Preferred for being more powerful than their electric counterparts, gas chainsaws are able to cut through trees quickly and smoothly. In particular, 60cc chainsaws have fast chain speed, requiring very minimal effort on the part of the user. Here are the five best 60cc chainsaws on the market.

The 5 Best 60cc Chainsaws w/Reviews

A 60cc chainsaw sits in a sweet spot that most homeowners never fully appreciate until they’ve tried to push a smaller saw through a 20-inch oak. I run a working ranch in Montana, and the 60cc class is what I reach for when I need to drop timber, work through a winter’s worth of firewood, or clear storm damage along the fence line. These saws have enough displacement to handle real work without stepping up to the full professional class that costs twice as much and weighs more than a toddler.

The primary keyword here is power-to-practicality. At 60cc, you get chain speeds and torque that make hardwood feel cooperative. You’re also in a weight range — typically 13 to 16 pounds — that a fit homeowner can manage for a full afternoon without destroying their back.

I’ve put together this list for people who are serious about their property but don’t necessarily cut timber for a living. If you’re also figuring out which saw fits your skill level, check out my guide to the best chainsaws for homeowners — it covers a wider range of sizes and use cases.

Here are the five best 60cc chainsaws I’d actually recommend.

Product Best For Bar Length Displacement Weight
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Best Overall 20″ 60.3cc 13.2 lbs
Makita EA6100PRGG Best Pro-Grade Build Quality 20″ 61.0cc 13.9 lbs
Ladyiok COOCHEER Best Budget Pick 20″ 62cc ~14 lbs
Yiilove Gas Powered Chainsaw Best for Occasional Use 20″ 62cc ~14.5 lbs
OppsDecor XP2300 Best Entry-Level Option 20″ 62cc ~15 lbs

What to Look For in a 60cc Chainsaw

Before you click buy, there are a few things that separate a saw you’ll still be using in ten years from one that spends most of its life on a shelf. Here’s what actually matters in this displacement class.

Engine Power and Displacement

Displacement measures the volume inside the engine cylinder — more cc means more air and fuel per stroke, which translates to more torque at the chain. At 60cc, you have enough power to run a 20-inch bar through dense hardwood without the engine bogging down mid-cut. That’s the threshold where property work stops being a chore.

A 40cc or 50cc saw will manage firewood and smaller limbs just fine, but once you’re dropping trees over 16 inches in diameter or bucking up a downed hardwood, you’ll feel the difference. The 60cc class handles that work with confidence.

Bar Length Compatibility

Most 60cc saws ship with a 20-inch bar, which is the right match for this engine size. You can step up to a 24-inch bar on some models, but you’ll notice the added resistance — especially in dense wood. Going shorter, down to an 18-inch bar, gives you a nimbler saw for firewood processing and limbing.

My general rule: match the bar to the wood you’re cutting most often. For a full breakdown of how to pick the right setup, read my guide on how to choose the right chainsaw bar length before you finalize your decision.

Weight and Ergonomics

A 60cc saw typically runs 13 to 16 pounds without bar and chain. That difference matters more than it sounds when you’re an hour into a cutting session. Husqvarna has put serious engineering into keeping the 460 Rancher under 14 pounds, and you feel it over a long day.

Anti-vibration systems also factor into fatigue. Cheap saws transfer engine vibration straight into your hands and forearms. After 30 minutes, your grip starts going. Good anti-vibration mounts — the kind you find on Husqvarna and Makita — make a real difference in how long you can work effectively.

Safety Features to Prioritize

At 60cc, you have enough power to do serious damage if something goes wrong. The three features I won’t skip on any saw at this power level are a front chain brake (stops the chain in a kickback event), a throttle lockout (prevents accidental throttle engagement), and a chain catcher (catches the chain if it derails or breaks).

Anti-vibration is partly a safety feature too — fatigued hands make poor decisions. Make sure any saw you buy in this class has all three of these as standard equipment, not optional upgrades.

