I guess like a lot of people I’ve tended to look at cordless chainsaws as light-duty tools for trimming shrubs and small trees. While that’s true, and they can be light and very manageable, there is also a new generation of cordless chainsaws that are increasingly popular for more heavy-duty tasks like felling and cutting firewood. There are several models that now claim to compete head-on with gas-powered chainsaws.
So I wanted to find out if that was true. Are the best cordless chainsaws really a replacement for traditional models? Let’s take a closer look.
Best Cordless Chainsaws: My Top 3
I’ll go into more detail on each of these just a bit further down but if you’re keen to check out my top cordless chainsaw picks straight away, here are the links:
- Best light-duty cordless electric chainsaw: Worx 20V, 10-Inch – around $115.00
- Best general-purpose cordless electric chainsaw: Greenworks 60V, 16-Inch – around $206.00
- Best pro-grade cordless electric chainsaw: EGO Power+ 56V, 18-Inch – around $340.00
Should You Buy a Cordless Chainsaw or Not?
Tough question. Here’s what I think are the pros and cons.
Pros:
- A big plus has to be the environmental aspect. Whether you buy a corded or cordless electric chainsaw there are no harmful emissions. Gas chainsaws are cleaner than ever, but not that clean.
- Cordless chainsaws require much less maintenance. They still need chain oil and the chain still needs to be adjusted from time to time, but there’s no gas motor to look after, no spark plugs to check and change, no motor oil to add, or two-stroke oil to mix.
- Gas chainsaws usually have pull-cord starting, which isn’t always easy. Cordless models just have a start button. As long as the battery is charged they will run.
- Gas chainsaws are noisy! Some urban areas restrict their use. They can also be quite a bit heavier (though you need to check specifications on a case-by-case basis).
- Even if you only have a modest-sized yard, a cordless chainsaw can be much more convenient than keep running an extension for a corded chainsaw.
Cons:
- If you need really heavy-duty performance you might still favor gas. The EGO Power+ chainsaw I chose will tackle a wide variety of jobs but if you need a 20” model or larger then something like the Husqvarna Rancher will suit you better. Unfortunately it does come with quite a hefty price tag.
- Until quite recently cordless chainsaws were relatively expensive. I checked a couple of dozen different models when putting together this article and found prices very similar. However, if you want to add a spare battery (which is something of a necessity if you need to work all day) it can still have quite an impact on the total.
Key Chainsaw Features
Bar Length
All chainsaws are described by their bar length (it’s also called the guide bar). 10 or 12 inches for light-duty models, 14 or 16 inches for general yard and firewood duties, and 18 inches plus for more serious work. That’s how I picture them, though some people might differ.
This is important because we can’t directly compare a cordless chainsaw’s performance against a gas model using the power descriptions. Some manufacturers do: for example, Greenworks say their 60V motor is the equivalent of a 42cc gas motor. The trouble is they don’t say how they arrived at that figure and I’m a bit dubious. So in terms of what to expect from a chainsaw, bar length is a pretty good starting point.
Power and Battery Run Time
Motors are either brush or brushless. The latter requires less maintenance and makes better use of the battery power available. An important factor if you intend to use a cordless electric chainsaw for several hours at a time.
Cordless motors are rated in Volts (V). Bigger numbers equal more power. However, you do need to be a bit careful with descriptions because batteries have both a maximum voltage and a nominal voltage. Some manufacturers use the maximum figure, which sounds more impressive. Some use the nominal (lower) figure which is a more accurate reflection of real-world output. Anyway, suffice it to say that however you look at it a 60V battery is considerably more powerful than a 20V battery.The difference between a 56V and 60V battery is less noticeable.
Voltage is one factor, Amp hours (Ah) is the other. I’ve seen Ah described as being the same as fuel in the gas tank. The higher the Ah, the longer the battery will run between charges. So for example if you had a 60V battery at 4.0Ah, and a 60V battery at 8.0Ah, the latter would run approximately twice as long. It’s an important consideration if you want to work for extended periods. The downside of higher Ah batteries is that they are more expensive, and take longer to charge. Recharging is likely to take at least an hour. You can either take a break or you’ll need to invest in a spare.
Some chainsaws quote revolutions per minute (rpm) and typically, faster speed is better though most of the models I’ve seen are broadly similar. Some give a number of cuts per charge, but then that depends on the size of branch being cut, and how tough it is. Pine is much easier to cut than oak, so I don’t think the figure is particularly useful.
Other Features
Weight might have an impact on your choice. It’s another area where you need to check carefully because figures for cordless chainsaws are often given without the battery. It can add another 2 or 3 pounds. Maybe not a big deal but worth knowing.
Overall ergonomics are worth a look.You’ll be wearing gloves, so it’s convenient if you can operate most of the controls without taking them off.
Many modern chainsaws have tool-free chain tensioning. Some call it automatic but you still have to operate a lever or turn a knob. It’s something that needs to be done regularly so I would check how easy it is.
