Best Chainsaw for Milling Lumber – Top 6 Tested in 2023

With the entrance of mechanical chainsaws in the market, people are now no more restricted to hiring a professional logger for cutting trees or awkwardly grown branches of tall and stalwart trees. In the following article we are going to study six products which have attained popularity as reliable chainsaws for milling in the market.

Mechanical chainsaws have given a good turn to the hobby of gardening. Pruning and cropping of herbaceous and soft stem plants have always been a nice hobby of the people. But people never dared to fell large, woody stems that could be the backbreaking task for them. Therefore, the trees used to grow at large, without facing any strong retort from common people.

But now you have the option to fell unwanted large trees in your backyard or in the garden. Modern chainsaws are getting faster, lighter in weight, comfy and secure in usage.

They are getting easier to handle, hard-wearing in their work and loaded with ergonomic components. To provide all the mentioned features, there are many manufacturing companies which are doing their best.

Best Chainsaw for Milling

In the following article, all the mentioned products are fine, although with a little difference in size and weight. This difference is only there to facilitate you and offer more options to opt for the best according to your routine and the requirement of the plants that grow in your yard.

Most Recommended Chainsaws for Milling Logs & Slabs

Chainsaw
Type
Engine Power
Price
Poulan Pro PR5020
Gas Powered
2.8 HP
Check Price
BLACK+DECKER LCS 1020
Battery Powered
20v Battery Power
Check Price
BLACK+DECKER LCS 1240
Battery Powered
40v Battery Power
Check Price
Greenworks 40V
Battery Powered
2.3 HP
Check Price
XtremepowerUS Chainsaw
Gas Powered
2.4 HP
Check Price
Echo Timber Wolf
Gas Powered
3.9 HP
Check Price

1. Poulan Pro PR5020 Chainsaw

Type: Gas Powered Chainsaw | Chain Length: 20 Inches | Engine Power: 2.8 Horse Power | Engine Type: 2 Stroke | Weight: 17 Pounds

Though it is made for novice and amateur loggers, yet it is furnished with so influential components that it can be used for cutting heavy trees with wide trunks and rigid pith and it can be easily used by the professional fellers as well.

That is why its weight is comparatively a little more. But I think 17 pounds is not that much heavy that can be difficult to tackle.

There are numerous chainsaws present in the market with far more bulk than Poulan’s.

Poulan Pro PR2050 is equipped with a robust, sharp teethed 20 inch chain. Its OxyPower engine offers fantastic speed along with some other mechanical advantages.

The handle bar is so shaped that it keeps your arm at a natural angle and hence reduces the element of fatigue. Its purge bulb is protected well. Consequently, this feature helps the machine keep its proper working constantly. Poulan Pro is also equipped with choke-stop control that protects the engine from the risk of flooding.

It not only offers you more output but also produces less smoke and other harmful gases. It is why Poulan Pro is selected as environment friendly paraphernalia.

Authorized with all the fine features, Poulan Pro pays you back in a few adventurous employments. Its resilient chassis protects its dynamic components quite impressively. Its vital parts like air filter and spark plug are placed in a way that they remain in your easy approach. You need only to open two bolts for chain tensioning.

Pros

  • 2-stroke OxyPower Engine
  • Spring assisted EPS (Easy Pull Start)
  • 2 years Warranty
  • Purge bulb and choke-stop control
  • 20 percent economical fuel consumption

Cons

  • No Tool-less tensioning system
  • No window for checking oil level

Personal Experience Review

Poulan Pro entails a number of distinctive features that increase its popularity among both, professional and amateur loggers. Its 2.8 horse power engine provides enough energy to cut even the toughest trunks with zero exertion.

Its long size of the chain helps cut the wide and thick lumber in a wink of the eye. Its economical fuel consumption skill turns it into my favorite chainsaw.


2. BLACK+DECKER LCS 1020

Type: Battery Powered Chainsaw | Chain Length: 10 Inches | Battery Potential: Lithium Ion 20v | Weight: 6.8 Pounds

Black + Decker LCS 1020 is furnished with a couple of unique features. The best thing about this gadget is its small size that suits most of the ones who maneuver at domestic level.

Being a battery operated chainsaw, it safeguards you from filling gas or supervising the electric wires scattering all around in the area.

Black + Decker LCS 1020 comes with 2 Ampere-hour battery which may drain a little rapidly.

If your job is heavy and you need to work in large area, you may either replace it with 3 Ampere battery or keep an extra battery with you.

Black + Decker LCS 1020 is an agile tool and performs its job quite briskly. Though it is equipped with a premium Oregon bar that is popular by dint of its low kickback quality, yet you need to be careful while putting the gadget down. If chain brushes against earth or another object, it can be very dangerous for the logger as well as it can damage the chainsaw badly.

Tool-less tensioning system is getting very popular among the loggers now. This technology is actually a fine way to keep the machine in a good state all the time. Only two or three turns do everything.

