- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
sleek98
Well-known member
I have one and love it. I have taken down some 45' tall 14" diameter trees with it. Cut into 12-18" long sections to split for firewood. Let the saw do the work and it will keep eating.
Edit: I had an MS250 for 6 years. I ended up selling it after using the M18 the first weekend. I have now stacked about a cord of wood using the M18 version. Keep it full of oil and it just flat out works, no hard starting no draining fuel.
Edit: I had an MS250 for 6 years. I ended up selling it after using the M18 the first weekend. I have now stacked about a cord of wood using the M18 version. Keep it full of oil and it just flat out works, no hard starting no draining fuel.
marty_p
Well-known member
Thanks for the highlight, Ryan.
For as little as I use a chainsaw, I should invest in one as opposed to constantly fighting with my old 2-cycle Stihl.
For as little as I use a chainsaw, I should invest in one as opposed to constantly fighting with my old 2-cycle Stihl.
Denwood
Well-known member
I have had a few gas chainsaws over the last 20 years, and my last one was a bit of a monster. I sold it.
I purchased a pole saw (WORX 8 Amp 2-in-1 Pole Saw, 10-in) for about the same reasons as you are looking. We have about 20 mature trees on our city lot and I can say the pole saw is pretty awesome to keep off ladders while doing lower limb trimming. The saw portion detaches and I use this a lot...including breaking down 16 inch trunk sections left over from a tree removal. That was surprising given the blade is only 10'. The electric saw has a crazy amount of torque for only using 8 amps. I have quite a few Milwaukee bits, including their trim nailer, leaf blower and grass trimmer, but I would not buy a battery powered chain saw unless you only need it for very short periods. This type of work kills batteries quickly.
The pole/saw combination I purchased was quite inexpensive and given it's use (a lot, including lending it out to neighbours etc) has been solid. Just feed it oil and all is good. I'd avoid the battery thing unless your needs are beyond the reach of a long extension cord. I have 200 ft of cord (electric lawn mower) which covers our lot no problem.
I purchased a pole saw (WORX 8 Amp 2-in-1 Pole Saw, 10-in) for about the same reasons as you are looking. We have about 20 mature trees on our city lot and I can say the pole saw is pretty awesome to keep off ladders while doing lower limb trimming. The saw portion detaches and I use this a lot...including breaking down 16 inch trunk sections left over from a tree removal. That was surprising given the blade is only 10'. The electric saw has a crazy amount of torque for only using 8 amps. I have quite a few Milwaukee bits, including their trim nailer, leaf blower and grass trimmer, but I would not buy a battery powered chain saw unless you only need it for very short periods. This type of work kills batteries quickly.
The pole/saw combination I purchased was quite inexpensive and given it's use (a lot, including lending it out to neighbours etc) has been solid. Just feed it oil and all is good. I'd avoid the battery thing unless your needs are beyond the reach of a long extension cord. I have 200 ft of cord (electric lawn mower) which covers our lot no problem.
Last edited:
OP
These are corded, right? I don't think that would work for me... I'm on acreage.
That being said, as much as I hate working in the yard... and, I mean, I really hate it... I don't know that short battery life is a negative.
Denwood
Well-known member
On acreage, yep, cords an issue. You'd think in an urban setting that my use would be minimal, but we've got some very large trees on the lot. I likely spend a few hours each spring on the limb trim/cleanup cycle, and more if wind has knocked a few larger limbs down from the canopy. I'd need 2-3 of the 8 AH Milwaukee packs likely to do it.
sleek98
Well-known member
It does go through the batteries, but I think it really depends on what AH batteries your using. I have a 12, 8, (2) 6. I used all 4 of them to drop 2 45 foot trees, limb them up and chop the trunks into smaller sections. The bulk of the batteries were used cutting the 14" trunks into sections. Once you go over an 8" diameter piece it starts to show how much more the saw works, and thus the battery you use.
I dont think old style 3.0/5.0/9.0 is the best choice as the saw is a power ****. The newer style HO batteries seem to last longer, but that could just be in my head.
