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Opinions on battery powered chainsaws

5,348 Views | 52 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by SteveBott
retiredintx
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First, I've owned gas powered longer than most here have been alive….. but, I'm old and tired of messing with …. (List reasons and random insults

Have watched evals on most major brands without a clear winner. Anyone here have experience and a brand preference?
lexofer
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They're definitely handy for small-medium size jobs. Starts right up, less noise/vibration, and lightweight. I watched the Project Farm video comparison and went with the Echo as a midrange option. I've had it about two years now and haven't had any problems.
FriskyGardenGnome
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I have a small Makita. Went that route as I have lots of batteries already.

It's been really great for small jobs for a couple of years now.
hurricanejake02
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I picked up the E-Go 56V 16" a while back from Ace Hardware when they had a special running - largely because my dad and brother already had other E-Go tools, so there were backup batteries available. I haven't had any complaints so far, and for around the house work, including some extensive tree-trimming, I've never managed to find the end of the 5aH battery that was included.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lawn-and-garden/outdoor-power-equipment/chainsaws/7804925

AXISMEAT
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I like my Greenworks chainsaw I got from Lowe's several years back. Not needing to keep mixed gas around is a plus in my opinion. I just borrow a real chainsaw if I have a serious need for one.
schmellba99
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I have an EGO 16".

You aren't going out to fell redwoods or anything of that nature with it, but for small to even medium jobs, it works great. I take it to the deer lease, just make sure my batteries are all at full charge. Everybody there has been impressed by it, and its nice to not have to deal with mixed fuel, finicky carbs or any of the other normal issues inherent with a small 2 cycle engine.

For what it is, prefer it over a gas chainsaw.
AgEng06
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I have a lot of DeWalt 20V Max tools, so I just got their 12" bar chainsaw for small stuff around the house. I have been very pleased with it. It was pretty handy to go to work on fallen limbs after the last freeze.
Ag In Texas
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I have several DeWalt 20 volt tools so I invested in the 12" chainsaw and pole saw. I have been impressed by what I have been able to do with it. Much more convenient for small jobs compared to having to fire up the old Stihl.
Mondemonium
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I have a (Baby) Stihl electric 14" and a (what I call the Big Boy) Stihl gas 25".

Different jobs. I love the electric for small jobs b/c you don't have to mess with oil/gas (except bar oil). The battery lives on the charger so it's always ready. The wife feels fine using that one. She doesn't like to handle the Big Boy.



AgEng06
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Mondemonium said:

I have a (Baby) Stihl electric 14" and a (what I call the Big Boy) Stihl gas 25".

Different jobs. I love the electric for small jobs b/c you don't have to mess with oil/gas (except bar oil). The battery lives on the charger so it's always ready. The wife feels fine using that one. She doesn't like to handle the Big Boy.




T&Ps
Allen76
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My neighbor who cuts his own firewood off his property owns a Stihl battery powered and loves it.

For me it would never work just because I use a chainsaw way too much. My Stihl 462 is just the right size for what I do. But I will definitely consider battery powered once I slow down to just needing the saw a few minutes here and there.
JB
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I have been incredible impressed by my Black and Decker 40v that I bought a few years ago. I think it was $150 on Amazon with the battery. Just doing around the house stuff mostly, but I put it work after the ice storm a few weeks back and the battery last well longer then you think it will.

All of my battery tools are Milwaukee, so not sure why I bought this B&D, but guessing Milwaukee didn't have one out yet. Maybe they do now.
Gunny456
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My BIL works for the Electric CO-OP in Missouri. They constantly gotta cut trees off power lines so every lineman truck has a Milwaukee M18 chainsaw. They really like them so I bought one for using on the ranches....,that's been four years ago.
I have been very happy with it for small jobs/trimming. I bought 3 of the large M18 batteries for it and keep them on charge.
However it can't replace my Stihl gas saws.
f burg ag
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I have a Milwaukee M18 battery system....chainsaw, pole saw and pruning saw. I really like them. Had a Kobalt pole saw but it crapped out after only a few hours of use.

redaszag99
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Have M18 chain saw and pole saw

they work great, about the time one of the big batteries dies, I am ready for a break

I have terrible luck getting chainsaw started so I love the electric
Allen76
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redaszag99 said:

Have M18 chain saw and pole saw

they work great, about the time one of the big batteries dies, I am ready for a break

I have terrible luck getting chainsaw started so I love the electric

This I hear a lot.

