Battery Powered Chainsaw Reviews

Are you on the hunt for a battery-powered chainsaw? If so, you aren’t alone.

More and more people are trading in their gas-powered saws for the latest generation of chainsaws that run on batteries.

Whether you need a saw for occasional use around your home or plan on using one on the job, it’s natural to want the best.

Nobody wants to invest money in a tool that doesn’t cut the proverbial mustard, and this is why we’ve compiled a list to help you find the best battery chainsaw for your needs.

What To Look For

Every chainsaw type is different, and with that comes different expectations and requirements. Features that make a gas-powered chainsaw brilliant aren’t necessarily great to have in a battery-powered cordless chainsaw.

This section is all about what you need to consider when purchasing a battery-powered chainsaw. We hope you find the following information helpful!

When buying one, there are several factors you may wish to take into consideration. For many consumers, the price will play a part. While in some cases, it’s logical to assume that you get what you pay for, many buyers will look for value for money over a low purchase price.

Different buyers also have varied priorities, and some will be willing to spend a lot more than others.

Another factor to consider is the brand name. Some consumers like to stick to a brand they have used before, or buy from a manufacturer that has been recommended in the best cordless chainsaw reviews, for example.

Reviews are also useful for highlighting pros and cons, outlining the main features, and giving you an insight into performance provided by people who have actually used the chainsaw in question before.

If you’re in the market for a cordless chainsaw, you want to buy a high-quality product, which is affordable for you and suitable for the jobs and tasks you have in mind.

If you’ve got a list of essential requirements, or you’re keen to see how different makes and models compare, check out these battery-powered chainsaw reviews.

Battery Powered Chainsaw Comparison Chart

1. EGO Power+ CS1804 18-Inch 56-Volt Cordless

The new EGO POWER+ CS1804 18″ Cordless chainsaw roars innovation and power. The reimagined chain tensioning system tightens your chain with the twist of a dial, with no need to take anything apart to get your chainset properly.

It features an aggressive 18-inch bar and chain for taking down large branches, stumps, and tall trees. The bright LED headlights illuminate your cut when you are cutting at dusk or in an emergency and there is no access to lights.

The advanced 56 – Volt battery uses industry-leading Arc – Lithium technology to deliver ‘Power Beyond Belief’ and is compatible with all EGO POWER+ products. It delivers the performance of gas without the noise, fuss, and fumes.

Enhanced battery life

Featuring the advanced 5.0 Ah 56V Arc-Lithium battery gives you up to 300 cuts on 4×4 lumber, making it an ideal companion for professionals on the go. Increased battery power and longevity mean this is a functional, practical addition to any toolkit.

Prolonged battery life eliminates the need for frequent charging, which disrupts workflow. Plus it works with all EGO POWER+ tools. Simply select your tool, click on the battery and get to work.

Oregon Low kick-back 18 inch bar and chain

The powerful Oregon 18inch bar and chain make this chainsaw ideal for both outdoor cutting and construction jobs. It can cope with different environments and a broad spectrum of tasks. With its auto-tensioning chain system, you just tighten the chain with the twist of a dial.

Bright LED headlights

Safety is of paramount importance when using a chainsaw for any application. The CS1804 chainsaw is packed with enhanced safety features. Innovative too in that’s it’s the first chainsaw with LED lights for illuminating your work area and cuts

Powerful brushless motor

Delivered by the brushless motor, the power and performance is like that of a 42CC gas chainsaw with 11,000 RPMs for efficient clean cuts to extend the life of the tool. But with the added bonus of without the noise, mess, and fumes.

5-year limited warranty

With this model, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that you deserve knowing you’ve made a good investment. It has exceptional review scores, and it also comes with an amazing 5-year manufacturer’s warranty!

Best for:

• Outdoor use
• Professional use
• People who require a saw that can cope with prolonged periods of use

2. Makita XCU03PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT

Perfectly suited to homeowners looking to keep their gardens in check, tree surgeons, and landscapers, the MAKITA XCU03PT1 battery-powered chainsaw is a lightweight, top-handle chainsaw, which is capable of producing impressive results day in, day out.

This chainsaw is built for hassle-free cutting, and it is packed with features that optimize performance and ensure an enjoyable user experience. Features include:

Battery life and power

This chainsaw doesn’t come with batteries or a charger (these are sold separately), but once you’ve got your kit sorted, you can look forward to substantial output and extended battery life.

