This Is Why You Need a Mini Chainsaw for Your Yard Projects
[vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_facebook type=”button_count”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_tweetmeme share_via=”YinzBuy”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1606731333432{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_pinterest][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]A portable mini chainsaw is a great tool to have around for your yard projects, but many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers may not be familiar with these petite saws. However, there are many projects around the yard where you’re better off using a small chainsaw versus the full-sized version.
The portable mini chainsaw can be used in several different projects around the yard and home. These chainsaws are a good option for fine-cutting jobs and for trimming hedges or shrubs. They can also be useful in renovation and carpentry projects.
What exactly sets a portable mini chainsaw apart from its larger chainsaw cousin? Keep reading to learn more about these compact chainsaws and the best ones available on the market for your home and garden projects.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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Small Chainsaw vs. Mini Chainsaw
There are several different chainsaw sizes on the market, but the thing that sets mini chainsaws apart from small-sized chainsaws is their ultra lightweight design and portability. Many mini chainsaws are battery-operated and cordless, making it easy to bring them directly out into the yard for landscaping work.
Small chainsaws have a blade around ten inches, but mini chainsaws are even smaller than that. These tiny chainsaws have blades between four and eight inches long. While both types can be used in similar applications, the mini version excels at precise work.
While mini chainsaws aren’t suitable for cutting down mature trees, they’re the perfect size for taking down unwanted limbs. They’re also great for small carpentry jobs where you don’t want to deal with the noise and hassle of a larger chainsaw. Mini chainsaws also offer a large degree of control for more precise cutting work.
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What Can You Do With a Mini Chainsaw?
Mini chainsaws can’t handle some of the harder woods or the larger trees in your yard, but there are still plenty of small projects that can be accomplished with one. Here are some of the tasks you can do with a mini chainsaw:
- Cutting lumber to size for carpentry projects: Mini chainsaws can be great for quickly cutting down lumber into smaller pieces, in lieu of a circular saw. They’re perfect for delicate, thin wood pieces that may be difficult to control while cutting with a larger chainsaw.
- Cutting back small tree limbs during landscaping work: Using a large chainsaw can be overkill on small tree limbs and branches, but a mini chainsaw is the perfect size for shaping up the trees in your yard. They can handle most limbs and branches up to 6” in diameter.
- Pruning shrubs and hedges: Mini chainsaws are perfect for maintaining topiary and other hedges in your yard that require precise cutting for a smooth, sculpted aesthetic. Their lightweight design allows you to cut hedges above head level without dealing with fatigue or strong vibrations.
Mini chainsaws may not be able to cut down entire trees in your yard, but they’re the perfect tool for the job when it comes to smaller projects.
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What Types of Mini Chainsaws Are Out There?
There are several major types of mini chainsaws out there on the market. All of them are miniature, but each of them is powered a little differently. Here are the major types of mini chainsaws available:
- Electric: Electric mini chainsaws fall into two major categories: corded electric chainsaws and battery-powered electric chainsaws. Corded electric chainsaws have a consistent power level but are limited by their mobility since they have to remain plugged into an outlet to operate.
- Battery-powered: Battery-powered mini chainsaws are a subset of electric saws which run off a rechargeable battery system. This allows for cordless models that offer maximum portability to the chainsaw user. They’re ideal for projects in the yard, far from an electrical outlet.
- Gas: Gas-powered mini chainsaws operate on liquid petroleum, usually a mixture of gasoline and oil. Gas-powered mini chainsaws are powerful operators, but as a power source, gas can be finicky and may run out at inconvenient times.
The type of mini chainsaw you decide to buy will depend on what you’re planning to do with your chainsaw. If you’ll be using it mostly for carpentry projects in the garage, a corded model won’t cause too much restriction. Conversely, a mini chainsaw you plan to use mostly on trimming trees or hedges should be more mobile.
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Mini Chainsaw Recommendations
No matter what type of mini chainsaw you’re looking for, there are dozens of models on the market that make it easy to find exactly the type of chainsaw you want based on cutting ability, size, or battery time.
Below you’ll find some recommendations of the best mini chainsaws on the market and their closest runner-ups. This short list can help you pick out a miniature chainsaw based on either your budget or your cutting needs.
Best Overall Value
- Moyotec Mini Chainsaw – At just over 3 pounds, the Moyotec is super lightweight. It can still power through a 6” branch in 10 seconds, making it powerful as well as ergonomic. Check out our full review of this all-around saw to see why it’s earned such an impressive reviewer rating!
- Runner-up: MKSENSE 4-Inch Mini Chainsaw – The MKSENSE 4-Inch Mini Chainsaw features both a second-generation lightweight design and efficient cutting power. It comes with a spare battery, spare chain, cutting gloves, and a carrying case. It’s a well-rounded choice for any user.
Best Overhead Cutting
- Black and Decker Lithium Ion 20V Max Cordless Pole Saw – This Black and Decker pole saw style mini chainsaw is the perfect choice for cutting down even the toughest and most gnarled tree limbs without having to strain overhead.
