Battery Powered Chainsaws: Good Enough for a Homeowner?

Apr 22, 2024 | The Tree Wisdom Blog

At Clean Cut Tree Care, we love power tools.  And we use all kinds.  We thought we’d offer a word or two about chainsaws that homeowners might find easier to live with for everyday yard cleanup and maintenance tasks.

Battery-powered chainsaws have emerged as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to their gas-powered counterparts, offering homeowners a convenient tool for various cutting tasks around the yard. These chainsaws are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, providing ample power for light to moderate cutting jobs without the hassle of cords or the noise and emissions associated with gas engines.

One of the primary advantages of battery-powered chainsaws for homeowners is their convenience and ease of use. Unlike corded electric models, which are limited by the length of an extension cord and require access to a power outlet, battery-powered chainsaws offer unrestricted mobility. Homeowners can move freely around their property, tackling pruning, limbing, and cutting tasks without being tethered to a power source. This freedom makes them particularly useful for jobs in remote areas or where access to electricity is limited.

Moreover, battery-powered chainsaws are significantly quieter than gas-powered models, making them more neighbor-friendly and suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments. This reduced noise level also enhances user comfort, reducing operator fatigue during extended cutting sessions.

In terms of performance, modern battery-powered chainsaws have made significant strides in recent years. They may not match the raw power of their gas-powered counterparts, but they do offer sufficient cutting power for most residential applications. Advances in battery technology have led to longer run times and faster charging, allowing homeowners to accomplish more work on a single charge. Additionally, these chainsaws typically require less maintenance than gas models, with no fuel mixing or spark plug changes necessary.

Battery-powered chainsaws do have some limitations that homeowners should consider. While they are suitable for light to moderate cutting tasks, they may struggle with heavy-duty jobs or prolonged use. It’s also important to note that there are a variety of different models and power levels from a number of manufacturers. Many of the cordless tool makers have smaller sized chainsaws based on an 18v to 20v cordless battery system. These are useful for light landscaping and limbing work, but are not a best choice for felling mature trees. There are also battery chainsaw models that are powered by 36 to 40v or higher systems. These are capable of heavier work, although typically still don’t have the power output of even the smaller, gas powered saws.

Important to note: Don’t be lulled into ignoring safe handling practices! A battery powered chainsaw is still a chainsaw, and can seriously injure an operator who uses it unsafely. It’s still a powerful tool. Treat it accordingly!

Overall, battery-powered chainsaws are valuable for homeowners looking for a convenient, quiet, and environmentally friendly option for yard maintenance. While they may not be suitable for every cutting task, they offer plenty of power and versatility for the average homeowner’s needs.