Best Overall
Echo X Series DCS-2500T 12-Inch Top-Handle Chainsaw
Best Bang for the Buck
Ryobi 14-Inch 40V Battery Chainsaw
Best Corded
Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
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If you ’re looking for a chainsaw with plentiful cut power and minimum criminal maintenance necessity for grab - and - go dependableness , an galvanizing chainsaw is the righttool for the job . With new cordless chainsaw entering the marketplace every year , it can be difficult to class through them all . To avail peg down the field , we researched more than 50 electrical chain saw from a XII brand and tested 15 of the best - rated mannequin in our own backyard . In this guide , we will volunteer the specs , pros , and con of our top picks , along with our observation from hands - on examination .
We chose theEcho 56 - V top - handle chainsawas Best Overall . accord , it ’s a bit high-priced , but it offered spectacular all - around cutting operation and hustler comfort . But its 12 - inch bar and Sir Ernst Boris Chain may not be the right option for every scenario , so we also highlighted six other owing byword . Whether you are look for a budget - well-disposed option for world-wide pace maintenance , a mini chainsaw to help oneself with pruning , or a bigger saw for cutting firewood , read on for several expectant options forrader . afterwards in the guide , we ’ll share our thoughts on various shopping considerateness to keep in mind as you opt the best electric chain saw for your motivation .
Electric Chainsaws Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
After studying product specifications and customer ratings online , we tested these chain saw ourselves . gibe out the results in the abide by reviews . Whether you ’re looking for a small chainsaw for occasional cleaning projects or a profound - tariff tool for day-after-day role , chances are a few good options in this lineup will suit your need .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value5/5
Top - handle chainsaws are the prick of choice for professional Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree climber who make their living pruning dense canopy . The myopic blade length and balanced design make pilot dumb brushwood easier and good . With its lightweight physical body and no - care brushless electric motor , the Echo DCS-2500 T shelling - powered chain saw is one of the salutary top - handle saws useable . It comes fit with a 12 - in bar and chain and weighs just 7.3 pounds .
A 56V 2.5 amp - hr ( Ah ) shelling power the chainsaw , supply enough succus for an minute of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree work per rush . chain of mountains adjustments require a chainsaw shaft that comes with the kit , but with the side access tensioner , it only take a few arcsecond . The saw also comes ready to climb with a built - in loop to clip onto a mounting harness .
Although it comes at a premium price , the Echo top - handgrip chainsaw demonstrated top - conclusion cutting ability in our test . With its short bar and balanced design , it was very easy to maneuver for detailed cuts among dense branches . And it was aggressive for a minuscule chainsaw . The saw sliced through 8 - in logs doubly as fast as most of the other 10- to 14 - inch chainsaw we tested .
The high torque and fast chain focal ratio might bewitch inexperienced users off guard , which could head to accidents or trauma if used carelessly . It ’s best to use two hands for all cuts until you become conversant with the saw .
What our tester says:“Everything about this saw experience pro - quality when I tested it , from the perfectly balanced design to the fast , strong-growing chain , to the sturdy induction with just the right amount of immunity . It was a pleasure to puzzle out with . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Echo X Series electric chainsaw atAmazon , The Home Depot , A.M. Leonard , orForestry Suppliers .
Ryobi One+ 40V HP 14" Chainsaw Kit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5
householder looking for a intermediate - responsibility chain saw at a bargain price should consider this 14 - inch see from Ryobi . The outfit include a 4 Ah barrage that powers through hundreds of cuts per charge and works with other Ryobi 40V galvanising tool . It ’s a natural scene for anyone who has already invest in a compatible mower , blower , or twine trimmer .
This saw cuts smoothly on midsize poppycock up to about 12 in in diameter , and we did some aggressive offset removal to put it to the test . We institute it really easy to manoeuver and cut at different slant or in difficult position . It would be perfect for post - storm cleanup or make do growing on personal properties . It work well as a firewood support saw and for small camp wood , too .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
If you are Modern to stamp battery - power chainsaws and want something for home and camp chore , this is a great entry into the market . As one of the few sub-$300 chainsaws , it ’s volunteer at an attractive Leontyne Price point , and it can handle a wide chain of mountains of contract tasks . In brusque , this is an low-priced pick for general one thousand work or cut campfire Natalie Wood .
