Sawing wood is a task that faces many people: from professional lumberjacks to summer residents and even residents of city apartments who regularly go out for barbecues. At the same time, the hand saw has almost completely become obsolete: professionals have no time, they need productivity, but ordinary people rightly believe that an automated tool will allow them not to expend extra effort. Today, there are gasoline and electric chainsaws on the market that make working with wood easier. Separately, there are tools powered by batteries.
Features of using cordless chain saws
Saws powered by an autonomous current source are less widespread than classic network saws or those powered by fuel combustion. However, it was on their example that an attempt was made to take its advantages from each type of propulsion.
From its corded counterpart, the cordless saw took all the advantages of a device with an electric motor, and from its gasoline counterpart, mobility, which has always been the key advantage of ICE-powered saws. Unfortunately, there are also some characteristic disadvantages that the use of batteries brings: short operating time from one battery and the need for long recharging.
Because of this factor, saws with replaceable batteries are closed off to logging sites and other areas where a lot of work needs to be done and there is no outlet nearby. But it found its audience in work on the site: among builders and installers of wooden structures, as well as in the everyday life of ordinary summer residents, who do not need to regularly cut down trees.
This was facilitated by the advantages of a portable electric tool:
- Mobility.
- Possibility of working in confined spaces due to the lack of exhaust, where chainsaws are not allowed.
- Much less noise and vibration during operation.
- No gasoline smell, fire safety.
Differences from a chainsaw
The principle of operation of battery-powered saws and gasoline-powered units is similar: sawing is carried out by a chain that engages with the drive sprocket and moves along the groove of a special guide bar. Therefore, the saw unit is almost identical. Cordless saws also have an oil reservoir and plunger pump to lubricate the chain cooling during operation.
The absence of a gasoline engine made it possible to get rid of the gas tank and bulky crankcase. Most saws don't have a clutch either. The electric motor can be located across or along the saw, the chain drive is direct or bevel gear. Only a very few models of powerful professional electric saws have a centrifugal clutch. The heaviest element of such a saw after the engine is the battery; they try to place it closer to the operator to improve weight distribution.
Criteria for choosing a cordless chainsaw
In order to decide on a tool model, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics, the combination of which is most suitable for performing current tasks. Therefore, the saw of a professional builder will be different from the device of a summer resident who occasionally takes care of the garden, but does not want to deal with either long wires or the hassle that a gasoline internal combustion engine can create.
Power
A decisive parameter that affects operating time, productivity and weight. Battery saws are available with motors from 1 to 4 kW. If all that is required from the unit is a cross cut of boards and beams of 2 - 4 cm, then one and a half kW will be enough with a margin. For harvesting firewood and felling small trees, as well as maintaining a large old garden, you need to choose models with maximum power. Do not forget about the downside: the more powerful the device, the heavier it is, and the battery must be very capacious.
Engine location
The design of a chain saw with a removable battery can have two layouts:
- The transverse arrangement of the electric motor makes the saw shorter. The center of gravity is closer to the user, so the arms and back get less tired when working. The drive sprocket is driven directly from the engine shaft. The downside is the large width and inconvenience when the tire is in a horizontal position.
- With a longitudinal arrangement , the device will be “thin”, but longer, since the shaft is located along the tire. The drive is through a bevel helical gear, which slightly reduces efficiency and gets hot during prolonged operation. But the saw turns out to be narrow, it is convenient for it to operate in any position.
At the same time, the location does not provide decisive advantages in speed and quality of cutting - here you need to focus on the habits of the user himself and the nature of the work performed.
Tire length
Most models are available with tires ranging from 20 to 40 cm in length. The tires have the same mounting as chainsaws, so the units are interchangeable. For country work - cutting branches, sawing boards - a length of 25 cm will be enough. But if the task is to saw firewood or dismantle thick timber, then it is better to take a tire of maximum length, equipped with a powerful engine.
Battery parameters
What battery is installed on your saw?
LithiumNickel
The more powerful the battery, the longer the tool will work. But to charge it, you will need a special device that produces a powerful charging current, otherwise restoring capacity may take half a day. The weight of the replaceable module also increases. When viewing models, pay attention to two parameters: supply voltage and capacity. The first is measured in volts, the second in ampere-hours. The voltage can be from 18 V for low-power models with a short bar - loppers - to 82 V for powerful tools that are not inferior in performance to the best chainsaw equipment. It is better to take a higher capacity - this way the saw will work longer on one charge.
