Are you a casual homeowner who frequently cut down trees and branches? Or do you find yourself in a tight spot living off the grid and can’t find a way to fell down trees? Whichever your case could be, you need to consider getting a cordless chainsaw. Cordless chainsaws and more specifically the battery powered ones have become more popular than ever. The fact that they are lightweight than the gas-powered chainsaws and being easier to operate has earned them a spot in most casual users’ toolbox. They come in all sizes. From small ones that can be used in pruning to heavy ones that can be used to take down big trees, there is always one to suit your needs.
The focus of this comprehensive article will be to help you get a better understanding of cordless chainsaws and list down some of the best that you may want to buy.
EGO Power+ CS1804 Cordless Chain Saw
Powerful Chainsaw with an Innovative Design and Intelligent Power Management
The EGO Power+ CS1804 Cordless Chain Saw has an innovative design and intelligent power management for all your cutting needs. It comes with an auto tensioning system that makes it easy for you to tighten your saw. It has bright headlights that illuminate the cutting surface to allow you to cut in the dark and in emergency situations. The large capacity battery gives you 300 cuts without needing a recharge.
Considerations When Buying A Cordless Chainsaw
Here are important aspects that you need to consider when you are shopping for the right cordless chainsaw.
Safety
Safety always comes first and you shouldn’t compromise on this. Keeping in mind that chainsaws have an open saw with teeth that can slice through anything in no time, users need to exercise extra caution when operating them. Besides wearing protective gear when working, there are some saws that have made strides to ensure better safety. Among some of the features that you will find in some saws that provide extra safety includes the use of debris shield, lock off levers, reduced kickback bar, and chain break functionality. It goes without saying that these features don’t make them completely safe and users must exercise caution when handling them.
Weight & Size
Weight and size could mean a lot for different users. Some people want to have chainsaws that they can carry around flexibly while others need heavy-duty ones that can cut large logs over long hours. The size and weight of a chainsaw usually vary depending on the battery and the type of motor it has. Smaller and lightweight chainsaws will mostly have small sized motors and since they are lightweight, these chainsaws are perfect for beginners and people who want to use them for light jobs. On the other end, heavier ones tend to have larger motors and large batteries which are suited for heavy cutting. So besides choosing the size and weight, you should also consider the intended use of the chainsaw.
Motor Type
Cordless chainsaws run on different types of motors. Older electric chainsaws were designed to run on motors that had brushes. However, with the technological evolution and demand for better performance, most of the modern cordless chainsaws run on brushless motors which are known to be easy to maintain and more energy efficiency. They are also known to run smoothly and quieter as compared to brush-based motors. Getting a brushless motor based cordless chainsaw, therefore, comes with more advantages.
Battery Capacity
Something else that you need to pay more attention to is the battery capacity of the cordless chainsaw that you are getting. Like with any other battery operated tool, there are different battery capacities which range from 20 Volts to over 80 Volts. Again the battery power and capacity will depend on the workload that you expect to be handling. If you expect to be cutting trees deep in the forest over long hours where there is limited electricity supply, then you may want to get one with a larger battery capacity which won’t need to be recharged a lot.
Best Cordless Chainsaws 2022 To Buy
After rigorous research and combing through a myriad of cordless chainsaws, here are the best one can get.
9. Ryobi RY40511 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Variable speed trigger, Compact battery.
Battery: 40 Volts.
Weight: 10.3 lbs.
Ryobi RY40511 is a 40-Volts brushless motor cordless chainsaw that features several features including an energy efficient lithium battery that amps up speed and performance. For convenience and ease of operation, the chainsaw comes with a wrap-around handle, automatic oiler. It features a variable speed trigger function that helps users get better control of the chainsaw.
this is a saw that comes with the cutting speed of a gas-powered chainsaw. It is an excellent choice of a cordless chainsaw that works well for large cleanup jobs.
Pros and Cons
- The chainsaw is easy to operate.
- It is very efficient and of high performance.
- The battery life doesn’t last long.
8. Milwaukee MIL 2727 Chainsaw Kit
Price: High price tag.
Special features: Brushless motor, high output battery, superior construction, automatic oiler, overload protection, 16” bar and chain.
Battery: 12V.
Weight: 13.9 pounds.
The Milwaukee MIL 2727 Chainsaw Kit is an amazing tool to have at home for your woodworking projects. This best cordless chainsaw delivers enough power to cut through hardwoods faster than gas-powered units. The chainsaw can deliver up to 150 cuts per charge, thus allowing you to complete all your cutting assignments without having to recharge the unit. The chainsaw has been designed to meet the performance demands of professional and home use. Its durability and ergonomic design make this unit easy to use and the perfect addition to your tool kit.
