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Written By Alex Robinson Revealed Oct 4, 2023 12:31 PM
In case you’ve been in an enormous ironmongery store not too long ago you’ve definitely seen the rise in battery-powered energy instruments. Garden mowers, weed trimmers, and sure, even chainsaws all run on batteries now. And whereas lithium ion battery expertise appears to maintain getting higher, and the most effective battery chainsaws we’ve as we speak are extra highly effective and can run longer than fashions from a number of years in the past. In case you’re out there for a chainsaw to do gentle to reasonable reducing work round the home, on the path, or at deer camp, a battery powered chainsaw may very well be a good selection. There are strong choices for reducing firewood, clearing trails, felling timber, and even gentle timber stand enchancment.
However battery chainsaws should not precisely Tesla-like marvel machines. They don’t seem to be as highly effective as top-end gasoline fashions. As a result of the batteries are heavy, the bigger fashions should not a lot lighter than comparable gasoline saws (typically they’re even heavier). You shouldn’t get battery chainsaws moist (don’t run them within the rain). Construct high quality varies enormously from model to model—many of the chainsaws on this evaluate are made in China. And, in fact, they will run out of batteries. Certain, you should purchase additional batteries, however that will get costly.
To seek out the bounds of the most effective battery chainsaws on the market, I put eight high fashions by means of a collection of assessments. These are the saws that made the minimize.
Small-Measurement (10- to 12-inch bar)
Mid-Sized (14- to 16-inch bar)
Massive-Measurement (18- to -20-inch bar)
How I Examined the Greatest Battery Chainsaws
Sawing disks from a 14-inch diameter log examined pace and battery life. Alex Robinson
There are a shocking quantity of battery powered chainsaws on the market. To slender the sprawling area, I chosen fashions from firms with trusted names both within the chainsaw or energy software world. I went with mid-priced to top-end chainsaws, on the consumer-grade stage. In my expertise, low-cost chainsaws, whether or not they’re gasoline or electrical, should not well worth the hassle.
From there, I examined every chainsaw for battery life and reducing pace. To do that pretty, broke the sphere into three completely different classes based mostly on bar size. For the massive saws (18- to 20-inch bars) I used a 14-inch diameter black willow log. I timed how briskly every mannequin may noticed by means of the log (averaging thrice). For a management, I additionally ran my gasoline powered Stihl chainsaw with an 18-inch bar by means of the log.
After pace testing, I ran every noticed by means of the log, reducing disk after disk, to see what number of complete disks (or cookies) it may minimize earlier than operating out of battery. This take a look at was designed to push the noticed, with no break to chill down between cuts.
For mid-sized saws (14- to 16-inch bars) I performed the identical take a look at on a 12-inch diameter log. For the small saws (10- to 12-inch bar), I used a 6-inch diameter log.
If any of the saws confirmed battery life however may now not make it by means of the log, I finished reducing. If it confirmed battery life however appeared to overheat, I finished reducing. The ultimate stats for every noticed can be proven in the important thing options part and within the chart under. I additionally weighed every chainsaw (together with battery and bar oil) on a postal scale.
Knowledge on reducing pace and battery life for every noticed. Alex Robinson
After that, I took high performing chainsaws to my deer searching property in Wisconsin. I used them to clear trails, fell timber, limb timber, buck logs for firewood, and girdle timber for timber stand enchancment. This sensible use portion of testing gave me a good suggestion how every noticed would deal with within the woods and stand as much as real-world use.
The Greatest Battery Chainsaws: The Winners
Key Options
Bar Size: 12 inches
Voltage: 50.4v
Amp Hours: 2.5ah
Reduce Time: 5.7 inches (6-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 65
Weight: 7 kilos, 7 ounces (measured)
Value: $570
Made in Japan
Execs
Extremely helpful
Highly effective for measurement
Quick reducing and lengthy battery life
Cons
For smaller timber solely
High deal with noticed designed for execs
Echo’s battery powered high deal with noticed, the DCS-2500T was pound-for-pound probably the most spectacular chainsaw within the take a look at. For its small measurement, the Echo is surprisingly quick and highly effective combining 50-plus volts with a 12-inch bar. That’s extra voltage than a number of the large-sized saws supply. It’s additionally gentle (simply over 7 kilos), and with its high deal with design it may be run with one hand. Its reducing pace and the variety of cuts it produced within the take a look at had been very spectacular—it sliced by means of the 6-inch diameter log prefer it was butter.
