If you buy an electric chainsaw then, of course, you sacrifice certain of the advantages that come with a gas-powered machine.
You can’t use it to fell the very largest trees, you can’t work all day deep in the woods with it (without a generator, at least).
And you can’t satisfy your desires to tinker with engines, carburetors and spark plugs.
But, if those factors aren’t that important to you, then don’t write off the idea of purchasing an electric chainsaw.
Here, I look at buying the best corded electric chainsaw for your needs.
Looking for the best electric chainsaw on the market today? Read our very detailed review of the UC35350A Makita chainsaw. It is Outdoorpowerbuddy.com’s top rated electric chainsaw.
How does a corded electric chainsaw work?
The simple answer to that question is this: with great simplicity.
Plug into to your electric outlet, flick the switch or squeeze the trigger and you are on your way.
The electric motor drives the chain around the guide bar and, as with any chainsaw, the rotation pulls the chain in to the wood that you are cutting.
The only maintenance issue is the need to keep the chain oil reservoir topped up. Alternatively, ensure that you oil the chain manually every few cuts to give it the lubrication it needs to keep cutting smoothly.
How big and powerful can electric chainsaws be?
The power of the electric motor is usually expressed in amps and/or watts (w) or kilowatts (kw).
Electric chainsaws tend to have motors ranging between 8 and 15 amps, which at 120 volts means between about 900w to 1.7kw.
To give you a point of comparison the motor in good quality electric snow blower (like the Toro Power Curve is 15 amps.
Corded electric chainsaws generally have guide bars between 12 and 20 inches (30 to 51 cms) long.
How does a corded electric chainsaw compare with a gas powered chainsaw
As a general statement, it is fair to say that the motor in most electric chainsaws will have less power than the engines in comparable gasoline powered saws.
But, these days the better quality electric chainsaws have plenty of power for carrying out all reasonably demanding cutting jobs.
Electric chainsaw pros
Electric chainsaws are ideal for tasks such as trimming shrubs and small to medium sized trees around the home.
You wouldn't use your electric chainsaw on the largest of oak trees
But, the more powerful electric chainsaws will more or less match gas powered saws for cutting limbs and tree trunks up to 12 inches or more in diameter.
The great advantage of electric chainsaws is that they start with the flick of the switch.
There’s no mixing oil and gas, no refueling, no hefty tugs on the recoil cord, no frustrating flooded engines, no blocked carburetors if you don’t use it for a while, and no fumes.
And no fumes means that you can use these things indoors – in your garage or workshop, or for demolition type work.
Electric chainsaws are also cleaner to use and, on the whole, lighter than their gas powered cousins.
Electric chainsaw cons
On the downside, obviously these machines require an electrical outlet nearby, so are not designed for use in the woods.
You’ll probably need to use an extension cord and will have to manage that as you work.
They are also not going to be ideal if you have a lot of large trees to fell.
They are also less flexible in that that they are designed for use in dry weather only, so if it starts to rain, the day’s project may be brought to an end.
Looking for the best electric chainsaw on the market today? Read our very detailed review of the UC35350A Makita chainsaw. It is Outdoorpowerbuddy.com’s top rated electric chainsaw.
Safety
Be warned, whilst electric chain saws are usually considered to be a bit safer than gasoline powered saws in that they are less likely to kick back when working, they are not without their dangers.
In particular, if a gas powered saw snags and is stuck tight while cutting, the engine will usually stall. Unless the saw is fitted with something like a slip clutch mechanism, the motor on electric chainsaw will not necessarily cut out in such a situation, so this can present a real danger.
Features to look out for
Look out for these features on an electric chainsaw:
- Tool-less chain tensioner – this allows you to adjust the chain’s tension with the turn of button.
- Current limiter – automatically reduces the current to the motor if it is overloaded (e.g if the chain becomes stuck).
- Slip clutch – mechanical clutch mechanism that disengages the power to the chain if it becomes stuck or snagged.
- Smooth start up – Allows the motor to apply power gradually so as to prevent abrupt starting.
- Design – look for a well balanced design with comfortable handles.
- Automatic bar oiler – ensures you don’t have to keep oiling the chain manually. Also look for an easy to see reservoir, so that you’ll know when the oil needs topping up.
An electric chainsaw would be fine for creating this firewood
Electric chainsaw – best uses
An electric chainsaw is likely to suit you if:
- You don’t need to cut down lots of large trees,
- You don’t need to use your chainsaw for long periods at a time or on a very regular basis,
- You don’t have an innate urge to tinker with engines or a love of gasoline fumes,
- You prefer a low maintenance tool,
- You need to cut small to medium trees, shrubs and logs,
- You can work near a power outlet (i.e. with the length of a 100 foot extension cord) or you have a generator for working further afield,
- You may need to work indoors,
- You prefer a quieter tool or need a quieter tool because of noise restrictions.
Summing Up
Don’t underestimate the power and utility of a corded electric chainsaw.
The more powerful models, in particular, are likely to be more than adequate for most home and consumer use.
Also, don’t underestimate the danger these machines can present. Just because they are not a smoking, screaming beast like their gas powered cousins, it doesn’t mean that they cannot be lethal.
Recommended electric chain saws
At the moment, I can’t look past the Makita chainsaw – the UC3530A when it comes to corded electric models. The Makita UC3530A ticks all the boxes for quality, power, design, safety features and value.
Our detailed review of this Makita chainsaw is here.
If the Makita UC3530A isn’t quite what you’re looking for, then our feature on the 10 ‘best of the rest’ corded electric chainsaws is bound to help. Read our run down of the best of the rest here.
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About the Author
Martin Cole is editor and publisher of outdoorpowerbuddy.com, as well as the related sites Lawn Tractor Buyers Guide and Snow Blowers and Throwers. At heart he is a gardener, but appreciates the value of using the best power equipment.
