A 20-inch chainsaw can suit substantial property work and firewood cutting, but bar length alone does not tell you whether a saw is powerful, manageable, or right for your jobs. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher and STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS are two manufacturer-documented gas options to compare; neither is an independently tested winner here. Choose by workload, comfort with the saw’s weight, maintenance preference, and the exact bar-and-chain package.
What to consider before choosing a 20-inch chainsaw
A 20-inch bar is a setup, not a measure of overall capability. Consider the wood you expect to cut, how often you will use the saw, your experience, and whether you can comfortably handle the complete saw with its bar and chain installed. Manufacturer power and weight figures are useful specifications, but they are not comparative cutting tests.
- Workload: Match the saw to the volume and size of the wood you plan to cut. The available specifications do not establish which model is faster or more durable in a particular workload.
- Handling: Compare complete, ready-to-cut weight where possible. The manufacturers report weight differently, so the figures below do not establish a direct weight advantage.
- Ownership: Factor in starting and maintenance needs, fuel preference, warranty terms, and access to local dealer service.
- Fit: Verify the precise bar mount and chain specifications for your saw before buying a replacement bar or chain.
Two 20-inch chainsaws to compare
The figures below come from manufacturer product information and are specifications, not independent performance results. Confirm the current product variant, included cutting equipment, price, and availability before purchasing.
| Model | Manufacturer-listed details | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher, 20-inch configuration | 55.5 cm³; 3.5 hp; 13.2 lb excluding cutting equipment; S83G chain on the listed US configuration. Husqvarna displayed $589.99 on its US listing when accessed in 2026. Husqvarna product listing | Its stated weight excludes the bar and chain, and its displayed price can change. Check the exact configuration and current dealer price. |
| STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS | Available in 18- and 20-inch variants; 2.60 kW and 12.4 lb without fuel on the STIHL USA product page. A STIHL specification sheet lists 50.2 cc displacement and recommended bars from 16 to 20 inches. STIHL product page · STIHL specification sheet | Confirm whether the listing is for the 20-inch variant. Its weight excludes fuel; product-page price and availability were not established as broadly comparable. |
These listings do not support a direct power, weight, cut-speed, reliability, or long-term ownership ranking. STIHL’s page describes the MS 271 FARM BOSS for firewood cutting and demanding property work, but your own workload and comfort remain central to the choice.
#1 Best Overall
- Husqvarna 450 Rancher gas chainsaw 20 inch combines exceptional ergonomic features for easier handling and mobility with the superior power of a gas chainsaw—recommended for use with bar lengths between 13 inches (min) and 20 inches (max)
- Effortless Start-Up: Smart Start allows this Husqvarna chainsaw to quickly and easily start up with minimal effort, while the inertia-activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback
- Powerful and Efficient Engine: Gas powered chainsaw delivers superior performance with a powerful and efficient 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP X-Torq engine
- Air Injection Technology: Equipped with a centrifugal air cleaning system that expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter for improved engine life
- Easy Handling and Ergonomic Design: This 20 inch chainsaw features a soft inlay, ergonomic trigger and asymmetrical handle for increased comfort, plus LowVib technology for easier handling of recommended 13 to 20-inch chainsaw bars
How to choose between them
Consider the Husqvarna 455 Rancher if its configuration and service fit your needs
The listed US 20-inch configuration includes an S83G chain and has manufacturer-stated output of 3.5 hp. Its 13.2 lb figure excludes cutting equipment, so use the installed saw’s actual weight when judging handling. The displayed $589.99 price was on Husqvarna’s US listing when accessed in 2026, not a cross-dealer price comparison. Check the Husqvarna 455 Rancher listing.
Consider the STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS if you can verify the 20-inch variant locally
STIHL lists both 18- and 20-inch variants, with a 16-to-20-inch recommended bar range in its specification sheet. The product page gives 2.60 kW and 12.4 lb without fuel. Since fuel and cutting equipment are excluded from those weight figures, compare the saws as configured and ask a local STIHL dealer about the exact variant, service, warranty, and availability. View STIHL’s MS 271 FARM BOSS information.
Rank #2
- 40% Faster Cutting Performance: The 62cc high-displacement engine delivers 3.8 HP of power for fast cutting through hardwoods such as oak and maple. With a maximum speed of 12000 RPM, this gas powered chainsaw processes more wood efficiently
- Up to 9s Quick Easy Start: The throttle-synced choke reduces engine flooding and operating errors. Our gasoline powered chain saw can start in approximately 9 seconds, and a 40:1 fuel-to-oil mixing ratio is recommended
- Built for Extreme Durability: The 360° reinforced rope is designed for long-life use, and a starter assembly is included for easy maintenance. The steel chain and guide bar of this gas chainsaw resist wear and deformation for extended heavy-duty operation
- Cut Thick Logs in 1 Pass: The 20-inch extended guide bar can cut logs up to 17.9 inches. The portable gas chainsaw is suitable for clearing storm-felled trees, preparing winter firewood, maintaining orchards, trimming fence lines, and managing woodlands
- Safer Operation: Our heavy duty chainsaw features a guard plate and switch to reduce the risks of accidental activation and kickback. These protective features make it more secure and reassuring to operate
Use a different selection criterion if neither feels manageable
If you are new to chainsaws, uncertain about handling a saw of this size, or cannot find a suitable local service option, do not choose by the 20-inch label alone. Consider whether a shorter-bar configuration better fits your work, and get practical instruction before operating a chainsaw.
