When selecting a battery for a cordless chainsaw, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Voltage – Higher voltage batteries can deliver more power to the motor. Most chainsaws run on 18V, 20V, 40V or 80V lithium-ion battery packs.
- Amp-hours (Ah) – This determines battery life/runtime. Batteries with higher Ah will run longer before needing a recharge. A 2.0Ah battery will run twice as long as a 1.0Ah battery.
- Bar length – Longer guide bars need more power from the battery. Make sure to match the battery voltage and amp hours to the bar length of your chainsaw.
- Weight – Heavier batteries add more weight to carry while operating the saw. Lighter battery packs reduce fatigue.
- Brand compatibility – Batteries are designed to work with specific brands/models. Ensure the battery is compatible with your chainsaw make and model.
When choosing the right battery, it’s important to balance power, run time and weight. The ideal battery provides enough sustained power to operate the chainsaw efficiently under load, while keeping the overall weight manageable.
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Voltage Recommendations by Bar Length
For light pruning and smaller limbs, an 18V battery with 2.0Ah or higher will typically get the job done.
For chainsaws with guide bar lengths of 14 inches to 18 inches, a 20V or 40V battery with 4.0Ah or higher is recommended. This provides a good balance of power and run time for mid-sized chainsaw tasks.
Heavy duty chainsaws with longer guide bars from 20 inches to 24 inches require high capacity 40V or 80V batteries with 6.0Ah or more. The higher voltage and amp hours provide sustained power for larger cuts.
Below is a general table matching battery voltages to chainsaw bar lengths:
| Bar Length | Minimum Recommended Battery Voltage |
|---|---|
| Up to 14 inches | 18V |
| 14 to 18 inches | 20V |
| 18 to 24 inches | 40V or 80V |
These voltage recommendations apply to lithium-ion battery packs from reputable brands that are designed for chainsaw use. Lower voltage batteries lack the sustained power for tougher cuts, while too high voltage adds unnecessary weight.
Amp Hour Capacity for Run Time
Higher amp hour (Ah) batteries run longer on a single charge, but are heavier. Light use such as pruning may only require a 2.0Ah battery. For frequent cutting, a 4.0-6.0Ah battery provides longer run time before needing to swap it out or recharge.
Here are the typical runtimes to expect based on battery Ah capacity:
| Battery Ah | Typical Runtime |
|---|---|
| 1.5Ah | 30-45 mins |
| 2.0Ah | 45-60 mins |
| 4.0Ah | 90-120 mins |
| 6.0Ah | 2-3 hours |
Actual runtime depends on the saw model, power output, material being cut, operator technique and battery age. But in general, higher amp hour batteries will sustain cutting for longer periods before recharging.
Weight Considerations
Heavier batteries can make a chainsaw more tiring to operate, especially for extended use. Lighter lithium-ion packs reduce fatigue compared to old nicad batteries.
Here are the typical weight ranges by Ah capacity:
| Battery Ah | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| 1.5Ah | 2-3 lbs |
| 2.0Ah | 2.5-4 lbs |
| 4.0Ah | 3.5-5 lbs |
| 6.0Ah | 4-6 lbs |
Higher capacity batteries weigh more, but deliver longer runtime. The goal is to find the best balance of power, runtime and ergonomics for your cutting needs.
Brand Compatibility
Chainsaw batteries are designed to precise specifications for optimal performance and safety. Always use the manufacturer recommended battery for your saw model. Batteries are not interchangeable across brands or voltages.
Stick with lithium-ion batteries from the chainsaw maker (or 3rd party batteries explicitly rated for your model). Avoid cheap off-brand batteries which may lack protection circuits or create fire/shock hazards.
Top Battery Recommendations by Brand
Here are some top-rated battery options for popular chainsaw brands:
DEWALT
- 20V MAX 5.0Ah for 14-16 inch bars
- FLEXVOLT 60V or 120V MAX for 16-20 inch bars
Makita
- 18V LXT 2.0Ah for home use
- 36V X2 5.0Ah for professional use
EGO
- 56V ARC 5.0Ah for all-day runtime
- 56V 2.5Ah for lighter weight
Greenworks
- 40V 4Ah for sustained cutting
- 40V 2Ah for occasional pruning
Ryobi
- 18V ONE+ 4Ah for medium jobs
- 40V 6Ah for heavy duty use
Stick with the voltage and amp hour rating recommended for your saw’s bar length and typical use. Buy from reputable brands and always use batteries designed specifically for your chainsaw model for optimal safety and performance.
Conclusion
The ideal chainsaw battery pack provides a balance of power, runtime and ergonomics. Light use requires less voltage and capacity. Frequent cutting of thicker limbs calls for 20V-80V batteries with 4.0Ah-6.0Ah for sustained power. Always match the voltage and capacity to your specific saw’s bar length and typical use. Stick with lithium-ion batteries from the saw manufacturer for optimal safety and performance. Consider weight as heavier packs increase fatigue over extended use. With the proper battery match, you can take full advantage of the convenience and power of cordless chainsaws.