Are you in the market for a new chainsaw, and you’re wondering if electric chainsaws are any good or are gas-powered chainsaws the way forward? If yes, then you are in the right place.
Are electric chainsaws any good is a common question that chainsaw users when they’re in the market for a new chainsaw. While gas-powered chainsaws might still be the powerhouses of tree-cutting machines, their electric counterparts are no slouches. Today’s electric chainsaws offer several advantages that make them a practical, powerful choice for new chainsaw users compared to gas-powered chainsaws. The ease of use, easy maintenance, safety factor, and other features make electric chainsaws a great alternative.
In this article, you will get to know all about electric chainsaws, are electric chainsaws any good, pros and cons of electric chainsaws, what are these chainsaws good for, and more. Stick around to get all the answers that you are looking for.
Battery-Powered vs. Electric Chainsaws
When you’re looking to purchase a new chainsaw, the cordless version has many advantages over the corded version and vice versa. Cordless chainsaws will also allow users to use their chainsaws at any time and any place without needing to worry about running out of fuel. However, there is one disadvantage the cordless chainsaws have over corded ones is that they don’t always give you quite as much power as the latter.
Battery-powered or cordless electric chainsaws
Lately, cordless chainsaws have become quite popular for a number of reasons. One of the primary reasons is their ability to be operated without electricity, which makes them much easier to operate and use in places that don’t have power running through.
Further, they offer users a clean cut as there aren’t any messy wires or cords attached to the chainsaws, resulting in a safer and more comfortable performance. There are many benefits to using a cordless chainsaw as opposed to using one that runs on electricity.
One of them is that they’re easier to maintain. The maintenance essentially involves keeping the chainsaw well-oiled and tuned up such that when it is being used, the motor will run at its optimal speed without any issues. With a corded chainsaw, it will be a lot more difficult to do.
Many consumers question if they can still get the same level of performance without needing to invest in the purchase of an additional power supply. The truth is that while both corded and cordless chainsaws use extension cords, it is recommended that you make use of the cordless ones if possible. This is because the cordless models are easier to handle and operate. Moreover, they are more compact and lightweight, which will allow the users to move them around safely and without the fear of getting tangled in the extension cords. They won’t have to worry about having to deal with extension cords or prongs getting caught up on the objects they are cutting through.
Electricity-operated or corded electric chainsaws
An electricity-operated or corded electric chainsaw is perfect for trimming bushes, cutting branches, feeling small trees, and more. If you’re only looking to use your chainsaw a few times every year, then this type of chainsaw is perfect.
The primary difference between a corded and cordless chainsaw is the amount of energy they use. The former uses power from the power source, which means they’ll be able to run for a longer period of time. Meanwhile, cordless chainsaws run on batteries, which means you will need to charge them after a while. A corded electric chainsaw might be powerful, but it will be restricted by the length of the cord.
If you don’t mind messing around with cables and want a powerful performance, then corded electric chainsaws will be perfect for you. Further, you must look for a chainsaw that comes with a lithium-ion battery. This type of battery is more powerful than others, and it’ll be able to last a lot longer than the older style that used sulphuric acid.
Are Electric Chainsaws Any Good?
Chainsaws have come a long way since the days they were used for medical purposes. While gas-powered chainsaws are still considered the go-to powerhouses, electric chainsaws are not far behind. The electric chainsaws of today offer numerous advantages, making them a powerful alternative choice for any consumer or semi-professional user who has to cut wood.
From the ease of use to the safety factor to the ease of maintenance, an electric chainsaw is a great option if you are looking to get multiple jobs done at an affordable price. But how good are electric chainsaws?
Electric chainsaws, especially cordless ones, offer numerous advantages to homeowners who are looking to maintain their yards and gardens. The corded chainsaws are also great, but they require a nearby power source, which could be a turn-off for many users. These chainsaws come in two versions – corded and cordless.
Pros of Electric Chainsaws
While each type of electric chainsaw has its advantages. However, both corded and cordless chainsaws share a few common features that benefit almost every homeowner, farmer, or small-scale rancher. Some of the pros of using electric chainsaws are –
Power and performance
There is a myth that has been floating around that electric chainsaws are flimsy and weak compared to gas-powered chainsaws. Further, fallen trees and disease-ridden branches could be too much for these chainsaws to handle.
However, that cannot be farther from the truth. Many electric chainsaws come with power heads that are capable of operating at speeds of 6600 RPM and generating power as much as a 40cc gas engine. Electric chainsaws are capable of offering more than enough performance to get branches or small trees out of the way.
Affordability
For decades, many companies have been developing their own electric chainsaws. With more companies entering the market, the competition has become greater. As a result, the drive to create a more efficient, cost-effective machine has grown stronger. This is why electric chainsaws are easier to afford compared to gas-powered ones.
Easy to use
Landowners and homeowners always require a tool that offers a lot of power. Further, they want the ability to deploy the power with minimal difficulty. An electric chainsaw is quite easy to use and helps in numerous situations.
If you wish to clear branches from your property after a storm, you will be able to start your chainsaw and use it right away, even if you don’t have enough experience using and maintaining your chainsaw.
