A powerful 20-inch chainsaw is at the top end of what most homeowners would ever need and probably for many, the biggest they could comfortably handle. These saws can tackle the heavy-duty stuff you might need to do including light or heavy clean up tasks after a storm and other demanding jobs.
Some of these models would even be rugged enough for a professional to use every day so they are certainly capable machines, so let’s see if we can find the best homeowner chainsaw!
The sort of tasks you might use these for include felling trees, limbing, bucking (cutting trees into logs), pruning and general cleanup. A chainsaw of this size and power is generally not suited to lots of light pruning work as they are too heavy and cumbersome, although some models allow you to fit a smaller bar and chain which makes them very versatile.
If you think this is the right size for you then the next job is to try and find the best model, which is where we can help. We’ve researched the top selling models on the market at the moment and reviewed each one in depth so you can save yourself a lot of time and effort.
There is a model to suit most needs and budgets in our list so just have a read through our summary below and click through to read the full review on each model.
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw
Best for: Heavy clean-up duty and the most demanding jobs. Difficult pruning. Heavy limbing and bucking very large trees. Tree felling. Will cut both soft and hardwood easily.
Not so good for: Quite heavy so not good for extended use. Light pruning although like the other Husqvarna models it can be fitted with a smaller bar and chain to make it easier to work with.
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is at the top end of what a homeowner might need and you would need to be an experienced user to handle it. Although we are reviewing this as a 20-inch model, this one can take bar lengths of 13 inches right up to 24 inches and has more than enough power to handle it.
Mainly for someone who is looking for a chainsaw to cope with the most demanding jobs the average farmer or rancher might need to tackle, only a homeowner with a large piece of land is likely to need one.
No products found.Our full Husqvarna 460 Rancher review has an in-depth look at what this beast has to offer but keep reading for a summary.
Basic Specs:
• 60.3cc 3.62hp 2-stroke air cooled X-Torq engine provides the same great fuel economy with reduced emissions as the other Husqvarna chainsaws.
• 0.375” Pitch / 0.058” Gauge anti-kickback 72 link chain for rugged performance. The chain is professional grade and with proper maintenance will last a long time.
• Different bar lengths from 13 inches to 24 inches can be fitted.
• 15 fl oz fuel tank combined with good fuel economy means longer running times between top-ups.
• Weight 13.4 lbs/6.1kg without cutting gear makes this chainsaw quite heavy so would require an experienced user and working in shorter periods.
Features:
• LowVib system dampens vibrations felt in the handles very effectively to reduce the problems caused by handling a chainsaw over long periods of time.
• Hand guard and inertia operated chain brake provides a good level of protection against kickback.
• Side mounted chain tensioning is quick and simple using the included multi-tool.
• Centrifugal air cleaning system means that the air reaching the air filter is much cleaner and also improves engine life.
• The air filter has tool-free access for easy maintenance.
• Visible fuel gauge to make checking fuel levels simple and accurate.
• Adjustable automatic oiler lubricates the chain when in use and can be adjusted for different conditions.
• SmartStart system plus a combined choke/stop control makes starting the chainsaw from cold or warm much easier.
• Does not come fully assembled so the chain and bar will need to be installed before use.
• 2-year standard warranty can be extended to 4 years by buying 3 bottles of Husqvarna pre-mixed fuel at the same time as purchasing the chainsaw.
Our thoughts:
Although very powerful, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is still a versatile saw as smaller chain lengths can be used as well as the long 24 inch one. This means the chainsaw can be used for many applications by an experienced user and if you need something for demanding cutting jobs where high power and torque are required, then the 460 fits the bill.
Online reviews for the Husqvarna 460 20-inch Chainsaw are also nearly all positive which comes as no surprise given the popularity of this brand. Of course, the additional power and professional grade of the chainsaw make this the most expensive of our selection as you might expect.
If you are looking for this type of quality, though, then you should be prepared to pay for it.
