Chainsaws are powerful tools that can make quick work of cutting and pruning trees and logs. Most chainsaws run on gas engines, but battery powered chainsaws are growing in popularity. Battery chainsaws provide the convenience of no noisy gas engine, no pull cords, no fuel mixing, and less maintenance. But are they as capable for heavy duty use as their gas counterparts? Let’s take a detailed look at how battery chainsaws compare to gas chainsaws on power, run times, weight, features, and overall performance.
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Power
When it comes to raw cutting power, gas chainsaws still have the advantage. Gas engines can output significantly more torque and chain speed than even the best battery chainsaws.
For example, a pro-level gas chainsaw like the Stihl MS 661 has 118cc of displacement and can produce up to 7.4 horsepower. This allows it to turn the chain at an extremely fast 6,000 feet per minute.
In comparison, one of the most powerful battery chainsaws on the market, the Ego Power+ CS1802, has a 56V lithium ion battery and brushless motor that produces a max of just 2.5 horsepower. This results in a chain speed of around 1,300 to 1,600 feet per minute.
So in terms of maximum potential cutting power, gas chainsaws are still around 3 times more powerful than battery saws. This matters when you need to cut through thick, hardwood logs or fell large trees. The extra torque and chain speed gets the cutting done faster with less binding or bogging down.
However, for lighter duty pruning, limbing, and basic property maintenance, many battery chainsaws provide sufficient power. Models with 40V or higher battery packs can make quick work of smaller trees and logs up to around 10-12 inches thick. They may take a bit longer on each cut than a gas saw, but most homeowners don’t need pro-level power.
Run Times
One advantage of gas engines is they can run continuously as long as you keep filling the tank with fuel mixture. Battery chainsaws run only as long as the charge in the battery.
Run times for battery saws vary greatly depending on the amp hour (Ah) rating of the battery. Lower capacity batteries in the 2.0-3.0 Ah size may only last 20-30 minutes of actual cutting time. They are best for light, occasional use.
Higher capacity lithium-ion batteries from 5.0-7.5 Ah will provide enough juice for at least an hour of run time, sometimes longer. These are ideal for tackling bigger jobs.
For all day firewood cutting or tree service use, even the big batteries may not run long enough. You’d need to have several batteries charged up and ready to swap out. This isn’t as convenient as simply refueling a gas chainsaw.
But for typical homeowner use, a single high capacity battery will usually provide enough runtime between charges. It depends on the length and thickness of your cuts.
Weight
One of the big advantages of battery chainsaws is they are much lighter than gas chainsaws. For example:
– Ego Power+ CS1402 (14 inch bar) weighs just 10.3 lbs with battery installed.
– Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss (18 inch bar) weighs 13.4 lbs empty without fuel or oil.
Why the big difference in weight? It’s mostly because battery chainsaws don’t need the bulky gas engine, muffler, air filter, fuel tank, spark plug, and other engine components.
The lighter weight of battery saws makes them much easier to handle and maneuver. This helps reduce fatigue when doing tree work. It also makes the saw feel less cumbersome for homeowners doing occasional cutting tasks.
Professionals using chainsaws all day may still prefer the extra power of gas models despite the heavier weight. But for most homeowners, the lighter weight of battery saws is a major plus.
Features
Top end gas chainsaws typically offer more features and adjustments related to their powerful engines. This includes:
– Larger bar length capability (up to 42 inches)
– Tool-less chain tensioners
– Adjustable oiler pumps
– Adjustable carburetors/auto tuning
– Heavy duty air filtration
Battery chainsaws provide less power so they have simpler features focused more on convenient operation. Benefits include:
– Cordless convenience
– Push button start
– Variable speed triggers
– Brushless motors for efficiency
– Lower noise/vibration
– Little maintenance required
While gas chainsaws edge out battery models on brute power features, battery saws compete well when it comes to user-friendly benefits. Their focus is lightweight handling and go-anywhere flexibility without emissions or cords.
Battery chainsaws also continue to evolve quickly with technology improvements. Run times, power, and features are constantly improving.
