SALEM MASTER 20 Inch 62CC Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Salem Master is a professional-grade chainsaw from the manufacturer Chainsaw. Salem Master chainsaws are designed and built in China specifically for the North American market.

The Salem Master 20-inch chainsaw reviewed here is a powerful, high-performance model intended for demanding residential and commercial use. With its 62cc engine displacement and 20-inch bar length, it's well-suited for cutting medium to large logs and fallen trees up to 3 feet thick.

Overall, the Salem Master 20-inch chainsaw provides robust power and reliable performance for frequent yardwork and forestry tasks. Keep reading this review for an in-depth look at the key features, capabilities, and user-experience of using this chainsaw.

Design & Build Quality

The Salem Master chainsaw has a rugged yet lightweight design built for durability. The body is constructed from durable polymer materials that resist damage while keeping the weight down to just 14.5 lbs. This makes the saw easy to maneuver and control during prolonged use.

Despite the lightweight body, the Salem Master does not compromise on strength. It incorporates a forged steel crankcase and die cast magnesium crankcase cover for a sturdy foundation. The handles are also reinforced with rubberized grips for comfort and to prevent slipping.

A key design aspect of this chainsaw is weight distribution and balance. The rear-mounted 20” bar helps counterbalance the weight of the engine during operation. This aids control and reduces fatigue when making heavy cuts. An inboard mounted clutch also contributes to the overall well-balanced feel.

The Salem Master combines a surprisingly lightweight yet robust build quality. This enhances user comfort while still delivering the durability needed for heavy-duty use. The materials and overall construction are designed to provide long-lasting performance in demanding conditions.

Engine Power & Performance

The SALEM MASTER chainsaw is powered by a 62cc 2-stroke engine, which provides substantial power and torque for tough cutting jobs. The 2-stroke design means you need to mix oil and gas, but it generates more torque and engine power for the size compared to a 4-stroke engine.

With its 62cc displacement, this chainsaw engine churns out a healthy 3.5 horsepower. This level of power allows the chainsaw to rip through dense hardwoods with ease. The engine delivers robust torque, allowing you to make smooth and steady cuts without bogging down. Fuel efficiency is quite good for a 2-stroke engine as well, letting you get the most out of a tank of gas.

The large engine displacement provides strong low-end torque that helps prevent the chainsaw from getting overloaded too quickly when cutting. The torque curve stays nice and flat across the rpm range too. This gives you steady power whether working at high or low rpm. The Salem Master 20-inch chainsaw has impressive engine performance with the strength to handle demanding cutting jobs.

Cutting Features

The Salem Chainsaw is equipped with excellent cutting features ideal for demanding yard work and firewood cutting. It has a 20-inch bar which provides good reach and cutting capacity for thicker logs and branches up to 20 inches wide. The bar length also offers a nice balance of control and maneuverability compared to longer bars.

For the chain, it uses Oregon 95VPX low kickback chisel chain, which is a robust professional-grade chain that stays sharp for clean efficient cuts. The chain has chisel-shaped cutters that slice through wood aggressively.

Tensioning the chain is easy with the side-access tensioner knob that lets you tweak chain tension without tools. Proper chain tension helps extend bar and chain life for smooth reliable cutting.

It also has an inertia chain brake that stops the chain instantly if kickback is detected for safety. This is an important safety feature that helps prevent injuries if the tip of the bar contacts anything while cutting. The brake activates automatically by inertia in a kickback event or can be triggered manually by your wrist contacting the front hand guard.

Overall the Salem Chainsaw is equipped with a high-quality Oregon bar and chain, tool-less tensioning, and an inertia chain brake for professional cutting capabilities in a wide range of conditions while keeping the operator safe.

Comfort & Convenience

The Salem Master chainsaw is designed with several features to enhance operator comfort and convenience during use.

Handle Design

The saw has an ergonomic front and rear handle that provides a comfortable grip and reduces hand fatigue, even during extended cutting sessions. Both handles are covered in a rubberized coating for a non-slip grip. The front handle has a safety trigger lockout that prevents accidental startup.

Vibration Damping

To reduce vibration transmitted to the operator, the Salem Master incorporates an effective anti-vibration system. This allows the user to maintain control and accuracy while experiencing less hand-arm vibration fatigue.

Start Type

A key convenience factor is the chainsaw's start type. This model features electric start via a battery-powered starter, eliminating the need to strenuously pull-start the engine. The starter button makes firing up the 62cc engine fast and effortless.

Noise Level

The Salem Master runs at a moderate noise level, which some users compare to a standard gas chainsaw. While protective ear muffs are still recommended, the saw does not produce excessive noise that can be fatiguing over time.

