How to choose an electric chain saw: useful tips and correct recommendations for choosing an electric wood saw for the garden and home, a review of good and inexpensive models

The most important things about electric chain saws for wood

This is a popular power tool in carpentry workshops, construction sites, and household work at home. The design is similar to chainsaws, but with an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. These are the advantages over chainsaws:

no exhaust gases, you can work in enclosed spaces without the risk of poisoning.
There is no roar from the operation of the internal combustion engine, you can work without disturbing others.
always ready for work, do not require preparation of the gasoline/oil fuel mixture.

Disadvantages compared to gasoline saws:

Lower revs and power.
Depends on the presence of an electrical outlet nearby (does not apply to battery models).

Otherwise, they do the same work as gasoline saws: they cut any workpieces, including large ones - beams, logs, blocks, slabs, carriages, boards, etc. When using special chains, you can saw through piles of cardboard, linoleum, ice and even hard materials, including concrete.

Main parts: engine, body and saw set - bar and chain. The chain is sharpened and lubricated in the same way as on all chain saws.

Advantages over circular saws, reciprocating saws and jigsaws: the ability to cut workpieces of any depth (thickness), even stacks. The length of the cut is significant and depends on the length of the tire.

Despite their simplicity and compactness, modern electric chain saws incorporate the latest developments in the field of mechanics and electronics - soft start, speed control, overload protection, etc.

Stiga SC 48 AE

Main characteristics

Country of origin: Italy.
Battery capacity – 5 Ah.
The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.2 l.
Tire length – 35 cm
Weight – 3.6 kg.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

Stiga SC 48 AE is a cordless saw with a brushless electric motor, intended for private use, and is a good option for cutting wood.

Pros:

high performance;
shutdown control;
inertia brake;
shock-absorbing handle.

Minuses:

It is necessary to monitor the battery charge so that the equipment is always in working order.

Review from a real buyer:

I gave preference to a cordless saw, as I decided for myself that this was the most convenient and profitable option. There is no need for gasoline, there are no wires to connect to the electrical network, you just need to charge the battery on time, and the device is always operational. A cool option for sawing wood, I recommend it to everyone.

Classes

Electric chain saws are divided into several groups: household, professional or industrial, and as a subtype - battery-powered.

Household

These include the cheapest, budget models with minimum and average power and service life. Well suited for occasional housework. They are also successfully used as an auxiliary tool at construction sites and in workshops. If you don't need to run an entire shift of power saws for months or years, household models from brands with a good reputation for quality can serve well.

Approximate characteristics of household options.

Power – from 1500 to 2500 W.
Weight from 3.3 to 7.5 kg.
Price for mid-2021 – from 3,000 to 12,000 rubles.

Moreover, in terms of characteristics, there are no clear boundaries between household and professional models. There are models that are positioned.

There are lightweight models that are highly reliable and durable and can be used professionally for many years. But they can't be cheap. As a result, the main feature of household models is low and average price and power.

Patriot household electric saw

Professional or industrial

These are electric saws that are designed to be used for many hours per shift over several years. They are reliable, hardy and unpretentious.

As a rule, these are power saws from well-known brands with a good reputation for the quality of their products. Industrial chain saws are sometimes labeled without a brand name. For example, EHR 3.0 -2.

A long service life does not negate the regular replacement of individual parts - chains, tires, sprockets. The latter are changed less often, but the saw set (chains and bar) on all chain saws is practically a consumable item (subject to regular replacement).

Depending on production and professional needs, tools of different power are used. For construction and finishing work, carpentry work, carpentry workshops, where most of the workpieces are small and medium in size, medium power is sufficient. At sawmills and logging sites, where you have to cut stacks and logs, powerful options do a better job.

Average parameters of professional electric saws:

Power from 1800 to 2700 W (industrial - up to 8000 W).
Weight from 4.5 to 6 – 7 kg (and higher for industrial ones).
The price range is wide, as of mid-2021 - from 8-9 to 150 thousand rubles.

