If you’re a landscaper, logger, or just someone who has a lot of trees on your property, you will often have to trim them and cut them down. While this can be done with a saw, using a saw can take a ridiculously long time. If you want to cut down trees, the best tool to use is a chainsaw. In general, chainsaws are powered in one of two ways: by electricity, or by gas. Each type of chainsaw provides its own benefits and drawbacks, but electric chainsaws are often the best type of chainsaws to use around the house.
Because electric chainsaws are powered by electric wires, they are much cheaper than gas chainsaws in the long run. In addition to this, they are typically lighter than gas chainsaws, and quieter than gas chainsaws. Perhaps you’re currently looking for a high-quality electric chainsaw to add to your arsenal of yard tools? If so, this guide has everything you need to know!
1. WORX 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
The first electric chainsaw we’ll review is the Worx 16-inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw. Possessing a 16-inch blade, it can cut through logs and branches both big and small with very little trouble. Possessing an automatic oiling mechanism, it stays lubed and ready as long as it’s filled up with oil.
A nice feature of this chainsaw is its auto tension chain system. This system keeps the chain tightened to the correct extremity regardless of which type of wood its cutting. Having this feature keeps it from stripping, breaking, or falling off at inopportune times. It also helps to make it as safe as technologically possible.
With a gear casing made out of tough, durable plastic, this chainsaw is meant to last over years and years of use. It possesses two handles which you can grab onto with surety and ease. Driven by a 14.5 amp, it’s plenty powerful enough to get through any trees you might find in your yard. Coming with a 3-year warranty, it’s backed up by its manufacturer.
2. BLACK+DECKER CS1216 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw
Next on our list is the BLACK+DECKER CS1216 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw. Driven by 12 amps, it’s not quite as powerful as the WORX chainsaw reviewed above, but still more than capable of getting through any trees you might find in your yard. With a 16-inch saw arm, it can handle trees of most thicknesses.
Like the WORX electric chainsaw, this chainsaw possesses an auto lubrication mechanism, keeping it running smoothly as long as it’s filled with oil. It also allows for easy tension adjustments which doesn’t necessitate a tool. While it doesn’t adjust automatically, it’s about just as simple.
With a gear casing made out of tough, ergonomic plastic, this chainsaw is not only durable, but ridiculously easy to handle. Possessing two different handles, it can be held up easily by users of all sizes and strengths. For safety purposes, it comes equipped with a guard which blocks your fingers from the chain, and which blocks debris from your hands.
3. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
BLACK+DECKER makes our list for a second time with their LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw. Unlike the first B+D electric chainsaw we reviewed, this one is powered via battery. Because it doesn’t need to be attached to an electrical outlet, you can use it just about anywhere it needs to be used.
This chainsaw possesses a saw arm of 12 inches, allowing it to cut stumps and branches of up to 12 inches in diameter. Equipped with an automatic oiling system, it stays lubricated as long as it’s filled with oil. Like the other B+D chainsaw reviewed on our list, this chainsaw can have its tension adjusted without the use of a tool.
The battery in this chainsaw works for around 5 hours on a full charge, and takes around 4 or 5 hours to charge fully. Coming with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, BLACK+DECKER stands behind their product and its ability to do its job.
4. Makita UC4051A Electric Chain Saw
The next electric chainsaw on our list is the Makita UC4051A Electric Chain Saw. Possessing a saw arm of 16 inches long, it can easily makes its way through both branches and stumps. Featuring an auto lubrication feature, it will keep itself oiled as long as it is filled up.
Its gear casing is made out of tough, durable plastic that is both lightweight and easy to grip. Equipped with two large handles located at differing spots, it can be easily grabbed onto with two different hands.
Like the BLACK+DECKER saws on our list, this chainsaw’s tension can be adjusted without the use of additional tools. Coming with a 1-year warranty, it is designed to hold up superbly well over time.
5. Earthwise CS30116 16-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Chain Saw
If you’re looking for a budget electric chainsaw, the Earthwise CS30116 16-inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Chain Saw is a terrific option. Powered by 12 amps of electricity, it’s not quite as powerful as some electric chainsaws, but is still more than powerful enough to cut through the majority of stumps and branches.
