This type of motor is very quiet and durable.
Some electric chainsaws come with current limiters that prevent you from burning out your motor if there’s a risk of overload. However, an automatic oiling system is far superior and makes for a longer chain life. On some models, this is achieved manually by pressing a button. While the maintenance demands of an electric chainsaw are few, it still requires regular oiling. But manufacturers of top-quality models offer additional features that can make your life even easier. With instant starting and no gas or oil to mix, an electric chainsaw is already quite a straightforward tool. And truth be told, most homeowners would never need an electric chainsaw with a bar larger than 18 inches. Anything larger than 18 inches, Luke said, is almost certainly gas-powered. This length is a practical minimum for actual tree felling.
If you want a chainsaw for “general purposes,” a 16-inch model could be suitable. If you’re looking to cut limbs that are several inches in diameter or firewood that won’t need splitting after you cut it, a 14-inch electric chainsaw would be a good bet. Luke advised us that any electric chainsaw with a bar under 12 inches would only be suitable for trimming bushes and very small tree limbs. The size of chainsaw you need depends on the types of tasks you wish to complete. The question is, which size should you buy? We spoke to Luke, BestReviews’ expert landscaping and gardening consultant, for his thoughts on the matter. An extra set of batteries could be helpful in this situation, but batteries are expensive.Ĭhainsaw are generally rated by their bar size (the metal plate the chain runs around). Recharge times can be long, although the best cordless electric chainsaws can recharge in as little as 30 minutes. Even if you opt for one of the most powerful (and priciest) cordless models, its run time is typically limited to 60 minutes or less. Cordless electrics are not as cheap as many corded models.įurthermore, a cordless model is generally less powerful than its corded equivalent. If you get one, you’ll be paying this weight penalty, and you’ll also probably be paying a bit more for the chainsaw itself. The average tool weighs 10 to 15 pounds, in fact. Easy to start: connect battery, pull triggerĬordless electric chainsaws tend to weigh more than their corded counterparts due to the addition of the battery.(Resistance in the cable soaks up power.) Cordless electric chainsaw pros Furthermore, it’s a pain to deal with an extension cord, and you cannot carry your electric corded model more than 100 feet away from the source because of current drop. And because there’s a 15-amp maximum in home electrical sockets, you’re somewhat limited. Speaking of cords, we must also point out that fact that they can get tangled, which is both frustrating and dangerous when you’re using a chainsaw. At eleven pounds and upward, there can be little to choose between corded, cordless, and gas. High-end steel models may be more robust, but there’s a weight penalty. Top models rival the cutting power of small/medium gas modelsĪlthough some electric corded models are made of plastic, others are made of steel.Quiet enough to be used where noise could be a problem.Easy to start: plug in and pull the trigger.Lightweight (as little as five or six pounds).Perhaps the most important decision when choosing an electric chainsaw is whether to go for a corded or cordless model. Andreas Stihl was the first to patent the electric chainsaw in1926. The Stihl company is known for its gas-powered chainsaws. If you need help picking the right tool for your needs, please read on. The chainsaws in our product list are all quality products that we highly recommend. What follows below is an in-depth look at the electric chainsaw market. And though we're tough on our test products, we try not to break them so we can donate them to charity when we’re done. Then we take them to our BestReviews lab and put them through their paces. We never accept manufacturer samples we go out and buy the products we want to test. Sure, stores and manufacturers offer plenty of advice, but what about an independent view? That's where the BestReviews team steps in.
It's tough to know how to choose the best electric chainsaw for your own needs. Arguably, they offer a greater choice of size and power than gas-powered chainsaws, too.īut this wide range of options can present problems. The best electric chainsaws offer definite advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. They're light, quiet, better for the environment, and easy to start.