Electric Chainsaws, A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best for Your Needs

Whether you need to cut firewood or do some precise pruning, it’s likely that electric chainsaws come to mind. If you’re a homeowner looking to do yard work, a professional arborist in a bucket or simply someone who prefers the ease of cordless power, it’s useful to know what the different types and features of electric chainsaws are before heading to the shop, in order to choose the right tool for the task at hand. In this guide, we’ll explore electric chainsaws in detail and help you on your way in selecting the right tool for your projects.

The Evolution of Electric Chainsaws: From Corded to Cordless

The history of electric chainsaws is a lesson in how innovation and technological refinement have gone hand in hand through the ages. Teetering on the cusp of a cord for power, electric chainsaws have now embraced the power of battery technology and with it greater freedom and manoeuvrability in terms of portability. Let’s look back in time.

The Era of Corded Chainsaws: A Foundation of Power

Early electric chainsaws in the early 20th century were powered by a direct cord connection to a power outlet, usually in an industrial setting, like a sawmill or logging operation. Corded chainsaws were large, heavy, clunky and tethered to a power outlet, and so provided no mobility. But they were unbeatable for sheer power and cutting capabilities.

The Rise of Cordless Chainsaws: Untethered Efficiency

Chainsaws using battery technology appeared even earlier than battery mowers. Regular corded electric chainsaws don’t always have enough power needed for most lumberjack operations, so inventors started researching cordless chainsaws that tapped into the possibilities of rechargeable batteries. Although they were heavy, lacked features, and had a far lower runitime and significantly less power than their corded cousins, cordless chainsaws were widely introduced in the 1970s bringing along a new level of freedom of movement while emitting not as much of a noise. Technological advancements in batteries represented a significant leap forward for cordless chainsaws: increased voltage and battery capacity resulted in more power. This means that manufacturers are now capable of creating cordless chainsaws that are less impractical than in the past, making these tools a good alternative for more than just small pruning tasks.

Top Electric Chainsaw Recommendations: A Guided Choice

With dozens of brands and hundreds of models, the task of selecting the best electric chainsaw can be daunting. We’ll make it easier for you by introducing you to the top-rated models in four important categories, based on their performance, features and user reviews.

Best Battery-Powered Chainsaws: Unleashing Cordless Power

• Stihl Battery Chainsaws: Stihl is a renowned producer of power tools, and its battery chainsaws are just one example of Stihl’s high-quality gear. While their gas-powered chainsaws are quite impressive, their battery-powered ones are just as powerful. Two good models are the **Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ**, which can be used for light-duty regular maintenance such as pruning, and the **Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ**, which is more suitable for larger jobs. Stihl battery chainsaw price also offers some of the best power and run time on the market. But this quality comes at a price, and you should expect to pay a premium for Stihl’s products. Stihl Battery Chainsaws are good because they are manufactured by a well-known brand and companies like Stihl manufacture quality goods, so you know you can trust their products.
• Makita Battery Chainsaws: Makita is another popular American power tool brand. While its costs are a bit higher, you get what you pay for and ultimately there are good reasons that pros carry Makita. One of its best battery chainsaws with its own line of 40V max batteries is the laser-guided top-end **Makita XCU02PT**. Like many of its rivals across various models and brands, Makita’s battery chainsaw also accepts batteries from its larger telling tools, which is convenient. The 40V max battery delivers a good deal of power, and the **Makita UC4051A** is another good top-end model with a powerful motor and steel construction.
• Milwaukee Electric Chainsaws: Milwaukee is a brand of power tools that bring modern age innovation in their tools. Most of their tools are battery operated, super powerful, hygienic and capable of finer cut. The Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Chainsaw is rated a top seller in this segment by an online reviewer. Its battery powered motor has a long running time, making it an ultimate match for those needing a reliable companion for all sorts of trimming and even cutting small trees.
• Husqvarna Battery Chainsaws Husqvarna is a Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. The brand’s battery chainsaws offer power, performance and innovations in the category. Husqvarna 540i XP: * This high-power chainsaw enabled to work up to 5.2 hours is tailored for professional users. Husqvarna 435i XP: XP * A compact and lightweight chainsaw that is perfect for pruning and small cutting tasks.
• DeWalt Battery Chainsaws: DeWalt has long been at the top of the heap in the power tool industry, making many tools that have the same feeling of quality and durability, and performing the same, as the big-bore gas-powered alternatives. The **DeWalt DCS361B** stands as one of the best battery-powered chainsaws today. Leveraging DeWalt’s own 20V max battery system, which is compatible with most other DeWalt battery-powered tools, it’s a worthwhile investment, and not a bad deal considering that all your batteries and chargers are compatible with one another.

Best Mini Chainsaws: Compact Power for Precision Tasks

• Saker Mini Chainsaws: Small Chainsaws for pruning and small cutting tasks, compact, portable and light weight. Good for working in tight places. Good for homeowners that want to have a chainsaw available for periodic tasks around the home.
• Worx WG304 Electric Chainsaw: The Worx WG304 is an inexpensive, user-friendly electric chainsaw designed for light-duty trimming and pruning of branches. This chainsaw is compact and easy to use, making it a good fit for homeowners with little storage space.
• Greenworks Electric Chainsaws: Greenworks makes a variety of electric chainsaws. The **Greenworks G40CS10** The Greenworks G40CS104040 is a great high-powered chainsaw. It is an excellent option if you are a homeowner and are looking for any type of chainsaw for limbing/tree maintenance on down to something you would use to cut small sized logs. There are also quite a few of their other chainsaws are battery powered and have different run time batteries.