And will repeat for my battery powered string trimmer. Battery lasts about 40 minutes. It will charge in about 15 minutes while I am taking my break!
ought1ag
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used my old mans this weekend on a downed mesquite limb (4-5") and it was more than enough
bam02
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Another plug for the dewalt saws and ecosystem. Would t want to cut hardwood all day with it but good for small jobs.
txyaloo
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Done a lot of work with the Milwaukee M18. Biggest complaint is how often it throws the chain. You need to tighten it every 10-15 minutes of cutting in my experience
Bird Poo
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I have a cheap one from harbor freight. It's about 6 years old and the chain oiling system gets easily clogged. Cut about 1/2 cord of firewood every year with it. I need to unclog it but have just been pouring vegetable oil on the chain every 20 or so cuts. Fires up every time!
Ag97
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I've got the EGO 16". It's worked like a champ for me the past couple years. I just wish they made it with a 20"+ blade. I've used it for larger trees and I have to make cuts from both sides to fell them. I've got a smaller Stihl (16") and I grab the EGO pretty much every time. It seems to be just as powerful as the same size Stihl.
Wearer of the Ring
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I feel so much better since about 11 a.m. CT on 20 Jan. 2025
SoTxAg
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Another vote for the dewalt, great for smaller jobs.
Friend has the ego and likes it a lot.
tlepoC
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40v Ryobi here. Love it except,as others have said, throws a chain frequently and luber gets clogged. I also just pour some oil on it as I couldn't figure out how to get it flowing reliably.
swampstander
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I have two corded Homelite 16 inch chainsaws. I have a 1 acre lot and can reach anywhere on the property with a 100 ft #12 cord. Starts every time, no tool chain removal or tightening. Cuts as fast as any 16 inch gas powered saw I have ever used. They are cheap too. Under 100 bucks.
cryption
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I have A Ryobi 18v 8" pole saw, 18v 12" Chainsaw and 40v 14" chainsaw. The 18v stuff is solid and great for average stuff. You won't cut through massive dead oaks with it but for general around the farm stuff it's my go to. The 8" pole saw is the absolute best tool I own. It's been so freaking abused, I'm genuinely surprised it still works.

The 40v chainsaw has 100% replaced a gas chainsaw for me. I've got 3 batteries can go all day if I had the energy. I've never run into anything where the 40v is lacking power and I have to pull out the gas saw. I don't miss the gas at all.
LoneStarBQ
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schmellba99 said:

I have an EGO 16".

You aren't going out to fell redwoods or anything of that nature with it, but for small to even medium jobs, it works great. I take it to the deer lease, just make sure my batteries are all at full charge. Everybody there has been impressed by it, and its nice to not have to deal with mixed fuel, finicky carbs or any of the other normal issues inherent with a small 2 cycle engine.

For what it is, prefer it over a gas chainsaw.


We also got the E-Go. I was VERY skeptical but I have been happy with it since. We cut down several mesquite trees with it at the deer lease on one battery. I can't complain.
LoneStarBQ Fightin' Texas Aggie Band Class of 89 Midland, TX
alvtimes
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2 gas Stihls but lately i grab the Kobalt 24v …. 2 batteries gives me about an hour of run time.
schmellba99
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Ag97 said:

I've got the EGO 16". It's worked like a champ for me the past couple years. I just wish they made it with a 20"+ blade. I've used it for larger trees and I have to make cuts from both sides to fell them. I've got a smaller Stihl (16") and I grab the EGO pretty much every time. It seems to be just as powerful as the same size Stihl.
They have an 18" bar and chain available.

Probably reduces run time per battery noticeably, but unless you are making a whole mess of cuts, is that going to be a major issue?
Ag97
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schmellba99 said:

Ag97 said:

I've got the EGO 16". It's worked like a champ for me the past couple years. I just wish they made it with a 20"+ blade. I've used it for larger trees and I have to make cuts from both sides to fell them. I've got a smaller Stihl (16") and I grab the EGO pretty much every time. It seems to be just as powerful as the same size Stihl.
They have an 18" bar and chain available.

Probably reduces run time per battery noticeably, but unless you are making a whole mess of cuts, is that going to be a major issue?

18" might work. I've got some pretty big wood but the the 2 extra inches might make it where i only have to work it from one side and I can finish sooner and take a nap!
CowtownJD
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Anyone upgrade the EGO chain? I've been thinking about it but don't really know much about chains and what to go to.
SteveBott
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Greenworks 60v here. No complaints about power, it does the same job as gas. Battery could last a bit longer, 45 minutes of hard use. But I can recharge about 80% in 15-20 minutes so use the time for clean up and rest.

I have Ego for polesaw, blower, and weed eater. If I was redoing it I would of got the Ego chainsaw to match batteries
AgDad121619
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Ag97 said:

schmellba99 said:

Ag97 said:

I've got the EGO 16". It's worked like a champ for me the past couple years. I just wish they made it with a 20"+ blade. I've used it for larger trees and I have to make cuts from both sides to fell them. I've got a smaller Stihl (16") and I grab the EGO pretty much every time. It seems to be just as powerful as the same size Stihl.
They have an 18" bar and chain available.

Probably reduces run time per battery noticeably, but unless you are making a whole mess of cuts, is that going to be a major issue?

18" might work. I've got some pretty big wood but the the 2 extra inches might make it where i only have to work it from one side and I can finish sooner and take a nap!
phrasing
fourth deck
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Another vote for Greenworks 80V. Already had other 80V Greenworks tools and the ice storm forced me to get a chainsaw for cleanup. Love not having to keep up with another gas engine or hear it running the whole time I'm cleaning up.
88agswin
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I have the battery powered Stihl at the deer lease and the gas guys were giving me crap about it.....until they actually used it and then they all said they take back what they thought of battery powered chain saws...I have been very impressed with it.
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