Earlier than we get an excessive amount of additional, it’s essential to notice that this noticed was designed for skilled arborists. These are the oldsters who scale timber and minimize limbs or fell timber which can be too harmful for the common joe to tackle. High deal with saws are harder to manage and are meant for use at top—not sawing wood on the bottom. I’m definitely not an expert arborist, and in case you’re studying this story, you’re most likely not both. So why would possibly a non-professional need a noticed that’s designed for execs? As a result of it will probably do all the things your typical medium-sized gasoline powered noticed can’t.
The Echo battery-powered chains noticed minimize 65 disks from a 6-inch diameter log. Alex Robinson
This could be an ideal noticed for throwing in your side-by-side, canoe, or on a horse for a backcountry tenting journey. Possibly you want to cowl numerous floor on foot to clear the path however don’t wish to haul a 14-pound noticed with you. Or possibly you’ve bought a bunch of capturing lanes to clear above waist top. The Echo can be your finest buddy. For the reason that unique take a look at I used the Echo for quite a lot of small jobs on my searching property in Wisconsin. It proved to be extremely helpful and dependable.
It’s essential to notice that Echo now has a rear-handle mannequin of the DCS 2500, however I wasn’t in a position to get it for this evaluate. Assuming it makes use of the identical design because the top-handle model, I’d anticipate it to be a wonderful noticed.
It has the standard options you’d see on a gasoline powered noticed: handguard/chain brake, bumper spike, and typical chain tensioning system. But it surely additionally has a pleasant on/off button (for security and battery life) which lots of the different battery powered chains saws don’t. A lot of the saws on this take a look at had been “on” if the battery was in.
In case you’re a novice chainsaw consumer who simply desires a easy noticed to do yardwork, a high deal with design isn’t a good selection (smaller doesn’t imply safer). However for skilled customers who need a gentle, ultra-capable noticed, this is a superb choice. In case you anticipate a chainsaw to carry out like a gas-powered noticed, then simply get a gasoline powered noticed. In case you’re on the lookout for a battery chainsaw to convey one thing new to your arsenal, then get the Echo DCS-2500T.
Key Options
Bar Size: 14 inches
Voltage: 36V
Amp Hours: 2.6ah
Reduce Time: 22.3 (12-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 16
Weight: 12 kilos, 3 ounces (measured)
Value: $410-$420
Made in Austria
Execs
Useful but highly effective sufficient
Nicely made
Cons
Restricted versatility
The Stihl MSA 220 C-B would make for a superb mid-sized noticed to tackle gentle responsibility at house or round camp. It may buck a weekend’s price of firewood or clear up a number of smaller timber with out downside. Nonetheless, don’t anticipate a battery chainsaw of this measurement to tackle larger jobs.
The Stihl battery powered chainsaw was probably the most succesful mid-size noticed. Alex Robinson
It carried out admirably through the pace and battery take a look at. It barely had sufficient usable bar to get by means of the 12-inch diameter tree on one minimize, however nonetheless managed to slice extra cookies than the Worx or Ryobi saws and it put up respectable pace scores, too. The Stihl additionally displayed a better construct high quality than the opposite saws in its weight class. The items match collectively tighter, extra seamlessly. Notably, the noticed is made in Austria, not China like lots of the different chainsaws on this take a look at.
The Stihl chain tensioning system. Alex Robinson
Just like the Husky noticed (under), the chain tensioning system did get gummed up at occasions, however not too badly. The one different ding I’ve on this chainsaw is that it’s not fairly sufficiently big to deal with critical jobs, but it surely’s additionally not fairly sufficiently small to be extremely moveable. The noticed can also be supplied with a 16-inch bar, which I might suggest. You may minimize smaller stuff with a much bigger noticed however you’ll be able to’t minimize larger stuff with a smaller noticed.