There are two battery manufacturing technologies:
- Lithium (lithium-ion, lithium-polymer). As the capacitance decreases, the voltage does not drop. Holds a charge for a long time and stably, has no memory effect.
- Nickel (nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride). It has a memory effect, but is cheaper and can produce more current under short-term but heavy loads.
Some manufacturers provide two batteries in the kit. Having used up the charge in one, the user changes it and puts the empty one on charge. Other saws, on the contrary, do not contain anything in the box except the housing itself with the motor.
Criteria for selecting tools for rating
When choosing a cordless chainsaw, you should be guided by the same criteria as for a conventional electric one. In addition, it is worth considering user reviews and expert opinions. Therefore, when compiling the rating, we were guided by the following criteria:
- user reviews. A person who has bought a saw and tried it in practice can tell in detail about all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model;
- tire length . Directly affects cutting depth and tool performance;
- battery capacity and voltage. These factors are among the main ones when choosing a saw. The time of continuous operation of the tool depends on them;
- oil tank volume. Directly affects the operating time of the saw, since oil continuously lubricates the saw chain, and its absence leads to increased friction and chain breakage;
- electric motor power. The performance of the saw and what types of work it can perform depend on this parameter.
When choosing a cordless chainsaw, it is worth remembering that its parameters are somewhat lower than those of a gasoline or electric chain saw.
The best compact cordless saws
Not everyone needs a long tire. If you need a saw to trim branches, then there is no need for a heavy tool at all. In addition, compact cordless saws allow women to comfortably work and care for the garden, who benefit from their light weight and size.
Makita DUC 122 Z
- Battery voltage 18 V.
- Battery type Li-ion.
- Chain pitch 1/4".
- Cutting length 115 mm.
- Chain speed 300 m/min.
- Noise level: sound pressure 84.6 dB(A).
- Noise level: sound power 92.7 dB(A).
- Dimensions (L x W x H) 422 x 195 x 215 mm.
- Weight according to EPTA 2.6 kg.
This is one of the smallest saws in its class. Despite the modest bar, only 16 cm long, the saw successfully copes with small branches, brushwood, and woody plant stems. It is also suitable for cutting 20 mm thick boards, which are very common on the farm. The level of safety is pleasing: in addition to the limiter at the tip of the bar, there is a brake that stops the chain and engine instantly in the event of an emergency.
| pros | Minuses |
| Safe work | High price |
| Most compact size | Battery and charger not included |
| A light weight |
BOSCH UniversalChain 18
- Fast charging up to 80% charge in 40 minutes.
- Weight 3.0 kg.
- Charging time 95 min.
- Warranty 24 months.
- Tire length 20 cm.
- Battery capacity 2.5Ah.
- Chain replacement without tools yes.
- Number of cuts per battery charge 40 75 mm cuts per battery charge.
- Oil tank 135 ml.
- Battery voltage 18 V.
- Chain rotation speed 4.2 m/s.
- Battery type: Li-ion battery.
- Type of tool: chain saw.
- Chain pitch 3/8″.
With a tire length of only 20 cm, this tool boasts such an attribute of “adult” tools as a 3/8 sprocket pitch. This allows you to find a replacement in any store where chains are riveted from coils - the main thing is to choose a quality one. The 18-volt battery is of traditional Bosch quality, but not all modifications are equipped with it. The engine power is enough to cut wood 10 - 15 cm thick.
| pros | Minuses |
| Reliable assembly | The price is a bit high |
| Standard Full Pitch Chain | Poor equipment |
| Keyless tension regulator |
Greenworks G24CS25
- Tire length, mm 250.
- The location of the engine in the saw is transverse (lateral).
- Weight, kg 2.7.
- Chain rotation speed, m/sec 4.2.
- Battery voltage 24 V.
- The volume of the lubricant tank is 0.05 l.
- Chain pitch 3/8".
- Dimensions 580 x 180 x 280 mm.
- The country of origin of the product is China.
- Country of registration of the brand is USA.
- 24 month warranty.
If there are companies in gasoline saws that do not need any introduction - Shtil, Husqvarna, Oleo-Mak, then cordless electric tools have their leaders. One of them is Greenworks. A saw with a 25 cm guide bar is the optimal choice for simple work with small-sized wood. The original shape makes the center of gravity high and the saw as short as possible. Thanks to two comfortable handles, even a woman can operate the saw.
| pros | Minuses |
| Original design | No battery included |
| Light weight | The price is a bit high |
| The battery is interchangeable with other equipment from the manufacturer |
The best manufacturers of electric saws powered by batteries
Today, the domestic power saw market offers a wide selection of saws of various brands. Each manufacturer continuously improves its products, constantly making improvements to the design of existing ones and releasing new models.