Brand Support and Parts Availability

This is where the no-name budget saws start losing ground. Husqvarna and Makita both have dealer networks, readily available replacement parts, and detailed service manuals. If your carburetor needs a rebuild two years from now, you can find the kit at any farm supply store or order it online in ten minutes.

With a generic import brand, you’re often on your own once the saw develops a problem. For a machine you’re going to run hard, that matters. Budget picks have their place, but go in with realistic expectations about long-term support.

The 5 Best 60cc Chainsaws Reviewed

Here’s my honest take on each saw in this class, from the one I’d buy myself down to the budget options that work for the right buyer.

1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher — Best Overall

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The 460 Rancher is the saw I’d hand to any serious homeowner or ranch owner without a second thought. It runs a 60.3cc X-Torq engine that delivers strong torque across the RPM range while burning less fuel and producing fewer emissions than older engine designs. Husqvarna’s X-Torq technology is the real deal — not marketing — and you feel it when the saw pulls cleanly through a big white pine without dropping RPMs.

The combined choke/stop control is a feature I appreciate every single time I start this saw. It prevents the flooding that kills most cold-start sessions with lesser saws. Air injection keeps debris out of the air filter longer, which extends the service interval on dirty work days.

At 13.2 pounds, this is one of the lighter saws in the 60cc class. The LowVib anti-vibration system is effective enough that I can run it for several hours without my hands going numb. It ships with a 20-inch bar, which is the right pairing for the engine. The fit and finish feel like a professional tool because it essentially is one — just priced for a homeowner budget.

My only complaint is that the 460 Rancher isn’t the cheapest saw on this list by a significant margin. But after years of use, I’ve never had a reliability issue that justifies going cheaper on a saw I depend on.

Pros

  • X-Torq engine delivers excellent torque and fuel efficiency
  • LowVib anti-vibration system reduces fatigue on long sessions
  • Combined choke/stop control prevents engine flooding
  • Air injection extends air filter life in dirty conditions
  • Lightweight at 13.2 lbs for the power class
  • Excellent parts availability and dealer support

Cons

  • Higher price point than budget alternatives
  • Some users find the chain tensioning system takes getting used to

2. Makita EA6100PRGG — Best for Pro-Grade Build Quality

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Makita doesn’t get as much chainsaw attention as Husqvarna or STIHL, but the EA6100PRGG deserves a serious look. This is a 61cc saw built to a professional standard, and the construction quality shows the moment you pick it up. Everything feels solid — the housing, the controls, the bar mounting. Nothing flexes or rattles.

The engine uses Makita’s 4-stroke mixing technology — a 2-stroke engine that runs on straight gasoline rather than a fuel mix. That eliminates one of the most common mistakes beginner chainsaw owners make: wrong fuel ratios. For a homeowner who doesn’t run the saw every week, this is genuinely useful.

The EA6100PRGG comes with a 20-inch bar and weighs in around 13.9 pounds. Chain tensioning is tool-free, and the automatic oiler keeps consistent lubrication across cutting speeds. Vibration is well-controlled, and the saw starts consistently once you learn its cold-start procedure.

The main drawback is price — the Makita runs close to the Husqvarna and sometimes higher, depending on inventory. If you’re deciding between the two, the Husqvarna edges it out slightly on engine performance and parts availability in the U.S. But if you’re already invested in the Makita ecosystem or you want the cleanest fuel experience, this saw earns its spot.

Pros

  • Pro-grade build quality that holds up to heavy use
  • Runs on straight gasoline — no fuel mixing required
  • Tool-free chain tensioning system
  • Consistent automatic chain oiler
  • Low vibration for a saw in this class

Cons

  • Premium price competes directly with the Husqvarna
  • Fewer U.S. service dealers compared to Husqvarna
  • Cold-start procedure has a learning curve

3. Ladyiok COOCHEER — Best Budget Pick

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I’ll be honest about what this saw is and isn’t. The COOCHEER is a budget import chainsaw rated at 62cc, and it costs a fraction of what the Husqvarna or Makita will run you. For a homeowner who needs to cut firewood a few times a year and doesn’t want to spend professional-grade money, it fills that role.

