Best Cordless Chainsaw

Chainsaws are great tools to have in your arsenal of power tools. While there are both corded and cordless options, we have decided to focus on the best cordless chainsaws. Not having to be bound to a specific working area is a big deal, especially if you’re going to be cutting down trees or doing work around your garden or yard. Even though corded chainsaws make it, so you don’t worry about battery life or fuel capacity once you’re plugged in, the trade-off of having significantly reduced mobility can be a deal-breaker to some people.

In this article, we’ve gathered a list containing the best cordless chainsaws on today’s market, so you don’t have to sift through the heap of options that are available on the market. On top of that, we have also made a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best cordless chainsaw for your situation. And now, without further ado, let us take a look at the list.

The Best Cordless Chainsaw – Our Picks

#1 – Makita EA4300F40B Battery Powered Chainsaw

If you’re looking for the best cordless chainsaw and are not limited by budget, then the Makita EA4300F40B is the way to go. This formidable chainsaw has gained a lot of respect and love from customers. Makita is a reputable manufacturer, and it’s clear that they put a lot of attention on this chainsaw. It features a 42cc gas-powered engine which delivers enough power for almost any task. It also has a 16-inch guide bar which is just the right length to let you comfortably trim and limb branches. Another great thing about the Makita EA4300F40B is that it has one of the fastest rotation speeds of all the other chainsaws on this list. That’s not even the best part; all of this power is packed into just 11 pounds, which is actually impressive.

It doesn’t end there, though. This chainsaw is also equipped with a bevy of modern features that are intended to speed up the workflow and keep you safe at the same time. For instance, it has a spring-assisted starter which facilitates the start-up process and also makes it more consistent. There is also the handle which is designed in a way to reduce vibrations; Couple that with a well-balanced design, and you’ve got yourself an easy-to-handle chainsaw. The Makita EA4300F40B is also equipped with an automatic oiler intended to keep the chain properly lubricated, and it works like a charm. Moreover, there’s tool-less tensioning, which also functions as advertised. As for safety features, the main feature here is the inertial chain braking system.

This is hands down, the best battery-powered chainsaw you can get. While it might be more expensive than some of the other options, it’s well worth the investment thanks to its features.

What we like about it

What’s not to like about the best cordless chainsaw? You have a powerful 42cc gas-powered engine, a 16-inch bar guide that is just the right length, as well as several other features that make this a great product. The automatic oiler and tool-less chain tensioning are also extremely helpful and extend the chainsaw’s life by a lot.

#2 – Echo CS-600P Professional Cordless Chainsaw

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If you’re a professional who’s looking for something powerful, then this is the best cordless chainsaw for you. When it comes to power, the Echo CS-600P is unrivaled among its peers. This 20-inch beast of a chainsaw is equipped with a 60cc engine that delivers enough power to cut through a large tree. It’s also equipped with a 19-ounce gas tank to match its gargantuan needs. This means that you don’t have to refill it so frequently. With that said, this means that the saw is heavy. However, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t well balanced. In fact, users have noted the opposite, stating that it is quite well balanced and can easily cut through anything.

While this is one of the most powerful cordless chainsaws, it is no slouch when it comes to safety features. For example, it has one of the most efficient chain brakes that you can find on the market. This is especially impressive when you take into account how much power you’d need to stop this bad boy in its tracks.

When it comes to durability, the Echo CS-600P has a specialized air filtration system as well as an automatic oiler which is driven by the clutch and not the engine in order to reduce oil usage. This means that you can expect this chainsaw to last you for a long time.

What we like about it

The main selling points of this chainsaw is its immense power and impeccable safety features. Both of these features make it the best battery-powered chainsaw for professional use. We also liked the clutch-driven oiler, which helps in reducing oil usage.

#3 – EGO Power+ CS1403 Battery Powered Chainsaw

While battery-powered chainsaws tend to lag behind other chainsaws in terms of power, no one can deny how convenient they can be for the right person. This is the first battery-powered chainsaw on this list, and it is one of the best cordless chainsaws out there for a good reason.

