Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

How Batteries are Transforming the Chainsaw Industry

Cordless chainsaws have revolutionized the way we approach tree cutting and pruning, and with the rapid advancements in battery technology in recent years, they have become increasingly popular among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. The convenience and flexibility of battery-powered chainsaws make them a superior choice over traditional gas and corded electric models.

One of the key advantages of cordless chainsaws is their versatility, they are not limited by cords or the need for gas, which allows for greater flexibility in terms of where and when they can be used. This makes them ideal for outdoor projects such as tree cutting and pruning, as well as indoor projects such as demolition and remodeling.

The first cordless chainsaws were invented in the early 1990s, but at the time, their battery technology was not advanced enough to provide the power and runtime needed for heavy-duty cutting tasks. However, with the recent advancements in battery technology, cordless chainsaws now have the power and runtime to match that of gas-powered chainsaws. This is evident in the latest studies which show that cordless chainsaws have increased in power by up to 60% and have doubled their runtime compared to previous models.

One of the reasons for this is the use of Lithium-Ion batteries, which have a higher energy density and are more efficient than other types of batteries. This allows for more power and runtime, as well as faster charging times. The use of brushless motors in cordless chainsaws is also a significant factor in their increased power and efficiency.

In this buying guide, we will be exploring the latest cordless chainsaws on the market, highlighting their unique features and specifications, and providing a comprehensive comparison of the best models available. Whether you’re a professional arborist or a weekend DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision on which cordless chainsaw is best for your needs. We will also delve into the latest studies and research on battery technology and how it pertains to cordless chainsaws, providing readers with the most up-to-date information on the subject. So, whether you’re looking for a powerful, efficient and versatile tool for your next project, or you want to learn more about the latest advancements in battery technology, this buying guide is the ultimate resource for anyone in the market for a cordless chainsaw.

Greenworks 24V (CS24L410) / Cheap 12″ Cordless

GreenWorks makes affordable consumer-grade chainsaws for homeowers but their products are not in the same class as Makita. That’s a fact, not my opinion. Makita only makes Professional-grade products. Everything they make is high-grade.

Makita chainsaws are built to the highest standards and you’ll notice the difference in quality the moment you pick one up and compare it to another brand. In all honesty, If you want something cheap, Makita certainly isn’t it but they aren’t that much more expensive than other brands.

Either way, we have something for everyone. Here’s another great buy —

SKIL PWR CORE 40 / 14″ — 40V

Best Cheap Cordless Chainsaw / Excellent Value

A Cordless Chainsaw Guide for Homeowners

The world has changed a lot in the past couple years since the pandemic entered our lives over two years ago, but somehow life propels us forward, as we try to get life back to normal. It’s no secret that chainsaws are an invaluable tool for homeowners.

With the economy struggling, many homeowners don’t want to spend more than they have to. As you know, if you have a yard, there’s always more pruning to be done, shrubs to trim, firewood to cut or trees to fell. In this buying guide I share my top recommendations for the best cordless chainsaws that give you maximum value for your money. From cheap to expensive — there’s something here for everyone.

Best Gas-Replacement Cordless Chainsaws

Let’s begin with two excellent cordless chainsaws at opposite ends of the spectrum. The EGO 56V is also as good as a light-duty gas chainsaw, and the WORX 20V WG322 is perfect for pruning and light-duty cutting. Both are excellent.

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Recommended Features – Cordless Chainsaws

Makita XCU04Z: Best Pro-Grade Battery-Powered Chainsaw

16-inch bar & chain — 36V (18V x2) LXT / Variable Speed with Makita built outside brushless rotor

Battery technology has improved dramatically over the past few years, so much so that a good cordless chainsaw is as powerful as a light-duty gas chainsaw. This Makita 36V XCU04Z is equal to a 32cc gas chainsaw — it’s a pro-grade battery-powered chainsaw; making it more expensive than most cordless saws. Perfect for homeowners or the jobsite; it has a 16″ bar & chain, able to safely cut wood up to 14-inches in diameter. At 11.2 lbs.

it’s lightweight enough for most people, but in this article you’ll find battery chainsaws as light as about 6 pounds. Truth is, Makita is one of the top brands for power tools because of their higher quality housing giving you extra resistance to water and dust (XPT). This is practical if you’re out in the rain, or if your cutting firewood on a windy day.

You can’t see what’s going on inside your chainsaw, but it reveals a lot about the longevity of a chainsaw. Durability has a lot to do with the quality of materials used on internal components. For example, Makita uses thicker metal/alloys for their drive system compared to cheaper brands. Everything depends on your expectations and budget. Price is relative to what you get in return.

If durability and power is what you need, then look no further than the Makita XCU04Z. You can purchase a complete kit that includes 4x batteries, which would allow you to use this chainsaw all day — as you work simply recharge your second set of batteries.

Best Ultra-Compact Cordless Chainsaw

WORX WG322.9 / 20V — Weighs only 6.2 lbs.

Top Features / Who it’s for —

You should know this about the WG322 from WORX

This is a light-duty battery-powered chainsaw designed for cutting wood under 8″ in a single pass. This is for someone who needs to prune and trim small branches and cut the occasional small log. This is not a heavy-duty chainsaw. It feels more like a toy than a serious tool but it is well made. Serious lumberjacks need not apply.

ECHO CCS-58V / 16″ – 58V

Medium-Duty Cordless Chainsaw for Home Use

Features:

• Brushless motor for superior power, run time and durability
• 16 in. bar and chain for larger, more aggressive cutting
• Automatic oiler for optimum oiling and longer chain life
• Wrap around handle for user comfort
• Equipped with an inertia chain brake
• Includes 58 Volt 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery and 58 Volt Lithium-Ion charger

OVERVIEW – 58V Echo

ECHO didn’t start out as ECHO. In fact it went by the name Kyoritsu Noki Company and was founded on September 8, 1947 by the Asamoto brothers. It wasn’t until 1978 when the company began to trade under the ECHO name. As you may have guessed, this is a Japanese company. They’ve evolved through the years. Initially their primary business was centered around heavy-duty agricultural machinery.

In 2008 Shindaiwa Incorporated merged with Kyoritsu Noki Co. and became Yamabiko Corporation, which is what the corporation is officially called. ECHO is one brand under the umbrella of Yambiko and Shindaiwa and Kioritz are the other two brands that makes up the company. They develop all of their own engines inhouse.

All of this is a long-winded way to tell you that ECHO is one of the leading chainsaw manufacturers and they continue to capture a loyal segment of the market. Once you use an ECHO you’ll be converted as a loyal customer in no time at all. The CCS-58V is a fast cutting saw that can replace a 35 to 40cc gas chainsaw.

It has a high torque motor which enables you to quickly get through a lot of branches and small logs. The ideal diameter to cut is under 14″ but you can cut bigger when you need to. I don’t recommend buying this to fell 20″ trees on a regular basis but once in a while, that’s okay, it can handle it.

