Battery powered chainsaw

BigWaylon

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My mom texted me this morning asking me to research her next purchase. She wants a battery powered chain saw. Neighbor (Russian dude that seems to have every tool you might need) told her to make sure it was brushless, but didn’t make a specific recommendation.

Anybody here have one they’d recommend? Or advice on what to look for or avoid?
 
I have the snapper 60v system.... lawnmower..and blower. Absolutely love them. Looking to get the trimmer. They also have a chainsaw.
They have stopped making the 60v...and are now making the 82v system.

Kobalt 60v systems look nice too.

DS

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
 
Most battery tools are going brushless. Depends on how much use vs the extra cost. I run through brush drills in 3 years of use every other day but they are 1/2 the cost of brushless. Plus I get new longer lasting batteries when replaced.

The weight may be an issue with the battery installed. I bought a corded saw for trimming. Other than the cord (length) needing to be controlled it's lightweight and easy to hold. Used it on a 12" ceder, zip, zip.
 
The weight may be an issue with the battery installed. I bought a corded saw for trimming. Other than the cord (length) needing to be controlled it's lightweight and easy to hold. Used it on a 12" ceder, zip, zip.
I mentioned corded but she does live on ~2 acres so dropcords would be really annoying to her.

She actually has a gas one (that’s currently at my house), but wanted something that was easier to use. She does have a cordless trimmer and a cordless blower, so she’s used to dealing with those.
 
I keep thinking about the Milwaukee 18v, everyone says great things about them.

Years ago the best electric saws were Makita, but I have no idea where they are on technology.
 
I keep thinking about the Milwaukee 18v, everyone says great things about them.

Years ago the best electric saws were Makita, but I have no idea where they are on technology.


@JimB nailed it you will not be disappointed and they also make a nice little blower that she would love blowing her porches and sidewalks off with. Make sure it’s 18vFuel
 
I mentioned corded but she does live on ~2 acres so dropcords would be really annoying to her.

She actually has a gas one (that’s currently at my house), but wanted something that was easier to use. She does have a cordless trimmer and a cordless blower, so she’s used to dealing with those.

In that case the cord would be quite long. How about a small generator!! It could serve double duty as a power outage backup? Yeah, that's it, more tools!!
 
In that case the cord would be quite long. How about a small generator!! It could serve double duty as a power outage backup? Yeah, that's it, more tools!!
Yeah, so drag a generator around the yard. Sounds like a plan!! :D

I have mentioned her getting one of the small Coleman generators that are cheap, just for her two fridges and freezer. And she could probably put it in her trailer to tow behind her Kubuta riding mower...but the cordless would be so much easier.
 
I keep thinking about the Milwaukee 18v, everyone says great things about them.

Years ago the best electric saws were Makita, but I have no idea where they are on technology.
@JimB nailed it you will not be disappointed and they also make a nice little blower that she would love blowing her porches and sidewalks off with. Make sure it’s 18vFuel
I looked around and just assumed an 18V/20V wasn’t going to be enough. But maybe it is? Quick search shows it should be.

She already has a blower and trimmer (maybe Worx brand), so compatibility isn’t much of a concern.

Milwaukee is $449 at Home Depot for a 16”. I’m sure it’s nice. But I think we’ll let her try the HF version for ~$150. 14” bar is probably going to be plenty for her, and both the Mil & HF have Oregon bars and chains.

And if HF has the same warranty plans like they do for most stuff, it’s easier to get a replacement that fooling with a repair.
 
@BigWaylon I don’t claim to know if volts should or should not matter, but I’ve always been told that it’s really about amps and that the voltage is just marketing.

The Milwaukee system is great, but not sure that I’d pay the price for just one tool.
 
@BigWaylon I don’t claim to know if volts should or should not matter, but I’ve always been told that it’s really about amps and that the voltage is just marketing.

The Milwaukee system is great, but not sure that I’d pay the price for just one tool.
Bingo! Volts are marketing and half are BS, ex dewalt 20v is actually 18v.
 
What bar size is needed?
 
I grabbed the Stihl battery saw this winter. I have only used it a few times, but so far I’d highly recommend it. First off it is very light weight. I limbed out a tree pretty much using it one handed and I am not a big burly guy. I also cut up pieces probably up to around 8” OD and it ran through the wood like butter. Mine is the smaller more basic version. Think it was about $300. Perfect for maintenance and light work. They make a more serious “Professional” version if she is hardcore or it is her only saw.

Keep in mind with most brands their batteries are compatible with their other tools so if you can stick with one brand for various tool you can share batteries.
 
I have a lot of the DeWalt 20v stuff so I bought the brushless chainsaw to add to my collection. It's not going to turn you into a lumberjack but I've been impressed with it's performance so far. It's about $200 with a battery and $135 without in case you already have some DeWalt 20v batteries.
 
