Cordless Chainsaws Review, Top 4 Options

I spent a long period of time figuring out the best model of cordless chainsaws before deciding to test one of them. For other chainsaw users like me who have been using gas-powered chainsaws for a long time, this will be quite common.

A lot of us in this category believe that cordless chainsaws could not be as good as the gas-powered ones. It’s the reason why the result came as a surprise even to myself. You would be astonished to know just what cordless chainsaws are capable of in real-world situations.

In the past few years, the chainsaw has greatly evolved. From the electric chainsaw to the cordless version, there have been significant changes. The motor’s function has also greatly improved due to the design of lead storage cells of high capacity. These help in providing extra power and more efficient performances.

Cordless models offer clean, precise and noiseless cutting that ensures there are no problems during the process. Saws of this mould are properly balanced and also produce great results. Most of the high-quality models have long-lasting batteries that will run for an extended period so users will be able to use the chainsaws without worrying about power issues.

The list below will provide you with details concerning some of the best cordless chainsaws on the market. Try to look at the features so you have an idea of what to expect when purchasing a particular one.

 

  1. Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw

This Greenworks model, with the help of its 48v lithium-ion battery, can be able to offer very high performance. The chainsaw also comes with a chain and bar that is 12 inches of steel.

Greenworks G40CS30K2 Cordless Chainsaw, 30cm Bar...
  • POWERFUL, LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT 30cm CHAINSAW - weighing only 3.7kg with comfortable,...
  • NEW GENERATION LITHIUM 40V 2Ah BATTERY – powered by an advanced battery that you can use in...
  • EFFICIENT, SAFER, SPEEDY CUTTING - a fast chain speed of 4.2m/s lets you make quick, clean cuts...

Whenever you make use of this cordless chainsaw, you’re assured of quality results as the chainsaw will cut wood almost seamlessly. The chain gives off the appropriate amount of power needed to cut through the wood – while also devoid of any sort of kickback.

This cordless chainsaw also comes with an automatic oiler which is very helpful in applying oil to the chain and bar any time it is needed. The oil helps to keep the chainsaw in pristine condition and you can make use of it without having to worry. With this chainsaw, you are also able to easily view the oil level in any event that a refill is needed.

 

Pros

  • High performance.
  • It has a strong and long-lasting 48v Lithium-ion battery.
  • 12-inch chain and bar.
  • Easy to use.
  • Cutting is great.
  • Little or no kickback.
  • It has an automatic oiler.

 

Cons

  • Its guide bar might be small for some users.
  • Some users say the chain keeps falling off.

 

  1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Chainsaw

With a lot of similarities to a 40 cc gas engine, this chainsaw provides a lot of power and effective performances. These optimal performances are ensured by the chainsaw’s Redlink Plus intelligence.

Greenworks G40CS30K2 Cordless Chainsaw, 30cm Bar...
  • POWERFUL, LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT 30cm CHAINSAW - weighing only 3.7kg with comfortable,...
  • NEW GENERATION LITHIUM 40V 2Ah BATTERY – powered by an advanced battery that you can use in...
  • EFFICIENT, SAFER, SPEEDY CUTTING - a fast chain speed of 4.2m/s lets you make quick, clean cuts...

This cordless chainsaw has overload protection that ensures the battery and the saw in its entirety are protected in the event that full power is applied over a long period of time.

This model is compatible across all M18 systems and every Red lithium battery. Compared to most of the other cordless chainsaws, this product comes with more power. It also stays cooler than most of the rest when being used.

This chainsaw was designed to be compact and durable, meaning it can withstand harsh conditions. Users can also regulate the speed of the chainsaw to whatever speed they want. Another great thing about the machine is its noiseless feature – which a lot of its users love.

 

Pros

  • It has a brushless motor.
  • It comes with overload protection.
  • It is easy to start.
  • It has a long-lasting battery.
  • Its speed can be adjusted.

 

Cons

  • No significant issues.

 

  1. Oregon Cordless Self-Sharpening Chainsaw

A major reason why this chainsaw is ideal is its increased power output. Users can make use of this chainsaw while also being assured of its greater efficiency. The downtime of this chainsaw can also be easily minimized. With its built-in oiling system, the chainsaw will remain oiled while in use. This will improve the runtime of the machine and reduce its friction as well.

