Let’s be honest, most homeowners don’t need a heavy-duty gas chainsaw — which is why the Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw (38cc, 16-inch) is a smart choice for the average homeowner. Leave the Husqvarna 455 Rancher chainsaw (55cc, 20-inch) to the experienced chainsaw users who need a lot of power for felling 24-inch trees, but most people don’t need that much power. The smaller the chainsaw, the easier it is to handle.
The Husqvarna 240 chainsaw (Model: 952802154) is ideal for light-duty cutting tasks around the yard, like pruning and limbing branches under 12-inches.
Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw
Are you one of those people who is wasting a tremendous amount of time in your garden? One of the reasons this happens is because the average person doesn’t want to handle an extremely powerful chainsaw. Luckily you don’t have to worry about that because there are smaller alternatives out there.
The Husqvarna 240 chainsaw is the perfect example of a light-duty power tool everyone will love. It’s ideal for tasks like cutting firewood and trimming tree branches. Basic tasks you would expect to carry out in your garden, but you’ll be able to do them a lot quicker when you’re not using a saw or axe.
Gas-Powered vs. Battery-Powered Chainsaws
When you’re on the lookout for a new chainsaw you’ll come across models powered by gasoline and batteries. It would be unfair to say one is better than the other because it depends on your circumstances. Each one has its positives, so we’re going to take a closer look at them before focusing on models like the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw.
Gas-Powered Chainsaw | Benefits
Gas Chainsaws Last A Lot Longer
If you have a lot of logs to cut you’ll never be able to keep going all day when you have a battery-powered chainsaw. You would need to have an unlimited supply of spare batteries. If you don’t have a gas-powered model you’ll eventually need to stop.
Even the best batteries don’t last long and they take a while to charge up. How long do you think it will take to top up your chainsaw with gasoline? If you’re going to be using a chainsaw for more than an hour at a time they are worlds apart.
Perfect To Use In Emergencies
Chainsaws are great power tools to have in emergency situations. If you’ve suffered a violent storm you might need to cut wood to stay warm. It’s also useful to break up branches to clear pathways once they’ve snapped off trees.
When you have a supply of gasoline in your garden shed you’ll be prepared to start once the storm dies down. If you have a chainsaw powered by a battery you won’t be able to do anything until the power comes back on, so they’re basically useless in emergencies.
They’re Ready To Use When You Are
A lot of people say owning a gas-powered chainsaw is hard work, but it depends on how you look at it. Do you really think you’ll remember to keep a battery charged all the time? Even if you will it’s still a job that requires planning.
The moment you want to cut something with a gas chainsaw you’ll be ready to start. We’ve already said it only takes seconds to fill your tank up, so you’ll never find yourself in a situation where you need to sit around twiddling your thumbs.
A little more power | Husqvarna 445 — (18-inch, 45.7cc)
The Husqvarna 445 is essentially the same as the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw, except it’s bigger and more powerful.
Battery-Powered Chainsaw | Benefits
Don’t Release Any Dangerous Fumes
This one should be obvious considering the chainsaw doesn’t use gasoline. Fumes from a gasoline engine can cause a couple of problems. If you want to be more eco-friendly a battery-powered chainsaw will help you protect the environment.
More importantly you’ll also protect yourself, even if you’re not using the chainsaw within a confined space. Toxic fumes can find their way into your lungs unless you’re wearing protection, which isn’t good for your health.
They’re A Lot Friendlier On Your Ears
The reason we were concentrating on models like the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw is because you would be using them in the garden. That means if the chainsaw is quieter it’s a good thing and you won’t end up being hated by those living close to you.
No matter what time of the day you’re cutting wood nobody will appreciate the loud noise. Battery-powered chainsaws are almost silent when you’re not cutting through wood. Even when they do make contact they’re a lot friendlier on your ears.
Powerful & Quiet | DEWALT DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX
You Can Start Them Within Seconds
If you don’t own a gas-powered chainsaw I’m sure you’ll still know how to start one. It will involve pulling on a cord to get the engine up and running. You might have to yank the cord multiple times, especially in winter when it’s cold.
