Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Sarker C. Weber
Perhaps you’re a professional arborist or a DIYer who needs to get some tree delimbing out of the way.
Or you need an easily maneuverable chainsaw for above-ground work that won’t wear you out with its weight.
Whatever the case, you can’t do it without the best top handle chainsaw.
Named for the handle placement, such professional chainsaws are ideal if you’re taking on a one-handed operation.
Plus, since most of them weigh only about 7 to 11 pounds, top handle chainsaws are much more lightweight than conventional models.
Well, your search for the right chainsaw has come to an end. Below, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best ones so you can make your decision easier.
Let’s go!
Why Choose Top Handle Chainsaw?
For professional arborist-related applications, a suitable top-handle chainsaw is a must-have to get the job done right!
What sets such a chainsaw apart from conventional models is relocating the rear handle to the top.
This allows the user to handle the chainsaw more efficiently with both hands or just one hand if needed.
Furthermore, because top-handle chainsaws are designed for arborists, they have lightweight and compact bodies that are much easier to wield and balance.
That’s what makes top-handle chainsaws ideal for tree delimbing at greater heights.
Moreover, they let you access hard-to-reach spots, which is very difficult to achieve with a rear-handle chainsaw.
In fact, you should never use a rear handle chainsaw at a height; it’s even illegal to do so in some places!
So, to summarize, if you’re taking on a delimbing tree project, you need a top handle chainsaw.
But for other yard or gardening-related tasks, you might be better off with traditional chainsaws, especially if you’ll be cutting trees.
5 Best Top Handle Chainsaw – Reviews 2021
1. Makita XCU03PT1
- Brushless motor - For dependable high power; perfect for heavy-duty arborist applications.
- Adjustable chain tension - For an easier workflow and low maintenance.
- Dual handle system - With both rear and top handles, this is one of the most easily maneuverable top handle chainsaws.
- Lock-off lever - Prevents the chain from accidentally starting.
- Automatic power-off function - Enhances battery life and ensures safety.
The first chainsaw we’ve selected for your consideration today is available from Makita.
Outfitted with a highly efficient brushless motor and with several functionality features, this is a top-handle chainsaw that is easily recognized as best for arborists.
This battery-powered chainsaw comes with a high maximum chain speed of 3940 FPM.
If you’re a professional, you’ll definitely appreciate the benefits of that. You also have the option to easily adjust the speed using the speed trigger according to your needs.
Speaking of adjustments, you’re bound to love the tool-less chain tensioning adjustment, which not only allows you to tackle your tasks with ease but reduces maintenance downtime.
Plus, there’s an in-built lock-off lever to guard against accidental chain starting.
But what truly makes this chainsaw unique is that it comes with a rear handle and a top one.
So if you’re looking for ultimate maneuverability and comfortable usage with more power, your search has come to an end.
But, of course, it goes without saying that this is the best arborist chainsaw we’ve found.
Pros
- High chain speed
- Variable speed trigger
- LED illuminated on/off switch with auto power-off function
- Tool-less chain tension adjustment for your convenience
Cons
- Costl
2. SALEM MASTER Gas Chainsaw
- Maximum 8500 RPM chain speed - Lightweight and compact body enhance maneuverability.
- Weighs 10.34 pounds - Lightweight and compact body enhance maneuverability.
- Vibration dampening springs - Reduces discomfort and enhances safety as you work.
- 25.4cc engine - An efficient and powerful engine lets you get more done.
- And More...
Our next pick in top handle chainsaws, available from Salem Master, is the best for budget buyers that we’ve found.
Equipped with a powerful 25.4cc 1.2hp engine and offering a maximum engine speed of 8500 RPM, this chainsaw supplies dependable power for low to mid-level tasks.
Weighing only 10 lbs., this is one of the easiest chainsaws we have come across.
Plus, Salem Master has made sure to include the necessary safety features: a low kickback bar and a quick-stop chain brake.
What’s more, it also comes with a front guard to allow for emergency braking in case your hand is in danger way.
A closer look at the details of this 12-inch guide bar chainsaw shows the manufacturer’s dedication to your convenience: there’s a small eyelet for attaching the machine to your belt, an anti-vibration system with dampening springs, and a primer bulb that allows for faster oil absorption.
This budget-friendly chainsaw is clearly designed for efficiency and is easily one of the best gas models.
Pros
- The fuel tank level visible keeps you in the loop
- Effortless chain and bar adjustment
- An automatic oiler keeps the chainsaw running smoothly
- Integrated springs reduce vibration levels for a steady hold
Cons
- Not for heavy-cutting jobs
3. ECHO CS-271T Battery powered top handle saw
- Anti-vibration handle - Helps to reduce vibration levels and hand fatigue.