Another great feature of this chainsaw is its lightweight nature. This ensures that it can be used for a long period without causing any hardship. It is also noiseless when you’re cutting a tree, which reduces noise pollution. With the absence of a pull cord, all you need to do is pull a trigger. As a result of its cell technology, its power doesn’t fade. It can also hold a charge for more than one month. With one battery charge, the chainsaw can be able to cut close to 400 branches – each of them being 2 or 3 inches in diameter.

 

Pros

  • Higher power output and efficiency is assured with its brush brushless motor.
  • Downtime can be minimized with its PowerSharp chain.
  • It has a built-in oiling system.
  • It is lightweight.
  • It is noiseless.
  • It is easy to start and operate.
  • Its battery lasts for a long while.

 

Cons

  • No glaring one.

 

  1. Husqvarna 120i Cordless Battery Powered Chainsaw

Although Husqvarna has gained popularity through their gas-powered chainsaws, it was quite pleasant to surprise to see that they also have an array of electric chainsaw models.

This particular chainsaw has a 40V battery that holds its own. The machine is more than capable of completing tasks that a casual chainsaw user would need to do in the yard.

It can also be used to cut firewood or small trees in or around the ranch or farm. The chainsaw also comes with a power-saving feature that reduces the power output. This will, in turn, maximise the length of time you can get out of the battery.

 

Pros

  • It has a 40v battery.
  • It comes with a brushless motor.
  • Its oiling system is automatic.
  • It is lightweight.
  • It doesn’t make noise when being used.
  • It is easy to start with a push-button.

 

Cons

  • Its battery doesn’t last long.
  • It isn’t as powerful as Husqvarna’s gas models.

 

Why purchase an electric chainsaw instead of a gas-powered one?

If you require a chainsaw just for the occasional tree cutting and branch trimming, then a cordless chainsaw might be the right way to go. They are not as noisy as the gas ones, are easy to start and don’t need gas/oil mixing.

However, if you plan on using the chainsaw regularly to cut large trees not close to your home, a gas-powered chainsaw is highly recommended. However, it should be noted that cordless chainsaws and their batteries have drastically improved and continue to improve. Some of these models can even favourably compete with gas-powered chainsaws of up to 45cc.

Cordless Chainsaw Buying Guide

When tasked to imagine a lumberjack, I’m sure there’s an image that a lot of us already have ingrained. This image is that of a heavily bearded man in a flannel shirt operating a loud gas-powered chainsaw. Am I right? I’m sure you’re nodding your head right now.

However, it is important to note that that image is slowly changing. This is partly as a result of the emergence of cordless chainsaws. Yeah, I’ll have to admit that some tasks are so grand that only a gas saw can effectively do the job. Unlike its gas-powered counterparts, cordless chainsaws can only use bars 18″ or shorter.

The electric chainsaw – the cordless model in particular – is an astonishingly convenient and easy tool when there are considerable amounts of trees and branches that need to be trimmed or cut down.

Battery-powered chainsaws provide freer motions and wider range due to the fact that the machine isn’t hindered by a cable. This ensures that cordless chainsaws are more ideal for larger tasks. When compared to gas-powered chainsaws, the electric models are admittedly less powerful. However, except you’re a professional feller or lumberjack, this shouldn’t be a problem at all. Majority of homeowners go for the electric models. The following are some of the reasons for this decision:

 

  1. Simpler maintenance

All you need to do is put oil on the chain, then you can start the task of cutting. In fact, the only real maintenance you need to do is oil the chain. The mere fact that it doesn’t have an engine and that you don’t need to mix fuel makes it easier to maintain than the gas-powered chainsaws. Just charge the battery, push the trigger and the electric chainsaw will begin instantly.

For gas chainsaws, the engine will have to be primed before it can be used. The engine will also have to be started by pulling a cable. The petrol tank and the engine’s weight makes gas-powered chainsaws very heavy. You won’t have any such problems with an electric chainsaw. This ensures that these models are easier to use.