Match the replacement bar and chain to the exact saw
Chains are not interchangeable just because two bars are both 20 inches long. Confirm the saw’s current owner’s manual and match the bar mount, chain pitch, gauge, and number of drive links. A mismatch can prevent proper fit and safe operation.
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- [Safe and Reliable Structural Design]:Gas chainsaw is equipped with dual throttle switches, which need to be pressed by you at the same time to start, which can effectively prevent accidental starting. The high-quality brake baffle can make emergency braking, which can effectively protect your hands and ensure safety during use.
- [2-Stroke Cycle Engine]: Gas chainsaw uses the latest two-stroke cycle engine, which is high efficiency, high power, reliable work, and long life.The average specific fuel consumption of the engine is lower than that of the original engine by about 10%.The chainsaws Suitable conquer tree felling, wood cutting for lumberman’s in the forest or other use.
- [Professional Gas Saw Chain]：Saw chain is an important part of forest cutting saws, and its performance affects the efficiency of sawing, fuel consumption and labor intensity directly. Saw chain has the characteristics of high quality, sharp edge, fast cutting, extreme wear resistance, long service life, etc. coupled with a comfortable handle, can improve your efficiency and long-term use is not easy to fatigue.
- [Automatic oil injection lubrication] : The automatic oil supply system can automatically spray oil for lubrication during the operation of the machine, reducing the wear of the chain and parts, and improving the service life of the chain and the guide plate.(Note :some oil will residue on chains and back flow on the bottom of clutch then drip oil. This is a common phenomenon for all kinds of chainsaws, not defective).
- [Easy Purchase Decision]: Gas Chainsaw has the advantages of high power, high efficiency, small size and light weight. Besides, Gas Chainsaw are backed by our 1-Year Warranty,This is an Extremely Easy Purchase Decision.12 months Guarantee Period.During the Guarantee Period ,you could contact us to solve your problems,like Technical Support,Missing parts,Damaged Parts,Parts wear and tear and so on.If there is something problems with accessories ,we will sent you a new parts.
For example, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher manual lists a 20-inch setup with 3/8-inch pitch, .058-inch gauge, and 72 drive links among the bar-and-chain combinations evaluated for safety. Follow the current manual for your saw and configuration: Husqvarna 455 Rancher manuals.
Oregon’s 20-inch H78 combination, part 37977, uses .325-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge, and 78 drive links, with a specified mount and compatible saw models. Those dimensions do not match the 455 Rancher manual’s listed 20-inch setup, so do not treat Oregon part 37977 as a generic replacement for any 20-inch saw. Oregon H78 combination details.
Rank #4
- Power Through Jobs Faster: Unleash the 58cc 2-stroke engine to cut quicker and refuel less. Our 30% larger fuel tank gives you more continuous runtime, turning all-day projects into afternoon victories and giving you your weekend back
- One Saw for Any Task: Why haul two saws? Our Quick-Switch system lets you swap the 20” felling bar for the 18” limbing bar in seconds. Go from clearing large fallen trees to precision pruning without missing a beat
- No More Hard Starts: Fire up reliably on the first few pulls with our Quick-Start recoil, even in the cold. On-site chain tensioning is fast with the included scrench, so you can eliminate frustrating delays and keep working
- A Tool That Won't Quit: Engineered for reliability with a pro-grade centrifugal air filter and automatic oiler that protect the engine from dust and debris; count on fewer work stoppages and a longer tool life, season after season
- Stay in Control, Cut in Comfort: A fast-acting inertial chain brake and low-kickback chain put safety first. Feel the difference as our dual-spring anti-vibration system soaks up engine buzz, fighting fatigue so you stay sharp
Account for kickback risk and training
Oregon’s safety manual advises: “If you do not have experience and specialized training for dealing with chainsaw kickback, then Oregon® urges you to use only low-kickback saw chains which have this blue label.” Read Oregon’s safety manual. This is Oregon’s guidance, not a substitute for your saw’s current owner’s manual, appropriate protective equipment, hands-on training, or local safety requirements.
Quick Recap
Questions to resolve before buying
- What wood and volume will you cut, and how often?
- Can you handle the complete saw comfortably, including its installed bar and chain?
- Does the exact model variant come with the bar length and chain configuration you want?
- Can a local dealer provide the service, parts, and support you need?
- Have you checked the current manual, required protective equipment, and training needs?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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