11 Best Electric Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws are widely popular among craftsmen and DIYers. The tool does not emit exhaust gases during operation, unlike a chainsaw. When cutting materials, the device does not emit much noise. Below you can see the rating of electric chain saws and the criteria that are important to pay attention to when choosing equipment.

The Bosch AKE 30 S electric saw is equipped with a wear-resistant chrome-plated chain

Which brand of electric chain saw is better to choose?

The market offers a large selection of different electric tools. Models of electric saws can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and configuration.

Let's look at the companies whose electric chainsaws rank first in popularity and sales volumes:

Champion is a brand that offers high quality equipment. The company uses modern components and also offers equipment maintenance at service centers for many years.
Ellitech is a company that has been producing reliable and affordable tools since 2008. Production is located in China and Belarus.
Huter is a brand of household appliances for the garden. The company's catalogs include trimmers, gas and electric saws.
Makita is a Japanese company specializing in the production of professional models of electric saws. The equipment is well balanced and well thought out.
Husqvarna is a Swedish brand that offers professional electric chain saws for wood, various types of garden tools, cultivators and lawn mowers. The models are distinguished by a good security system, quiet operation, and ergonomic design.
Bosch is a well-known German company that produces high quality tools. The devices are equipped with powerful electric motors, a soft start system, and overload protection.
Stihl is a brand from Germany that offers professional tools. The models are distinguished by their well-thought-out design and reliable mechanisms.
R yobi is a well-known brand that is over 50 years old. The company supplies gearboxes, engine blocks and components. Since 1999, the company began producing garden and electrical tools.
Monferme - produces lightweight garden tools. In the company's catalogs you can also find trimmers, chain saws, and walk-behind tractors.
Greenworks , a brand owned by the Globe Tools Group, produces garden and hand tools that operate without harmful emissions.
DeWalt is an American brand that offers innovative equipment. The products will delight the buyer with ergonomic properties, durability and beautiful design.

Rating of electric chain saws

Electric chain saws have a number of advantages compared to gas-powered tools. Electrical devices are connected to the network, have greater performance, are lightweight, low noise and economical.

When compiling the rating, reviews of the electric chain saw and expert opinions were taken into account. The TOP equipment was selected according to the following parameters:

Power. This value affects the ability of the equipment to withstand heavy loads;
Locking system. Affects the safe operation of the device and protects against unexpected shutdowns;
Heat protection. At elevated temperatures, the system is disconnected from the network;
Soft start option. When turned on, the speed increases gradually, which increases the operating time of the equipment;
Adjusting chain tension. The safe properties of the tools depend on this value.

When selecting nominees, the design of the tension mechanism and the reliability of the gearbox also played an important role.

Equipment

Together with the electric saw, the buyer receives:

Tire.
Chain.
A screwdriver key for tensioning the chain (for models with a key tensioner).
Operating instructions.

An example of a complete set of an electric chain saw from Champion; in addition, a plastic container for storing oil is supplied with the tool.

The best professional electric chain saws

Professional models are designed for long-term operation, they are distinguished by thoughtful ergonomics, build quality and reliable materials. In order to use the tool for a long time, it is recommended to correctly select the technical characteristics and power of the unit; the standard indicator for such models is 1900-2000 W. Experts have revealed which electric chain saw is the best among equipment in this category.

Bosch AKE 35-19 S

The Bosch electric chainsaw has a comfortable handle and a motor that is powerful enough to handle work tasks all day long. And the tire length of 400 mm makes it possible to cope with massive branches and thick logs. The tasks are done at a speed of 12 m/s. Such speeds protect the moving elements from getting stuck in the wood. To re-tension the cutting blade or to replace it, no auxiliary tools are required, since all actions are performed by a clamp located on the body. The overrun brake allows you to instantly stop the chain.

Advantages

Easy maintenance;
Excellent performance indicator;
High cutting precision.

Flaws

The tire is too thin.

Users are attracted by the possibility of changing the tire, as well as installing a longer version when working with thick logs. The Bosch AKE 35-19 S allows precise cuts with a thickness of approximately 1.1 mm.