 

  1. Reduced kickback

Kickbacks happen when the transferring chain that is inside the guide bar comes in contact with an item – or in the event that the wood closes in and the chain subsequently gets pinched. This contact will create a reverse reaction that will kick the guide bar to the chainsaw operator. Kickbacks can sometimes lead to the operator losing control of the machine – which might then result in serious injury to the person operating the machine or the people around them.

A lot of models seek to reduce the risks of this happening with the anti-kickback brake or the inertia chain brake. If there is an occurrence of kickback, this particular safety feature will automatically respond – forcing the chainsaw to come to a halt.

Electric chainsaw models are designed to have safety chains that reduce the occurrence of kickbacks. Also, due to the fact that most of these electric-powered chainsaws don’t have as much power as the gas-powered models, there is a substantial reduction in kickbacks.

 

  1. Fuel isn’t needed

Due to the fact that they use electricity, electric-powered chainsaws can recover faster when compared to petrol chainsaws. For gas-powered chainsaws, the machine will have to be turned off, while also left to cool off (in the event that it needs to be refuelled). On the other hand, an electric chainsaw only needs to be plugged to recharge. No petrol also means very limited emission which is beneficial to the environment.

 

  1. Quiet operation

Compared to gas-powered chainsaws, electric chainsaws make less noise. When calculated, electric chainsaws emit noise that range from 90 to 102 decibels. On the other hand, gas-powered chainsaws emit sounds ranging from 106 to 117 decibels – a remarkable difference. What this means is that when you cut wood with electric chainsaws in your home, it will not disturb the neighbourhood as much as petrol chainsaws.

 

  1. Quicker storage

It is easier to store an electric chainsaw than a gas-powered one. All you need to do is clean the chainsaw and place it in its storage container. For petrol chainsaws, you’ll need to drain the oil and fuel and remove the machine’s spark plug in the event that the chainsaw has to be stored.

After looking at the benefits of an electric chainsaw, let’s take a look at the features you should watch out for when buying a cordless saw.

 

  1. Lithium-Ion Batteries

A long time ago, the standard batteries used in cordless chainsaws and other power tools were nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries. These batteries were not that efficient and their performances drastically dropped whenever the battery became drained. Recharging this battery could also take up to 12 hours.

Nowadays, Lithium-ion batteries have become the preferred choice. They are lighter than the Ni-Cad batteries and also larger in capacity. They can also recharge in about one hour.

When searching for the ideal cordless chainsaw, you’ll come across some numbers that relate to the power of the battery. These will be helpful in letting you determine how powerful and long lasting the machine can be:

  • Amps/amperage: This is the electrical current total that the battery will be able to provide.
  • Amp-hours: This will determine how long the battery will be able to provide a particular amount of current.
  • Voltage: This is the available force meant to take the current from a part of the circuit to the other part.

These terms might seem hard to grasp, but there’s an effective way of looking at them. Each of these measurements having high numbers usually means that the chainsaw is more expensive — but it also entails that it will have a powerful battery to accompany it.

One final thing to note concerning Li-ion batteries is that some of them weigh more than their other counterparts. Ensure that you check the saw’s weight before buying so as to know if you’ll be comfortable using the saw when the battery is inserted.

 

  1. Brushless Motors

Cordless chainsaws get their power from their batteries. However, these batteries aren’t the only important parts of their electrical system.

The motor in the saw usually carries the electrical energy provided by the battery and makes use of it to power the moving parts – notably the chain which turns round the bar. In the absence of a competent motor, a cordless chainsaw becomes inefficient – regardless of the power of its battery.

Electric motors initially made use of carbon brushes to aid in the transmission of power. Nowadays though, brushless motors are now heavily dependent on magnets. Unlike the carbon brushes earlier used, magnets in the brushless motor don’t require physical contact with the rest components for a charge to be transmitted. This means that there’s a reduced interference of friction.

To ensure better efficiency, ensure you find a cordless chainsaw that has a brushless motor.

 

  1. Automatic Bar Oiling Systems

As a result of the frequent metal-on-metal friction that exists between the chain and bar of the saw, the bar must be constantly lubricated with oil. This will ensure that the chain runs smoothly. In the absence of it, the chains will easily break.

Find a rechargeable chainsaw that has an automatic bar oiler that will constantly oil the bar. Without an automatic bar oiler, you’ll have to be watchful when it comes to oiling the bar. This will inevitably slow you down.

