Petrol chainsaws are a popular choice but they’re noisy, often expensive and need regular maintenance to keep them running effectively. Petrol chainsaws can have a reputation for being unwieldy and higher maintenance. In recent years, the performance of battery-powered garden machinery has improved, and a cordless chainsaw can pack enough power to rival petrol chainsaws.
To help you make the right decision, I’ve put together this in-depth electric vs gas chainsaw guide. They include the best corded electric chainsaw guide, the best battery powered chainsaw guide, and the best gas chainsaw guide. Don’t forget, I have a few more free guides for you to check out: the best corded electric chainsaw guide, the best battery powered chainsaw guide, and the best gas chainsaw guide.
Typically, a 30-35cc chainsaw will provide similar cutting power to a battery chainsaw while remaining reasonably lightweight. For thick branches, many find that selecting a 36-41cc chainsaw will do the job and is a good all-rounder. A 50cc + professional use chainsaw is the best choice if you regularly cut large amounts of hardwood.
Most chainsaws should last around 15-20 minutes on a single tank for an average workload. Petrol chainsaws can have two different types of engines – 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Corded chainsaws feature a power cable that needs to be plugged into a power outlet. Cordless chainsaws work in the same way as corded models.
petrol vs electric chainsaw Related Question:
Which chainsaw is best electric or petrol?
An electric chainsaw will give you enough power to prune trees and cut small branches. But if you’re looking for something more powerful, your best bet is always petrol. The amount of power a petrol chainsaw kicks out is directly related to how big the engine is.
Are electric chainsaws good enough?
The best uses and people who would benefit from an electric chainsaw include: Simple Cutting Tasks — An electric chainsaw is great for trimming limbs, removing branches, and clearing brush around your yard. They’re also great for reaching high up into a tree with an extension pole.
Is it worth buying an electric chainsaw?
An electric chainsaw has a multitude of benefits over a gas-powered device. They are much better for the environment due to the lack of harmful fumes. They are also much more affordable, since the actual devices themselves require less expensive components, less maintenance, and you don’t need to buy gas!
How long will an electric chainsaw last?
Although runtimes will vary depending on use and the chainsaw’s size, expect to get about 20 to 30 minutes of intermittent use out of a cordless chainsaw before it needs a charge.
What’s better than a chainsaw?
A bow saw can handle many of the same cuts while saving wear and tear on a chain saw. Bow saws are capable of handling up to about a 10- to 12-inch tree, and replaceable blades mean that there’s nothing to sharpen. Look for a minimum 24-inch blade—smaller ones are suitable only for small branches—or even 30-inch.
Can you cut down a tree with an electric chainsaw?
One of our major spring projects is cutting down a diseased apricot tree in our back yard. We considered using an ax or hatchet for the job, but it turns out that an electric chainsaw is an ideal tool to get the job one. Despite our best efforts to water, fertilize, and prune the tree, it’s time to say farewell.
Do arborists use electric chainsaws?
Arborist chainsaws fall under three different power sources: battery-operated, electric, and gas. Due to this, you should consider the power source that is ideal to you since each source has strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at each of the three types of chainsaws.
Is an electric chainsaw safer?
Safer to Use Electric chainsaws have several features that make them safer for casual users than their gas-powered counterparts: Lower chain speeds. Chains that run only when you’re actively cutting with your saw. Bars that measure no longer than 18 inches.
Are electric chainsaws noisy?
Electric chainsaws (excluding battery powered ones) ranged from 90 to 102 dBA at the operator’s ear. The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse recommends the use of hearing protection be used when 85 dBA is exceeded for any extended period of time.
Do electric chainsaws have chain brakes?
40 volt Lithium Ion XR is a brushless motor chainsaw. The 16-in. bar and chain (made by Oregon, mentioned above) comes with a chain brake to prevent kickback, and is also auto-oiling.
How long does petrol last in a chainsaw?
Depending on the type and usage, you can expect a gas Chainsaw to run between 15 and 40 min before you have to fill it up again. Most battery-powered chainsaws have a run time of up to 2 hours, but there are high-capacity power packs that will last much longer.
How long do Husqvarna chainsaws last?
It ultimately comes down to the factors listed above (especially maintenance). That being said, you can expect a quality chainsaw to last you at least 10 years or more. But if you take care of it, I know people who have saws that have lasted 20-30 years and even longer.
What is a brushless chain saw?
Unlike carbon brushes, the magnets in a brushless motor don’t need physical contact with other components to transmit a charge, so there’s less interference from friction. For greater efficiency in your cordless chainsaw, look for a saw with a brushless motor.
Who makes the most reliable chainsaw?
STIHL are still the number one selling chainsaw brand in the USA. The Stihl 271 Farm Boss is a great saw for the small farm owner, or if you have a larger section of land with mature trees, and you need a reliable saw that can handle big jobs on a regular basis.
How do I choose a chainsaw?
Check for safety features like an inertia chain brake, side chain tensioning and a chain catcher. A saw that is comfortable to use is safer to use. Find a well-balanced machine with a good power-to-weight ratio: light enough to handle with the power to do the job. Ease of use is another deciding factor.