When shopping around for tools, you typically want to be sure that you get the right one the first time. This can save you the annoyance of having to deal with returns and other issues that will arise when you choose the wrong product, but how can be sure that you’ve made the best choice?
If you want to pick the best chainsaw, the first thing that you’ll need to figure out is whether an electric model or a gas model will be more suitable for your needs. In this short guide, we’ll take a look at how each of the three kinds of chainsaws (corded electric, battery electric, and gas) compare to each other.
Gas Chainsaw: Pros and Cons
Gas chainsaws are the best option for customers who desire raw power above all else and don’t mind losing out on some convenience in exchange. Since it’s a lot easier to make a more powerful gas-powered engine than an electric motor, these chainsaws typically offer more power for your money.
Another benefit to a gas motor is that it will be more reliable than an electric one, as it will have fewer moving parts and a less complicated design. If you’re looking for a chainsaw that will last you for years to come, it’s hard to compete with a model that is powered by gas.
Gas chainsaws also don’t have any trouble working for longer periods of time, which may be an issue for an electric variant. If you run out of fuel partway through a job, then all you’ll have to do is get a jerry can and fill up the chainsaw once again, and it should be ready to run.
Unfortunately, a lot of this comes at a cost, and gas chainsaws are some of the loudest ones around, to the point that you’ll have to wear hearing protection with them. They’re also a lot heavier because of the amount of metal that is needed for the engine.
You’ll also have to deal with handling gasoline in the first place, and the fumes can often get noxious. Sometimes, you may even have to take a break from using a gas chainsaw so that you can stop breathing in the gas, as it can even get to the extent where it makes you dizzy.
Finally, you’ll have to pay for the gas, which is more expensive than the electricity it takes to run another kind of model.
Corded Electric Chainsaw: Pros and Cons
If you don’t need the extra power offered by a gas chainsaw, then a corded electric model may be a great choice. Corded models are a lot more convenient since you can just plug them in they’ll be ready to run so they’re a lot easier to use than gas models, where you’ll have to learn how to fill them up.
It’s often a lot more challenging to start up a gas chainsaw, whereas you can typically just press a button so that you can get a corded electric one started up. You also won’t have to worry about selecting the correct fuel and maintaining the chainsaw if it isn’t powered by gas, as the electric motor won’t lose efficiency over time like a gas engine.
Since an electric motor is also a lot more compact than a gas one, it is lighter, ensuring that you won’t get as fatigued while you use the chainsaw. If you have a lot of ground to cover, or if you’re going to be holding the chainsaw above your head while you work, an electric model is a great choice.
When you’re done using this kind of chainsaw, you also won’t have to worry about draining the fuel; you’ll just have to store it in a dry place. Unfortunately, corded chainsaws have a few downsides, and the major disadvantage with this type of tool is that it can’t be used efficiently in larger areas.
Since you’re limited by the length of the cord on this kind of chainsaw, you’ll need to use an extension cord so that you can cut things that are further away from a power outlet. Another issue is that these chainsaws tend to be less powerful than gas models which are available for the same price.
If you like the idea of a more convenient chainsaw, and you’re only going to be doing some light landscaping work, then a corded electric model will be able to get the job done.
Battery Electric Chainsaw: Pros and Cons
The final kind of chainsaw that you can get your hands on is the cordless electric variety, which replaces the wire with a battery so that the tool can be more flexible. The most obvious advantage is that you can use this kind of chainsaw further away from an outlet without needing an extension.
You can also use these chainsaws in areas where you don’t have access to an outlet at all, like if you need to bring it along with you in your vehicle. The cordless variety also has the same benefits as other electric chainsaws, like lighter weight and simpler maintenance schedules.
Another benefit that these chainsaws share with other electric models is that they are quiet, so you won’t have to bring along any ear protection, though we’d still recommend it. The performance of a battery-powered chainsaw is highly dependent on the model that you’re using, as the quality of the battery life will affect its convenience.
Cordless models are typically harder to use for long jobs, as you’ll have to take breaks to charge the battery. Some models come with optional power cords that you can use when the battery is dead. If they don’t come with a power cord, then you’ll have to get a second battery, which can often be pricey.
Electric vs Gas Chainsaw: Our Verdict
In the end, the best kind of chainsaw for your needs will depend on what you’re going to use it for, and we can’t recommend the right one unless we know what you’re going to do with it. Cordless models are the most portable variety, gas chainsaws are the most powerful, and wired ones are the most convenient. We hope that we’ve been able to help you pick the right variety.