You can take advantage of dual 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries, and there’s a built-in LED switch, which turns the unit off when an operation is slowed to prolong battery life. This chainsaw can also be used without leaving the 18V battery platform.

Safety

This MAKITA chainsaw boasts a lock-off lever, which automatically prevents the blade from engaging accidentally, eliminating the risk of injuries and giving users peace of mind.

Performance

The MAKITA XCU03PT1 battery-powered chainsaw features a brushless motor system, which produces powerful performance similar to a gas chainsaw.

Durability

Working outside carries a risk of exposure to adverse weather conditions, which often results in chainsaws coming into contact with dirt, dust, debris.

This innovative chainsaw is fitted with protective seals to shield the intricate internal components and increase the lifespan of your saw.

Hassle-free use

This MAKITA chainsaw is easy to use, it requires minimal maintenance and it’s also good for the environment with 0% emissions.

Best for:

• Arborists
• Landscape gardeners
• Homeowners

3. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Aimed at amateurs, as well as those accustomed to regular chainsaw use, the GREENWORKS 16-inch 40V cordless chainsaw is an ideal investment for those keen to buy a reliable all-rounder. Boasting brushless technology, this GREENWORKS model is designed to rival gas models. Features include:

Battery life

A single charge can provide hours of joy for homeowners and professionals. Providing up to 75 cuts per charge, you can work continuously, focusing on the job at hand, rather than worrying about how much charge you’ve got left.

Noise and vibration

With this GREENWORKS model, you can enjoy the power and performance of a gas chainsaw without the noise or vibration strength. This battery-powered chainsaw generates up to 70% less vibration than its gas counterparts.

Simplicity

This is a versatile chainsaw, which is suited to seasoned pros as well as those who aren’t as familiar with cordless chainsaws.

Featuring a heavy-duty Oregon bar, an automatic, in-built oiling system, chain brake, and metal bucking spikes, this chainsaw is easy to use, and it’s also designed with safety in mind.

Best for:

• Cutting firewood
• Felling small trees
• Limbing
• General trimming and tree maintenance at home

4. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V Max Cordless

Ideally suited to homeowners, the Black+Decker LCS1240 40V Max Cordless chainsaw is an affordable, highly-functional battery-powered chainsaw, which is perfect for frequent use at home.

If you’re keen to keep your yard tidy, or you’re dealing with the aftermath of strong winds or heavy rainfall, and you don’t want to splash out on a high-tech model with all the mod cons, this could be the ideal option for you. Features include:

Long run time

The 40V max lithium-ion battery boasts a long run time, averaging over 60 4×4 pine cuts. Also, continued use over a substantial period of time, lasting up to 18 months between uses.

What’s more, it’s compatible with other tools in the 40V MAX outdoor system, allowing you to just swap and click in the battery to get straight to work.

Convenience and Safety

Great for jobs large and small, the 40V MAX system isn’t just powerful, it’s convenient. No gas. No cords. Nothing to stand between you, finishing the job, and getting on with your day.

Plus it comes with enhanced safety features like the front handguard and lock-off button for increased safety.

Usability

With an Oregon low-kickback 12 inch bar and chain for easy and efficient, as well as smooth and fast cuts, the Tool-less Chain Tensioning means that you can make easy adjustments without the need for additional tools.

It features a full wraparound handle for comfortable sawing from multiple angles.

Lubrication

The Black+Decker LCS1240 has an automatic oiling system, which maintains lubrication for seamless performance. The oil window is also clear, so it’s very easy to keep an eye on oil levels.

Best for:

• Clearing-up wind and storm damage
• Cutting back and pruning small trees
• Tidying up your backyard

5. CRAFTSMAN V60 Cordless Chainsaw, 16-Inch (CMCCS660E1)

CRAFTSMAN V60 Cordless 16-inches Brushless Chainsaw features auto oiling along with tool-free chain tensioning for minimal maintenance and it also comes with a bar cover. It’s capable of up to 140 cuts of 4-inches x 4-inches pressure-treated pine per charge.

The chainsaw’s brushless motor is fueled by a high capacity 60V 2.5 AH lithium-ion battery, providing long runtime, while also offering compatibility across the V60 CRAFTSMAN complete line of outdoor tools and equipment essentials for “a job that will make you proud” according to the brand. Features include:

Longevity

CRAFTSMAN V60 Cordless Chainsaw features a high-efficiency brushless motor for powerful performance to maximize runtime and motor life, allowing users to power through any yard work.