At some point they seemed to have quality control issues with the 58V battery as there are a higher than normal number of complaints regarding the short battery life or, in some cases, the battery would just die on customers after a few minutes. Many of these customers had the 2.5Ah battery, which wouldn’t last longer than 20 minutes under the best working conditions.

These issues might have been the reason why the replaced their 58V series with the newer 56V Echo DCS-5000, which seems to be targeted at homeowners who are more conscious about how much they spend on a chainsaw. It’s lighter weight at 12.7 lbs. ECHO has made a more economical chainsaw and improved upon the issues they had with the 58V saws. I always prefer the latest and the greatest so my bias is to get the newer model.

This now includes a 5Ah battery probably due to the fact that higher voltage chainsaws eat through batteries and short battery life is one of the main complaints with consumers about cordless tools in general.

ECHO DCS-5000 – 56V / 18″ — Newer Cordless Series

Best Budget Cordless Chainsaw

Alright, let’s get back to the 58V to finish off my thought about it —

It’s important that you know, with the included 4Ah battery with this kit, it should last you about 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the type of wood you’re cutting and what level of power you’re using at any given time. Battery run-time always depends on usage conditions, but these figures are approximate. It’s a great battery-powered model, with a little more weight (14.4 lbs.) than I prefer. Because of that, it’s not for everyone. Personally, I’m a fan of this chainsaw as I have discovered it’s a real joy to use.

What I appreciate about ECHO is they give you a 5 year warranty on the chainsaw should anything go wrong. This is phenomenal and it tells you that the engineers at ECHO made this chainsaw to last for many years, and hey, if you have a breakdown, you’re covered. One of the best compact cordless chainsaws for the money. ECHO chainsaws are well-priced for the quality you receive.

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Budget & Brand : Buy Smart

Don’t worry, I recommend cordless chainsaws for any budget. I know that a lot of people can’t afford the absolute best chainsaw. They can get expensive. Also, if you only use your chainsaw occasionally, the less you should probably spend. But, on the other hand, if you intend to use your chainsaw a lot then I recommend paying the extra money for a lightweight, and powerful model that is well-made, like a Makita, EGO, or Craftsman. My recommendation is to stick to your budget and buy the best cordless chainsaw that you can afford, but make sure you buy a reputable name brand. There are a lot of no-name chainsaws nowadays. I would stay away. Chainsaw safety should be your top priority and quality really does matter in this case. We’re not talking about toilet paper here. Chainsaws are dangerous tools if you don’t wear safety gear and don’t know how to use them properly.

As I said earlier, battery technology has evolved to the point where a cordless chainsaw generates “enough” power for the cutting needs of most people. Unless you’re felling 24″ trees all day, a cordless will handle everything you will likely throw at it. For heavy-duty, high-volume, wood cutting needs you might want to consider a gas chainsaw. Now, let’s take a look at some fantastic cordless chainsaws.

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Best Budget Cordless Chainsaw / 10″ — Black+Decker 20V / LCS1020B

This compact 10″ Black+Decker (LCS1020B) has been around for more than five years and yet it’s still here — and a top seller, I should add. It’s a classic, in my opinion, because it has stood the test of time. It does exactly what you need it to do — cut wood efficiently, reliably and at a price that anyone can afford. It’s just a great value cordless chainsaw overall. It’s simple. Nothing fancy. It won’t replace a gas chainsaw like other models we cover in this article, but honestly, what do you need. For pruning, trimming, and wood under 8-inches, this is perfect. If you need more power and cutting ability, well, we have lots of other (more expensive) options for you.

You can also buy this Black & Decker chainsaw with double the power at 40V (LCS1240). Same great chainsaw, with a 12″ bar and chain. And, the price is obviously more, but you have a couple great options.

Features :

Read our indepth review on the 20V and 40V Black+Decker chainsaw series.

Chainsaw Compare : Cordless vs Gas vs Corded-Electric

Best Compact Top Handle Cordless: Makita XCU10SM1 / 12″

One of the fastest cutting cordless chainsaws thanks to its direct drive system. Excellent cordless for those who want top quality.

FEATURES:

• Compact top handle chainsaw was built for homeowners, for: pruning, trimming and limbing
• Makita-built Outer Rotor Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides power equivalent to a 22cc gas chain saw
• Up to 150 cuts in 2×2 cedar with 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery
• Torque boost mode for cutting dense material
• Captured bar nut and lateral chain tensioning for convenient operation and maintenance
• Adjustable automatic chain lubrication with large oil reservoir
• Large oil filling port with view window allows operator to easily add and check bar oil level
• Built-in L.E.D. on/off switch with auto power-off function; automatically shuts the saw off after 60 seconds for extended battery life
• Much quieter than gas
• Rubberized soft grip top handle is engineered for the user to more easily apply even cutting pressure
• Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
• Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
• 3-year limited warranty on tool, battery and charger
• Only use genuine Makita batteries and chargers
• Weight: 6.8 lbs.

Overview / Makita XCU10SM1

This model has the same power as a 22cc gas chainsaw. For light-duty pruning, trimming and limbing, this is the an excellent ultra-compact cordless chainsaw. It put some joy back into my tree maintenance chores.

You’ll get the best of both worlds , namely — power, convenience and versatility —and none of the negative qualities a gas chainsaw has, like toxic fumes and its deafening sound. This cute ultra-compact Makita is literally a breath of fresh air; assuming quality is one of your priorities. At 6.8 lbs. it’s one of the lightest chainsaws you can buy.

As usual, Makita chainsaws get excellent features, with my favorite being the torque boost mode. It gives you extra power at the push of a button, in times when you need to cut through dense or gnarled wood. You get the convenience of a variable speed trigger, and a built-in LED light to help you see when it’s dim outside. This is a fast cutting cordless, and a standout from the crowd. It has a direct drive system coupled with Makita’s proprietary brushless motor which makes this perform closer to a gas chainsaw compared to a traditional gear-drive system.

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Cordless Chainsaws — Ideal for Homeowners

Battery powered chainsaws are continuing to evolve at a rapid rate, so much so that they are the type of chainsaws best suited for the needs of homeowners. Even a massive company like Husqvarna, which has traditionally focused on gas tools has shifted their focus to battery powered tools. Expect some big changes to the Husqvarna line of cordless tools in 2023 — just a guess based on what I’ve been reading. The reason is simple — it’s the fastest growing tool market. Cordless chainsaws require very little maintenance, are lightweight, don’t create fumes, no gas to deal with and ultimately, they’re very easy to use. We all want convenience.

Simplicity is the sole reason why cordless chainsaws are becoming increasingly more popular.