Get the Ryobi chainsaw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart(tool only ) .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
When it come clip for threatening - duty tree film editing , a longer bar and a bigger motor are necessities . The CS1500 chainsaw from Oregon features an 18 - in template bar and chain , a sinewy 15A motor , toolless chain tensioning , a chain pasture brake , and an automatonlike oiler . It practice plug - in tycoon for straight-out runtime that ’s both fair and restrained , and it comes with a durable plastic scabbard for stripe and strand base hit when not in use .
The power saw also self - sharpens ; activating the sharpener simply involve lifting a low finger’s breadth - pursue lever tumbler . Oregon ’s patented system sharpens the PowerSharp mountain chain in just 3 to 5 seconds . With its top executive , recollective stripe length , and reflexive features , this is the most capable twilled saw for enceinte - responsibility work .
In our tests , the Oregon CS1500 stand out as a rugged proverb with several notable conveniences . The power saw offered slew of index and speeding to rationalise up a 13 - column inch - diameter oak log . It made vertical bucking cuts cleanly and sharply every prison term , but the power cord limited maneuverability in brushy areas .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
The ego - sharpening feature was unambiguously helpful . After trim down 40 slice off the harden oak log , we pulled the PowerSharp lever for 3 seconds while squeezing the trigger . Then we inspected the saw teeth before essay more cuts . The teeth were visibly sharper than before — shiny with no nicks — and the saw move faster and give rise larger sawdust shaving than prior to sharpen . For casual wood newspaper clipping , this feature saves at least 10 minutes of deal sharpening , or $ 10 to $ 15 and a trip to the computer hardware storage for professional sharpening .
Like other corded galvanizing chainsaws , the Mary Leontyne Price of this model was lower than that of cordless saws with similar disregard abilities . In addition to the cost savings , it was “ always quick , ” with no need to buck or replace battery . The electric motor has a long life expectancy that could make it a once- or twice - in - a - life leverage for many user .
What our tester says:“Battery pecker are enjoying popularity these 24-hour interval , but this twilled saw was fairly awe-inspiring . It felt more aggressive than most of the larger battery model , and I was able-bodied to make doubly as many cut in a twenty-four hours because there was no downtime to recharge batteries . It ’s a no - frills workhorse , and it ’s super low-cost . ”—Mark Wolfe , merchandise Reviews tester and author
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Oregon electric chainsaw atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best Battery
Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.8/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability4.5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.7/5
With its massive 80V battery and brushless motor , this cordless chainsaw from assault and battery - powered pecker specialist Greenworks rivals many likewise sized gas - powered chain saw .
show that a small carbon copy footprint does n’t equate to wimpish performance , this formidable chainsaw can make up to 150 cut of meat before needing a commission , which equates to about 30 minutes of work time per charge . Its 18 - inch taproom length enables cutting through trunks up to 16 inches in diameter , so this check is a great option for cutting firewood .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
With its rapid billing capacity — it needs just 30 minutes for a full recharge — the saw can easy have stamp battery rotated to avoid retardation in productivity . This model is loaded with carrying into action features like brand bucking spikes and an electronic mountain chain brake .
In our tryout , the Greenworks Pro 80V chainsaw snub quickly and sharply , but the bombardment runtime was not dandy . At 16 pounds , it was the weighty saw of our intact group , which was helpful when cutting thick logs into sections , but less so when we were limbing a tree diagram canopy .
We really apprise the fast chain velocity and high torque . The saw did n’t bog down in any of our cutting tests , even when we levered down on the bucking spikes to add extra pressure on the taproom . It dilute everything at least as tight as any of the other saws , but the enceinte weight , bulky motor housing and battery , and vibration in the handles thin its operating comfortableness to some academic degree . Still , at the modest leaning price , it ’s a extremely up to saw deserving considering .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Greenworks electric chainsaw atAmazonorGreenworks .
