Best 50cc Chainsaws in 2021 – Complete Review

Cody
| Last Updated: February 7, 2021

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When choosing which chainsaw is right for you and your needs, you may come across discussions of chainsaws with 50cc engines.

These engines are in the midsize range for chainsaws, meaning these saws often have a great deal of versatility.

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Read on to learn more about these great little saws and what they can do for you.

Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best 50cc chainsaws: 

  1. Poulan Pro PR5020
  2. Remington RM4216
  3. XtremepowerUS 52cc Gasoline Chainsaw

Comparison of the Best 50cc Chainsaws

Product

Specs

Price

Poulan Pro PR5020

  • OxyPower Engine creates 70% less emissions and uses 20% less fuel
  • 30% less pull force needed for start up
  • Minimal handle vibration

Remington RM4216

  • Anti-vibration system and cushioned handle
  • Easy access to the filter and spark plug
  • Minimal kickback

XtremepowerUS 52cc Chainsaw

  • Best for the Money
  • Anti-kickback and Anti-vibration design
  • Dust prevention filter

Husqvarna 450e-Series II

  • Best Husqvarna 50cc Chainsaw
  • Weighs just under 11lbs
  • 3 included chain loops

Craftsman CMXGSAMA421S

  • Best Craftsman 50cc Chainsaw
  • Tool free access to internal parts
  • Anti-vibration system

Pros and Cons of 50cc Chainsaws

What are the reasons why you should and should not go with a 50cc chainsaw? We have outlined them below:

Pros

These chainsaws strike a great balance between being big enough to handle some of the most intense yard work jobs, while also being small enough to still be relatively easy to use, especially for those who do not often operate chainsaws

They are lightweight, especially when you consider their engine size. Their size and weight gives them a good amount of versatility – these saws are great for tree work, for cutting firewood, and a variety of other homeowner tasks.

Cons

The biggest drawback to a 50cc chainsaw is that it is just not powerful enough to get some of the biggest jobs done. If you have a giant downed tree trunk that has been dead for a while, you probably are not going to be able to hack through it with a 50cc.

Review of the Best 50cc Chainsaws

The 50cc chainsaws we are most impressed by are outlined below:

Best Overall:
Poulan Pro PR5020

PROS

  • Has a ton of power
  • Comes with its own carrying case
  • Great for yard cleanup and for cutting firewood
  • Poulan provides excellent customer service, although their customer support line is not staffed on the weekends

CONS

Our Review

This saw is a great pick for beginners and those new to working with chainsaws, specifically because it is quite easy to handle. It is also resistant to kicking back – many users reported that they have used this saw in situations where they have made improper cuts or other actions that should have caused the saw to kick back, but it never does.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

We were impressed that this saw comes with an Oregon chain already included. Many chainsaws, especially 50cc saws, come with low quality factory chains that bind up after just a few cuts, but not on this model!

Final Thoughts

This saw is a standout model for 50cc saws. The ease of maneuvering, combined with its high quality design, mean it is a reliable option for homeowners and those planning to use it for light duty projects.

Runner-up:
Remington RM4216

PROS

  • Has a cushioned grip
  • Ready to be used upon arrival
  • Consistently makes smooth, even cuts
  • Automatic oiler increases overall efficiency

CONS

  • Heavier than many of the other saws on this list

Our Review

This saw was really designed to maximize user comfort. It has a cushion wrapped grip to ease your hand from cramping up, and a five point anti vibration system so that your arm will not be constantly shaking until it goes numb. Plus, it has its own protective case, so you will not constantly need to clean the dust off your saw.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

We loved some of the safety features present on this model. It incorporates a chain brake, and an overall more balanced weight than many of the competitor brands. More balance equates to less adjusting on the part of the user, which could lead to user error.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a saw that prioritizes the experience of the user over everything else, this is definitely the model for you! This saw is a great choice for lengthy projects, as it can be operated for a long time without causing user fatigue.