The beauty of models that use electrical power is how easy they are to start. All it involves is pressing a button and your chainsaw will begin working automatically. When you only need to press a button they’re much safer to start too.
Please Note: Each one does possess other benefits, but it depends on the particular model you’re using. We’re going to look at one of each kind today, so we will cover the GreenWorks Pro 80V and Husqvarna 240 chainsaw benefits when discussing them.
Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw — 952802154
Husqvarna 16-inch gas chainsaw
Features:
- Powerful X-Torq engine combines high performance with better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions.
- LowVib anti-vibration system reduces vibration levels to the operator, reducing fatigue.
- Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system that removes larger debris particles before reaching the air filter.
- Combined choke/stop control allows for easier starting and reduces the risk of engine flooding.
- Air purge removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for easy starting.
- Inertia activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback.
- Ideal for light duty, Light-duty, occasional trimming and pruning.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw.
Overview | Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw
Husqvarna needs no introduction because it’s the top chainsaw manufacturer in the world. They’re a global leader in the power tool industry, but it’s their products like the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw that sets them apart. Even though it’s an extremely cheap light-duty tool it’s packed with quality features, so let’s look at what they are:
It Has A Powerful 2HP 38cc Engine
You’ll see a lot of chainsaws with a bigger engine, but the 38cc 9,000rpm one inside the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw is big enough for any job you’ll need to do in the garden. It’s also been designed so there is very little chance of the engine flooding.
A Combined Choke/Stop Control
The reason its engine won’t flood is helped by the combined choke/stop control. This also makes the engine easy to start, which is great considering it’s gas-powered. The Air Purge removing air from the carburetor and fuel system plays a big part in this too.
Comes With Special X-Torq Technology
Even though gas models release fumes the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw has taken the most stringent environment regulations in the world into account. It stops the tool from releasing as much exhaust emissions, plus as a bonus the technology also lowers fuel consumption.
A Centrifugal Air Cleaning System
When someone tells you gas-powered chainsaws need regular maintenance and they often break it’s not always true. The Air Injection on the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw will eliminate large particles before they hit the air filter. It means your air filter will last longer and it also boosts the longevity of the chainsaw itself.
LowVib Technology Reduces Vibrations
Earlier on we didn’t talk about all the traditional benefits of battery-powered chainsaws. This is because reduced vibrations is one of them, but the LowVib technology inside the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw equals some electric models. The technology also reduces user fatigue.
Video | Husqvarna X-Torq Technology
Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw Only Weighs 10 Pounds
The low vibrations might help reduce fatigue, but the chainsaw only weighs a fraction over 10 pounds anyway. It’s unbelievably lightweight considering what the tool can do. The ergonomic design only adds to it being one of the easiest chainsaws on the market to operate.
It’s Not Too Bad On Your Ears
When you’re cutting wood the sound pressure at your ears will be 100.7 dB (decibels). If you can’t imagine how loud it will be it’s similar to your standard kitchen blender. You’ll still have to wear ear protection all the time, but it beats other gas chainsaws.
Please Note: While we’re talking about personal protective equipment (PPE) it would be wise to warn you what else should be worn when operating a chainsaw. A helmet, goggles, cut-proof gloves, and steel-capped boots are the basics necessary too.
An Inertia Initiated Chain Brake
The bar on your Husqvarna 240 chainsaw is 16 inches long, but you don’t need to worry about kickbacks. The inertia initiated chain brake will stop the chain instantly as soon as it shoots upwards. The side-mounted chain tensioner helps prevent accidents too.
Visit the Husqvarna site to learn more about their full range of chainsaws and other power equipment.
GreenWorks Pro 80V Cordless Chainsaw — GCS80420
Features:
- 80V Li-Ion System. Most powerful gas-free cordless chainsaw.
- 18-inch bar and chain.
- Capable of 150+ cuts with fully charged 2.0 Ah battery.
- DigiPro digital controlled brushless motor: 30% more torque and 70% less vibration.
- Equivalent power to 45cc gas engine.
- Large steel bucking spikes and ergonomic metal wrap handle.
- Electronic chain brake for increased user safety.
- On board chain tensioning tool.
- Automatic chain oiling system.
- Multiple battery capacity available.
