The Best Mini Chainsaws in Australia for 2024 | Ultimate Backyard (2024)

While mini chainsaws are definitely great little tools, they do come in a range of shapes and sizes, which can make it difficult to choose.

It’s important to find a tool that is best for what you are going to use it for.

This article is intended to help you decide on the right mini chainsaw for your specific requirements.

Note: If you’re looking for full-size chainsaws, check out our guide here.

Best for most people: Black+Decker Lithium-Ion Chainsaw

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• Power Source: Battery
• Speed: n/a
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Bar length: 25cm
• Max cutting diameter: 250mm

This BLACK+DECKER mini chainsaw is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable, lightweight, portable chainsaw.

The lithium-ion battery is easy to charge and lasts for about 220 x 3.5cm cuts, which means you can get the job done without having to wait around for it to charge again.

It’s also designed for easy use and manoeuvrability, so it’s perfect if you’re just getting started with chainsaws.

The tool-free chain tensioning makes it super simple to adjust the chain so you don’t have to worry about fiddling with wrenches or anything like that. And the simple leak-free oil system keeps things mess-free.

At 3.1kg, this battery powered chainsaw is heavier than other options, but that’s because it has a longer bar and can cut through larger branches.

Best for smaller jobs: Bosch Cordless Micro NanoBlade Saw

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• Power Source: Battery
• Speed: 4100 RPM
• Weight: 2.35 kg
• Bar length: n/a
• Max cutting diameter: 25mm

The Bosch NanoBlade Saw is a great option for anyone looking for a handy and portable saw that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The saw comes with a 12 Volt 2.5 Ah battery and an included charger.

The saw is very compact and lightweight, weighing just ‎2.35 kg, and has an ergonomic grip that makes it easy to use and comfortable to hold.

It also has low vibration, which makes it good for those who suffer from wrist pain or carpel tunnel syndrome.

Keep in mind that this cordless saw can be used for small jobs only (branches up to 25mm in diameter), so if you plan on doing extensive garden pruning a bigger tool may be better suited.

Best for garden pruning: Stihl GTA 26 Cordless Garden Pruner

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• Power Source: Battery
• Speed: 8 m/s
• Weight: 1.2 kg (without battery)
• Bar length: 10cm
• Max cutting diameter: 40mm

The Stihl GTA 26 is the perfect tool for pruning and trimming your trees, shrubs, and flowers.

It’s lightweight, so you won’t get tired during long jobs, and it comes with a protective hood to keep your hands safe.

The high chain speed of 8 m/s will give you quick results, so you can get back to enjoying your garden in no time. Meanwhile, the clean cutting pattern will leave behind little messes for you to clean up.

This tool comes with everything you need: a battery and charger are included. And because it uses lithium-ion batteries, there’s no memory effect or loss of power after charging.

The only downside is that this tool is quite expensive, but if you’re willing to spend the money on it, it’s a great option.

Why buy a mini chainsaw?

There are a lot of reasons to buy a mini chainsaw.

Mini chainsaws are easier to use, store and maintain than regular-sized ones.

These tools are smaller, lighter and more maneuverable, so they’re much more comfortable to grip and use for an extended period of time without hand fatigue.

They also require less maintenance than full-size models because they have fewer moving parts that can break down over time.

A mini chainsaw is ideal for a number of jobs around the home, farm, or campground, including cutting firewood, pruning and landscaping.

There are also many other uses for these small power tools that you may have never considered before.

Small trees can be cut down with much more ease than with a hand saw. This makes them a good option if you plan on felling some small trees at your property.

If you want something that’s easy enough for anyone in your family or friend group to operate with confidence, or even if you’re looking for one tool that can tackle all kinds of cutting tasks, then a mini chainsaw may be the right choice for you.

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What to consider when choosing a mini chainsaw

The following are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a chainsaw:

Bar length and chain pitch

Chainsaws come with different bar lengths and pitches, which determine how well the saw can cut through wood.

The length is measured from tip to tip, while the pitch is determined by how far apart each tooth on the chain is spaced from its neighbour.

If you’re going to be cutting larger pieces of wood, choose a larger bar size.

Power to weight ratio

If you’re looking at mini chainsaws, chances are you want something lightweight and easy to manage.

Compare power to weight ratios by dividing the power of a chainsaw (measured in hp or kw) by its weight (measured in kg).

Safety features

Safety features on a chainsaw include:

• Kickback guard
• Chain brake
• Chain catcher
• Throttle lock
• Hand guard
• Stop control button

Also, look for ergonomic design elements like soft-grip handles that reduce fatigue while working long hours outdoors.

Light and easy to handle

A mini chainsaw should be light enough that you can carry it easily. It should also be small enough that you can comfortably hold and control it with one hand.

This makes them easy to use around the yard, on a ladder or in your backyard workshop.

A lightweight chainsaw will not weigh down your arm or cause fatigue during long periods of use, which means more productivity.

Easy starting

Starting a gas-powered chainsaw is usually as simple as pulling on a cord until the motor cranks over and starts running smoothly—but not all mini chainsaws are created equal when it comes to ease of use.

Some have complex starting systems that require multiple pulls before they’ll fire up, while others have an air purge system that requires different procedures depending on whether the tool has been sitting idle for hours or days at a time.

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Other features to look out for

There are also a number of features to consider when purchasing any chainsaw, including a mini one:

• The chain gauge. This relates to the strength and size of a chain’s drive links.
• The chain pitch. This relates to the size of the chain.
• The chain speed. Does the tool have the power for what you want to use it for?

Gas vs electric

Gas chainsaws are the best option for heavy-duty applications.

They generally deliver more power and longer life than electric models, which makes them ideal for cutting down trees and clearing brush.

However, gas chainsaws are generally heavier, noisier, require more maintenance and are more expensive than electric mini chainsaws.

Corded vs battery-powered

Corded saws are generally cheaper, lighter and require less maintenance than battery-powered tools.

Corded models are also more compact, so they’re easier to handle and store. But their range is limited by the length of the extension cord you can use with them.

While cordless models may seem much more convenient (and they are), keep in mind that they come with extra weight.

Also, the batteries can be expensive to buy or replace.