Best for the Money:
XtremepowerUS 52cc Gasoline Chainsaw

PROS

  • Comes with a thirty day warranty
  • Good for light use and tree trimming
  • Cuts through harder woods like butter
  • Takes less than ten minutes to put the saw together and to get it started

CONS

  • Included factory chain is not particularly high quality
  • Sometimes needs to idle when cold to prevent stalling

Our Review

This saw is super tough! It is durable, with users reporting that they can operate it for almost a whole work day every week, on a regular basis, without it ever needing any sort of maintenance or repairs. Plus, it is heavy duty enough to cut through even wet logs and frozen wood. There definitely are not many saws out there that can accomplish that!

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

Well, first of all, you are just not going to be able to find another saw of such high quality for such a low price. We almost thought we were getting scammed when we saw the tag! But also, this saw has exceptionally strong power and torque for a 50cc.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a steal of a deal on a 50cc saw, the XtremepowerUS is far and away your best option. But perhaps the most standout feature of this saw is how tough it is, for only having a 50cc setup.  

Best Husqvarna 50cc Chainsaw:
Husqvarna 450e Series II

PROS

  • Starts up quickly
  • Has an ergonomically designed grip
  • Durable enough to last for years and years
  • Recommended for use by professional woodworkers

CONS

  • Does not come with an included carrying case

Our Review

The Husqvarna 450e is remarkably easy to operate, with its combined choke and stop control function, as well as a chain tensioning mechanism that does not require any tools to operate.

Plus, it boasts an exterior fuel indicator so that you will always be able to tell if your gas is running low without needing to always be checking your fuel tank itself.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

This is one of the most fuel efficient saws available on the market today. It combines a quick release air filter with Husqvarna’s patented X-Torq feature to ensure the saw requires less fuel to operate than its competitor models.

Final Thoughts

We were pleased to see such an awesome 50cc chainsaw from the reliable Husqvarna brand. We were even more impressed with its innovative X Torq technology, its combined choke and stop control function, and its exterior fuel indicator.

Best Craftsman 50cc Chainsaw:
CRAFTSMAN CMXGSAMA421S

PROS

  • Easy to start up
  • Has an automatic oiling system
  • Comes with its own carrying case
  • Good for limbing work and cutting firewood
  • Air filter is easy to access and therefore easy to clean

CONS

  • On the heavier side, especially when it is full of fuel

Our Review

Users are reporting that this saw is heavy duty enough to chew through a sixteen inch tree trunk without breaking a sweat.

It is also able to accomplish this feat without vibrating too much, thanks to the bucking spikes that help it maintain stability. Plus, it has a great chain brake which works well during any kickback in order to prioritize user safety.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

Finally, a chainsaw model that covers up its spark plug! Forget about worrying about breaking your plug while running the saw, or always needing to clean off the dust to keep your plug operating smoothly.

Final Thoughts

The final saw on our list is impressive mostly because of its incredible strength and toughness, though it also has some additional excellent features with its bucking spikes, chain brake, and spark plug cover. You can’t go wrong with this Craftsman!

In summary, here are the best 50cc chainsaws: 

  1. Poulan Pro PR5020
  2. Remington RM4216
  3. XtremepowerUS 52cc Gasoline Chainsaw

Conclusion

50cc chainsaws are an excellent option for those looking for reliable saws that will be able to get the vast majority of homeowner chainsaw work done, but will not be so huge and bulky that they are difficult to operate. We guarantee that you will not be able to go wrong with one of the saws from our list above.

People Also Ask

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding 50cc chainsaws:

How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain?

Chainsaw chains unfortunately cannot be operated forever. At some point, you are going to get to a point where sharpening will not really do much good and you just need a new chain. For most chains, you can sharpen them between three and five times before hitting that point.

How Often Should You Replace Your Chainsaw Chain?

It really depends on how often you use your saw. As mentioned above, your chain will only have a finite amount of times you can sharpen it before it should be swapped out, but if you rarely use your saw, that time can definitely be extended. Most chains will be able to last for around five years.

Why Doesn’t My Chainsaw Cut Straight?

Most often, when a chainsaw is not cutting straight, the bar is to blame. Bars can become slightly bent over time, especially with frequent use. Fortunately, bent bars can be repaired to cut straight again.

How Do You Tighten The Tension On A Chainsaw?

Loosen the nuts on your saw’s side panel, and use a screwdriver to tighten the tensioning screw. Lift up the nose of your chainsaw and re-tighten the nuts on your side panel, which also secure your saw’s guide bar.