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Opinion : Craftsman 20V cordless (CMCCS620M1) — This is an excellent little chainsaw that you’ll grow to love over the years, thanks to its compact design, making it easy to pick-up and use anytime. Part of the Craftsman V20 line, the interchangeable battery system allows you to share among the other tools. Need more power, consider the Craftsman V60 (60V) 16″ chainsaw (CMCCS660E1), designed for your larger cutting needs. Read our article on Craftsman chainsaws, and who actually makes them.

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Safe Alternative : Cordless JawSaw by WORX / WG320

Cuts branches up to 4-inches in diameter.

I know, the JawSaw won’t be adequate for everyone because of its limited capacity, but for many people this will be perfect and something you should consider.

Features :

• Steel teeth hold work in place while cutting
• Auto-Tension system
• 20V Battery
• Safe to use!
• Enclosed blade protects you
• Great choice for homeowners

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VIDEO | See if the JawSaw is right for you…

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Why Buy A Cordless Chainsaw?

Cordless chainsaws today can be as powerful as a 45cc gas chainsaw, which means, cordless will meet the needs of the majority of homeowners. They are quieter, produce zero emissions, no maintenance (other than the chain).

My question is : Why wouldn’t you buy a cordless chainsaw? Would you buy a blender that had a gas engine? I read a lot of comments from consumers who always seem surprised when they buy a battery chainsaw and it blows them away at the performance, making them wonder why they ever kept their old gas chainsaws. As humans it’s hard to let go of our preconceptions.

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Intro | Recommended Cordless Chainsaw

Cordless chainsaws, or more specifically – battery powered electric chainsaws, are among the most commonly used power tools in existence. Cordless chainsaws are lighter than their gas-powered counterparts, and are also much easier to handle, making them the perfect choice for casual users or homeowners. The bigger and heavier gas chainsaws (18” bar length and above), are designed to take down trees, chopping down trunks into logs, etc. On the other hand, cordless chainsaws are designed for lighter tasks such as pruning, limbing, or cutting small pieces of firewood.

The focus of this article will be on cordless chainsaws only, hence we are not going to discuss about corded or gas-powered models. We will however, provide you with a comparison between cordless and corded electric chainsaws so that you can gain a better understanding of why one is preferred over the other. We shall also discuss how a battery powered chainsaw works, and educate you on the distinct types of batteries as well as the importance of selecting the correct battery for your cordless chainsaw.

Makita Outdoor Adventure Series

Most homeowners prefer a smaller chainsaw that they can easily pick up without breaking their back, turn on in an instant and have enough power to trim and prune their trees in a controlled manner. This NEW 12″ Makita (ADCU10SM1) was released at the end of 2023 as part of Makita’s new Outdoor Adventure series. It’s identical to the Makita XCU10Z model, which is one of the top rated chainsaws. You can be certain this special version will live up to being one of the best cordless chainsaws money can buy.

In addition to the advanced technology, it looks stylish and stands out from the crowd. Personally, I like the styling. There are a lot of good reasons to buy this 18V chainsaw besides the way it looks. The engineering is exceptional, here’s why:

It uses Makita’s proprietary direct drive system and brushless motor to enable a fast wood cutting speed. This is one of the fastest cutting cordless chainsaws on the market. It’s rated to be equivalent in power to a 22cc gas chainsaw. It has a 12″ chain and only weighs 6.7 lbs. with the included 4Ah battery.

The build quality is phenomenal. This is one of the best lightweight chainsaws for homeowners, with a high power to weight ratio. It’s easy to hold and maneuver — perfect for light-to-medium duty pruning, trimming and limbing.

This cute ultra-compact Makita is literally a breath of fresh air. It’s been engineered to make your cutting easier, which is why they added a Torque Boost button, to give you extra cutting power when your chainsaw encounters hard, thick, or gnarled wood. In addition, you have an LED light that you can toggle on or off when you need to see better in dim lighting. These are two practical features you won’t find elsewhere.

If money is tight for you as it is for a lot of people these days, don’t worry, there are many great options. You don’t need to go in debt to get a decent chainsaw. For example, if the Makita is too much money for you then for about $100 less you can get this GreenWorks 24V cordless chainsaw with a 12″ bar and chain.

Affordable 40V Cordless Chainsaw — Worx Nitro WG385

The Worx Nitro WG385 is another quality cordless chainsaw from the brand. They repeatedly create high value tools and this Nitro cordless is a part of their latest line of tools. It’s the right size and weight to handle most traditional cutting tasks around the home Highly recommended. Exceptional value if you’re on a budget.

Features :

• 40V cordless chainsaw features high-speed 16 in. bar & chain for professional-grade performance and cutting capacity.
• Brushless motors are more efficient, run 50% longer, are 25% more powerful, and have a 10% longer life.
• One-step tool-less chain tension for convenient, fast, and easy chain tension adjustments.
• Cordless chainsaw features automatic chain lubrication for hassle-free, efficient cutting with increased bar & chain life.
• 16 in. chainsaw features chain-brake guard for added safety and security.
• Battery powered chainsaw features charge level indicator for quick reference to remaining runtime.

The older WG384 can be found at an excellent price in 2023. These WORX chainsaws are among the best value for homeowners who need power but don’t want to break the bank or dip into their savings. WORX is a real consumer brand with a commitment to making products real people can afford. I applaud them for their philosophy and spirit of innovation.

WORX WG384 : Popular with Homeowners / Priced Right

The WORX WG384, seen here, is an excellent choice in 2023 and here’s why — it’s well-balanced and lightweight at 10.4 lbs. This makes it easy to hold and handle, reducing strain on your arms, neck and shoulder. With a 14″ bar & chain it’s the optimal size for homeowners, as long as you don’t have to fell large trees on a regular basis. In addition, it has enough power at 40-Volts to handle any wood cutting you need.

Fact is, the WG384 hits the sweet spot for battery chainsaws because it’s not too small and not too big, at a price that many people can afford. And — it has an automatic chain tensioning system to keep the chain on and snug. It deserves your serious consideration for the best cordless chainsaw you won’t regret buying.

Choosing the Right Chainsaw

While it is true that cordless chainsaws and electric chainsaws in general, are preferred to carry out small – medium sized tasks, there are a few cordless chainsaws that can rival larger/ heavier gasoline chainsaws when it comes to cutting speed and overall power. We have included reviews for some of the most popular cordless chainsaw models available in the market. These reviews will help you choose the perfect cordless chainsaw for yourself, and will also give you an idea of the features that you can expect to find in a good cordless chainsaw in a specific price range.

The key point to remember while browsing these reviews is that there is no single “best chainsaw” out there for you to buy. If that were the case, more than half the chainsaw manufacturers would be out of business, and we could wrap up the entire article with a review of that single almighty chainsaw. Every chainsaw caters to a specific group of potential buyers, based on its size and features. Different chainsaw models have unique strengths and weaknesses, which we have made sure to highlight so that you can choose the one which confirms to your specific needs.

