adminAn electric chainsaw is available either in corded or cordless, which are the battery-powered models. Battery-powered chainsaws are easy to maneuver around with and less tiring because they don't have trailing cable and are generally relatively lightweight and compact. They are the most expensive chainsaws, and as with most battery-powered tools, their downfall is they often need to recharge, not like with a gas-powered chainsaw that uses fuel.
Battery chainsaws can be used for a variety of cutting projects ranging from light pruning, small tree falling as a hedge trimmer, cross-cutting, and any heavy sawing. The main difference with all these projects is the bar length, as different projects require a different guiding length.
Below are some of the five best battery chainsaws with their reviews, pros, and cons, and scroll more below to find a detailed buying guide for you to make an informed decision.
Contents
1. EGO Power+ CS1800
- 45CC gas equivalent
- Up to 300 cuts on a 4x4 with the recommended 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery (available separately)
- 18-inch bar and chain
- Bright LED Lights illuminate your work area
- 11,000 RPM for clean, efficient cuts
Ego Power CS1800 is among the best cordless tools for residence use that features an 18-inch bar and a powerful 56V 5 Ah battery. With such a power source and battery power, these battery-powered chainsaws have enough power to cut down any trees and logs in your way. The charge time is impressively quick, and the package includes a battery and charger. Compared to other cordless chainsaws, this chainsaw makes fast and clean cuts through the standard lumber size.
The chainsaw comes with bonus features like an LED light and metal bucking spikes that help boost these battery chainsaws' performance and use. However, this battery-powered chainsaw does not wind up quickly, but this is a deal-breaker only for users who need a quick wind-up to finish their work quickly. The 18-inch bar cordless electric chainsaw can be too extra for small property projects, but if you are looking for a chainsaw with excellent battery life and a long bar, this Ego Power CS1800 will work wonders for your yard.
2. Stihl MSA 220 C-B
Stihl MSA 220 has a brushless motor with a high chain speed of 78ft/s(24m/s) and guarantees a high cutting performance despite the battery charge level. The battery-powered chainsaw is ideal for thinning work, wood carving, felling, and construction. It is powered by a 36V lithium-ion battery and gives the chain a low kickback and high cutting performance. MSA 220 features a 3/8 Picco Super 3 full chisel saw with a 14-inch (35cm) and a 16-inch bar length, and the handle is a soft rubber that guarantees a comfortable and good grip.
This 16-inch cordless chainsaw features a quick-stop brake that instantly stops the chain and a Quick Chain adjuster that gives you the utmost tool-free chain tensioning. The chainsaw uses the Ematic lubrication system, which uses two ramps placed on the guide bar rail to contain oil flow. Notably, the battery can be used with all tools compatible with the STIHL PRO cordless system and can be used in any weather and confined spaces.
- Cordless chainsaw comes with low kick back 12-inch bar and chain for construction and outdoor...
- Compact, lightweight design (just 9 lbs. with battery) of the battery chainsaw for maximum user...
- High-efficiency brushless motor of the battery powered chainsaw maximizes runtime and motor life
- Up to 90 cuts per charge on 4x4 pressure treated wood (using a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery)
- Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force
Dewalt DCCS620P1 chainsaw packs a 20V small battery with a powerful 12-inch bar that handles light tasks easily like pruning overgrown branches and chopping up small trees. The compact battery-powered chainsaw cuts through tree trunks easily when they have up to 10 inches diameter but weighing below 10 pounds.
The cordless chainsaw uses a brushless motor and a powerful lithium-ion battery that gives out adequate power to give up to 90 cuts and approximately 45 minutes of use on a single charge. These battery chainsaws come with a no-tool chain tension adjuster and an auto oil feature that minimizes the maintenance you have to do as you won't have to lube or make adjustments manually. The saw can be purchased on its own or with a battery and charger.
- 12-INCH CORDLESS ELECTRIC CHAINSAW - 40V MAX battery-powered chainsaw with extended runtime
- SMOOTH, FAST CUTS - OREGON low-kickback bar and chain for easy and efficient cutting
- TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING - Quickly and easily adjust chain tension
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES - Front hand guard and lock-off button for increased safety
- 40V MAX INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY - Part of the 40V MAX outdoor system
Black Decker cordless chainsaws are among the most trusted brands in the market for their power tools products, be it the chainsaw or a pole saw. This Black Decker model is a small battery-powered saw that has been designed to give smooth cuts with a low kickback for safety purposes. With the 40V batteries, you are guaranteed many cuts on a single charge. The batteries have a helpful battery level indicator that will alert you when you need to recharge your batteries.
The saw can be used for cutting small trees and trimming branches and anything up to 8-inches thick. The saw also comes with an automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain lubricated. It is very lightweight and features a wrap-around handle that distributes the weight of the saw evenly.
It comes with a battery and charger in the package and also includes a scabbard that keeps the chain safe when it's not being used. The batteries also the charger can be used with other garden gadgets as they use the same battery.
