Our readers generally enquire about cordless chainsaws. Especially those who think that battery operated version of chainsaws is convenient to use, but not powerful enough like petrol or electric model. If you ask us, are battery-operated chainsaws any good? Yes, they are easy to use and works as a great solution when the cutting requirements are not very demanding. At the same, a cordless variant cannot replace petrol chainsaws in terms of power.
Types of chainsaws
Corded, cordless or battery operated and gas-powered chainsaws are the three available categories depending upon the power type. Choosing any one of them depends upon your requirements; how will you use it? Different cutting tasks seek different chainsaws. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of all the three versions before you purchase any one of them.
Advantages of cordless chainsaws
Battery operated chainsaw is a rare mix of freedom and low maintenance. You can move anywhere without worrying about any connecting cables. Plus, you don’t have to invest much time and energy on its servicing or part replacement. Also, there is no need to mix fuel and oil before starting any of the cutting session. Let’s take about other benefits of cordless chainsaws.
Easy to start: You can start a battery dependent chainsaw simply by pressing a button. No need to pull starting cords, which is common in gas propelled engines.
Low sound levels: Cordless and corded chainsaws generate less noise in comparison to a gas propelled model. Such a feature is especially beneficial when you are residing in a busy neighbourhood.
Interchangeable batteries: Multiple brands are making products with interchangeable cells. Means, you can purchase a cordless chainsaw and lawnmower from the same brand and operate both of them using one battery. For instance, Ryobi OCS1830 belongs to the ONE+ family wherein all the tools can work on the same rechargeable battery.
Affordable: You can call it a competition, but the battery-operated chainsaws are available at marginally lower price tags when compared to the gas propelled models. Cost-effective, lightweight and convenient to use, what else you can expect from a chainsaw?
Disadvantages of cordless chainsaws
None of the products in this world are available without any downsides and cordless chainsaws are also one of them. Battery dependent chainsaws are not as powerful as the gas propelled versions. So, you cannot use the former for professional tasks or heavy duty projects.
Another negative aspect of a cordless model is its runtime. The maximum runtime of battery-operated models ranges up to one hour, depending upon the make and model. Then after, you need to recharge the machine for up to 2 hours that also depends upon the brand and its model. There is only one solution to wind up the wait; invest on a spare battery and enjoy virtually unlimited runtime.
Are cordless chainsaws worth it?
If you don’t have to deal with large logs and any other professional projects, then try one of the best cordless chainsaws according to your requirements. If you want to cut some of the woods adjacently to the residence, then you can try a corded model as well. Makita UC4051A is one of the best-corded chainsaws that you can try. For bigger properties, a battery dependent machine is better otherwise, you might not be able to reach the worksite.
How powerful are cordless chainsaws?
We were discussing that a cordless chainsaw cannot compete with a gas propelled variant in terms of power. However, some of the battery cutters are very strong and possesses power to almost match the cutting results offered by the gas propelled models. Cordless chainsaws like Hyundai HYC60LI creates no problems whatsoever while cutting medium-sized logs and trunks.
Keep in mind that the cutting performance depends upon the make, model and battery power. HYC60LI is a robust example, but there are their versions as well that might not be able to perform if used against thick trees or branches.
Takeaways
If you are interested in a cordless chainsaw, then you can purchase one of them within a price range of £100 to £370. You will notice that some of the models are sold as body only/bare tool, means they are available without battery or charger. As we were discussing earlier, batteries are interchangeable between products from the same brand.