The EGO Power+ CS1403 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to switch to a battery-powered chainsaw. This might be because they want to save on the cost of gas. Others might want to change to avoid doing too much maintenance. Whatever the reason may be, this is a great chainsaw to switch to. It has a low capacity 2.05 Ah battery (roughly compares to 50cc gasoline engine) as well as a small 14-inch guide bar. This makes it great for small trees as well as any tree limb.

At first, we were surprised at how heavy this chainsaw is, especially when you take into consideration how small it is. With that said, this wasn’t a big deal since the chainsaw was so well designed that it still felt comfortable to handle. We also liked how robust and reliable the design was. In our experience, we found that it was weather-resistant, which is a great thing to have since it can highly boost the life of the chainsaw. We also appreciated how user-friendly this chainsaw could be. It has a push-button start and comes with a chain kickback break, which is a beneficial feature for beginners.

Additionally, the EGO Power+ CS1403 comes with an excellent five-year warranty on the chainsaw itself as well as a three-year warranty on the battery. With that said, we have to note that some of the users have reported some assembly issues in the automatic oiler. Either way, if you encounter any defect or problem, you can always call the customer service as it’s known to be great.

What we like about it

This is the best cordless chainsaw if you’re looking for a battery-powered chainsaw. It has a quiet motor, is easy to handle and well balanced, as well as having numerous other user-friendly features that make it great for beginners. The five-year warranty is also great to have.

#4 – Greenworks PRO GCS80420 Small Chainsaw

If you’re looking for a lightweight chainsaw to do some small tasks around your house and backyard, then the Greenworks PRO GCS80420 is the best battery-powered chainsaw for you. This lightweight battery-powered chainsaw is exceptionally portable and very quiet. While the EGO Power+ CS1403 weight 13 pounds, this one only weighs 10 pounds which makes it the most lightweight cordless chainsaw saw on this list.

With that said, it is important to note that if you’re looking for power, this is not the best cordless chainsaw to get as the lack of power is the main drawback of the Greenworks PRO GCS80420. However, what it lacks in power, it makes up for in capacity. It has an 80V lithium-ion battery which is the highest capacity of any chainsaw on this list. It is rated for 160 cuts. However, users have noted that it can do 80-100 cuts on a single charge, which is still enough for most people.

What makes this inconvenience even less significant is the fact that the battery can be recharged in only 30 minutes, which pretty fast. If you purchase a second battery, you can virtually work non stop as you’ll be able to switch battery quite efficiently and with no downtime.

As we mentioned before, this is not a powerful chainsaw. However, it can still cut through large tree limbs and small tree trunks. This makes the Greenworks PRO GCS80420 perfect for homeowners who need to something to use to tend to their yards.

Another noteworthy thing is the four-warranty that Greenworks gives to household owners as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee

What we like about it

While this is not the best cordless chainsaw, it is still one of the top options to consider, especially if you’re a homeowner who’s looking for something simple, quiet, and effective. The high-capacity 80V lithium-ion battery along with its fast recharge rate makes downtime minimal. The four-year warranty is also great to have. All of that makes the Greenworks PRO GCS80420 the best small chainsaw you can get, and one of the top-performing machines available today.

#5 – Jonsered CS2250 Cordless Chainsaw

If you’re looking for something that can easily cut firewood, look no further than the Jonsered CS2250. This gas-powered cordless chainsaw is a great chainsaw to have. While the 50cc engine might not seem as impressive as some of the other chainsaws mentioned on this list, it is still capable of cutting any tree that you might encounter in your backyard. It packs a mean punch, and the 18-inch guide bar also helps give this chainsaw the power it needs to cut through firewood efficiently. What we also like about the Jonsered CS2250 is how light and easy to handle it is. It is well balanced and can be used for extended amounts of time without discomfort.

With that said, the gas tank is relatively small, only offering 15 ounces in capacity. We recommend you carry around a gas tank with you as you’ll have to refill the tank somewhat frequently. On the bright side, you won’t have to deal with so many emissions as Jonsered has equipped their chainsaw with clean energy technology which greatly reduces gasoline fumes and also makes it, so the chainsaw consumes less gas overall.

