Has it ever happened you’re working with an electric chainsaw, and you suddenly wonder if a gas-powered chainsaw would have done a better job? Or vice versa? Comparison is normal, everyone has done that at some point, especially beginners thinking of buying a new chainsaw.
It is common to question how good are electric chainsaws when you put them against gas-powered chainsaws. The tools will perform differently in terms of power, guide bar length, speed, weight, and more. In this article, you will get to see a comparison between the two types of chainsaws. By the end of the article, hopefully, we’ll have a winner, and you’ll know which option to prefer.
Electric chainsaws vs. Gas chainsaws
If you feel that electric chainsaws cannot compete with gas-powered chainsaws, then you’re in for a shock. You have no idea how good are electric chainsaws in today’s market. Both types of chainsaws come with their own sets of pros and cons. Here is how the two of them compare against each other –
Power
The power of your chainsaw will be essential as it’ll be tasking with cutting or pruning challenging material. An electric chainsaw can easily handle hard materials, while also delivering efficient cuts. However, an electric chainsaw won’t be the ideal option for heavy-duty work.
A gas-powered chainsaw will be a much better option as it is far more powerful. It can easily cut the branches and trees and effortlessly turn logs into firewood. Further, an electric chainsaw can easily run out of power, whether it is corded or cordless. If you’re in the middle of a forest, it is unlikely that you can find a power source. With a gas chainsaw, you won’t have such problems. You will never run out of power as you can simply refuel the chainsaw once it runs out of fuel.
Ultimately, it makes the gas-powered chainsaw a clear winner when comparing the two in terms of power.
Weight
The weight of the chainsaw shouldn’t be too heavy. This will cause user fatigue, especially when working for longer periods. The gas-powered chainsaws are comparatively heavier as compared to electric chainsaws. This will give you a lot of problems, especially when holding them for an extended period of time. The electric chainsaw trumps the gas-powered chainsaw in this regard. They don’t weigh as heavy as the gas chainsaw. Moreover, they are also lighter and more portable to carry around.
Portability
Unless you’re working in your backyard, chances are that you’ll need to travel to different places for working. The chainsaw’s portability will be a significant factor in such cases. A gas-powered chainsaw is slightly heavy and will not be as easy to carry around to different places. The electric chainsaw is far superior in this situation.
The corded electric chainsaws will give the users a few problems as the power source will be tough to find. Cordless chainsaws will be a far better choice, just ensure that you carry extra batteries if the task takes longer.
Safety
It is important to consider the safety quotient when working with your chainsaw. Your chainsaw’s muffler shouldn’t burn you. Remember to consider the chain brake as well. When talking about safety, an electric chainsaw will comprise lesser components that put the user at risk. In comparison, a gas-powered chainsaw includes more components that have to be well-maintained to prevent injuries. Further, gas-powered chainsaws are a lot heavier to carry, and even a slight imbalance in your stance could be fatal. By default, an electric chainsaw is a safer option as it is not only lighter, but it’ll also have fewer components that put you at risk.
Heavy-duty job
If the requirements for your sawing task are something light, then any type of chainsaw can do it. However, for a heavy-duty job, an electric chainsaw will not be the ideal choice. An electric chainsaw cannot cut large trees or cut very fast. The gas-powered chainsaw will be a far better option in this case. These can easily do heavy-duty work and more. A gas-powered chainsaw can easily cut trees and logs with commanding power, making it the better option for heavy-duty jobs.
Maintenance
A gas-powered chainsaw’s engine will require regular maintenance checks. Even small problems could affect the durability of your chainsaw. There aren’t a lot of problems in maintenance when it comes to using an electric chainsaw. This type of chainsaw is far more straightforward and easy to handle and maintain. Further, they don’t require routine check-ups like a gas-powered chainsaw.
Ease of use
An interesting factor of comparison between the two would be their ease of use. An electric chainsaw is much simpler to start as compared to a gas-powered chainsaw. Moreover, an electric chainsaw is lighter and much easier to operate as compared to a gas-powered chainsaw. However, it doesn’t have the same level of performance and power as the gas-powered chainsaw. Judging them solely on how easy they’re to use, it is evident that an electric chainsaw is a superior choice.
