There’s a moment every landowner knows. You stand at the edge of your property, coffee in hand, and survey the landscape. But instead of serene satisfaction, a wave of dread washes over you. The back forty has become a tangled mess of fallen limbs from last season’s storm. That stubborn oak you’ve been meaning to take down is leaning just a little too close to the fence line. The firewood pile is looking perilously low for the coming winter. This isn’t a job for electric trimmers or a handsaw; this is a declaration of war against nature’s relentless reclamation project. I’ve been there, pulling a starter cord until my arm ached, only to have a lesser saw sputter and die in the middle of a cut. The frustration is immense. You need a tool that doesn’t just work, but dominates. You need raw, unapologetic power and the versatility to handle whatever the day throws at you, from delicate limbing to felling serious timber. This is the exact problem that led us to test the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch.
What to Consider Before Buying a Gas-Powered Chainsaw
A gas chainsaw is more than just an item you pull from a box; it’s a key solution for serious property management, storm cleanup, and firewood processing. It represents independence from relying on expensive tree services for manageable jobs and the ability to reclaim and shape your own land. The main benefits are undeniable: unparalleled power for cutting through the hardest woods, complete portability without the leash of a power cord, and the endurance to work all day with just a can of fuel mix. This tool turns overwhelming tasks into achievable projects, providing a deep sense of accomplishment as you clear a trail, stock your woodshed, or remove a hazard.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing substantial cutting tasks. We’re talking about homeowners with multiple acres, ranchers clearing fence lines, farmers maintaining their land, and serious DIYers who tackle their own tree work. If your property is measured in acres instead of square feet, a powerful gas saw is a necessity. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in dense suburban areas with noise restrictions or only have a few small branches to trim annually. For them, a quieter, lighter electric or battery-powered model might be a better fit. The Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch is built for demanding work, and its power would be overkill for simple garden pruning.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Weight & Ergonomics: A powerful gas chainsaw is not a lightweight tool. Consider the listed weight (12.5 pounds for the GEL9902) and think about how it will feel after an hour of use. Good balance and effective anti-vibration technology are critical for reducing operator fatigue and increasing safety during long work sessions.
- Capacity/Performance: The engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), is a primary indicator of power. A 58cc engine, like the one in this Getell model, is firmly in the professional or “prosumer” category, capable of handling large trees. Also, consider the bar length; a dual-bar system like this one offers incredible versatility, letting you switch between a more maneuverable bar for limbing and a longer one for felling.
- Materials & Durability: Look for rugged housing that can withstand knocks and drops in a demanding outdoor environment. The quality of the guide bar and chain is paramount, as they do the actual cutting. Premium materials here mean longer life and better cutting performance. A solid, well-built machine will feel sturdy and ready for heavy-duty use right out of the box.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Gas engines require a bit more upkeep than their electric counterparts. Look for features like an “easy-start” system to reduce the effort needed to get the engine running. Tool-less chain tensioning is a plus, though a reliable manual system with an included tool kit, as found here, is perfectly acceptable. You’ll need to be comfortable with mixing gas and oil, cleaning the air filter, and eventually sharpening the chain.
While the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch is an excellent choice for heavy-duty gas-powered work, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, including different power sources. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing a Tool That Means Business
Opening the box for the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch, the first thing we noticed was the sheer completeness of the kit. This isn’t just a powerhead in a box; it’s a full system ready for action. Seeing both an 18-inch and a 20-inch guide bar, along with a corresponding chain, immediately speaks to the versatility Getell is aiming for. The powerhead itself feels substantial. At 12.5 pounds, it has a reassuring heft without feeling excessively cumbersome. The plastics of the housing are thick and rugged, and the non-slip handle provides a confident grip. Assembly was straightforward, following the clear instructions in the manual. Attaching the bar and chain and tensioning it properly took less than 15 minutes with the included tool kit. Compared to some other saws in this price range that can feel a bit plasticky or flimsy, the Getell gives off an immediate impression of durability, a tool designed for the farm or ranch, not just occasional backyard use. It has the look and feel of a saw that’s ready to be put to work, and the full list of included components makes it an exceptional value right from the start.