Industrial and professional electric chain saws are also used for longitudinal sawing, manually or on sawmill stands, including homemade ones. For this, a special saw set is used:

Narrower bar and chain.
The sharpening angle of the chain tooth is 10 degrees.

Professional chain saw powered by electricity - Husqvarna 420EL

Rechargeable

No power extension cord required. They can work completely autonomously anywhere, until the batteries run out. More convenient than networked options for pruning gardens and construction work at heights, where the cord will get tangled and interfere.

Flaws:

Low power.
The need to regularly charge batteries.

Most models use modern brushless motors, which increases service life. The power of such electric saws is not indicated in W, only the battery voltage (12, 16, 18 Volts). The main parameters by which they are assessed:

Weight, from 2 to 6 kg.
Tire length, from 25 to 40 cm.
Chain speed – from 4 to 20 m/sec.

The large difference in chain speed in different models is due to design features. When you gain speed, you lose strength. Some manufacturers rely on chain speed, others on strength.

High speed models are better suited for tree trimming. Reason: sawing branches and branches must be started at high speed, then there is less chance that a chain tooth will catch on a thin branch without sawing it, and the chain will get stuck. By entering a branch at high speed, the chain is less likely to get stuck.

Husqvarna electric chain saw

GreenWorks GD40CS40K6 40V

Main characteristics

Country of origin: China.
Battery capacity – 6 Ah.
The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.18 l.
Tire length – 40 cm.
Weight – 6.2 kg.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

Let's start our review of cordless chainsaws with the GreenWorks GD40CS40K6 40V model. This is a semi-professional chain saw, which is perfect for full-fledged gardening.

Pros:

powerful brushless motor;
compact size and light weight;
long battery life.

Minuses:

heavy weight.

Review from a real buyer:

Excellent device, the charge lasts a long time. A little heavy, but the body is ergonomic and, in principle, comfortable to hold while working. Many advantages outweigh this one disadvantage. I have been using the equipment for a long time and have no intention of changing it.

What characteristics should you choose based on?

All models, even of the same brand, differ from each other in both significant and minor details. Below are the main qualities, the most important first. Then in descending order.

Engine power and location

The more powerful the engine, the easier the electric saw cuts the material. If two models have tires 40 cm long, but engines are 1.2 kW and 2.2 kW, both are capable of sawing a stack 35 cm long. But the more powerful one will do this easier, faster, without overheating and overload, which means it will last longer.

There is a pattern - the more powerful the electric saw, the heavier and more expensive it is, and consumes more energy.

Therefore, when choosing, you should choose the option that is suitable for the upcoming work . There is no point in sawing medium-sized workpieces with a heavy tool. Medium power chain saws are the most versatile.

Power type

Comparisons of corded and cordless electric saws are given above. Battery-powered options are chosen without hesitation when you need to work far from electrical outlets, at heights, or in hard-to-reach places.

This includes pruning the garden, preparing firewood for a fire in the forest, and construction work, especially at heights. That is, wherever there is no network electricity nearby or the wire will seriously complicate work.

Due to the weakness of the engine, the saw set on such a tool must always be in good condition. If with a powerful engine you can saw with a slightly dull chain, deformation and slight jamming of the chain in the tire groove, then the battery version will lose a significant part of the power and capabilities.

Kerf dimensions

What diameter of a log, or how wide a stack can be sawed in one pass, depends on the length of the bar and chain (saw set). A 25 cm long tire is capable of sawing a log with a diameter of 20-24 cm and a stack of the same width. Why not 25 cm - it’s better if the tip of the bar extends outward, so sawdust is easier to remove from the cut.

In this case, the height of the stack can be any. Therefore, the depth of cut for such a tool is not limited.

The thickness of the cut for different models is from 6 to 10 mm, always slightly thicker than the thickness of the saw set. A thin cut is preferable - when sawing, there is less wood resistance, higher cutting speed and accuracy.

