The 4 Best Easy Start Chainsaws – Reviews 2023

easy start chainsaw, easy start chain saw, easiest starting chainsaw

Photo by kimmo tirkkonen / CC BY

So why get an easy start chainsaw? Well, one of the worst parts of using a chainsaw is having to get it started. In general, it’s a problem with a whole host of different small engine devices, but unlike a lawnmower, it’s not exactly anchored to the ground while you’re jerking on the starter cord.

Thankfully, manufacturers have noticed this is a problem, and that means they’ve come up with a solution. We’d like to show you some the top easy start chainsaws around in order to make your next wood cutting venture a success.

Here are our reviews of the 4 best easy start chainsaws on the market:

Husqvarna 20-Inch 50.2cc Powered Chain Saw With Smart Easy Start

Husqvarna makes some of the best chainsaws around and this beast with a 50.2cc motor (see full specs) is also equipped with their “Smart Start” technology to ensure that you’ve got an easy time getting it going. It uses a combined choke and stop in order to ensure that you don’t flood the engine, saving you time while you’re on the job.

Of course, we couldn’t really call it one of the best just because it’s easy starting. With a 20” bar, a huge amount of torque, and a large engine, it’s got the power for anything. Add in the ergonomic handle and Husqvarna’s warranty and you’re in good hands.

Tanaka 32.2cc 14-Inch Top Handle Chain Saw with Easy Start Pure Fire Engine

This 14” chainsaw from Tanaka is one of the best around. While it might not quite be up to Husqavarna’s standards when it comes to the motor, Tanaka is still a big name and it’s a hardy tool to let you get some serious work done.

The easy start on this chainsaw comes from the half throttle choke. It’s not exactly an innovative system but it’s also not going to leave you ripping on it for half an hour before the powerful motor kicks to life either. It’s priced fairly, and it’s the perfect length for those who are working around the house, and consumers get a 7 year warranty with their saw. Hands down, it’s among the best easy start chainsaws around.

Tanaka top handle chainsaw tcs33edtp

Husqvarna 460 Rancher 60.3cc Gas Powered Chain Saw

Equipped with Husqvarna’s Smart Start technology, this is a serious chainsaw. It comes with a 60.3cc motor, whirling a 24” bar at impressive RPMs (see full specs) which are backed by the torque you need to make short work of anything standing in your path. Plus, it’s CARB compliant (which might be helpful if you live in California).

Let’s be fair here, though: the price could be high for some, and this chainsaw might be too big for the average person to use for their yard. But if you’ve got a considerable amount of property and you’re looking to harvest large amounts of wood then this is the saw you need. Convenient to start, and powerful as all get-out, this professional grade saw can make life a lot easier for those who need it.

Husqvarna 460 Chain saw

Poulan Pro 50cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Chain Saw Easy Start Pull System

Poulan makes some great budget chainsaws, and this 50cc 20” bar might be one of the best around for those who aren’t planning on making a living out of slicing down trees. The pull start system on this chainsaw has been modified to require 30% less force than a conventional saw, which makes it easy to start even for those who don’t usually have the “oomph” needed.

On top of that, it’s one of the best consumer-grade saws around. Poulan might not be your go-to if you’re chopping trees for a living but the average person looking to take care of some firewood or an unruly tree is going to be more than happy if they opt for this one. It’s one of the best easy start chainsaws for the money.

Poulan Pro - Chainsaw Operation

Picking Your Easy Start Chainsaw

Picking a chainsaw is always the hardest part, especially for those of us who love our tools. While all of the above will serve you well, if you’re not already familiar with chainsaws then you might want to read on before you make a final decision.

As a general rule, the bar length of the chainsaw determines most of what it’ll be used for:

  • 14” and under are best for light yard work. While they can handle smaller branches, they’ll mostly be used for shrubs or processing firewood after it’s been cut with a larger saw.
  • 16”-18” is about ideal for those who have some serious tree work to do. They’re generally still able to be used competently by those not able to handle the bigger saws as well, and small enough to be used for all but the finest processing.
  • 20+” saws are for serious work. If you don’t have big trees on your property, this is probably a bit overkill. In general, those who actually have a need for this size of saw are probably already looking for a big saw.

Of course, the bar length is nothing if you don’t have the motor to push it. This makes easy start systems much more important for bigger saws, since they require more of a push to get going. As a general rule, the larger a motor is, the harder it will be to start but you’ll be rewarded with a much higher RPM and torque than if you were to be using something smaller.

Bigger engines also weigh more too, which is an important factor for most people.

Once you’ve figure out your ideal bar length and how powerful you’ll need the saw to be, your final consideration is going to be price.

The big name brands tend to cost much more for the equivalent saw. They also have better warranties in general, which is important when you just dropped a ton of money on your new chainsaw.

The more you intend to use your saw, the more you should spend. We recommend a Husqvarna for anyone who’s planning on using their saw daily or near-daily, they’re one of the oldest and the best if you can afford one.

Conclusion

The best easy start chainsaws are great for those of us who never quite got the knack of those pesky cord starts. Finding the right one around might just be your path to woodcutting free of at least one piece of irritation and it can make all the difference if you’re using one as part of your profession. Make a good investment the first time, and you may just fall in love with a smooth start, ample power, and an easier slicing experience overall. Good luck!

  • Founder of Mechanical Caveman, Beau is an unrepentant tool enthusiast and, sporting deadlift-callused hands and an incongruous beer belly, all-around macho guy. When he doesn’t know re tools, he consults with his handyman and car-repairman buds to give you well-reasoned and cutting-edge info.

Share the Post and Images

One response

Leave a Reply to Stephen Spencer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *