6 Best 18 Inch Chainsaws – Reviews & Top Picks

Best 18 Inch Chainsaws – Reviews & Top Picks

With so many 18 inch chainsaws on the market, finding the best 18-inch chainsaw could be a problem for many. We’re taking this task out of the way by bringing you some of the best machines reviews on the market.

From our list, you will find a mix of gas-powered, battery-powered and electric chainsaws. Your only task is probably to make a purchasing decision a chainsaw that will do the work you intend to use it for.

Best 18 Inch Chainsaws – Reviews

ImageNameTypeBar LengthPowerWeight
Husqvarna 455 RancherHusqvarna 455 RancherGas-powered18 inch55.5 cc12.4 pounds
Poulan Pro PR4218Poulan Pro PR4218Gas-powered18 inch42 cc11 pounds
Greenworks Pro GCS80420Greenworks Pro GCS80420Battery-powered18 inch80V7.5 pounds
BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw (CS1518)BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw (CS1518)Corded-electric18 inch15 Amp8.8 pounds
Echo CS-400 Echo CS-400 Gas-powered18 inch40.2 cc12.3 pounds
Craftsman CMXGSAMA421SCraftsman CMXGSAMA421SGas-powered18 inch42 cc12.4 pounds

1. Husqvarna 18 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Husqvarna 18 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

This gas-powered chainsaw comes packed with an engine power that you need to perform medium-duty and heavy-duty wood cutting tasks.

As such, it’s an ideal power tool for homeowners and landowners. This chainsaw uses the brand’s special 55.5 cc X-Torq 2-stroke air-cooled engine that runs on a mixture of 2-stroke oil and gas in the ratio of 1:50; oil to gas ratio.

This engine delivers an incredible 3.49 horsepower which is enough for heavy-duty wood cutting tasks. Also, this engine has low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

With a powerful engine speed of 9000 RPM, this cutting edge will rip through hardwoods excellently, making this model a professional-level gas-powered chainsaw.

Also, this chainsaw has a side-mounted chain tensioner that’s very easy to reach and use. Once you choose this product, you don’t have to worry about oiling the chain by yourself because the automatic chain oiler does the work for you.

Starting the tool is quite easy; a few pulls of the recoil start gets the machine ready to rock and roll.

This machine features LowVib vibration dampening system on the handles, reducing hand fatigue despite prolonged usage. The chain also protects your hand using its handguard. When it comes to safety, this chain features an inertia-operated chain brake to prevent chain kickbacks.

See also: Best Husqvarna Chainsaw Reviews

Pros
  • Has a powerful engine.
  • Low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
  • CARB-compliant machine.
  • Quite easy to start.
  • Excellent air filter
  • Robust construction
Cons
  • Relatively heavier.
  • A bit loud.

2. Poulan Pro PR4218, 18 in. 42cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Poulan Pro PR4218, 18 in. 42cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

This is a medium-duty gas-powered chainsaw that’s ideal for homeowners looking to cut down the tree or cutting wood.

A 42cc, 2-stroke OxyPower engine powers the chain of this machine. This engine features low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

And to improve your engine’s life, this machine features the SuperClean air filter system that removes debris from the air that goes to cool off the engine and also to aid in fuel combustion.

When this chainsaw combines the impressive engine power with its 18-inch guide bar and chain, you will have quite an impressive and fast performance.

With this machine, you don’t have to worry about oiling the chain since it features an automatic chain lubrication system. This system senses the engine speed and the current gear of the chainsaw then oils the chain appropriately.

A recoil start that will start the engine with a few pulls. Besides, you barely use any energy when you pull the recoil start!

Just like the other chainsaw, this machine has a handguard. It also has an ergonomic handle design that features the anti-vibration comfort that dampens the vibrations from the engine and the chain during wood-cutting tasks.

This results in long working hours without experiencing hand fatigue.

When it comes to tightening the chain, you will have to use the scrench that this machine comes with. This chain tensioning tool has its own compartment that doesn’t need a tool to open.

Pros
  • This tool comes fully assembled.
  • Has anti-vibration handles.
  • Easy to use recoil starter
  • Comes with a carrying case, an extra chain, 2-stroke oil, scrench and bar and chain oil.
Cons
  • Hard to start sometimes.
  • Can’t adjust the tightness of the chain without the scrench.

3. Greenworks PRO 18-Inch 80V Cordless Chainsaw

 Greenworks PRO 18-Inch 80V Cordless Chainsaw

High-quality hard plastic and metal are the two major materials that go into constructing this machine. As such, it’s a durable battery-powered chainsaw.

This chainsaw features a powerful 80V rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery with a charge capacity of 2Ah. Therefore, this battery is capable of powering the digitally controlled brushless motor of this chainsaw for a long time.

On a full battery, you can make 150 cuts, which is quite impressive. With its 18-inch guide bar and chain that taps magnificent power from the motor, this chainsaw gives you enough cutting edge for all your light-duty to medium-duty wood cutting works.

As such, this machine is ideal for landscapers and contractors. With the charge capacity that the battery packs, you don’t need a cabled power source.

Starting your tool is quite simple; simply press the on/off switch and your machines will get ready to devour some wood materials. This chainsaw features a front wraparound metal handle that lets you have a sturdy and comfortable grip of your power tool.

This handle has a front handguard next to it to protect your hand as you go about your wood cutting duties.

