Electric Chainsaws: The "Middle Ground" for Tree Felling and Trimming

Electric Chainsaw Description

Electric chainsaws are generally smaller and more lightweight than their gasoline-powered counterparts. This includes the saw, the flat guide bar that supports the chain, and the motor itself. The fact that they're powered by electricity from an attached cord makes using an extension cord a must.

The primary uses of electric chainsaws include: Light pruning of branches, trimming and cutting (at most), medium-sized limbs from trees. Because electric chainsaws typically vibrate less and have much less of a kickback than gas chainsaws do, you may also find them used in the art of wood carving in workshops.

The maximum blade length for an electric chainsaw is about 16". Though a chainsaw can theoretically cut a tree down that is less than twice the length of the blade by rotating the saw around the tree, bear in mind this may not always be the most practical solution.

Comparison Cordless, Gas and Electric Chainsaws

Gas chainsaws are the primary type of chainsaws recommended to be used for heavy duty jobs. This includes cleanup of downed limbs after a heavy storm and cutting wood up for firewood. As stated before, typically everything about gas-powered chainsaws is larger than their electric or cordless cousins, thus they're more suited for the large jobs. The fact that gas chainsaws inherently have the capability to be larger also means that the kickback is much larger upon coming into contact with the knotted or hard wood. They're also meant for people who are experienced with logging.

Electric chainsaws are typically much lighter than gas chainsaws. While they do not offer the longest blade length or drive power, they make up for it in mobility and relative ease of use. For the inexperienced logger, or perhaps the logger that doesn't want to have to lug around a larger, cumbersome saw. As you research various chainsaw reviews, you will most likely find that the electric chainsaw is a perfect choice provided it is sufficiently powerful enough to finish the job at hand.

Cordless chainsaws are even more lightweight than electric chainsaws, with the maximum blade length being 4" to 5". Instead of being tethered by a cord, they run on batteries. Each battery gets, on average, 15 to 30 minutes' worth of cutting time. Cordless chainsaws are generally only useful for very light pruning of low-lying branches.

Electric chainsaws are sort of a "middle ground" between gas-powered and cordless chainsaws. For some people, they're simply not powerful enough to chop firewood up nor big enough to cut down entire trees. For other people, they'll swear that electric chainsaws are incredibly easier to handle, due to their lower motor power and therefore decreased amount of kickback, and that they tend to require less chain oil lubricant than their gas counterparts. Most chainsaw reviews describe the electric chainsaw as easy to handle, provided you have a heavy duty extension cord, they can be used for almost anything that a cordless chainsaw can do. In short, they can perform adequately enough to get most of the jobs done that doesn't require heavy duty work.

Electric Chainsaw Safety

The CDC reports that roughly 36,000 people make trips to the emergency room each year due to chainsaw related accidents. In order to prevent this from happening to you, there's a few things you should observe when handling electric chainsaws.

First and foremost, always wear the proper chainsaw safety equipment. This includes eye and ear protection, as well as gloves, tight-fitting clothing that won't come loose and get caught in the blade, logging leg chaps, boots, and a hard hat with an optional, but highly advised, protective face guard.

Secondly, make sure to keep your tool in optimal condition and well-maintained. Make sure the cutting chain is sharpened, tensioned, and oiled appropriately. Remember that a chainsaw should be oiled every five to ten minutes of use. It also doesn't hurt to have a second or reserve oiled chain handy.

Third, make sure to maintain a proper grip on your chainsaw. Use both hands and keep both of your feet firmly planted on the ground. Avoid sawing with the tip of the chain and bar because this is where kickback typically occurs. Taking note of all these things will help to keep chainsaw's blade from flying back at you.

Fourth, when using an electric chainsaw, make sure to have it plugged in via a heavy duty extension cord. Minor damage to a lighter duty extension cord in a heavily wooded area or around already felled brush is a good way to start a fire.

Lastly, make sure to be careful when you're felling a tree. When cutting down a tree with a circumference greater than 6", you may want to call in a professional. The reason for this is that in the process of actually cutting the tree down, a tree may appear to lean one way before ultimately falling in another direction. You can take some precautions with rigging and whatnot, but it's still best to play it safe and call in someone who has their expertise in felling. Always read the owners manual and take time to research safety tips provided by professionals.