Husqvarna 436 Li

The unit is lightweight and low noise, which allows it to be used indoors. The chain tension is not difficult to change without the help of auxiliary tools. The design is equipped with an efficient brushless motor. The device with high battery performance can operate without interruption for 45 minutes. The battery can be used for any model of this brand. There is also the option of wireless battery operation. For longer battery life of the saw, it is important to look at the battery capacity indicator. The Husqvarna 436 Li makes it easy to cut limbs and handle large logs.

Advantages

Good speed;
Compact dimensions;
Easy.

Flaws

Not detected.

The best electric planers

Stihl MSE 190 C-BQ

The electric saw of this brand is reliable, durable and productive. The device has a double insulation system, smooth acceleration, emergency stop and stable traction properties when the voltage drops. A special chain lubrication system is used. The design contains a longitudinal arrangement of the electric drive. The oil tank has a transparent body, which allows you to control the fluid level. A special feature of the Stihl MSE 190 C-BQ is its heat protection option, which makes the convenient unit safe for use.

Advantages

Components of decent quality;
Efficiency;
Ease of maintenance;
Safety.

Flaws

Not found.

Users are attracted by the ergonomic shape of the body and handles, as well as the quick action of the brake. There is protection against overheating, as well as light indication. The productivity of the device is 5-10 cubic cm per minute.

Review of the highest quality and most reliable models

Below you can find the most reliable models of electric saws that cope well with large volumes of work and have a long service life.

KRÜGER ECSK 25-40

The chain tool has a durable and balanced body. The engine power reaches 2500 W. The KRÜGER ECSK 25-40 allows you to saw large logs and process wood material. The manufacturer makes a durable and corrosion-resistant chain from chromium-nickel steel. The presence of a chain brake function and a protective cover that prevents mechanical damage to the tire are the main advantages of this model.

KRÜGER ECSK 25-40

Stihl MSE 141 CQ-14

The engine power of the Stihl MSE 141 CQ-14 is 1400 W. The streamlined contours of the device allow you to make cuts even in hard-to-reach areas. The weight of the saw is 3.6 kg, so it is convenient to use even for women. Among the main advantages of this model, it is worth highlighting:

high power;
Availability of a replacement tire included in the package;
small mass;
reliability;
fast emergency braking.

The package includes a spare, longer tire.

HYUNDAI XE 1800

The power of HYUNDAI XE is 1800 W. The length of the tire is 40 cm. The body of the structure is durable, which is an advantage. It is recommended to start the device smoothly. There should be no jerks at the start. Experts consider the main advantages of the HYUNDAI XE 1800 to be:

low cost;
the presence of a function to protect the engine from overheating;
emergency braking;
presence of a soft start function.

The device is very convenient for sawing materials. The saw handles help absorb excess vibration and allow you to hold the device securely in your hands.

HYUNDAI XE 1800

Which electric chain saw is best to buy?

One of the best equipment options is considered to be a model from Bosch of high German quality. Professional devices with decent characteristics are also offered by the Japanese brand Makita. The units of these companies can be used for processing large logs, and for seasonal work it is worth considering budget devices.

For sawing building materials, firewood and pruning plants in the garden, you can use Elitech EP 2000/16P;
Reliable design for everyday tasks - Huter ELS-2000;
For moderate garden work and small wooden beams, you can use Bosh AKE 35-19 S;
The Stihl MSE 190 C-BQ is equipped with overload protection;
The Ryobi RCS36 tool is independent of the power source;
Greenworks G24CS25 2.0Ah is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that has a long service life.

Since a large number of counterfeits are sold under the trademarks of well-known companies, you should be especially careful when choosing a power tool yourself. Experts recommend buying the product in specialized construction stores.

What to look for when choosing

When planning to make a purchase, you need to consider a number of nuances:

purpose. The main thing is where you plan to work with the saw and with what materials. Here, as in other equipment, there are three categories of saws: household, professional and semi-professional. If you need to cut small trees or workpieces from time to time, it is better to take a household or semi-professional one - they are easier to use, have a compact size and are not so heavy to carry;
power. Here again it is important to remember what you have to work with. If it is timber and thin (up to 4 cm) boards, then one kilowatt will be more than enough. In this case, a professional saw will only get in the way, since a powerful battery always comes with large dimensions and weight. Working with them is also not always convenient, especially for a person without experience;
tire size. Most universal saws have a size of 20-40 cm;
engine location. It can be located longitudinally or transversely. If you put the sawyer's comfort and maneuverability first, then it is better to choose a model with a longitudinal engine arrangement;
voltage - it is indicated on the case and is directly proportional to the power.