In my view, Black + Decker LCS 1020 shows its worth in moderate circumstances. Its brisk chain performs the job at the sublime level. In its build we see not only good performance but also all the elements of security. It is durable and all its components are resilient. It is fine in all the comportments, either ergonomic or apparent beauty.

Pros

  • Tool-less Chain Tensioning system
  • Light in weight
  • Wrap around bale handle
  • Clear window to gauge oil
  • Premium Oregon low kickback bar
  • Built in Oiling System

Cons

  • Needs low level of oil in the reservoir to work properly

Personal Experience Review

It is truth that I was not much impressed by the device in beginning. But, you know, experience tells you about a friend or a foe after spending a drawn-out time in their company.

Now I’m much used to it. It’s easy to handle and comfortable to work with. It really performs its duty like a friend. It keeps me secured with its lock off button against any inadvertent push on start button.


3. BLACK+DECKER LCS 1240

Type: Battery Powered Chainsaw | Chain Length: 12 Inches | Power Source: Lithium Ion Battery | Battery Potential: 40v | Weight: 10 Pounds

Black + Decker LCS 1240 is constructed on the best suitable lines of manufacturing. In cutting performance none of any contemporary tools can outshine it easily. In durability, it again shows its marvelous prestige.

Mechanically, it is equipped with nice parts from the motor to the resilient bar and chain. If we look at its security measures, we again find Black + Decker LCS 1240 at the top of the list.

In the comportment of handling and usage, it looks like a fine piece of architecture. In its manufacture no critic has found at least any significant flaw.

It is battery operated gadget. It is equipped with a 40V MAX interchangeable battery. That means you can use a single battery for various devices. It is light in weight, so it is convenient for people of every age. Its powerful engine provides no vibration while working even during heavy duty performance. This feature does not let you fatigue early.

Its oiling system is a fine mechanism. It does not let the chain work in the dry conditions which can actually be very dangerous for the health of the chain. Dry work can make the blade blunt in no time.

For domestic jobs, Black + Decker 40v chainsaw gives the best performance. Its tool-less tensioning keeps me away from the tension of keeping the tools around me all the time. Secondly, I feel no reluctance in checking the chain tension time and again. It is now on finger tips to bring the chain into an accurate position.

Pros

  • Built in Oiling System
  • Tool-less Chain Tensioning system
  • Premium Oregon low kickback bar
  • Clear window to gauge oil
  • Light in weight
  • 60 4×4’ lumber cuts in single charge

Cons

  • Not made for heavy trees

Personal Experience Review

If we study the ergonomics of Black + Decker LCS 1240, we find it capable of creating a good link with the logger’s health. With zero emission of gases and low sound make it worth having.

As it is loaded with a Premium Oregon low kickback bar as well as a hand guard, it delivers you good security measures. Similarly, lock off button is also a good feature to provide security against accidents.


4. Greenworks 40V Best for Milling Hardwood

Type: Battery Powered Chainsaw | Chain Length: 16 Inches | Power Source: Lithium Ion Battery | Battery Potential: 40v | Weight: 10.36 Pounds | Engine Power: 2.3 Horse Power

Greenworks is an exclusive model in the assortment of battery-operated chainsaws. Its distinctive style and matchless features achieve the popularity of the best chainsaw for milling.

Its engine is based on Trubrushless technology that increases its performance as well as its durability. It is durable, easy to handle and fine in its performance of cutting and pruning.

Its standardized 16 inch chain is quite appropriate for milling purposes. With 10.36 pound, greenworks is a very handy instrument.

Wrap around style of the bar handle makes clutching easy and comfortable. The Prostyle tensioning system brings ease in the maintenance of the bar as well as the chain.

Greenworks is equipped with Trubrushless (TM) technology that confers more power to the machine and enables it to saw the hardwood conveniently. Trubrushless technology offers double torque for better output and longer working time. Furthermore, it lessens noise and extends motor life.

Its 4Amp battery is again a thing worth noticing. It helps you keep on working without any hassle. It gives you a long time to remain among your favorite plants, taking care of them.

Its automatic oiling system reduces your worries and increases the output of the machine. Its chain brake keeps you away from hazards or sudden disasters. The chain brake can make the chain motionless in fraction of a second.

Greenworks is based on modern technology and hence its attributes are fanciful and fantastic. Its brushless motor is devoid of brushes and hence it needs less maintenance and saves money. It is armed with metal bumper spikes which enhance the productivity and durability of the chain and bar. With all these fantastic features, Greenworks is no doubt a rising star.

Pros

  • Chain brake for security
  • Pretty and durable chassis
  • Easy to start
  • Speedy cutting
  • Environment friendly
  • 4 Ampere battery

Cons

  • No window for checking oil level

Personal Experience Review

The first thing that impressed me about greenworks is its appearance. With its pretty appearance it fulfills my aesthetic sense and gives me more pleasure in my job.

Greenworks is equipped with 40volt battery instead of 20. Its extended capacity makes it a singular gadget. With higher potential you get the advantage of more output as well as better timing.