OP
Ugh... So I'm gonna need at least one of the newer big M18 batteries... Those fuckers aren't cheap either.
sleek98
Well-known member
They are not cheap, I picked up all mine from Facebook groups. I think I paid 180 for the 12.0, 130 for the 8.0.
The orange box runs the saw with a 12.0 for 379 every now and again. That is when I picked mine up and then sold the 12.0 to a buddy that needed one.
red61cj5
Well-known member
Had mine about 4 years now, use it all the time. When I bought mine, HD had a special and it came with (2) 12 amp batteries. For yard work and light stuff its the best thing ever. When I go into the woods, I take a big Stihl, but I still take the electric. If I was just cutting stuff under 12" diameter, I would rarely use a gas. Uses a standard size chain, standard chain oil. I will say one of the big batteries did not last very long, only holds a charge for about half what the other one does. Overall, its well worth the money, IMO.
sleek98
Well-known member
Looks like the saw is a deal of the day today for 319 with a 6.0 battery.
signcrafter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
- 12,360
I've had the m18 chainsaw for about 4 years now and it did everything I needed until the derecho came threw Iowa and took out some big trees so i bought a gas echo with a 24" bar to cut up the bigger trunks. But for anything 12" and under I grab the m18. It gets the job done. You will need 1 or 2 of the bigger high output batteries to get the most out of it. I have 9s and 12s and get good life out of them. I have used it with 5s but it will go threw them pretty fast. If you watch homedepot.com or in store they usually have deals on them in spring that come with a battery. I've never bought a battery alone. Two 12s came with my 9" cut off saw for about 100 bucks more then the saw alone. The 9s came with my blower/weed wacker kit if I remember right. So keep an eye out. A quick google search shows a saw and 12 amp battery and charger for 499 but usually early spring they go on sale.
4xdog
Well-known member
I've had a Milwaukee M18 chainsaw for a couple of years now and I'm very pleased with it. I'd recommend it to anyone who thinks the Milwaukee model 2727 might work for them. For my use around the house it's a better tool than my former 2-stroke, now gone.
Mine has a 12 A-h battery, and it lasts longer than I usually cut in a day or three. The narrow kerf chain cuts quickly. The bar oil reservoir cap is nicely ergonomic while wearing gloves. The onboard scrench storage is useful.
Downsides (sort of) are its overall length -- it's a pretty long saw -- and that the bar oil leaks while the saw is sitting (like every chainsaw I've worked with). I'll often park the chainsaw upside down to reduce that leaking, which is not something I'd do with a gasoline saw.
Mine has a 12 A-h battery, and it lasts longer than I usually cut in a day or three. The narrow kerf chain cuts quickly. The bar oil reservoir cap is nicely ergonomic while wearing gloves. The onboard scrench storage is useful.
Downsides (sort of) are its overall length -- it's a pretty long saw -- and that the bar oil leaks while the saw is sitting (like every chainsaw I've worked with). I'll often park the chainsaw upside down to reduce that leaking, which is not something I'd do with a gasoline saw.
Last edited:
Barnabas
Well-known member
I have not used the Milwaukee chain saw but have many M18 power tools.
I knew I needed a more powerful saw and went with the 18” 80v Greenworks Tool chainsaw. It’s a great chain saw, and I have two now, one on each of my properties.
I knew I needed a more powerful saw and went with the 18” 80v Greenworks Tool chainsaw. It’s a great chain saw, and I have two now, one on each of my properties.
redragoon
Well-known member
I honestly looked at the M18, but couldn't justify the $500 price at the time for a bare tool. I also didn't have enough use to warrant a gas model.
I bought the Greenworks 40V because I already had their hedge trimming tools. Came with oil and a spare Oregon chain. Bar isn't labeled, but has an Oregon P/N. For $160, it has done everything I could ask of a 16" chainsaw. I used it to chop up a full grown pine tree that fell. Got all of it done on a single charge.
It doesn't have as much power as a gas or more expensive model. I have to let the chain work through the cut. If it gets pushed too fast, it will bog down. There is a newer 60V battery version in their lineup that may be stronger.
I bought the Greenworks 40V because I already had their hedge trimming tools. Came with oil and a spare Oregon chain. Bar isn't labeled, but has an Oregon P/N. For $160, it has done everything I could ask of a 16" chainsaw. I used it to chop up a full grown pine tree that fell. Got all of it done on a single charge.