The brand also occupies not the last place. Of course, what comes first is not the loudness of the name, but the quality and durability of the equipment, but practice shows that models from trusted companies last better and last longer. For example, these include Makita, Husquarna, Stihl, Karcher. You can find equipment that is just as good from a less common brand, such as Yat or JimBon, but you should study the reviews and feedback on it.

Video - Comparison of cordless chainsaws

Cordless chainsaws

Gasoline saw

Gasoline saws are divided into several classes - household, semi-professional and professional. What is their difference? In simple terms, it is like a tablet, a laptop and a powerful desktop computer.

Household models are designed for short-term work with mandatory breaks, are mainly made of cheaper materials, have a minimal set of options and are not designed for heavy loads. The household version of saws is most widespread in everyday life precisely because of the main criterion - low price. Professional chainsaws are a serious and expensive tool that is used in logging or in other situations where the most important thing is not price, but reliability. Such saws have the highest power, long bar and long service life.

This tool is designed for long-term operation without switching off; all components and parts are reinforced and of better quality. A professional tool has a maximum range of useful options, such as increased oil and gasoline tank capacity, anti-vibration, easy start, easy access to the filter and spark plug, forged crankshaft, oil supply adjustment, etc.

This entire, far from complete set of options I have listed is designed to ensure that the operator working with this tool all day would be comfortable, and the tool would withstand heavy loads and not break. Therefore, for occasional firewood harvesting or knot trimming, purchasing such a tool is simply not economically justified.

In the hierarchy of chainsaws, semi-professional saws occupy a middle position.

This class, compared to the household one, may have a larger number of useful options and higher quality components. Such saws, unlike household ones, can have more power, have a longer service life and a longer operating time with fewer intervals. More advanced buyers often choose the semi-professional option for greater reliability, so most often it is the semi-professional models that can be found on construction sites, or in households where the preparation of the same firewood is not limited to cutting one log.

Pros and cons of a gasoline saw

Having summarized the classification of chainsaws, let's look at the strengths and weaknesses of this tool as a whole. One of the most important merits of a chainsaw is its mobility; probably no one will argue that working away from electrical networks with a chainsaw is cheaper and more practical than with an electric chain saw connected to a generator. The chainsaw is mobile, you can take it with you anywhere, without thinking about whether there will be electricity there or not, the main thing is to have gasoline and oil in stock. Another advantage of a chainsaw is its higher performance compared to an electric one of the same power. This is due to the speed of the chain or the number of revolutions, which are always higher in the gasoline version. Just as it is not paradoxical, but a chainsaw, with all its complex design - in caring hands, is a fairly reliable tool, capable of working in various conditions, for example in the rain or snow. Now, after my words, probably many “exploded” with indignation! The gasoline saw is reliable! - Don’t tell me, it won’t start, or it’s out of gas! You can argue here, since there are different chainsaws and chainsaws. And if we are talking about some cheap saw without a family without a tribe, then in fact, most likely, this is the case; it is precisely such “crafts” that formed the public opinion that a gasoline saw is not reliable.

It’s all about quality; there have long been “legends” about saws from well-known brands that are many years old, but they still work and work.

Yes, of course, the situation has now changed a little, and to put it mildly, well-known brands are starting to see quality issues more often. And yet, today, even some Chinese brands that have long entered our market can present fairly reliable and durable chainsaws. A certain design advantage of the chainsaw is the presence of a full clutch, which creates an elastic and reliable transmission of torque from the engine to the chain sprocket. It is thanks to the clutch, the chainsaw at the moment of cutting, that there is no fear of pinching the headset consisting of a tire and a chain moving along it. When pinched, the clutch slips, reliably protecting the chainsaw from damage. A distinctive feature of a chainsaw from an electric one is the implementation of the brake actuation mechanism. On a chainsaw, when the brake is applied, the clutch is blocked, which stops the rotation of the chain, but the engine itself continues to work. In the network, when the brake is activated, the power to the electric motor is turned off, which causes the saw to turn off completely.