- Runner-up: WORX WG320 JawSaw – The WORX WG320 JawSaw is a cordless electric mini chainsaw that features both cutting power and a safe work design that makes it one of the easier-to-handle mini chainsaws on the market. The auto-tension feature makes it easy to keep cuts even and controlled.
Best Cutting Power
- Anbull Electric Chainsaw – The Anbull saw features a 4” blade that can cut through a 6” branch in only 10 seconds. It takes only 2 seconds for a 1” branch – perfect for cleanup! With a comfort grip and a spare battery you’ll have no problem getting through your wood pile.
- Runner-up: Dingmo Cordless Electric Saw – Dingmo’s mini chainsaw matches the 10 second cut time of a 6” log. It can also do a 4” log in about 5 seconds! You’ll get about 3 hours of use between the two included batteries. It comes with safety gloves and arm sleeves as an added bonus.
Best Battery Life
- New Huing Mini Cordless Chainsaw – The New Huing mini cordless chainsaw has a 21V rechargeable lithium battery that offers power without fading. Despite its large capacity, it also recharges quickly, so you aren’t stuck waiting around to work. It can run up to 6 hours on a full charge, depending on use!
- Runner-up: Srood Portable Chainsaw – The 24-volt battery of the Srood chainsaw powers a blade that cuts up to 6” thick wood. It comes with a spare battery as well for easy swap out. Each battery takes 1.5 hours to charge, but you’ll get around 2.5 hours of cut time. Keep swapping them for longer jobs! It even comes with a convenient hard case for storage.
Lightest Weight
- Anzid 24V Mini Chainsaw – This Anzid chainsaw weighs just 3.18 pounds! It’s easily operated one handed, but still powerful enough to cut a 6” diameter log. As an added bonus, it ships with gloves, ear plugs, and safety glasses to get you started.
- Runner-up: Rirgi Cordless Saw – The Rirgi mini chainsaw comes in at 4.16 pounds. It’s slightly heavier than the Anzid, but boasts an additional safety splash guard. This saw is only designed for logs up to 4”, despite the 26V battery. The Rirgi also comes with a convenient case for storage and transport.
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How to Choose a Mini Chainsaw
Which mini chainsaw you ultimately decide to go with can be determined by the types of jobs you’re wanting to use it for. Here are some questions to ask when you’re ready to choose a mini chainsaw:
- What types of wood am I planning to cut, and how many inches thick is it? The more powerful your chainsaw is, the larger cuts it can handle. If the wood is overhead, a lighter weight saw will be easier to handle.
- Will I be using the chainsaw more often in the garage or yard? Will you have easy access to an electrical outlet while working? Those homeowners who are planning to use their mini chainsaw mostly as part of a carpentry setup indoors will not need as much mobility in their chainsaw as someone who is planning on carrying it around.
- What is your budget? The prices of mini chainsaws are often comparable from model to model, but can vary according to design features and power capacity. More expensive mini saws also tend to feature more robust warranty systems.
The best way to choose a mini chainsaw is to narrow your search down to a half-dozen or so chainsaws that meet your basic needs, and then choose from those based on the pros and cons presented by each model. Looking at user reviews is also a great way to get a sense of how well the miniature chainsaw actually performs on the job.
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Additional Miniature Chainsaw Safety Equipment Recommendations
It’s important to keep in mind that no matter which mini chainsaw you end up going with, you’ll need to purchase the necessary safety equipment too. Even though it is pocket-sized, it’s still a chainsaw and dangerous if not handled carefully. Here are some essential safety items to have on hand for use with your chainsaw:
- Cut resistant gloves. Look for gloves like these Youngstown work gloves that feature cut and puncture resistance. Kevlar lining offers additional protection, and exterior impact resistance protects your hands from falling branches. Choose from sizes ranging from Small – XX-Large.
- Safety glasses. It’s important to shield your eyes from sawdust and wood pieces that kick up when cutting. A pair of safety glasses like these well rated No Cry anti-fog work glasses are a solid choice for eye protection. They’re adjustable and available in a variety of colors as well.
- Protective helmet. If you’ll be cutting branches overhead, a helmet is an important safety consideration. Prevent head injuries from falling branches with a hard hat style safety helmet. This Oregon chainsaw helmet protects your head, eyes, and ears all in one.
- Chainsaw chaps. If you’ll be doing cutting near your legs, or while kneeling on the ground, safety chaps can prevent injury. Whether it’s a flying piece of wood or the chain of the chainsaw, your legs are exposed to potential injuries. These Husqvarna chaps will protect your legs from damage.
- Chainsaw Lubricant. It’s important to keep your chains well lubricated. This not only prevents rust, but helps slow down wear. A kit designed for hedge trimmers is perfect for use on a mini chainsaw.
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Mini Chainsaws Are Perfect for Pint-Sized Jobs
While larger chainsaws are great for taking down trees or other major woodcutting jobs around your yard and property, mini chainsaws are a more specialized tool that can be used in a much wider variety of projects. Despite their small size, these chainsaws pack a power wallop and are capable of tackling many different kinds of cuts.
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