The saw includes a 20-inch bar and chain, auto-oiling, and a chain brake. Assembly is straightforward. Most users who leave positive reviews are using it for seasonal firewood and occasional property cleanup — exactly the use case where a budget saw makes sense.

Where it falls short is long-term reliability and build consistency. Quality control on budget saws like this can vary significantly between units. The vibration is higher than on the Husqvarna or Makita, and the parts support is essentially nonexistent if something breaks outside the return window. The carburetor and ignition components are generic, which means you’re self-servicing with trial and error.

Buy this saw with realistic expectations: it’s a light-duty tool at a light-duty price. If your cutting needs grow or you find yourself reaching for it more than a few times a season, the Husqvarna will save you money in the long run.

Pros

  • Significantly lower price than name-brand alternatives
  • Includes 20-inch bar and chain ready to run
  • Adequate power for light seasonal cutting
  • Chain brake included as a safety feature

Cons

  • Variable quality control between units
  • High vibration compared to name-brand saws
  • No meaningful parts or dealer support
  • Not built for frequent or heavy use

4. Yiilove Gas Powered Chainsaw — Best for Occasional Use

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The Yiilove sits in similar territory to the COOCHEER — it’s a budget-tier 62cc saw that makes the most sense for homeowners who cut infrequently. The price is accessible, and it ships with a 20-inch bar that handles the jobs most occasional users throw at it.

Where the Yiilove stands out slightly from other no-name options is in its reported ease of assembly and startup. Users who’ve reviewed it generally describe a reliable first-start experience, which matters if you’re pulling this out of storage twice a year and need it to run without a fight.

The same caveats apply here as with the COOCHEER. Parts support is minimal, vibration runs higher than a professional saw, and the long-term durability outlook isn’t strong if you’re running it hard. This is a tool for the homeowner who needs to clear a fallen tree twice a year, not someone running it every weekend.

If your cutting is genuinely occasional — think one cord of firewood per season and the odd storm cleanup — the Yiilove will handle the work. Just don’t expect it to still be running perfectly in five years without some luck on your side.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly entry price
  • Straightforward assembly and startup
  • 20-inch bar handles typical homeowner cuts
  • Adequate for light, infrequent use

Cons

  • Not suited for regular or heavy cutting work
  • Higher vibration than name-brand saws
  • Limited parts and service support
  • Durability questions at extended use

5. OppsDecor XP2300 — Best Entry-Level Option

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The OppsDecor XP2300 rounds out this list as the most entry-level option in the 60cc class. It’s priced at the low end, ships with a 20-inch bar, and includes basic safety features including a chain brake and throttle lockout.

For a first-time chainsaw owner who wants to get comfortable with a gas-powered saw before spending real money, the XP2300 offers a low-stakes entry point. The engine starts with the standard two-stroke fuel mix, and the controls are simple enough that a beginner can get oriented quickly.

The limitations are the same as the other budget picks: variable build quality, higher vibration, and essentially zero parts support after the return window closes. The XP2300 is also the heaviest of the budget options in this group at around 15 pounds, which you’ll notice on longer sessions.

Use this saw for what it is — a light-duty entry-level tool to get familiar with chainsaw operation. If you find yourself cutting more than a couple of times per season, reinvest in a Husqvarna. You’ll wonder why you waited.

Pros

  • Lowest price point on the list
  • Simple controls for first-time users
  • Chain brake and throttle lockout included
  • 20-inch bar ready for basic property work

Cons

  • Heaviest of the budget options at ~15 lbs
  • Higher vibration than professional-grade saws
  • Not built for regular heavy use
  • No parts or service support network

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 60cc chainsaw good for?

A 60cc chainsaw is built for serious property work — dropping trees up to 20 inches in diameter, bucking firewood, land clearing, and handling storm damage. It’s the right class when a homeowner saw feels underpowered but you don’t need a full commercial saw. On my ranch, a 60cc saw handles everything from cutting firewood to felling the occasional large timber tree without breaking a sweat.

