When it comes to chainsaws, homeowners and professional tree cutters alike have two main options – gas-powered or battery-powered. Gas chainsaws have long been the standard option, providing high power and unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel. However, advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have led to a new generation of cordless electric chainsaws that can rival gas models.
So which is better – gas or battery when it comes to chainsaws? There are pros and cons to both options, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll compare gas and battery powered chainsaws across a variety of factors including power, runtime, maintenance, weight, noise, cost and more. Read on to learn which type of chainsaw is the best choice for you.
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Power
When it comes to raw cutting power, gas-powered chainsaws still have the edge over battery models. Gas engines can output significantly more torque and chain speed than even the most advanced cordless chainsaws. This superior power comes from the high-revving gas engines that can run between 9,000 to 14,000 RPMs. Combustion engines also maintain their peak power output until the fuel tank runs dry.
Cordless chainsaws use efficient brushless motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. But even the best battery chainsaws top out at around 2,500 to 4,000 RPMs. They cannot match the pure grunt and chain speed of gas models. With that said, modern battery technology has closed the gap considerably compared to early electric chainsaws.
Top-of-the-line cordless chainsaws like the Dewalt 60V can deliver power equivalent to gas saws up to ~45cc displacement. This puts them in the power range of mid-sized gas chainsaws good for most residential cutting tasks. However, heavy-duty use like cutting thick hardwoods at an all-day professional pace is still better suited to the most powerful gas saws upwards of 60cc+.
So in summary:
– Gas chainsaws deliver more raw power for heavy duty cutting applications
– Cordless models have improved but still can’t match the torque and speed of gas chainsaws
– Battery chainsaws rival mid-sized gas saws up to ~45cc for more casual use
For most homeowners doing occasional tree limb cutting or firewood work, a premium battery chainsaw will have plenty of power. Professionals doing heavy duty felling and milling are still better served by high-displacement gas chainsaws.
Runtime
Another key consideration is runtime – how long can you run the chainsaw before needing to stop to refuel or recharge. Here gas chainsaws have a clear advantage, being able to run as long as you have gasoline in the tank. With their small gasoline engines, you can cut for hours on end with just brief stops to refuel. Most gas chainsaws have fuel capacities around 14 to 20 ounces.
Battery chainsaw runtime is limited by the charge of the battery. Max runtime varies widely based on the amp hour (Ah) rating of the battery and voltage – ranging from about 20 minutes on a basic 20V 2Ah battery to over an hour with a high capacity 60V battery.
With gas you need to bring along a fuel can, while battery requires extra charged battery packs. Both may require stopping to refuel/recharge, but gas has the ability to cut for much longer per refueling stop.
Specific runtime for battery chainsaws:
– Basic 20V 2Ah battery = 20-25 mins runtime
– High capacity 20V 4Ah+ battery = 30-45 mins
– Flexvolt 60V batteries = 45-60 mins
– High capacity 60V batteries = 60-90 mins
For extended cutting, gas has the clear runtime advantage. But batteries can be convenient for shorter tasks. Having multiple charged battery packs helps increase total cutting time.
Maintenance
One of the key advantages of battery chainsaws is lower maintenance requirements compared to gas models. Gas chainsaws need regular maintenance including:
- Air filter cleanings and changes
- Spark plug changes
- Fuel filter changes
- Carburetor adjustments and cleaning
This regular maintenance ensures your gas chainsaw runs properly and has a long usable life. But it requires time and mechanical aptitude.
Battery electric chainsaws only require:
- Chain sharpening and bar oil fill ups
- Recharging batteries
Otherwise the brushed motor and electronics require minimal maintenance – no engine tune-ups required. Batteries gradually lose capacity over time and may need replacement after a few years.
So cordless chainsaws win out in terms of easier and less frequent maintenance. Just basic chain care is required compared to the more involved engine care needed for gas saws.
Weight
An important consideration for any chainsaw is its weight, since you have to carry and control the saw during use. Chainsaws weigh anywhere from around 6 pounds for the lightest battery saws up to 15 pounds for heavy duty gas models.
In general, gas chainsaws have heavier weights than battery models when comparing similar power levels. This comes from the extra mass of the gas engine, muffler, air filter, fuel tank and other components needed for a gas saw.
A gas chainsaw with 50cc engine can weigh 2-3 pounds more than an equivalently powered 40-60V battery saw. Going cordless sheds some of the extra weight of a combustion powerplant.
With that said, even the heaviest gas chainsaws are reasonably balanced and manageable for most users. Only users doing extended overhead cutting may notice and benefit from a few pounds of weight savings of a battery saw. For ground level cutting, even a moderately heavy gas saw is usable for most homeowners.
Noise
Gas chainsaws are notoriously loud tools, since their combustion engines churn at high RPMs and require loud exhaust mufflers. Even with noise dampening covers, gas chainsaws output noise in the range of 100 to 115 decibels. This ear-splitting noise is one of the notorious drawbacks of gas chainsaws, requiring hearing protection.
Cordless electric chainsaws provide a clear noise advantage, operating much quieter than their gas counterparts. Without a loud revving engine and exhaust noise, battery saws put out noise levels around 85-95 decibels.
While still loud and hearing protection recommended, battery saws cut noise output nearly in half compared to gas. This makes them significantly less annoying for bystanders and repeated use. Battery saws win out if lower noise is a priority.
Cost Comparison
Gas and battery chainsaws have a different cost structure. Gas saws have a lower upfront cost, but ongoing fuel and maintenance expenses. Battery saws cost more initially but have minimal operating costs over time.
