BILT HARD 20 in Gas Chainsaw - Powerful 53cc 2.7 HP Cutting Tool

In this review the BILT HARD 20 in Gas Chainsaw is evaluated for homeowners and weekend woodworkers who need a dependable petrol chainsaw for medium to heavy cutting. The bottom line: this saw stands out for its raw power from a 53 cc, 2-cycle engine and a long 20 in bar that makes quick work of large limbs and mid-size trees. It is best for users who are comfortable mixing fuel and oil and want an inertia chain brake plus an automatic oiler to reduce maintenance interruptions.

Key Features

• 53 cc 2-cycle engine: Delivers strong torque and up to 2.7 HP so the saw maintains cutting speed on thick limbs and heavier jobs.
• 20 in bar and chain: Gives extended reach and fewer passes when cutting larger logs or pruning tall branches.
• Automatic oiler: Keeps the bar and chain lubricated during use, reducing wear and preserving cutting performance over time.
• Air cleaning system: Expels large debris before the filter to help prolong engine life and maintain consistent performance.
• Anti-vibration and low-kickback: Improves operator comfort during longer sessions and adds important safety protection against sudden kicks.
• Recoil starter and carburetor tuning: Designed for easier starting and better fuel efficiency when running at the saws rated 8500 rpm.

Who It's For

The BILT HARD 20 in Gas Chainsaw is for homeowners, small acreage owners, and experienced DIYers who need a petrol-powered saw with a long bar for heavier cutting tasks. It suits people who perform occasional storm cleanup, felling of mid-size trees, or cutting firewood and who can handle routine maintenance like fuel mixing (use a 40:1 fuel to oil ratio) and chain lubrication.

This is not the best choice for casual users who prefer electric or battery convenience, or for those who want a completely maintenance-free tool; gas engines require storage care, fuel mixing, and periodic carburetor attention. If quiet operation and minimal upkeep are priorities, a battery or corded model may be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 53 cc engine with 2.7 HP provides consistent cutting force for demanding tasks.
• 20 in bar reduces the number of cuts needed on larger logs and taller branches.
• Automatic oiler and air cleaning system help extend the lifespan of the bar, chain, and engine.
• Safety features such as inertia-activated chain brake and low-kickback function increase operator protection.

Cons

• Requires a 40:1 fuel to oil mix and routine maintenance, which may be inconvenient for casual users.
• Being a gas model, it is louder and heavier than comparable electric or battery saws.

Specifications

Engine displacement	53 cc
Rated speed	8500 rpm
Power	2.7 HP
Bar length	20 in
Fuel tank capacity	550 ml
Chain oil tank capacity	260 ml
Chain pitch / gauge / links	0.325 pitch, 0.058 gauge, 76 links

Our Verdict

The BILT HARD 20 in Gas Chainsaw is a strong-value petrol saw for users who need real cutting power and a long bar for larger tasks. Its combination of a 53 cc engine, automatic oiler, and safety features makes it a practical choice for property owners and workers who can commit to fuel mixing and basic maintenance, offering solid performance for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fuel mix does this saw require?
Use a 40:1 fuel to oil mix for the 2-cycle engine as specified in the manual.

Does the saw include oil and tools out of the box?
Yes; the package includes engine oil, chain lubricant, a tool kit, guide bar cover, fuel mixing bottle, and a user manual.

What safety features are built in?
The saw has an inertia-activated chain brake and a low-kickback function, plus an anti-vibration handle for safer operation.