Greatest Massive-Measurement: Husqvarna Energy Axe 350i
Key Options
Bar Size: 18 inches
Voltage: 42V
Amp Hours: 7.5ah
Reduce Time: 26.6 seconds (14-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 24
Weight: 13 kilos, 15 ounces (measured)
Value: $450
Made in China
Execs
Quick reducing pace
Strong battery life
Good options
Cons
Chain tensioner system bought quickly jammed
The Husqvarna Energy Axe smoked the competitors within the full-sized area. It was solely three tenths of a second slower than the DeWalt, which remains to be spectacular contemplating it has a shorter bar, but it surely minimize twice as many disks and it by no means bought slowed down whereas reducing. One of many efficiency options that impressed me in regards to the Husqvarna is that it minimize with full energy till it ran out of battery—then it was lifeless. Different saws would start to stall or not totally make it by means of a minimize whereas nonetheless displaying 1 / 4 battery life. Despite the fact that these saws technically had battery energy, they limped alongside however didn’t minimize bigger logs successfully. Not so with the Husky.
The Husky battery powered chainsaw would be the most suitable choice for many customers. Alex Robinson
The noticed has a pleasant on/off characteristic on the deal with that lets the consumer know if the noticed is turned on and if the chain brake is engaged. The Husky was the lightest large-sized noticed within the take a look at, and it felt properly balanced and nimble when working within the woods. With its efficiency and ease of use, I feel the Husky is the most effective battery chainsaw selection for many customers. After the unique take a look at I used the Husky to buck an enormous pile of firewood and located that it minimize by means of mid-sized oak logs with ease.
A glance beneath the hood of the Husky. Alex Robinson
The one factor to ding the Husqvarna on was that its chain tensioning system bought jammed up with noticed mud and crud. A pair occasions I needed to unscrew the plastic cap, clear the tensioner of particles after which screw it again on. This can be a comparatively small quibble, however I choose the normal tensioning methods that require scrench. It’s a little bit of a ache to maintain the software available, however that traditional system appears to get gummed up much less typically. A number of different saws within the take a look at had points with their “simple” tensioning methods, too.
Learn Subsequent: Greatest Chainsaw Chaps
Mid-Measurement Chainsaws
Key Options
Bar Size: 16 inches
Volts: 40v
Amp Hours: 4ah
Reduce Time: 17.3 seconds (12-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 13
Weight: 12 kilos, 6 ounces
Value: $319
Made in China
Execs
Inexpensive
Quick
Cons
Threw chain
Received slowed down whereas reducing disks
Plastic bumper spikes
If you would like an reasonably priced chainsaw to chop down small jobs within the yard or round camp, the Worx Nitro is a strong selection. Right here’s the dangerous information first: The noticed bought slowed down with sawdust through the disk reducing take a look at. I needed to hold banging the housing on the log to knock the blockage free (sure, the chainsaws had been examined roughly). I’m unsure if finally the noticed’s batteries died or if it overheated, however both manner, it solely made 13 cuts by means of a 12-inch diameter log.
Right here’s the excellent news: Whereas clearing trails and felling small timber (extra sensible makes use of), the Worx carried out significantly better. It was in a position to deal with all the things I threw at it, and by the tip of the day I used to be satisfied the noticed was a fairly rattling whole lot at simply over $300. The one-dial tensioning system labored properly at first however then gave in to the abuse and the noticed finally threw the chain. Beneath common working situations—not a torture take a look at—I might have stopped to take the noticed aside to correctly re-tighten the chain.
It runs on two 20v batteries which lock into each side of the unit. These batteries will be discovered far more affordably than a number of the different batteries required for saws on this take a look at, which might give the Worx Nitro considerably longer run time.
Key Options
Bar Size: 14 inches
Volts: 40v
Amp Hours: 4ah
Reduce Time: 24.7 seconds (12-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 11
Weight: 11 kilos, 10 ounces
Value: $229
Made in Vietnam
Execs
Inexpensive
Cons
Plastic bumper spikes
No chain brake
The Ryobi chainsaw has a handguard however no chain brake. In different phrases, while you press the security and squeeze the set off, the chain begins operating. Skilled chainsaw customers aren’t going to like that characteristic. Moreover that, the Ryobi did have hassle working by means of the willow log, recording solely 11 full cuts on a 12-inch diameter log. It’s price noting the noticed barely had sufficient usable bar to make it by means of the log in a single minimize.