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Reviews : Best Cordless Chainsaws

After the reviews, we’ll discuss how a chainsaw works and the main differences between a corded and cordless chainsaw. We’ll also discuss which features are important to have in a chainsaw, along with chainsaw maintenance and safety tips. All of this information will educate you on how to choose a battery-powered chainsaw for yourself or perhaps a family member. Maybe it’s for your wife, or for the two of you to share. I feel that battery models are the way to go, as they are the most convenient to use.

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Review / Greenworks 12″ 40V (20262)

Always on the best selling list.

This little chainsaw is suitable for people who are new to chainsaws and want something that’s easy to manage — meaning, not too heavy, with enough power to prune trees and/or cut branches or fell trees under 10-inches in diameter. The main advantage of battery chainsaws is the ability to quickly grab it, turn it on, do your cutting and put it back in the garage with barely a sweat. No maintenance to worry about, unlike gas.

I’m a fan of the Greenworks brand as they continually manage to release products that homeowners can afford and yet they give you a lot of standard features which customers come to expect. Price is always a factor people consider before making a purchase. Customers are happy with the quality and ease of use. If you don’t need to cut wood above 10″ then look no further. Overall, it’s a well-made compact chainsaw.

Features : 20V Greenworks

• 12″ Oregon bar and chain, perfect for cutting branches and limbs with ease
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank makes it easy to check oil levels at a glance
• Compatible with GreenWorks G-MAX 40V Li-Ion System
  • 40V G-Max and 40V Lithium-Ion Batteries are not cross compatible; this tool is compatible with the G-Max 2.0 Ah battery (29462) and the G-Max 4.0 Ah battery (29472)

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Review / BLACK+DECKER LCS1240

A recommended cordless chainsaw for homeowners who appreciate simplicity, and have a limited budget.

Features:

• 40V MAX* Lithium Ion battery is always ready and holds a charge up to 18 months
• 12″ Oregon low-kickback bar and chain for smooth and fast cuts
• 40V MAX* 2.0Ah Battery provides over 60 4×4 pine lumber cuts on average per single charge
• Automatic oiling system for constant lubrication of bar and chain
• Tool-less chain tensioning for fast and easy adjustments
• Full wrap around handle for comfortable cutting in different orientations
• Battery state of charge indicator
• Part of the 40V MAX* outdoor system

Overview —

From one of the biggest names in the chainsaw industry, comes a rather small cordless chainsaw. But wait – don’t be fooled by its size. The BLACK + DECKER LCS1240 is deceptively powerful for a 12” battery powered chainsaw. And it is immensely fun to use, whether you are working on a home improvement project, pruning trees in your lawn, or cutting away branches from a giant firewood tree that you felled with your professional-grade 21” gas chainsaw.

The LCS1240 is fitted with a 12” low-kickback Oregon bar and chain, along with a guide bar scabbard that protects the chain whenever it is not in use. Powered by a 40V lithium ion battery, the LCS1240’s chain runs at a speed of 5 meters/ s, allowing this chainsaw to cut through 4 x 4 pine lumber nearly 13% faster than one of its primary competitors, the Ryobi RY40500 (also a 40V cordless 12” chainsaw).

The BLACK + DECKER LCS1240 doesn’t just cut fast, it is also very easy to maintain. Thanks to the automatic oiler and tool-less chain tensioning, you can forget about manually lubricating or tightening the saw chain. Two concentric dials are located on top of the bar nut, rotate the inner dial to loosen the bar, and turn the outer dial to tension the chain. The oil cap is located right next to the foregrip, and there is a transparent oil level indicator window which lets you keep a tab on saw chain oil levels while working/ before starting the saw. The 40V MAX 2.0 Ah lithium ion battery included with this chainsaw allows you to make over 60 cuts (on average) in 4 x 4 pine lumber per charge.

While the LCS1240’s primary job is to cut small pieces of firewood and chop down small tree limbs, it can be used to fell trees with trunks up to 8 or 9 inches in thickness. The LCS1240 can cut through pine and oak, even redwood and spruce if you keep the chain sharp and well maintained at all times. But don’t try to cut logs or trunks thicker than 10”, because that’s when the little electric motor in this chainsaw begins to show its limits. Pushing it too far could overload the circuit and cause a burnout in the motor coils. The battery has an LED indicator bar that shows you how much charge is left, very handy to know if you are out in the woods cutting firewood (we recommend getting an extra battery for outdoor cutting).

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Husqvarna 120i Review

Excellent 40V cordless chainsaw. Compact and built for the long-term.

Features:

• Save mode allows you to maximize your run time by allowing the motor to work more efficiently
• Brushless electric motor has an innovative design to deliver high efficiency and maximizes run time while extending life of the tool
• Low Vib anti-vibration dampeners absorb vibration, reducing the impact on your arms and hands
• Features Husqvarna’s TrioBrake, an innovative way of stopping the chain rapidly.
• 14-In. Bar and chain optimized for powerful cutting performance
• Intuitive key pad for simple operation and soft grip handle for additional user comfort
• Ideal for pruning, cutting branches and felling smaller trees and comes with a 2-year Warranty

Overview —

It is a Husqvarna, so we probably don’t have to talk about how well built and reliable this chainsaw is. Anyone who has done their research on chainsaws knows that Husqvarna is one of the few companies that keeps pumping out quality products year after year, no exceptions made at any price range. Still, why should you buy the 120i? What makes this Husqvarna battery powered chainsaw different from any other similarly sized cordless model? Well, let us start with the basics.

The Husqvarna 120i is one of the fastest 14” cordless models out there, with a maximum chain speed of nearly 11.5 meters per second. It is capable of slicing through hardwoods like oak, pine, ash, redwood, etc. with relative ease when compared to other 14” cordless chainsaws in the market. It is however slightly louder than most 14” cordless chainsaws of this size, producing nearly 97dB(A) of sound (measured at operating distance).

Well, we know that the Husqvarna 120i can cut really well. But that’s not all – it is also extremely easy to maintain, thanks to the uniquely designed flip-up oil cap and toolless chain tensioning system. The flip-up oil cap is an excellent feature, it is so simple, yet very helpful. You don’t have to unscrew and put away the cap, all you do is push in the cap head and it pops out by itself, remaining attached to the hinge. As soon as you are done refilling the bar oil, flip it back into the closed position. This is especially useful in outdoor scenarios where you are cutting a large amount of wood, and every second of downtime avoided is crucial to increasing overall efficiency.

Although the 120i is labelled as a “casual” chainsaw by Husqvarna, it is more than capable of cutting down small trees with trunks as thick as 9 to 10”. One of the major assets of this chainsaw is its attention to safety – equipped with a low kickback chain and an inertial chain brake, the chances that you will get hurt by this saw is very low. But as usual, there are no exceptions when it comes to chainsaw safety, and we recommend that you read through the safety and maintenance section at the end of this article to learn more about operating your chainsaw in a safe and reliable manner.