Availability of oil tank and its capacity

The chain requires lubrication during operation. That's why all models have an oil tank. The volume of the oil tank is specified in the operating instructions for each model (approximately from 100 to 180 ml). The larger it is, the less often you have to fill in oil.

An enlarged tank increases the size and weight of the tool. Taking into account the fact that the sizes of the tanks differ slightly, this parameter is of little importance when choosing.

Power cord

In many cases, work is carried out at a distance from the outlet. Therefore, you have to use an extension cord. The longer the wire of the saw itself, the more often an extension cord is not required. A wire 1.5-2 m long can be considered an advantage. But it turns into a disadvantage when storing and transporting the instrument.

It is easier to put a power saw with a short cord of 30-50 cm in a box on a shelf. No need to wind and unwind the cord. Long extension cords are wound on a drum or left permanently in place, making them easier to handle. There is no point in installing a drum under the cord on a hand-held instrument (dimensions, weight). That's why most models have short power cords.

Rating of the best models

Among the companies that produce cordless chainsaws, the leading positions are occupied by:

Makita.
Bosch.

Stihl.
Greenworks.

High-quality products can also be sold by products that have not yet gained popularity. But purchasing products from these manufacturers is always associated with risks.

Makita DUC302Z

Electric chain saw from a Japanese manufacturer. Equipped with a 30-centimeter tire and an 18-volt battery. The model weighs 4 kilograms. Compatible with 4 and 5 Ah batteries. The tool assumes operation at one speed. The disadvantages of the model include the configuration. The tool is supplied without battery and charger.

Pros:

Smooth start.
Lightweight body that allows you to work with the saw in weight.
Chain adjustment without additional tools.

Automatic chain lubrication (when turned on).
Protection against inadvertent activation.

Andrey

A lightweight saw that is great for cutting down branches and small trees in the garden. I was pleased with the low noise level - compared to a chainsaw. The cutting speed is satisfactory.

Nikolai

An extremely simple model that suits me perfectly as a beginner. I use a saw to get firewood in my country house. The only disadvantage of Makita is smudges during transportation.

GREENWORKS GD40CS40K4

American made saw. Equipped with a 40 cm tire and a longitudinally mounted engine. The weight of the instrument is 6.5 kilograms. The capacity of the oil tank is 0.18 liters. The saw is equipped with an 18 V battery. The main disadvantage of the unit is the unregulated supply of lubricant to the tire.

Pros:

Built-in switching fuse.
DigiPro brushless motor.

Autonomous operation up to 110 cuts from a 4 A/h battery.
The oil tank is made of transparent materials.

Michael

The saw can handle logs up to 30 centimeters thick. Easy to lift and quite quiet - I work with it without headphones. I didn’t like the long charging time of the unit – more than two hours.

Ilya

Despite the fact that the saw is made in China, the quality of the materials is high. There is no smell during operation, the chain remains in place. It is better to take the unit immediately with an additional battery.

STIHL MSA 120 C-BQ-0

Hand-held electric saw with battery from the manufacturer Li-Ion (voltage 36 V). Equipped with a 30 cm tire. Has an oil tank with a capacity of 0.1 liters. One charge is enough to operate the tool for 30 minutes. The disadvantages of the device include the lack of a shock absorber and an expensive battery. The weight of the saw is 3 kilograms.

Pros:

Low noise level (94 dB).
Small size and light weight.

Instructions are included with the tool.
Dosage of oil supply (+reduction of its costs due to the tire design).

Vladimir

I took the saw to work with garden trees. It does its job well and does not put pressure on the ears. The controls are very simple and intuitive - I started using it without instructions. So far there are no complaints.

Nikolai

I had no complaints about the saw until I used it on a rainy day. Due to moisture, the contacts oxidized, and I had to take the equipment to the workshop. I will take this feature into account in the future.

BOSCH AKE 30 S

Budget cordless saw from a German company. Equipped with automatic brake and SDS chain installation system. It has a 30 cm tire and a 1800 W battery. The oil tank capacity is 0.2 liters. The engine is located transversely. Chain rotation speed – 9 m/sec.

