The best mini chainsaws and powered pruners, tested by a professional gardener

Telegraph

4 hours ago

Keeping garden trees healthy and in shape is no easy task and requires regularly removing and trimming their branches, which can also encourage more fruit and flowers to grow. But there is an art to using a handsaw for pruning and a poorly made cut can leave your plants open to disease.
A powered pruning saw can make clean cuts quickly and effortlessly, however. Often called mini chainsaws as they feature a chain rather than a blade, these tools can achieve within a few minutes what would otherwise take you hours. They deserve a place in every gardener's shed alongside faithfuls such as secateurs, lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and garden forks. But great care must be taken when using them, so be sure to follow manufacturer safety guidance and instructions closely.
Our top pruners, including models from leading brands such as Stihl, Worx and Bosch, range in price from less than £90 to over £200. They are all battery powered, removing the risk of working around cables, too. Here are our best buys, followed by more on what to look for and frequently asked questions:
The best mini chainsaws: At a glance
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How to choose a mini chainsaws
When selecting the right pruner for your garden consider the weight and size of the tool. Will it be easy to manoeuvre and light enough to use for the amount of pruning and trimming you need to do? If you are hoping to clear an overgrown garden with mature shrubs then you'll require a tool that has a higher cutting capacity. If not then a lighter, smaller model may be better.
If you've never used a chainsaw before then the thought of tensioning and replacing the chain might seem overwhelming. The pruners tested here all offered clear direction about how to do this, just remember that whether it automatically applies oil or you need to do it manually, you must use oil with the machines.
It's advisable to wear ear defenders when using mini chainsaws but you can also check level of noise they make. The sound power level, which is the volume the pruner makes independent of its surroundings, and the sound pressure level, which is the noise measured from a distance that factors in the environment where the pruner is used, should be recorded. Neither are exactly what you'll experience but give you an idea of what to expect.
Points to check before you buy:
Does the weight and balance of the tool match your strength?
What thickness of branch can it cut?
What is its battery charge time and run time, and how many cuts can it do in that time?
What safety features are there?
How we test mini chainsaws
I am a professional gardener and have a four-acre garden in Herefordshire that is open to the public. It contains an impressive collection of mature trees and shrubs and pruning plays a large part in my daily work throughout the whole year. Over the last month I've swapped out my usual tools to put these powered pruners to the test.
Each mini chainsaw reviewed below has been tested and scored for its design, performance, ease of use, power and cutting capability. I was also looking out for value for money, innovative safety features and importantly for a busy gardener, how comfortable they are to use.
I wore safety goggles, ear defenders, safety boots and gloves to test out each power pruner, using them during a dry day in the garden. All the manufacturers recommend that you work from the ground and refrain from using the machines while on a ladder or platform.
This guide is regularly checked and updated.
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Best mini chainsaws
1. Best Buy: Stihl GTA 26
The Stihl GTA 26 is great to use from the start. The box has clear labelling and contains everything you need within the storage bag, which also has pockets for the oil (which is included), battery and charger, making it simple to carry around the garden.
The battery is impressively small and unintrusive, fitted more as an extension to the handle rather than a lumped on extra. It lasts for approximately 25 minutes (or 80 cuts), but as with all pruners this can vary slightly depending on the conditions. There's even a clear gauge on the side of the tool that lets you know how much charge is left.
The vibration is low when you're using it and the saw cuts through the recommended 4cm branches with ease. It's designed to be used with both hands and it's so lightweight that this tool should be comfortably used by most gardeners. Its reported sound levels go up to 86 decibels (dB), similar to the noise of heavy traffic.
Finally, accessing the chain for tensioning and replacement is simple, just turn the large wind nut to remove the covering, no tools required. Overall, it's easy to control, comfortable to handle and powerful enough to make light work of pruning.
Key specifications
2. Best Value: Stiga PR 100e Kit Battery Pruning Saw
Designed for lightweight pruning, this is a comfortable and easy to use machine thanks to its rubberised handles. Although it's light enough to hold in one hand, Stiga suggests using both for safety, and its bright colour makes it easy to spot at all times.
The substantial case helps with both storage and travel, which is handy should you need to lend it to a friend or if you're a self-employed gardener. It even comes with a UK and European plug adapter, and packs away neatly.
If you have lots of mature roses and shrubs to prune then its battery offers approximately 120 cuts on branches up to 5cm thick. There is even an option to attach the pruner to a Stiga extension pole if you need to reach more than an arm's length away, and it wasn't noisy enough to upset the neighbours.