The Husqvarna 120i is also one of the lightest 14” cordless chainsaws in existence, at just 10.8 pounds with bar and chain attached. It uses a 36.5 V lithium ion battery, and features a special savE mode that trims down on energy consumption and noise levels by running the motor at a lower speed. This mode is very useful when you are cutting firewood or pruning trees in an urban area, or in the morning when people are still asleep. It also increases battery life, but at the cost of power output. Use it only for light tasks. Time needed to charge the 36V 4.0 Ah battery is 100 – 140 minutes.

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Worx WG322 / Best Lightweight Cordless Chainsaw

Great buy. A well-priced battery chainsaws that won’t deplete your bank account.

Features:

• Cordless 20V PowerShare chain saw for fast, clean cuts
• Automatic, tool-free chain tension system
• Automatic chain lubrication with oil level indicator
• Compact and light weight design
• Includes battery indicator for quick battery life review.

Overview —

Cheap, lightweight, and fun to use – the WORX WG322 is an amazing cordless chainsaw for home improvement/ DIY projects, and general lawn maintenance tasks. It features a tool – free chain tensioning system which allows you to adjust chain tension in the middle of work by just rotating a dial. No need to meddle with nuts and bolts, no need to carry tools with you – just release the trigger which will cause the motor to automatically shut down, activate the chain brake, and proceed to turn the large black dial that is conveniently located right next to where the bar meets the chainsaw. You will also notice that the WORX WG322 is very compact and ergonomic, making it a brilliant choice for both young users and senior citizens.

There is a battery charge level indicator, and the whole unit weighs just 6.2 pounds. It uses a 10” bar and chain, both of which are optimized for low kickback. The 20V lithium ion battery provides sufficient energy to the motor for it to spin the 40-link chain at a speed of 3.81 meter/ s. It is not much, but then you don’t really expect to be felling trees with a cordless 10” chainsaw, do you?

VIDEO | See the Worx WG322 in action

The WORX WG322 is perfect for light tasks such as pruning, DIY projects, limbing, etc. You can use it to cut small pieces of firewood, but the battery won’t last very long with tasks like that. In that case, you might want to purchase a second 20V lithium ion battery for this chainsaw, if you wish to cut firewood with it. Remember – the 20V battery that comes with this chainsaw needs 5 hours to go from zero to full charge, so if you plan to do anything other than pruning or home improvement stuff, you better have a second battery charged and ready.

A charger is included along with the chainsaw, and we searched for any sort of quick charge accessory that might be available for this particular model, but found none. It requires an extremely long amount of time to charge the 20V battery on this model, unlike most other cordless chainsaws we have reviewed until now. But then again, it is one of the cheapest cordless chainsaws on the market and barely weighs 6 pounds with the 10” bar and chain attached. It is clearly not intended for usage in deep forests, as you can tell by the 3.81 meter/ s chain speed.

The automatic oiler and toolless chain tensioning is really good to have on such an affordable model, and the overall ergonomics are pretty good. All things considered, a great little battery powered option for people who need a compact, quiet, and maintenance free cordless chainsaw for cutting and pruning tress in their yard, or for miscellaneous DIY projects.

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DEWALT — 20V / Best Top Handle Cordless

Best top handle cordless chainsaw, for cutting above ground. (Read our indepth review)

Features:

• Low kick back 12 in. Oregon bar and chain for construction and outdoor cutting applications
• Compact, lightweight design (just 9 lbs. with battery) for maximum user control
• High-efficiency brushless motor maximizes runtime and motor life
• Up to 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure treated wood (using a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery)
• Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force
• Part of the 20V MAX* system of tools

Overview

DEWALT has designed this chainsaw specifically for people who wish to prune trees, do DIY projects, and occasionally cut firewood, but don’t want to go through the hassle of owning a gas chainsaw. It is powered by a 20V lithium ion battery just like the Worx WG322, but this battery delivers 5Ah of charge which results in a chain speed of nearly 7.68 meters/ s compared to the mere 3.81 meter/ s chain speed of the WG322. Also, the DCCS620P1 features a 12” Oregon bar and chain which allows it to make larger cuts than the Worx WG322. A more powerful brushless motor than the WG322 enables the DEWALT DCCS620P1 to cut through medium to large-sized chunks of firewood, tree limbs as thick as 8 – 9 inches, and much more.

DEWALT claims that the DCCS620P1 is suited for outdoor applications, such as cutting firewood in forests, or even construction work. It does require a different kind of chain to be used in construction work, but the motor on this chainsaw is definitely not weak by any means. If anything, this might be the most powerful 20V cordless chainsaw in the market, thanks to the high discharge lithium ion battery and advanced brushless motor. The motor in the DCCS620P1 generates 0.2 Nm of torque, and the chain used is a 0.043-gauge low kickback Oregon chain with 45 links. Toolless chain tensioning and automatic oiling greatly help decrease maintenance work, while the compact yet sturdy design enables you to exert yourself without worrying about damaging the saw.

Excellent jobsite chainsaw | Engineered to last

It uses the DEWALT DCB205 20V 5Ah battery, and weighs about 8.8 pounds with bar and chain attached. The DEWALT DCCS620P1 is actually a kit that includes the battery and charging kit along with the chainsaw. If you want just the chainsaw, without battery or charger, then you might want to check out the DEWALT model DCCS620B. There are some things in particular that stand out and are worth mentioning – if you purchase the whole kit, i.e. the DCCS620P1 which contains a battery and charger along with the DCCS620B chainsaw, you will find that the included charger has a special hot/ cold delay charging function. It is a really cool feature actually, the charger can sense when the battery is too hot or too cold, and will not begin charging until the battery reaches a certain temperature range.

This feature is very useful in both hot and cold weather, and can come in handy when you have been using the saw for a long time and immediately pop out the battery and put it into the charger. If you have been cutting large logs or hardwood, the battery will probably be quite hot and therefore the charger will not charge it to prevent risk of damage or explosions. The same happens when you have left your chainsaw out in freezing weather and realize that the battery is too low, the charger will not charge it if it is freezing.

One more safety measure is the EPS (Electronic Protection System). It is designed to protect the battery or motor from overheating, overloading, etc. The system will automatically shut down the chainsaw in case of extreme loads. Add to that the inertial chain brake, and you got yourself a light, sturdy, and extremely reliable 12” cordless chainsaw that can be used for post-storm cleanup tasks, cutting firewood, limbing, pruning, and DIY projects.