Dude, buy her a yard cart... Battery, gas or propane. Step up and take care of yer mom.
Boom, done! :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

(I see you do that from your posts, just kidding...)
One of the things I bought she said is among her favorites is one of those metal yard carts. :p
 
I'm a subscriber to the battery powered EGO tools at Home Depot. I own the 16" chainsaw and have cut up a 12" diameter poplar with it and 3 batteries. Does the trick on small stuff but like every chainsaw, there's a limit.
I also own the blower, string trimmer, and hedge trimmer. I'll likely pick up a self-propelled mower when the one I have dies.
Batteries are expensive but I generally just get the package deal with each new tool I get (tool + battery). I imagine there'll be cheaper compatible batteries soon. EGO is a popular brand.
 
I have a lot of the DeWalt 20v stuff so I bought the brushless chainsaw to add to my collection. It's not going to turn you into a lumberjack but I've been impressed with it's performance so far. It's about $200 with a battery and $135 without in case you already have some DeWalt 20v batteries.
I know two people that have that 20v saw. One's an old man and the other a professional carpenter. They love it.
 
Check home depot for combo packages. I was looking for a 20v blower to use to blow the porch and garage out instead of getting my Stihl BR600 out all the time. Wanted one of the Dewalts as I have other Dewalt tools. Home Depot just had a combo with blower and string trimmer with a large 20v battery for $199. ordered it last week and supposed to be delivered today.
 
I have a 20v handheld blower I keep on my work truck for blowing messes out of garages if I make one. Comes in handy more often than you'd think. I had bought an 80v Kobalt trimmer and was considering the blower from the same family but it was over $200. I saw a Trimmer Plus attachment that goes on the trimmer that converts it to a blower for $69. I've only used it a couple times but it seems to work pretty well. I've got three of the Trimmer Plus attachments. The blower, a hedge trimmer and a mini chainsaw limb cutter. They all perform well for their intended function. It's not professional stuff but works well around the house.
 
Dewalt chainsaw owner here. Love it. Never met a hunk of wood it wouldnt cut.
 
Amp hours is what you want to compare on the battery products.

I reccomend the Stihl AK series. MSA120c for $299 with battery and charger.
Battery is interchangeable with a blower, hedge clipper, trimmer, and mower.

Chainsaws are Stihl's bread & butter, even in the battery products.
When she needs a replacement chain, her local Stihl dealer will have it in stock and install it for her. They will also provide warranty and service in house.
 
I don't know about chainsaws but my parents have one of the Dewalt battery powered blowers. It really works well and is light weight. The only down side is that when the battery does finally die it takes a good while to get a charge on it.
 
My mom texted me this morning asking me to research her next purchase. She wants a battery powered chain saw. Neighbor (Russian dude that seems to have every tool you might need) told her to make sure it was brushless, but didn’t make a specific recommendation.

Anybody here have one they’d recommend? Or advice on what to look for or avoid?
I have the 60v Greenworks mower and love it. It come in 40,60 or 80v, depending on your needs. Looking to get the blower and chainsaw next.
 
I do have the 20v Dewalt blower, drill, and driver, and they all work well. The blower is a treat because my wife and daughters would never fire up the backpack blower, but they’ll pull this out for small jobs.
 
Dewalt and black and decker are owned by the same people, those saws are likely identical except for color. Is there any particular reason it has to be a battery saw. Stihl makes some pretty light weight home owner saws. Some also have a spring assist on the pull rope. My 7yr old stepson can start one I have.
 
I'm actually thinking of trying the HF lynx trimmer...it's only $125 with coupon. They have great reviews.

I don't think she'll be disappointed.

DS

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

It's all made in China. Might as well get it cheap and fresh off the boat. They stand behind their tools esp if you pay the $10-15 for the 2 year replacement deal. Probably worth it on outdoor power stuff.

Half the crap in Home Depot and Lowes is identical in all but name and color to the stuff I see in HFT catalogs, and some is higher quality. Kobalt, Ryobi, etc. They're not manufacturers they rebrand stuff. Same with Tractor Supply and Northern Tool. Very rarely will they have something 'unique' in their lineup than can't be had for 25%-35% less at HFT. And then there's the ubiquitous 20% off that always comes up in my phone when I search it.
 
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I researched these for over a year before I bought my Dewalt 40 Volt saw.

As a result of my research I decided that the Stihl was the better saw but I was heavy on Dewalt products and the Dewalt was "good enough" for what I needed it for.

After my two back-to-back hernia surgeries pulling any rope at all to start was a no-go.

It definitely has limits but I have been pleasantly surprised at what it would accomplish. Hell of a lot quieter too.
 
Can you expand on this a little more? I thought chaps worked by binding the chain in material. If the electric chainsaw gets bound up will it not stop?

On a gas saw the kevlar material binds the sprocket. Clutch kicks out.

No clutch on the electric ones, they are direct drive and with electric torque increases as speed slows.
 
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