Pros:

The oil tank has an oil level indicator.
Brakes with Quick Stop system.
Ergonomic handle.

Easy to use.
Complete set (protective case for chain, setting tool, saw unit, cover for oil tank).

Danil

Great tool for the price. I use it for cutting beams. The speed of work is low, but it suits me. The only disappointment is the lack of spare parts for the engine.

Novel

A lightweight saw that uses oil sparingly. It cuts neatly, the unit is enough for a 300 mm cut. The only “but” is that the saw is very inconvenient to transport. To do this, you need to disassemble it and put it in a box.

Husqvarna 436 Li

Hand-held electric saw from a Swedish manufacturer. The tool is equipped with a battery with a voltage of 36 V. The weight of the saw is 2.5 kilograms. Has a 3 Ah battery. The built-in oil tank has a volume of 0.2 liters. Works in one speed mode. The disadvantages include the lack of a battery in the kit.

Pros:

Brushless motor.
Emergency brake.

Rubberized handles.
Oil supply adjustment function.

Valentine

After switching from a chainsaw to an electric version, it’s even unusual to work without loud exhaust noise. It handles the material quickly and flies off. The only negative is the steep price.

Alexander

A high-quality and well-thought-out tool. The saw is worth the money – I’ve been using it for several years now. I don’t consider myself a professional, but the unit always comes in handy on the farm. I would especially like to note the Power Sharp chain - beyond all praise. You can appreciate it only after working with Chinese analogues.

Hitachi CS36DL-R4

Electric chain saw made in Japan. Equipped with a 35 cm tire and a motor with a voltage level of 36 V. The motor is located longitudinally. The model weighs 4.4 kilograms. The saw supports keyless chain tension adjustment. Operates at a chain rotation speed of 8.3 m/sec.

Pros:

Inertia brake that responds instantly to pressure.
No toxic emissions.
Automatic supply of lubrication to the chain.

Oil sump with a transparent “window” that allows you to monitor the oil level.
The handle material dampens outgoing vibrations.

Sergey

This saw can give a head start to much more expensive units. It fits comfortably in the hand when cutting, no imbalance is felt. Suitable even for working with thick logs. Unfortunately, sometimes it leaks. But this minus is not so significant.

Dmitriy

You can safely work with a Hitachi saw for hours (when recharging). It hardly heats up and does not feel like a weight in your hand. To prevent the tank from dangling, I used a soft seal. Now there are no questions about the tool at all.

PATRIOT CS 402XL

Cordless chain saw from a German manufacturer. Equipped with a 30 cm saw bar and a 40 Volt battery. Battery capacity - 2.5 Ah. The model weighs 5.5 kilograms. The saw has an oil tank with a capacity of 0.16 liters. The noise level during operation does not exceed 103 dB.

Pros:

Separate chain tension adjustment system.
Automatic chain lubrication.

Protects the tank from leaks due to a convenient neck.
Sold complete with battery and charger.

Alexei

I took a saw to process firewood at the dacha. I have been using this unit for two years now – when going to the country. The speed and power are satisfactory. I gradually got used to the chain tensioning mechanism – it’s a bit flimsy. If you work carefully, this shortcoming will be smoothed out. A 3Ah battery is enough to make about a hundred holes in concrete.

RYOBI RCS36B35HI

Electric brushless saw from a Japanese manufacturer. Equipped with a lithium battery that supports a voltage of 36 V and a 35 cm bus. Has an anti-vibration system and chain brake. The model weighs 4 kilograms. Produces noise at 105 dB.

Pros:

The battery uses patented IntelliCell™ technology.
Availability of mechanical and electric saw chain brakes.

Light weight and rubberized handle to reduce vibration levels.
Replacing and tensioning the chain without using tools.

Andrey

The main advantage of the saw is power. The build quality is as always excellent, which is quite natural for Ryobi. The tool may seem heavy for working with firewood, but it suits me.