Another thing we liked about the Jonsered CS2250 is the pull-cord starter, which makes the starting process extremely reliable and consistent. You can always count on the chainsaw starting up from the first pull. This is mainly thanks to the spin starter that Jonsered added to this chainsaw. Moreover, the air filter on the Jonsered CS2250 is easily accessible thanks to the snap-locked cover.

When it comes to the warranty, Jonsered offer a two-year limited warranty. This is not definitely not bad considering the Jonsered CS2250’s modest price. With that said, you can count on this chainsaw to last you for a very long time.

What we like about it

One of the things that we liked the most about the Jonsered CS2250 is how lightweight it is even though it has an 18-inch bar. Another great thing is how consistent and effortless the start-up process is. The fact that you can reliably start this chainsaw from the first pull cannot be overstated. Lastly, clean motor technology is great to have, especially when the gas tank is so small.

Choosing the Best Cordless Chainsaw – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve read through our list, we hope you have an idea about which one is the best cordless chainsaw. However, before you go out and buy what you think is the best battery-powered or small gas chainsaw, we recommend you keep on reading as the information in this section will prove to be extremely useful for anyone who intends on using chainsaws.

Why You Need the Best Small Chainsaw

First of all, let us discuss why you’d want a cordless chainsaw.

One of the major selling points for cordless chainsaws is the fact that they are much more portable than their corded counterpart. You won’t have to worry about cord extensions or the cords being entangled. There’s also the fact that you don’t have to worry about power outages or anything like that when you’re using a cordless chainsaw. The importance of portability cannot be overstated as it might even be crucial for some people. Not having to rely on a generator or a power outlet can save you a lot of trouble and effort.

With that said, cordless chainsaws are not without their flaws. For instance, the first thing that you’ll immediately notice is that you can’t use them for extended periods of time. You should always keep in mind the possibility that you’ll need to refill or recharge your cordless chainsaw. This downtime can be a turn off to some people. However, there are some ways to circumvent this inconvenience. For example, if you’re using a battery-powered chainsaw, you can switch between two batteries to virtually nullify the downtime.

As for gas-powered chainsaw, you can bring a gas tank with you and use it to refill the chainsaw once it’s dried out. However, this is not the only issue. There’s also the problem with power. While gas-powered chainsaws don’t have this as bad as battery-powered chainsaws, there is still a difference in power between corded and cordless chainsaws. With that said, this isn’t really a deal-breaker for most people.

In the end, while the cons might seem longer than the pros, the pros carry a lot more weight, and the disadvantages are more like inconveniences than actual deal-breakers.

Chainsaw Safety

When you’re working with a tool that is designed to cut down hardwood, you can only imagine what it could do to your limbs. This is why you need to be very careful when you’re using a chainsaw. Safety should be your top priority when you’re working with power tools, and this is especially true for chainsaws.

In order to stay safe and protect yourself and others from any potential accidents, we’ll go over what you can do to prevent disasters from happening.

Safety Gear

First of all, you need to wear adequate protective gear. This includes hard-toed boots that will protect your toes from heavy objects that might fall on them.

There’s also eyewear and headgear such as safety goggles and hard hats. You should always keep your head protected as well as your eyesight. Nothing is worse than injuring your eyes permanently because of flying debris. Speaking of debris, that is not the only hazard you’ll need to account for.

You also need to take into account the harmful dust that might emit from whatever you’re cutting. This is why we recommend that you wear some form of filter or mask on your mouth and nose. You’ll also want to wear gloves to keep your hands protected.

Finally, specialized work pants, such as chainsaw chaps, can be of great help when using such a fast rotating machine.

Built-in Safety Features

In addition to wearing the appropriate safety gear, you’ll also need to make sure the chainsaw you’re using is equipped with good safety features. Things such as mechanisms that will prevent a broken chain from kicking back at you and chain brakes are imperative to have nowadays.

Chainsaw Safety Course

On top of the built-in safety features, we also recommend you take a chainsaw safety course as will allow you to understand better how to use a chainsaw safely and effectively. This will save you time as well as your life in some cases.