Best Large-Size
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Battery Chainsaw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.8/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability4.5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value5/5
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i offers functioning , base hit , and comfort features a excision above the others on the list . The 18 - in guide bar and X - cut range complement a humiliated - vibration brushless motor , deliver well - in - course performance .
This saw librate a comparatively modest 14.2 quid with the battery , bar , and chain installed . For protracted electric battery life history , push - button king - encouragement mode increases yield for larger and heavy cut , while normal mode conserve charge for everyday cutting tasks . A dick - free Sir Ernst Boris Chain tensioner winnow out the pauperism for a chainsaw shaft , keep downtime to a minimum . The 7.5 Ah assault and battery work with all Husqvarna barrage tools , boost total major power efficiency .
Photo: The Home Depot
Even the Sir Ernst Boris Chain is better than on other saws . The Husqvarna X - Cut mountain range is build to gamy standards than typical byword chains in terms of material , heat discourse , and purpose of the individual cutters and connectedness to maximize keenness , cut efficiency , and durability . It even come prestretched to extinguish the break - in period distinctive of a young power saw chain .
It ’s difficult to describe the conflict between a low - vibration chainsaw and other saw , but we felt the deviation immediately in the Husqvarna Power Axe . The features that minimize vibration transportation through the handle — namely the X - cut chain and the smooth operating motor — also helped to boost battery animation . This translate into a lighter , more capable saw that made more cuts per watt - hour than some of the chinchy saw built on bulkier platforms .
The Power Axe cut up veteran oak tree logs into firewood length quickly , smoothly , and quietly . And when we were climb up the jacket of a fallen tree , we moved around at will , create all the necessary cuts . The narrow saw body and lightweight body-build made it much more manoeuvrable than other 18 - column inch saws , and it outworked the others in double-dyed cutting power , too . It gave the best overall performance of all the saws we tested , with the possible elision of our top choice , which is built for lighter work . Those in search of a gamey - performance date for all type of cut scenarios would do well to consider the Power Axe .
Photo: The Home Depot
Get the Husqvarna electrical chainsaw atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best Mid-Size
Stihl MSA 60 C-B Battery Chainsaw
In suburban yards , humble galvanizing chainsaws are mostly used for maintenance pruning , storm cleanup , and removing lowly tree diagram or heavy shrubs . The Stihl MSA 60 C - B seems to have been design for precisely those undertaking in that order . It is lightweight and well balanced for operator comfort during drawn-out use , but it ’s also equipped with a sparse kerf saloon and chain , so it cuts speedily and efficiently . The outfit admit a battery , battery charger , and scabbard .
We tested this saw on two dissimilar labor : a bombastic bush remotion and a tempest cleanup . It did a fantastic job maneuvering among a 12 - by-15 - by-20 - foot tangle mess of juniper subdivision . The cut were unclouded , profligate , and smooth , and the bombardment seemed like it would last incessantly . It did the whole task on a individual charge .
As for the tempest cleanup , we had to contend with a large downed Bradford pear tree . The trunk and some branches measured up to 14 inch in diameter . This little adage did the job , but the going was slower , and we had to recharge doubly to complete the work . Overall , it ’s a great saw for the price — possibly the perfect choice for routine yard maintenance .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Stihl electric chain saw atAce HardwareorNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best for Pruning
Echo DHS-3006 56V Mini Pruning Saw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.8/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.7/5
General landscape painting maintenance sometimes call for make many humble cut through slow leaf . The Echo electric pruning saw come equipped with a 6 - inch blade to make these jobs a lot easy . Just like a high - tone full - size saw , it includes an reflexive oiling system , tool - free range tensioning , opaque bar and mountain chain oil colour man-made lake , and a brawny brushless motor . It is designed for individual - handed performance , impart the other hand free to move subdivision out of the way or to put on top of the motor for extra control .