Key Benefits
- Powerful 58cc, 3.5 HP engine provides ample power for large trees and hardwoods.
- Versatile Quick-Switch Dual Bar system includes both 18-inch and 20-inch bars.
- Advanced easy-start system reduces pulling effort and starts reliably.
- Comprehensive safety features, including a rapid-reaction chain brake and anti-vibration handle.
Potential Drawbacks
- At 12.5 lbs, its weight may contribute to fatigue during extended use for some operators.
- Requires mixing gas and 2-stroke oil, which is standard for gas saws but a consideration for newcomers.
Putting the Getell GEL9902 Through Its Paces: A Deep Dive into Performance
A chainsaw’s true character is revealed not on a spec sheet, but in the heart of a cut, with sawdust flying and the engine roaring. We took the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch from the workshop to a property that had it all: downed hardwood logs for bucking, overgrown thickets needing clearing, and a few medium-sized problem trees slated for removal. Over several days of intensive testing, we evaluated every aspect of its performance, from the raw aggression of its engine to the nuanced handling and safety features that define the user experience.
The Heart of the Beast: Unpacking the 58cc, 3.5 HP Engine Performance
The soul of any gas chainsaw is its engine, and the 58cc power plant in the GEL9902 is an absolute brute. This is not a timid saw. From the moment it fires up with a throaty, confident roar, you know it has power to spare. We started with the 20-inch bar equipped, tackling a 16-inch diameter seasoned oak log—a true test for any saw. The Getell didn’t hesitate. With the chain spinning at a claimed 8500 RPM, the teeth bit aggressively into the dense wood. We applied steady, light pressure and let the saw do the work, and it sliced through the log making clean, consistent “cookies” with no signs of bogging down or struggling. The 3.5 horsepower rating feels honest; the torque is readily available throughout the power band, preventing the chain from getting pinched or stalling in a deep cut. This raw power is exactly what’s needed for felling. One user review mentioned it was “ideal for… felling medium and tall trees,” and our experience wholeheartedly confirms this. It has the muscle to handle demanding jobs that would leave smaller, less powerful saws smoking and sputtering. This is the kind of performance that instills confidence when you’re facing a challenging task, and you can see its full power specifications and details online.
Quick-Switch Versatility: The 18-inch vs. 20-inch Dual Bar System in Action
Perhaps the most compelling feature of the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch is its included dual-bar system. Many saws force you to choose one bar length, but Getell provides two, effectively giving you two tools in one. Swapping the bars is a simple process: just loosen the two nuts on the side cover, remove it, swap the bar, ensure the chain is seated correctly, and re-tension. The whole operation takes less than five minutes. We found this versatility to be incredibly practical in the field. With the 20-inch bar, the saw is a felling and bucking powerhouse, capable of tackling thick trunks with ease. But for delimbing a fallen tree, a 20-inch bar can be cumbersome and unwieldy. We switched to the 18-inch bar for this task, and the saw felt transformed. It was noticeably more nimble, easier to maneuver around branches, and less fatiguing to handle for the repetitive, precision work of limbing. This ability to tailor the tool to the specific task at hand—power for the big cuts, precision for the small ones—is a massive advantage for anyone who does more than just one type of cutting. It saves you from needing to own a second, smaller saw and ensures you always have the right setup for the job, a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.
Ergonomics and Operator Experience: Handling, Safety, and the Easy-Start System
Power is useless if the saw is a nightmare to operate. Thankfully, Getell has paid close attention to the user experience. The “Easy-Start” system is more than just a marketing claim. It incorporates a secondary spring mechanism that engages after a short, slow pull, which then releases with high tension on the next pull, making the engine turn over with significantly less effort. In both cold and warm conditions, we consistently had the saw running within two pulls, a welcome relief from the arm-wrenching yanking some older saws require. This was echoed by one user who specifically highlighted that it was “easy and fast to start.” Once running, the anti-vibration system does an admirable job of damping the engine’s powerful reverberations. While you still feel that you’re holding a potent machine, the tingling numbness in your hands that can plague users of other saws after long sessions was noticeably reduced. The handle ergonomics are solid, providing a secure grip, and the saw feels well-balanced with either bar attached. Safety is paramount, and the GEL9902 is well-equipped. The chain brake is large, easy to activate with your wrist, and engages instantly when tested. The safety throttle prevents accidental chain engagement. These features combine to create a tool that is not only powerful but also manageable and safe, contributing to what one user called “good handling” that “contributes to the operator not getting fatigued easily.”
