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Clearing a track or cutting some wood for a campfire used to rely on either manual labour (think axe or hand saw) or a noisy and heavy petrol powered chainsaw. The manual option is quiet but slow and takes a huge amount of effort on anything bigger than a stick. The old petrol chainsaw is highly efficient but does require petrol and two-stroke oil to be carried and is noisy enough that with frequent use you might get to meet the guys from ACDC when picking up your new hearing aids. What if there was an option that was the best of both worlds?
We’re here to tell you that there is. Portable electric chainsaws are here to stay. These things are quiet enough to make a circular saw seem like a banshee that has just stubbed its pinky toe and, with improving technology, are starting to challenge petrol saws for efficiency. With no need to carry extra fuel or two-stroke oil, there’s less chance of a spill making a mess and no smelly petrol inside a wagon. There’s also no rope to pull 27 times to start the saw. Simply press or hold a button.
Already got some 18V battery tools at home? Most manufacturers also make battery powered chainsaws that will be compatible with your existing batteries and chargers. Need something a little more heavy-duty than 18V? We’ve got those covered here too. So read on modern day lumberjacks, as we outline some of the best battery powered chainsaws on offer for four-wheel drivers.
Product Details
For this comparison we have split the chainsaws into two categories:
- Chainsaws that run on 18V batteries; and
- Chainsaws that run on 36V batteries or more.
First, let’s simplify some of the jargon used around battery powered chainsaws. See a number with a little ‘v’ after. This one is simply volts. Ah refers to amp hours, which is essentially the capacity of the battery. High Ah means more capacity. The term ‘skin’ refers to the chainsaw only without any batteries.
18V Battery Chainsaws
Makita 36V
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 36V (18V x 2)
- Bar Length: 400mm (16-inch)
- Chain Speed: 1200m/min
- Warranty: 5 years
- Skin Weight: 4.2kg
Utilising two 18V batteries, this chainsaw captures the flexibility of using batteries that are compatible with other tools combined with the additional power of 36V output. A 400mm long bar allows cutting of some decent diameter logs and with a chain speed of 1200m/minute it will get through just about anything with ease.
This saw features toolless chain tension adjustment and adjustable chain oiling. Makita claim that with two 6Ah batteries it will complete 90 cuts of 150mm diameter cuts of a treated pine log.
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Ryobi One+ HP
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 18V
- Bar Length: 300mm (12-inch)
- Chain Speed: 600m/min
- Warranty: 6 years
- Skin Weight: 3.2kg
At only 83.1dB this is one of the quietist high-performance chainsaws on the market. Best suited to those that already have 18V Ryobi tools as the standard 18V batteries will power this saw. The chain speed is very good for an 18V chainsaw and will compete with smaller petrol saws. At only 3.2kg, it’s super easy to handle and adds very little weight to that dreaded GVM when thrown in the back of the four-wheel drive.
This chainsaw features auto oiling and has next to no reports of leaks. I can personally report to destroying the internals of one of these, but also to having trouble-free replacement under warranty. There are cheaper versions in Ryobi’s 18V range but they typically require tools to adjust the chain tension, have a less powerful motor and only include a 10-inch bar. The extra $$ is absolutely worth it in this case.
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Milwaukee M18FCHS140
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 18V
- Bar Length: 356mm (14-inch)
- Chain Speed: 744m/min
- Warranty: 3 years
- Skin Weight: 4.7kg
Milwaukee claims its M18 FUEL technology allows the battery powered chainsaw to reach full throttle in under one second providing maximum control and productivity. The powerful brushless motor promises cutting without bogging down. The Milwaukee is slightly heavier (4.7kg) and longer (787mm) than competitors, but part of that is due to the slightly longer bar (14-inch) compared to other 18V powered saws.
The most expensive saw in this category, but also one of the best performers. It does require tools to adjust the chain tension, but the wrench is included and attaches to the unit. Users report that when paired with a 12amp battery, this saw will outlast a tank of two-stroke fuel on a petrol saw.
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Ozito PXC2
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 36V
- Bar Length: 356mm (14-inch)
- Chain Speed: 900m/min
- Warranty: 5 years
- Skin Weight: 4.1kg
Another that utilises two 18V batteries, this chainsaw is the budget option for those that want the flexibility of using batteries that are compatible with other 18V tools combined with the additional power of 36V output. At less than half the price of the Milwaukee, this is very much the saw for occasional users that can’t justify spending big money on a chainsaw and, as you would expect, is not as heavy-duty as some others.
