If you are in the market for a chainsaw to trim branches that are growing out of formation in your backyard, you have probably thought of the battery powered chainsaw. That being said, those who have no prior experience with handling a chainsaw should get some advice on using the tool, even if it is the smaller battery powered chainsaw.
Unlike the large chainsaws used for cutting, bulking and felling trees, the battery powered chainsaw is a smaller, lighter version, with limited power that’s used around the garden. The battery powered chainsaw is a useful tool and worth the investment. But, before you grab your car keys to rush off to the hardware store, here’s some information on the battery powered chainsaw that homeowners would find interesting.
Electric Chainsaw vs. Battery Powered Chainsaw
As the name implies, the electric chainsaw is powered by electricity and uses a power cord to deliver power to the chainsaw. Electric chainsaws also need to be plugged into an external power source or outlet, which is why they also require an extension cord. On the other hand, battery powered chainsaws, albeit running on electricity get their power from a battery that’s attached to the unit.
The battery is housed inside the unit, protecting the battery, while providing power to the chainsaw. Keeping this simple fact in mind, the first benefit of a battery powered chainsaw is that you have complete freedom to move about without the restraints of the power cord or extension, keeping you from reaching certain areas in your garden or backyard. Besides that, the battery powered chainsaw also requires low maintenance so you can use the chainsaw from an extended period of time without any hassle, the only restraints being, it’s battery power that varies from model to model.
Battery Types
Speaking of batteries, as Steve Jobs used to say during the launch of every new product, “and, just one more thing!”
Before we get into the best battery powered chainsaws available in the market, one crucial aspect of a battery powered chainsaw is the type of battery that it uses. Since all batteries are not created equal, here’s some information to get you better acquainted with batteries.
When it comes to rechargeable batteries there are primarily three types. The famous Li-ion, NiMH and Ni-Cad. Don’t be surprised if you have never heard of the last two. Few people have. That’s because the type of battery is not always on our mind whenever we buy a battery powered anything, what really matters to us is the amount of power the battery contains. However, since the chainsaws in this list will have all three types of batteries, it pays to know what they are.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
The new kid on the block is the Lithium-ion battery, and is the one that is commonly found in many modern gadgets and gizmos, simply because of its advantage of having the highest density level of any battery. This means it is more powerful and lightweight as compared to other battery types. The Li-ion battery also has a low self discharge rate which means its low maintenance.
Nickel-cadmium (NiCad)
This battery was first introduced in 1898. That’s right. It was a long, long time ago. But the main advantage of this type of battery is that they seem to perform well in low temperature environments. They are also inexpensive as compared to other types of batteries and they are ideal for those products that need a power source with a long battery life. They also recharge quicker than the other batteries.
Nickel Metal HyDride (NiMH)
The NiMH battery is an upgrade of the NiCad battery and can store twice as much of power as compared to the previous version. NiMH batteries are also light weight and compose of no harmful or heavy metals, which also makes them environmentally friendly. Unlike the NiCad batteries, these batteries do not need to be discharged before recharging. Now, that we’ve got you up to speed on the different battery types out there let’s get to the list.
Best Battery Powered Chainsaw
When it comes to battery powered chainsaws, the answer can be a bit tricky. Mainly because there’s no dearth of options, and also because most people are more prone to getting larger electric or gas powered chainsaws. But, for those who are not looking to felling a tree, the battery powered chainsaw is the ideal option.
While answering the question of the best battery powered chainsaw, the best way to go about it is by getting one that suits your needs. Cutting or trimming branches is fine, but if you think you will be cutting 14” hardwood trees, and many of them, go for a heavy duty chainsaw instead.
Once you determine your needs, the right battery powered chainsaw will be obvious.
Now, enough technical stuff. Let’s get started…
Scotts S20510 SYNC
Features:
- 20V Lithium-ion (2.0Ah) battery. Fade-free power
- Innovative charging station can charge the battery on the saw or the traditional way
- Battery power fuel gauge on the chainsaw for extra convenience
- 10″ bar and chain
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
- Push Button Oiler
- Battery Charge Time: 45 Minutes
Overview
Scotts is a household name when it comes to yard power tools, and the Scotts S20510 SYNC is no exception. The S20510 SYNC is a lightweight, 10” battery powered chainsaw that’s perfect for those small jobs around the yard. With just 20V you can’t really expect the Scotts S20510 SYNC to fell trees, but it will be great for pruning or limbing around the garden.
If you’re looking for a lightweight chainsaw, then you won’t find a lighter one than the Scotts S20510 SYNC. The S20510 SYNC weighs 4.5 pounds and comes with a 3 year warranty.
The Scotts S20510 SYNC is ideal for cutting fallen branches, pruning limbs, and felling small tress.
GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX
Features:
- Rear handle design for additional control
- Comfortable over-molded handle
- Capable of cutting a cord of wood on a single charge
- Brushless Motor provides 30% more torque
- 40V G-Max Lithium-Ion battery delivers fade-free power with no memory loss
- 4 year warranty
- 3/8 in. chain pitch cuts with minimal kickback
- 16″steel chain and bar with tool-less chain tensioning
- 10 year warranty on the brushless motor
Overview
The GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX has been designed to deliver a lot of power. Along with a 40V battery, you also get a scabbard and a handy travel bag to safety store the GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX after you’re done. What really sets the GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX apart from the rest is that it comes with a 4-year warranty that’s unheard of when it comes to yard power tools.
The GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX works well for limbing, felling small trees and cutting firewood. While this is still a battery powered chainsaw it is able to deliver enough power to take care of small cutting tasks with ease and is a good replacement for the gas powered chainsaws.
OREGON CS250
Features:
- 40V MAX lithium-ion
- 4X times quieter than a gas saw
- Instant start, without the need of fuels or cords
- Interchangeable battery: Compatible with all OREGON Cordless tools
- Lightweight and balanced
- Low vibration
- PowerSharp: Integrated precision saw chain sharpening system
- Ergonomically designed with no fumes or emissions
- Can hold a charge during storage for months
Overview
If you’re looking for a reliable battery powered chainsaw then the OREGON CS250 should be right up your alley. The OREGON CS250 comes with a MAX 40v li-ion battery and is also compatible with other Oregon power tools. The OREGON CS250 comes with a standard battery charger and is one of the best battery powered chainsaws of its price range, which is around $350 to $450. While using a battery powered chainsaw does have its limitations with respect to the amount of power in a battery, you can buy two batteries if you want to work the whole day.
Another nifty feature in the OREGON CS250 is its automatic power cut out if you use too much force while cutting wood. This is a great feature for a battery powered chainsaw to have since it keeps you from damaging the chainsaw and the engine. Then there’s the “dead man switch” which means that the chain will automatically stop once whenever the trigger is released for added protection. This feature comes in handy in case you trip and fall during cutting wood. Since the OREGON CS250 is not a tool-less system, you will require a tool for adjusting the chain, but the chain break feature makes up for that small flaw. The OREGON CS250 will be ideal for light to medium duty cutting, limbing, felling, pruning and cleaning up.
Makita HCU02C1
Features:
- Top handle chainsaw. Not for ground cutting.
- Tool-free chain for easy chain adjustment.
- Rubberized soft grip for your own comfort.
- Low noise level at only 89 dB(A).
- Zero emissions.
- Low maintenance. No need to change engine oil or spark plug, clean air filter or drain fuel when storing.
- Weighs only 10 lbs. with battery.
- Front hand guard engineered to actuate chain brake when engaged.
- Electric brake for maximum productivity.
- 12″ bar and chain.
- 1,650 FPM chain speed for quick cutting.
Overview
The Makita HCU02C1 is another great battery powered chainsaw that has earned its position on this list. Makita is a reputable Japanese manufacturer that specializes in yard power tools, amongst other products. The brand is synonymous with high quality, reliability and efficiency. The Makita HCU02C1 is another feather in the cap of Makita simply because it’s built with the user in mind, with sturdy materials and performs exceptionally well, while pruning, cutting or felling small trees. One of the reasons why the Makita HCU02C1 is such a success is because it applies the perfect balance between torque, power and speed of the chainsaw. The tool less chain adjuster and other features in the Makita HCU02C1 makes it an ideal choice for homeowners in search for something lightweight, yet efficient for garden or yard maintenance.
The Makita HCU02C1 may surprise you because of its low noise output which is just around 86 decibels. Apart from that the Makita HCU02C1 is also extremely light, weighing just 10.1 lbs., which makes it easy to carry around and maneuver while cutting, pruning of felling trees. The firm grip handle means that you will always have control of the Makita HCU02C1 when carrying out tasks around the yard. The Makita HCU02C1 can be yours for around $500, while some might feel that’s a little steep for a battery powered chainsaw, keep in mind the battery alone in the chainsaw is worth $200, which makes it a good deal at the end of the day. The Makita HCU02C1 is ideal for Medium-duty, cutting, or pruning wood up to 10″ in diameter. This also includes cutting firewood, limbing, and felling trees.
Ending Note
A battery powered chainsaw is a convenient way of getting rid of ugly trees and branches that have grown out of shape and are spoiling the view of your garden or backyard. Furthermore, a battery powered chainsaw is a smart option for those homeowners who are not looking forward to doing any heavy cutting or felling on their property. This is where the battery powered chainsaws on this list shine.
When it comes to using a battery powered chainsaw, keep in mind that the battery would corrode if not used for a long time, this is why it is advised to use your battery powered chainsaw at least twice a year, which is just the amount of trimming your garden or backyard will need to keep it in shape.
Another thing to consider is whether the battery powered chainsaw will be up to the tasks that you are about to take on. Remember, a battery powered chainsaw does not make you a lumberjack, and able to fell tall pine trees. As mentioned earlier, these chainsaws are only useful for cutting, trimming or felling small to medium size trees around your property. These are the factors that will predetermine they need for a battery powered chainsaw.