Now about the disadvantages of gasoline saws

One of the obvious disadvantages of a chainsaw is its more complex design compared to an electric one. And, of course, what I said above, a chainsaw of poor quality can cause problems associated with difficulties in starting it, constant repairs or carburetor adjustments. In the cold season, at subzero air temperatures, starting a chainsaw can be quite difficult. Sometimes you have to follow a certain “rite” consisting of a number of specific actions, for example, before starting, bring the saw into a warm room for 10-15 minutes, switch the air supply in the carburetor from summer to winter mode, etc. Before each start of work, the chainsaw needs to be started, for which you have to pull the starter handle; such actions can be quite difficult, especially for women and the elderly. Also, the downside of a chainsaw is the constant need for gasoline and its storage. Noise and harmful emissions during operation, which make working with a chainsaw indoors impossible, will probably also not be the merit of this tool. It is precisely because of this noise, gasoline and oil that many people stop using a gasoline saw where there is electricity and switch to corded versions of chain saws.

Principle of operation

In most cases and varieties of electric saws, energy from a battery or power supply is supplied to the motor, which, using various devices, transmits torque, driving the cutting mechanism. The latter in different modifications can look completely different. In a circular saw, it is a circle with sharpened teeth along the entire circumference; in a chain tool, its functions are performed by the chain itself, turning along the body; reciprocating modifications and jigsaws use a blade that moves back and forth, similar to the original hand saw and jigsaw.

The operation of an electric motor allows not only to apply less effort to cutting, but also provides a higher speed of completing the task, because thanks to the motor, an impact is achieved that significantly exceeds in speed what a person could provide with his bare hands. Increasing productivity can create additional danger for the operator in the form of fragments of material flying in all directions, so work with such equipment is carried out only with glasses and gloves, and the design itself often requires some protection.

Battery-powered models, due to their focus on maximum mobility, often lack many of the advantages of their stationary counterparts. For example, they rarely come with a vacuum cleaner outlet, so they leave more debris behind. At the same time, different types of construction often provide different solutions to simplify the work or provide additional protection to the main components.

Modern manufacturers are actively working to ensure that their tools do not jam; they are also intensively introducing technologies for smooth engine starting at startup and its automatic shutdown in case of overheating.

Peculiarities

Any electric saw is designed to replace the classic manual one in terms of the main source of effort - instead of the human hand, the entire burden of performing the task is now placed on the electric motor. However, if the first electric saws were dependent on sockets, and therefore were used exclusively stationary in a workshop, the battery allows you to perform work autonomously for several hours. However, rechargeable devices may have certain limitations related to the specifics of the battery.

Another feature of choosing a specific model of cordless saw is that different types of batteries impose special conditions for their operation. Thus, nickel-cadmium batteries, considered obsolete almost everywhere, had a “memory effect”, that is, they regularly required a complete discharge and then the same charge, otherwise they quickly lost their charge, but they were practically not susceptible to cold.

Modern lithium-ion batteries, often used not only in saws, but also in other battery devices, with a small weight can boast of a significant charge, and even without harm they can be charged at any time, without losing charge during prolonged inactivity, but they quickly discharge when operation or storage at low temperatures. Considering that in cool regions, of which there are many in our country, the choice may not be so obvious, some manufacturers still offer two batteries of different types in the kit.

Recommendations from professionals

In order for the selected cordless saw to work for several years in a row without breakdowns, you must follow the operating and maintenance rules:

It is necessary to add oil to the saw tank on time to ensure long service life of the saw equipment and prevent rust. The oil must be specialized. If suddenly during operation the vibration of the saw increases and the sound becomes different, it means that the oil has run out and you need to top it up.
If the saw begins to cut crookedly, carefully inspect the chain; perhaps one row turned out to be dumber than the other. To avoid this, turn the tire over periodically.
Over time, the carbon brushes wear out, causing the engine speed to drop.
Every half hour, let the saw rest for 15 minutes to avoid overheating the engine.
Please read the instructions carefully before use. You should not cut thick logs with a model that is not designed for this load, otherwise you will have to spend money on repairing the tool.
To avoid running into a fake, purchase only from specialized retail stores.