Eugene

The chain tightens without any extra effort.
With this unit, I almost forgot about tightening breaks. In my opinion, the volume of the oil tank is too small - you often have to fill it. In stores, cordless chain saws are presented in different price categories. To decide on a purchase, you need to get acquainted with the model ranges of leading manufacturers and understand what the tool is used for.

Additional functions

Modern electric chain saws are equipped with electronic and mechanical safety systems for the operator and the mechanism itself. Some options are not available on all models.

overheat protection

An electronic device turns off the electric motor at critical overloads. With such a device, the engine will not smoke or burn out if, for example, the chain is caught in a cut or the engine overheats. Useful feature. But on budget models it may have its drawback - frequent shutdowns even under normal loads. On quality saws such “excessive vigilance” does not occur.

Safety

All electric chain saws, without exception, are equipped with basic safety systems. This is primarily a brake that stops the chain even if the engine is turned on. Until the operator turns it off, the chain will not spin. The brake is turned on and off with a protective handle, which simultaneously blocks the space between the hands and the chain.

Adjusting chain tension

It is impossible to use this tool without adjusting the tension, therefore the function is present on all models without exception. The principle of adjustment is the same everywhere.

The design solution may differ - loosening the cover and tightening it with or without a wrench, with a built-in regulator. The regulator is more convenient, no additional key is needed. The plastic regulator cap of quality brands is reliable. Not always with budget ones, so for them tightening with a wrench is easier and more reliable.

In general, the design of the chain tensioning system is not a decisive criterion when choosing a model. More important is the strength of threads and metals. When purchasing, it is impossible to visually evaluate this moment. Only indirectly, by brand reputation.

Smooth start

With this function, the chain does not gain momentum immediately, but smoothly. The system protects the electrical network from overloads when starting the electric motor. Plus, during a soft start there is time to correctly route the chain, which increases safety. The disadvantage of a soft start is that it takes several seconds until the engine reaches full speed. For those who are used to normal starting, this may be annoying at first.

Husqvarna 436 Li

Main characteristics

Country of origin: Sweden.
Battery capacity – 4.2 Ah.
The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.2 l.
Tire length – 25 cm.
Weight – 2.7 kg.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

The Husqvarna 436 Li is an easy-to-use, lightweight and quiet chainsaw. It is an excellent choice for carpenters, gardeners and private users. Equipped with a long-lasting brushless motor and tool-less chain tensioner.

Pros:

The battery provides a long charge and high performance;
intuitive controls;
effective chain brake, which is activated by inertial forces.

Minuses:

limited operating time on one charge.

Review from a real buyer:

This is something that is becoming less and less common today. Really high-quality equipment that has served me faithfully for more than 5 years. A very thoughtful and effective tool. It's really worth the money spent on it.

Ergonomics

Most models are made “in length”. Only some have a transverse electric motor. For the user, the overall ergonomics, dimensions and weight of the tool are important.

It is important how the electric saw “sits in your hands.” It is advisable to hold the instrument in your hands before purchasing. Is there an overweight in one direction, is the instrument too heavy?

Impressive weight may mean using reliable parts of the required thickness, without trying to save on cost and reduce weight.

But “heavy” here does not always mean “reliable”. The ability of Japanese designers to make miniature, reliable parts is well known. In addition, heavy weight may mean that heavy ferrous metal was used instead of light and expensive magnesium-aluminum alloys. As a result, you cannot judge the quality of an electric saw by its weight. But a heavy tool is harder to work with.

Monferme 40V

Main characteristics

Country of origin: China.
Battery capacity – 4 Ah.
The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.18 l.
Tire length – 40 cm.
Weight – 5.2 kg.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

Monferme 40V is a garden tool that is characterized by efficiency and mobility. This equipment is indispensable when pruning trees and sawing firewood. This equipment is also used in carpentry and construction sites.