When it comes to performance, this chainsaw delivers more power than other units in its power range. The POWERSTATE brushless motor maintains a steady speed under heavy loads to ensure optimal performance throughout the cut. Its intelligent system offers protection from overload, over-discharge and overheating. The high output battery delivers sufficient runtime for all your applications. Its unique fuel technology allows the chainsaw to reach full throttle in less than 1 second, thus providing ultimate control, productivity, and performance. The unit’s superior construction provides users with the best protection against all forms of job site conditions.
Pros and Cons
- The brushless motor provides sufficient power for tough woodworking jobs.
- The high output battery packs enough power for 150 cuts for every charge.
- Its superior construction protects users from job site hazards
- The chain sometimes pops out in operation.
7. Echo Chain Saw
Price: Affordable.
Special features: Brushless motor, automatic oiler, longer bar, ergonomic handle, powerful battery, innovative design.
Battery: 58 volts.
Weight: 19.66 pounds.
Cutting lumber shouldn’t be a tedious affair, and that’s what the Echo Chain Saw is here to help you achieve. Built with a brushless motor, this monster of a chain saw delivers superior power for all your cutting needs. The 58-volt battery is built in the latest technology to provide you with enough run time to cut all lumber you need without having to recharge the unit. The chainsaw comes with a 16-inch bar and chain to allow for longer and more aggressive cutting.
To ensure durability and long-lasting use, the chain saw comes with an automatic oiler for efficient oiling and guarantees a longer chain life. It is also equipped with an inertia chain brake to keep you safe when operating the machine. Operating the chain saw is very easy, with the easy-to-use power button perfectly positioned for quick access. The handle is ergonomic to ensure you don’t get tired when operating the machine.
Pros and Cons
- The brushless motor delivers enough power for your cutting needs.
- Long bar and chain for larger, more aggressive cutting.
- The inertia chain brake keeps you safe when cutting lumber.
- The chain saw is heavy and bulky for some users.
6. OREGON CORDLESS CS250-S6 ChainSaw
Price: Highly priced.
Special features: Chain sharpening system, Instant start function.
Battery: 40 Volts.
Weight: 18 lbs.
Able to efficiently cut through branches and small logs at speeds of 2,350 rpm, this 40 Volts battery powered chainsaw is conveniently designed with no-pull cords or warm up before any operation. The chainsaw has a built-in chain sharpening system that takes a moment to sharpen the saw. It is able to cut up to 125 branches which measure 2-3 inches on a full charge.
The chainsaw has also inspired positive reactions from its users for being easy to maintain. At 18 lbs it is considerably lightweight making it easy to transport and operate.
Pros and Cons
- It is easy to operate.
- It is lightweight enough to be carried around easily.
- The chainsaw is pricier than most in the market.
5. EGO Power+ CS1403 Cordless ChainSaw
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: Weather-resistant design, Chain kickback breaking.
Battery: 56 Volts.
Weight: 13.4 lbs.
Powered by a highly efficient brushless motor that spins to a jaw-dropping 6500 RPMs, the EGO Power+ cordless chain saw is a phenomenal choice for anyone looking for power. With such power, one can expect up to 100 cuts on a single charge, which is considerably higher than what you would get from many in the market. The design of the chainsaw is weather resistant giving users the freedom to work anywhere outdoors.
Weighing only 13-pounds and coming with a high voltage battery that squeezes incredible performance, this is a good choice of a cordless chainsaw that works perfectly for most chainsaw enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
- The chainsaw is weather resistant
- It comes with a very powerful 56 Volt battery.
- The chain kickback feature offers safety and better control.
- The batteries don’t seem to last for a long time.
4. Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Auto-tension system, Auto lubrication, Oil level indicator.
Battery: 20 Volts.
Weight: 6.19 lbs
This is a very lightweight cordless chainsaw that comes with a 20 Volts battery and is intended to be used on light jobs. It has a solid build that will go a long way and comes with some handy features that help to get better results. Among the standard features found on this chainsaw includes a tool-free auto tension chain system, an automatic chain lubrication system, oil level indicator and a convenient battery life indicator.
The chainsaw uses a brush type motor which restricts it from handling heavy tasks but handles light tasks pretty well. Anyone looking for a good quality small sized cordless chainsaw that they can easily carry will love this one.
Pros and Cons
- It comes with a low price tag.
- The chainsaw is lightweight and easy to transport.
