A small chainsaw can feel nimble until its bar meets a thick oak round. A large forestry saw cuts with force, but its weight can wear down your arms before the woodpile is finished. A medium-size chainsaw sits between those two ends. It has enough muscle for real tree work without feeling like a boat anchor in your hands.
The STIHL MS 261 is the best medium-size chainsaw for most serious users. Its 50 cc engine, 4.1 horsepower output, and 10.9-pound powerhead make it fast without excess bulk. The Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II is a close rival for daily forestry work. Buyers who want a lower-cost saw should look at the ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf.
High-End Medium-Size Chainsaw Picks
| Model | Best Use | Engine Class | Powerhead Weight | Bar Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL MS 261 | Best overall | About 50 cc | 10.9 pounds | 16 to 20 inches |
| Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II | Daily forestry work | 50.1 cc | 11.7 pounds | 13 to 20 inches |
| ECHO CS-501P | Light professional use | 50.2 cc | 10.6 pounds | 16 to 20 inches |
| Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II | Large hardwood and fast bucking | 59.8 cc | About 13 pounds | 18 to 28 inches |
| ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf | Best lower-cost 60 cc pick | 59.8 cc | 13.2 pounds | 18 to 24 inches |
| STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS | Farm and firewood work | About 50 cc | 12.4 pounds | 18 to 20 inches |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Rural property care | 55.5 cc | 13.2 pounds | 18 to 20 inches |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Inch | Best battery pick | Up to 40 cc gas-class output | Battery dependent | 16 inches |
1. STIHL MS 261: Best Medium-Size Chainsaw Overall
The STIHL MS 261 wins because it packs professional cutting force into a light body. Its engine produces 4.1 horsepower, while the bare powerhead weighs only 10.9 pounds. That power-to-weight ratio makes the saw quick during limbing and strong during full-bar cuts.
An 18-inch bar is the sweet match for most work. It gives enough reach for common firewood rounds, storm-fallen trees, and medium trunks. A 16-inch bar makes the saw faster and easier to turn. A 20-inch bar works well when wider wood appears often.
The MS 261 feels lively when the throttle opens. It reaches cutting speed quickly and holds that speed well in dense wood. A sharp chain can pull through oak, maple, hickory, and wet softwood without asking the operator to lean on the handles.
Its low weight matters during long cutting sessions. A few pounds may sound small in a shop. After several hundred cuts, every extra pound starts to feel like a brick tied to the front handle.
The standard MS 261 uses a traditional carburetor. The MS 261 C-M version uses STIHL M-Tronic engine control. M-Tronic adjusts fuel flow as temperature, elevation, and operating conditions change. Buyers who prefer simple mechanical adjustment may choose the standard model. Buyers who work across changing conditions may prefer the C-M version.
This saw suits firewood businesses, woodland owners, tree crews, farmers, and experienced homeowners. It costs more than a farm-grade model, but the light body and fast cutting pace can pay back that difference during frequent use.
See STIHL MS 261 bars, chains, and cases on Amazon
2. Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II: Best for Daily Forestry Work
The Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II is another professional 50 cc chainsaw. Its 50.1 cc engine produces 4 horsepower. The bare powerhead weighs 11.7 pounds, and the approved bar span runs from 13 to 20 inches.
This saw feels narrow and quick between branches. Its slim body stays close to the trunk during limbing. The front handle gives the operator several comfortable hand positions when the saw moves from one side of a stem to the other.
AutoTune manages the carburetor settings. The system responds to weather, fuel, elevation, and filter condition. The engine can keep steady performance without frequent manual adjustment.
A 16-inch or 18-inch bar gives the 550 XP Mark II its best balance. Fit a 20-inch bar when extra reach is needed, but the longer setup places more weight at the nose. Cutters who spend most of the day in trunks above 18 inches may prefer a 60 cc saw.
The 550 XP Mark II is a fine pick for snedding, thinning, small-tree felling, and firewood cutting. It also works well as the smaller saw in a two-machine forestry setup.
See Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II listings on Amazon
3. ECHO CS-501P: Best Lightweight Professional Pick
The ECHO CS-501P weighs 10.6 pounds without its bar and chain. Its 50.2 cc two-stroke engine places it in direct competition with the STIHL MS 261 and Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II.
ECHO sells the CS-501P with 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch bars. The 18-inch version gives the best mix of cutting reach and balance. The short powerhead also makes the saw easy to carry through brush or load into a truck box.
The CS-501P has an adjustable clutch-driven oiler. Oil flows while the chain moves, which cuts waste during idle periods. Captive bar nuts stay attached to the sprocket cover during chain changes. That small feature can save time when a nut would otherwise vanish into leaves or sawdust.
