What is the best battery powered chainsaw? What is a battery powered chainsaw? Battery powered chainsaws offer many advantages over traditional gas-powered saws. They are light-weight, full of power and typically require less maintenance vs gas-powered saws.
Perfect size for around the house tree maintenance. No more messing with hard to start pull cords, simply pull the trigger to begin cutting. Battery powered chainsaws are becoming more popular due to their ease of use. Here is our list of some of the best battery powered chainsaws on the market.
Greenworks CS40L210 40V Chainsaw
Another top performing battery power chainsaw, the Greenworks CS40L210 comes highly rated by homeowners and homesteaders alike.
Less noise, Minimal maintenance, No fumes
The Greenworks CS40L210 is one of the best chainsaws for cutting trees within the suburbs. Fully capability but lightweight (9.8lbs) and less noise than a comparable gas powered saw.
Recommended For:
Homeowners and Homesteaders, Farm and Ranch use, Storm Cleanup
Top Features:
• 14″ Bar and Chain
• Brushless Motor
• Up to 100 cuts on a single charge
• Lightweight chainsaw, only 9.8lbs
• 40V 2AH li-ion battery and charger included
Dewalt DCCS620P1 20V Max XR 12″, Compact Battery Powered Chainsaw
Small and compact battery powered chainsaw, make for a great tool on the job-site or small projects around the house.
Does what a circular saw can’t.
Ideal for cutting over-sized pieces of lumber like 6′ x 6′ posts and beams. Instead of making multiple cuts with a circular saw the Dewalt DCCS620P1 chainsaw can trim a thick post in one quick pass.
A DeWalt cordless chainsaw is a great addition to the ever popular 20V Lithium Ion battery power tools. Share your 20V DeWalt batteries across their drills, grinders, impact wrenches and more.
Recommended For:
Daily Construction usage, Cutting over-sized timber beams and posts, Homeowners, Tree Clean-up and trimming, Owners of DeWalts 20V Battery Powered tools
Top Features:
• Low kickback Oregon bar and chain (12″ length)
• High Efficiency Brushless Motor
• Tool free chain tensioning knob
• Lightweight chainsaw, only 8.8 lbs
• Uses 20V Dewalt Lithium-ion batteries
DEWALT DCCS670X1 16″ Flexvolt 60V Lithium Chainsaw
A step up from the DCCS620P1, the DCCS670X1 is powered by DeWalt’s 60V batteries and comes equipped with a 16″ bar to handle big jobs. The larger bar and more powerful battery makes this one of DeWalt’s best battery powered chainsaws of 2018.
Gas performance, Battery Powered
This battery powered chainsaw by DeWalt features a brushless motor that competes with entry-level to mid sized gas saws. Great for most around the house projects like tree trimming and storm cleanup.
Part of the DeWalt FlexVolt system
One big advantage of choosing the DeWalt chainsaw is that the 60V lithium ion battery can be used in other DeWalt tools like their blowers, trimmers and saws. This allows you to share your batteries and charging system across a variety of tools.
Recommended For:
Homeowners and Construction sites, Moderate Firewood processing, Replacement to mid-level gas saws, DeWalt Flex volt users
Top Features:
• Low Kick Back Oregon bar and chain (16″ length)
• High Efficiency Brushless Motor
• Tool free chain tensioning knob
• Lightweight chainsaw, only 12.2 lbs
• Uses 60V Dewalt Lithium-ion batteries
Zombi ZCS5817 16-Inch 58V Lithium Chainsaw
The future of chainsaw technology with a futuristic look. Not only does it look good but it has been known to answer the question.
“Are battery powered chainsaws better than gas chainsaws?”
According to many users. Yes, the Zombi ZCS5817 is better than a comparable gas saw and is one of the best battery power chainsaws on the market.
This can be attributed to the powerful brushless motor, long battery run time and practically maintenance free operation… oh ya and it looks pretty cool too.
Recommended For:
Homeowners, Farm and Camp use, Moderate Firewood processing, Tree Cleanup, Making your neighbors jealous
Top Features:
• 16″ Oregon low kickback bar and chain
• Built-in tool compartment
• Chain brake, hand guard & auto oiler
• 5 Year Saw Warranty, 2 Year on Battery
• 58V 4Ah lithium battery & charger
Greenworks Cordless Pole Saw (8.5 foot!)
For those hard to reach places!
Pruning, Removing dead limbs, Trail Maintenance
No ladder required. Trim high branches safely from the ground with this extended pole saw.
Top Features:
• Smooth electric operation, Less Noise vs Gas
• Lightweight and Easy to use, under 16lbs with battery
• 3-piece Aluminum Shaft, Extendable up to 8ft
• 40V lithium battery
Black & Decker LCS1020 20V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
The LCS1020 Battery powered chainsaw by Black & Decker is a great micro chainsaw saw for small jobs. One of the lightest chainsaws on our list this saw comes in at only (7.2lbs) making it one of the best chainsaws for woman and elderly users.