Lastly, if you ever feel nervous or unsure about a certain task, whether it’s because it’s complex or you don’t feel confident about doing it, it is best to save yourself the trouble and get an expert to do it. You can try to learn by watching professionals who will help you become a better chainsaw user in the long run.

The No-Kickback Zone

The main reason for most chainsaw accidents is the kickback they produce. This is when the chainsaw violently goes up towards the user. This is the bane of many chainsaw users, especially when they’re new. But what causes it?

Well, there are two leading causes, the first one being the chain and guide bar getting pinched by a tree right in the middle of a cut. The second cause is when the guide bar comes in contact with a solid object and begin to struggle to cut it.

In order to prevent kickback from happening, there are some steps that you need to take. First of all, you need to make sure that you’re operating the saw at its max power so that it doesn’t have any problem cutting through the wood. You should also know whether or no the piece of wood you’re cutting contains anything in it that your chainsaw might not be able to handle. For example, if you know that the piece of wood you’re cutting contains some metal inside of it such as hard nails or anything of the like, then you need to take that into account.

Unfortunately, you’re going to be put in situations where the kickback is inevitable. In this case, you’ll need to invest in a chain that has reduced kickback. Thankfully, there are plenty of good chainsaws out there that you can choose from, and the investment is absolutely worth it, especially since you’ll stay protected.

How to Use a Chainsaw Safely - Part 1

How to Use a Chainsaw Safely - Part 2

Use Time

In order to get the best cordless chainsaw for your situation, you need to have an idea of how long you’ll be using the chainsaw for. If you’re going to use it during long work sessions, then you might want to invest in something that can hold up and not require a refill so often. You’ll also need something that is well balanced, lightweight, and ergonomic to avoid body strain or discomfort from prolonged use.

However, if you’re a homeowner who’s just planning to use the chainsaw every so often to do a couple of simple tasks, then you might not need something so expensive. You might also be better off with an electric chainsaw instead of a gas-powered one since it makes less noise and power trade-off won’t affect you.

Another thing you need to take into account is how physically able you are. If you tire quickly, then you need something lightweight. If you’re able-bodied, then the weight of the chainsaw shouldn’t be a top priority.

Types of the Best Cordless Chainsaws

There are three main types of chainsaws, each with their advantages and disadvantages. However, the main difference between them is the type of fuel they feed off of.

Gas

Gas-powered chainsaws are known to be the most powerful type of chainsaw if you’re looking for the best cordless chainsaw. They are mainly designed to cut large diameter trees as well as very large branches. The unit used to measure the power of these chainsaws is cc (cubic centimeters).

These chainsaws are very powerful. However, they require the most maintenance. You’ll also need to fuel them with gasoline, which isn’t cheap.

Electric

Electric chainsaws are usually powered by batteries which can be a double-edged knife. On the one hand, they are quieter and require very little maintenance. They are also much more convenient. On the other hand, they lack the power that the gas-powered chainsaws have, which can be an issue for some people.

These chainsaws are at their best when used on simple tasks like tending to one’s yard.

Battery

Battery-powered chainsaws tend to lag behind their competitor because of a number of factors, such as the lack of power as well as the battery itself needing to be frequently recharged. With that said, they are being improved with each new model, and there are some decent battery-powered chainsaws.

For example, 60V and 80V batteries will allow the user to perform up to 100 cuts, which should be more than enough to tend to the whole yard without needing to be recharged.

Other Features to Consider When Looking for the Best Cordless Chainsaw

When you’re looking for the best battery-powered chainsaw, here are the main features that you need to look at.

Size

The size of the chainsaw will depend on the engine it uses. However, the guide bar, fuel capacity, and battery all factor into it as well. If you’re a beginner, then you might want to go for a lightweight chainsaw as they are easier to use. However, heavier chainsaws tend to be more powerful.

