A 20-inch chainsaw is perfect for felling medium to large trees, splitting firewood, and clearing away logs. But not all chainsaws are created equal. You have to look pretty close at these two Salem Master saws to spot the differences. Check out the reviews below as we compare them.
SALEM MASTER 6220G
This chainsaw has a lot of power even when slicing through hardwood like hickory. It weighs less than its sibling, the Salem Master 6220H, and has two other significant benefits.
First, the oil level is plainly visible. You can tell a glance if it’s getting low. The included fuel mixer tank makes it straightforward to combine the fuel and oil in the correct ratio.
Second, the motor is protected by an aluminum housing. That’s crucial if you’re hard on your tools.
Other than those details, both chainsaws are similar. For example, the 6220G has a 3.4Hp 62cc engine with a max speed of 8500rpm. It doesn’t bog down when faced with a tough job. We’ve heard that it can keep up with similar saws from Husqvarna.
Next, it has an automatic oiler that supplies lubrication to the bar and chain. It’s a real timesaver since you won’t have to stop and oil.
While you’re working, the ergonomic design makes the saw easy to control. It has a slip-resistant, shock-absorbent silicone grip on the handle. Plus, the anti-kickback system and the chain brake work in a flash to prevent accidents. There’s also a safety switch to lock out accidental starts.
Like any chainsaw, it needs time to break in, and you may find yourself tightening the chain a couple of times during the first few hours. Also, you’ll need to do a little basic assembly when it arrives, but it comes with all the necessary tools.
The main complaint we had is that the gas tank seems a little small. You may have to top it off if you’ve got a lot of cutting to do. On the bright side, that keeps the weight down.
More details:
- 2-cycle engine requires gasoline to oil ratio of 25 to 1
- Chain oil is SAE 10W-30
- Saw Chain .325P/.058G/76DL
- Air filter check recommended after every 10 hours of service
- 2-year warranty
SALEM MASTER 6220H
The 6220H is heavier than the 6220G and it doesn’t have the protective aluminum housing over the motor. However, it’s quite evenly matched in performance and features. It’s exactly the type of chainsaw that homeowners and ranchers need.
It has a 3.4Hp 2-cycle 62cc engine and a 20-inch bar that’s automatically lubricated as you work. Thankfully, the pull starter has a big wheel for lower resistance and easier starts.
After a couple of pulls, it fires right up and makes quick work of clearing land. It keeps fatigue to a minimum with its ergonomic design. The handles have a shock-absorbent, non-slip coating to limit vibration. Meanwhile, the low kickback bar and chain brake prevent accidents.
Maintenance is dead simple. It’s easy to put together right out of the box. It comes with a fuel and oil mixer that simplifies the process. Even the air filter has a quick release so you won’t have to put off cleaning or replacing it.
More details:
- Gasoline to oil ratio of 25 to 1
- Chain oil is SAE 10W-30
- Saw Chain .325P/.058G/76DL
- Air filter check recommended after every 10 hours of service
- 2-year warranty
Recommendation
At first glance, it might be hard to choose between these chainsaws, especially since they have the same engine, chain, bar, and safety features. However, the dissimilarities might make all the difference.
The 6220G weighs less than the 6220H. That’s significant when you’re doing more than the occasional job. What’s more, it has an aluminum housing over the engine. While we don’t doubt that the ABS plastic housing on the 6220H is plenty durable, aluminum is more rugged. Lastly, the 6220G has a transparent oil tank so you can quickly see when it’s time to top up.
In the end, both saws are perfectly suited to their intended tasks. They are easy to assemble, use, and maintain, especially with the automatic oiler system and quick-release air filter. Should there be any problem, they come with a 2-year warranty.
Click here to purchase SALEM MASTER 6220G on Amazon.com
Click here to purchase SALEM MASTER 6220H on Amazon.com