Best Electric Pole Saws: Reaching New Heights

• Stihl Battery Pole Saws:** This product is a chainsaw with **MSA 120 C-BQ** battery pack. Stihl also provides a pole attachment for this saw so you can reach the higher branches of a tree. The pole attachment extends the reach of the chainsaw for easy use of trimming and pruning the trees without requiring you to do so from a ladder.
• (Oregon CS1500): ​A corded electric pole saw for trimming and pruning up high, the Oregon CS1500 doesn’t offer long reach, but it’s pegged towards performance and affordability.

Maintaining Your Electric Chainsaw: Essential Tips for Longevity

Keeping your electric chainsaw in good working order will maintain cutting performance while prolonging durability. Regular maintenance prevents premature wear and tear, reduces risks, and maximises value for money.

• Keep the Chain Sharp: A sharp chain causes less friction, drives the cut more easily, and doesn’t put as much strain on the chain-breaker and the motor. It also will work more smoothly and last longer. If your chain is dull and doesn’t make a clean, shiny cut, it’s time to sharpen. Always use a chainsaw file or a sharpening jig (aka a chainsaw grinder). Its a good idea to sharpen your chain after every fill-up. Dull chains turn duller cuts into uneven cuts, and a chainsaw that’s putting up a fight will always vibrate more. How often depends on how you use your chainsaw. If you happen to tackle a lot of tough or knotty lumber, you may have to sharpen more frequently. Keeping it in good shape will help the saw perform its best, and keep the chain and bar in their original condition.
• Bar and Chain Lubrication: Lubrication prevents friction from damaging the bar and chain. The automatic oiler should be inspected regularly to ensure it is dispensing oil properly. Add bar oil as needed to maintain an adequate supply of oil sprayed on the bar. Proper lubrication prevents wear on the bar and chain, which is beneficial for proper cutting and the life of the saw.
• Battery Maintenance: Charge batteries in accordance to style/format/suitable instruction to maximise run time and lifespan. Batteries should not be allowed to discharge fully for long periods of time, as this can damage them.
• Keeping it clean: Keep the chainsaw free of sawdust and debris to avoid overheating and to help the bar and chain operate smoothly. (Number 5)

Safety First: Precautions for Responsible Use

Safety is of utmost significance when operating with any power tool, but especially a chainsaw. It is important to follow these safety measures in order to lessen the chances

 

• Wear protective gear: safety glasses, ear protection, gloves and sturdy footwear Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling debris, ear protection to reduce the noise levels in loud environments, gloves to provide a better grip and protection to your hands, as well as sturdy footwear to protect your feet from falling objects or rolling logs.
• Proper Handling: Holding it with two hands – this will help you keep control of the machine at all times, making it near impossible for the chainsaw to slip out of your hands and hit something. Holding it this way also ensures that you have full control over it, thus reducing the chances of injuring yourself by accident.
• Avoid Kickback: Always be alert for kickback hazards • Do not let any part of your body, including the clothes you wear, make contact with the chain • Kickback occurs when a portion, usually the tip, of the bar jumps forward with the force of a powerful spring. Injury results when that portion slams into your body • Avoid cutting with the tip of the bar
• Cause of kickback: chain stops with some force causing the material from the tip to jam into the chain. The chain being a powerful spring will break the jam and fling the tip of the bar and anything attached to it violently forward. Extreme kickback: • To avoid kickback, keep the chain moving as smoothly and evenly as possible at a constant speed.Once you know what you should be looking out for and avoiding, your chainsaw is a lot more manageable.
• Clear area around chainsaw (avoid trip hazards; tools, rocks, etc): to minimise tripping riskHelp! My chainsaw buffer plate has dislodged! While listening to a current podcast, I am also working at my desk, where various items have accumulated, each asking to be read, digested, or written about. I am vaguely aware of the need to avoid tripping over a Lao-Tzu book with a torn corner, or stepping on the unread issue of The Economist that is behind me.
• KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND – AND YOUR GAIT ROBUST.When your tasks require you working on rough terrain, or on slippery or soft surfaces, find ways to make sure that you can keep your feet on the ground. This means that you will also have a good balance – and are less likely to fall.
Never use a chainsaw whilst standing on a ladder.

Conclusion: Powering Your Projects with the Right Electric Chainsaw

The versatility, power, ease of use, and safety of electric chainsaws make them a desirable and reasonable choice for many different cutting jobs. Careful selection of the correct chainsaw for your needs, with attention to the issues discussed in this guide, and selection of a recognised brand and model can help you find the chainsaw that will help you accomplish your woodworking goals more easily, safely, and efficiently.

From splitting firewood to tree trimming and yard maintenance, an electric chainsaw might just be an important addition to your tool arsenal that will allow you to accomplish your projects with improved confidence. { atab session=’’ id=’v-WOvUVF’v-WPkRTO’ } Remember, play it safe by following the safety recommendations, and experience the incredible power and versatility that electric chainsaws add to your woodworking world.