CAT CLASS: HQ-10541

18-24 in Chain Saw

The 18–24 in chain saw class comprises professional-grade gasoline saws designed for sustained felling and bucking of mid-size timber. With bar lengths between 18 and 20 inches and displacements from 45 to 50 cc, these models occupy the top rung of the portable chain saw ladder and deliver the reach and torque needed for production forestry and land-clearing applications. This class sits above the 14–18 in band, which handles lighter limbing and property maintenance.

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Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Bar length	18–20 in (45.7–50.8 cm)	Maximum cutting diameter and reach for felling and bucking.
Displacement	45–50 cc	Engine size that determines torque and sustained cutting capacity.
Engine power	2.2–2.6 hp	Output available for driving the chain through dense hardwood.

How to choose

The 18–24 in band is appropriate when felling trees with diameters up to 36 inches (twice the bar length) or bucking large logs for extended periods without repeatedly burying the bar tip. Operators working predominantly on trees below 30 inches in diameter or performing limbing and brush clearing will find the 14–18 in chain saw lighter and more maneuverable for those tasks. Because no larger portable chain saw class exists in the catalog, work requiring bars longer than 20 inches typically involves specialty professional saws outside this reference ladder.

What this size handles

Felling hardwood and softwood timber 24–36 in diameter in commercial forestry operations
Bucking large-diameter logs into firewood or sawmill lengths
Storm cleanup involving mature trees and heavy limbs
Land clearing for rights-of-way and construction site preparation
Selective thinning in managed woodlots with mid-size hardwoods

Safety & operation

Personal protective equipment includes chainsaw chaps or protective trousers, helmet with face screen and ear protection, and cut-resistant gloves
Chain brake systems stop rotation within milliseconds during kickback events
Anti-vibration mounts reduce operator fatigue and long-term hand-arm vibration syndrome risk during extended use
Felling and bucking require training in directional notching, hinge-wood management, and awareness of spring poles and binding hazards

Transport & logistics

Carried by hand to the work area; typical weight 11–13 lb without fuel or oil
Transported in truck beds or utility trailers alongside other hand tools and fuel cans

Power & supply

Two-stroke gasoline engines requiring pre-mixed fuel (typically 50:1 gasoline to two-cycle oil)
Bar and chain lubrication via onboard reservoir filled with bar oil

Frequently asked

What is the maximum tree diameter this size class can fell?

A bar length of 18–20 inches allows single-side felling of trees up to 36–40 inches in diameter; larger trunks require plunge cuts or boring techniques taught in professional chainsaw certification courses.

How does displacement affect performance in this class?

Higher displacement (closer to 50 cc) provides greater torque for cutting dense hardwoods and sustaining chain speed under load, while lower displacement models at 45 cc reduce weight and fuel consumption for operators working in softer species or shorter daily shifts.

When is a longer bar justified over a 14–18 in saw?

The longer bar is justified when the majority of cuts exceed 28 inches in width or when production felling demands minimize the need for repositioning; shorter bars remain faster and safer for limbing, brush work, and trees under 24 inches.