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Oregon Cordless 40V CS300-R7 / Self-Sharpening Chain

Features:

• Power Sharp system – Sharpens on the saw, on the job in seconds. From dull to sharp in as little as three seconds
• Brushless motor – high performance; high torque and power for fast cutting with a 16″ (40cm) Bar
• Tool-less tension system
• Instant start – No gas-oil mixing; No pull cords; No warm-up & No emissions
• 40V max Lithium ion power for 50% more run time over the CS300-A6 (4.0 Ah) chainsaw
• Premium cell technology means constant no-fade power and holds a charge in storage for months
• Run time – Cuts up to 600 branches 2-3 inch in diameter on a single battery charge

Overview

The only cordless chainsaw on the entire market to be equipped with PowerSharp, a revolutionary self  – sharpening system which lets you sharpen the chain while working, on the field. No need to take out the bar and chain, set up a platform, or meddle with files and other sharpening tools. All you need to do is engage the red sharpening lever located right on top of the toolless chain tensioning dial, and then press the throttle.

This will run the chain on top of a special designed grindstone which is concealed underneath the bar cover, sharpening the .050-gauge low profile Oregon chain within a matter of seconds. Not only does this save you from the tedium of having to take apart the entire bar and chain system and manually doing the job, but it also ensures that each saw tooth is sharpened evenly. This will guarantee that your cuts are even, and the chainsaw won’t run off towards a particular direction while cutting through a log of wood, something that happens when inexperienced users manually sharpen the saw chain and forget to double check each link to make sure that all cutters are evenly sharpened.

Has an impressive built in chain sharpening system

But that’s not all the good stuff, the CS300 is also the most powerful cordless chainsaw ever built by Oregon. It is powered by a high torque brushless motor which makes less noise and wastes less energy, resulting in 40% more power and torque than its famous predecessor, the Oregon CS250 cordless chainsaw. Powered by a 40V 2.0 Ah MAX lithium ion battery, the Oregon CS300 is more than ready to take on tasks such as felling, bucking, and buttress root removal. The saw weighs 12 pounds with battery and 16” bar + chain attached, and is ergonomically designed to provide a great user experience. The weight is evenly distributed, and the handles are well padded with cushioning materials. The wrap around handlebar is strengthened with a metal tube, and steel bucking spikes adorn the front of this chainsaw.

In terms of safety features, there is an inertial chain brake on the front, along with an electric brake which you can activate from the rear console. There is an oil level window on the rear, and the large red oil cap is in a convenient to access position. The Oregon GCS80420 can cut through an 8” pine log in about 9.94 seconds, and can make 47 such cuts with a fully charged 40V 4.0Ah battery (the one that comes in the default configuration). You can choose to go with a 2.0 Ah for lighter tasks, at the expense of decreased runtime. Or, you can buy the most expensive battery for this saw – a 40V 6.0 Ah pack which allows you to fell and buck small trees for an hour or more continuously before you have to recharge the battery.

The battery needs 4 hours to fully recharge, which is a bit of a concern. Especially when you consider the GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 18” chainsaw that has an 80V battery which can recharge in just 30 minutes. And the GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 is also more powerful, capable of making larger cuts. But it is not as light and easy to handle as the Oregon CS300, and the automatic chain sharpening system of the CS300 is a huge bonus that no other competitor on the market has right now.

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Best Value Cordless Chainsaw ➤WEN 40V Chainsaw / 40417

A easy to use cordless model that customers love. Recommended.

The WEN 40417 is a phenomenal buy. Anyone who has used it, absolutely loves it. It cuts as fast a gas chainsaw, the design is solid. It does not leak oil, a common issue with many chainsaws — but not this one. Reliability is as good as the top brands,. If you’re on a budget and need a powerful chainsaw that won’t make you feel like you’ve compromised, well, this is it.

Even if you’re wealthy, this is a capable 16″ chainsaw that will easily handle any tree maintenance work, as well as limbing, bucking and even some firewood. its biggest Achilles is the battery so buy a second one and you won’t regret it.

Features:

• Ditch the gasoline, extension cords and maintenance required with alternative chainsaws
• Brushless motor maximizes both the torque and the lifespan of the unit
• 16-inch Oregon chain runs at speeds of up to 49 feet per second
• Included 40-Volt 4Ah fade-free lithium-ion battery and charger compatible with the entire WEN 40V Max Series
• Backed by a two-year warranty

Overview —

The WEN 40417 is a 16” cordless chainsaw with all the good things you would expect from one of the best chainsaw manufacturers in the market. It has all the standard safety stuff – inertial chain brake, safety switch, throttle lock, chain guard, etc. The WEN 40417 is also powered by a brushless DC motor, much like any other premium cordless chainsaw.

This motor in particular, is designed to take advantage of the powerful 40V 4.0 Ah lithium ion battery. Not only is the MAX lithium ion battery really high capacity, but it is also fade-free. Which basically means that the power output of the motor will not decrease whenever the battery gets low on charge. This used to be an issue with previous generations of cordless power tools, especially the ones that used NiCad batteries.

Included along with the chainsaw itself, are the following three items – a 40V 4Ah MAX lithium ion battery, charger, and a scabbard to protect the chain/ bar from damage during storage or transportation. Toolless chain tensioning allows for quick and effortless adjustment of chain tension, while the see-through oil level indicator makes it easy for the user to know when an oil refill is due.

Despite being one of the more powerful 16” cordless chainsaws, the WEN 40417 weighs only 12 pounds with the battery attached. Maximum torque is very impressive as well – 1.7 Nm. Combine that with the maximum chain speed of up to 49 feet/ s, and you’ve got yourselves a worthy alternative to a 45cc gas chainsaw.

Excellent build quality. Metal internal components.

Based on customer reports and testing, the WEN 40417 is about 80-85% as powerful as a gas chainsaw of comparable size and weight (most of them in the 38 – 45cc range). But the slight loss in raw cutting power is more than made up for by the excellent design and maintenance free nature of this chainsaw. No need to pull starter cords every time you lift up the chainsaw, no need to mix gas an oil, no more loud noises and stinking gasoline exhaust in your face.

All you have to do with this chainsaw is recharge the battery and refill the chain oil. It is quiet, emission-free, and requires almost zero maintenance. On top of that, the ergonomics and handling are excellent. Grips are coated with rubber padding, and the metal chassis feels sturdy enough for heavy tasks such as felling or bucking.

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Snapper XD SXDCS82 / Underrated Cordless

82V Cordless 18-Inch Chainsaw

Overview —

Reliable, easy to start, maintenance-free, and quiet – the Snapper XD SXDCS82 has all the qualities of a good cordless chainsaw. It is powered by an 82V MAX lithium ion battery designed by Briggs & Stratton. This 82V battery is designed to be compatible across the entire family of 82V Snapper lawn maintenance tools.

There are metal gripping teeth mounted on the front which dig into the bark of a tree as the 18” Oregon low kickback chain effortlessly slices through even the hardest of woods. Powered by a brushless 1200-watt motor, there is no shortage of power or torque, and you are provided with a metal wrap around handlebar to help channel all of that power into the tree that you are cutting.

