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Our Top 3 Picks for Storm Cleanup
The best Chainsaw for storm cleanup is the Greenworks 82V Chainsaw because its 20″ bar reaches larger limbs, suiting storm debris and fallen-tree cleanup.
If you read one thing on this page, read these 3.
#1 – Greenworks 82V Chainsaw
Best for: you want a 20-inch bar and 82V battery power for storm cleanup tasks that need reach and sustained cutting.
Why the Greenworks 82V Chainsaw is our #1 pick
- Listed at $299 in November 2026 – premium among those compared; the price moves, so check it
- 4.4 rating from 2,035 ratings
bar length: 20″ · battery voltage: 82V
To put that bar length in context, pick #2 states 12 Inches and pick #3 states 20-Inch.
#2 – DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw
Best for: you want a lighter cordless saw for smaller cleanup cuts and already own a compatible 20V MAX battery system.
Why the DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw is our #2 pick
- Listed at $237.05 in November 2026 – mid-range among those compared; the price moves, so check it
- 4.5 rating from 13,161 ratings
bar length: 12 Inches · battery voltage: 20V MAX
For comparison on bar length, pick #1 states 20″ and pick #3 states 20-Inch.
#3 – Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298
Best for: you want a 20-inch gas saw for heavier storm debris and a 55.5cc engine in a familiar rancher layout.
Why the Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298 is our #3 pick
- Listed at $499 in November 2026 – premium among those compared; the price moves, so check it
- 4.5 rating from 1,073 ratings
bar length: 20-Inch
Against the other picks on bar length, pick #1 states 20″ and pick #2 states 12 Inches.
If you need a more manageable tool, see our guide to the best lightweight chainsaw for women.
How New Hardware picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed Chainsaw listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 95 qualified. The picks on this page were selected from those 95 candidates against this topic’s requirements. The order of the picks reflects fit to this topic; each shows its rating and the number of ratings behind it, so you can weigh how much to trust it. Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked November 2026).
The Verdict, and the Basis for It
A longer bar changes what you can clear in one pass, which matters more here than chasing the lowest price.
Greenworks 82V Chainsaw is the cordless pick for storm debris because its 82V battery and 4.0Ah pack support a high-voltage platform with a 20″ bar. Choose the DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw if you want a lighter tool-only saw with a 5Ah battery system. Choose the Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298 if you want a gas saw with a 55.5cc engine for heavier bucking.
We screened 95 Chainsaws at New Hardware and kept 10 for this page because storm cleanup work rewards longer bars, usable runtime, and a range of power sources. The shortlist runs from $237.05 to $499, and the median price of the 10 products in our comparison is $160.52.
Use the audience checklist to find the perfect model based on your specific experience level.
See our top picks for a quick summary of the best-performing saws available now.
Consult the buying guide to understand the key features that determine a chainsaw’s value.
Chain Saws for Storm Cleanup: The Findings in Brief
- Top pick: Greenworks 82V Chainsaw at $299 (bar length: 20″).
- Also picked: DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw at $237.05; Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298 at $499.
- We compared 10 Chainsaws, from $113.99 to $499, median $160.52.
- Best buyer rating in the comparison: Stihl MS 170 30 cm 1200 W at 4.7/5 from 1,670 ratings.
Chain Saws for Storm Cleanup: Price, Rating and Specs Compared
| Product | Price | Rating | weight | bar length for trunk diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 82V Chainsaw | $299 | 4.4 (2,035 ratings) | 12.35 Pounds | 20″ |
| DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw | $237.05 | 4.5 (13,161 ratings) | 8.8 Pounds | 12 Inches |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298 | $499 | 4.5 (1,073 ratings) | 15.5 Pounds | 20-Inch |
| Stihl MS 170 30 cm 1200 W | $274.94 | 4.7 (1,670 ratings) | Not stated | 30 cm |
| WEN 40417 Cordless Electric Chainsaw | $149.99 | 4.5 (1,285 ratings) | 12 Pounds | 16-Inch |
| PROYAMA 68CC Chainsaw | $145 | 4.2 (1,751 ratings) | 11.5 Pounds | 20” |
| SALEM MASTER 6220H Chainsaw | $157.99 | 4.2 (931 ratings) | Not stated | 20-Inch |
| SUPMIXTOOLS 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw | $113.99 | 4.3 (507 ratings) | 14 Pounds | 20 Inches |
| Craftsman S165 Chainsaw | $161.05 | 4.6 (478 ratings) | Not stated | 16-Inch |
| Remington RM4216CS Chainsaw | $159.99 | 4.4 (474 ratings) | Not stated | 16-Inch |
Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.