Small, Powerful, Cheap electric chainsaw
Don’t let the small profile fool you. This saw still packs plenty of power for tree pruning and brush cutting. The short 10″ bar size also makes this a great chainsaw for wood carving.
Easy to use, Easy to start
Gone are the days of having to be a lumberjack to start a chainsaw. Simply pop in the battery and squeeze the trigger, no more pull-to-start.
Recommended For:
Budget Shoppers, Woman & Elderly users, ATV trail chainsaw, Yard cleanup, Vehicle chainsaw, Indoor carving and woodworking
Top Features:
• 10″ premium Oregon low kickback bar and chain
• Tool-free chain tension system
• Lightweight chainsaw, only 7.2lbs
• 20V Max lithium battery
EGO Power CS1403 56V 2.5Ah Lithium Ion Chainsaw
Looking to replace your current gas powered saw? The Ego Power CS1403 Lithium Ion chainsaw is designed to do just that.
Share Ego Power Lithium Batteries across all EGO Power+ Tools
Part of the EGO Power+ line the EGO Power Lithium Battery will work across multiple landscaping tools. In the CS1403 the EGO Power Battery is rated for up to 100 cuts per charge.
Excellent run time on one battery to handle most hour long jobs. Tree cleanup, med-duty firewood processing or general property maintenance.
Recommended For:
General home owners, Replacement of mid-level gas powered saw, Cordless chainsaw for camp, Owners of other Ego Power tools
Top Features:
• 14″ Oregon bar and chain
• Up to 100 cut per charge
• Hi-efficiency brushless motor, 6300RPM
• Weather-resistant construction
• Weight 13.4lbs
• 56V Max lithium battery
Makita XCU02PT (18v x 2) Lithium Ion Battery Powered Chainsaw Kit
Part of the popular Makita 18volt LXT battery platform the XCU02PT chainsaw is powered by two 18V batteries for a total of 36volts of power!
Complete Battery Powered Chainsaw kit
The XCU02PT kit includes the 12″ Cordless Chainsaw, 2 x 18v Lithium-Ion batteries and 18V dual port battery charger. Dual charging allows for fast charging times and the 18v Makita Battery can be used in other Makita power tools.
Another excellent small and compact lightweight chainsaw, fulled loaded with both batteries the saw comes in at only 10.1 lbs!
Rugged design built for demanding job-sites the XCU02Z features Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology to deliver a dust and water resistant chainsaw.
Recommended For:
Frequent use around construction sites, Indoor carving and woodworking, Moderate Firewood processing, Owners of Makita 18V power tools
Top Features:
• 12″ guide bar for increased capacity
• Low noise level (only 89 db)
• Zero Emmissions
• Makita-built motor, 1,650 FPM chain speed
• Weight 12.3lbs
• 3 Year Warranty
• 18V x 2 lithium batteries
Husqvarna 610000023 Bar and Chain oil, 1Qt. Electric Chainsaw oil (must have)
Premium bar and chain oil by Husqvarna.
“What kind of oil does an electric chainsaw use?”
Electric chainsaws may not require gas but every chainsaw requires oil to keep the bar and chain lubricated. The proper oil for this application is a high quality Bar and Chain oil.
The oil is required to keep the chain lubricated as it spins across the bar. Without the proper oil the bar and chain will become overheated and bind. Not only is this unsafe but it may cause permanent damage to the chain, bar or chainsaw motor.
“Can You Use Motor Oil in a Chainsaw”
No, this is not recommended. Bar and Chain oil is specially formulated with tackifier additives to help stick to the bar. Regular Motor oil does not have this special additive and will “fling” off of the chain at high speeds.
What is a battery powered chainsaw?
A battery powered chainsaw is simply a chainsaw that uses a battery to power an electric motor vs a traditional gas combustion motor. Lithium Ion batteries are the most popular type of battery used for these saws as they delivery plenty of power and in a relatively small package…This is the same type of battery technology used in Tesla cars.
Advantages of Battery Powered Chainsaws
There are many advantages to using a battery powered chainsaw. No gas to mix, zero fumes, less maintenance, less noise and easier to use due to the lighter weight just to name a few.
Oh, and lets not forget one of the biggest complaint of gas powered chainsaws.
Startup
A battery powered chainsaw has NO PULL CORD, simply squeeze the trigger and your ready to cut. No more pulling yourself tired or broken ropes.
Maintenance
Gas has a shelf life (roughly 3 months if untreated). Since many homeowners do not use their chainsaw on a regular basis this gas must be drained or it may prevent the chainsaw from stating.
Noise
A typical gas-powered chainsaw produces around 110-120db at the operators ear. Battery powered chainsaws on the other hand produce around 90db.
Disadvantages of Battery Powered Chainsaws
Lightweight, easy to operate, low noise & less maintenance. So what are the downsides of a battery powered chainsaw?
• Overall power output
• Max bar length
• Run times (will increase as battery technology advances)
While these new battery powered chainsaws have plenty of power to tackle the majority of around the house tasks or a weekend at camp. A gas powered saw (think Stihl and Husqvarna) is tried and true for long days of fire wood processing and tree felling.