Based on technical specifications and user reviews, the best manufacturers of battery-powered chainsaws are:
- Greenworks;
- Makita;
- Bosch.
Best Medium-Sized Cordless Chainsaws
The medium-sized tire makes the saw universal: it keeps the balance of power, size and weight.
AL-KO CS 36 Li
- EnergyFlex range.
- Battery type 36 V / 4 Ah/Li-Ion.
- Type of drive: battery-powered.
- Chain brake yes.
- Chain rotation speed in m/sec 17.
- Chain lubrication is automatic.
- Tension the chain without tools.
- Guide length (cm) 30.
- Weight in kg (approx.) 4.45.
- Operating/charging time 20/90 min.
The company produces both gasoline and cordless saws, and both of them turn out to be quite successful. Thanks to the transverse arrangement of the engine, the model is quite compact, although the engine and the battery that powers it are already more powerful than in compact Models. The saw has small but pleasant little things to use, for example, keyless chain tension adjustment, a transparent strip in the oil tank area, a convenient chain brake, and the like. It is equipped with a high-quality saw set from the well-known Oregon company.
| Plus | Minuses |
| Reasonable price | Supplied without battery |
| Convenient oil reservoir | |
| 36 volt battery |
RYOBI OCS1830
- Tire length, mm 300.
- Weight, kg 2.7.
- The location of the engine in the saw is transverse (lateral).
- Battery voltage 18 V.
- The volume of the lubricant tank is 190 ml.
- 1 year warranty.
Another well-known player in the field of electric saw production. The device has a brushless motor, which allows you to forget about replacing a worn-out unit. True, with average sizes, 18 V on-board power supply is clearly not enough, which forces users to purchase batteries with increased capacity. However, the battery life is enough for 20 minutes of reliable operation.
| pros | Minuses |
| Brushless motor design | The engine drains the batteries quickly |
| Neat assembly | The motor overheats when sawing wet wood. |
| Moderate weight |
DeWALT DCM565N
- Tire length, mm 300.
- Weight, kg 3.6.
- The location of the engine in the saw is transverse (lateral).
- Chain rotation speed, m/sec 7.68.
- Chain pitch 3/8".
- Dimensions 240 x 235 x 715 mm.
The American company, known for its high-quality power tools, has in its arsenal a reliable and resourceful mid-size saw. She confidently copes with garden work, as well as sawing boards and timber. If desired, she can try to fell trees if she works intermittently, but this task will require two fully charged batteries.
| pros | Minuses |
| Powerful motor | The price is a bit high |
| The saw set is identical to powerful gasoline models | Assembly China |
| High-quality plastic housing |
The most powerful cordless saws
SAFUN CCS-36-401
- Keyless chain tension adjustment yes.
- The engine is located longitudinally.
- Voltage, V 36.
- Weight, kg 7.8.
- Tire length, cm 40.
- Oil tank volume, ml 75.
- Number of links, pcs. 57.
- Chain pitch, inch 3/8 (0.375).
- Tire length, inch 16.
- Chain rotation speed, m/s 21.
This is the most affordable model with a 40 cm tire. The longitudinal arrangement of the engine makes the saw quite narrow, but at the same time very weighty - 7.8 kg. Not every household gasoline unit weighs that much. However, the presence of a toothed stop, a good chain and weight makes vertical cutting of logs wonderful. Unfortunately, the batteries will have to be changed quite often. There's nothing you can do - you'll have to pay for more power. We are also pleased with the small amenities in a clearly budget tool, such as keyless entry, a semi-rotating oil tank cap and a window for monitoring the lubricant level.
| pros | Minuses |
| Great power | Poor plastic quality |
| Longitudinal engine arrangement | Battery drains too quickly |
| Ease of use | |
| Low price |
OREGON CS300
- Number of speeds 1.
- Chain pitch 3/8".
- Tire length 40 cm.
- Battery type Li-Ion.
- Battery voltage 36 V.
- Oil tank capacity 0.12 l.
- Delivery set: tire, chain (without battery and charger).
- Weight 4.2 kg (with bar and chain, without battery).