The air pre-cleaner helps separate larger chips before they reach the main filter. This can extend the time between filter cleanings during dry, dusty work.
This model suits professional ground crews, firewood cutters, landowners, and farmers who want a light 50 cc saw. It often costs less than premium European rivals. Dealer access should still guide the purchase. A nearby shop with chains, bars, filters, and repair parts can be worth more than a small price gap.
See ECHO CS-501P listings on Amazon
4. Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II: Best Upper Medium-Size Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II sits at the large end of the medium-size class. Its 59.8 cc engine produces 4.7 horsepower. The saw is built for professional forestry and tree care, yet it remains easier to carry than a 70 cc or 90 cc machine.
The extra engine size becomes clear when the full bar enters hardwood. A 50 cc saw may begin to slow in a wide cut. The 562 XP Mark II keeps pulling with more authority. It is well suited to large firewood rounds, mature trees, hardwood felling, and fast bucking.
An 18-inch or 20-inch bar makes the saw very quick. A 24-inch bar gives more reach for broad trunks. Husqvarna also lists longer bar choices, but long cutting gear adds drag and front-end weight.
The saw uses AutoTune 3.0 and a start system made to reduce cold-start steps. Its chain speed reaches 70.2 feet per second at peak power. That fast chain can clear wood quickly when the cutters are sharp and the depth gauges are set correctly.
Choose the 562 XP Mark II when a 50 cc saw feels slightly small but a heavy large-displacement saw feels wasteful. It is one of the best chainsaws for buyers who move between medium and large timber.
5. ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf: Best 60 cc Saw for the Money
The ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf has earned a loyal following among firewood cutters. Its 59.8 cc engine gives it far more pull than a small homeowner saw. It accepts 18-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch bars.
The bare powerhead weighs 13.2 pounds. That makes it heavier than the CS-501P, MS 261, and 550 XP Mark II. The added mass feels noticeable during branch work. It becomes less troublesome when the saw rests against a large log during bucking.
The CS-590 is built for farm and ranch use rather than full-time logging. It has an adjustable oiler, an air pre-cleaner, a decompression valve, and a rear-mounted filter. Access for routine service is straightforward.
A 20-inch bar is the best match for common firewood and property work. The 24-inch setup adds reach for occasional large trunks. Users who run a long bar through hardwood every day should move to a full professional model.
This saw is a strong pick for rural owners who cut several cords each year. It gives plenty of engine for the money, and it leaves room in the budget for chains, protective clothing, wedges, and sharpening gear.
See ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf listings on Amazon
6. STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS: Best Medium-Size Farm Chainsaw
The STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS uses a 50 cc-class engine that produces 3.5 horsepower. Its bare powerhead weighs 12.4 pounds. It normally comes with an 18-inch bar, though a 20-inch setup is also common.
The MS 271 is not as light or fast as the professional MS 261. It is aimed at regular private use, farm chores, firewood cutting, and storm cleanup. That lower work class also brings a lower purchase price.
The engine has enough force for medium trees and common hardwood rounds. An 18-inch bar keeps the saw well balanced. The 20-inch version works for wider wood, but cutting speed will fall when the full chain sits inside dense timber.
The long-life air filter system helps reduce cleaning frequency. Anti-vibration mounts soften engine buzz at the handles. Side chain adjustment keeps the wrench away from the sharp lower edge of the chain.
Choose the MS 271 when you need a dependable farm saw but do not cut for paid work every day. It is well suited to fence-line cleanup, fallen trees, wood-heating fuel, and rural property care.
7. Husqvarna 455 Rancher: Best for Rural Property Owners
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher carries a 55.5 cc engine that produces 3.5 horsepower. Its bare weight is 13.2 pounds. Most buyers pair it with an 18-inch or 20-inch bar.
This model has more low-speed pull than many small domestic saws. It can cut medium trunks, heavy firewood, storm debris, and old fence-line trees. The engine does not have the sharp race-like response of an XP model, but it works steadily under a normal farm load.
Smart Start reduces starter resistance. LowVib mounts cut down some of the vibration that reaches the user. The adjustable oil pump lets the owner change chain-oil flow for bar length, wood type, and weather.
The 455 Rancher feels heavy beside a 50 cc professional saw. Buyers pay less for it, though. It makes sense for regular property care when fast daily forestry work is not the goal.
8. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Inch: Best Medium-Size Battery Chainsaw
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw gives battery users cutting output in the 40 cc gas class. It has a brushless motor, variable-speed trigger, automatic oiler, dual bar studs, and onboard wrench storage.
Trigger starting is its main appeal. There is no fuel to mix, carburetor to clean, or starter cord to pull. Insert a charged battery, release the chain brake, and the saw is ready.