It possesses a saw arm of 16 inches, making it long enough to span the majority of trees you’ll find in a typical yard. Like the other chainsaws on our list, it possesses an automatic oiling system, keeping it lubricated for as long as it’s filled up.
Possessing a tool-less tension-adjusting mechanism, it’s ridiculously easy to use regardless of what you’re cutting. Its gear casing is made out of tough, ergonomic plastic which is both durable and easy to handle. Equipped with a safety guard in front of the saw, it protects your hands at all times.
6. DEWALT DCCS690M1 40V 4AH Lithium Ion XR Brushless Chainsaw
The next electric chainsaw we’ll review is this monster of a saw from DeWalt. This chainsaw possesses a saw arm of 16 inches, allowing it to slice through just about any branch or stump in your yard.
Powered by a 4aH lithium ion battery, this chainsaw runs for around 4 hours on a full charge. Conversely, it takes around 4 or 5 hours to charge completely. Power-wise, it’s about just as powerful as a gas-powered chainsaw.
Its gear casing is made out of tough, durable plastic which is both lightweight and easy to grip. Possessing two different handles, it can be grabbed onto with both hands, allowing users both weak and strong to use it. It comes with With auto-lubricating and tool-free tension adjusting, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
7. GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Another fine battery-powered electric chainsaw is the GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX. This chainsaw is powered by a 40v battery which lasts for around 4 or 5 hours on a full charge. The battery itself takes around 5 hours to charge fully.
Designed with self-lubricating mechanism, this is one of the most quiet chainsaws on the market. In addition to this, it vibrates very little during use.
Coming with a carrying case, this chainsaw has a gear casing which is made out of tough and durable plastic. Possessing two handles as well as a safety guard, it’s beyond easy to handle regardless of your size and strength. With 16-inch saw arm, it can cut through trees and branches of all sizes.
8. Homelite 14 In. 9 Amp Electric Chainsaw
Looking for a 14-inch electric chainsaw at a budget price? If so, you might be interested in the Homelite 9 Amp Electric Chainsaw. While it isn’t as powerful as some saws on our list, it’s still a great tool to have round the house for periodic use.
Possessing an auto-lubrication mechanism and a tool-free tension adjuster, it’s ridiculously easy to use and operate. Made out of tough, durable plastic, it possesses two different handles for easy operation.
It also comes with a safety guard to protect your hands from debris. If you need a chainsaw to keep on hand, this is a great selection.
9. EGO Power+ 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw
Next, let’s review the EGO Power+ 14-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Chain Saw. A battery-powered chainsaw, it runs for around 4 hours on a fully charged battery. In turn, it takes around 4 hours for the battery to charge fully.
What makes this electric chainsaw great is its extraordinary power. You won’t find many battery-powered chainsaws that equal this one in overall force. It possesses a 14-inch saw arm which can make its way through the majority of stumps and branches with ease.
With a gear casing made out of tough, durable plastic, it possesses two large handles for easy operation. Self-lubricating and possessing a tool-free tension adjuster, it requires very little maintenance.
10. Oregon Cordless 40V CS300-A6 Chain Saw
This Oregon Cordless 40V CS300-A6 Chain Saw is great for those who don’t possess quite as much size or strength. Its lightweight, compact construction allows for it to be used by just about anyone with ease. Possessing a tough plastic gear casing, it comes equipped with two handles which can be easily gripped by users of all sizes.
A battery-powered electric chainsaw, it’s powered by a 40v battery which charges in around 4 hours. Once fully charged, it can supply around 5 hours of continuous use. Possessing a saw arm of 16 inches, it can cut straight through anything you throw its way.
A nice feature of this saw is its PowerSharp System which keeps it sharpened at all times, even during use. Complete with a self-lubrication system as well as a tool-less tension mechanism, it requires close to no maintenance.
Electric chainsaws have a number of benefits over gas models. You don’t need to worry about checking the tank and making sure that you have enough fuel. Electric models also do not require as much maintenance such as adding oil and checking the tank for rust. With a chainsaw, you can easily take care of downed tree limbs and other debris that can occur during a storm. Before you buy one though, you should really take a look at our electric chainsaw buying guide. We’ll go over what to look for and answer some of the questions you might have about electric models.