We appreciate the aggressive cut action and low vibration this mini chain saw displayed . It had no trouble trim through offset up to 6 inches in diameter , including oak tree that was honest-to-god , ironic , and inure . The low steel made it easy to reach most of the required cuts without causing validating harm . For a pocket-sized , fast-growing adage like this , we were glad to have the include helping hand guard duty in front of the initiation field and the hinged guard above the blade . The blade safety prevented kickback and collateral harm , although it also made it more unmanageable to make undercut before cut branch off .
Photo: Amazon
Although the proverb was very lightweight for a chainsaw , it was a number too heavy to comfortably carry on a bash for an elongated menses . As such , we only used the knock grommet as a impermanent wash room while moving offshoot between cuts .
Get the Echo mini electric chainsaw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Electric Chainsaws
For testing , we selected secure galvanising chainsaws in various eccentric and sizing . Rather than putting them in a read/write head - to - chief contest , we evaluated each according to its intended use within a distinctive day ’s work . We limited smaller chainsaws to yard cleanup , shrub remotion , and branch - issue obligation , while we used the larger saws to fell stagnant trees and turn out log into scant lengths .
We evaluated each saw and seduce them 1 through 5 on criteria such as simpleness of use , cutting performance , manoeuvrability , stochasticity , and overall value .
What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Chainsaw
logger are n’t the only ones who need to havea chainsawin their tool kit . Many householder need them , too , especially if they have a yard with Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree branch in need of veritable clipping . Shoppers will gain from having a good intellect of the choice available ahead of buy one . Here ’s a primer coat .
Corded vs. Cordless
Deciding whether to go cord - destitute is a high priority when pick out a hand-held galvanic chainsaw . Shoppers look to grease one’s palms one will want to intend about the size of the prop and howthe proverb will be used .
If it ’ll mainly be used to fell Tree back in the woods , a battery - operated proverb will be a heavy choice . Most battery - power electric chainsaws typically have a charge of up to 2 hours .
A corded power saw will do the job if it is used mostly to burn firewood rounds in the driveway . While cord lengths motley , this option is broadly speaking a second more limited , necessitate you to stay close to a power mercantile establishment .
Photo: Lowe’s
Size
When it comes to electric chainsaw size , the grownup difference is the length of the bar . The bar — sometimes referred to as the vane — is the part of the saw that supports the Sir Ernst Boris Chain , which in reality does the cutting . A minuscule galvanizing chainsaw might have a bar as short as 6 inches . The largest models max out at about 18 inches long .
Small sawsare lightweight and easy to apply all Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . They ’re useful for trim limbs and small tree . They ’re also handy on a campsite for cut firewood to length ( if reserve , of course ) . expectant bars are most helpful for felling trees and cutting firewood . They ’re heavy and less commodious for limbing trees than a pocket-sized saw , though . For oecumenical DIY usage , many view the sweet spot for chainsaw to be around 14 or 16 in .
Motor Power
A corded galvanic proverb ’s motor index is snitch in amps . The amp rating describes how much business leader the saw can safely drag without risking damage to its internal components . An 8 - amp electric chainsaw is good for light - duty job , while a 12 - adenylic acid is think of for average - duty employment . A 15 - amp is the heaviest - duty type .
With assault and battery - powered saw , the index rating is usually establish on voltage , not the adenosine monophosphate - hour evaluation . A bombardment ’s Ah paygrade has more to do with how long the battery will bunk than the power output . For protract uses ( felling Tree or foreshorten logs into firewood rounds ) , a DIYer will need to bet for batteries with higher ratings in the 6 Ah or 8 Ah range . For quick job , a 4 Ah shelling should provide plenty of runtime .
Oiling System
legal community fossil oil helps the chain run smoothly in the bar ’s grooves without overheating . Oiling keep the bar and chain from overheat and get into out untimely . It also allows the adage to function at optimal speeds for the fastest cutting .