The 16-inch narrow-kerf chain cuts less wood with each pass than a heavy 3/8-inch gas-saw chain. That thin cut helps save battery power. It also gives smooth control during branch work and medium firewood cutting.
The saw works best with a large M18 battery. A smaller pack can run it, but cutting time will be shorter. Owners who already have M18 batteries, chargers, lights, and outdoor equipment may gain the most from this model.
Choose it for home firewood, storm cleanup, farm tasks, and noise-sensitive work. A gas model remains the better pick for long days far from a charger.
See Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw kits on Amazon
What Counts as a Medium-Size Chainsaw?
Most medium-size gas chainsaws have engines from about 45 cc to 60 cc. They usually carry bars from 16 to 20 inches. Some 60 cc professional models can run 24-inch or 28-inch bars.
This class sits between light pruning saws and large forestry machines. It can handle firewood, storm cleanup, farm jobs, medium tree felling, and occasional large trunks. The saw still fits in a normal case and can be carried through woods without draining the user as fast as a big machine.
A battery saw with a 16-inch or 18-inch bar can also fit the medium group. Battery voltage alone does not tell the whole story. Motor output, chain speed, battery size, bar width, and control software all affect cutting ability.
Should You Choose a 50 cc or 60 cc Chainsaw?
A 50 cc saw is better for limbing, mixed firewood, smaller trees, and long sessions. It is lighter and easier to turn. The STIHL MS 261, Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II, and ECHO CS-501P are leading choices in this size.
A 60 cc saw works better for thick hardwood, large rounds, and frequent full-bar cuts. It weighs more but holds chain speed under a heavier load. The Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II and ECHO CS-590 fit this group.
Choose 50 cc when most trunks stay below 16 inches. Choose 60 cc when logs from 16 to 24 inches appear often. Tree size, wood hardness, work hours, and user strength should guide the final choice.
Best Bar Length for a Medium Chainsaw
A 16-inch bar makes a 50 cc saw quick and easy to control. It suits branch removal, small felling, and narrow firewood rounds.
An 18-inch bar is the best all-round size. It can cut common farm timber and heating wood without placing too much weight at the nose.
A 20-inch bar gives more reach for medium and large trunks. It works well on a strong 50 cc pro saw or most 55 cc to 60 cc models.
A 24-inch bar belongs on the stronger end of this group. The engine must pull more chain through a wider cut. Do not fit a long bar merely for appearance. A shorter bar often cuts faster and feels better in the hands.
Premium Chainsaw Package Over $2,000
A high-end two-saw package can pass $2,000 once spare cutting gear and protective clothing are added. Pair a STIHL MS 261 with a Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II. Use the lighter saw for limbing and common firewood. Bring out the 60 cc model for wide hardwood and the main trunk.
Add two spare bars, six chains, round files, a flat file, depth-gauge guides, wedges, a cant hook, chain oil, fuel containers, and hard carrying cases. Wear a forestry helmet, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and cut-resistant boots.
A large first-aid pack belongs near the work zone. Keep it in a bright case that can be reached without opening a locked truck box. A cell phone or radio should stay on the operator rather than beside the fuel cans.
See premium chainsaw clothing and wood-handling gear on Amazon
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Medium-Size Chainsaw Care
Use fresh fuel mixed at the ratio listed in the owner’s manual. Most modern two-stroke saws use a 50:1 mix, but the manual for the exact model should guide the owner.
Fill the bar-oil tank whenever fuel is added. Check chain tension before cutting and again after the chain warms. A new chain may stretch during its first work session.
Keep the cutters sharp. A sharp chain pulls itself through wood and throws clean chips. A dull chain makes fine dust, cuts slowly, and asks the user to press harder.
Clean the air filter, sprocket cover, bar groove, and oil holes. Turn the guide bar over at set intervals so both rails wear at a similar rate. Replace cracked, bent, or damaged chain parts rather than trying to straighten them.
Which Medium-Size Chainsaw Should You Buy?
The STIHL MS 261 is the best medium-size chainsaw for buyers who want low weight, fast cutting, and professional build quality. It is strong enough for serious firewood and tree work without the bulk of a large forestry saw.
The Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II is the better pick for fast limbing and daily woodland work. The ECHO CS-501P gives buyers another light professional choice, often at a lower cost.
Move up to the Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II when hardwood and wide trunks fill most workdays. Choose the ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf for strong 60 cc cutting power at a lower price.
The STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS and Husqvarna 455 Rancher suit farms and rural homes. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch is the best battery pick for owners who want clean trigger starting and already own large M18 packs.
For most users, an 18-inch bar on a 50 cc saw is the golden middle. It is light enough to carry, strong enough for real work, and large enough for the logs found on most properties.