Here’s a breakdown of approximate costs for gas vs battery:
Gas Chainsaw
- Saw: $150-$400
- Fuel: $25-50/yr
- Maintenance parts/tune-ups: $50-100/yr
Battery Chainsaw
- Saw & Battery Kit: $200-$600
- Extra Batteries: $100-$200
- Annual Costs: Minimal
While gas saws have a lower initial purchase price, you have to account for the ongoing costs for gas, oil, air filters, spark plugs, tune-ups, etc. These costs add up over time. With battery saws you pay more upfront but avoid most maintenance costs.
Pro users also benefit from battery interchangeability – being able to use the same batteries across multiple tools. This improves the value proposition compared to buying dedicated gas tools and supplies.
But if you only use an occasional light-duty chainsaw once or twice a year, a basic affordable gas model keeps costs down. For regular use, battery saws offer better long term value.
Convenience
Cordless battery chainsaws provide more convenience in several ways:
- No fuel mixing – just charge and go
- Easier starting (just press a button)
- Lower maintenance
- No winterizing for storage
- Quieter operation
With gas saws you have the hassles of fuel mixing, priming, choke adjustments and pull-starting the engine. Battery saws avoid all these issues, starting instantly with the press of a button.
The lower maintenance and no winterizing for storage also improves convenience with battery models. Just charge the battery and go. Battery power avoids gasoline smells and mess as well.
Battery saws also enable indoor cutting of smaller branches or lumber when needed, since they don’t emit fumes.
For most users, the simplicity and ease of use of cordless chainsaws make them more convenient than gas.
Environmental Impact
Another consideration is the environmental impact of battery vs gas chainsaws:
– Gas chainsaws require ongoing use of fossil fuels and oil, emitting these chemicals and engine exhaust. Over time the emissions add up.
– Battery chainsaws use electricity from the grid, which may come from cleaner energy sources like solar, wind or hydropower depending on your location. No direct emissions or engine pollution. Batteries need proper recycling.
So from a broad environmental standpoint, battery chainsaws are likely the cleaner choice for most users based on typical power generation sources. But gas saws can still be sensible for rural owners doing occasional cutting.
Cutting Ability
When it comes to actually cutting wood, both gas and battery chainsaws are highly capable with the right chainsaw chain. The cutting ability comes down to having:
– Proper chain type, gauge, sharpening and tension
– Good lubrication (chain oil reservoir)
– Sufficient power for the wood size
Maintain those factors, and both gas and battery saws will cut very effectively. Battery saws use the same replaceable bar and chain types as gas saws. Chain pitch, gauge, sharpening and tensioning largely determine cutting performance.
For heavy duty use like milling thick hardwoods, longer guide bars do require more power. So large-displacement gas saws maintain an advantage for extreme cutting challenges. But either type works very well for general use with a proper chain.
Safety
In terms of safety, both gas and battery chainsaws pose hazards that require caution:
– Rotating chain can cause severe laceration injuries
– Kickback from the guide bar tip catching
– Noise hazards without hearing protection
– Heavy tool can be dangerous if mishandled
Gas chainsaws have additional safety considerations:
– Fire hazard from fuel vapors
– Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces
– Burns from hot muffler area
Battery chainsaws avoid the fire and exhaust risks of gas models. But the cutting chain/bar hazards remain equally present. Always use proper safety gear and kickback-reducing features like chain brakes.
While gas introduces a few more safety risks, both types are dangerous power tools if misused. Proper protective clothing, full concentration, and training on safe use is critical regardless of power type.
Cutting Guideline Recommendations
Based on their respective strengths and weaknesses, here are some general guidelines on when to choose each chainsaw type:
Battery Chainsaws Ideal For:
- Homeowners doing occasional light cutting
- Pruning trees and yard cleanup tasks
- Cutting smaller logs for firewood
- Noise-sensitive areas
- Minimal maintenance preference
Gas Chainsaws Better For:
- Heavy duty logging and milling operations
- All-day professional cutting
- Cutting very thick/hard wood
- Extended runtime needed between refueling
- Max power output/performance
For most homeowners, a mid-grade 40V – 60V battery chainsaw provides the best combination of power, runtime and convenience for incidental use. Professionals benefit from both types – battery for noise compliance and gas for heavy cuts. Consider your specific cutting needs and choose accordingly.
Top Chainsaw Recommendations
Based on chainsaw reviews and performance tests, here are my top recommendations:
Battery Chainsaws
- Best Overall: Dewalt 60V Flexvolt
- Best Value: Ego Power+ 40V
- Best Compact: Worx 20V
Gas Chainsaws
- Best Mid-Duty: Husqvarna 445
- Best Professional: Stihl MS 462
- Best Budget: Poulan Pro PR4218
These models have the optimal mix of power, features and value for their respective gas or battery categories. Use this list as a starting point in your chainsaw selection process.
Conclusion
To summarize, gas and battery chainsaws each have pros and cons:
Gas chainsaws provide more raw power and unlimited runtime, but require more maintenance and are noisy. Battery chainsaws are convenient and quieter, but can’t match the torque and sustained cutting capability of gas models.
For light duty cutting, battery saws are the simpler, cleaner choice. Heavy duty work still demands the brute force of gas-powered chainsaws. Consider your usage – homeowners are better served with battery while pros need both options.
With steady improvements in lithium-ion batteries, cordless chainsaws will continue closing the gap in power versus gas. But gas engines maintain advantages in prolonged use and maximum output. Choose the right chainsaw type for your specific needs.