Safety Features

The Salem Master chainsaw has several important safety features to protect the operator.

• It has an inertia activated chain brake that stops the chain immediately if kickback occurs. This helps prevent injuries from the saw suddenly jerking back toward the operator.

• The chainsaw also utilizes reduced kickback bar and chain technology. This allows the tip of the bar to be more resistant to kickback, reducing the chance of the bar suddenly jerking up and back.

• A large front hand guard provides protection between the front handle and the saw chain. This shields the operator's hand from contact with the chain if their hand slips off the handle.

• Other safety features include a chain catcher that prevents broken chains from flying back toward the user, and a spark arrestor that captures sparks inside the muffler to prevent accidental fires.

• Overall the Salem Master incorporates the key safety technologies you want to see in a powerful gas chainsaw. These give you critical protection when dealing with such a high-powered cutting tool.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

The Salem Master chainsaw is designed to be easy to use and maintain for homeowners.

Assembly - The chainsaw comes partially assembled in the box. Attaching the bar and chain is straightforward with the included tools and takes about 10-15 minutes for first time users. The instruction manual provides clear steps.

Starting - The chainsaw starts easily whether cold or hot. It has an automatic choke that makes starting the engine effortless. Just set the choke, press the decompression valve, pull the starter cord 3-5 times and it starts right up.

Chain Adjustments - Keeping the chain at proper tension is important for safe and efficient cutting. The Salem Master makes this easy with its tool-less chain tensioning system. Just open the side cover and turn the tensioning screw to tighten or loosen the chain as needed. Takes just a minute to check and adjust.

Part Replacement - With basic mechanical skills, all the key parts like the spark plug, air filter and bar/chain can be replaced at home with common tools. The Salem Master uses standard off-the-shelf replacement parts that are readily available. Detailed instructions are provided in the user manual.

Overall, the Salem Master chainsaw is designed for DIY homeowners. The quick assembly, automatic choke, tool-less chain adjustment and easy part replacement make it one of the most user-friendly chainsaws for basic property maintenance.

Price & Warranty

The Master 20 inch chainsaw has a very competitive price point compared to similar models from other brands. It currently retails for around $130 USD. For that price, you get the chainsaw, 20 inch chain bar, chain oil and an included carrying case.

Considering the powerful 62cc gas engine and large 20 inch bar, this saw provides excellent value. The amount of power and cutting capability you get for the price makes this a great option for homeowners and landowners looking for an affordable but durable chainsaw.

The included carry case is a nice bonus not always found on saws in this price range. It provides protection during transport and storage.

The warranty coverage is also decent for the price. Salem Power offers a 2 year consumer warranty on the chainsaw. This protects against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty is limited compared to higher end models, but reasonable considering the affordable price point.

Overall, the Salem Master 20 inch chainsaw delivers impressive power and performance levels at a very wallet-friendly price point. Factor in the included accessories and warranty coverage, and this model provides excellent value for the money.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 62CC 2-stroke engine provides strong cutting power
• 20 inch bar allows you to cut larger logs and branches
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick and easy chain adjustments
• Automatic oil pump lubricates the chain and bar while cutting
• Anti-vibration system reduces fatigue during extended use
• Solid all-metal construction for durability
• Good value for a mid-range, gas-powered chainsaw

Cons

• Heavy weight can be tiring to use for long periods
• Requires fuel and oil mixes - not as convenient as electric models
• Chain brake can be stiff and hard to reset
• Air filter may need frequent cleaning/replacement
• Some plastic parts feel a bit flimsy
• Chain needs frequent sharpening and can be tricky to replace
• Not recommended for professional, all-day use

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Salem Master 20" chainsaw offers a powerful 62cc gas-powered engine and 20" bar for taking on demanding cutting jobs around the property. With its rugged and durable build quality, pro-grade features, and reasonable price point, it's a great option for weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts who have significant cutting needs.

The anti-vibration system and smart ergonomic design make the saw comfortable enough for extended use. Safety features like the chain brake and kickback protection add peace of mind as well. While not as refined or specialized as pro-level saws, it provides impressive cutting capacity and power for the price.

If you need to fell trees, cut firewood, or take on other heavy-duty cutting tasks on a regular basis, the Salem Master 20" chainsaw is a great choice. It provides a balance of robust power and manageable handling for homeowner use. Just take care to follow safety precautions and proper operating techniques. For more casual users who just need a chainsaw occasionally, a lighter-duty electric or battery model may be a better fit. But for frequent big cutting jobs, the Salem Master is a budget-friendly powerhouse.