 

  1. Tool-less Chain Tensioning

Also referred to as chain adjustment, this maintains the required tension in the chain to make sure that it is safe to use.

A handful of electric chainsaws have the tool-less chain tensioning feature. This allows users to tighten the chain without a need for bringing out screwdrivers or multi-tools.

Regardless of your level of experience, this feature will nevertheless come in handy. If you’re cutting a tree on the field and you see that the chain is getting loose, isn’t it preferable that you just turn a dial on the side of the chainsaw rather than stop to get a screwdriver?

With established features like these, cordless chainsaws can be ideal tools for professional fellers as well as the regular users.

 

Features

There are several other technical specifications and important features that cordless chainsaws provide – which are also very pertinent to put in consideration.

 

  1. Bar Length

This refers to the cutting bar’s length – which also determines the cutting area’s size. What this means is that the larger the bar, the larger the log you’ll be able to cut in one pass. Gas-powered chainsaws usually possess longer bars than the cordless or corded models – with chainsaws meant for domestic use having a range of up to 40cm.

 

  1. Chain Speed

This will dictate how fast you’ll be able to cut through the tree/log. The bigger the number, the faster the chainsaw’s performance. The cordless and corded models usually offer close to 10m/s – this might even be more depending on the model.

 

  1. Weight

A chainsaw’s weight is pretty important. This is because it usually determines how comfortable a user might be when making use of it. Lighter models like the cordless and corded chainsaws provide easier movements and an increased ability to manoeuvre – unlike the gas-powered chainsaws.

 

  1. Handle Type

Just like weight, the handle type will relate to usability. For this aspect, there are several features to watch out for. It is advisable that you look for models that have ergonomic and anti-vibration handles – which will reduce discomfort. You can also opt for wrap-around handles because chainsaws with handles of this kind are better at cutting through odd angles.

 

  1. Batteries and Chargers

Manufacturers usually design standard chargers and batteries that will be able to be used with an extensive range of tools. Before buying, check to find out whether or not any of your already owned tools possesses a charger or battery that can be used with the tool you plan on purchasing. This might go a long way in saving you a considerable sum of money.

Some buyers might already have compatible batteries and chargers. Sometimes, these are not added to the quoted price for your preferred tool, so it’s important to look at the small print before committing. On the other hand, you might see it as a great opportunity to get a spare battery for your machine. Sometimes, batteries are cheaper when they’re bought with a tool, so this should be kept in mind. It really wouldn’t hurt to have an already charged spare battery – especially if you’re carrying out an extended task.

 

 

Safety Tips

Rule 1: Have a proper stance (the boxer stance). This means putting your left foot slightly forward (if you’re right-handed) at an angle of 45 degrees, with your right foot slightly at the back. For left-handed people, the reverse is the case. Ensure that you keep your feet shoulder-width apart.

Rule 2: Keep your two hands on the saw and always keep your eyes on the bar as you make a cut.

Rule 3: Plan the cut so that you are sure where the bar will come out of the log. This is very important if you don’t want to end up injured. There’s an old saying that goes: It’s not where the cut starts that counts, it’s where it finishes. Not planning for the exit of the bar might lead to the chainsaw landing on your foot or leg.

Rule 4: Ensure that you’re not caught by surprise whenever you start to feel the pull of the saw. It is important to note that cutting on the base of the bar will pull you close to the log, while cutting on the top of the bar will push you away.

Rule 5: Beware of the kickback zone. Ensure that you don’t bring the bar inside that zone.

Rule 6: Unless they’re appropriately trained in proper chainsaw use, homeowners are advised to always make use of chainsaws with reduced kickback. Admittedly, it will cut slowly than the chainsaws meant for professionals, but it’s safer.

Rule 7: Ensure that you put on the appropriate safety gear: boots, chaps, gloves, hearing and eye protection.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide will help you make your decision as to which chainsaw to purchase. Ensure that you pay attention to what each model has to offer. Features like battery, weight, ease of use, etc, should be instrumental in your eventual choice. Also, consider what exactly you plan on using the chainsaw to do.

Last update on 2024-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API