You can find the best prices for the Husqvarna 460 on Amazon at the moment by clicking the button below.
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Remember you can also take advantage of that great extended warranty deal with this model so don’t forget to buy the additional fuel when purchasing the chainsaw.
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Poulan Pro PP5020AV 20 Inch Chainsaw
Best for: Good for both soft and hardwood. Tree felling and cutting up firewood. Light to heavy clean-up duty. Heavy pruning. Heavy limbing and bucking.
Not so good for: Extended use as it is a heavy saw. Light pruning (too cumbersome).
Easy start with reduced vibration
Auto chain oiler
Comes with carry case and adjusting tool
Another brand that is perhaps not as well-known as the big names is Poulan, who make our next choice in this roundup of the best 20-inch chainsaws for a homeowner.
Their Poulan Pro PP5020AV chainsaw is a mid-range but powerful chainsaw that once again comes in at the lower end of the price range for this type of saw.
Check out our full review of the Poulan Pro PP5020AV for the full details. If you want a summary, here are the highlights of the best bits.
Basic Specs:
• 50cc 2.1hp 2-stroke air cooled DuraLife engine provides plenty of power and has chromium plated cylinders for a longer working life.
• CARB compliant.
• 0.375” Pitch / 0.050” Gauge anti-kickback 70 link chain is possibly not the best one out there but is certainly capable enough for most home users.
• 15 fl oz fuel tank provides for plenty of cutting time without the need to refuel often.
• Weight 13lbs/5.9kg without cutting gear makes this chainsaw on the heavy side of average for a 20” saw so will not be suitable for prolonged use.
Features:
• Quick stop chain brake operated by both the front hand guard and inertia force offers good protection against the dangers of kickback.
• Reduced kickback guide bar with small radius tip.
• Anti-vibration handle helps to reduce fatigue that vibration can cause when using a chainsaw for long periods of time.
• Easy side access chain tensioning with included multi-tool with an onboard holder to keep the scrench with the machine at all times.
• Tool-less air filter cleaning/removal makes checking the air filter a quick and easy job you can do every time you use the saw.
• Superclean air filter system means longer filter life and reduced fuel consumption.
• Visible fuel gauge window allows you to check the fuel level at a glance.
• Automatic gear driven oiler makes sure the chain is well lubricated at all times.
• Effortless Pull Starting (EPS) provides a spring assisted starter system to make starting the saw much easier.
• Comes fully assembled together with a hard carry case.
• 2-year standard warranty can be extended to 3 years by buying 2 bottles of Poulan pre-mixed fuel at the same time as purchasing the chainsaw.
Our thoughts:
With some great features normally only found on higher priced chainsaws, the Poulan Pro PP5020AV 20 Inch Chainsaw is a great value machine that will tackle most jobs the average homeowner will ever need to do.
Reviews for the PP5020AV are mostly positive and commend the amount of chainsaw you get for such a low price. The hard carry case that’s provided is also a rarity these days and is another reason you should really give this model a close look. You can find the best deals for the Poulan Pro on Amazon right now.
Easy start with reduced vibration
Auto chain oiler
Comes with carry case and adjusting tool
Husqvarna 450 Rancher
Best for: Heavy clean-up duty. Heavy pruning. Heavy limbing and bucking. Will cut both soft and hardwood easily. Tree felling and cutting up firewood.
Not so good for: Maybe a bit heavy for all day use. Light pruning although can be fitted with a smaller bar and chain to make it easier to work with.
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The Husqvarna 450 Rancher is one of the most popular 20-inch chainsaws around for homeowners and with good reason. Rugged build quality, all the features you need plus the power to cut through most jobs with ease mean the 450 is a saw you can rely on for most situations.
We’ve reviewed this model in full so you can head straight over to our Husqvarna 450 Rancher review for more information or read on for a summary.
Basic Specs:
• 50cc 3.2hp 2-stroke air cooled X-Torq engine provides plenty of power with reduced emissions and good fuel economy.