- 4.0 Ah GreenWorks GBA80400
- 2.0 Ah GreenWorks GBA80200
- Battery and charger sold separately.
- GreenWorks GCH8040 Rapid Charger
- Chainsaw Warranty: 4 years
- Brushless Motor Warranty: 10 years
- One battery system works with a variety of yard tools.
- Professional grade build.
- Translucent Oil Tank.
- Less maintenance, light weight and easy electric start.
- No winterization to worry about.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the GreenWorks PRO 80V Chainsaw.
✓ Read the original press release for the GreenWorks 80V line of tools.
Overview | GreenWorks 80V Pro Chainsaw
We’ve looked at the gas-powered model, so now it’s time to compare it to a battery-powered chainsaw. GreenWorks isn’t in the same league as Husqvarna, but they have managed to manufacture a very impressive cordless chainsaw. Let’s look at some of the features you’ll find on the GreenWorks Pro 80V to see what you think:
Its Power Rival Gas-Powered Chainsaws
The GreenWorks Pro 80V will never be able to compete with bigger chainsaws, but it’s capable of holding its own against light-duty models. Even though it’s rated in electrical terms, it’s said to be the equivalent of a gas chainsaw with a 45cc engine.
DigiPro Digitally Controlled Motor
You’ll get a couple of things with the DigiPro digitally controlled brushless motor. Firstly, it’s going to give you extra power and performance (30 percent more torque + 70 percent less vibration). It’s also been designed so you won’t have to maintain your chainsaw.
You’ll Be Able To Keep Going For An Hour
If you only need to cut wood for around 60 minutes the 80V GreenWorks model will have you covered. It’s been tested extensively and they found it can make roughly 150 cuts before it needs to be recharged, which only takes 30 minutes from empty to full.
Video | GreenWorks Pro GCS80420 — 80V 18″
You Won’t Necessarily Need To Stop
We’ve already said you will never have to stop working if you have the right amount of batteries. The math on this model says two batteries is enough to keep cutting non-stop. Keep in mind, it’s only going to work if you’re cutting close to a power source where you can switch batteries easily.
Press A Button To Start The Chainsaw
This is one of those features you don’t really appreciate unless you have experience pulling a chainsaw cord dozens of times. Even with the special features built into the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw you’ll never be able to start it with a simple push of a button unlike this one.
It Will Feel Like You’re Holding Nothing
The gas chainsaw we’ve already look at weighed 10.3 pounds, so this one is a touch heavier at 10.8 pounds. It’s still so light it will feel like your hands are empty. That is an impressive weight when you consider the GreenWorks Pro 80V has an 18 inch bar.
Multiple Safety Features Built Into It
When using a chainsaw even a battery-powered model can’t be considered a toy, so GreenWorks built safety features into the power tool. It will have an electronic chain brake to stop it spinning around the bar. It’s got a tough metal wrap around handle and steel bucking spikes too.
An Auto-Oiler Keeps The Chain Lubricated
The chain on the GreenWorks Pro 80V will be kept lubricated at all times, which will help produce smooth and effortless cuts. It also makes a big difference to the decibel level, which is 89dB on this model (less than the level where you’ll sustain hearing loss).
Please Note: Although the battery-powered chainsaw is more expensive you should know you’ll only be required to buy the 80V 2Ah Li-ion battery once. If you purchase other products in the GreenWorks 80V lineup you’ll be able to use the same battery on them all. It’s maybe not worth it if you don’t want to remain loyal to GreenWorks.
Read our comprehensive article about the GreenWorks Pro 80V Chainsaw.
The Chainsaw You Won’t Be Able To Live Without
Once you’ve started using a chainsaw you’ll be disappointed it took so long, especially when you consider they’re rather cheap. You just have to decide if the GreenWorks Pro 80V or Husqvarna 240 chainsaw is the right one for you. I’m sure you’re well aware of the benefits each one offers by now.
It would still be worth clicking on one of the links to read the unbiased reviews on Amazon. They might be cheap and effective light-duty models compared to expensive commercial ones, but it’s crucial to do your research when making an important purchase. What could be better than reading what a hundred strangers have to say?