Keeping your chainsaw running smoothly is no easy feat. Aside from proper cleaning and storage, it needs to have the right oil. Using the wrong oil causes damage to the chainsaw engine, requiring you to shell out more money on repairs, or worse, a new model.
To help you out, our experts have rounded up the best 2-stroke oil for chainsaws available in the market.
Reviews of the Top 2-Stroke Oils for Chainsaw
1. Husqvarna HP Synthetic Blend 593152601
When it comes to performance and superior lubrication, the Husqvarna HP Synthetic Blend 593152601 chainsaw oil doesn’t disappoint. It has a semi-synthetic base and a formulation that’s less sticky than similar oils. In the comparison tests our team has conducted, we found that this 2-stroke oil reduces engine failure risk and provides good, strong, startups.
Another standout factor is its unique stabilizer formula. So although it’s not a full synthetic oil, the performance is excellent, even when handling spoiled oil. We have also noticed a slight increase in the power output and lower emissions as well.
Overall, it’s a budget-friendly 2-stroke oil that provides clean runs, lower operation temperatures, and longer peak performance.
What We Like
- Excellent performance
- Clean, consistent startups
- Smooth and strong operation
- Fuel stabilizer technology
- Lower emissions
- Lower temperature during operation
- JASO FD certified
What We Don’t Like
- Not the cheapest oil
- Some may prefer specialized oils for brand-specific chainsaws
2. Echo Power Blend
Designed for Echo chainsaw engines, the Echo Power Blend is another high-quality oil that ensures good performance and provides satisfactory lubrication.
It’s formulated with a fuel stabilizer, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with a bad oil mix. The quality of the oil is kept at optimum levels, ensuring consistent operation and lower emissions.
Using this oil gives your ECHO-made chainsaw engine a performance boost. Plus, it provides a layer of protection against rust and corrosion to ensure that your engine is kept clean. But while it can be used for 2-stroke engines from other chainsaw manufacturers, it overpowers the competition for users of Echo chainsaws.
What We Like
- Formulated for Echo chainsaws
- Fuel stabilizer for optimal performance
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Lower emission
- Great for all 2-stroke engines
- Verified engine formula
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly dirtier run in off-brand engines
- Tricky to mix oil in colder temperatures
3. Briggs and Stratton 2-Cycle Easy Mix Motor Oil
Another 2-cycle oil that’s ideal for heavy-duty use, the Briggs and Stratton brand ticks all the right boxes for chainsaw users. It’s made for air-cooled engines and is formulated to work smoothly under extreme temperatures. So if you’re used to intense chainsaw operations, this is a trustworthy choice.
One of the unique points of the Briggs and Stratton 2-Cycle Easy Mix Motor Oil is it’s an environmentally sustainable ashless oil that’s almost smokeless. Combined with fuel stabilizers, you can expect less residue and deposits for cleaner runs.
The convenient packaging is also worth mentioning. An oil squeeze section with measurement indicators is attached, meaning refills are much easier.
What We Like
- Great performance under high temperatures
- Made for air-cooled engines
- Environment-friendly
- Excellent cleaning properties
- Prevents clogging and carbon build-up
- Extends the life span of your chainsaw
- Easy to create oil/gas mix
What We Don’t Like
- A bit of smoke is still noticeable
- Some may prefer smaller bottles
4. Stihl 0781-313-8002
If you can spend more on an oil that can handle heavier lifting, the Stihl High-Performance Ultra (HP Ultra) 0781-313-8002 2-cycle oil is the best choice on our list. It’s a bit pricey compared to others, but it’s a fully synthetic oil that provides exceptional engine lubrication and cleaning.
The models of Stihl chainsaw oil has a high viscosity index that works well in extreme temperatures. This helps reduce friction in the engine, which helps protect components against wear and tear. So if you’re after something that can handle heavy-duty operations, this Stihl oil is a solid choice.
And good news for eco-friendly users, this 2-stroke oil is almost entirely biodegradable as well.
What We Like
- Fully synthetic formulation
- Works well in high temperatures
- Outstanding engine cleaning characteristics
- Ideal for high-performance chain saws and power tools
- Convenient bottles for 50:1 mix ratio
- Biodegradable
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive
- Slight odor
5. Maxima 27901
This pick is a bit of a wildcard on our list because it’s not really manufactured for chainsaws. It has been very popular among many users, though, and we understood why when we tested it on the field.
The Maxima 27901 is a fully synthetic oil with 2000 centistoke esters. It’s formulated with additives that work to keep the engine clean while giving no dips in performance. Furthermore, the stabilizers keep emissions low. With all this, you can expect smooth runs, maximum engine power, and increased protection against corrosion.
The only downside is that it’s more expensive than other brands. Still, it’s great for high-end 2-stroke engines.
What We Like
- Fully synthetic formulation
- Ideal for heavy-duty use
- Superior cleanliness and stability
- Ensures maximum performance
- Low emissions
- Good for premium engines
What We Don’t Like
- High price
- Can be tricky to find the right mixing ratio
6. Stens 770-261 2-Stroke Oil Mix
Looking for something cheaper? The Stens 770-261 oil mix is a great choice. It can be used to replace chainsaw brand-specific oils like Echo and Stihl. But don’t worry, it doesn’t skimp on what it brings to the table.
This 2-stroke oil is formulated with a fuel stabilizer that helps in maintaining the quality, improving fuel economy, and reducing carbon build-up. It has additives as well, which contribute to its highly visible green color.
As for performance, we didn’t notice a big difference when comparing this oil side by side with the more popular brands. This kind of reliability makes it a favorite among professionals.