Guide bar

The guide bar of the chainsaw is a crucial factor to consider. It will significantly affect the chainsaw’s performance. Pruning chainsaws can have guide bars shorter than 12 inches. Guide bars between 12 and 16 inches are the most versatile. If you need to cut large tree trunks, then you might want to go for a guide bar that is longer than 20 inches. With that said, the larger the guide bar, the hard it will be to control the saw. If you’re a beginner, we recommend you go with a chainsaw that has a guide bar shorter than 18 inches.

Motor

There are two main types of motors to consider, motors with brushes and brushless motors. The former is what you’ll find in traditional electric chainsaws. Brushless motors are quieter as well as more efficient when it comes to battery consumption.

Battery

If you’re looking for a battery-powered chainsaw, then you’ll need to sift through the chainsaw’s battery. Battery capacity can range anywhere in between 20V to 80V. This will primarily affect how many cuts you can make before you need to recharge the battery. Naturally, the higher the capacity, the more cuts you can perform.

Another thing to take into account is the discharge capacity of the battery. This affects how much power the battery can output. High capacity chainsaws can provide six amps of current or even more for an hour or more. Just keep in mind that the higher the amperage, the quicker the battery will drain itself.

Handle

Aside from pole chainsaws, most other chainsaws will have a rear handle design. When you’re picking the best cordless chainsaw, you’ll want to get one with a comfortable handle and a good grip. All of the chainsaws we reviewed include a top handle which can be used to steady the saw. The best advice we can give you is to try the chainsaw yourself and get a feel for its grip.

Chain

While the chain that comes with the chainsaw will get you through the first few cuts, you’ll eventually have to replace it. Another thing to note about stock chains is that almost none of them have any kickback prevention, which means the sooner you replace them, the better.

Safety Features

Safety is extremely important when looking for the best battery-powered chainsaw, which is why you need to make sure that the chainsaw you’re buying is properly equipped with good safety features. Chain brake mechanisms are a must-have. There are also other features such as a throttle lock which facilitate the start-up process. Another great safety feature to have is the metal chain catcher which prevents the chain from violently kicking back at the user.

Starting System

The starting system will vary depending on whether the chainsaw is electric or gas-powered. Ost as powered chainsaws uses a pull-word while battery-powered chainsaws start with a button which is much easier and safer.

Automatic oiler

This feature is becoming more common with time. This is a handy feature to have as it will help extend the lifespan of the chainsaw as well as make maintenance easier. A well-lubricated chainsaw is essential if you want the best performance possible. Some chainsaws even come with extra little features such as an oil reserve indicator, keep an eye on those.

Noise

Depending on where you live, this will vary in priority. Of course, you wouldn’t want to annoy your neighbor with the noise, but if you’re living in a relatively secluded area, then you might not need to have the quietest chainsaw.

If you’re looking for something quiet, then your best option is a battery-powered chainsaw with a brushless motor.

Warranty

Chainsaws are not a light investment, so you need a chainsaw with a good warranty, so you stay covered in case of any malfunctions. Warranties can last anywhere in between one year up to five years. With that said, it’s important to note that, for some manufacturers, warranty lengths might vary depending on whether it’s for home or commercial use. There are also different warranties for the battery and the chainsaw.

Regarding Pole Chainsaws

Pole chainsaws are criminally under-looked. They can be extremely useful for cutting branches as the extended reach will make the job a lot easier. Well, what is a pole chainsaw? It is basically a small chainsaw that is attached to the end of a metal pole. They are usually between 6 and 20 feet in length, but that depends on the model.

The Pole Saw: Because Chainsaws and Ladders Don’t Mix

Picking the Best Cordless Chainsaw – Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Now that you’ve read through the article, you should be ready to choose the best cordless chainsaw. You should know all there is to know about cordless chainsaws. We hope that this has helped you and if it did, don’t forget to share this with your friends.

What are you waiting for? Those pieces of lumber in your backyard aren’t going to cut themselves, so get your chainsaw and get going already!

References:

• Chain Saw Safety Policy
• Why Use a Battery-Powered Chainsaw?
• Best Budget Chainsaws Under $200
• Best All Around Chainsaws
• Stihl vs. Husqvarna Chainsaws: A Comparision
• Stihl Compact Cordless Power System review