A gas vs electric chainsaw is a popular question that lingers on the mind of most gardeners. Which is better? Let’s take a closer look. We’ll look at cost, weight, quietness, pollution, and more. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. To make the decision easier, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of each type. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Cost
Whether you are thinking of buying a battery or gas-powered chainsaw, the first thing you need to determine is the amount you want to spend on lubrication. While battery-powered chainsaws have no lubrication needs, gas-powered saws will require you to add some oil to the chain. Gasoline is an essential part of gas chainsaws, and the proper amount of fuel will protect the engine from internal damage. The other cost you need to consider is the frequency of use.
Battery-powered chainsaws come in a range of price ranges. The most affordable models are made by Ryobi and WEN, while the more expensive models like Stihl and Milwaukee are geared toward professionals. You can read reviews about various battery-powered chainsaws and decide based on their price range. If your budget is tight, Milwaukee and WEN may be the best options for you.
Weight
If you’re looking for the best chainsaw for home use, you should consider the difference between battery-operated and gas saws. The key difference between the two is weight. Battery-operated saws are lighter, but you’ll pay a bit more for them, too. Battery-operated chainsaws are usually easier to move and weigh less than gas saws. The biggest drawback to battery-operated chainsaws is that you have to carry around a gas can.
The weight of a gas chainsaw is more than twice as much as a battery-operated saw. You’ll also need to take into account the weight of the guide bar and chain. A long guide bar and chain will weigh more, while a short one will weigh less but have lower cutting capacity. The bar and chain combo will also add one to six pounds to the overall weight of your chainsaw. If you’re thinking about getting a battery-powered chainsaw, make sure you know how to properly mix the fuel.
Quietness
While the gas-powered chainsaw is often considered the quietest type of saw, there are a few advantages and disadvantages to choosing a battery-powered one. The gas-powered saw is far noisier, has a shorter lifespan, and generates less power per unit. But its superior power-to-weight ratio is what makes it a popular choice among chainsaw manufacturers. The battery-powered saw is far less noisy than its gas-powered counterpart and can be used almost anywhere that has an outlet.
Another benefit of the battery-powered chainsaw is its portability. Compared to other types of chainsaws, it is easier to store and transport. Moreover, it is lighter than gas-powered ones, making it convenient for indoor use. However, the battery-powered chainsaw has some limitations, including a smaller guide bar and limited cutting capacity. However, its downsides may make it a poor choice for commercial crews.
Pollution
If you’ve been thinking about getting a chainsaw for your yard, it’s important to know that gas-powered chainsaws are not the only source of pollution. Small gas engines also contribute to ozone depletion and are responsible for spilling more gasoline per year than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. And because small engines emit volatile organic compounds, they create smog.
Gas chainsaws are also noisy and are less practical for novice users. In addition to emitting harmful fumes, they require regular maintenance and may need replacement parts. They are also more expensive to buy than electric chainsaws. Compared to gas chainsaws, electric chainsaws are also quieter and don’t produce any harmful emissions. They’re also better for the environment than gas chainsaws.
Safety
Regardless of whether you’re purchasing a battery-powered or gas-powered saw, there are many factors to consider when comparing the two. Battery saws are the safer option for many people, as they reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration. However, battery saws still require maintenance like bar-and-chain oil. While battery saws don’t have a gas tank or carburetor, they still require regular cleaning and checking of the bar-and-chain oil tube.
When considering the battery-powered option, consider how much power you’ll need. Although battery life numbers are quoted for optimum conditions, this number varies depending on the age of the battery, the temperature, and the type of power you require. The higher the amount of power you need, the shorter the battery life. Ideally, battery-powered chainsaws should be switched off during non-use, and the motor should only run when you pull the trigger.
Founder of HandymanGuides.com and self-proclaimed “Mr. Fix-It”, Mike has countless years of experience building and tinkering with everything under the sun. He works as a local repair guy near Santa Monica, CA and when he’s not spackling drywall, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 daughters.