- G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner - Reduces maintenance costs and extends the chainsaw’s life.
- Clutch-driven oiler - Lowers excessive fuel consumption while keeping the chainsaw adequately lubricated.
- Inertia activated chain brake - Ensures your safety while on the job.
- Add custom text here
This 12-inch gas-powered arborist chainsaw from ECHO is next on our list, and it’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for a chainsaw that is best for forest operation.
The number of features and capabilities this device has could easily be considered the runner-up to the Makita we reviewed earlier for beginners and novices.
Boasting a powerful 26.9cc engine, this machine will appeal especially to those of you who will be engaging in pruning work or other similar yard-related tasks.
In addition, it’s built with adequate safety features, including an inertia-activated chain brake to ensure that no unwanted accidents occur.
Additionally, anyone who has had to face the difficulty of handling an unwieldy chainsaw will undoubtedly appreciate the anti-vibration handle.
One of the most impressive features of this chainsaw is its G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner system.
It automatically clears the chainsaw’s interior and keeps maintenance to a low level.
Although the lack of toolless chain tensioning might be a deal-breaker for some, this chainsaw certainly shines compared to many others in its price range.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Inertia-activated chain brake
- Clutch-driven oiling system
- Well suited to pruning operations
- Self-cleaning air supply thanks to G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner
Cons
- Lacks tool-free chain adjustment capability
4. Husqvarna T435 Gas powered Top Handle Saw
- Weight 7.5lbs - Compact design and lightweight build allow for easy maneuverability.
- Quick-release air filter - Makes maintenance and/or replacement a walk in the park
- Adjustable oil pump - Let’s manipulate oil flow according to your needs.
- Consumes less fuel - Sustainable for both you and the environment.
- And more...
Husqvarna is a brand that needs no introduction. With many a coveted power tool to their name, it’s no surprise they’ve produced a chainsaw that has become quite famous to seasoned arborists.
Many users swear it is the absolute best for yard cleanup.
If you love the environment, you’ll love this chainsaw. Fitted with Husqvarna’s widely known X-Torq engine, this is one of the most powerful chainsaws you’ll come across with lower fuel consumption.
And thanks to its low exhaust emission, you’ll be closer to achieving zero emissions.
And yet, its power is nearly unmatched, thanks to the inclusion of Husqvarna’s X-cut chain and X-force chain bar, which combine to produce a smooth and reliable cutting experience.
Using this device is also very comfortable thanks to a dedicated and efficient anti-vibration system that reduces the user’s hand fatigue and ensures a long life for the machine.
The rope attachment feature is another example of Husqvarna’s thoughtfulness, as it allows you to lift the saw up to heights easily.
Finally, although this chainsaw does not have tool-free adjustment capabilities, it does have a side chain tensioning port for quick chain adjustments.
Pros
- Adjustable oil pump
- An attachment for rope makes hoisting the saw up trees easier
- Integrated quick-release air filter
- Highly suitable for completing yard work
- Low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions
Cons
- Expensive than other models
5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Chainsaw
- Weight: 9.9lbs - Compact and lightweight build for easy maneuverability
- Tool-free chain tensioning adjustment - Lets you make adjustments uninterrupted
- Powerful 4.0Ah battery - Produces up to 60 cuts per charge
- Versa-Track wall organization system - Great for those with existing Husqvarna equipment
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
If you’re looking for an arborist chainsaw that is best for tree climbing, our final pick from Craftsman will stand out to you.
It’s lightweight, fast, efficient, and packed with features that you’ll love.
This cordless electric chainsaw has an impressive runtime starting with a high capacity 4.0 Ah battery pack; you can expect to get 60 cuts out of this thing per charge.
Equipped with a 12-inch bar and chain, this machine is the ideal tree delimbing or pruning companion.
In addition, it comes with a bubble-level system that allows you to find the perfect alignment and level for your horizontal cuts
What’s more, the machine’s auto-oiling capabilities also reduce downtime for you and keep the device running for longer.
Not to mention the tool-free chain tensioning adjustment, which is a feature that significantly enhances workflow and allows you to enjoy more control as you work.
Oh, and this lightweight chainsaw weighs less than 10 pounds, so if you’re not keen on handling a great weighty beast, then this is the right choice.
Pros
- Compact 12-inch bar and chain for effortless pruning and delimbing
- Comes with a bubble level to help you align your horizontal cuts perfectly
- 4.0Ah battery pack for longer runtime and long life
- Tool-free tensioning makes your life easier
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty application
Best Top Handle Chainsaw Buying Guide
Like all power tools, buying a top handle chainsaw costs quite a lot of money. So before you make your purchase final, remember to keep the following factors in mind.