On the upside, this is among the most reasonably priced chainsaws within the take a look at and it comes with a five-year restricted guarantee (three-year guarantee on the battery). I favored the normal and unsophisticated chain tensioning system and Ryobi features a intelligent wrench holder within the deal with of the noticed. Plus, Ryobi has greater than 85 merchandise that run on a 40v battery. So in case you’re already utilizing Ryobi merchandise—and have already got the battery—you may get the noticed for under $189. That’s a strong deal for a good little noticed.
Key Options
Bar Size: 10 inches
Volts: 20v
Amp Hours: 8ah
Reduce time: 17.3 seconds (6-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 18
Weight: 6 kilos, 11 ounces
Value: $150
Made in China
Execs
Inexpensive
Cons
Plastic bumper spike
No chain brake
Lesser construct high quality
That is the little brother to the Worx Nitro, and it was the lightest chainsaw within the take a look at. It runs on a single 20v battery. The Worx recorded considerably decrease scores than the Echo chainsaw, however to be truthful, it additionally prices a couple of quarter of the value. This noticed is supposed for very gentle work; you’ll not be bucking firewood with it. It has an analogous chain tensioning system to the Nitro, however with a unique knob. I’d suggest spending the additional cash and stepping as much as the Worx Nitro. Even in case you solely want a noticed for gentle responsibility within the yard, the Nitro will carry out higher for you.
Massive-Measurement Chainsaws
Key Options
Bar Size: 20 inches
Voltage: 60v
Amp Hours: 5.0ah
Reduce Time: 26.3
Variety of Cuts: 12
Weight: 17 kilos, 4 ounces
Value: $549
Made in China
Execs
Quick and highly effective noticed
Cons
Ran out of battery shortly
Heavy
Consider this noticed because the defensive finish on a soccer staff: hefty, sturdy, and quick, however he’s going to tire out shortly operating at full pace. This was probably the most succesful all-around chainsaw of the take a look at. With its longer bar size and quick reducing pace it’s properly fitted to larger jobs. It was the quickest large-sized noticed within the take a look at, although it nonetheless bought by means of the 14-inch diameter log three seconds slower than my gasoline chainsaw.
The DeWalt has a double bumper spikes (one on each side of the bar) with aggressive tines. It brings probably the most voltage of any noticed within the take a look at, and comes with sturdy carrying case, in contrast to lots of the different saws.
The DeWalt was the heaviest and strongest chainsaw within the take a look at. Alex Robinson
On the draw back, this dangerous boy is heavy. It’s a superb 3 kilos heavier than my gasoline noticed. The battery alone weighs 4 kilos. Plus, it ran out of juice comparatively shortly. It bought slowed down a number of occasions going by means of the willow log on the tail finish of its battery life. If in case you have your coronary heart set on this noticed for larger tasks, I’d suggest getting a second battery—sadly, they’re spendy at about $360. The one different unfavorable factor about this noticed is that the battery housing is designed in a manner that it’s simple for noticed mud and particles to fall into it (the battery slot faces upward). You’ll need to hold checking to verify it doesn’t get gummed up.
Key Options
Bar Size: 18 inches
Volts: 56V
Amp Hours: 5ah
Reduce Time: 31.3 seconds (14-inch diameter log)
Variety of Cuts: 11
Weight: 14 kilos, 12 ounces
Value: $370
Made in China
Execs
Costs shortly
LED gentle is a cool characteristic
Cons
Ran out of juice shortly
Ego makes quite a lot of battery-powered out of doors instruments together with trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and even a zero-turn using garden mower. Their 18-inch chainsaw gives some cool options, together with a LED gentle so you’ll be able to see what you’re reducing in low gentle and a fast-charging 56v battery (many of the bigger saws required 4 hours or extra to cost, however the Ego charged in about half that point).