Cutting Performance
When you put all factors together, how do battery chainsaws stack up to gas chainsaws in actual cutting performance? Here is a general comparison:
Light Duty Cutting
For homeowner tasks like cutting small trees, branches, firewood, etc a good battery chainsaw with 40V or larger battery matches the performance of many casual-use gas saws. Models like the Ego, Greenworks, Dewalt, Makita, Oregon, and Craftsman can make quick work of jobs up to around 10-12 inch logs. They require little maintenance and the lighter weight reduces fatigue.
Medium Duty Cutting
Stepping up to felling medium sized trees, slicing heavier logs, and all day firewood production takes more power. Pro-level gas chainsaws with 60cc-100cc engines and 18-24 inch bars handle these tasks better in terms of power and sustained run time. But the latest top-end battery saws like the Ego Power+ CS1802 can still perform well thanks to technology improvements.
Heavy Duty Tree Felling
For commercial tree service work that requires felling large hardwoods up to 3 feet in diameter, pro-level gas chainsaws are still the clear winner. Their sustained high power and large bar length (up to 42 inches) make quick work of big timber. Battery chainsaws don’t yet compete when you need the most extreme power and endurance.
Cost Comparison
Another factor to weigh is the lifetime cost difference between battery vs gas chainsaws:
Battery Chainsaw
– Equipment cost: $200-$600
– Battery cost: $100-$300
– Operation cost: pennies per charge
– Maintenance cost: minimal
Gas Chainsaw
– Equipment cost: $300-$1,000
– Fuel cost: ~$15/gal for mix
– Operation cost: $2-$4 per hour of use
– Maintenance cost: $200-$400 over lifetime
Battery chainsaws have higher upfront equipment cost, but little ongoing costs for operation and maintenance. Gas saws are cheaper up front, but have more expenses long-term for fuel, oil, air filters, plugs, tune-ups, etc.
For light to medium use, battery saws often cost less over their lifespan. But for extremely heavy use, gas saws may still cost less overall to operate by avoiding battery replacements.
Safety Considerations
Both battery and gas chainsaws require safe operating practices because of the fast moving, razor sharp chain. Safety tips include:
– Use proper protective equipment (chaps, helmet, boots, gloves, eye/ear protection)
– Keep others away from the work area
– Hold the saw firmly with both hands while cutting
– Don’t cut above shoulder height
– Shut off saw before setting it down
– Maintain the saw properly
Gas chainsaws require a few extra safety precautions as well:
– Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes
– Let the engine cool before refueling
– Store fuel safely away from ignition sources
– Learn proper saw starting technique
Battery chainsaws provide a slight safety advantage by eliminating these engine hazards. Their simplicity and quieter operation also appeal to some users. But all chainsaws must be operated with care to prevent injury.
Environmental Impact
If you’re concerned about environmental impact, battery chainsaws have an advantage. They produce zero emissions during operation and don’t require hydrocarbon-based fuel. This gives them a lighter carbon footprint compared to gas engines.
However, the sourcing and disposal of lithium-ion batteries still has some environmental impacts to consider. Overall though, battery chainsaws are a greener choice for most users.
Conclusion
Battery powered chainsaws have come a long way in performance thanks to improving technology. For light to medium duty homeowner use, they now rival gas chainsaws in power, run time, and features while maintaining clear advantages in weight, simplicity, lower noise, and less maintenance.
Pro level users still need gas chainsaws when extreme power and bar length are required. But batteries meet the needs of most homeowners looking for a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to gas.
Battery chainsaws make an excellent choice for suburban property maintenance. Models from Ego, Dewalt, Craftsman, Oregon, and other brands deliver ease of use and reliable cutting ability.
Just match your bar length, power, and battery capacity to the size of your typical cuts. With the right battery model, you can ditch gas completely and enjoy the many benefits of lithium-ion chainsaws.
| Feature | Battery Chainsaw | Gas Chainsaw |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Good for light duty, moderate for medium duty | Excellent, high torque engines |
| Run Time | 1 hour+ for 5-7 Ah batteries | Continuous with refueling |
| Weight | Very light, 8-14 lbs | Moderate, 12-18 lbs |
| Features | Cordless, low maintenance | Tool-less adjustments, pro level air filters |
| Cutting Ability | Excellent for light duty, very good for medium duty | Excellent for heavy duty, professional use |
| Lifetime Cost | Higher upfront, lower long term | Lower upfront, moderate long term |
| Environmental Impact | Very low emissions | Gas engine emissions |