Battery chainsaw

[endmill]

Looking @ getting a battery operated chainsaw, just for convenience.
Got Milwaukee tools so I thought I would go that route.
Did a search and alot of off brands use the Milwaukee battery.
Anyone buy an off brand?
Thanks

 

[PCustoms]

Did a search and alot of off brands use the Milwaukee battery.

Any examples?

I've wanted one too, and the yellow ones are affordable enough, but I don't have any yellow batteries

 

[mepstein]

I have a Milwaukee 16". Love it. Sounds just like the electric knife I use to cut turkey on thanksgiving. Being able to pop in a battery and immediately start cutting is a game changer. Then put it right back on the shelf (in its Milwaukee case) when finished. I have a ton of m18 batteries so cutting time isn't an issue. I did recently get a new, better quality chain for it. It made a good tool even better.

 

[AC-WC]

I never thought I would buy a battery powered chainsaw but the Bauer mini-saw from HF has been a joy to use. Extremely handy in cutting honeysuckle brush.
I doubt the battery is the same.

 

[Technologyteacher]

I have a DeWalt, my Dad has a battery Stihl. Great for light work

 

[IndyGarage]

I have a battery powered Makita and it works as good as the lower priced gas chainsaws. It has a 14 inch bar on it, so it will cut real wood.

The advantage to battery is - no pull starting, no carb, no air filter, no mixed gas/oil, no spark plug, quieter and smoother. Charge the batteries, push the button and go.

The disadvantages? Really two: The batteries have a limited charge - mine will go 20-30 minutes on a set of batteries. I have a couple of sets, but that's less than an hour of cutting. If you need to cut for hours at a time they are impractical. Second, Cost. My battery powered chainsaw is the same size and a little less powerful than my Husqvarna 120 Mark III - which is their lowest price model, right now $220 on Amazon. My Makita runs $350 without batteries and $450 with a set of batteries and a charger. That's expensive for a low-end saw.

I suppose also the longevity of the tool might be in question because of the batteries. Battery tools tend to die long before they are worn out because the batteries themselves become obsolete.

For trimming and cleanup work battery saws are great. For heavy stuff it's still a gas world.

 

[WildBill]

I have a 14" Makita, it works great. Just chopped up a whole roughly 40ft tree that fell in my neighbors yard, he is too old to deal with stuff like that so I do it for him.

As to OPs actually question not a chainsaw but I have a couple knockoff tools that use the Makita batteries and I have been happy with them for the price. I have a chainsaw trimmer thing with a 8" chainsaw type blade on an extendable pole, it only cost about $30 and works very well. Also a heat-gun and air pump that were super cheap and use Makita batteries, they both work fine.

I would not be afraid of going with a knockoff chainsaw, unfortunately they are all rebranded and constantly changing so I am not sure if you will find a brand people recommend, probably just have to try and find one with lots of good reviews. But buy somewhere like Amazon you can return it if needed.

An example, plus you know its good when they say stuff like this - "DAMOLIN deeply plowing the tools industry for many years"

https://www.amazon.com/12-Compatible-Milwaukee-M18-Pruning-ONLY/dp/B0FXWK2DWK?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[strength_and_power]

I have the M18 mini chainsaw and it has done everything I’ve needed it to do, mostly small branches and limbs up to about 4”. I also used it to cut the ice that had my garage doors frozen shut.

How much use are we talking about?

 

[BillK]

Just something else to think about. Depending on the size of your lot . . . . I bought a 14" McCullough corded electric about 20 years ago at an estate sale and I have not started my gas chainsaw since. No batteries to worry about but a 75 ft extension cord will reach almost anywhere in my yard.

 

[ipgenie]

I have an 18" Ego that is great. I have used the smaller dewalt and makita and they worked well too, but were a lot less saw meant for lighter tasks.
I haven't used the knock off saws but have considered one for my camper just for small tree limbs. I already keep a dewalt drill in the camper so I'd try one compatible with those batteries. Probably the same performance as knock offs for any battery platform and only for lighter tasks.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've had a Milwaukee 16" battery saw since it first came out. I don't do a lot of tree work so when I do need it it's nice to know I can just pop in a battery and start cutting even if I haven't used it in two years. I do keep one gas saw that I also take if doing some yard cleanup for a family member, but that's about the only time it ever gets used.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Just something else to think about. Depending on the size of your lot . . . . I bought a 14" McCullough corded electric about 20 years ago at an estate sale and I have not started my gas chainsaw since. No batteries to worry about but a 75 ft extension cord will reach almost anywhere in my yard.