It doesn't have as much power as a gas or more expensive model. I have to let the chain work through the cut. If it gets pushed too fast, it will bog down. There is a newer 60V battery version in their lineup that may be stronger.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
IIRC,
There were some recent video comparisons showing quite a few battery saws are better than the Milwaukee, but if you already have the M18 system...
There were some recent video comparisons showing quite a few battery saws are better than the Milwaukee, but if you already have the M18 system...
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I couldn't afford the Milwaukee and I am far more invested in the 20V dewalt system. All my milwaukee is M12. I love it. Took several 12" trees that had issues last year.
LeonardY
Well-known member
I have the same. Works great. I took down several birch trees in no time.I couldn't afford the Milwaukee and I am far more invested in the 20V dewalt system. All my milwaukee is M12. I love it. Took several 12" trees that had issues last year.
I did too. But now I find it's mind clearing. I often do yard work when my mind is cluttered.
Do I remember you trying vegetable gardening?
danski0224
Well-known member
I've got one. It's lightweight and pretty straight forward in design. It has a narrow kerf chain - some of the EGO and Greenworks have full size chain that is easier to source locally.
Consider what you will use it for. You say light duty work- I think it's perfect.
I did some rough cuts on the beams for my shed, I can de-limb trees easily - and easily take care of larger (8-10") branches that come down.
Pine - this saw will do pine or small branches for a very long time even with a 4 or 5 Ah battery.
The problem I ran into was with 18" hickory trees. Those things are tough and the 4-5 Ah overheat easily. The 9 Ah overheated slower, and I imagine a 12 Ah would be even slower because you are sharing the load over a larger number of cells. I still cut it all into firewood. It just took several days for a very large tree. The de-limbing was done in a matter of hours.
Soft-wood? Small trees? Random branches? It's awesome.
If I was to do it again I'd look strongly at Ego now that I have some of their batteries. They may even be cheaper including a battery. The higher voltage helps reduce battery thermal overload.
Consider what you will use it for. You say light duty work- I think it's perfect.
I did some rough cuts on the beams for my shed, I can de-limb trees easily - and easily take care of larger (8-10") branches that come down.
Pine - this saw will do pine or small branches for a very long time even with a 4 or 5 Ah battery.
The problem I ran into was with 18" hickory trees. Those things are tough and the 4-5 Ah overheat easily. The 9 Ah overheated slower, and I imagine a 12 Ah would be even slower because you are sharing the load over a larger number of cells. I still cut it all into firewood. It just took several days for a very large tree. The de-limbing was done in a matter of hours.
Soft-wood? Small trees? Random branches? It's awesome.
If I was to do it again I'd look strongly at Ego now that I have some of their batteries. They may even be cheaper including a battery. The higher voltage helps reduce battery thermal overload.
83VillageRepair
Well-known member
Depending on your use case a one handed chainsaw like this one would work fine for occasional trimming. This is the one I have but Milwaukee has the same type of saw. Another option that works good is a Milwaukee Hacksall with a wood blade, I use that a bunch too because I have a bunch of Milwaukee batteries. The nice thing about the hacksall is that it can be used in the shop as well. All of these work well on the small trees I have, mostly Mesquites.
My tree trimmers at work use the full sized Milwaukee chainsaws and they need bigger batteries and really go down fast (battery hogs).
For big stuff I have a full sized Stihl corded electric that I use with a generator or extension cord, depending on where it is. It always starts
My tree trimmers at work use the full sized Milwaukee chainsaws and they need bigger batteries and really go down fast (battery hogs).
For big stuff I have a full sized Stihl corded electric that I use with a generator or extension cord, depending on where it is. It always starts
Last edited:
uratool
Well-known member
Had mine for close to a year now, got the saw/blower combo with a single 12Ah battery. I've used it a lot and it doesn't leak bar oil and it's never overheated, on my 3rd chain and 2nd bar, both are relatively weak (narrow kerf for efficiency) compared to an average gas saw so you need to adjust your technique.