- 120i Cordless Battery Chainsaw is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight saw ideal for...
- 40-Volt battery powered chainsaw with guide bar and chain
- Intuitive control key pad with savE mode, allows user to switch between maximum power and maximum...
- 40 Volt battery is compatible with other Husqvarna 40 Volt cordless tools
- Intertia activated chain brake for safety while operating
Husqvarna 120i power tool is the best cordless chainsaw that falls in a budget-friendly category while giving you high performance. It consumes little amounts of bar and chain oil in comparison to other models with impressive battery life. The battery-powered chainsaw prolongs battery life by decreasing the chain speed for light-duty tasks.
Husqvarna cordless chainsaw is ideal for felling small trees and pruning branches with a 14-inch bar length and 40V power. You can easily switch from maximum run time to maximum power using a control pad. The brake system is inertia-activated that protects you from accidents.
One of its most significant drawbacks is that the electronic control system can slow down your work, and therefore you take more time than you would have. Also, it doesn't deliver the fastest cuts but is adequate to get small tasks done.
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Battery Chainsaw
1. Battery Life
How long your battery will last should be on top of your list when choosing the best battery chainsaw in the market. A short run time means you will have to stop in the middle of the job to swap batteries or recharge, which can be frustrating. To avoid finding yourself in such a state, make sure you choose a battery chainsaw that gives you enough time to finish the jobs you want to finish.
2. Battery Charging Time
The charging is equally as important as you don't want to wait for your battery to charge for hours for it to last only a few minutes.
3. Oiling System and Oil Tank
These power tools can't run without bar and chain oil, and therefore proper lubrication is required to avoid the motor burning up and destroying the bar and chain. Some saws have a narrow filler neck that easily spills, while others don't feed the oil properly unless the tank is full.
Different chainsaws use different oiling methods, and below are the types.
i. Automatic Oiler (Adjustable Flow)
This is the most recommended type as it self lubricates at a constant rate while giving you an option to regulate the flow rate.
ii. Automatic Oiler (Fixed Flow)
This comes as a second choice because it self-lubricates also but with a fixed flow rate.
iii. Manual Oiler
Just as the name manual, it is operated through a push button, which you get to control the amount of oil and the flow rate with every pump. It is ideal for users who are not looking for a maintenance-free power tool and are mostly found in older models.
Also, try to choose an oil tank that is transparent for easy checking incase you need to top up the oil.
4. Guide Bar Lengths
The bar's length determines what size of branches, logs, and trees you can cut. The general rule is you should use a chainsaw that is 2 inches longer than the wood you intend to cut, and this helps by giving you adequate clearance to avoid a dangerous kickback.
You can choose an 8-12 inch chainsaw for trimming purposes, but for firewood chopping or tree cutting, go for a 16-18 inch chainsaw.
5. Brushless vs. brushed motor
Brushed motors create a point of contact that produces friction and restrain speed. In contrast, brushless motors eliminated the point of contact by using electronics and multiple fixed magnets to generate power. In short, a brushless motor has less friction that translates to more power, less vibration, and a reduced risk of overheating and, therefore longer lifetime for the tools. They are more powerful than brushed motors and don't need any serious maintenance, but they are quite expensive.
6. Chain tensioning system
To stop the chain from slipping off, you need to keep on retightening the chain, and therefore, you should go for chainsaws with tool-free adjustment. Chainsaws that need tools to readjust them take more time but on the other hand, the saws are equipped with two mounting studs on the bar.
7. Trigger
The best chainsaws should have a double trigger that helps avoid any accidental starts or have a second chain break in the trigger that helps slow down the chain after removing your finger.
8. Bucking Spikes
These are responsible for helping the cordless chainsaw go through the wood more efficiently, and they are located against the body of the saw alongside the bar. The bucking spikes are also known as bumper spikes or felling spikes. You can find the spikes either in steel form or sturdy plastic ones, and both styles give you excellent results.
9. Chain Brake
This can be a vital factor or a safety feature, depending on an individual. It is a safety switch responsible for stopping you from accidentally turning your chainsaw on and automatically triggering your brakes if the cordless tool jumps back in your direction.
10. Size and Weight
Generally, the weight of cordless chainsaws is comfortable, going to a maximum of 12 pounds, but the lighter, the better. No matter how strong you are, carrying a heavy chainsaw might be cumbersome and, as a result, demotivate you to get the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best cordless chainsaw, according to the battery chainsaw reviews?
The best cordless chainsaw is the EGO Power+ CS1800 with 56V lithium-ion batteries and an 18-inch blade length.
2. How long will a battery-powered chainsaw run?
A battery-powered chainsaw will run for approximately 40 minutes to one hour, depending on the battery size and occasional use.
3. Are lithium-ion batteries chainsaw any good?
Lithium-ion batteries can last around three years with proper maintenance and have an estimated 300 to 500 charge cycles, so they are worth it.