Power Source
The first step is choosing between battery-powered and gas-powered chainsaws. There are several advantages and drawbacks for both kinds:
Electric (Battery-Powered)
If you prioritize buying a lightweight chainsaw with a compact shape, you should consider getting a battery-powered chainsaw.
Battery-powered saws are best suited to light to medium-duty applications, so if you’re DIYing a delimbing tree project, this is the ideal choice.
Maintenance is also easier as there is no fuel to replace. However, because they’re battery-powered, electric chainsaws do have a runtime limit.
Gas Powered
Because maneuverability is one of the main priorities in designing a successful top-handle chainsaw, most of them come with batteries built into them.
However, gas-powered saws with top handles are not uncommon and should definitely be considered by users mainly concerned with speed.
However, because a mixture of gas and oil powers them, you must consider whether you can afford fuel costs.
Furthermore, gas-powered chainsaws do tend to be louder, and maintaining them is more complicated.
Safety
Because top-handle chainsaws are meant to be used at heights away from the ground, it’s crucial to check that the chainsaw you’re choosing has dependable safety features.
The most important of these is the automatic chain brake, which, when activated, prevents the chainsaw chain from rotating.
The chain brake is an essential safety feature, and a chainsaw without a chain brake should not be considered.
Next, look for anti-kickback capabilities. Kickback is the phenomenon that occurs when the blade comes into contact with an obstacle and is forced to double back, which might cause a backward thrust of the chainsaw onto the user.
So, the best top handle chainsaw will always be one that comes with an automatic anti-kickback mechanism.
Additionally, a handguard can also be immensely helpful in keeping you safe as you work, particularly if you’re prone to being clumsy.
Guide Bar Length
At the heart of the chainsaw is its guide bar. The distance at which the guide bar tip extends must correspond with your intended use of the chainsaw.
Most top handle chainsaws have a guide bar length measuring between 10 and 20 inches.
However, we would recommend going for a more extended guide bar only if you have prior experience using top handle chainsaws, as a greater length might be harder to climb.
This brings us to our next point.
Maneuverability
One of the discerning characteristics of top-handled chainsaws is how easier they are to handle than a rear-handled chainsaws.
Even so, some poorly designed models might be excessively weighed down by the chainsaw’s battery, so be careful about which brand you trust with your money.
However, with that being said, any chainsaw with a top handle weighing less than 10 pounds should also be avoided as a certain amount of heft actually enhances maneuverability.
Automatic Chain Oiler
If you’re willing to spend a little more money or hate spending time on tool maintenance, consider investing in a chainsaw with an automatic chain-oiler mechanism for enhanced performance and durability.
This feature keeps your chainsaw chain running fast and smoothly and extends the chainsaw’s life significantly.
Comfort
Consideration for user comfort is one of the pillars of good design.
We’re not kidding; hand fatigue is a very real problem encountered by professional users of top handle chainsaws.
As such, it’s essential to look into models that come with ergonomic handgrips to reduce user fatigue.
And, of course, the machine’s weight also determines how comfortable it will be to handle. So you might also look for a model with a palm rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Rear handle or top handle, which is best for tree climbers?
Definitely have a top handle and no other power tool, as they are designed for that purpose.
2. What are the advantages of a top handle chainsaw?
Top handle chainsaws are well-balanced, lightweight, and compact, allowing professional users to work with more control at a height and easily reach remote spots.
3. Are top handle chainsaws dangerous?
All chainsaws are dangerous, and top-handle chainsaws can be even more perilous if you’re inexperienced or attempting to use them with only one hand.
4. Can you use a top handle chainsaw on the ground?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Most chainsaws of this kind are designed specifically for tree maintenance and tree surgery. Therefore, when used on the ground, there is a higher risk of danger or loss of control.
5. Can I use a top handle chainsaw with one hand?
Once again, technically, you can. However, adequate experience is required for doing so as it can be pretty dangerous.
In addition, proper positioning is of crucial importance when using a top handle chainsaw one-handed.
6. Who uses top handle chainsaws the most?
These chainsaws were mainly designed for use by professional arborists (tree surgeons) and other professionals.
Because they’re meant to be used at tall heights, top-handle chainsaws must only be used by confident climbers.
Final Words
Although we don’t like to play favorites, we’d be lying if we didn’t name the Makita XCU03PT1 the best top handle chainsaw (and overall one of the best arborist chainsaws)
we’ve come across in terms of performance, functionality, and durability.
On the other hand, this selection from Salem Master is ideal for most arborists on a budget.
Good luck, and happy cutting!
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