Good suggestion. Corded Stihls along with a Stihls gas saw nice combination right tool for the right job

 

[ipgenie]

I have a corded harbor freight chainsaw that I used to drag around with a generator. I'd put my little Honda in the loader bucker or in a little trailer behind the lawn tractor and run around the property to trim trees. Worked great but I haven't used it since getting a battery saw. Just a lot more convenient.

 

[endmill]

Any examples?

I've wanted one too, and the yellow ones are affordable enough, but I don't have any yellow batteries

Just on Amazon. I guess the watts is the hp

 

[4xdog]

Another Milwaukee 16” user here. I’m very happy with the chainsaw.

The narrow kerf chain cuts well. The 12 A•h battery lasts longer than I need to cut.

It leaks bar oil, like every chainsaw I’ve used or seen. It’s kind of long and heavy with a big battery.

But the instant-on and emission-free operation are real pluses.

 

[OldCarGuy]

I own a 16” Milwaukee chainsaw. That meets my needs to trim branches and fallen trees over 10 acres of land. And find it has more than enough power and battery life. Though I have a Milwaukee addiction,, and have a dozen m18 batteries. Two are m18 12.0ah.. After purchasing the Milwaukee chainsaw I gave my two gas powered saws away
In

 

[fourjeepin]

I had the little 10” Ryobi initially then upgraded to the 12” Dewalt because I used the saw much more than I expected and I got the Dewalt on HD clearance.
Both were run on Ridgid batteries using adapters as I am sticking to one battery platform (mostly).

 

[Rinspeed]

I have the Makita 36V and it works very well on the smaller stuff. Even though I had many red batteries went with Makita after watching a bunch of comparison videos, and Makita/Dolmar is the oldest name in saws so that is a plus.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have the Makita 36V and it works very well on the smaller stuff. Even though I had many red batteries went with Makita after watching a bunch of comparison videos, and Makita/Dolmar is the oldest name in saws so that is a plus.

I did a back to back comparison between my Makita 36V and my Husqvarna 120 Mark III. They both cut almost identical. The Husky has more power, but the Makita isn't far behind, and certainly easier to use. Interestingly with batteries they weigh almost the same too.

Makita bought Dolmar in 1991, so they've owned it a long time. I have no idea if Dolmar has anything to do with Makita battery saws. I heard somewhere that they were cutting back production of Dolmar recently. I hope not, my Makita/Dolmar 64cc saw is still a beast. I've had it for 20 years. .

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a DeWalt I bought as a deal from HD. While I don't use it for "woodcutting" I do use it for downed limbs or cutting up pallets... perfect for the small jobs.

Never thought I would have a battery chainsaw but if it matches your current battery platform, it does make sense.

 

[Rinspeed]

I did a back to back comparison between my Makita 36V and my Husqvarna 120 Mark III. They both cut almost identical. The Husky has more power, but the Makita isn't far behind, and certainly easier to use. Interestingly with batteries they weigh almost the same too.

I'm huge Stihl fan and have owned several so when I started looking Stihl was a logical choice. The $300 battery quickly put a stop to that thought process. The Makita coming with four batteries was also a deciding factor.

 

[kmacht]

Just be careful with one. Many people think they are safer to use because they aren’t loud and noisy like a gas powered saw. Unfortunately with all the torque on the low side with an electric motor they will eat right through safety stop pants. A gas motor will stall out the clutch if the chain is stopped with the trigger still held but a battery/electric one is usually direct drive and will put the full force the motor is capable of as things bind up and the motors torque increases.

 

[gleman]

I bought the top handle Milwaukee when HD had a sale and it's perfect for my needs.



I got an email about it being under recall so I'll look into it this summer.

 

[finn]

I bought the small Dewalt (12”?) a year and a half ago. It was on sale for something like $80 or $90 as a bare tool. Works great around the property and fits nicely in the SxS bed.

My wife won the little Stihl trimmer at the local Deere dealer open house. It’s another winner.

