StihlThey look like toys, but cut like pros — and in the UK, they’ve become essential kit for gardeners, landscapers, and anyone tired of blunt blades. Here’s why mini chainsaws are having their moment.
What Is a Mini Chainsaw?
Also known as cordless pruners, mini chainsaws are compact, battery-powered saws with a chain-driven cutting edge — just like a full-sized chainsaw, but scaled down. Typically fitted with a 4- to 6-inch bar, they’re designed for one-handed use and ideal for pruning, chopping firewood, DIY jobs, and more.
Why Mini Chainsaws Are Taking Over Sheds and Gardens
When the Stihl GTA 26 launched, it changed the game. It looked neat, worked brilliantly, and made chainsawing something even first-timers could do. Stock sold out across the UK, and suddenly everyone from gardeners to gift shoppers wanted one. That wave of popularity hasn’t slowed — it’s grown, with newer options like the GTA 40 offering a bit more muscle.
Popular Uses – Not Just for Gardeners
Mini chainsaws aren’t just for pruning shrubs. They’re used by:
- Gardeners – pruning fruit trees, shaping hedges, and clearing back overgrowth
- Landscapers – cutting timber for raised beds, trellises, or edging
- Foresters – light coppicing or sapling thinning in tight areas
- Builders – trimming fence posts and sleeper ends
- Log-burner owners – breaking down kindling-sized logs quickly
- Allotment holders – tidy up plot boundaries, trellises, compost areas
The one-handed grip and lightweight design make them especially good for overhead or awkward-angle work — great for jobs where full-size saws are just too bulky.
Seasonal Benefits: Why They Work Year-Round
- Spring: Shape shrubs, prune fruit trees, cut timber for planters
- Summer: Keep hedges and trees tidy during peak growth
- Autumn: Prepare firewood, clear fallen branches
- Winter: Storm clean-up, structural pruning, or shed-based DIY
They’re cordless, quiet and ready whenever you are — ideal for UK weather where time outside can be limited.
Battery Power
The most talked-about models run on the Stihl AS System — a lightweight battery line that also powers the HSA 26 hedge trimmer and ASA 20 cordless pruner. That means one battery can run several tools — perfect if you want a matching kit without going overboard.
Competing Brands Worth Knowing
We only stock Stihl — because they’ve earned their spot — but the wider market includes:
- Makita DUC122: Durable, brushless motor, runs on Makita’s 18V LXT batteries
- Milwaukee Hatchet: Rugged with excellent torque — heavier but powerful
- Bosch EasyCut: Hybrid saw/pruner, good for smaller branches and precision
- Einhell GE-LC: Budget-friendly option with decent cut capacity
Plenty of cheap imports exist too — some work fine, others chew through batteries or wobble like a jelly in a hurricane. Stick with reputable names if you want replacement chains and parts when the time comes.
Mini vs Full-Size: What’s the Difference?
If you’re only cutting logs under 4″ diameter, there’s little need for a petrol monster. We do stock full-size models like the MS 661 or the cordless MSA 70 — but mini saws are the better choice for small-to-mid jobs. Less noise. Less weight. Less maintenance.
Looking to Browse?
Explore our full range of chainsaws or see everything we stock under the AS battery system. For light garden work and home tasks, it’s the simplest, cleanest way to get things done.
Are they worth it?
Mini chainsaws — cordless pruners if you want to sound posh — are one of the most versatile, approachable tools you can buy for garden and home use in 2025. From gift-giving to year-round garden upkeep, they’re fast becoming a staple in UK sheds. Safe, compact, and easy to use — they hit the sweet spot between overkill and underpowered.
And if you’re just getting started? The GTA 26 is where it all began. Looking for a bit more reach and bite? Meet its big brother, the GTA 40.