You may not know, but heavy-duty cutting requires selecting premium chainsaw models from top-rated brands. Otherwise, you risk getting a low-quality cutting tool that falls apart after three or four uses.
Does Blue Max offer such shoddy tools or is it a reliable manufacturer of high-quality saws? I’ll share my thoughts on their top offerings’ features, performance, and safety in these series of Blue Max chainsaw reviews!
Reviews of the Top Blue Max Chainsaws
1. Blue Max 8902 Gas Powered Chainsaw
While evaluating Blue Max chainsaw products, I came across the Blue Max 8902. Operating with a 2.45 HP motor, it’s no surprise that this good chainsaw has more than enough power to prove its heavy-duty cutting capabilities.
Designed with 14-inch and 20-inch bar and chain lengths, this chainsaw gave us exactly what I’m looking for—a great deal of power and performance. It also has anti-vibration handles and auto-oiler chain bar functions that make it safety equipment suitable for constant use.
Like other modern chainsaws, this equipment is center balanced which enabled me to gain better control during the cutting operation.
What I Like
- It is a good value chainsaw for professionals
- The auto-oiler ensuries the chain remains in top condition
- The availability of different chainsaw blade bars adds to its versatility
- There are rapid-reaction chain brakes for added safety
- Despite reaching speeds of up to 2800 RPMs, it operates with a pleasantly manageable sound level
- The package includes a blow mold case for chainsaw storage convenience
What I Don’t Like
- Its availability can vary
- You'll need to maintain it
2. Blue Max 20160 Gas Powered Chain Saw
If a slightly cheaper gas chainsaw is what you seek, I highly recommend buying the Blue Max 20160. Similar to expensive brands, this chainsaw has a reliable 22-inch guide bar and a motor that runs up to 10,500 RPM.
Being part of the Blue Max chainsaw line, it didn’t disappoint in terms of safety. The anti-vibration features, chain brakes, and chain lubrication all contributed to a secure and comfortable cutting experience.
And if you look at the reviews of this model, you’ll know that a lower price doesn’t always equate to bad quality [1], as it’s often praised for its reliability.
What I Like
- It is an affordable product compared to other manufacturers'
- The maximum cutting speed of 10,500 RPM is impressive
- The anti-vibration and chain lubrication features enhance both the usability and longevity of the chainsaw.
- It features a 22-inch chainsaw bar length
- It's a top-rated model
What I Don’t Like
- It requires maintenance for lasting usage
- The warranty policy may vary depending on T&C
Blue Max Chainsaws Buyer’s Guide
Power
The first thing I’m sure you’d check when browsing Blue Max Chainsaw reviews is how much power these products could produce to handle strenuous and extensive cutting activities.
Since all featured chainsaw options in this list are gas-powered, you may expect them to come along with massive engine power and a long bar length. It’s also helpful to note that a bigger chainsaw has more power to offer than smaller alternatives available in the market.
Running with powerful motors meant that you could cut larger trees or materials without damaging the chain. Getting a chainsaw with such features will not only help you with cutting tasks but also save you money in the long run.
The great thing about this gas chainsaw manufacturer is that they integrate their products with brakes that automatically turn the power off during kickback occurrences to prevent unprecedented chainsaw accidents.
And as expected, with powerful cutting tools like these, the vibration can be an obstruction. It would help to select ones that come with a sturdy grip.
Speed
If you’re new to using a chainsaw, either an electric powered or gas-powered chainsaw, you should know that the power of your tool aligns with its operational speed. However, there are still many considerations when it comes to the efficiency of your cutting procedure.
First, you should know what material you are working on. For a tough task, I recommend going for models with faster cutting speed to save you time and energy.
Always remember to wear protective gear when operating these tools because higher chain speed could be more difficult to handle than you think.
Weight
The major drawback of buying a cheaper alternative like Blue Max is its weight. It’s undeniable that heavy power tools could hinder the speed rate of the cutting operations and strain its user during the entire process.
However, you wouldn’t want your tool to be too lightweight, as this would mean that it wouldn’t be able to cut through massive materials like trees. If you’re handling a heavyweight chainsaw like those under the Blue Max brand, it will help to get ones with anti-vibration characteristics.
In this list, you’ll see that both products are equipped with a soft anti-vibration grip. Through this, I was able to control the chainsaw better and more comfortably. It’s also a great feature to rely on for added accuracy if you’re using the chainsaw for a long period of time.
Chain and Bar
Novice users will appreciate the tool-less tensioners featured in these chainsaws. This convenient feature allows for easy assembly of the chains and bars without requiring specialized tools typically needed by more complex cutting machines.
If you’re tending to a wide land, having a cutting tool with this feature is great because you wouldn’t need to carry around other tools when moving from one place to another.
For the length of the bar, it would depend on what kind of cutting activities you’ll be doing. Although I would generally recommend an 18-inch chainsaw for beginners, it may not be suited for specific tasks.
For example, trimming wood would require length no longer than 16 inches. On the other hand, pruning can go lower than 12 inches. Moderately complex cutting of light firewood requires around 16 to 18 inches while bucking wood needs a bar at least 18 inches long or more.
At the end of the day, it’s always wise to consider the types of materials you’ll be cutting first to avoid getting chainsaws with unsuitable chains and bars.
Automatic Oiling
For your chainsaw to work efficiently and properly, it needs sufficient chainsaw 2-stroke oil to make the chains move across the bars. With an auto-oiler feature, your cutting tool wouldn’t be interrupted during the operations.
Most Blue Max products have this functionality as it would lessen the friction and prevent heat from manifesting when the motor is running.
Price and Warranty
You may have already noticed that this brand offered a relatively low-priced set of products. Despite their affordable price tag, these tools have heavy-duty chainsaw capabilities comparable to expensive alternatives in the market.
As you know, it’s rare to find chainsaws under 100 bucks with high quality because these power tools offer so many functionalities and capabilities to ease our cutting experience. Lucky for you, these reliable products are only priced at a maximum of $200.
As for warranty policies, the company offered a one-year limited warranty for as long as the product is bought directly from them or an authorized seller. No matter what kind of power tool, I still highly recommend directly buying from sellers to enjoy warranty perks to the fullest in case you are having issues with your chainsaw or powertool.
Parts Replacement
If there’s a rare chance that you’ll be needing a new chain for your chainsaw, you may need to check the Blue Max Service Center directory to see the outlets where you can get one.
While you can opt for an Oregon chain from your local power tool store, it’s always better to get part replacements from the same brand to avoid further issues during the cutting operation.
(Want to sharpen your tool blades? You can check the most reliable saw blade sharpening service I’ve listed here!)
FAQ
Who builds Blue Max chainsaws?
Blue Max chainsaw is built by one of the leading brands in the market called North American Tool Industries (NATI). This company is widely known for manufacturing cheap chainsaws in the industry without compromising its performance and quality. With their fifty years of experience, they integrate the lowest cost in their products.
Where is Blue Max Chainsaws made?
Blue Max Chainsaws are made in China and manufactured by a brand called North American Tool Industries (NATI). Besides their affordable price, these cutting tools can perform as efficiently as other expensive chainsaw brands in the market, and they also operate easier because of their user-friendly functions.
My Top Pick For a Blue Max Chainsaw: Blue Max 8902 Gas Powered Chainsaw
Of the two chainsaws featured in this roundup, the Blue Max 8902 Gas Powered Chain Saw easily emerged as my top pick.
Although these top-end machines from the same company have equally redeeming features, this Blue Max Chainsaw review proved that this model has decent quality performance and safety features more fit for professional wood cutting.
Other related products:
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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