What We Like
- Affordable price
- No gaps in performance
- Great lubrication
- Longer shelf life than others
- With fuel stabilizers
- Prevents rings and exhaust ports
What We Don’t Like
- Color might not be the best for every fuel tank
- Slightly limited fuel compatibility
7. Toro 38901 2-Cycle Engine Oil
Toro is another preferred choice of oil among automotive enthusiasts, but they have a good line of oils for chainsaws as well.
The Toro 38901 is a 2-cycle oil that has a fuel stabilizer, much like the other high-quality oils we’ve reviewed on this list. As such, it’s able to keep its quality consistent during heavy operations. It’s also formulated with special additives for maximum lubrication and top-notch performance.
This oil comes in a 6-bottle pack, each of which is already measured to contain 2.6 oz. This makes it ready to mix with 1 gallon of gasoline, thus eliminating the confusion when making the 50:1 gas/oil measure.
What We Like
- Consistent performance
- Less smoky
- Works well in all types of weather
- Formulated with special additives
- Great lubrication properties
- Pre-measured for mixing
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
- Has a bit of odor
2-Stroke Oil for Chainsaw Buyer’s Guide
Before we go any further, let’s briefly talk about how 2-stroke oils are different from 4-stroke oils. The latter is disseminated through splash lubrication coming from an oil sump. As such, 2-stroke oils are lighter and encourage better combustion.
Choosing the right 2-cycle oil for your chainsaw can be tough, especially if you don’t know exactly what to look for. We have laid down the factors you need to consider to find the best 2-stroke oil for chainsaw use.
Type of Oil
The market offers three different types of chainsaw engine oils: mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic.
Mineral oils are derived from refined crude petroleum oils [1]. They are treated to remove contaminants and work well over a broad temperature spectrum.
Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of both mineral and synthetic oils. This creates a formula that can operate at high and low temperatures while keeping a great viscosity. They are cheaper, but they have superb lubricating and cleaning properties.
Finally, fully synthetic oils are formulated by engineering mineral oils at the molecular level. Various additives are incorporated, including stabilizers, detergents, and dispersants. This makes full synthetic oil formulas the most suitable oil for extreme conditions.
Also, consider if your chainsaw has an air-cooled or a water-cooled engine. Pick an oil that’s built for water-cooled engines if your chainsaw is of that type. The same applies to an air-cooled one.
Smoke and Odor
Smoke and odor are good determinants of an oil’s quality. If there’s too much smoke, it could damage the engine, cause carbon build-ups, and be detrimental to the environment as well. Our experts recommend choosing an oil with additives, so there’s almost no smoke.
Additionally, to eliminate foul odors, look for a high-quality oil with detergent additives.
Longevity
Consider how often you use your chainsaw. You may only take it out occasionally for cutting branches or sculpting bushes. If you don’t use it that much, you need to choose an oil that’s formulated to have a longer shelf life.
Cleaning Performance
When looking for the best 2-stroke oil for chainsaw engines, one of the crucial factors is how well it cleans the components to preserve engine life. For this, check the additives.
For instance, corrosion and rust inhibitors slow down oxidation and repel water. Detergents work to clean carbon deposits and prevent oil sludge. In addition, dispersants prevent particles from settling on the metal components of the chainsaw engine.
Compatibility
To avoid wasting money, buy oil that’s compatible with your engine. You can always buy a universally compatible oil or something that works with specific brands. Either way, it’s best to check the manual to find out which is the best 2-stroke oil for your chainsaw.
Also, not all chainsaw engines need the same ratios, and not all 2T oils have the same ratio mixes. Usually, the oil comes with a fixed ratio, but sometimes you can also mix your preferred ratio depending on the fuel usage.
How to Mix Fuel For a 2-Stroke chainsaw
It’s important to determine the right mixing ratio, or how much gasoline and oil you need to mix. Typically, the ratio is either 50:1 or 40:1. The bigger number is the amount of gasoline, while the smaller number is the amount of oil.
For most oils, it’s usually 2.6 ounces of oil per one gallon of gas. It’s best to check the labels for the correct oil mix ratios.
Once you know the exact amounts to combine, prepare to mix them in a gas can. Never pour the oil mix directly into the gas tank, or you’ll risk damaging your chainsaw.
Start by pouring half of the gas into the can, then pour the oil on top of it. Then, add the remaining gas and shake the container for around 15-20 seconds.
FAQ
What is the oil ratio for a 2 stroke chainsaw?
The oil ratio for a 2-stroke chainsaw is 50:1. The bigger number refers to the amount of gasoline, while the smaller number refers to the amount of oil.
Is 2 stroke oil the same as chainsaw oil?
Yes, 2-stroke oil is the same as chainsaw oil. However, a chainsaw engine could also be designed for a 4-stroke oil.
Can I use any 2 stroke oil in my chainsaw?
No, you can’t use any 2-stroke oil in your chainsaw. Some 2-stroke oils are built for motor oils, and this might damage your chainsaw. Also, 2-stroke oils for an air-cooled engine are different from a water-cooled engine.
Our Top Pick For a 2-Stroke Oil for Chainsaw:
Husqvarna HP Synthetic Blend 593152601
After rounds and hours of tests, we conclude that the Husqvarna HP Synthetic Blend 593152601 is the best 2-stroke oil for chainsaws. It provides clean startups, strong operation, and lower emissions. Although budget-friendly, the Husqvarna chainsaw oil is equipped with stabilizers and additives for maximum performance, cleaning, and lubrication.
- What is the Best Wood Sealer for Cedar? (2023) - May 27, 2023
- Woodworking Statistics and Demographics - May 26, 2023
- What is the Best Paint Sprayer for Furniture? (2023) - May 25, 2023
