Top handle chainsaws are commonly used by professional arborists and foresters. They are lighter and more compact compared to rear handle models, but also take more experience to use safely. Finding the best top handle chainsaw on the market can be tricky with the huge variety of products available right now. We’ve carefully selected some of the top-rated chainsaws for arborists, focusing on top handle models.
Reviews Looking for a high-quality top handle arborist chainsaw but don’t know where to start? Our top handle chainsaw reviews can help you identify the right model for your specific needs.
ECHO’s CS-355T is one of the company’s best-known products. It’s the standard choice for many professionals looking for a high-powered top handle chainsaw. The model offers significantly better performance than many competing products. It’s a bit more expensive than many models in its class, but that price is well deserved.
The CS-355T is a gas-powered top handle chainsaw. This makes sense, given that it was designed to be the most powerful chainsaw in its class. Users can choose between a 14” or 16” bar, which should cover most household and professional use cases. Weighing just 8 lbs. (with an empty tank), this is one of the lightest and most compact chainsaws in its class.
The 11.2 fl. oz. gas tank should be enough for most tasks. The chainsaw can be easily refilled in the field, and it requires minimal additional maintenance. The only minor annoyance in this regard is the need to frequently grease the bar tip. Other than that, this is a relatively low-maintenance unit that packs a lot of power.
Power source: gas-powered
Chain bar length: 14” or 16”
Weight: 8 lbs.
Warranty: 5 years for consumers, or 1 year for commercial use
The CS-355T is the most powerful chainsaw in its class. However, this also means that it requires additional experience to use correctly and safely. It’s one of the best top handle chainsaws for professional arborists, and is easily the best ECHO top handle chainsaw.
Make sure to only use manufacturer-approved oils and other products/accessories. This chainsaw’s advanced hardware is a bit more sensitive and might not operate correctly with third-party products. Using inappropriate accessories can also reduce the lifetime of the chainsaw
Advanced air filtration further improves the chainsaw’s performance and adds to its durability
Easy maintenance and cleaning
More expensive than models with similar properties
Bar tip requires frequent greasing
Husqvarna is a well-known name in the chainsaw market. The T432 is one of their most popular models and has earned the company a lot of respect among professionals. At the same time, it’s a relatively cheap model, which makes it suitable for personal use as well. In fact, this is probably the best top handle chainsaw for the money.
Another benefit of the T435 is its weight. At just 7.5 lbs., it’s the perfect lightweight saw for climbing trees and doing work in difficult places. It comes with a rope attachment that makes it even easier to work up in a tree. If you’re looking for a quality Husqvarna top handle chainsaw that doesn’t cost a lot, this should be your first choice.
The model supports bars ranging between 12” and 16”, which should be enough to cover most use cases. Professionals should especially enjoy the extra flexibility provided by the T435. The chainsaw is great for heavy duty use as well, offering more durability than similar models in its price range. Combine that with Husqvarna’s famous attention to customer service, and you have a winning combination.
Power source: gas-powered
Chain bar length: 12” to 16”
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Warranty: 2 years
The Husqvarna T435 is a great model for those looking for a mix between flexibility and affordability. Self-employed arborists and tree surgeons can benefit from getting a good value on a tight budget. It’s one of the cheapest top handle chainsaws in its class and is suitable for a variety of applications. Whether you’re looking to cut through a thick trunk or just need to cut some branches up on a tree, this chainsaw should serve you well.
One of the cheapest top handle chainsaws on the market
Improved chain and bar design for an increased lifetime
Optimized fuel consumption allows users to work with the chainsaw for prolonged periods
Requires extra maintenance to keep in optimal condition
If you’re looking for a compact top handle chainsaw that doesn’t run on gas, Makita’s XCU06Z is one of the best choices you have available. The 18V 5.0Ah battery can last for up to 175 cuts and the chainsaw comes with a torque boost mode for more challenging tasks.