Don't have any trees on my property that are harder than red oak/red maple and it's replaced my Stihl ms260 as the go to. I get about an hour of felling/bucking/cutting to firewood size with stacking/swamping brush as part of the hour.
It cuts 15" cherry/aspen/paper birch/red and white pine no problem its just slower - I've read that its compares to a 40cc gas saw for power, noticeably less than my gas Stihl.
It works for me because I go back to the shop to recharge when the battery is dead, the shop is always less than 10min from the trees, and my back appreciates the break.
Haven't used any other model of cordless electric chainsaw.
Don't have any trees on my property that are harder than red oak/red maple and it's replaced my Stihl ms260 as the go to. I get about an hour of felling/bucking/cutting to firewood size with stacking/swamping brush as part of the hour.
It cuts 15" cherry/aspen/paper birch/red and white pine no problem its just slower - I've read that its compares to a 40cc gas saw for power, noticeably less than my gas Stihl.
It works for me because I go back to the shop to recharge when the battery is dead, the shop is always less than 10min from the trees, and my back appreciates the break.
Haven't used any other model of cordless electric chainsaw.
Last edited:
Farmall450
Well-known member
I have this one and it's really good. But so are the larger DeWalts, and the Milwaukee.I couldn't afford the Milwaukee and I am far more invested in the 20V dewalt system. All my milwaukee is M12. I love it. Took several 12" trees that had issues last year.
Every chainsaw that I have owned has leaked bar oil to some degree, one of my current Echos managed to hang on for a couple years before it started to leak, but most, including my old Stihls, leaked right from the start.
I own two of these DeWalt 20V saws, I bought them before I started buying Milwaukee M18 stuff. They work quite well for 90% of what I need a chainsaw for at work, which is property maintenance, I just need to be able to cut stuff up small enough to fit inside my pickup bed or utility trailer, or small enough to lift by myself. If I'm going to be felling whole trees, I'll bring along a gas powered saw, but use the DeWalt for limbing. If you need a chainsaw for bucking firewood, I'd go with a bigger saw than this 20v.I couldn't afford the Milwaukee and I am far more invested in the 20V dewalt system. All my milwaukee is M12. I love it. Took several 12" trees that had issues last year.
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
I have used the chainsaw, the pole saw, and the Hatchet quite a bit and feel they’re a great value.
There may be better performers out there, but I’ve been happy with them and I’m heavy into the Wauks as well.
Bigger is better regarding the batteries.
There may be better performers out there, but I’ve been happy with them and I’m heavy into the Wauks as well.
Bigger is better regarding the batteries.
milkovich
Well-known member
There are "pruning blades" for reciprocating saws that are 12", they've done 90% of my suburban jobs. What I like is that a recip blade has a very thin kerf so it doesn't use (as) much battery. The blade on a chainsaw seems wide and aggressive for an electric which is maybe why the batteries have to be so big.
customh
Well-known member
If you haven't gotten into higher-draw equipment and you plan to buy a string trimmer and/or blower I'd go with DeWalt FlexVolt. I had the same idea as you- stick with the same battery platform when I bought my M18 Trimmer and Blower. What I found out while using my new 1/2" mid-torque impact the "H.O." on the side of the battery makes all of the difference- so you have batteries with the same charger but only certain batteries for certain tools. DeWalt's chainsaw and string trimmer just seem like higher quality units and I've heard a lot of positive things about the available power vs Milwaukee. Overall dollars invested vs tools and total Amp Hours acquired seems like DeWalt is the better value also.
I love my m18 chainsaw. It’s always ready to go and always “starts”. I do have a collection of 6 - 6.0 batteries and about 10-5.0 batteries. Don’t try to cut up a a decent size tree with just one battery. You will be disappointed. I understood what it was before I purchased so im still very happy.
My neighbor has a couple gas powered saws when more is needed. We live in a very wooded area so sometimes you need a gasser to get the job done.
My neighbor has a couple gas powered saws when more is needed. We live in a very wooded area so sometimes you need a gasser to get the job done.
I love my M18 chain saw with the 16" bar and 12ah battery. I think the 14" one is just a shorter bar, same main body and motor power. There's no shortage of power, spins up quickly, stops quickly, no fumes, no idling, much quieter. Just need chain oil and a charge. My dad has gas powered Stihls of several sizes and it seems easily competitive in power with his bigger ones but with fewer maintenance hassles.