Among our top picks, Greenworks 82V Chainsaw is the value leader because it pairs 82V with a $299 price, which matters for storm cleanup power planning.
Each Pick for Storm Cleanup, Reviewed
The 3 picks below are reviewed in the same order as the cards above.
Greenworks 82V Chainsaw
A storm cleanup chainsaw needs enough bar length for fallen limbs, and this Greenworks model gives you 20 inches plus 82V battery power. That combination suits cleanup after a storm when you want a cordless saw with more reach and less setup than a gas model.
What we like: The 20-inch bar gives you room for larger limbs and faster bucking, which is the cut that shortens long wood into manageable pieces. Its 82V battery and 4.0Ah pack place it in the higher-output cordless group here, and the listing also states 288 watt hours. The 12.35-pound weight matters for limbing technique, where you control the saw with one hand on the front handle and the other on the rear grip while moving around branches.
Keep in mind: The 4.0Ah pack is not a long-run answer for all-day debris work, so you may still need a spare battery for extended cleanup. Greenworks also states that this saw is not compatible with Greenworks 80V products, so your existing battery setup may not carry over.
DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw
This DEWALT saw fits storm cleanup when you want a lighter cordless tree saw for smaller limbs and quick cuts. The 12-inch bar makes it the shortest option here, and that smaller reach is the trade-off for easier handling in tight spaces.
What we like: At 8.8 pounds, it is the lightest pick on this page, which helps when you are working overhead or moving through debris. The 20V MAX system and 5Ah battery are useful if you already own compatible tools, and the tool-free chain tensioning saves time during repeated adjustments. The listing says it is a bare tool, so battery and charger are not included.
Keep in mind: For storm cleanup, 20V is the weakest voltage here, so this is not the right choice for heavier fallen limbs or fast bucking. It suits lighter cleanup better than long sessions of storm debris cutting, especially if you need a saw that keeps pace with bigger wood.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the gas chainsaw in this group, and gas is the right call when storm cleanup may run long or start far from a charger. Its 20-inch guide bar gives you the same reach as the Greenworks, but the 55.5cc engine shifts the focus to sustained cutting for downed trees and thicker limbs.
What we like: The 55.5cc two-cycle engine and 20-inch bar make this a strong fit for bucking storm debris into shorter sections. It also states automatic chain oiling, intertie activated chain brake, and side-mounted chain tensioning, which are useful features when you expect repeated cuts and adjustments. At 15.5 pounds, it is the heaviest pick here, so the mass buys capacity rather than easy carrying.
Keep in mind: Gas helps when the power is out, but this model still needs bar and chain oil, which the listing says is purchased separately. If you want the lightest saw for pruning-style cleanup, this is not that tool.
You can view our full Greenworks 40V 12-Inch review to see the technical specifications.
What Matters Most in a Chainsaw for Storm Cleanup
Cutting Power For Wet Hardwood
Look for enough battery voltage or engine size to keep a saw moving through wet hardwood without bogging. The Greenworks states 82V and a 3.4kW brushless direct drive motor, which is the strongest electrical setup in this group. The Husqvarna lists a 55.5cc 2-cycle engine, so it is the gas option here for heavier storm debris. The DEWALT lists 20V MAX, and that lower voltage is the reason it suits lighter cleanup better than repeated hardwood cuts.
Bar Length For Trunk Diameter
Choose bar length by the trunk or limb diameter you need to span, not by brand or price. A 20-inch bar handles bigger cuts than a 12-inch bar, and 16 inches is the common step for homeowners moving from light pruning to larger limbs. Greenworks and the Husqvarna both state 20 inches, so they are the two picks here for the widest cuts. DEWALT’s 12-inch bar is the shortest of the three, which makes it the more limited choice for downed trunks. The benchmark Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss is known for serious property work, and the 20-inch gas Husqvarna lines up with that heavier-use lane.
Battery Runtime Or Fuel Capacity
Hold runtime or fuel capacity against the length of your cleanup session, because storm debris can turn into repeated cuts fast. Greenworks lists 4.0Ah, and that is the battery figure that matters for how long it can keep going before recharge. DEWALT lists 5Ah, which gives it more stored charge than Greenworks, even though its 20V MAX system is the lower-voltage option. For a long cleanup pass, battery capacity separates these cordless saws more than the bar length does.