What size bar fits a 60cc chainsaw?

Most 60cc chainsaws ship with an 18-inch or 20-inch bar, and that’s the sweet spot for this engine class. You can run a 24-inch bar on the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, but you’ll notice more resistance in dense hardwood. For most homeowners, a 20-inch bar paired with a 60cc engine is the most practical combination — enough reach for large trees without overloading the motor.

How heavy is a 60cc chainsaw?

Expect 13 to 16 pounds for the saw body, before bar and chain. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher comes in at 13.2 pounds, which is impressive for the power class. Budget saws in this group tend to run closer to 14 to 15 pounds. That weight difference matters over a long cutting session — an extra two pounds at the end of your arms for two hours adds up fast.

Is a 60cc chainsaw too powerful for a beginner?

I’d call it an intermediate-class saw, not a beginner saw. If you’ve never run a chainsaw before, I’d recommend starting on a smaller 40cc or 50cc saw to build fundamentals — safe body position, kickback awareness, proper grip. Once you’ve got those habits locked in, a 60cc saw is very manageable. The power isn’t the issue; the technique is. Never skip chainsaw safety basics regardless of the engine size.

How long does a 60cc chainsaw last?

A quality 60cc saw from Husqvarna or Makita, maintained properly, should last 10 or more years with regular use. I’ve seen well-kept Husqvarna saws run for 15 years on a working property. Budget saws are a different story — two to four seasons of light use is a reasonable expectation if you’re lucky. The brand matters enormously for longevity, and proper maintenance — clean air filter, sharp chain, fresh fuel mix — is what separates a saw that lasts from one that doesn’t.

Do 60cc chainsaws need mixed gas?

Most do, yes. The vast majority of 60cc chainsaws use a 2-stroke engine, which requires a gasoline and 2-stroke oil mixture — typically 50:1 (2.6 oz of oil per gallon of gas). The exception is the Makita EA6100PRGG, which uses a 4-stroke mixing technology that runs on straight gasoline. If you’re new to gas saws, get a premix bottle at the hardware store the first time so you know you have the ratio right. Wrong fuel mix is one of the fastest ways to destroy a small engine.

What’s the difference between 60cc and 50cc chainsaws?

About 10cc of displacement, which translates to noticeably more torque and cutting power. A 50cc saw handles trees up to about 16 inches comfortably. A 60cc saw handles larger diameter timber, dense hardwood, and longer bars without the engine laboring. If you’re cutting softwood and smaller trees, a 50cc may be all you need. If you’re dealing with hardwoods, large diameter logs, or high-volume firewood cutting, the 60cc class pays for itself in time and effort saved.

How often should I sharpen the chain on a 60cc saw?

As a general rule, sharpen every two to three tanks of fuel during heavy use — or any time the saw starts requiring more pressure to cut or produces fine dust instead of chips. A sharp chain on a 60cc saw cuts clean and fast. A dull chain not only slows you down, it puts extra load on the engine and increases kickback risk. I keep a round file in my kit and touch up the chain in the field whenever it needs it. Takes five minutes and makes a significant difference.

My Pick for Most Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner or property owner who takes their land seriously, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the saw I’d point you toward without hesitation. It’s the right displacement class for large timber and firewood work, it’s built to last a decade or more with proper care, and Husqvarna’s support network means you’re never stranded without parts. The budget saws on this list have their place for light, infrequent use — but if you’re going to depend on a saw, buy one that earns your trust.

The 460 Rancher costs more upfront. It will almost certainly cost less over five years.

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Jeremy - Cut the Timber

About Jeremy

Jeremy is an Eagle Scout and working ranch owner in Montana who has been running chainsaws for over 20 years. He writes about chainsaws, firewood, and outdoor power tools for homeowners who want practical advice from someone who actually uses this equipment. When he’s not cutting timber, he’s splitting it.

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