The Ego chainsaw has some cool options, like an LED gentle and quick-charging battery. Alex Robinson
Sadly the battery drained comparatively shortly too, because the Ego completed solely 11 cuts by means of an 14-inch diameter log. The chain tensioning system is cool in idea: it’s only one knob to tighten or loosen. However within the area it bought gummed up and I needed to take the noticed aside to get it working. Additional batteries are nonetheless spendy, however you could find them on-line for considerably cheaper than DeWalt additional batteries.
Extra Battery Powered Chainsaws
There have been a handful of battery chainsaws that I wasn’t in a position to get in for testing. I plan to spherical these up later this yr and add them to the evaluate. These are the opposite saws to think about:
What to Know Earlier than Shopping for a Battery Chainsaw
We put the most effective battery chainsaws to the take a look at. Alex Robinson
Typically talking, battery chainsaws should not as highly effective as comparably sized gasoline powered saws (no matter what the advertising and marketing materials says). However they’re less complicated to make use of and top-end fashions can noticed by means of just about something an off-the-cuff consumer would wish to deal with. Right here’s what to think about when choosing the most effective battery chainsaw for you.
Bar Size
Saws with longer information bars can tackle larger jobs, however they’re heavier. As a basic rule, you need your bar to be two inches longer than the utmost diameter of the log or tree you plan to chop. In case your battery chainsaw goes to be your solely chainsaw, go along with an extended bar size of 18- to 20-inches. If the electrical noticed is a backup or for particular tasks (like a tenting journey) then go along with a mid-sized or shorter bar.
Voltage
The voltage marketed on a noticed’s battery is actually a score of its energy capability. Normally larger saws have batteries with increased voltage, with the exception being the Echo, which boasts a 50v battery.
Amp Hours
The amp hours displayed on every battery is the quantity cost that permits 1 ampere of present to movement for one hour. In different phrases, a better AH ought to supply an extended run time. Nonetheless, there are numerous variables concerned in how lengthy a noticed will run (how aggressively you’re operating it, sort of wooden, and measurement of logs to call a number of).
Clearing trails with the most effective battery chainsaws. Alex Robinson
Security
Chainsaw work is inherently harmful. Even the extra reasonably priced chainsaws generally described as “newbie” saws can buzz off a finger or chew deep into your leg within the fraction of a second. Simply because a noticed is smaller-sized or extra reasonably priced doesn’t imply that it’s safer. Plus, the cheaper fashions are inclined to not have chain brakes and are extra vulnerable to working points, which will be harmful. You have to be additional cautious when switching from a gasoline powered noticed to an electrical noticed. With an electrical noticed there is no such thing as a rumble of the motor to remind you that the noticed is “on.” At all times take away the battery earlier than checking and adjusting chain rigidity and refiling bar oil. Additionally, at all times put on security gear. Be aware that some chainsaw chaps should not rated for electrical saws. If in case you have no concept what you’re doing with a chainsaw, take a security course, on-line or in particular person.
FAQs
Q: Are battery chainsaws any good? A few of them are rattling good. The Echo high deal with noticed is really spectacular, however ought to solely be run by skilled customers. The Husky and Stihl saws are succesful and helpful for medium-duty jobs that require a number of hours of labor. If you would like a noticed to run all day, get a gasoline powered mannequin. Q: Easy methods to use a battery chainsaw? Begin by flipping by means of the proprietor’s handbook. No, critically. Every noticed has its personal little quirks. When you’ve bought it assembled and found out, cost up the battery. Fill the noticed with bar oil, click on within the charged battery and get to work. Simple. Q: What’s the finest battery chainsaw? For my cash, the most effective battery chainsaw out there’s the Echo high deal with mannequin. However this isn’t a really perfect design for a lot of customers. The Husqvarna Energy Axe 350i is the most effective all-around battery chainsaw.
Closing Ideas on the Greatest Battery Chainsaws
There’s a variety of battery chainsaws on the market, and lots of of them are low high quality. Identical to low-cost gas-powered saws, low-cost electrical chainsaws are extra of a headache than they’re price. You’re higher off spending extra money and getting top-of-the-line battery chainsaws that can do the work you want it to.
Small-Measurement (10- to 12-inch bar)
Mid-Sized (14- to 16-inch bar)
Massive-Measurement (18- to -20-inch bar)