The Snapper XD SXDCS82 model includes just the tool, and you will have to buy the battery and charger separately. There is a 5-year warranty on the chainsaw, so you can rest assured that should anything happen to your Snapper XD SXDCS82, it will be covered by the manufacturer. Operator comfort has been put on the forefront, which is why there is a full metal handle and ample amounts of rubber cushioning which reduces fatigue and increases your grip.

The Oregon 18” bar and chain are lubricated by an automatic oiler system, so all you have to do is pour in some chain oil and you are ready to start cutting. There is a blade safety lockout handle to disable the chain, along with the mandatory inertial chain brake. The chainsaw weighs just 7.6 pounds (no battery installed), and its weight is ergonomically balanced for optimal user experience.

Although there is no onboard chain tension adjustment because of the heavy duty double nut bar mount, you will find that the operating handle on the rear has a little pocket cutout on the underside. This pocket contains a chain tensioning tool, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a scrench around with you at all times.

The view windows allows you to monitor on chain oil levels at all times, and the 82V MAX lithium ion battery has a charge level indicator on the back, so you know when it’s time for a recharge. Thankfully, the battery (2.0 Ah version) only takes about 30 minutes to go from zero to full, and if you are using a 4 Ah battery, it will take 1 hour to recharge.

GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 80V

Will replace a 45cc gas chainsaw. Portable power anytime.

Overview | GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 80V

Want the power of a gas chainsaw, but without all the hassle that comes with owning one? In that case, you might need one of these – the GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 80V cordless chainsaw. Its brushless electric motor and massive 80V lithium ion battery allows the GCS80420 to cut through wood with speeds comparable to a 45cc gasoline chainsaw. Perfect for cutting firewood, limbing, and even bucking small to medium sized trees, while the 18” bar and chain allows this chainsaw to comfortably slice through 10” thick tree trunks without showing the slightest sign of overloading or stalling.

It has been reported by many buyers that the GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 80V cordless chainsaw is capable of bucking hardwood logs that are between 16 to 20 inches in diameter. It isn’t comparable to a professional 18” gas chainsaw, but the 80V battery and uniquely designed brushless motor allow this cordless chainsaw to accomplish feats previously unheard of in the electric chainsaw world.

The best part about this chainsaw is its versatility and completely zero need for maintenance. Yes, you will need to recharge the battery after a few hours of work, since this is a cordless chainsaw after all. It will please you to know that recharging the battery from full to zero only takes 30 minutes, so you can keep working all day if you have two batteries with you. Pop one in, while the other is recharging. By the time the current one runs out of charge, the other one will have finished recharging. Swap them back and forth, and you could theoretically do this all day.

Something like this is not possible with most cordless chainsaws, since they use smaller and less advanced battery packs which run out sooner and need 1-2 hours in order to charge up. The GCS80420 is equipped with a metal wraparound handle, steel bucking spikes, and an electric chain brake – all of which make it suitable for both hobbyists and professional usage.

It uses the Oregon Low Profile Chamfer Chisel 91PX chain, which features ramp shaped depth gauges that help in reducing kickback (meets ANSI B.175.1 standards for low kickback). The bar is an Oregon Double Bar 91 (18”), it is lightweight and features a nose sprocket along with a small radius nose tip to reduce kickback and deliver a smoother cutting experience. Chain speed is 15 meters/ s, which is nearly twice as fast as most standard cordless chainsaws. GreenWorks claims that their 80V 2.0 Ah battery packs enough juice to make 150 cuts of 4 x 4 treated lumber. But the battery can run down quickly depending on the type of wood you are trying to cut.

You should be able to fell and buck a medium sized tree with one full battery, but if you intend to cut substantial amounts of firewood or fell/ buck multiple trees on a daily basis, we highly recommend getting the 4.0 Ah battery, or two 2.0 Ah batteries so that you can charge one while the other is working. The GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 80V cordless chainsaw is one of the very few electric chainsaws that we can actually recommend for medium and heavy-duty tasks such as felling, bucking, or removal of buttress roots.

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Battery Powered vs Corded Chainsaws

Gasoline chainsaws definitely have their place, but they are being heavily contested by the continuously growing electric chainsaw industry which keeps pumping out faster, lighter, and more powerful electric chainsaws with each passing year. Electricity is the cleanest form of energy, and is extremely easy to store (in batteries) or transport (through power lines). Both corded and cordless chainsaws are powered by electrical energy, both designs have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

In this section, we shall talk about the strengths and weaknesses of corded as well as cordless chainsaws, so that you, the buyer, can gain a better understanding of why you should purchase a corded or cordless chainsaw. On the surface, it seems obvious – one has a cord attached to it, the other doesn’t. But there is more to it than just that, and these two types of electric chainsaws can vary widely in terms of prices, cutting power, size, etc.

Corded Chainsaws

Since we have been talking exclusively about cordless chainsaws until now, let us take a small break and discuss corded chainsaws. These machines are very much like their cordless counterparts on the inside, and rely on converting electrical energy into physical force in order to drive a saw chain. However, the corded chainsaw operates on AC power, whereas a cordless chainsaw operates on DC power. AC is the current that is supplied through the power grids to your homes, it is an abbreviation for alternating current.

North American homes are powered by 110V AC, most other parts of the world use 220V AC power. Which is why we don’t recommend purchasing a corded chainsaw from Europe, and plugging it into your home in the US. That could produce a lot of sparks and some magical blue fumes that you don’t want to deal with. You can however, purchase a cordless chainsaw from Europe and use it in the States without having to worry about burnouts or sparks. Irrespective of where you go in the world, a 20V 3.0 Ah battery still means a 20V 3.0 Ah battery.

Slightly more powerful…

A cordless chainsaw is able to draw more amps of electricity because it is powered directly from the wall, and has access to a full 110 volts of electricity. The motors in a cordless chainsaw are designed to draw more current and spin faster than the motor in an average cordless chainsaw. But advancements in technology has brought the cordless chainsaw closer than ever to corded models in terms of power output, take chainsaws like the DEWALT DCCS690H1 (40V) and GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 (80V) for example.

These newer cordless chainsaws are powered by high capacity lithium ion batteries which are designed to discharge massive amounts of current when the motor needs it, allowing the motor to approach the performance level of a 45cc gasoline 2-stroke engine. We shall discuss more about volts, amps, and ampere hours in a later section, but for now all you need to know is that the average corded chainsaw will have a slight power advantage on a cordless model. Not enough to make a noticeable difference in real world scenarios, but it’s there on paper. If you are a professional who cuts down large trees on a daily basis, we suggest ditching electric chainsaws altogether and going for a professional grade gasoline chainsaw.

