle and a powerful 24V, 2000mAh rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged in just 1-2 hours for up to 3-6 hours.

The chainsaw also has a high-quality guide chain that has been deep-quenched for smooth cutting and a strong copper motor that makes it faster and more efficient.

One thing that could be a problem with this electric chainsaw is that it might not be strong enough for larger or more difficult cutting jobs.

It is primarily designed for smaller branches and trees. If you have larger cutting needs, a more powerful and larger chainsaw may be a better option.

Overall, if you are looking for a portable, easy-to-install, and easy-to-operate chainsaw that can handle light and medium-duty tasks easily, the Akoblyh Cordless Chainsaw is a great option to consider.

The SKIL PWR CORE 20 Brushless Chainsaw is another top-handle device for any DIYer looking for a small but powerful saw at a reasonable price.

The 12-inch saw has a powerful brushless motor that gives it high-performance power without the hassle of gas.

Additionally, the PWR CORE 20 lithium battery technology wraps each cell with cooling material to keep the battery powered for even longer.

It has a safety feature called an anti-kickback brake that cuts the power when kickback happens. The toolless chain tensioning and auto-lubrication features also make this chainsaw easier to use.

On the downside, this saw is suitable for cutting small to medium-sized branches; if you have larger cutting needs, a more powerful and larger chainsaw is a better option.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and durable cordless chainsaw for cutting small to medium-sized branches, the SKIL PWR CORE 20 is definitely worth it.

Get your garden in top shape with the powerful and efficient Vivosun 10-inch cordless chainsaw.
This electric saw has a 4-hour battery. It can be charged in a few minutes, and you can work for 30 minutes without worrying about the hassle of a cord and gasoline.

It has a 10-inch steel blade that cuts through limbs and small trees cleanly and smoothly.
It also has a 75-ml oil tank for the auto-lubrication system to make trimming and cutting easier, so you don’t have to manually lubricate the chain.

This chainsaw weighs only 7 pounds and has a 10-inch chain length. With its comfortable rubber handle, this chainsaw is perfect for use by both beginners and professionals.

Even women and the elderly can use it easily because of its ergonomic design.

For safety, it has dual safety switches to prevent accidental starts, which means you need to press the safety lock and trigger at the same time to operate the saw.

Also, the handle is covered with soft rubber to make it easy to hold and keep from slipping.

Whether trimming branches, cutting down small trees, or maintaining your garden, this chainsaw makes the job quick and efficient.

Next on the list is Makita’s XCU08 top-handle chainsaw. The saw features an efficient brushless motor and two 26-volt batteries.

This lightweight chainsaw packs a serious punch, delivering torque equal to that of a 30cc gas saw without any mess or fumes!

Plus, with its variable-speed trigger and high chain speeds, you can get through dense hardwoods quickly while maintaining peak performance.

And if you’re looking for precise cuts on softer materials like butter? The easy-start button and adjustable speed control make it effortless every time.

This top handle chainsaw is ideal for professionals and DIYers who require dependability in their tools on the go!

Lastly, we have the DEWALT 20V Max XR Chainsaw, which is an ideal choice.

The lightweight saw only weighs 10.2 pounds and features a brushless motor for powerful performance and up to 90 cuts per charge so that you can work longer without interruption!

You’ll also appreciate its convenient tool-free chain tensioning with a bar tightening knob that ensures proper clamping force every time; plus, it comes with an oil level indicator for when more lubrication is needed.

No loud buzzing from gas motors here—just attach the battery and start slicing smoothly through anything in sight!

It cut through the large trunk easily and had no problem climbing both trees and cutting the trunk into firewood-size pieces with one battery.

This chainsaw is a great option for anyone looking for reliable and powerful performance in a compact, lightweight package.

Factors To Consider When Buying Top Handle Chainsaws

When looking for the best top handle chainsaws, it’s important to consider several factors that will affect performance, comfort, and overall value.

To ensure you select the best top handle chainsaw for your needs, consider the following factors:

Purpose and Frequency of Use:

The primary purpose and frequency of use are important factors to consider when shopping for a chainsaw.

If you are a professional arborist who needs a chainsaw for daily use, a high-quality, durable model will be necessary. In contrast, occasional users may prefer a lighter and more affordable model that will suffice for infrequent use.

Engine Type:

Top handle chainsaws are available with gas-powered and battery-powered engines. Gas-powered chainsaws are typically more powerful, but they are louder, heavier, and require more maintenance.

Battery-powered chainsaws offer the benefit of being quieter and more eco-friendly but may have less power and a shorter usage time.

Power and Performance:

Consider the engine size for gas-powered top handle chainsaws (measured in cubic centimeters or CC) or the battery voltage for battery-powered chainsaws (measured in volts).

The higher the engine size or voltage, the more power the chainsaw will have. However, more power may also result in a heavier and more expensive chainsaw.

Bar Length:

Bar length affects the size of branches or trunks the chainsaw can handle. A longer bar may allow for more efficient work, but a shorter bar can be more maneuverable and easier to use in tight spaces.

Weight and ergonomics:

Top handle chainsaws are designed for one-handed use in tight spaces and at heights.

The weight and ergonomic design of the chainsaw are crucial for user comfort and safety.

Consider a chainsaw with a well-balanced design and comfortable grip to reduce fatigue and improve control.

Budget:

Finally, consider your budget and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. More expensive chainsaws may offer higher quality components and longevity, but a warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any issues.

Check out our guides on best chainsaws under $100, best chainsaws under $200, and best chainsaws under $300.

Determine your budget and prioritize the most important features for your intended use of the chainsaw.

Safety Features

When shopping for a top-handle chainsaw, make sure the model you select has the safety features that are most important to you.

For example, choose a saw with chain break technology that immediately stops the moving chain if it comes into contact with an object.

This is important when working around people and pets in your yard, or when cutting near any structures. 

Final Thoughts

Before you decide on a top-handle chainsaw for sale, take the time to carefully compare and contrast your options.

By investing in a quality saw with appropriate features for your needs, you can rest assured that you can perform various wood-cutting jobs safely and efficiently.