Best Compact Chainsaw? Stihl vs Milwaukee, Kobalt, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi ONE+, Craftsman, HART

Battery Pruning Saws/Chainsaws: Milwaukee, Ryobi ONE+, Kobalt, Black & Decker, Craftsman, DeWalt, Makita, HART, Bauer and Stihl. Chainsaws compared for performance using a “chainsaw dyno”, then cutting speed through a 4x4 and Osage Orange (hardwood). The chainsaws are also compared for build construction and quality. I purchased all of the chainsaws and products used for testing the chainsaws to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel.

➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
HART: Available at Walmart
Bauer: Available at Harbor Freight
Stihl GTA 26: Available from multiple retailers online
Stihl PS 70 Hand Saw: Available from multiple retailers online

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[NainGeantMiniature]

I love the introduction of "control" tools like the hand saw and reciprocating saw. It really helps put more niche tools in perspective.

[erike]

I have the Milwaukee saw. As a landscaper I use it constantly. It’s extremely agile for cutting brush or tree trimming smaller lower branches. It’s almost impossible to make the chain shake off the bar which is very good for cutting smaller stuff that would normally toss a chain off a regular chainsaw. If I take my time and don’t put too much pressure it will cut through 5” oak. Battery lasts a very good amount of time with the 6 amp. I’ve been running the tool hard for over 2 years.

[helloallyouppl]

As an arborist, the chain type, tooth shape, and tooth count are almost as important as the tool itself. I’d love to have been able to see the difference on the chains and if you’d sharpened them after each use or anything. Great content thank you for your commitment!

[waynemanning]

I have the dewalt 12 inch with the larger battery (5 amp hr?) didn’t expect too much from it but have been very impressed! I use it for trail maintenance and limbing firewood where my husky 388 Xp is too big. The saw never leaves my quad and has become my go to for maintaining my 84 acre wood lot. The battery life is better than expected and I usually get better than 80 plus cuts through hard dead 4 inch limbs! I have used it for 2 full years and don’t regret buying it for a second

[Mason-hsoz]

With winter coming up, I'd love to see window plastic or other options for insulation treatment tested. Also been curious if it really even works

[Likethetacosauce]

I just used my M12 minisaw the other day for pruning and absolutely loved it! Its a perfect in-between of a larger chainsaw and pruning shears. Plus not having to pull start it is a plus as well. You can cut what you need then put it down to pull the cut branches out and then pick it back up and continue cutting.

[lindseyhinck]

Great review as always. They make a pruning blade for reciprocating saw that really works great much faster especially on green wood. Perfect for cutting roots out of footing holes when you don’t want to get dirt in your bar. Try one, my guys like them so much they use them where ever there’s not nails.

[landscapingspecialist]

The Makita having a higher sprocket speed falls in line w its intended use. It’s an arborist saw that is usually run in a tree sometimes w one hand. So you wouldn’t be pushing down with as much force as say a felling saw. The design and specs of the Makita is conducive to what its intended use it.

[ratchetz]

Great video - if I might make a suggestion… for the sawzall, I’d really recommend using a “pruning” blade in the saw instead of the normal demo blade. They’re quite inexpensive, but work wonders for the type of tests you have here. To be honest, it’s what I use for most of my smaller pruning requirements.

[armadilllo]

I have the the little Milwaukee tool, it's awesome! We used one at my friends house. When he moved in, the whole yard almost a half acre of volunteer trees and overgrowth was just insane, we cut at the base, never missed a beat. Some of the trees were a foot in diameter, yeah, he also had his gas powered chainsaws but for most of it I used the little one because it was so light and easier to use in the confined jungle. I kept commenting how nice it was and he bought me one for helping him.

[zeroelus]

Superb work, as always. This was what my dad asked for Xmas last year, while he said that he just wanted some 50 USD generic no brand electric saw, I got him the Milwaukee one you featured here. After almost a year of every other week sporadic use, it’s been perfect, and for trimming desert trees like desert ironwood, mesquite, palo verde, and some varied citrus, it’s great, and makes super quick use of them.

[caroldragon]

Wonderful comparison, as always. If I hadn't already ordered a mini chainsaw from Amazon this spring, I would have been tempted by these. There was no brand name on the one I got. It just says "mini chainsaw" on the casing. It came with a four inch blade, two chains, a battery, a charger, complete instructions, and a very nice zippered case, all for a little less than $50. It has become my substitute for pruning thicker stuff, like the thumb thickness branches and stems in my garden, but in a pinch, I also cut right through a 4 X 4 with it. One of the most useful tools I have. I can cut off pretty large tree branches, and the chop them up with ease. It is so lightweight I can cut things overhead with no problems, and I am 82 years old.

[Lesardah]

How is it that you've done more for consumers in your YouTube career than Consumer Reports has done in decades? Love your work!

[sloanNYC]

It is really amazing how many options there are now with the addition of Hart, Kobalt, and Craftsman being updated and expanding. A great time to get great tools at great prices.

[hillsfarmer]

Excellent video as always! I just happen to be in the market for a compact chainsaw. This is was perfect timing! Thanks Project Farm!

[gmctech]

Loved this test!!! I have a Stihl MS880, MS170, and the Milwaukee. While every one of my chainsaws have fairly specific uses, my absolute first go to saw for medium to light cutting is the Milwaukee. The Milwaukee with it's light weight, pretty good cutting ability, battery compatibility with my other Milwaukee tools and automatic chain oiler makes it a pleasure to use. I NEVER go in the woods without my Milwaukee. I must say though, I was thoroughly impressed with the larger Kobalt chainsaw and I will most definitely be scooping one up to add to my selection after seeing it's capacity for work! Sometimes you just don't want to have to deal with a noisy 2-stroke to do some work 😎 . Thanks again for an awesome and informative test!

[Peccs]

I have the DeWalt one and love it. I carry it with me when clearing and grooming snowmobile trails. I find it perfect for that application. Works well and is fairly light to carry when trudging through snow. It's been a great buy for me.

[MikeyMobes]

Id love to see a video testing popular oil filters oil filtering ability. All other reviews just break them down and don’t look at how the oil actually filters oil. You could maybe add particulates of different sizes to pre filtered oil and look at how the filter did with each particle size. Love your stuff!!

[raspucin]

The idea of using reciprocating saw was a stroke of genius and a nice comparison. Nice to show that in a pinch/emergency it can act as a multi-tasking tool.

[thekingisdead]

Look at this absolutely based example of humanity. No sponsors. No product placements. Just a man providing us with information in an effort to help us make educated decisions.