This is a great model for users who don’t like to do a lot of maintenance on their chainsaws. It’s easy to adjust the chain lubrication settings, and swapping out the battery for a fresh one can be done while working in the field. This is the best cordless top handle chainsaw in terms of performance optimization. It comes with various features that protect it against overloading and overheating, making it safe for relatively inexperienced users.
This Makita top handle chainsaw can work well for professionals and domestic users alike. The 10” bar might be a bit limiting for some heavy-duty applications, but should be enough for most types of household work.
Power source: battery-powered
Chain bar length: 10”
Weight: 5.2 lbs. without the battery, 6.6 lbs. with
Warranty: 3 years
This is one of the best cordless top handle chainsaws for heavy duty work in tight spaces. Its compact, lightweight design makes it ideal for jobs that involve a lot of climbing and maneuvering around.
If you don’t enjoy doing a lot of maintenance on your chainsaws, this model should be great for you. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust some settings as appropriate while working, this chainsaw can easily last for many years without any noticeable signs of wear
Lightweight and compact battery-powered top handle chainsaw that’s perfect for climbing work
Battery lasts for a larger number of cuts than many similar models
Low maintenance and various options for customizing your cutting
10” bar might be too short for some applications
It shouldn’t be surprising to see another ECHO model on this list. The company covers a broad range of features and has models suitable for various applications. The CS-2511T is one of the lightest top handle chainsaw models on the market. It’s small and very portable, but quite powerful at the same time.
It may not offer the same power level as the CS-355T, but is still a respectable tool that can get the job done. If you’re looking for a small top handle saw that still packs some serious power, this is a great model to consider.
The ECHO CS-2511T is also a very reliable top handle chainsaw that doesn’t take a lot of maintenance to stay in a perfect condition. Like the CS-355T, it supports a couple of different bar lengths. The CS-2511T is more compact and only supports 12” and 14” bars, however. This should be enough for most household uses and some professional applications. But the chainsaw might be a bit too small for more serious work.
Power source: gas-powered
Chain bar length: 12” or 14”
Weight: 5.2 lbs.
Warranty: 5 years for consumers, or 1 year for commercial use
The CS-2511T is a great tool for light to moderate tasks. It’s light enough to climb up on trees with it by your side, and won’t exhaust you even after prolonged use sessions. The anti-vibration system further adds to the convenience of this model, especially for inexperienced users who’re not used to holding a chainsaw for longer periods.
This chainsaw is noticeably louder than similar models in its class, so it might not be ideal for some households. If you have neighbors living close by, you might want to use an alternative model with a less powerful engine. On the other hand, the combination of a powerful engine and a lightweight design can make it attractive to lawn care professionals and carvers without any nearby neighbors.
One of the lightest and smallest models available
Easy to use
Requires little maintenance compared to similar models
Small gas tank requires frequent refills
Not suitable for thick wood
Makita’s XCU09PT is a great combination of performance and quietness. It’s a surprisingly quiet top handle chainsaw given its power output and is the best value top handle chainsaw for many domestic users. It can also serve the needs of professionals relatively well.
The XCU09PT is one of the most popular battery-powered top handle saws for professionals right now. It’s not the lightest model on the market – far from it – but it more than makes up for that with its performance and low maintenance. The chainsaw can only use a 16” chain bar which makes it somewhat less flexible than other models in its price class. This shouldn’t be a concern for professionals buying it for a specific purpose.
Like many other Makita models, this one also comes with a torque boost mode that can help you cut through thicker sections of wood with relatively little resistance. The chainsaw’s large battery ensures that you won’t run out of power in the middle of a challenging cutting session. However, other models might be more suitable for longer jobs.
Power source: battery-powered
Chain bar length: 16”
Weight: 7.5 lbs. without the battery, 10.3 lbs. with
Warranty: 3 years
The XCU09PT is one of the best options for homeowners living in a densely populated area. It can handle most household tasks with ease, and without waking up the whole neighborhood. Its battery is not the largest on the market, but can still last for a relatively large number of cuts without recharging.
