A lot of top handle chainsaws are developed with professional care in mind, giving it great power. It also has a great balancing ability. This saw is best for working at heights.
You should look for several things when investing your money in a top handle chainsaw. For beginners especially, anti-vibration systems are beneficial. Fuel consumption and emission rates are also important to consider when looking for a chainsaw.
Below are our recommendations for the 4 best top handle chainsaws on the market:
Tanaka TCS33EDTP/12 32.2cc 14-Inch Top Handle Chainsaw
This Tanaka chainsaw is amazing! It has a 32.2cc commercial grade engine. Not only that, but the pure fire engine makes this chainsaw more powerful. The Tanaka model doesn’t stop at performance, but it also goes the extra step to make this top handle chainsaw run clean with a low fuel consumption.
This chainsaw also comes with a purge primer bulb and half throttle choke. The choke and bulb will make it easier for you to start up your chainsaw.
The 14-inch handle also makes it easy to control. Added onto that, there is also a sprocket nose bar with an Oregon chain. This doesn’t seem like a lot at first, but it too adds a lot more to the control of the chainsaw. This top handle will give you clean, easy cuts.
The Tanaka model also comes with convenient chain adjustment. This comes through the automatic gear-driven oiler and the side access tension. This is extremely beneficial.
Finally, this model comes with a 7-year consumer, 2-year commercial, and 1-year rental warranty. With tools, I always suggest getting a warranty in case something goes wrong. As a consumer, I would love to have this Tanaka ready to prune or cut down limbs. Hands down, it’s one of the best top handle chainsaws.
New Echo Top Handle Chainsaw CS-355T
The Echo chainsaw is a great chainsaw that is well worth the money you pay for it. Whenever I look up high quality chainsaws with great weight to power ratio, the Echo is always one of the first to come.
The Echo top handle also has a quick start up compared to other powerful chainsaws. It might struggle in some more extreme weather conditions, as do most chainsaws, but it should work pretty well no matter what time of year. This is a very comfortable chainsaw that you can use whenever you need to get some tree work done.
The ignition system is digital (see full specs), which I personally prefer. It holds 11.2 fl oz of fuel. This will give you plenty of fuel to get done with the work that is needed. Its light weight and reduced effort starting system makes this saw perfect for in tree work. If you have a tall tree that you have to get into in order to properly trim, then this chainsaw is definitely for you.
This top handle has a very high rating, and I would suggest it to anyone. The Echo Top Handle is well worth every penny you put in and is one of the best top handle chainsaws around.
Husqvarna 35.2cc Gas 12 in. Top Handle Chain Saw
One chainsaw that I absolutely love is the Husqvarna Chainsaw. One of the best features about this top handle chainsaw is the weight.
A lot of other chainsaws can range from 15 to 20 lbs. However, this one weighs in at under 8 lbs. This makes it perfect for working around the house. It’s not going to wear down your body, and it will help you to finish projects with endurance.
For a 12-inch handle, the Husqvarna has a surprisingly high amount of power (see full specs). It is at a great price for the quality that you are getting. If you are looking for something easy to get done with some trimming and pruning.
Another benefit is the start up. It starts up very easy in cold-weather. It takes a tad longer to adjust in hotter months, but it is able to get the job done in an easy, efficient manner. I would suggest this item to anyone who needs a lighter chainsaw in order to get serious work done in the yard.
Makita Lithium-Ion (Cordless Top Handle Chainsaw
The Makita chainsaw is great if you are on a budget. The motor delivers 1,650 FPM. This gives you a lot faster cutting speed than other chainsaws for this price. This machinery runs off of 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries. This cuts out any chords and allows you to cut and trim without the nuisance of extension cords.
The noise level is also amazing for the average user. It only gives off 89 dB(A). This will allow you to get your work done with less of a risk for hearing loss. (However, do not use this as a reason not to use earplugs!) In order to increase the comfort of users, Makita also made this top handle of zero emissions. I have a sensitive nose. Therefore, I absolutely this feature.
The 12” guide bar is beneficial. It is not as big as the other chainsaws, but it will allow you to have an increase capacity. The chain adjustment does not require any tools in order to fix this top handle. It will make maintenance way more convenient, especially if you are busy person like me.
This chainsaw has great power for being battery operated. It is easier to transport, and you can still get the power of the other saws. This is not the most powerful chainsaw on this list, but it will get the job done every time, and you have the benefits of a battery-powered chainsaw (like the aforementioned zero emissions).
What to Look for in the Best Top Handle Chainsaw
As stated earlier, fuel efficiency and clean emissions is always towards the top of my list. When you are working with a machine that is efficient, it makes your job a lot easier. I would also check out the power in the machine. The top handle has to have enough power to complete your projects. The machines that are listed can be used for commercial use.
Next, I would look for the handle size and weight comparatively to the power. Although it is good to have a powerful machine, you have to be nice to your body. It might be better to give up some power for less fatigue.
Finally, I would look for safety features. For beginners, safety features should be a top priority in case something goes wrong. They are also beneficial for experienced users in case something goes wrong. Good luck!
