Are you a beginner looking to buy a new chainsaw and wondering what is better gas or battery chainsaw? If yes, then you’re not alone. Many chainsaw users, especially beginners and novices, often have this question when looking to buy a new chainsaw.
A gas or battery chainsaw being the better option will largely depend upon your requirements. While both are amazing chainsaw options, they come with their pros and cons. In some situations, a battery-operated chainsaw will be superior. In other cases, gas-powered chainsaws could be triumphant. In this article, you’ll get to know all the different situations in which one is better than the other.
What is better gas or battery chainsaw?
The simple answer to this question will be that it depends on the reason why you’ll be using a chainsaw. While battery chainsaws have gotten more powerful and make less noise, they will need expensive batteries for running for long. Gas-powered chainsaws, on the other hand, are still more powerful. Further, they’re better for damn environments, but they require more maintenance.
With the wide variety of options available, it is easy to be overwhelmed by chainsaw models, brands, sizes, and types. There are dozens of brands out there, and it could be difficult to distinguish the genuine chainsaws from the knockoffs. Further, you’ll need to know the basic details about the chainsaws before purchasing them. For instance, if you buy a chainsaw that you have no use for, it is essentially a waste of money. Similarly, if you end up buying a chainsaw too big for your task, it’ll just be unnecessary physical fatigue.
As mentioned before, it’s important to know the type of work you’ll be doing to find a chainsaw that suits you. Here are a few different criteria that will help you decide if gas-operated chainsaws are better or battery chainsaws.
Performance
For someone looking to buy a chainsaw, performance will definitely be high on the priority list. While both are decent options in terms of performance, there are some differences in terms of performance. A gas-powered chainsaw is far better suited for bigger cutting jobs. It is extremely powerful, rugged, and will get the job done with ease. Battery-powered chainsaws, on the other hand, will be great options if you want to do light yard work. However, they are no match to gas-powered chainsaws in terms of power and performance. Gas chainsaws will make your life easier if you frequently do the heavy cutting.
Noise
After the performance, the second most important deciding factor for a chainsaw is the noise. Gas-powered chainsaws are significantly louder than battery-powered chainsaws. Ideally, you wouldn’t want to use gas-powered chainsaws in a crowded neighborhood because people are likely going to be disturbed. In comparison, battery chainsaws are far more silent. They’re the ideal option if you have any neighbors or family members, and you don’t want to disturb them.
Ease of use and maintenance
Some users are just looking for the perfect balance between the performance and how easy the chainsaw is to use. This is where you’ll find a massive difference between a battery-powered chainsaw and a gas-powered chainsaw.
While gas-powered chainsaws will comfortably outperform electric chainsaws, they require more maintenance. Further, gas-powered chainsaws also need more effort to get functioning. More maintenance is not really a bad thing, especially if you want to have more control over your chainsaw. Regular maintenance of the engine, fuel, and other parts of the gas-powered chainsaw will be key. Further, you’ll need to get the fuel mixture right.
Battery-powered chainsaws will not require the same level of maintenance. Further, they are easier to use as well. All you’ll need to run a battery chainsaw properly is to keep the chainsaw chain sharp and charge the batteries.
Gas-powered chainsaws are comparatively heavier in weight as compared to electric chainsaws. Moreover, the former is harder to maneuver as well. If you’re looking to do light work in your yard, a battery chainsaw would be a better choice. When talking about starting the chainsaw, gas-powered chainsaws come with a pull start mechanism. This can be quite tricky, especially for beginners. Battery chainsaws, on the other hand, will start with a push of a button.
Overall, while a battery-powered chainsaw might not be as powerful, they are easier to use and maintain.
Price
It is also important to factor in how much you can afford to spend on the chainsaw. Always compare the price of the chainsaws and their features. Gas-powered chainsaws are comparatively cheaper to purchase than comparable battery-operated models. Sometimes, battery-operated chainsaws will not come with batteries and chargers, leaving you with no choice but to purchase them separately. Your battery chainsaws will be typically more expensive to get repaired if something gets broken. This makes gas-powered chainsaws the superior option.