 

[Toold_up]

Just be careful with one. Many people think they are safer to use because they aren’t loud and noisy like a gas powered saw. Unfortunately with all the torque on the low side with an electric motor they will eat right through safety stop pants. A gas motor will stall out the clutch if the chain is stopped with the trigger still held but a battery/electric one is usually direct drive and will put the full force the motor is capable of as things bind up and the motors torque increases.

I came here to post this same warning ^^^



I have the 12" dewalt and it does everything a small saw will do, and maybe even a little more. I used mine to take down two palm trees (10" and 15" diameter) and it laughed at the pulp core. A palm tree is a chore for a gas saw, but this little electric one didn't give a ****.

The biggest issue I have with it (besides being a dewalt) is it leaks bar fluid like a sieve. You have to store it laying on it's side.

 

[finn]

I came here to post this same warning ^^^



I have the 12" dewalt and it does everything a small saw will do, and maybe even a little more. I used mine to take down two palm trees (10" and 15" diameter) and it laughed at the pulp core. A palm tree is a chore for a gas saw, but this little electric one didn't give a ****.

The biggest issue I have with it (besides being a dewalt) is it leaks bar fluid like a sieve. You have to store it laying on it's side.

Mine leaks too. But then again so do my Stihls and Husqvarna, and a few “lesser” brands.

 

[whateg01]

... I have a chainsaw trimmer thing with a 8" chainsaw type blade on an extendable pole, ...

That's called a polesaw

 

[Beerhippie]

Mine leaks too. But then again so do my Stihls and Husqvarna, and a few “lesser” brands.

I don't recall ever having a chainsaw that didn't... out of maybe a dozen or more I've owned or used.

 

[WildBill]

That's called a polesaw

Actually its called a chainsaw on a stick. Ask my nephew, he will tell you.

 

[PCustoms]

Actually its called a chainsaw on a stick. Ask my nephew, he will tell you.

Does it take blades or chains?

 

[WildBill]

Does it take blades or chains?

8" chain

 

[PCustoms]

8" chain

And it's a saw?

 

[WildBill]

And it's a saw?

Apparently, ask whateg01.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Looking @ getting a battery operated chainsaw, just for convenience.
Anyone buy an off brand?

Any examples?

Same here ! Never seen one that uses M18 batteries.

 

[gazza]

34 reply's and no mentions one of the most important criteria of a battery powered "chain speed" the faster the better . With a slow chain speed it feels like you would be better off removing the battery ans using it as a "hand saw"

 

[Beerhippie]

34 reply's and no mentions one of the most important criteria of a battery powered "chain speed" the faster the better . With a slow chain speed it feels like you would be better off removing the battery ans using it as a "hand saw"

High chain speed also leaves a much smoother cut--important if you're using it for pruning.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I have Milwaukee 12v & 18v power tools but my lawn tools, including my 18" chainsaw and pole saw, are 56v Ego. I have not tried the Milwaukee chainsaw but I think the lower voltage translates into less muscle and shorter battery life. My other Ego lawn tools include the hedge trimmer, weed whacker and blower. I also have both a Husqvarna and Stihl two-cycle chainsaw for the bigger jobs but I travel with the Ego in the truck in case I run up on a down tree blocking access at my cabin.

 

[Tchicken]

I have a 12" 20V DeWalt - because I already have the batteries - it is 3 years old, has been perfectly adequate for my occasional limbs, and last week, post windstorm cleared the neighbors pine from my driveway with a few quick cuts - max of which probably 10" in diameter. I have a Stihl gasser that hasn't been needed since I got the little battery jobby ..

Half hour of cutting didn't quite use up a 5 amp battery, which covers me needs

 

[finn]

Actually its called a chainsaw on a stick. Ask my nephew, he will tell you.

That’s what we call them.

Very useful tool. I suspect it will extend the life of the glass on my tractor cab. Plus, I won’t rip off the cab lights.

the chainsaw on a stick is best used for overhead work, though. It’s a little unwieldy for anything below neck height.

You need both the chainsaw on a stick plus something like my little Dewalt.

 

[Rinspeed]

Actually its called a chainsaw on a stick. Ask my nephew, he will tell you.

I'm sorry your nephew is such an idiot.