• CARB compliant.
• 0.325” Pitch / 0.058” Gauge anti-kickback 80 link chain has more links than most other brands and is a professional grade for exceptional cutting ability.
• Can take different bar lengths from 13 inches to 20 inches.
• 15.8 fl oz fuel tank and good fuel economy means you will not need to top up so often when out working.
• Weight 11.24lbs/5.09kg without cutting gear makes this chainsaw quite light compared to other models so is more suited for longer periods of work.
Features:
• Inertia and hand guard operated chain provides better protection against the dangers of kickback.
• Excellent LowVib system cuts down the amount of vibration felt by the operator to reduce fatigue and help counter health problems caused by long-term use.
• Easy side access chain tensioning with included multi-tool is quick and simple to use.
• Tool-less air filter cleaning/removal to make checking the air filter an easy job.
• Centrifugal air cleaning system cuts down on debris and dust making it to the filter to aid longer filter life and reduced fuel consumption.
• Visible fuel gauge window for quickly seeing how much fuel is left in the tank.
• Automatic oiler to keep the chain lubricated when in use.
• SmartStart system to aid quick and easy starting every time.
• Comes fully assembled for use right out of the box after fuel and oil are added.
• 2-year standard warranty can be extended to 4 years by buying 3 bottles of Husqvarna pre-mixed fuel at the same time as purchasing the chainsaw.
Our thoughts:
This is such a versatile chainsaw as you can fit smaller chains if you need to equip it for lighter jobs or more inexperienced users. At the same time, you have a saw that is capable of handling some very heavy duty jobs should the need arise with power to spare. See our review of the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw here
The LowVib system on this saw makes a real difference to how it feels in the hand with vibration levels much lower than competing products as well.
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Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw
Best for: Heavy duty clean-up duty. Difficult pruning. Heavy limbing and bucking large trees. Tree felling and cutting up firewood. Will cut both soft and hardwood easily.
Auto chain oiler
Easy start and simple chain tensioning
Chain brake as standard
Not so good for: Quite heavy so not good for extended use. Light pruning although can be fitted with a smaller bar and chain to make it easier to work with.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the first of our models that cross over into farming and ranching territory. It still sits in the range primarily aimed at homeowners though and would suit those with a larger piece of land that needs something that can handle the heaviest-duty jobs.
The same rugged build quality plus all the features you need make this a very versatile saw and one of the top sellers in this category.
Head over to our full Husky 455 Rancher review for an in-depth look at what it has to offer. For a summary on the 455 read on.
Basic Specs:
• 55.5cc 3.49hp 2-stroke air cooled X-Torq engine provides the chainsaw with a good power rating whilst keeping emissions low but with excellent fuel economy.
• CARB compliant.
• 0.375” Pitch / 0.058” Gauge anti-kickback 72 link chain is professional grade for excellent performance.
• Can take different bar lengths from 13 inches to 20 inches.
• 15 fl oz fuel tank and good fuel economy means less filling up when out working on the land.
• Weight 13 lbs/5.9kg without cutting gear makes this chainsaw on the heavy side of average as you would expect for a chainsaw aimed at heavy duty use.
Features:
• Hand guard and inertia operated chain brake provides good protection levels against the dangers of kickback.
• Effective LowVib system reduces vibration felt in the handles by some considerable margin compared to other brands.
• Chain tensioning is done with included multi-tool and has easy side access for quick and simple adjustment.
• Centrifugal air cleaning system removes larger debris and dust particles before they reach the filter. Helps improve filter and engine life.
• Air filter can be accessed without tools for easy cleaning and replacement.
• Visible fuel gauge makes checking fuel levels simple and accurate.
• Adjustable automatic oiler to keep the chain lubricated when in use.
• SmartStart system and combined choke/stop control makes for quick and easy starting every time.
• Comes fully assembled. Can be used out of the box after fuel and oil are added.
• 2-year standard warranty can be extended to 4 years by buying 3 bottles of Husqvarna pre-mixed fuel at the same time as purchasing the chainsaw.
