If you’re wondering which type of chainsaw is best for you, you’ve come to the right place. For homeowners and anyone who only occasionally needs to use a chainsaw, electric chainsaws offer many advantages. If your chainsaw projects include long hours of work or large trees to cut down, you’ll need the power and operating longevity of a gas-powered chainsaw.
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.
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages – as do battery powered models – so here, to help you out, we look at the differences between electric vs gas chainsaws. If you want a preview of some of the things we’re going to be talking about, here’s a video of a comparison between a high-quality electric chainsaw vs a high-quality gas machine. Electric chainsaws run much more quietly than gas machines, and since they don’t burn fuel, they don’t give off emissions, making them less polluting.
On the surface, there aren’t any obvious differences between a gas and an electric chainsaw. Some additional pros that come along with electric chainsaws include their easy start buttons, not having to worry about gas and oil mixing, and the sheer convenience of having such a quick-starting chainsaw. Last update on 2021-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. This DeWalt electric chainsaw has a surprisingly powerful motor for an electric chainsaw, but still retains its portability and light frame.
chainsaw gas vs electric Related Question:
Is gas or battery chainsaw better?
Although electric chainsaws are smaller and easier to carry, most lack the power and stamina to cut down large trees. If you have big trees on your property that you want to remove or cut into firewood, a gas model is your best bet. Electric chainsaws come in two types: corded and battery-powered.
Can an electric chainsaw cut down a tree?
A powerful gas or electric chainsaw can quickly cut fallen trees and logs into valuable firewood.
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 size tree can a 14 inch chainsaw cut?
Felling medium trees – 16” to 18” Cutting down medium size trees with a trunk of about 14″ to 16” will require a larger chainsaw of about 16″ to 18” to fell the tree in one easy pass.
Can I use an electric chainsaw in the rain?
If water gets inside your electric motor, your tool may be at a high risk of malfunctioning or failing to work altogether. Therefore, you should never use an electric chainsaw when wet.
Do you need oil for an electric chainsaw?
Most gas chain saws require a premixed gas-and-oil fuel to operate properly. Electric chain saws don’t require this added oil, but the bar and chain do need to be properly lubricated. Electric chain saws use the same type of lubrication for the bar and chain as gas-powered chain saws.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
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.
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.
Do electric chainsaws have a clutch?
Gas powered chainsaws also have a clutch that electric saws don’t have, this is what allows them to keep running without the chain spinning until you give them throttle.
What does a brushless chainsaw mean?
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.
How long can a chainsaw run on a tank of gas?
What is the runtime of 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.
Is a 14 inch chainsaw big enough?
If you are a casual home user who only needs it for light-duty work like trimming small branches or general pruning work, a less powerful chainsaw with a shorter bar will be enough. For this kind of work, something of around 14” will be enough.
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.