Oiling the chain is hassle-free since this model features an automatic oiling system. The result of this is a smooth chain running. Also, this chainsaw features springing steel spikes to give you stability when cutting wood.

As a notable safety feature, this chainsaw has an electric chain brake that stops the chain in case of a severe kickback.

Pros
  • The battery only takes 30 minutes to fully charge.
  • The motor is powerful and durable.
  • The battery runs until you make 150 cuts.
  • Very easy to start.
  • Comes with other accessories.
Cons
  • Has a limited run-time.
  • Oil might leak while the tool is in storage.

4. BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw (CS1518)

BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw, 18-Inch, 15-Amp (CS1518)

If you’re tired of constantly refilling the gas tank of your chainsaw, maybe it’s time to switch to an electric chainsaw. Electric chainsaws will need you to plug the to a power outlet, making them corded chainsaws.

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 gives the opportunity to have a hassle-free light to medium duty wood cutting works around your home. Just plug it into a power outlet and press the lock-off button then squeeze the trigger.

Once you do that, the chain starts to roll, cutting all the wood materials on its path. This chainsaw features an 18-inch Oregon low kickback bar and chain which gives you enough cutting edge for all your wood cutting duties. The motor of this chain is powerful enough and consumes only 15 amps of electrical current.

This chainsaw features two handles- the wraparound front handle and the rear handle. It also features a front handguard that also acts as the chain brake.

Adjusting the chain tension is simple and tool-less. This chainsaw features a bar adjust locking knob that will help you set the right chain tension for optimal performance.

Also, this chainsaw features an automatic chain oiling system that effortlessly keeps the bar and chain lubricated for excellent performance. An oil reservoir window lets you see the oil level. You will, therefore, top-up oil as need dictates.

Pros
  • Affordable.
  • Lightweight
  • Has an oil reservoir window.
  • The chain has a front handguard and chain brake.
  • Produces less noise.
Cons
  • Low-quality construction
  • Less power when compare to gas chainsaw
  • Chain bar misaligned to the sprocket.

5.  Echo CS-400 18″

Echo CS-400 18″

This is a gas-powered chainsaw that trades weight for power. This makes it lightweight and portable and still have impressive engine power. It only weighs 10.1 pounds. With an engine size of just 40.2 cc delivers about 1.23 HP.

It features an 18-inch guide bar and chain, which is enough length to do most works around your yard. This chainsaw features two handles- the front wraparound handle and the rear handle.

It also features a front handguard that protects your hand from debris when you’re busy cutting some wood into the right sizes.

Another brilliant feature that is present in this chainsaw is the automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain in excellent condition for optimal performance. You don’t have to worry about lubricating the chain. Your only task remains to be refilling the oil reservoir.

To start the engine, you will effortlessly pull the recoil cord twice or thrice. The chain comes with a brilliant safety feature- the inertia initiated chain brake.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • A powerful engine
  • Easy to start and well balanced
  • Low exhaust emissions
Cons
  • Warranty not working
  • Loud when operating at full speed

6. Craftsman CMXGSAMA421S

 Craftsman CMXGSAMA421S 42cc 2-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Powered

This is a red gas-powered chainsaw that features a 42 cc 2-stroke engine size. It uses less fuel and produces less exhaust emission into the air.

It features an 18-inch low-kickback bar and chain that easily slice through any wood material you subject your machine to.

Besides, the gas engine that this chainsaw feature is powerful enough to sufficiently drive the chain for optimal performance.

This chainsaw features a high-quality and durable professional grade chassis that guarantees a long chainsaw life.

All the handles feature excellent grip design; the front wraparound handle features 3-point anti-vibration system in it that dampens vibrations that the engine and chain generate while they’re in operation

Therefore you will be in a position to use your machine for a long time before you can start to develop fatigued arms.

This machine features an easy to start the engine; just pull the recoil start a few time and the engine begins to rev, ready to execute all your woodwork duties.

It has bucking spikes to give you wood-cutting stability. What makes this chainsaw amazing is its effortless automatic oiling system.

Once you fill its oil reservoir with some oil, this automatic system does the rest of the work for you. This product comes with other accessories such as 2-cycle oil for the engine and carrying case.

As a highly effective safety feature, this chainsaw has an inertia-activated chain brake that halts the chain in the event of severe kickbacks.

Also, you can access to filter and spark plug with tool-less. This product comes backed with a 2-year limited warranty.

Pros
  • Easy to handle
  • Sturdy and durable chassis
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Leak oil slightly
  • Quite heavy

Conclusion

While all the chainsaws are great, one of them stands out more- the Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw. It has the most powerful engine on the list, setting it apart from the rest.

Also, It’s easy to start and well-balanced. You will get a lot of value to your job. Besides, it has an excellent fuel economy and releases fewer exhaust fumes into the environment. This makes it a bit more eco-friendly.

The runner-up is the Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Chainsaw because it offers a cordless design that guarantees portability. Besides, it charges really fast and the battery lasts relatively long. If you’re looking to cut some wood in a place with no gas and electric power, you can carry this chainsaw with you there.

Unlike the number one chainsaw on our list, Greenworks PRO one doesn’t release any exhaust emission to the environment at all. If it had a more powerful motor with a long-lasting battery, it would probably take the number one spot.

We hope with this list, you can make an informed decision which 18 inch chainsaw will suitable for your need.

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