Noise
A gas-powered chainsaw is fairly loud, and the user will need to wear proper safety equipment before using it. They are incredibly loud and can easily damage your hearing.
According to CDC, using a gas-powered chainsaw for just 2 minutes without proper hearing protection could result in hearing loss.
In comparison, an electric chainsaw isn’t as loud in comparison to gas-powered chainsaws. However, it is still recommended that you should still wear safety protection for your ears. When the chainsaw user pulls the trigger, there will be noise, so the ear protection will come in handy.
Cutting speed
When cutting, it is important to have a decent speed, as a higher cutting speed will equal better performance. Whether you’re cutting firewood or any other type of wood, you’ll want your chainsaw to deliver a high cutting speed. An electric chainsaw is impressive when it comes to cutting speed. However, a gas-powered chainsaw is a cut above its competition. Not only will a gas-powered chainsaw give more power, but it’ll also deliver a higher cutting speed.
Handling
You’ll want a chainsaw that makes horizontal and vertical cuts with ease and without vibrating excessively. An electric chainsaw is a comparatively better option as it’ll cut more precisely and have fewer vibrations. As a gas-powered chainsaw is incredibly powerful, it’ll be tougher to control and have more vibrations. Further, their respective weights also affect the handling. Electric chainsaws are comparatively lighter than their gas-powered counterparts, making them easier to handle.
Fumes
A gas-powered chainsaw will require the user to mix oil and gas in a particular ratio. This can sometimes release fumes, which might emit a bad smell, even blowing out a lot of smoke. This could disturb the user in more ways than one when working with the gas chainsaw.
In comparison, an electric chainsaw doesn’t have any such problems as they don’t require gas, oil, or fuel to run. All that an electric chainsaw requires is an external power source or a standalone battery for running.
Ultimately, the electric chainsaw is the clear winner. Unlike a gas-powered chainsaw, an electric chainsaw doesn’t release fumes or create a bad working environment.
Price
The price of the chainsaw will be another essential factor when choosing the right chainsaw for you. In general, gas-powered chainsaws are comparatively expensive, but they are totally worth the price for the amount. Electric chainsaws are cheaper, but they don’t offer the same power as a gas-powered chainsaw. In fact, the price of a decent electric chainsaw will be 1/3rd the price of a gas-powered chainsaw. This makes the electric chainsaw to be a more budget-friendly option as compared to the gas-powered chainsaw.
How do electric chainsaws and gas-powered chainsaws stack up against each other?
An electric chainsaw will be the more ideal option for lighter yard work. You can use it for light cutting, pruning, trimming, and more. They aren’t as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts, however, they make up for it by their ease of use. Being lighter allows electric chainsaws to be easier to use and maintain. Further, they don’t release any fumes or make you smell like a mechanic worker after every use. They’re more portable and produce less noise as compared to gas-powered chainsaws. This means you can rest assured that your family or nearby neighbors won’t have complaints from you each time you bring out your electric chainsaw for cutting and trimming.
A gas-powered chainsaw will be the ideal option for heavy-duty tasks. A gas-powered chainsaw will be the more suitable choice for cutting trees, breaking fences, and more. It is much more powerful as compared to its electric counterparts. Further, you will not have to worry about running out of power as you can simply refuel the chainsaw and get on with your work. In comparison, electric chainsaws only last as long as the battery lasts.
Conclusion
There you have it, a comparison of how good are electric chainsaws when they’re up against a gas-powered chainsaw. Thank you for reading the article. Hopefully, this will help you know what your requirements are and which chainsaw option is the better option for you. It is important to remember that regardless of the chainsaw type you go for, always remember to prioritize safety. Operating a chainsaw is tricky, especially for beginners. Even a slight mishap could result in a fatal accident. Always wear the necessary safety equipment before you start working with a chainsaw.