Our thoughts:
Another versatile saw along the same lines as the 450 we looked at earlier. The difference with this model is that it has a bigger engine and more power, so is probably not suitable for the inexperienced user.
For someone who has used a chainsaw before and requires one that will handle any heavy-duty jobs around the land or farm, then this is an excellent choice.
Online reviews for the Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch Chainsaw are nearly all positive and there are a lot of them as this is a popular model. The extra power makes this saw a little more expensive than the 450 as you would expect but it still sits in the mid-range price bracket so is good value if it fits your needs.
Amazon currently has the best price on this model which you can find below.
Don’t forget to buy the additional fuel to take advantage of the extended warranty as well.
Auto chain oiler
Easy start and simple chain tensioning
Chain brake as standard
No products found.
Blue Max 20-inch Chainsaw
Best for: Felling trees. Cutting firewood. Light to heavy clean-up duty. Heavy pruning. Heavy limbing and bucking. Good for both hard and softwood.
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Not so good for: Extended use (quite heavy). Light pruning (too cumbersome).
The Blue Max is the gas-powered 20-inch chainsaw for the budget conscious amongst us. It’s aimed at the home user but comes with all the features you need and a decent power output.
Maybe not one of the most well-known brands, Blue Max is actually owned by North American Tool Industries (NATI) who also have several other brands in the home consumer market such as Yard Dog and Professional Woodworker, so it has a big organization behind it.
You can check out our full review of the Blue Max 20-inch Chainsaw for more in-depth information, but here’s a short rundown of the main specifications and features.
Basic Specs:
• 51.5cc 2.8hp 2-stroke air cooled engine provides plenty of power to get through the toughest jobs.
• Maximum speed of 10,500 RPM helps to make light work of tree felling, pruning and bucking.
• 0.325” Pitch / 0.058” Gauge anti-kickback 76 link chain is a professional grade model that provides a great cutting experience.
• 17.5 fl oz fuel tank provides for plenty of cutting time without the need to refuel so often.
• Weight 12.3lbs/5.6kg without cutting gear makes this chainsaw a little on the heavy side of average for a 20” saw but still light enough for occasional use.
Features:
• Quick stop chain brake operated by the front hand guard offers some basic protection against the dangers of kickback.
• Anti-vibration handle helps reduce fatigue caused by handling a powerful chainsaw and the medical issues caused by long term use.
• Easy access chain tensioning with included multi-tool makes it very simple to tension the chain without having to take it apart.
• Tool-less air filter cleaning/removal makes checking the air filter a quick and easy job you can do every time you use the saw.
• Visible fuel gauge window allows you to check the fuel level at a glance.
• Adjustable auto oiler makes sure the chain is well lubricated at all times.
• 1-year warranty
Our thoughts:
If you need a decent 20-inch chainsaw but are not prepared to pay the price for one of the big-name brands, then the Blue Max is a great one to look at. Plenty of useful features combined with a powerful 50cc engine make this a capable chainsaw.
A quick check of the online reviews we could find confirm that it has good build quality for such a low-priced saw and it seems to be a reliable machine for most people. Overall a great chainsaw for the money and well worth checking out the best deals on Amazon for it at the moment.
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Conclusion
We hope you’ve found the 20-inch chainsaw that you’re looking for in our selection of top models. It’s difficult to pick out one we would describe as the best model as each is likely to appeal to different people depending on their preferences and situation.
If you’re not sure just go back through the initial description and our thoughts for all the models and you should be able to find the one that suits you without too much trouble. If you are still unsure which is the best 20 inch chainsaw for homeowners, then drop us a line in the comments box below and we will be happy to help in any way we can.
One final word regarding safety while using any of these tools. It’s extremely important that you have adequate personal protection while working with this equipment, this includes helmets, boots, gloves and chainsaw chaps. We have checked out the best available in the links above.
Stay safe!
Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API