- It is built to be tough and durable.
- It is only limited for light tasks.
3. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V Max Lithium-Ion Chainsaw
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Low kickback bar, Wrap-around bale handle.
Battery: 20 Volts.
Weight: 7.2 lbs
Nobody can deny the dominance of Black + Decker. From kitchen appliances to lawn mowers, there is plenty to talk about this brand. Their BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 is a lightweight chainsaw that is powered by a 20 Volt rechargeable lithium battery. It features a tool-free blade tension which makes it easy and convenient to operate and make necessary adjustments.
Weighing just 7.2 lbs, this cordless chainsaw is among the lightest in the market, and one that has demonstrated unparalleled performance and efficiency. It most ideal for light tasks such as cutting branches and small logs.
Pros and Cons
- It is easy to operate and make adjustments.
- It is lightweight and portable.
- The chainsaw boasts having high performance.
- Some users have had issues with the oiler not working properly.
2. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: Chain brake, Low kickback, Highly ergonomic design.
Battery: 40 Volts.
Weight: 10.36 lbs
Talk of power, efficiency, and performance and nothing else comes close to this cordless chainsaw. It has received more reviews and sold more units than any other cordless chainsaw ever made. The brushless motor used by this chainsaw is engineered to run longer while producing more power and torque while efficiently using less power.
The decreased vibration from the brushless motor ensures that wear and tear is reduced, which adds to the fact that the construction of this chainsaw is very sturdy.
Pros and Cons
- It runs very quietly.
- The chainsaw comes with a high customer rating.
- Its low kickback and chain brake system offers increased safety.
- It is lightweight and portable.
- The oil tank could be of better quality.
1. EGO Power+ CS1804 Cordless Chain Saw
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Auto tensioning system, LED lights, clean cuts, brushless motor, innovative design, revolutionary cooling technology, intelligent power management.
Battery: 56 volts.
Weight: 22 pounds.
The EGO Power+ CS1804 Cordless Chain Saw is a revolutionary chain saw that will help you slice pieces of wood and logs with ease. It comes with an auto tensioning system that tightens your unit with the twist of a dial. This will ensure you don’t have to take the whole saw apart to set your chain the right way. The saw is built with an 18-inch bar and chain for those large branches, stumps, and tall trees in your compound. To ensure you can see clearly when taking down trees and branches, the saw has bright LED lights that illuminate your surface. This allows you to cut even in the dark or in emergency situations when there is no light.
The EGO Power+ battery uses industry-leading lithium technology to deliver enough power for your cutting needs. With the 56V battery, you get up to 300 cuts without having to recharge the battery. Its brushless motor delivers the power and performance of a 42 CC gas chain saw. The saw delivers all this power without being too noisy to ensure you don’t disturb other people in your home. Its revolutionary cooling technology ensures the saw doesn’t heat up and break down.
Pros and Cons
- The large capacity battery that delivers enough power for 300 cuts on 4×4 lumber
- The auto tensioning system makes it easy to tighten the saw.
- The bright LED headlights illuminate the surface to allow you to cut in the dark.
- Some users report random shutdowns when operating the chain saw.
Final Verdict
Anyone who finds themselves cutting down logs and wood and cutting down trees knows that quality and performance is crucial when buying a chainsaw. The cordless chainsaws listed above have stood out and ranked top among dozens, and they are worth every penny spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Are Cordless Chainsaws?
A: If you’ve ever asked yourself what are cordless chainsaws and how different they may be compared to others, then they are simply portable mechanical saws that operate by cutting using their set of teeth which are usually attached to a rotating chain. The difference between a cordless and corded chainsaws is the power source used to power it. Cordless chainsaws are usually battery operated which is unlike corded ones which source power from an AC outlet.
Q: What Is The Difference Between Cordless Electric and Gas Chainsaws?
A: Although gas-powered chainsaws are generally considered to be more powerful and capable of handling big tasks of clearing forests, the game is changing and more competitive cordless electric chainsaws are entering the market. Today, there are more advanced rechargeable cordless chainsaws that can last many hours on a single charge and are capable of doing a better job than some small gas-powered chainsaws. Also, being quieter and more convenient, there is every reason to invest in them.
Q: When Should You Get A Cordless Chainsaws?
A: Cordless chainsaws are designed to be used when there is limited electric supply or when one is working off the grid where it is impossible to have a long electric cord power their saw. With recharged batteries, there is no limit to the work that you can achieve with a cordless chainsaw. So, anyone who is working outdoor or felling trees ion the forest will find the cordless chainsaw to be an invaluable tool.