5. XtremepowerUS Chainsaw

Type: Gas Powered Chainsaw | Chain Length: 22 Inches | Engine Power: 2.4 Horse Power | Engine Type: 2 Stroke 45cc | Weight: 19 Pounds

XtremepowerUS is specialized in all the fields of performance and durability. Due to its remarkable size, stunning speed and fabulous power, it is capable of getting favorite of all the users at the domestic level.

Moreover, its agility, safety measures and enviable durability harmonize the requirements of most users.

XtremepowerUS is a gas-powered device and hence delivers the same powerful output that only gas-powered devices can afford.

Its 19lbs weight helps fell heavy and robust trunks comfortably. Its powerful Eco boost 2-stroke engine with 45cc piston size delivers sufficient power to the sharp chain that, in turn, performs a quick job.

It is easy to handle with its classical, wraparound handle bar. To keep you secured from strenuous vibration XtremepowerUS is furnished with an impressive anti-vibration design. This secures you from fatiguing hurriedly. Automatic oiling system is another feature that makes this chainsaw more efficient and resilient.

In my view, XtremepowerUS is capable of doing better than one has expected. It is not basically made for the professionals. But its features are so nice that it turns a novice into a professional logger in a few days’ job. For example, it secures new loggers from some terrific injury due to kickback of the chain. It is equipped with an anti-kickback system that may be more important than expected.

Pros

  • Automatic chain oiler
  • Anti-vibration, anti-kickback chain
  • Quick stop control
  • Approved by Environmental Protection Agency
  • Eco boost engine
  • Centrifugal Air Cleaning System

Cons

  • Chain tensioning needs tools

Personal Experience Review

My personal experience with XtremepowerUS remained worth remembering. When I used it the first time, I was not expecting that much brisk action. So I cut more trunks and branches than I had decided that day to work on. Its quick start feature impresses me much.

I like its logging proficiency very much. To secure the engine from dust particles it is furnished with the double shield. Larger particles are repelled by its centrifugal air cleaning system. Its resilient chassis defends adverse elements quite nicely.


6. Echo Timber Wolf

Type: Gas Powered Chainsaw | Chain Length: 20 Inches | Engine Power: 3.9 Horse Power | Engine Type: 2 Stroke 59.8cc | Weight: 13.3 Pounds

Echo Timber Wolf is a gas-powered chainsaw which is surely extremely powerful and exceptionally durable.

If you are looking for a chainsaw for working in your garden or the backyard at a professional level, Echo Timber Wolf is the best option for you.

Echo is furnished with the features that none can ever deter.

Its weight is 13.3 pound excluding the bar, which is light enough that an old man or a woman can also handle it quite conveniently.

It is equipped with a 2-stroke powerful ECHO Engine with the capacity Of 59.8 cc. This amazing engine delivers a gigantic output and you my fell the harshest wood without any nuisance.

Its parts are durable and resilient. Its translucent fuel tank and bumper spikes are too tough for sudden haphazard. Chain lubrication is an indispensable requirement of each chainsaw. Its sharp blade gets blunt, even if it runs dry for a little time. For securing the chain from such a hazard a clutch-driven automatic oiling system is introduced into Echo Timber Wolf.

Echo Timber Wolf is attaining more and more popularity every day by dint of two main reasons. It is made up of robust material and second that the parts are actually offspring of the latest technology which are used in its construction. For example it is equipped with a Gravitational force pre-cleaner filter that does not let the larger particles reach the air filter directly.

Pros

  • Automatic oiling system
  • Flexible chain bar
  • Equipped with engine decompression valve
  • Easy access to air filter
  • Economical operation
  • 2-step air filter system

Cons

  • No tool-less chain tensioning

Personal Experience Review

I’ve been using the machine for a couple of months now. It is still working appropriately, without any notion of damage or falling-off. It is easy to pull start with a special technology introduced into the gadget. Its combustion-releasing and decompression valve technique that enables easy to pull the cord for starting the engine.

Echo Timber Wolf has a flexible chain bar. This feature enables you to work on the awkwardly bent logs or branches. Easy access to the filter enables you to clean it without a hassle.


Conclusion

Generally the loggers enjoy and relish their job of cutting and trimming in their garden, backyard or the field. For accomplishment of their joy, they also require an accommodating device and best chainsaw for milling that may not let them down during trimming. With me it happens that if the machine is not cooperating, I get fed up of the job very soon.

Obviously, the same will be the case with everyone. That is why I tried to get all the best products in the subscription for you. All the above mentioned products are fine and you may select any one of them, depending on your taste and requirement. However, for your better view, the three best products are mentioned below:

  1. Poulan Pro PR5020
  2. Greenworks 40V
  3. Echo Timber Wolf

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

Q1. Are chainsaw mills any good?

Chainsaw mills are fine tools to cut or trim the lumbers. Chainsaws are getting popular even among those who never tried to prune the plants in their garden.

Q2. How long does a blade last on sawmill?

Generally, the blade on the sawmill gets blunt after five hours of continuous work. However, if the wood is dry, it may get blunt earlier than five hours.

Q3. Can dead trees be milled?

Dead trees can be milled before they start rotting or getting infested with insects.

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