Keep in mind that you might need an extra battery pack (or two) for longer-lasting jobs. Especially if you’ll be cutting through any particularly thick trees that might require the frequent use of torque boost mode. This makes this model somewhat unsuitable for climbing arborists.
One of the quietest models on the market
Can last for a large number of cuts on a single charge
Durable design
Heavier than many similar models
DeWALT’s 20V MAX* XR might not stand out with many special features for professional use, but it’s one of the best top handle chainsaws for small jobs. If you’re looking for a good all-around cordless top handle saw that will help you in your household tasks and won’t require too much maintenance in the long run, this is an option you should not ignore.
The 20V MAX* XR enjoys the reputation of being one of the best top handle chainsaws for homeowners, but some professionals occasionally use it for minor tasks as well. Other DeWALT top handle chainsaw models might be more appropriate for general professional work.
Despite being primarily aimed at domestic users, this model comes with various adjustment options that can help you get the most of it in different environments. Chain tension can be adjusted on the go without using any tools, which is not always possible with other models.
Power source: battery-powered
Chain bar length: 12”
Weight: 7.6 lbs. without the battery, 9 lbs. with
Warranty: 3 years
The 20V MAX* XR by DeWALT may not stand out with anything particularly notable compared to similar models, but that’s exactly what the designers intended. It’s a great all-around tool that will serve you well for a variety of applications and will last a relatively long time with little maintenance.
It’s also very easy to wield, being lighter than most models in its class and coming with features like a low kickback bar. This chainsaw can work well for both regular household use, as well as some outdoor cutting jobs. If you don’t have too many specific preferences, you should definitely add this model to your list of options.
Perfect for all types of household work
Lighter than some similar battery-powered models
Easy to wield for inexperienced users
Battery needs frequent recharging
Some buyers get confused about the differences between a top handle vs rear handle chainsaw. As the name implies, it’s mainly in the positioning of the handles. With a top handle model, the chainsaw is held from the top with both hands. As a result, it sticks out in front of the user.
On the contrary, a rear handle chainsaw has one handle sticking out from the back, which results in the user holding it with one hand extended backwards.
This seemingly small difference has a lot of additional implications. Top handle chainsaws are easier to wield and can be made more compact due to the layout of their design. They are ideal for climbing and other similar jobs that require more advanced maneuvering, which makes them the preferred option for most professional arborists.
And even though top handle chainsaws require more expertise to use safely, they are also popular among some homeowners who use them for various household tasks. The compact, efficient design of most top handle chainsaw models makes them ideal for such applications.
A top handle chainsaw is also the ideal choice for buyers who care about durability. This makes it a viable long-term investment if you’re planning to use the chainsaw for many years. Many of the best models on the market are easy to service, with easily accessible parts and lots of variety on the replacement market.
One of the disadvantages of top handle chainsaws is that they tend to use more power than similar rear handle models. That’s because they are designed for more serious work, including cutting through thick branches. This also makes them slightly more demanding in terms of maintenance. But with proper care, a good top handle chainsaw model can last for years.
| Top Handle Chainsaw | Rear Handle Chainsaw | |
| Compactness | Lighter and more compact. | Bulky and heavy. |
| Ease of Use | Requires some experience to use safely, especially for climbing jobs and similar advanced tasks. | Suitable for beginners. Safer to use by inexperienced users, perfect for minor household tasks. |
| Wieldiness | Easy to wield and maneuver in tight spaces, making it perfect for tricky jobs without a lot of room for moving around. | Very difficult to perform complex maneuvers with, and therefore only suitable for relatively stationary tasks. |
| Durability | Can last for many years with proper maintenance without having to replace any of the main components. | Usually less durable than a top handle chainsaw, might require additional maintenance. |
| Power Consumption | Uses a lot of power. | Optimized power use means it can work for a long time without recharging. |
| Different Applications | Suitable for a variety of different applications. | Limited scope of applications, only suitable for ground work that doesn’t require a lot of moving around. |
Buying the best top handle chainsaw comes down to understanding your own needs and requirements, as we mentioned above.