The saw does have a very useable 900m/minute chain speed and includes great functionality with toolless chain tension adjustment and automatic chain oiling. One of the very few saw to include a window on the oil tank so you can easily see the oil level.
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High Voltage Battery Chainsaws
*fits various options up to 400mm
Husqvarna 540i XP
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 36V
- Bar Length: 350mm (14-inch)
- Chain Speed: 1440m/min
- Warranty: 2 years
- Skin Weight: 2.9kg
Husqvarna claims this saw is equivalent to a 40cc petrol chainsaw and you can tell it really is designed for professional use. It is fully customisable from bar size (either 350mm or 400mm) to battery size. There’s even an optional battery backpack which not only allows for all-day running but also makes the saw lighter in the hand. The saw features an IPX4 weatherproof rating and a handy little LED display which shows you whether the chain brake is on or off and whether the saw is in eco mode.
Let’s not beat around the bush, this is an expensive saw, especially when you start optioning up bigger batteries and bars, but this is a professional grade saw. A genuine petrol replacement that at only 104dB and at around 4kg while using the battery backpack, will provide a much more user-friendly experience for those that use a saw for long periods. Tools are required to adjust bar tension but the use of a single retaining bolt does make this very quick and easy, however, it’s yet to be seen if a single bolt is sufficient to retain the bar properly long term.
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Stihl MSA 220 C-B
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 36V
- Bar Length: 350mm (14-inch)
- Chain Speed: 1426m/min
- Warranty: 2 years
- Skin Weight: 2.9kg
The most powerful chainsaw in the Stihl battery range, this is another professional grade saw that has been designed as a replacement for petrol saws. It comes with optional bar size (either 350mm or 400mm) and toolless bar tensioning. Stihl recommends an AP300S battery, which gives excellent performance and very handy battery life, but does mean the saw weighs in at close to 5kg. It comes standard with the Picco Super 3 chain, a low-profile, low-kickback chain.
This is a professional grade saw and is priced accordingly. A genuine petrol replacement with a very high chain speed that will make light work of most jobs. The saw features what Stihl call Ematic Lubrication, which basically means more even bar oiling that is more efficient and uses less oil. A very nice safety feature is the braking system that stops the chain when you release the trigger and if the saw senses a change in inertia (e.g. in the event of kickback).
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DeWalt DCCS670B
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 60V
- Bar Length: 400mm (14-inch)
- Chain Speed: 900m/min
- Warranty: 3 years
- Skin Weight: 4.4kg
At slightly lower price point, we have this saw that does include things like plastic chain covers, however, it also has several high-end features like inertia braking and chain tension adjustment built into the body of the saw rather than the bar cover. The battery system uses 20/60V batteries, which effectively means the batteries are more versatile and can be used on a larger range of tools. DeWalt does recommend emptying the bar oil after every use and this is likely to be required to prevent leaks.
DeWalt claims the saw is good for up to 70 cuts per charge on a 150mm x 150mm pressure-treated pine wood beam using a 3Ah battery. Toolless chain tensioning is a welcome inclusion, as is a window to check the bar oil level. This is a relatively heavy saw and at operational condition with a 6Ah or 9Ah battery will nudge 7kg. That said, it’s probably not suitable for everyday professional use but for camping or firewood collection it will make a very handy addition to your kit.
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Ego Power+ CS1611E
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Power Output: 56V
- Bar Length: 400mm (16-inch)
- Chain Speed: 1200m/min
- Warranty: 5 years
- Skin Weight: 3.9kg
The value pick in this category. The Ego Power+ is claimed to be the equivalent to a 40cc petrol chainsaw and the performance of this saw would certainly agree with that. With a lightning chain speed of 1200m/minute this saw is quick and will cut through just about any timber with ease. Ego claims that the saw is good for 130 cuts of 100mm x 100mm pine running a 2.5Ah battery.
The saw features toolless chain tensioning, a brake position indicator light and steel bucking spikes for extra grip. Field tests indicate that this is one of the fastest electric saws on the market. This is the saw for the budget conscious person that still requires very high-performance. Although lacking some of the features of the very high-end saws, this saw does have some very thoughtful features. One such feature is the bar oil level window that features a ‘max’ indictor line on both the upright side and on the front for when the saw is turned sideways during filling.
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HOW WE REVIEW PRODUCTS
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.
When looking for the best electric chainsaws in Australia we considered value for money, versatility, speed and functionality. We compared features across hundreds of products split into two categories based on the battery output: the 18V range; and the 36V and above range.