Lighter

An electric motor needs energy in order to run. The motor takes electrical energy supplied to it from a power source, and then it converts that energy into rotary motion. In the case of a corded chainsaws, the power source is located away from the chainsaw. It is fed by an external power outlet in your home, hence the overall weight is reduced in comparison to a battery powered chainsaw which carries the power source onboard, in the form of a lithium ion battery pack. Depending on the capacity of your chainsaw battery, it can constitute up to half the weight of the bare chainsaw itself.

Cordless chainsaw manufacturers have been trying to make lighter and higher capacity batteries for several years, and some companies like Makita, GreenWorks, and DEWALT have succeeded in developing incredibly high-capacity batteries that are smaller and lighter than previous generation batteries.

Cheaper

This can be derived from the previous point that we made – a cordless chainsaw doesn’t use batteries. That makes it inherently cheaper than a corded chainsaw. Imagine buying a corded chainsaw without the batteries, that is how much the equivalent cordless chainsaw would cost. Corded chainsaws are also equipped with LED based consoles and battery charge indicators which add a little bit of extra overhead in terms of manufacturing costs, resulting in a higher retail price.

No interruptions

This is possibly the biggest advantage that cordless chainsaws have over their wire-free counterparts. You can run them for as long as they are plugged into a live power outlet. No recharging needed, as long as you have paid your electricity bills.

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Cordless Chainsaws

We are going to discuss about batteries and motors in the next section, so let us not go too deep into the workings of a cordless chainsaw. We know a few things about them – they are heavier and more expensive than their cordless counterparts, and their runtime is limited by the battery. But there is one major advantage that the cordless chainsaw has over the corded chainsaw, and it is portability. Think about it – which is more convenient to carry around with you, a cellphone or a giant landline telephone? Obviously the one that is not limited by wires, i.e. the cellphone. Let us talk about the advantages of a cordless chainsaw.

Portability

Everyone that’s ever used a corded power tool will complain about one thing – lack of mobility. Move too far away from the power outlet, and your corded chainsaw transforms into dead weight. You can’t even dream of using corded chainsaw more than 100 feet away from the house, and people who live in ranches or go out into the woods to cut firewood can never get their heads around using a chainsaw that is powered through a cord. There is a reason ranch owners and loggers haven’t moved away from gas chainsaws completely, and power isn’t the only factor. A gas chainsaw can be used literally anywhere as long as you have gas to refuel it. In this respect, you can say that a cordless chainsaw is more similar to a gas-powered chainsaw because it too can be used anywhere as long as you have a charged battery.

Easier to use and much safer: Cordless chainsaws are especially handy when you need to work in an area that is far away from a power outlet, or if you simply need freedom of motion. Because let’s be honest over here – the giant cord attached to the rear end of an electric chainsaw isn’t just limiting your range, it is also weighing you down since the cord itself probably weighs a couple of pounds. Not to mention, the kinds of problems that can occur when a kid or your pet dog/cat runs into one of these cords while you are working.

Can be used during a blackout

If you were to buy an electric chainsaw for post-storm cleanup work or rescue operations, would you get a corded or cordless model? The answer is pretty simple – you will get the one that functions even when the entire power grid has been blown out, i.e. the cordless chainsaw. A cordless chainsaw is more reliable, more portable, and easier to handle despite being slightly heavier (because there isn’t a giant 60-foot long cord hanging off the back).

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Maintenance and Safety Tips

Modern cordless chainsaws are loaded with advanced safety features such as electric brakes, audio based alarm systems, throttle locks, and overload protection systems. However, the biggest and most important safety feature of any chainsaw is always going to be YOU, the user. That’s right, a little bit of training and common sense goes a very long way, preventing accidents that could potentially take a limb or two from your body.

The chainsaw is a magnificent cutting machine, it is compact and extremely powerful at what it does. But the saw chain cannot differentiate between wood and human flesh, and it won’t stop until the brake is applied. It is extremely important that you wear the proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) while operating any kind of chainsaw, be it electric or gas. Always wear a pair of protective goggles, use mufflers for your ears (even electric chainsaws are extremely loud), and invest in a nice pair of chainsaw chaps.

These chaps will protect the one part of your body that is most likely to be damaged in the event of a chainsaw accident – the legs. Or more specifically, your thighs and ankles. Make sure that the chaps your purchase are thicker than ordinary, because electric motors do not stop as easily as gasoline engines, and some thinner chaps will not be able to protect your leg before the cordless chainsaw cuts into it. Ask the dealer if a pair of chaps is suitable for usage around electric chainsaws, since some chaps are specifically marked to be suitable for electric chainsaws.

A 5-layer protective chap or higher is recommended if you use a cordless chainsaw, remember that electric motors hit maximum torque almost immediately upon starting and don’t lose their power curve even when the motor is under heavy load. Here are a few tips which will help you get the most out of your cordless chainsaw:

Always make sure that the oil tank is filled with the specific oil type that is recommended in the owner’s manual. Don’t use ordinary motor oil, chain oil is specifically designed for chainsaws and is thicker than traditional motor oil. It also contains special additives that prevent dust and sand from adhering to the chain links/ bar. Remember to use a slightly less viscous oil during the winter.

Always check the chainsaw before you start it – are all the fasteners in place, and tightened properly? Is the chain sharp? Does the guide bar look cracked, bent, or fatigued? Keep the guide bar clean and remove sawdust/ dust from the spaces between the bar and chain with the help of a wire or pipe cleaner.

Never perform any kind of maintenance work while the chainsaw is running. Always take your finger off the trigger, and shut down the power.

Before you put the battery into the charger, make sure it isn’t too hot. A hot battery will take longer to charge, and might even blow up. Batteries tend to get heated when the motor draws more current, i.e. when you are doing some real heavy duty cutting.

Don’t push your cordless chainsaw too hard, or else you might end up burning the motor/ battery. Most good cordless chainsaws will have an overload protection system that kicks in whenever the battery or motor is getting too hot, or when the system detects an abnormally high amount of current in the circuit. It should automatically stop the chainsaw, and will inform you that the motor is under high stress.

Remember to clean the hard to reach areas of your cordless chainsaw with a can of compressed air, since it will blow out all the sawdust, dirt, grass, etc. that is accumulated within the bar and chainsaw housing.

Before starting the chainsaw, check if the automatic oiler is working. To do this, put the chainsaw on a stable platform and place a sheet of paper about 1-2 inches underneath the bar and chain. Give the chain a couple of spins, and you should be able to see a fine spray pattern of oil on the paper. If you can’t see any oil on the paper, or if there is a massive splash of oil along the way, it means something is wrong with the oiler.

Sharpen the chain at regular intervals. A dull chain is easy to detect – not only will it cut slower, but the sawdust that is generated will be extremely fine. A sharp chain will create tiny chips of wood, and a dull chain will throw out a very fine cloud of sawdust. You can sharpen the chain manually, or purchase one of many automatic saw chain sharpening tools available in the market.