Impact on the environment
Gas-powered chainsaws, similar to a combustion engine, will emit exhaust. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, an electric chainsaw will be the better option. Electric chainsaws will not create direct emissions but remember that the electricity it takes for powering them will create emissions.
A particular benefit of electric chainsaws not emitting exhaust is that you’ll be able to use them in closed spaces. This way, you will not have to worry about carbon monoxide. Overall, a battery-powered chainsaw will be the more environmentally friendly option.
Which is the better chainsaw option for pruning?
Battery-operated chainsaws are lightweight, well-balanced, nimble, easy to operate, and produce little to no fumes. All these make a battery chainsaw perfect for pruning. If you’re working in urban areas where noise pollution can be a concern, use a battery chainsaw. You will be able to use it the entire day without disturbing anyone. Always go for a battery-powered chainsaw if you’re looking to do lightweight tasks like pruning and trimming.
In comparison, gas-powered chainsaws offer a lot more power and performance. If you have heavy branches that need to be pruned, then a gas-powered chainsaw will make quick work of it. Similarly, if you want to cut through thick, dense branches, a gas-powered chainsaw would be perfect.
Which is the better chainsaw option for delimbing?
A battery chainsaw will help you make quick work of most branches while also being very easy to handle. Most battery chainsaws are light and far more compact than gas-powered chainsaws. It would be a simple task to reach branches that are high or even thick logs. Most people find an electric chainsaw perfect for small to medium-sized branches, especially the ones that are difficult to reach. A fully charged battery-powered chainsaw provides anywhere between 25 minutes of log cutting to 3 hours, depending upon the workload.
On the contrary, gas-powered chainsaws are great for delimbing as well. They will easily cut through branches like butter. Typically, a gas-powered chainsaw can provide similar cutting power to battery chainsaws, however, it’ll be heavier. For thick branches, many users find that choosing gas-powered chainsaws will do the job well.
Which is the better chainsaw option for felling?
Felling a tree will need sustained cutting power, something that a battery chainsaw can easily offer. Many people feel that battery-operated chainsaws are easy to use when it comes to felling small trees and cutting firewood.
However, you cannot go wrong with a gas-powered chainsaw either. With huge amounts of power and great performance, a gas-powered chainsaw will do wonders for felling trees. If you’re using the chainsaw away from your house, remember to carry extra fuel. A decent gas-powered chainsaw will be able to tackle even large trees while being perfect for smaller ones.
Which is the better chainsaw option for cutting firewood?
A battery-powered chainsaw’s motor will have fewer vibrations. Further, the compact size means you can cut as much or as little as needed and spare yourself from fatigue. If you cut small amounts of dry firewood, then a battery-operated chainsaw with backup batteries will be a great choice. Further, they’ll offer a decent amount of cutting time.
A gas-powered chainsaw will make short work of cutting massive logs down to size. For freshly cut firewood, a gas-powered chainsaw will be ideal because of the density of the wood fibers. Typically, gas-powered chainsaws will deliver the power needed for cutting large logs. A professional gas-powered chainsaw will be the best choice if you have to cut large amounts of hardwood.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading. Hopefully, now you’ll have enough information when looking for answers to what is better gas or battery chainsaw. If you’re looking to cut and trim around your backyard or do some DIY projects, a battery-powered chainsaw will be the best option for you. However, if you want to dabble in some heavy cutting that involves hardwood, you will require a more powerful chainsaw. Gas-powered chainsaws will be that powerful option. If you’re considering noise production, a battery chainsaw will have the upper hand. If you want to know about runtime, the gas-powered chainsaws will win. Some high-end gas-powered chainsaw models will feature powerful engines and give longer operation times.
After reading the article and getting a better understanding of the chainsaws, you will be able to find a solution. However, if you cannot come to a decision and you have doubts, never hesitate in seeking expert advice. It is better to be safe than sorry. Always get information from an expert instead of purchasing the wrong type of chainsaw. Regardless of the option you choose, with the right maintenance and care, your chainsaw will have a long lifespan. Further, it is a long-term investment and needs to be taken care of.