Kickback Control And Chain Brake
Prioritize kickback control and a chain brake if you expect angled cuts, pinched wood, or awkward overhead work. Kickback is the sudden upward or backward reaction that can happen when the chain catches. Greenworks lists a mechanical chain brake, and Husqvarna lists an intertie activated chain brake, so both state a brake system for that safety risk. DEWALT lists a 12-inch low kick back bar and chain, which is the shortest-bar option here and the one aimed most clearly at lighter control work.
How tool-free chain tensioning speeds up chain adjustments
Tool-free chain tensioning matters when you want faster chain adjustments between cuts. DEWALT states tool-free chain tensioning, and Husqvarna states side-mounted chain tensioning, so both address adjustment speed in different ways. Greenworks does not state tool-free tensioning, so its adjustment setup is not given in the data. Felling wedges help control pinched cuts and directional felling, and that matters more on the gas saw side of storm cleanup than on short, light trimming jobs.
Find answers to common concerns in the FAQ section.
View the comparison table to see the technical specifications of every model side by side.
Look at the setup and warranty notes for information on assembly, maintenance, and manufacturer support.
Detailed performance data is available in our spec breakdown of the 20322 16-Inch.
Each Job, What It Takes and How the Picks Do
Each row is a job this page’s buyers ask about, worked out from each pick’s listed battery voltage and battery capacity and a typical need for the job.
| What you want to do | What it takes | How each pick does |
|---|---|---|
| Clear a fallen limb after a storm | at least 40 to 60V | Greenworks 82V Chainsaw: yes (82V); DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw: no (20V); Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298: not stated |
| Cut storm debris without swapping packs every few minutes | 6 to 12Ah for 4 hours, 75% usable – about 8 to 16Ah of battery capacity | Greenworks 82V Chainsaw: about 1 to 2 hours; DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw: about 1.5 to 2.5 hours; Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298: not stated |
| Cut larger limbs and buck faster with a longer guide bar | at least 40 to 60V | Greenworks 82V Chainsaw: yes (82V); DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw: no (20V); Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298: not stated |
Each need is a typical figure for that job rather than a manufacturer claim, and the picks’ results come from their listed specifications. Where your job is bigger or smaller than the typical one, go by your own figure.
Who Buys Chain Saws, and What It Really Costs
Who buys a tree saw, and what each one needs
- Homeowners with storm-damaged trees — need a saw that can handle limbs and small firewood with a 16 in bar length
- Rural property owners — need enough reach for larger limbs and faster bucking with an 18 in bar length
- Landlords with yard cleanup duties — need a saw that can cover limbing and storm cleanup without moving into the heavy upper end of cordless homeowner use at 20 in bar length
- Volunteer trail crews — need a saw that matches consumer replacement parts with 3/8 in low-profile chain and .050 in gauge
- Tree-care apprentices — need a saw that avoids the wrong bar-and-chain match and stays usable with common consumer chain specs
- Small-farm owners — need a saw that does not bog down from too much bar for the motor class
What a Chainsaw really costs, and where to buy one
What to budget for on top of the Chainsaw
- Replacement chain — needed when the cutting teeth dull or the chain wears from storm debris
- Bar oil — needed to lubricate the bar and chain during cutting
- Extra battery and charger — needed if the saw is tool-only and does not include a compatible battery system
- Protective chaps — needed to reduce leg injury risk while cutting
- Work gloves — needed for grip and hand protection during cleanup
What you can leave out of the budget
- Longer guide bar — unnecessary if the job is mostly storm cleanup and small firewood, since extra length adds weight and can slow handling
- High-end pro saw accessories — unnecessary for basic cleanup because they add cost without changing the job size
- Specialty carving chain — unnecessary because storm cleanup uses general cutting, not fine carving
- Oversized battery packs — unnecessary if the saw already runs the needed cleanup tasks without them
Where this kind of product is normally sold
- Home improvement chains — return windows and bundle deals are common, with straightforward warranty handling through the store
- Farm and ranch retailers — useful for buyers who want in-person advice, accessory bundling, and practical service support
- Outdoor power equipment dealers — often provide setup help, parts matching, and warranty processing for bar-and-chain compatibility
- Online marketplaces — wide price spread and easy comparison, but return rules and warranty handling depend on the seller
- Tool specialty stores — good for accessory matching and post-sale support, with pricing that can vary by package and service level
Review the scope to see which types of saws and scenarios are included in this guide.