The well-known manufacturer of chains and bars simply cannot be ignored. The powerful battery unit is not inferior to its gasoline counterparts in everything - cutting speed and accuracy, power, ease of use. But the battery doesn't last long. Therefore, although with the help of the CS 300 model it is possible to fell small trees, it will not work for a long time even with a large supply of batteries: the electric motor overheats. But for country use the thing is simply irreplaceable.
| pros | Minuses |
| Lightweight for its power | Battery drains quickly |
| High quality build | |
| Good saw set included |
Greenworks GS-180
- Tire length 45 cm.
- Battery type Li-Ion.
- Battery voltage 82 V.
- Battery capacity 5 Ah.
- Oil tank capacity 0.05 l.
- Functions and capabilities of chain brake.
- Noise level 99 dB.
- Warranty period 24 months.
- Weight 5 kg.
The most powerful saw that can be found on the market. The engine is powered by a voltage of as much as 80 volts! Fortunately, all contact pads and electrodes are made safe, so you can’t get your hand in there. On the saw bar you can read the inscription commercial, which apparently reminds of the semi-professional purpose of the saw. Indeed: it is more logical to see it at the construction of frame or timber houses than in dacha farming. Even if only for a short time, this tool can be safely used to fell several trees. The main thing is not to overheat the engine.
| pros | Minuses |
| Great power | High price |
| Light weight for its size | With a battery and charger the price almost doubles |
| High quality build |
Dacha.news
02.02.2016
Tool
Chainsaws are powerful tools that might not be associated well with the word “cordless.” What can cordless chainsaws and are they convenient to use?
Our colleagues at Popular Mechanics have prepared a short test of three of the most powerful 36-volt cordless chainsaw models. The main criteria by which they made their judgment were ease of use and the amount of work performed on a single battery charge. Here are brief technical characteristics of the participants:
| Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ | Husqvarna 536 LI XP | Makita HCU02ZX2 | |
| Battery | 36 V, 4.5 Ah | 36 V, 3 Ah (4.2 Ah)* | 36 V, 3 Ah |
| Tire length, cm | 30 | 35 | 30 |
| Chain speed, m/s | n.d. | 20 (15)* | 8,4 |
| Oil tank volume, l. | n.d. | 0,2 | n.d. |
| Weight with battery, kg | 4,5 | 4,2 | 5 |
| Price in USA | $350 | $800 | $650 |
| Price with battery in Russia, rub. | 42 000 | (50 000)* | n.d. |
* — characteristics and price for the related model 436 LI XP, available in Russia, are indicated in brackets.
As a test exercise, a perpendicular cut of 10 x 10 cm pine beams was carried out. The total number of cuts made on one battery charge was taken into account.
It is not surprising that the saw with the most capacious battery was in first place. In general, the results of all cordless chain saws are very good.
Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ-0
Pros : This is an excellent model! In practice, with one battery charge it is possible to make from 40 to 60 cuts of logs with a diameter of 5 to 40 cm. The saw leaves a clean and neat cut, which will speed up the healing of garden tree branches. Let’s add here a keyless chain tightening mechanism and we get one of the best models among both gasoline and electric saws.
Disadvantages : none found.
Husqvarna 536 LI XP
Pros : This saw is just as great as the Stihl model. Anyone who has tried both saws has had a hard time deciding which one is best. This is a beautiful and powerful tool that cuts quickly and smoothly at the same time. The saw is perfectly balanced, which will be immediately appreciated by those who have worked a lot with gasoline saws.
Disadvantages : none found.
In Russia, only the youngest model of the series is available for sale - Husqvarna 436 LI XP. Compared to the 536, it is slightly less nimble, which is reflected in a lower chain speed (15 m/s versus 20 m/s), but in other respects it is very close to it, including battery capacity. There are also compatible 14.5Ah and 26Ah battery packs available!
Makita HCU02ZX2
Advantages : This model uses a pair of standard 18-volt Makita batteries and is intended for professional adherents of this brand. Its keyless chain tightening mechanism deserves all the praise.
Disadvantages : in fact, the design of the saw turned out to have a center of gravity strongly shifted back, and working with it is tedious. The saw is constantly being pulled back from the cut and you have to push on it.
If you want to see how well these tools work, we offer you the following video, which shows how to work with the Makita HCU02ZX2.
Based on materials from Popular Mechanics.
You may also be interested in : - Myth: the higher the battery voltage, the more powerful the screwdriver - Test: Chainsaw vs Cordless Chainsaw
batteriesreviews and testschainsaws
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