Minimal Maintenance

Auto oiling with tool-free tensioning for minimal maintenance of the battery-powered chainsaw.

Precise cutting and low kickback

The CRAFTSMAN V60 The bubble level of the CRAFTSMAN V60 allows for precise and level cutting, and it has a low kickback 16-inch bar and chain.

Versatility

Use the integrated hook to hang this tool directly on the VERSATRACK Wall Organization System (sold separately).

Warranty

This chainsaw is backed by CRAFTSMAN’s Full Lifetime Warranty, along with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Best for:

• Trimming and cutting small to medium trees
• General garden maintenance
• Light applications around the home

FAQ

Finding the best cordless chainsaw for your needs is challenging, as you have probably already realized. Whether you are looking for a heavy-duty battery-operated chainsaw or a small and compact chainsaw for pruning and woodcutting, we are sure you have a few questions that you want to ask first.

Purchasing such an important and dangerous power tool requires a lot of thought and consideration, let alone many research hours. We have simplified the process for you and compiled a frequently asked questions section to help you out.

Q: What is the best cordless electric chainsaw?

A: The The DeWalt DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX is considered by many to be the best cordless electric chainsaw on the market.

Q: Are battery chainsaws worth it?

A: Battery-powered chainsaws are extremely worth buying. They are quieter than other chainsaw types, as well as being cheaper to purchase and run.

Q: Are battery-powered chainsaws safer?

A: Unfortunately, there isn’t such a thing as a ‘safe’ chainsaw. That being said, battery-powered chainsaws are cordless, so you do not run the risk of tripping over cables when the chainsaw is in use. Another reason that a cordless chainsaw is considered slightly safer is that it can be turned on and off very instantly.

Q: How long will a battery-powered chainsaw last?

A: Battery-powered chainsaws have a run time of about an hour. If you look after the chainsaw’s battery and charge it fully after every use, clean the chainsaw, and oil it properly, it will last you for many years.

Q: Do you need a license to use a battery chainsaw?

A: No, you do not need a license to use an electric chainsaw. However, you must be over the age of 16 to use one.

Q: How long should you run a chainsaw?

A: Electric chainsaws are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery. These power tools come with a battery and charger, with a run time of 1 or 2 hours. Electric chainsaws and all other battery-powered cordless tools can be used until they run out of battery life. Corded chainsaws, on the other hand, should not be used for longer than an hour or so at a time to avoid overheating.

Q: Should you let a battery-powered chainsaw warm up?

A: Letting a chainsaw warm-up gives you the chance to see that the chainsaw is working correctly before proceeding to cut with it. We recommend letting all chainsaws, battery-powered and otherwise, warm up before using them.

Q: Do battery-powered chainsaws kickback?

A: Every type of chainsaw runs the risk of kicking back.

Q: Why does my chainsaw leak oil when I use it?

A: If your chainsaw is leaking oil, it is most likely due to a problem with the airflow. Sometimes, vacuuming can develop within the chainsaw components, and oil can’t pass through the chainsaw properly.

Q: How do you ‘break-in’ a chainsaw engine?

A: breaking in a chainsaw engine is more important for gas-powered chainsaws than it is for other chainsaw types. Avoid using the chainsaw at full throttle for at least the first three or four tank fills. It is worth mentioning that a chainsaw will only reach its full potential after seven or eight tank refills.

Chainsaw Maintenance Tips

Maintaining crucial chainsaw parts such as the motor, the chain system’s tension, and the blades are part of being a responsible chainsaw owner.

Not only will performing general maintenance on your chainsaw make it last longer, but it will also keep the chainsaw safe to operate.

It’s essential to have a chainsaw kit with all the necessary safety equipment. It’s also a good idea to add to your chainsaw kit the tools you’ll need so you have years of problem-free and safe wood cutting.

Now that you have read our best battery-powered chainsaw reviews and frequently asked questions section, you probably have an idea which chainsaw you want to buy. Refer to the following maintenance tips as and when you need them.

Below are some tips on how to maintain each crucial part of the chainsaw to keep it in tip-top condition.

Chain/Blade Maintenance

The chainsaws chain is just as important as the blades. Without good quality, rust-free chain, the chainsaw will not function to its best abilities.

Clean the chain regularly and remove any bits of debris from the chain after every use. Failing to do so will result in reduced chain speed and a faulty chain brake.

