How Good Are Electric Chainsaws?

Last Updated on July 18, 2024

The popularity of electric chainsaws is growing day by day. This is because they are not expensive to purchase for usual garden cutting jobs. They are very essential for cutting down trees, clearing brush, slicing up firewood, and so on.

There are two questions that this piece intends to answer, ‘How Good Are Electric Chainsaws’ and ‘Are They Safer Than Gas Chainsaws?’ We need to tackle each question one after the other so that you will be able to know the right one for you and make the best decision.

How Good Are Electric Chainsaws & Are They Safer Than Gas Chainsaws?

How Good Are Electric Chainsaws?

Before we can answer this question perfectly, we need to examine the pros and cons of electric chainsaws. Then, we will take a look at the best cutting jobs you can use them for.

Advantages of Electric Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws come with many pros and some of them are discussed below:

They Are Lighter

In comparison to gas chainsaws, electric chainsaws are lighter because they use an electric motor. In most cases, you can get one weighing just 10 pounds or less.

They Are Smaller

Since they don’t have too many engine parts, they are more compact. You can get one with a blade size as small as 6 inches for light-cutting tasks.

They Are Easier to Use

Due to their compactness and lightweight, they are very easy to use. You can use them for a long period without getting tired quickly. Also, you can use them to reach difficult-to-reach areas when trimming trees.

Advantages of Electric Chainsaws

They Work Without Interruption

Once plugged into a power source and there is no cut in power supply, you can use it without any interruption. You don’t need to stop refueling just like you would do with a gas chainsaw.

They Require Less Maintenance

You don’t need to stress yourself to maintain because they are not powered by fuel.  Gas engines require regular maintenance or else they will break down.

They Make Less Noise

They offer quieter operations because they are powered by a loud engine. Also, they only produce a sound when you pull the trigger meaning that you have greater control over the sound.

There Are Cordless Options

Electric chainsaws can either be corded or cordless. The cordless models are battery-powered, hence, you will enjoy more freedom and flexibility. 

Disadvantages of Electric Chainsaws

Nothing is perfect, even electric chainsaws. There are some shortcomings associated with them, which make them not suitable for everybody.

They Are Less Powerful

Electric chainsaws are not as powerful as their gas counterparts. This means that you will spend more time with your jobs when you use them.

They Are Limited by Cord Length

Corded electric chainsaws are limited by the length of their cords. You will need to use an extension box if the power source is too far from your area of operation.

They Require a Power Source

In a situation whereby there is a power failure, you can’t use a corded electric chainsaw. You may have issues when trying to clean up after a storm because there may be no power source for you to connect to.

What You Can Use Electric Chainsaws For

Since we have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of electric chainsaws, you may wonder what they are good for. We present some of the best uses of this wonderful tool.

Undemanding Cutting Tasks

They are good for undemanding cutting tasks like branch removal, limb trimming, brush clearing, just to mention a few. Also, you can trim tall trees with the aid of an extension pole.

Felling Smaller Trees

If there are many smaller trees in your garden, you can use an electric chainsaw to cut them quickly, easily, and effectively.

Fast Jobs

Fast jobs can only be successfully carried out with this type of machine. You don’t need to go through the stress of fuel mixing with oil, fuel tank filling, starting cord pulling, etc. You only need to plug the machine, pull the trigger, and you are good to go.

If You Are On a Budget

They are more affordable, hence, if you are on a budget, they are your best bet. 

Good For Newbies

Due to their lightweight and compactness, a newbie can use them to learn tricks of cutting.

Are Electric Chainsaws Safer Than Gas Chainsaws?

Since electric chainsaws are easier to operate in contrast to gas chainsaws, one may conclude that they are safer to use. However, this may not be the case. All tools are associated with danger, including electric chainsaws, hence, you should be very careful when using them without forgetting all safety guidelines.

 

Mustafizur Rahman
 

Hi there! I'm Mustafizur Rahman, a real dirt-under-the-nails gardener with over 09 years spent in nurseries. After flexing my green thumb for years, I decided to share my knowledge and love for gardening with everyone. That's how Gardengrower.co.uk was born! Here, I put my City & Guilds Horticultural qualifications to good use, writing reliable guides and giving honest reviews of the best gardening tools and products. So, you can skip the research rabbit hole - I've done the digging for you!