However, for most projects including limb pruning, brush clearing, storm cleanup, trail breaking and moderate firewood processing a battery powered chainsaw is hard to beat. Many of the saws even feature up to 100 cuts on a full charge.
Battery powered or Gas powered chainsaws?
The best chainsaw is going to be a saw that cuts strait, is easy to use and starts when you need it. How many times have you went to use a gas powered device that has been left sitting for a few months, even years?
Gas has a shelf life of roughly 3 mouths if left untreated. Unless you frequently run or maintain gas powered equipment you will eventually run into problems starting engines that have been left to sit for too long.
In a previous article we went through Restoring an old Honda gas powered generator that was left sitting for almost 20 years! The process involved draining all the old gas, replacing the spark plug, cleaning the carburetor, changing the engine oil and treating the new gas. Needless to say, not an easy fix.
Chainsaw Safety!
Regardless if you choose to go with a gas powered or battery powered chainsaws you still need to follow safe chainsaw practices. When you buy a new chainsaw most saws should come with a chainsaw operators guide.
**Be sure to read their guide for recommended operating procedures and safety instructions**.
Here is an excellent video from Husqvarna on how to cut down a tree with a chainsaw:
Safety Equipment for cutting trees & firewood, Husqvarna ProForest Chain Saw Helmet System
A proper helmet is key when cutting trees or processing firewood. The hard shell can help reduce the impact of falling branches, protecting the top of your head.
Built in ear muffs help protect your hearing from chainsaw usage. This is especially critical for use with gas-powered saws that tend to produce high levels of noise.
“Do you need ear protection with battery powered chainsaws?”
Yes, battery powered chainsaws may be much quieter than a similar gas-poweeered saw but they still produce noise levels around 90db and proper ear protection is recommended.
The mesh face shield offers protection to your face from sawdust, wood splints and branches. It can also be flipped open when the saw is not in use for better visibility.
Recommended For:
Anyone and everyone who operates any kind of chainsaw
Features:
• One size fits most helmet
• Hi-Viz Orange Color
• Flip-out Hearing protection, ear muffs
• Face screen, can lock in up and down position
Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Chaps, Chainsaw safety gear
Protective chaps should never be considered safer than proper chain saw handing.
These Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Chaps however are designed to help reduce the risk or severity of an injury caused by a moving chain.
Features:
• 1000 denier polyester with PVC coating
• Adjustable waist size up to 42″
• Felling wedge/gear pocket
Husqvarna 579380210 Functional Saw Protection Gloves, Large. Chainsaw Safety Gear
Cutting trees and clearing brush can be brutal on you hands. Protect them with a high quality pair of gloves designed for chainsaw operation.
Features:
• Cut resistant in left hand
• Goatskin palm
• Spandax fabric back
• High visibility colors
What is the best way to easily move firewood? How about Heavy Duty Utility Carts with Pneumatic Wheels.
Anyone who cuts, stacks or uses firewood knows. Firewood is heavy.
Not only is it heavy but it must be transported from the forest to the stove. To help make firewood transportation easier take a look at these heavy duty utility carts with pneumatic wheels for around the house or farm.
When is the best time to clear brush and cut firewood?
Summer months bring high temperatures, bugs and busy schedules. Not exactly optimal conditions to suit up with layers of safety gear and head out into the woods. For those reasons we generally suggest saving this type of work for early spring or fall.
In the spring time, it is easier to access downed trees since the grass has not fully returned yet. It is also a great time to start on firewood. By cutting firewood in early spring it allows the wood to dry all summer. Dry wood will burn more efficiently (less smoke) and will making starting new fires a lot easier.
Tip: As a quick test, take a look at the ends of the wood to see if it is dry. Dry wood should have small cracks throughout.
In the fall, temperatures are beginning to cool and the leaves are starting to drop. Instead of going out and picking apples. Pick up your chainsaw and head into the woods.
This is a great time to clean up any tress that may have fallen during summer storms and finish up on last minute firewood. Depending on how old the tree is and the type of wood, downed trees can be cleaned up and used for firewood the very same year.
If possible stack this wood near your woodstove and use it last. The heat and dry air from from the stove will help dry the wood.
Where is the best place to buy an electric chainsaw…at a good price.
To easily check prices and read additional reviews here is a link to electric chainsaws on Amazon. By searching online it lets you easily compare dozens of models all without leaving your house.
You can also use the information above as a quick guide and be sure to check back as we continue to add new products to this page. If you have any questions leave them below.
Conclusion
As advancements are made with electric motors. The gap in performance between gas and electric tools narrows.
Add to that the numerous benefits: Less maintenance, less noise, lighter, easier starting, etc. It is easy to see why they are becoming so popular.
Want to see more electric power tools? Check out the articles below for the latest and greatest:
• Top Rated, Electric Pressure Washers
• Top Rated, Electric Snow Shovels (yes they are real)
• Top Rated, Battery Powered Nail Guns
• Best Battery Powered Planers
• Heavy Duty Power Puller
Bill R says
Zombi chainsaw is my favor.