Regularly check the chain tension. Not to loose or too tight.

Sharpen the blades as soon as you notice the chainsaw is struggling more to cut the wood. Blunt chainsaw blades appear very sharp when examined, so mature chainsaw users may struggle to identify a dull blade.

Instead of examining the blades themselves, examine the wood that has been cut and look at the sawdust debris leftover. Sharp blades will create very thin and sharp weed shavings, while dull blades produce dust-like wood shavings.

You can sharpen the chainsaw yourself really easily with a long chain file. This should be done by hand, and once you have gotten to grips with the technique, you can file all of the blades in a short period of time.

Top Tip: The chainsaw blade’s diameter varies from chainsaw to chainsaw. In order to sharpen the curved blades, purchase a round file with a diameter matching the blades on your chainsaw.

Battery Maintenance

Although lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the best types of batteries to use in a battery chainsaw, they need to be treated with care to ensure they consistently work to the best of their abilities.

As you have probably experienced in the past, batteries deteriorate over time, and what once was a battery that lasted all day, may only last a couple of hours after a year or so.

Make sure that the battery charges fully before unplugging and using the chainsaw. Do not overcharge the battery as this will reduce its efficiency at a rapid speed.

Motor Maintenance

When you start up the chainsaw, let it ‘warm-up’ for a few seconds before proceeding to saw an object. Investing in a chainsaw with a brushless motor is one step to prolonging the chainsaw’s motor life. Brushless motors are that adjust automatically to the job at hand.

A few different types of engines are used in constructing chainsaws, so before performing any maintenance on the motor, make sure you are familiar with your chainsaw’s motor type. Lubricate the chainsaw frequently, especially if the chainsaw has a two-stroke engine.

Top Tip: Never use a chainsaw if the blades are dull. This will cause a massive strain on the engine and reduce its engine life.

Oiling System Maintenance

Before every use, you must check the oil level in the chainsaw. Failing to do so could lead to the chainsaw malfunctioning, just as your car would without enough oil.

Each manufacturer has its own oil level requirements, so follow the user manual and keep it handy for when you do your oiling and checks. The oil ratio for a modern-day

a chainsaw is roughly 50:1, or about 3% oil.

Regularly check the bar oil reservoir to make sure it always had enough of the correct bar and chain oil to keep it lubricated.

An overheating chain will not cut well and will not last long.

Running a chainsaw without bar oil will eventually break your chains, and you can imagine how costly that will be for you to fix! Additionally. The engine may get damaged beyond repair, adding to the damage costs.

Some chainsaws have a manual oiling system, while others have an automatic oiling system. These days, most chainsaws have some sort of automatic system, as manual oiling is extremely inconvenient and time-consuming.

Even with an automatic oiler, while using cordless chainsaws you still need to keep an eye on it to make sure the automatic oiler is functioning correctly.

Top Tip: Before getting stuck into your job do a couple of test saws to check everything running smoothly and chain lubricating.

Differences Between Chainsaws

There are various types of battery-powered saws or cordless saws, but we are looking specifically at cordless chainsaws.

In case you weren’t sure exactly what a chainsaw is, its saw blade is a chain or loop with lots of cutting blades built into it. It rotates to cut continuously in the same direction at high speed.

It is not like a battery-powered saw used for precision cutting in carpentry with different types of blades, it is normally for outdoor tree and branch cutting (and occasionally some unusual sculptures).

Cordless Chainsaw

A battery chainsaw, also known as a cordless chainsaw, as the name suggests runs on battery power rather than being powered by a gas engine or plugged into a mains socket.

They are different from a pure electric chainsaw as cordless chainsaws use a rechargeable battery so don’t need to be plugged into the mains while they are being used.

The best cordless chainsaws have long battery life and a powerful electric motor. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the excellent power achieved by most cordless chainsaws now compared to earlier models and some gas-powered models.

Gas Powered Chainsaw

Unlike a cordless chainsaw, gas chainsaws get their engine power from an old-fashioned combustion engine and a tank of gas. While they may generate more engine power gas chainsaws are noisier than an equivalent cordless saw. Gas saws are also smelly and smoky and less environmentally friendly.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider

Now that you have read out battery-powered chainsaw reviews, you might have an idea of which is the best cordless chainsaw for you. Before you finalize your purchase, you would have a look through our buying guide to ensure you haven’t forgotten about any important features.