Farmall450
Well-known member
The electric chainsaws are normally .043 gauge, which is relatively small for chainsaws (.050, .058, & .063 are "standard").
murd
Well-known member
Another Dewalt user here. Bought it for my wife, but she finds it too hard on her wrists so she just directs. I have a few 5ah batteries that I take with me. I've cut some pretty large trees down with it, just in steps.
Last edited:
bulletpruf
Well-known member
I collect vintage chainsaws, but I'll be the first to admit that a battery powered saw is the cat's meow for occasional light use. I don't currently have a battery powered saw, but I'd like to have one for those times when I need to cut something without making a lot of noise. I'm also an M18 fan, and I plan to get the M18 saw for that reason.
FYI - if you don't have an M18 sawzall, I'd get one of those, too. With a wood-cutting blade, they're great for small to medium sized stuff. You don't want to cut firewood with one, but they'll handle a smallish tree/sapling.
FYI - if you don't have an M18 sawzall, I'd get one of those, too. With a wood-cutting blade, they're great for small to medium sized stuff. You don't want to cut firewood with one, but they'll handle a smallish tree/sapling.
I agree. I used the M18 hacksaw with a wood blade to quickly prune some branches.
craftsman creep
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2022
- Messages
- 299
The Dewalt chainsaw is better watch project farm
-Preston
-Preston
smackey05
Well-known member
Lots of good info in this thread. I've been wondering the same thing about the electric chainsaws. I have a lot of small work I do too. The smaller tree trimmer version may work for me.
fourjeepin
Well-known member
I bought a couple of large packs of those on clearance and used them a ton even on some really big logs. And this is despite having a couple of chainsaws, one 12” corded electric and another 18” gas. So for Christmas I bought a 12” 18v Ryobi and love it. i run mostly Ridgid tools but they don’t offer a chainsaw and I already have a couple of adapters for Ryobi so I can use my existing batteries.
Ego and Echo tend to lead the battery saw comparisons, and both are top rated by Consumer Reports. I have DeWalt 20V "indoor" battery tools, but will most likely eventually go Ego for most of the yard tools.
I've used the Milwaukee saw and it's good for what it is. If you're used to a quality gas saw, the amount of plastic will be disappointing, but it seems that all the battery saws are like this. A chainsaw is SO much smoother cutting than a reciprocating saw; there's no comparison in the amount of vibration transferred to your arms.
I've used the Milwaukee saw and it's good for what it is. If you're used to a quality gas saw, the amount of plastic will be disappointing, but it seems that all the battery saws are like this. A chainsaw is SO much smoother cutting than a reciprocating saw; there's no comparison in the amount of vibration transferred to your arms.
Shocker
Well-known member
I have the M12 hatchet and I love it. It is great for quick limbing and trimming. I cut up some 4" holly with zero issues.
Otherwise I grab one of my many chainsaws. For smaller jobs, Husky 440, bigger jobs McCulloch Timber Bear, for the biggest jobs a Mcculloch Super Pro Mac 81. Beastly monster of a saw.
Otherwise I grab one of my many chainsaws. For smaller jobs, Husky 440, bigger jobs McCulloch Timber Bear, for the biggest jobs a Mcculloch Super Pro Mac 81. Beastly monster of a saw.
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
After posting my reply I got to thinking about a downed tree on one corner of our property. Being that I had nothing else going on, I loaded up the kids, the chainsaw, and the pole saw, and headed over there to knock it out.
The limbs were 15” across and we have to go cut the 24”+ trunk up tomorrow, but it went well.
Just in case anyone is wondering… the M18 pole saw does just fine with TWO extensions in use. I know they don’t recommend it…but it works just fine so long as you account for the extra flexing and don’t try to force the cut.
The limbs were 15” across and we have to go cut the 24”+ trunk up tomorrow, but it went well.
Just in case anyone is wondering… the M18 pole saw does just fine with TWO extensions in use. I know they don’t recommend it…but it works just fine so long as you account for the extra flexing and don’t try to force the cut.