In addition to this we also looked at thousands of user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
We’ve also included a few pointers on what to look for when purchasing an electric chainsaw and how to avoid being ripped off or disappointed.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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BUYERS’ GUIDE TO PORTABLE ELECTRIC CHAINSAWS
Petrol chainsaws have long been part of the kit for four-wheel drivers, campers and anyone that enjoys the outdoors. The problem being they are very noisy, heavy and vibrate so much that they make you feel you’ve been having a swordfight with that big rubber sword you found in your mum’s top drawer. On top of this, you have to carry extra fuel and 2-stroke oil. In the past the only solutions were back breaking hand saws or axes.
In recent times, battery technology has moved ahead in leaps and bounds and with these advancements came battery powered tools that could compete with corded or petrol variants. On top of this, electric motor technology has advanced too and brushless motors have become commonplace. Thankfully for those of us that need to clear a track or grab some firewood, this has included electric chainsaws.
Electric chainsaws are generally lighter than petrol counterparts, simpler to use and, without the need to carry fuel or 2-stroke oil, less smelly and able to be recharged without the need for towns or service stations.
Value for money
Walk the aisles of your local hardware store and troll the internet and you will find plenty of cheap electric chainsaws. A low price is fantastic if it’s something you need once but if you want something that is going to give you years of use, what you really want is value. Many cheap saws will have inferior batteries and even cheap options of reputable brands will have brushed motors that are just so slow you’d be better asking a beaver to chew up your logs.
For these reasons we’ve excluded the ‘base model’ of some brand names and unbranded online specials from this comparison. Value adding features like bar oil level windows, LED displays and high chain speed have been highly regarded here. A solid warranty ensures peace of mind and adds to that value too.
The best way to get value for money on any battery tool is to pick a system/manufacturer and stick to it. Use one charger and set of batteries across all your tools. If you need something outside your usual manufacturer, then have a quick browse of their other compatible tools and see what else you might need in the future.
Functionality
A chainsaw is only useful if it works and works well. Battery powered saws need to have the same functionality as their petrol powered equivalents or all those advantages go out the window. This means they need to have a useful chain speed, a useable bar length and enough power to do the job you need.
It’s sometimes nice to have a petrol saw with a 22-inch bar on the front of it but realistically that’s not what most of us need. Just cutting a little bit of firewood for a campfire? Then a 12-inch (300mm) with a decent chain speed and 18V output is probably plenty. Need something that will replace the petrol saw for use around the farm or collecting a winter’s worth of firewood? Then you probably need a bigger bar and something with a higher power output and longer lasting battery options.
When looking for a chainsaw to best suit your needs, start by having a good think about what you need it for and then look at where you need to store it while in transit and that will help you decide what size to go for. Remember, if you’re using it while travelling it’s going to spend a whole lot more time packed away than it will being used.
Versatility
Once you’ve had a think about what you will be using the chainsaw for, be sure to grab a unit that will meet all those requirements wherever possible. The last thing you want to do is buy something that does one job well but just doesn’t work for another job. This could be an 18V saw that is great for camp wood but not good for loading three trailers in a day or a 60V saw that fills the trailers with ease but means carrying extra batteries and chargers on top of your other tools on a long trip.
The ideal versatile solution is a saw that shares batteries with your other tools and does all the jobs you need it to.
Speed
Chain speed and enough power to do the job are the things that make a chainsaw capable. The higher the chain speed, the quicker it will cut, provided it doesn’t bog down or stall. Manufacturers know this and this is why the good saws will typically advertise their chain speed. Anything over 600 metres per minute (10m/second) will do a pretty reasonable job. Anything over 1200m/minute (20m/sec) will leave you wanting to ditch your petrol saw.
How to avoid being ripped off
Plenty of manufacturers will have budget options out there for those that don’t want to spend big on an electric chainsaw. The problem is these are often quite slow. Often this is due to a brushed motor that simply doesn’t have the power and efficiency of a brushless motor. The cheaper variants often lack inclusions like toolless chain tensioning and are more likely to leak oil than higher level saws.
Look out for advertised chain speed to make sure your saw will do what it says on the box. If a manufacturer isn’t advertising the chain speed anywhere, then there’s a good chance it’s because it’s slow.
Look to reputable manufacturers to ensure decent quality batteries. No-name online saws might seem like a good idea until the battery life plumets after a few uses.
Aftersales Support
A well-known and respected brand with a good warranty and manufacturer support should give confidence during the purchase process and many happy years of portable lumberjacking. Focus too much on price and chances are you will end up with a saw that disappoints and doesn’t last as long as it should.
Grab a reputable brand and you will even be able to buy spare parts if something does go wrong in the future.
Be sure to check what the warranty covers as many will have separate warranties on the saw vs the batteries.
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