As for maintenance, it has an automatic lubrication system with an oil tank at the top of the tool and a window to view the level, which is a real bonus, though sadly it doesn't come with oil included. The saw has an easily removable chain cover, and the throttle will only work once you press the throttle lock button. A good all-rounder.
Key specifications
3. Best Lightweight Powered Pruner: Worx Nitro WG325E
This lightweight, compact cordless pruner is easy to set up. The battery takes up to 60 minutes to charge and lasts long enough to make over 150 cuts of 5cm thick hardwood. It slots on to the end of the handle and has a little red button that you can press to see how much charge is left.
It's well-balanced, with a comfortable and rubber handle that was easy to use in a densely branched shrub, thanks to its size and low vibration. Its sound power reaches 94dB (while the more ambient sound pressure level is 84dB) and while this isn't an uncomfortable noise, ear defenders, protective glasses and gloves are still recommended.
Its safety features include a blade guard which reduces flying debris and a blade sleeve for when its not in use. You also need to press a side button with your thumb at the same time as the trigger to power it on. As for the chain tensioner, it's straightforward to use; to tighten just turn the orange dial clockwise. While it doesn't come with a bottle of oil it has a transparent tank window that makes it easy to see the oil level when you use it.
Overall it's a great choice for a small garden.
Key specifications
Cutting capacity: 5cm
Cutting chain: 12cm bar
Weight (with battery): 1.4kg
Power source: 20 Volt battery
4. Best for Comfort: Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7
This is a well balanced tool that would be useful for cutting kindling as well as pruning. It takes 80 minutes to charge up the impressively small charger (it would easily fit into a kitchen drawer) then the Bosch 'EasyChain' makes just over 150 cuts. I found it cuts through 13cm branches with ease, making it a good choice for those with mature gardens and established shrubs.
It's designed to be used with two hands and boasts soft gripped handles, while the sound levels are not too disruptive (sound pressure is 80dB and sound power is 88dB) even if ear defenders are recommended. For the chain to run, pull the trigger at the same time as depressing the top thumb button. The blade guard also reduces flying debris.
Mounting and tensioning the chain is straightforward and the tool comes with a chain tension aid, so all you have to do is unlock a side panel and tension the chain with a wheel. While there's no mini tank for oil, a small bottle is supplied and you'll find a clear reminder on the guard to reapply it to the chain by hand after approximately 40 cuts.
Key specifications
5. Best for Thick Branches: DeWalt XR Brushless DCMPS520
This tool would be suitable for a professional gardener. It's heavier than most but can make an impressive 70 cuts per charge and cut through 15cm of wood. It also has a tip guard on the end of the chain to prevent you from making cuts on branches within a tree that you don't want to remove. This guard reduces the risk of kick back and keeps the end of the chain from getting clogged with soil when cutting on the ground. Having this feature takes a little getting used to but it's a sensible addition for such a high-powered tool. Of all the powered pruners on this list, this one could genuinely double up as a small chainsaw.
It's designed to be held with both hands; place your right hand on the rear handle and left on the front one. Both handles give you a strong grip and there's a guard to protect your hand from above. The tool has an automatic oiler and there is a window into the tank to check the level, and a tensioning tool is supplied and clips into the chain guard for safe keeping.
Key specifications
Cutting capacity: Up to 15cm
Cutting chain: 20cm bar
Weight (with battery): 2.72kg
Power source: 18 Volt battery
6. Best for Balance: Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A
If you've already invested in some of Husqvarna's other gardening tools then this mini chainsaw will be a seamless addition. It has a built in storage hook designed to work with Husqvarna's storage system, and you can also attach it to one of the brand's extension poles.
It's a well-balanced machine that should be used with both hands and can tackle branches up to 7.5cm wide. I found it easy to manoeuvre, with a full charge allowing for approximately 30 minutes of pruning.
There is a simple power button and an LED charge level indicator which warns you when the charge is running low. There's also a catch and pull trigger to start, which is excellent for added safety, and it rather sensibly shuts off automatically after 180 seconds of not being used. Its highest sound level reaches 91dB, about that of a lawnmower.
The chain can be replaced tool free, and tensioning was easy to do. There's no oil tank though, so it's important to make a habit of adding oil to the chain. In all, it's a sensible choice if you have a mature garden to care for.