Bumper spikes (also called bucking spikes) sit on the front of the main body of the chainsaw and help you control leverage and cutting pressure. They aren’t always found on light-duty models. Some are hard plastic. Steel offers more durability.
Although cordless motors don’t need oil, the chain still does. A few chainsaws have a sight window so you can check the level. It’s also nice if the cap is easily acessible, and the tank is easy to fill.
Anti-vibration systems are common on good gas chainsaws which would otherwise get uncomfortable to use after a while. It’s not really a factor with cordless chainsaws which should be much smoother.
Chainsaw Safety
Safety features are always a top priority when choosing any kind of chainsaw. These are pretty much the standards
Chain brake: The chain brake, usually activated by pushing the upper hand guard forwards, has two functions. First, it stops the chain from rotating when you start the chainsaw. Second, pushing it forwards will stop the chain immediately if you run into trouble while working. It remains that way until you pull the guard back into position.
Wrap-around front handle: This allows you to hold the chainsaw securely and comfortably at different angles.
Kickback: Kickback happens when the tip of the chainsaw is used to cut (don’t do it) or the chain is pinched by the wood. It can snatch the tool from your hands or throw it up in the air so obviously it’s very dangerous. Proper use prevents kickback in most cases so if you’re new to chainsaws get instruction from someone who knows what they’re doing. Some replacement chains have low kickback features and are definitely worth considering.
Protective clothing: Always wear sturdy gloves and a face shield. Ear defenders are popular with gas chainsaws but cordless models aren’t so noisy. That’s more of a personal choice. The No-Cry Chainsaw Helmet incorporates a mesh screen, clear visor, ear muffs, and certified hard hat for under forty bucks.
Best Cordless Chainsaws: The Details
I’ve given prices including battery and charger. If you already own cordless tools from any of these three you can save money by buying as a ‘bare tool’. Before you do though make sure the batteries you have are compatible.
Best light duty: Worx 20V, 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
If you need a chainsaw for those yard jobs that are too big for loppers, like for tidying up storm damage, or cutting small logs for firewood then the Worx is a good choice. It’s one of the cheapest cordless chainsaws around, but Worx has a good reputation for quality and reliability. It’s lightweight and very manageable.
There’s automatic chain oiling (they all do), and tool-free chain tensioning via a big, easy-to-use knob. However, although there’s an upper hand guard there is no chain brake. Some might say you don’t need one on a chainsaw like this, and some similar rivals don’t have them either.
The included battery is 2.0Ah. Although Worx don’t give a run time most buyers say it’s under an hour, and sometimes as little as 25 minutes. I think a lot of people will want a spare. It also has a brush motor which is not ideal. Nevertheless I think it’s still a great value-for-money tool. At the moment the Worx cordless chainsaw is about $115.00 at Amazon.
Best general-purpose: Greenworks 60V, 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
I did a quick search to find out what people thought was the best length for a mid-size chainsaw. Answers varied, which was no surprise, but most thought 16” was a good place to start. I agree. I’ve had a 16” McCulloch gas chainsaw for years, and it’s all I need. When it finally gives up the ghost the 16” Greenworks would be at the top of my list for a replacement.
Greenworks has established itself as one of the leaders in cordless tools, and the 60V power is impressive. It’s more than many competitors in this price range. The motor is brushless, which is a plus, though ideally I would have liked more than 2.5Ah from the battery. It will take an hour to recharge so once again spare will be needed by many. Greenworks claim ‘better than gas’ performance, and 100 cuts per charge – but 100 cuts of what? Hmmm. Like I said before that figure is pretty meaningless.
As expected chain oiling is automatic but surprisingly adjustment is old school. It’s not difficult (once you’ve done it once you won’t even think about it) and a wrench is provided, but it was unexpected on an otherwise modern tool. The Greenworks cordless chainsaw is currently around $206.00 at Amazon. It’s what I would buy if I was in the market right now.
Best pro-grade: EGO Power+ 56V, 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
At first glance you might look at the EGO and think ‘hang on a minute, that’s 56V, and the Greenworks is 60V’. Yep, true, but pro performance is about more than just voltage. I could talk about how EGO Power+ have quickly become recognized as one of the high-end cordless brands, blah, blah, blah, but you only have to check other independent reviews. Lots of big names put it among their best cordless chainsaws.
The motor is brushless. The 56V battery is a healthy 4.0Ah. The bar is 18 inches so it’s capable of some serious cutting, and the chain has tool-free adjustment. There’s automatic oiling too. The chainsaw itself is independently rated IPX4 for weather resistance, and has a 5 year warranty underlining its durability. There’s even a built-in LED work light to brighten up dark corners.
All-in-all, an impressive tool. When I last checked the EGO Power+ cordless chainsaw was roughly $340.00 at Amazon.
Prices correct at the time of publication.