Corded vs. Cordless
One of the first things you need to decide before buying an electric chainsaw is whether you want a corded or a cordless model. Though both have the power that you need, a cordless chainsaw gives you the freedom to work whenever and wherever you want. You just need to make sure that you charged the battery the night before. A corded model has a power cord that you need to plug into an extension cord or an outlet. You can only work if you have a power source.
Corded electric chainsaws are more affordable. They usually have a blade of between six and 18 inches and has a motor of between eight and 14.5 amps. Corded models can weigh as little as five to six pounds or as much as 17 to 18 pounds. Though cordless chainsaws come with blades of the same length, they generally weigh less and come in weights of 15 pounds or less. These models feature motors that use volts rather than amps and can have motors of between 22 and 85 volts.
Safety Features
Most electric chainsaws come with some safety features that will reduce your risks of having an issue that leads to an injury. You should look for one that has kickback protection. When you cut through something with a chainsaw, you may come across a hard object such as a nail. Kickback occurs when the motor comes to a complete and sudden stop. This can throw off your balance and cause you to fall down or drop the saw. Many models now have built-in protection that will stock that kickback from happening.
You can also look for one with chain brake or a chain catcher. A chain brake is a small piece that sits on the outside of the chainsaw. When a kickback occurs, you can pull this brake to stop the motor yourself. A chain catcher keeps the chain in place if it breaks. This stops the chain from flying out of the saw.
Other Features to Consider
One thing you should consider is the bar length, which is the length of the guide bar. The guide bar extends out from the chainsaw and has the chain wrapped around it. A length of up to 14 inches is suitable for most household jobs such as cutting logs for your fireplace. For jobs that require more power, you can choose one with a bar length of up to 20 inches. Electric chainsaws with an even longer length are best for professional jobs such as cutting down trees.
You should also consider models that come with an anti-vibration system and/or an auto chain roller. Most chainsaws shake and vibrate as they run. Those that come with a built-in anti-vibration system produce fewer vibrations. An auto chain roller adds just the right amount of oil to the chain to keep it operational over an extended period of time. You may want to look for one that lets you quickly adjust the chain without any special tools too.
FAQs
How Can You Safely Operate an Electric Chainsaw?
You can safely operate an electric chainsaw when you wear the right protective gear. You’ll want to wear muffs over or plugs inside your ears because the tools produce a lot of noise. Safety glasses or goggles will protect your eyes from any of the debris that the saw throws off, while steel toe boots/shoes with nonslip soles will help you stand upright as you cut. You may want to wear a hard hat and/or gloves too. When using an electric chainsaw, it’s important that you an eye on any long clothing that can catch onto the blade too.
How Can You Maintain an Electric Chainsaw?
Though electric chainsaws require less maintenance than gas chainsaws, you will still need to use oil on a regular basis. The oil acts as the lubrication necessary to keep the chain moving, which is what cuts through objects. When adding more oil, you’ll want to turn off the chainsaw and let it sit for several minutes or until it is completely cool to the touch. You can then unscrew the cap to the oil tank, which should have the word oil across the top.
Most manufacturers now provide a funnel for adding oil, but you can use any funnel that will fit inside the tank. The outside of the chainsaw will have a small window that lets you see inside the tank with markings on the window. You can pour oil into the funnel until it reaches the maximum height indicated by those markings.
Electric chainsaws really don’t require anything else in the way of maintenance. You should check the chain before using the saw to make sure that it fits properly on the saw. If the chain hangs loose or has any broken elements, you should replace it.
What Can You Do With an Electric Chainsaw?
You can really do anything with an electric chainsaw that you would do with a gas model. Most of the models that we found are strong enough to cut through the common types of trees found in yards today. You can use one to take care of old trees that you no longer want and any trees that fell down during a storm. As long as you exercise caution and use standard safety practices, you shouldn’t have any issues using an electric chainsaw to cut through trees and other objects.