Key specifications
7. Best for Holding Branches: Black + Decker Alligator
This is a very different looking mini chainsaw, but with good reason. It's designed for heavy duty pruning, with jaws which hold the branch while you cut. Its dual handles make it comparable to using a giant pair of scissors, something I found takes time to get used to as it is an alien movement when compared with other powered pruners.
For safety, there is a start trigger on each handle, and both need to be activated to start the chain. This felt slightly unbalanced to use, but again, I got accustomed to it over time. Its metal guards keep the chain covered when not in use and offer added protection when you are using it.
However, the pruner must be lubricated after every 10 minutes. As for replacing or tensioning the chain, two nuts need to be removed with the provided tool. To keep the jaw and guard away while working the handles need to be kept open somehow which can be tricky.
The jaw collects up sawdust so it needed cleaning with a paintbrush every so often (with the battery safely removed). Expect to make about 150 cuts when tackling small branches before it needs recharging, less when tackling bigger branches. It has a cutting capacity of 10 cm and will be able to handle kindling, and has a higher sound power of 95 dB.
Key specifications
8. Best Budget Pruning Chainsaw: Hawksmoor Cordless Mini Pruning Chainsaw
This isn't one for regular gardeners, but it's a solid option if you're on a budget. It's designed for one handed operation, but it feels quite large in relation to the size of the blade. The sound is also slightly rattly, topping out at a rather loud 97 dB.
The battery, which simply slots on to the end of the handle, charges within 60 minutes. While there was no mention in the instructions of how long it would last or how thick a branch the tool could cut, I found it easily pruned branches of 3cm in diameter.
A separate guard covers both the chain guard and chain, which was occasionally tricky to slide off. It also needs to be lubricated before use. Frustratingly, the pruner is supplied with a small, empty oil bottle which would be hard to fill.
Accessing the chain is easy, however, making it straightforward to clean or replace, you just unscrew the large green knob. There's also a chain tensioning hex key cleverly slotted in place at the base of the handle for safe keeping.
Key specifications
Cutting capacity: Unspecified
Cutting chain: 11cm
Weight with battery: Approximately 2kg
Power source: 18 Volt battery
Mini chainsaws FAQs
Are battery powered pruners better?
Battery tools in general are easier and cleaner to use. No fuel is required and it removes the risk of tripping over or cutting through electric cables. They also encourage the gardener to take a break while they recharge which is sensible from a health and safety point of view.
Note that battery charging and run times vary depending on the size of branches being cut and the conditions in which the battery is being charged. Cold temperatures are also known to slow down charging time.
How do you use a powered pruner?
As with all powered cutting tools, safety must be your priority. Before using, ensure that the tool has been set up as instructed and you are wearing the recommended safety clothing (ear defenders, safety googles, safety boots and gloves). Resist wearing shorts to reduce the risk of injury from flying debris and wear tight fitting clothing, avoiding loose scarves.
Here are some additional safety pointers to keep in mind:
Keep pets and children well away from the tool both when in use and in storage.
Don't use it on wet days and only use it for cutting wood. The area should be well lit.
Both feet must be placed firmly on level ground at all times and cuts should not be made above shoulder height. Never reach up, stand on tiptoes or work from a ladder.
Avoid cutting branches thicker than the tool is recommended for as this will damage the chain. Remember, powered pruners are not suitable for felling trees.
Never cut with the tip of the chain as you will experience kick back, and never cut branches on the ground as soil in the blade can also lead to kick back or cause the chain to become blunt. Keep alert and ready for spring back of branches.
Replace the chain cover when the tool is not in use and remove the battery. Always do the latter when cleaning, carrying or maintaining the pruner.
To keep pruners running smoothly, clean the tool as suggested in the manufacturers instructions.
How thick a branch can the pruner cut?
This all depends on the make and model of the pruner. Each one has a different cutting capacity. If you exceed the recommended cutting capacity, you are likely to damage the tool.
How do you sharpen chains?
Don't sharpen chains unless you have experience in doing this. Replacement chains are preferable and can be easily fitted.
Always remove the battery before accessing the chain and when removing a chain, wear gloves as they are sharp. Also wait for the chain to cool down before touching as they can get hot.
What is the best lubricant for chains?
Use an oil sold as 'chain oil' and read the manufacturer's instructions for any further recommendations as the use of non-approved oil may invalidate the warranty. Chain oil is available from most DIY stores.
All chainsaw blades need oil, so it is vital that you apply the amount suggested for the pruner to work. On some saws this is done manually and on others it's automatic. It can be easy to forget to lubricate the chain, so try and get into a regular habit of doing so.