Winter is quickly approaching, for those of us who utilize our fireplaces and wood burning stoves that only means one thing… it’s time to stock up on firewood before the upcoming winter freeze. Doing so can be a back-breaking job. That is, unless you have the proper tools to get the job done. A key piece of equipment every outdoors man should keep in his arsenal is a chainsaw – power by GAS of course.

Chainsaws are an outdoorsman’s best friend. They turn the otherwise overwhelming and daunting task of cutting down and sectioning off a tree into a quick and rather painless operation. Before the chainsaw trees were either hand sawed or time-consumingly chopped by axe. Sorry, but it’s 2013 and ain’t nobody got time fo dat! 

Recently we joined forces once again with the good folks over at Homelite to fully test and review their 18 in. Chainsaw. Typically you wouldn’t think of a brand like Homelite when you make a list of chainsaw manufacturers in your head, but you’d probably be surprised to learn they actually produce five different models, including both electric and gas powered with bar/chain lengths ranging from 14 in. up to 18 in. Of course for our testing purposes we went after the big-dog, the 18 inch saw. Can you blame us?

Now, after more than a month of testing and countless cuts through oak, pine and popple we’re excited to share our findings with you. But before we get too far here’s some words to live by and the features and specs that make the Homelite 18in. Chainsaw tick…

Words to live by:

“Chop your own wood and it will heat you twice.” – Henry Ford

Key Features:

• Side access chain tensioner for quick and easy adjustments
• Automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated
• Includes a case, one quart of bar and chain lubricant, and extra     chain for convenience
• 3-Point Anti-Vibration System For Operator Comfort and Reduced     Fatigue
• Safe-T-Tip Prevents Rotational Kickback
• 18in. Bar and Chain, Handles Logs up to 34in. Diameter
• Inertia Activated Chain Brake Stops Chain Automatically
• Clear Fuel and Oil Tanks for Easy View of Fluid Levels

Specs:

• Engine: 42cc two-cycle.
• Powerhead Weight: 9.8 lbs.
• Guide Bar: 18 in.
• Chain: 3/8in. Low Profile.

– Homelite 18in. Chainsaw Review –

ASSEMBLY / SETUP: 

At the risk of sounding completely boring… all we can say about the setup of this chainsaw is that it was absolutely hassle-free. So easy in fact, I think just about anyone could get this chainsaw up and running in just a few minutes (it took us only 5 mins). Simply follow the included directions that guide you to add chain lube (which is included, to the dedicated reservoir), fill with mixed gas (as directed), prime, choke, pull start and whala! you’re lumber-jacking in no time.

Seriously, there is no assembly or tools required for initial setup. Although they do include a handy wrench/screwdriver that can be used to tension the chain or replace the chain when needed.

PRO TIP: We strongly recommend upon running for the first time that you do tighten the tension on the chain. Running the chainsaw will produce heat and cause the chain to loosen somewhat. To avoid any mishaps or chain derailing – simply use the included screwdriver to tighten the tension pin. This will keep you cutting longer and safer.

DESIGN:  

Overall this is a pretty standard chainsaw. Nothing to fancy or groundbreaking, but what we were impressed with was its vibration dampening system. This spring-loaded system works to reduce vibration and overall fatigue during use. We were a bit skeptical at first but came to love this feature when cutting lumber over extented periods of 1 hour or more.

Compared to my 10-year-old Remington chainsaw the Homelite is smooth as butter. It won’t completely alleviate vibrations, but it does tame the 42cc engine surprisingly well.

Pros:

• Ergonomic / easy to handle.
• Automatic chain lubrication.
• Runs strong for hours.
• Comes with a Hardcase for easy and clean transport.
• Handsome paint job.
• Easy to operate.
• At almost 10 lbs it’s not too heavy.
• Two year warranty.

Cons:

STARTING: 

Starting this chainsaw was a breeze compared to others we’ve used in the past. Upon initial start (brand new, straight out of the box) it took us 10 pulls to get a full start and running. After warming up and pumping some lubrication and fuel through the lines future starts were much easier – taking only 2 or 3 pulls in most cases.

How to: to start, first turn the “ON” switch to ON position and prime the engine 4 times. Then hold the chain brake (which is necessary, without holding it the chainsaw will not start) and pull the starter cord. If necessary you can pull out the choke as well to help the engine to turnover. Although in our testing sessions the choke was rarely needed. Overall the chainsaw started without too much fuss, but proved to be a little stubborn in cold/wet conditions.

VALUE: 

We found the Homelite 18in. Chainsaw to be an nice value for the price. Backed by a two year warranty and priced to sell at just $134 it doesn’t get much more affordable than this. We do raise issue with the overall durability in the long-run do to its mostly plastic body, but found it by the end of testing to be worth every penny of its asking price.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

We strongly recommend the Homelite 18in. Chainsaw to anyone looking to slice and dice fallen trees, fire wood or landscape their overgrown yard like a pro. It’s the perfect tool for small and midsize trees and bushes. We found its 18 inch bar and chain to be the ideal remedy for logs up to 36 inches in diameter. Throughout our testing sessions this chainsaw ran strong, started well and ate its way through literally tons of lumber with very little effort. For the money, you’re getting a nice chainsaw that your entire body will thank you for when it comes time to fell some trees.