Even some of the top-rated top handle chainsaws might not be suitable for you if you’re looking for a very specific set of features. Pay attention to each top handle chainsaw review you go through, focusing on the features that matter most to you specifically.
Choosing between a gas-powered top handle chainsaw and a battery-powered top handle chainsaw is about finding a good balance between performance and weight. Electric chainsaws tend to be lighter and smaller, making them ideal for situations where compactness is key.
On the other hand, they are usually less powerful than gas-powered models with otherwise similar properties. When mobility is key, you might want to go with an electric model. But if you insist on getting the best performance possible, you should explore the market for gas-powered chainsaws.
Top handle chainsaws tend to be small and light by design, but there is still a wide range for both of those factors. Some models are designed to be as compact and unobtrusive as possible, making them easy to wield when you’re climbing a tree or working in tight spaces.
Ideally, an arborist chainsaw should be as light as possible since you’re likely going to spend a good deal of time climbing on trees. Cordless top handle chainsaws tend to be a bit heavier, but they make up for that with their improved wieldiness.
Many professional chainsaws are easy to maintain, including when you’re out in the field. Pay attention to how easy it is to access critical parts like the air filter, oil tank, and the chain itself. Some cheaper models are practically impossible to work on yourself – once it’s broken, it’s only good for spare parts. If you’re planning to use your new chainsaw for a long time, you should invest in a model designed to be as easy on the maintenance as possible.
Many of the best brands on the market provide long warranties for their products. This is another important factor if you’re looking to get the most out of your purchase in the long term.
Keep in mind that a long warranty isn’t necessarily indicative of a durable product. It just means that the company is willing to compensate you for any issues that come up during its use. But you’ll still have to go through the appropriate channels and deal with the company’s support staff.
There’s a difference between getting a long-term warranty deal and actually being able to claim that warranty, so you might want to read some reviews on that subject if it’s an important factor for you.
A: There’s a common misconception that top handle chainsaws are dangerous by design. That’s not true. They are just as safe as rear handle models when used correctly. The problem comes from the fact that most top handle chainsaws are smaller, lighter, and easier to swing around than rear handle models. This can promote careless behavior, especially in inexperienced users who aren’t yet accustomed to using a chainsaw and haven’t developed some important safety habits.
A: Top handle chainsaws can be used equally well on the ground and in jobs that involve climbing. There’s nothing about the design that makes it inherently worse for ground use. Rear handle chainsaws might provide slightly more stability when working fully stationary, but the difference is often negligible with enough experience. As long as you maintain a good approach to safety, there’s no problem in using a top handle chainsaw for ground work.
A: While it’s technically possible to use a top handle chainsaw with one hand, many experts will recommend against it. There are some situations where it’s appropriate to temporarily use the saw one-handed, but this should always be done by someone with significant experience under their belt. If your chainsaw gets stuck while cutting through a thicker section of a tree, you might have to hold it with one hand in order to free it properly. And in some cases, you may use the saw one-handed to cut off a distant branch that you can’t get to. If you have any doubts about your skills though, this option is off the table.
As you can see, the purchase of a good top handle chainsaw involves a lot more than you might expect if you’ve never bought one before. We’ve carefully selected our top picks for the best top handle chainsaws for most people’s needs in our top handle chainsaw comparison above.
In general, if you’re looking for the best professional top handle chainsaw, you should go with the ECHO CS-355T. If you need the best top handle chainsaw for light duty work, DeWALT’s 20V MAX* XR should be ideal for your needs. And if you’re after the best battery top handle chainsaw, you should definitely consider the Makita XCU06Z.
Remember to adjust your purchase according to your own situation, especially your level of experience and any prior training.
