Best Electric Chainsaw For Safer and Quieter Cuttings

Here’s a comprehensive guide for all that you must know before you buy an electric chainsaw.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw

You will need to keep the following considerations in mind when getting a new chainsaw.

Size

The size of a chainsaw is determined by how long the bar is or the length of the piece that supports the chain. Long bars on chainsaws are perfect for people who will be cutting a lot of large trees or huge bulky branches. Shorter bars are perfect for small branches and trees or home DIY projects. 

Power source

You can find electric chainsaws in both corded as well as cordless options. You need to consider mobility when deciding the kind of power source you’ll need. You can easily move around with a cordless one without worrying about the distance and the risk of cutting the cord itself. 

Safety features

You need to seriously consider this factor. Electrical chainsaws are powerful tools that should always be operated with optimum care and protection. Some electric chainsaws have the option of a chain brake that is located on its handle that stops the rotation of the chain if there’s an emergency. You can also look for chainsaws with a safety switch.

Power

You will see a chainsaw’s power in amps or amperes mentioned in the specifications. The intended use of your chainsaw will determine the power that you should get. If you’ll be using the electric chainsaw for heavy-duty tasks like cutting dense trees, a 15 amp or more power would be appropriate. For lighter use, you can get 8-10 amp models.

Gas VS Electric Chainsaws

There are some significant differences between the operation and characteristics of a gas chainsaw and an electrical chainsaw, while they both are used for the same purpose. You need to consider the goods and bads of both kinds before you make a final decision. 

We’ve highlighted some distinguishing features of both kinds of chainsaws for you to better understand the difference and get the most suitable one for yourself.

Electric chainsaws

• Little to no noise production, even when they’re running at full capacity
• Require little to no maintenance 
• You don’t need to buy gasoline for it every time you use it
• Less messy
• Offer low power behind the chain
• Intended for smaller, low to medium-duty jobs
• Easy to handle due to lightweight
• Safer than gas chainsaws

Gas-powered chainsaws

• Very loud 
• Emit harmful fumes and smoke when running
• Need specific kinds of gas and oil mixtures to operate
• Suitable for heavy-duty cutting jobs
• No need for power as long as you have a gasoline supply
• Require a lot of maintenance to keep the machine healthy
• Highly powerful cutting

Are Electric Chainsaws Safer Than Gas Chainsaws?

There are a lot of factors that need consideration when comparing the safety features of gas-powered chainsaws and electric ones. 

The most prominent feature is the weight and safety. Electric chainsaws are very lightweight and are way less risky than gas-powered chainsaws. You can easily carry them and control them. 

Electric chainsaws also don’t emit harmful toxins in the air. Not only are the fumes generated by gas-powered chainsaws highly toxic for humans but they also pollute the overall environment. You also don’t need special workers or professionals to operate an electric chainsaw. Their easy start and stop system allows simple operation.

You also needn’t worry about fuel usage or fuel mixing. This is safer and healthier for the environment as well. Moreover, electric chainsaws do not make an annoying noise when you run them. You won’t have to worry about respiratory or hearing damage when you work with electric chainsaws.   

So, it’s safe to say that electric chainsaws actually are safer than gas-powered chainsaws. However, all kinds of chainsaws can be dangerous if the operator is inexperienced or unable to handle the machine. Thus, it’s necessary that you wear your protective gear and stand in the right posture before you plug the machine in. 

Tips for Using Electric Chainsaws Efficiently

Here are some useful tips for using electrical chainsaws more safely.

• Wear an item of heavy, snug-fit clothing so you don’t have to worry about your outfit as you work and there’s a lower chance of loose cloth getting stuck in the chainsaw by accident
• Use the electric chainsaw just for cutting wood
• Stand stably and have an upright posture for better control over the machine, don’t slouch
• Avoid cutting anything above the reach of your head or shoulders as it is easier to lose control in that position
• Read all the instructions for the chainsaw before you operate
• Always stay alert - if you experience vibration or kickback, release the throttle and wait for it to stop completely before you restart it
• Cut one log/bush/branch at a time
• Check for hard nails or metals in the object you’re cutting
• Don’t try to overreach and stretch your arms in a position where you lose control
• Operate the chainsaw with both hands with elbow locked, arms straight left hand in the front and right on the rear handle, slightly in a bent position

Conclusion

Electric chainsaws can save you a lot of time, energy, and a whole lot of headaches. They are safer and easier to use compared to gas-powered chainsaws. Electrical chainsaws have very deservingly gained popularity owing to these characteristics. We hope you find our list of top picks and our buying guide resourceful when it comes to making your decision!