Blue Max chainsaws – are they any good? Should you get one?
Whenever you’re buying a new or used chainsaw, there’s the anxiety that comes from not knowing whether you’re making the right choice or not. There are so many different brands, and then thousands of different models.
Last year, I bought a new chainsaw from the store. It was a McCulloch and it cost about the same price as a Blue Max chainsaw. The store clerk assured me it was a great choice. I took it home and started using it, and then the starter cord spring broke on the second start-up!
Needless to say, I returned it the next day and ended up buying a Husqvarna 450 instead. All that to say, I know you don’t want to buy trash! I’ve done it, and don’t want the same to happen to you.
Let’s find out more about these Blue Max chainsaws to see if they’re worth buying.
Blue Max Chainsaws
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While Blue Max may not be the most popular chainsaw brand in the market, they do produce powerful saw tools.
Don’t confuse them with the Farmertec Holzfforma chainsaws which are sometimes called ‘blue chainsaws’ and which are a similar color to Blue Max saws.
Heads up: Blue Max Chainsaws aren’t the best chainsaws in the world, but a lot of people have found them to be just what they need.
Who makes Blue Max Chainsaws?
North American Tool Industries (NATI) manufactures Blue Max Chainsaws and other brands, such as Professional Woodworker, Yard Dog, Egergin, and Speedway.
NATI partners with manufacturers like Home Depot, Sears, and OverStock to manufacture power tools designed for DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
The company has been manufacturing and distributing Blue Max Chainsaw for approximately fifty years.
The manufacturer originally designed their product as a logging chainsaw, but nowadays it’s seen more as a homeowner and light farm use saw.
Where are Blue Max Chainsaws made?
The Blue Max Chainsaw brand is made in China, like most other chainsaw brands.
There are very few brands that are made in the US.
Stihl chainsaws are made in Virginia Beach, as one example of a company that does manufacture chainsaws in America.
1. Blue Max 52cc Chainsaw
This 52cc gas chainsaw will come in handy for small to medium workloads.
This Blue Max Gas saw is the perfect example. Overall, I like the design. It is simple, and you won’t need to rob a bank to get it.
It has a decent capacity motor that supports its performance. It also has automatic oiling and a low-kickback system that ensures safety while dishing out the RPMs.
It also has Blue Max’s signature feature, the anti-vibration functionality, which plays a significant role in the saw’s overall usability.
With this model, you have a powerful motor and won’t lose out on functionality. It is a good choice for those looking for a powerful chainsaw at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Robust design
- Superior power output
- Low-range kickback
- Suitable for medium-heavy workloads
Cons:
- Lacks debris protection
- Overheating
2. Blue Max 8902 Chainsaw
The Blue Max 8902 model is one of the most well-known Blue Max Chainsaws.
It offers you value for your money while providing unique features. It is easy to use and features a protective casing with a separate chain and bar enclosed.
This gas-powered model has a 45cc engine that can run at 2,800 pm. It has a QuickStart ignition system.
With minimal pulls, you can fire up the chainsaw and get cutting. I like that you can still get the 8902 model up and running effortlessly, even in cold temperatures.
The standard bar length is 14-inches but it comes with a free 20-inch bar as well. It has a 40:1 fuel mixture requirement, and the chain has 30% more chain teeth than usual, which reduces your cutting time.
Like other Blue Max saws, it also has an anti-vibration handle that effectively reduces fatigue in your hands and arms.
This unit also has a quick-response kickback brake. The handguard provided protects your hands while you operate this saw, allowing you to operate it safely.
The on and off switch is on the side of the saw, allowing you to start or stop the chainsaw conveniently.
With the center balance provided by this model, you will have superior control. The automatic chain oil system will keep the saw well-lubricated, which guarantees smoother operation.
Pros:
- Quick-start
- Value for your money
- Automatic chain oil system
- Anti-vibration handle
Cons:
- Can feel heavy
3. Blue Max 8901 Chainsaw
Of all Blue Max chainsaws, the 8901 model is the bestseller.
The design is robust, and it features a 45cc engine that can give you 30-35% more performance than other saws on the list.
The engine power can produce the amount of horsepower to get most jobs around the home done.
It also has 30% more chain teeth than comparable chain brands, which helps lessen the cutting time significantly.
It also has an anti-vibration handle and a low kickback break that keep you safe when using the say. Thanks to the quick-start ignition, you can start it up easily.
These features make the chainsaw more user-friendly.
Pros:
- Surprisingly fast cutting time
- Low kickback for better maneuvering
- Quick ignition system
- Automated oiling system
Cons:
- Odd on/off switch placement
4. Blue Max 6595 Chainsaw
The 6596 chainsaw is another NATI Blue Max option powered by a 45cc engine with a 2-stroke single gas cylinder.
The 8901 Blue Max chainsaw uses the same engine. The engine can deliver a no-load chain speed up to 2800 rpm.