The most convenient manner to go is with an reflex oiler , which will continuously lubricate the taproom during use , as long as user remember to keep the onboard reservoir full . onetime option include a manual tank ship ( a thumb - function diver that releases oil onto the bar ) and , most underlying , stream oil over the barroom by hired man . These outdated scheme are less likely to be find nowadays .
Chain Tensioning
The link of chainsaw chains tend to stretch with use due to a combining of temperature change and centrifugal force play . fresh strand stretch out quite a bit due to the same divisor as well as simply “ expose in , ” and that ’s whole acceptable . However , when a Sir Ernst Boris Chain stretches , it can jibe loosely on the legal community or even cut off of the saloon on the whole — annoying , if not dangerous .
To account for stretch , chainsaw bars have a back - and - forward adjustment that takes the falling off out of the range . The most easy adjusted model amount with toolless tensioning system that allow you to loosen a pommel on the side of the bar by hand , twist the adjustment knob until the quagmire is gone , andtighten the taproom up again — all without pulling out a single hand puppet .
Safety Features
Any chainsaw can be dangerous if it ’s not operated aright ( here are guidelinesfrom the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ) . luckily , when compare electric and gas chainsaw models , the same guard feature are available .
Manual chain brakes ride in front of the grip keep the top hand protect and allow you to mesh the Pteridium aquilinum rapidly by rotating your radiocarpal joint forward . Some saws also make out with clutches that quickly disengage the chain when the trigger is issue , preventing a loose - spinning Sir Ernst Boris Chain from catch you off guard after the cut .
humiliated - kickback chains are also usable . “ Kickback ” encounter when the uppermost portion of the legal profession ’s backsheesh work contact with a log , causing the saw to “ kick ” back towards you , potentially making contact between you and the spinning range . To avoid this , the tip of the adage should never be used to make cuts .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Tips for Using an Electric Chainsaw
Learning how to use and take care of your chain saw right is crucial , and it does n’t have to be complicated . Wearing protective clothing ( long - sleeve shirt and knickers ) , refuge goggles , baseball glove , chain saw chap , a helmet , and boots to preclude injury are all important . hustler will also want to consider wear out pick up protection as chainsaws tend to be loud , particularly when reduce through hard materials . Here are a few additional tips to ensure safe use of goods and services :
FAQs
Though in this guide we ’ve prove to cover all the bases relating to electric chain saw , sometimes , dubiousness about safety gadget , use , and maintenance stay , especially among shopper look for the best galvanising chainsaw to trim or fell trees in their yards . Here are our answer to the most commonly ask questions about electric chainsaws .
Yes , galvanising chainsaws are safer . They have short bars ( 18 inches at most ) and slower chain velocity , reducing the odds of dangerous kickbacks . They also take to the woods only while cutting .
galvanizing chainsaws are unremarkably best suited for cut tree limbs and pruning . large models ( around 16 inches ) can also cut down small trees .
Photo: The Home Depot
Small chainsawsweigh anywhere between 6 and 20 lbf. . The free weight depend on their power root , the act of battery they utilise , and the material used in their mental synthesis .
A 10- or 12 - inch chain saw works well for trim branches or removing small-scale Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . A 16 - in or 18 - column inch chainsaw is a dear choice for large I .
bet on the model , most galvanic chainsaws will go for 20 minute of arc to up to 2 hour . Rechargeable batteries recede efficiency over time . They will need to be supercede after about 500 bursting charge cycle , or between 5 and 10 years , calculate on reposition and use design .
Place the electric chainsaw — powered off , unplugged , and nerveless — on a flat airfoil . Remove the oil filler crown and introduce the funnel . Then , decant the rock oil until it reaches the makeweight marking .
To maintain a chain saw : check out the bar oil colour on a regular basis , ensuring it ’s lubricate . Keep the chain sharpand maintain the proper chain tenseness . fair the saw chain , guide bar , and drive sprocket wheel after each use . Tighten easy egg , bolts , and screws .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and ware examiner with a background in the greenhouse and landscape gardening industry . He reviews the latest outside power equipment , hand tools , lawn - aid products , and other outdoor living goods .
extra research provided by Tom Scalisi .
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