Best Chainsaws for Felling Trees and Essential Wedge Tools
When felling trees, choosing the right chainsaw and the supporting wedges is crucial for safety and efficiency. This guide compares top-powered options and reliable wedges to help American homeowners and professionals select gear that balances power, control, and durability. We’ll cover gas and cordless chainsaws, plus wedges designed to guide trees and prevent saw pinching. No matter your landscape, the right setup increases productivity while reducing risk.
| Product | Brand | Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Greenworks | Chainsaw | Brushless motor, 18″ bar, automatic oiler; battery included |
| NEOTEC 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw | NEOTEC | Chainsaw | 22″ bar; easy start ignition; high-strength chain and bar |
| UNCO 4-Pack Tree Felling Wedges | UNCO | Wedges | 4 wedges with 5.5″ and 8″ sizes; serrated edges; ABS plastic |
| Cold Creek 5.5-Inch Orange Wedges | Cold Creek Loggers | Wedges | Made in USA; high-impact ABS; set of 6; carrying bag included |
| AR-PRO 6-Pack Tree Felling Wedges | AR-PRO | Wedges | 6 wedges in 5.5″, 8″, 10″ sizes; anti-slip spikes; mesh bag |
Product Spotlight — The selection below focuses on two high-powered chainsaws for serious felling work and three wedge sets that enhance control and safety during cuts. Each product includes practical details to help you match your task to the right gear.
Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
The Greenworks 80V 18-Inch cordless chainsaw offers robust power for tree felling and large pruning tasks without a gas engine. An 18-inch bar supports sizable trunks, while the brushless motor delivers greater torque, longer runtime, and quieter operation than traditional brushed motors. The automatic oiler helps maintain optimal chain lubrication, and the included 2.0Ah battery with rapid charger enables quick readiness. This setup suits homeowners and professionals seeking mobility, low noise, and reduced maintenance in yards or job sites.
When using any cordless saw, balance, weight, and ergonomics influence safety and efficiency. Always verify chain tension, wear proper PPE, and follow safe cutting techniques to reduce kickback. Pair the saw with a sharp chain and perform regular maintenance; manage the battery to sustain performance. For felling tasks, plan an escape path, clear the area, and keep bystanders at a safe distance. This model provides a versatile option for suburban landscapes and light-to-moderate forestry work.
NEOTEC 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw
The NEOTEC 68CC gas-powered chainsaw delivers heavy-duty cutting capability for felling trees and forestry tasks. With a 22-inch guide bar and a 2-cycle engine, it can slice through thick trunks and handle demanding jobs on farms or woodlots. The combination of torque and a robust build makes it suitable for professional use and serious DIY work. The 22-inch bar maximizes cutting width, reducing the number of passes needed for larger trees.
Easy start is highlighted by an upgraded ignition system that helps the saw start faster and more smoothly. The durable chain and bar pair with a wear-resistant chain to deliver reliable cuts in tough conditions. Safety considerations include standard handling practices for gas tools, proper fueling, and routine maintenance to preserve performance. This machine is ideal for users who demand serious cutting power and longer operation between refuels.
UNCO 4-Pack Tree Felling Wedges
UNCO’s 4-Pack Tree Felling Wedges includes two small and two large wedges, offering versatile leverage for different tree sizes. Constructed from impact-resistant ABS plastic, the wedges withstand forceful hammering without bending or breaking. The included storage bag helps keep the assortment organized between jobs. Serrated edges help prevent slipping during use, providing reliable grip when you drive the wedge into the log. These wedges are suitable for loggers, arborists, and DIY enthusiasts seeking predictable control during felling and splitting tasks.
Wedges play a critical role in directing the tree and preventing pinching as you work. Use them in combination with a sledge or hammer to carefully steer the tree toward the desired direction. The dual-size design makes it practical for varying trunk diameters and wood densities, contributing to safer, more efficient operations on job sites or home woodlots.
Cold Creek 5.5-Inch Orange Wedges
Cold Creek Loggers’ wedges are proudly made in the USA and crafted from high-impact ABS plastic designed to resist cracking and swelling. The set includes six wedges and a free carrying bag, delivering solid value for professional loggers and serious backyard felling projects. The bright orange color aids visibility on the stump, while serrations and robust construction help keep the wedge securely in place during use, reducing the chance of back-out or misdirection as the tree falls.
These wedges are designed to prevent pinching and contribute to safer, faster felling operations. They pair well with mid- to large-diameter trees and can stand up to repeated hammer blows without compromising integrity. For crews and homeowners, the included bag simplifies transport and on-site organization, making it a practical addition to any felling kit.
AR-PRO 6-Pack Tree Felling Wedges
AR-PRO’s 6-pack tree felling wedges include three sizes—5.5″, 8″, and 10″—to cover a range of trees from saplings to thick hardwoods. Made of durable ABS plastic, these wedges are engineered to be ultra-tough and withstand multiple impacts from a chainsaw without cracking. The set includes three sizes and six individual wedges designed to deliver effective bite and secure positioning during felling operations. A mesh bag helps with portability and organization on job sites.
Wedges with anti-slip teeth bite into the wood, preventing backward movement as the tree begins to tilt. The varied sizes enable crews to tailor the approach based on trunk diameter and wood density. For professionals and DIYers alike, this kit offers flexible, reliable options for directing a fall while maintaining safety margins around the work zone.
Buying Guide
Power, Performance, And Suitability
Choose a power source that matches your typical work environment. Gas chainsaws offer high torque and long run times ideal for heavy felling and remote sites, but require more maintenance and fuel handling. Cordless electric saws deliver quiet operation and easy startup for yard work and smaller trees, with the caveat of limited runtime based on battery capacity. Bar length matters: longer bars (18–22 inches) increase cutting capacity but add weight. Balance power with fatigue for longer work sessions.
Durability, Materials, And Maintenance
Wedges should be built from impact-resistant plastics like ABS and include serrations or spikes to grip wood. Durable wedges reduce the risk of slippage and back-out, especially with wet or resinous wood. Chainsaws require routine maintenance: chain tension, lubrication, air filter cleaning, and bar/chain inspection. Proper storage and transport, including carrying bags for wedges and spare parts, preserve tool life and readiness for the next job.
Safety Features And Best Practices
Safety is the top priority in tree work. Use PPE such as helmet, eye and ear protection, gloves, and chaps. For chainsaws, ensure the chain brake is functional and practice proper kickback prevention techniques. Plan your felling direction in advance, clear the area, establish a retreat path, and maintain a safe working distance from bystanders. Wedges help direct the fall and reduce the risk of uncontrolled kickback when used correctly.
Portability, Storage, And Value
Portable setups with carrying bags for wedges simplify transport on rugged sites. Cordless tools offer portability but require charging cycles and battery management. Weight distribution matters for overhead or extended cuts; consider a balanced saw to minimize operator fatigue. When evaluating value, consider the combination of a capable saw with a versatile wedge kit to handle a wider range of trees and conditions in a single purchase.
How To Choose The Right Combination
A practical approach is pairing a capable main saw with a curated wedge set. A mid-to-large bar length on a gas or high-powered cordless saw handles most trees, while wedges in multiple sizes accommodate different trunk diameters and wood densities. If you frequently work alone, lightweight gas or cordless options with quick-start features can improve efficiency. For professional crews, having multiple wedge sizes and a robust saw ensures readiness across varied tasks.