Pros:

no wires, battery powered;
inertial chain brake;
handle with locking key and soft cover.

Minuses:

vibration of equipment during operation.

Review from a real buyer:

I saw a similar saw at my neighbor's house and was inspired to buy one for myself. I decided to give preference to the battery option. It is really more convenient than gasoline and lasts a long time for household use. I charge it overnight and work almost the whole day.

Equipment

Together with the electric saw, the buyer receives:

Tire.
Chain.
A screwdriver key for tensioning the chain (for models with a key tensioner).
Operating instructions.

An example of a complete set of an electric chain saw from Champion; in addition, a plastic container for storing oil is supplied with the tool.

Greenworks DigiPro 80V

Main characteristics

Country of origin: China.
Battery capacity – 2 Ah.
The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.18 l.
Tire length – 45.8 cm.
Weight – 6.45 kg.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

If you're looking for a cordless chainsaw, our top picks also include the Greenworks DigiPro 80V. This is a professional model for forestry that effectively copes with trimming branches, sawing firewood and other tasks.

Pros:

long battery life;
ergonomic gear stops and handle;
Quick completion of work using the electric brake.

Minuses:

problem starting at low ambient temperatures.

Review from a real buyer:

I bought a saw for my dacha and have already cut a huge amount of firewood for the winter. Cuts thick logs very easily, without much effort. I didn’t even expect such power from a battery engine. No need for gasoline, no cord, excellent equipment, I’m very glad I chose this option.

Popular manufacturers

Among the many brands of electric chainsaws, the most popular are Makita, Huter and Patriot. This does not mean that you should only buy tools from these manufacturers, but they are purchased more often.

Today, none of these companies can be said to be, for example, German or American. All these companies are global. Production facilities, design bureaus, sales offices, and service centers are located all over the world, including in the Russian Federation. However, everyone has their own national origin. Makita started in Japan, Patriot in the USA, Hooter in Germany.

The easiest way to understand which country a particular electric saw was made in is when purchasing a Makita tool. After the serial number on the nameplate there is a letter designation, which is deciphered according to the following table:

E – made in Japan.
R – Europe, Romania.
Y or K - made in China.
D – made in Germany.

Makita is also produced in the USA (letter A) and England (G). But Makita products are not supplied to Russian markets from these countries.

Today, production around the world is most often controlled by engineers and designers from these countries. Therefore, all brands still retain traditional Japanese miniature and thoroughness, German reliability, American rationalism and convenience.

GreenWorks G40CS30K3 40V

Main characteristics

Country of origin: China.
Battery capacity – 4 Ah.
The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.18 l.
Tire length – 30.4 cm.
Weight – 3.65 kg.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

The GreenWorks G40CS30K3 40V is a modern lightweight garden saw that is perfect for trimming knots and cutting small logs, but thanks to its powerful engine it can also cope with more difficult tasks.

Pros:

compact size and light weight;
long battery life;
switch-on fuse ensuring safe operation.

Minuses:

equipment needs to be charged.

Review from a real buyer:

I recently bought this equipment, everything fits, everything is great. The battery is normal, works fine, lasts about half an hour of uninterrupted operation.

Recommendations from professionals

In order for the selected cordless saw to work for several years in a row without breakdowns, you must follow the operating and maintenance rules:

It is necessary to add oil to the saw tank on time to ensure long service life of the saw equipment and prevent rust. The oil must be specialized. If suddenly during operation the vibration of the saw increases and the sound becomes different, it means that the oil has run out and you need to top it up.
If the saw begins to cut crookedly, carefully inspect the chain; perhaps one row turned out to be dumber than the other. To avoid this, turn the tire over periodically.
Over time, the carbon brushes wear out, causing the engine speed to drop.
Every half hour, let the saw rest for 15 minutes to avoid overheating the engine.
Please read the instructions carefully before use. You should not cut thick logs with a model that is not designed for this load, otherwise you will have to spend money on repairing the tool.
To avoid running into a fake, purchase only from specialized retail stores.