What Other Users Are Saying
While our hands-on testing forms the core of our review, we always cross-reference our findings with the experiences of other owners. The feedback for the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch is overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our own conclusions. One user, writing in Spanish, praised it as the perfect tool for clearing and felling medium-to-large trees. They were particularly impressed with its easy and fast starting, good handling that reduces operator fatigue, and the robust safety system. They concluded by saying they were “very pleased with this product.” Another owner, preparing to tackle trees on their property, was thrilled with their purchase, stating it was of “good quality and excellent material” and that they would “no longer have any problems cutting down the trees.” This sentiment highlights the confidence and capability the saw inspires in its users. The recurring themes of power, ease of starting, and quality construction align perfectly with what we discovered during our evaluation.
How the Getell GEL9902 Compares to the Alternatives
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch to three other popular items that prospective buyers might consider. This isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, as these alternatives serve very different purposes, which helps to clarify exactly who the Getell saw is for.
1. Husqvarna Classic Chainsaw Carrying Case
This isn’t a competitor saw, but rather an essential accessory. The Husqvarna case is designed to protect, store, and transport a chainsaw safely. While the Getell is a powerful machine, you need a way to store it securely and carry it to the job site without damaging the bar, chain, or your vehicle. This case is a perfect companion purchase for the Getell GEL9902. Someone who buys the Getell saw should strongly consider investing in a high-quality case like this one to protect their new tool for years to come. It’s not an alternative to the saw, but a vital part of a complete chainsaw owner’s kit.
2. New Huing 6″ Mini Cordless Chainsaw Kit
The New Huing Mini Chainsaw occupies the opposite end of the spectrum from the Getell. It’s a small, one-handed, battery-powered tool designed for light-duty pruning and trimming small branches (typically under 4-5 inches). A user would choose this for its extreme portability, light weight, and quiet operation in a small garden setting. It is in no way capable of felling a tree or bucking firewood. The Getell GEL9902 is the tool you buy for clearing acreage; the New Huing is the tool you buy for manicuring rose bushes and trimming a few small limbs from a backyard fruit tree. They serve entirely different users and purposes.
3. Seesii 2-in-1 8-inch Pole Saw & Mini Chainsaw
The Seesii 2-in-1 offers a specialized function: reach. As a pole saw, its primary advantage is trimming high branches from the safety of the ground, something the Getell is not designed for. While it can convert to a small handheld chainsaw, its 8-inch bar and battery power place it in the light-to-medium duty category. A homeowner would choose the Seesii to prune high limbs on mature trees or for light cutting tasks. They would choose the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch for felling those trees entirely, cutting the trunk into manageable logs, and processing large amounts of firewood at ground level. The Seesii is for trimming up high, while the Getell is for heavy-duty work down low.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Getell GEL9902 Worth It?
After extensive hands-on use and careful evaluation, our conclusion is clear: the Getell GEL9902 58cc Gas Chainsaw 18/20 Inch is an outstanding machine that delivers exceptional power and versatility for its price point. Its muscular 58cc engine chews through hardwood without complaint, the dual-bar system provides genuine utility for a variety of tasks, and user-friendly features like the easy-start mechanism and effective anti-vibration make it a pleasure to operate. While its weight is a consideration for all-day use, it’s a direct result of its robust, durable construction.
We highly recommend this chainsaw to any landowner, farmer, rancher, or serious homeowner who needs a reliable and powerful tool for significant tree cutting, storm cleanup, or firewood processing. It bridges the gap between homeowner models and professional-grade saws, offering pro-level power without the premium price tag. If you’re ready to stop struggling with underpowered tools and invest in a chainsaw that can handle virtually any task you throw at it, the Getell GEL9902 is an excellent choice. You can check the latest price and get yours here.