When it comes to making your choice from the best battery powered chainsaws, you will need to consider things like variable-speed triggers, the chainsaw’s brake, its oiling system, brushless motors, bar length, chain tension, tool-free chain, battery amp-hours, automatic oiler, and many other important specifications.

Make an informed purchase and follow this buying guide to find the best battery-powered chainsaw for you.

Weight

Your battery-powered chainsaw needs to be the right weight for your lifting capabilities. If you need your chainsaw for trimming high-up branches, your arms will tire quickly if you use a heavy chainsaw, which will be extremely dangerous. So a lighter weight may be more important in this case.

Tip Guard

A chainsaws tip guard is designed to prevent kickback. A tip guard is important for people who are new to using chainsaws or for anyone who isn’t confident controlling their chainsaws while cutting material.

Blade Guard

When your chainsaw is not in use, it is important to fit the blades with a blade guard. You can make your own blade guard from items you have in your workshop; however, investing in a chainsaw with a professional blade guard is going to be the safest option.

Blade guards also stop your blades from getting damaged when the chainsaw is not in use. This is a very important feature and one I wouldn’t recommend ignoring.

Safety Switch

A safety switch is vital. It is a fail-safe to switch off the saw to prevent accidents if dropped or slips.

Buckle Spikes

Buckle spikes allow you to rest the chainsaw on wood while you cut through it. This feature greatly reduces kickback as well as making you feel more comfortable as you work.

Bar Length

The bar length is literally the length of the saw cutting area, so ultimately will decide how thick the branches and tree trunks you will be able to cut through.

If you only need a battery chainsaw for small branches then a short bar length will be enough. However, if you will be cutting down larger trees then you will need one of the battery chainsaws that have a bar length that is long enough for the cutting you want to do.

Once you have your new battery chainsaw you will probably want to tackle some bigger jobs so to make sure you get the best battery chainsaw for you, better to get a longer bar length than you initially think you’ll need.

Unless weight and storage space are more important to you then maybe go for a shorter bar length.

Power

Gas-powered chainsaws, cordless chainsaws, electric chainsaws, and battery-powered chainsaws each have different maximum power. You may like the features and comfort of one of the chainsaws, but it might not have enough power, making it inappropriate for you.

Variable speeds are also a useful feature to have to help cut through various woods. Again an overheating chain is not good so sometimes slow and steady is better.

Battery

Each battery-powered chainsaw has a different battery life, which determines its run time. If you want to get technical take a look at the batteries amp hours to get an idea of the best battery for your needs.

Each battery-powered chainsaw comes with batteries and a charger. The best battery chainsaws come with a lithium-ion battery as these batteries can be charged and recharged many times before the battery life begins to deteriorate.

Something else to consider is if you can use the same battery pack to power other cordless tools. If your outdoor tools are the same brand you can probably share battery packs for all the tools.

It is great to be able to use the same batteries for all your cordless power tools; swapping batteries between battery chainsaws and other outdoor power tools. You can even use them in lawnmowers too now.

When one runs out you will always have more power as you will always have extra batteries on hand. And you can save money by not always having to buy a battery with your next power tool.

Motor

Check that it has a brushless motor as opposed to the older brushed motor. Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer, so always better

Price

Price is a very subjective feature and one that will be different for everyone. The best thing to do is to write down your budget and to stick to it.

There are plenty of low-cost, high-quality chainsaws on the market, as well as high-ticket high-quality chainsaws. Finding a chainsaw with the right features for your budget might take time, but you will find something appropriate if you shop around.

Durability

Power tools have to be very sturdy and durable. They should last you for a long time and have few malfunctions. Look for a chainsaw that is made of long-lasting material to ensure you are getting a durable chainsaw.

Battery Operated Chainsaw Video

If you’ve never seen a battery-powered chainsaw in action, here is a good YouTube video demonstrating one:

Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive, functional chainsaw without all the bells or whistles or you’re on the hunt for an advanced battery-powered model that is packed with features, you want to make sure that you’re buying a product that ticks all your boxes.

Hopefully, these reviews of the best battery-powered chainsaws have given you inspiration for your next purchase and help you find the best battery chainsaw for you.

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Sources:

• https://amtrustfinancial.com/getmedia/d7194a29-9544-43e7-8ac5-6ce9f37e8a83/ChainsawSafety-1.pdf
• https://www.agriculture.com/machinery/tools/battery-powered-chain-saws