The bar and chain length are 18 inches. The saw features a Capacitor Discharge Ignition that will start the saw even in cold weather conditions.
It also has an anti-vibration handle that helps lower vibration when you are working. Its ergonomic design helps eliminate fatigue when you are using the saw.
When you switch off the chainsaw, inertia is activated to bring the saw to a stop. It is an important safety feature that keeps you safe from chain kickbacks.
It also features an auto-oil that automatically lubricates the saw bar when the engine is running. The oil reservoir window also helps make sure you always have oil.
Pros:
- Surprisingly fast cutting time
- Low kickback for better maneuvering
- Quick ignition system
- Automated oiling system
Cons:
- No plastic case provided
5. Blue Max 20160 Chainsaw
Lastly, this model has an engine displacement of about 56.5cc and a maximum speed equipment 10,500 rpm.
The idling speed of this 2-stroke engine is 2700 – 3400 rpm. The bar length is 22 inches.
It also features a low-range kickback chain brake that provides additional safety when handling the saw.
It has automatic chain lubrication that keeps your chain constantly lubricated when the engine is powered. The center is balanced with an anti-vibration handle that maximizes your control to minimize fatigue.
Pros:
- Chain brake
- Anti-vibration function
- Auto-chain lubrication
- Fast cutting speed
Cons:
- Poorly rated
Buying Guide
The three most important things to keep in mind if you are looking to buy a Blue Max chainsaw are:
- Price – what is your budget?
- Bar length – what size do you need?
- Engine power – what size engine do you need?
My general advice is to buy the best chainsaw with your budget.
If you only have $200 to spend, don’t worry about the professional or more respected brands. Just get the best saw for your money.
Here’s some more info on buying the right chainsaw for YOU!
Engine Size
Blue max is a gas-powered chainsaw which means that instead of worrying about an electric cord, the engine size should be your primary concern.
Gas-powered saws are the most powerful, but they’re also noisy and need more maintenance.
The engine size in Blue Max saws is measured in cubic centimeters. The larger the engine in gas-powered saws, the more powerful the chainsaw.
If you need a chainsaw to fell large trees, you need an engine of about 45ccs or more. If you need a chainsaw for home use, a machine of 32 ccs or more will work.
Engine Quality
There are three types of chainsaws: gas, battery-powered, and electric.
The chainsaws on this list are all gas-powered, which are categorized in terms of cc or horsepower.
You can find gas-powered saws from 25-80cc. The horsepower varies depending on the type of model you are using.
Electric motors are best suited for people who want quieter, lighter, and less smelly chainsaws.
The Stihl MSA 161 T Electric chainsaw is one example. However, the run times are much lower, and the saws generally have less power than gas-powered ones.
Chain Tensioning
Because these saws use chains, they can get hot during use even with lubrication.
As the Blue Max saw heats up, the chain expands and becomes looser.
Therefore, always pay close attention to the chain tension when cutting. Tighten the chain if it looks loose. The last thing you need is for the chain to jump off the guide bar when you are working.
Some models keep a screwdriver or specific tools that you can use to tighten the chain when the need rises.
Some require automatic chain adjustment, which makes tensioning easy because you don’t need any tools.
Chain Oil
Chainsaws need contact lubrication, especially when in use, to avoid overheating.
Lubrication helps the chain run smoothly. You should constantly monitor your chain’s lubrication levels.
Modern chainsaws feature an automatic oiling system that releases oil onto the chainsaw bar.
Oil is applied continuously with such saws, and you don’t have to do it yourself. As long as the oil reservoir is full, the saw does the oiling work for you.
Also, models with adjustable oiling systems reduce or increase the oil depending on your work.
Safety Features
Using chainsaws can be dangerous. Chainsaws are powerful machines, and if misused, they can cause serious injuries (or less-serious chainsaw injuries like how I cut my hand).
You must consider the safety features when buying a chainsaw, especially if you are a beginner.
One safety feature you should ensure a chainsaw has is a chain brake. A chain brake is crucial because it helps stop the chain from spinning if it slips off the bar or between cuts.
Some models chain brake automatically, while others have a brake built into the trigger.
Blue Max Chainsaws
Blue Max Chainsaws may be relatively unknown, but these tools offer versatility and affordability to professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
However, as with all chainsaws, if you want to get the most from these saws, look after them and do the proper maintenance.
Blue Max chainsaws are ideal for people with a limited budget looking for decent performance. All models on this list are gas-powered and have unique features that give you value for your money.
Tanaka chainsaws are another saw in the same price range, as are Ryobi Chainsaws.
Are BlueMax chainsaws still being made? There are not any on Amazon through the links here. What’s the deal?
There are quite a number coming up on Amazon here as I check now. They might have re-stocked between when you posted and now, or perhaps you’re outside the US?