Check our minimum requirements to ensure you select a tool powerful enough for heavy debris.
Dive into the detailed reviews for an in-depth look at the performance of every featured model.
For homeowners prioritizing wood processing, explore the best chainsaw for cutting firewood.
Before the First Use, and After Delivery
What you need before these chainsaws will run
Power comes first. The Greenworks 82V Chainsaw and DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw are battery powered, while the Husqvarna 455 Rancher 965030298 uses gas and needs fuel mix before it can cut. Chain lubrication keeps the bar and chain running properly, and the Husqvarna states an automatic chain oiler.
- Greenworks needs an 82V battery and a 4.0Ah pack. That battery is part of the saw’s power system, so a spare battery matters more on longer cleanup jobs.
- DEWALT is a bare tool, so you need a 20V MAX battery and a charger. It states 5Ah for the battery it is paired with in the cut figure, and the 20V MAX system matters for compatibility.
- Husqvarna needs bar and chain oil, because the listing says it must be purchased separately. It also uses gas, so fuel mix is part of the setup.
- Replacement chain is the wear item to plan for on all three. The Greenworks uses a 20″ bar, the DEWALT a 12-inch bar, and the Husqvarna a 20-inch bar, so the chain has to match the bar length and the saw’s chain setup.
What to verify when your storm cleanup saw arrives
Coverage differs by seller and country. Confirm the bar, chain, battery, and oil details before the return window closes.
- Check that the bar length matches what you ordered. Greenworks states 20″, DEWALT states 12 inches, and Husqvarna states 20 inches, so a wrong bar length changes what the saw can span.
- Confirm the battery is included when you need one. DEWALT is listed as a bare tool, and that matters because a missing battery stops a cordless saw from working at all.
- Look for the charger if you bought the DEWALT. A charger is the part that restores runtime, and the listing does not include one.
- Inspect the oiling setup and any loose parts. Husqvarna includes a bar cover and says bar and chain oil is separate, while Greenworks states an automatic oiler and a transparent oil tank, which are worth checking for leaks or missing pieces.
On arrival, fit the bar and chain, add oil or fuel mix as needed, and make the first cut while the return window is still open.
Questions Buyers Ask Before Choosing Tree Saws for Storm Cleanup
What weight is manageable for cutting downed trees and branches for more than a few hours?
For cutting downed trees and branches for more than a few hours, 8.8 pounds is the lightest figure here, and 12 pounds sits near the middle of the group. The DEWALT weighs 8.8 pounds, while the Greenworks states 12.35 pounds and the Husqvarna states 15.5 pounds, so longer cleanup favors the lighter saws.
What features matter most for safety when cutting storm-damaged wood?
For safety when cutting storm-damaged wood, a chain brake and low-kickback setup matter most because twisted wood can grab the chain. The DEWALT states a 12-inch low kick back bar and chain, while the Greenworks and Husqvarna both state a chain brake. DEWALT also adds tool-free chain tensioning, which helps when you need fast adjustments during cleanup.
Which chainsaw for storm cleanup suits a cordless buyer?
A cordless storm cleanup saw suits you when you want battery power and enough voltage for fallen limbs. Greenworks is the stronger cordless option here, with 82V and a 20-inch bar, while DEWALT uses 20V MAX and a 12-inch bar. Greenworks also includes a 4.0Ah battery, but that capacity still points to shorter runtime than a larger pack.
Which saw is easier to keep running through chain sharpening and oiling?
The saw that is easier to keep running through chain sharpening and oiling is the one with automatic lubrication and simple tensioning. Greenworks states an automatic oiler and a flip-up oiler with a transparent oil tank, and Husqvarna states an automatic chain oiler plus side-mounted chain tensioning. DEWALT adds tool-free chain tensioning, but its battery and charger are not included.
How much runtime do you get for a long storm cleanup shift?
For a long storm cleanup shift, the battery figures here point to short runtime rather than all-day cutting. Greenworks lists 4.0Ah and up to 205 cuts on 4×4 lumber, while DEWALT lists 5Ah and up to 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure treated wood. Those numbers help with limb cleanup, but they do not turn either cordless saw into a full-day debris machine.
Consider exploring the alternatives to a traditional chainsaw if you want a different approach.
Who Should Skip These Chainsaws
You should look at a pro gas chainsaw or a larger storm cleanup saw instead. If you choose against that scale, you risk a return or a second purchase, and the wrong bar-and-chain match can leave the chain cutting poorly or wearing fast.