Some of the qualities that make electric chainsaws so convenient and easy to use include –
- Lightweight and easy-to-carry constructions
- A simple push-button start mechanism
- Requires little long-term maintenance
- The motor runs without the need to refuel
If you only intend on using your chainsaw seasonally or in the case of an emergency, the low maintenance that an electric chainsaw requires will be a particularly strong draw. With electric chainsaws, there aren’t any fuel filters to change, no fuel and oil to mix before use, and no fuel tanks to clean. All you need to do is keep the bar oil filled and the chain sharp, and you’ll be good to go.
No fuel emissions
Environmental conditions have become a major concern over the decades. The good thing is that there are no fuel emissions released when using an electric chainsaw. As these chainsaws run on electrically powered motors instead of fuel and gas, they benefit the environment in both small and big ways.
Quieter to use
A typical gas-powered chainsaw runs at a noise level between 106 and 117 decibels. This is a lot higher than the sound of a passing motorcycle, which is estimated to be roughly 100 decibels.
With an average sound range of 90–102 decibels, electric chainsaws aren’t quiet, but they’re a lot quieter than their gas-powered chainsaws. Their sound can be 10–20 decibels lower. Since every 10 decibels represent a doubling of sound, it makes electric chainsaws 2–3 times quieter.
Even though ear protection should still be used when you’re using an electric chainsaw, the lower sound levels of electric chainsaws make them less likely to contribute to your hearing damage. Sometimes, it could even prevent your nearest neighbors from getting irritated and coming banging at your door.
More options to choose from
Electric chainsaws come in multiple types – corded and cordless. You can purchase a battery-powered chainsaw if you want the freedom to use your chainsaw at any place and at any time.
Undertake small jobs with ease
If you have to carry out small projects like cutting down branches or felling small trees, then an electric chainsaw can help you get the job done quickly and easily.
Great for beginners
Electric chainsaws are a great option for new users since these machines are smaller, lighter, and easier to use.
Cons of Electric Chainsaws
Although there are many benefits of using an electric chainsaw, it isn’t to say that they are perfect. There are a few minor inconveniences to these machines that might stop them from becoming the perfect option. Here are a few disadvantages to electric chainsaws.
Limited by cord length
You will only be able to use the electric chainsaw as far away from the power source as the cord allows. If you are looking to cut wood that is far away, you will have to ensure that the extension cord you are using has enough length.
Needs a power source
If the power source fails or goes out, you won’t be able to run an electric chainsaw. It can be an issue when you’re looking to use the electric chainsaw for storm cleanup and there isn’t any active power source near the yard. Further, it can also be an issue when your area is getting frequent power outages.
Less powerful than gas-powered chainsaws
Electric chainsaws do not provide as much power as gas-powered chainsaws. This is why it’ll likely take you longer to cut through the layers of trees and branches when using an electric chainsaw. However, electric chainsaws don’t require fuel but run on electricity, so they can run for long without stopping.
What are Electric Chainsaws Best For?
Now that you’re aware of the pros and cons of electric chainsaws, you must be wondering what are these chainsaws good for. The best uses of an electric chainsaw include –
1. Simple cutting tasks
An electric chainsaw will be great for removing branches, trimming limbs, and clearing bushes in your yard. They are also good for reaching high up into trees with an extension pole.
2. Quick jobs
If you’ve got cutting tasks that you want to carry out quickly, an electric chainsaw will be a great tool for the job. Unlike gas-powered chainsaws that need you to mix fuel with oil, fill it, pull the starting cord, and more, an electric chainsaw only needs to be plugged in, and the trigger should be pulled to get started with the cutting.
3. Cutting even with a tight budget
Electric chainsaws are the perfect option for people on a budget. These machines are some of the cheapest chainsaws that you can find in the market.
How Safe are Electric Chainsaws
Safety is a common concern for chainsaw users, whether it is a gas-powered chainsaw or an electric chainsaw. As electric chainsaws are easier to operate than gas-powered ones, you might be thinking that the former is a safer tool to use. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.
In essence, all chainsaws present similar dangers, regardless of how they are powered. They all make use of a sharp spinning chain for cutting wood. This chain is what can potentially injure the operator. So, after electric chainsaws safer than gas-powered chainsaws?
In some ways, an electric chainsaw might actually be more dangerous to beginners than gas-powered ones. It will be particularly dangerous for first-time users. This is because the chainsaw’s lightweight and compact design could make it seem “toy-like” and slightly tricky to use. You should always proceed with extreme caution when you are using an electric chainsaw. Follow the same safety precautions that you would when you are using a gas-powered chainsaw.
FAQs
Is it worth purchasing an electric chainsaw?
While electric chainsaws have many advantages, there are some departments where they fall short of gas-powered chainsaws. Your choice will ultimately depend on the requirements of your task. An electric chainsaw is a cheaper and safer option compared to gas-powered ones.
Do electric chainsaws provide enough power?
Electric chainsaws provide enough power to take down small trees and branches. However, they cannot offer as much power as gas-powered chainsaws.
Can electric chainsaws cut down a tree?
An electric chainsaw might not be the best option for cutting big trees, but it can definitely tackle small trees.
How long do electric chainsaws last?
In terms of working hours, an electric chainsaw can last as long as the saw is plugged into the power source. In terms of shelf-life, it can give you around 5–10 years.
