I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about outdoor power tools. I am looking into purchasing a small chain saw for trimming a few trees and for cutting up branches/small logs for the fire pit. I did some searching and the DEWALT DCCS620P1 got a good review. Just checking everyone's opinions. I'm sure there are strong opinions for and against battery powered but keep in mind this is very light duty seasonal use. I don't need anything too sophisticated. Looking forward to the comments.
Battery powered chain saws
- Thread starter NYBODYMAN
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ptgarcia
Well-known member
I have an Ego 14" 56v and use it just as you describe and I'm very happy with it. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
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juddspaintballs
Well-known member
Take a look at the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw, too. I think it is a better saw than the DeWalt, though I prefer the DeWalt if we start talking 9" concrete saws.
Go buy a STIHL, its the only brand you can walk in a actual shop and get it repaired without sending it to timbucktu. Just do your homework on the dealer, and support a small independent enterprise instead of a box store. Its the brand with the most knowledge and evolution of chainsaws.
I have a Stihl MSA-160. I have had it for 3 years and have used it to clean up storm damaged limbs up to 6 inches in diameter. Light weight, great balance, and proven Stihl 36 volt battery system. Go to your Stihl dealer and have a look. Good luck on your search and purchase.
Are you already invested in a cordless platform? If so, buy the chainsaw that fits your batteries. If not, pick your favourite colour.
I have the old makita, it's brilliant. It's my goto small saw, never bogs, has plenty of power and is very quiet. I ended up selling my small gas saw because I never used it. Obviously it's not for everyone, but for a home owner saw its perfect. Just remember its still very dangerous.
I have the old makita, it's brilliant. It's my goto small saw, never bogs, has plenty of power and is very quiet. I ended up selling my small gas saw because I never used it. Obviously it's not for everyone, but for a home owner saw its perfect. Just remember its still very dangerous.
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Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I'm a huge Stihl and Milwaukee fan. I had 6 gas Stihls at one time. Realized I didn't use them enough to keep them, so I sold them.
I now have the M18 and am totally satisfied. And if you've ever used the Milwaukee warranty, it couldn't be any easier. Call or email, they email you a label, you print it and send it off. A week or two later you get either the repaired one or a new one in the mail.
I don't know about you, but my Stihl service centers around here are old curmudgeons that bah-humbug all the time and take a week or two themselves to do anything.
WittHay
Well-known member
I have a Stihl MSA 200 with a 14" bar. Good light weight saw, perfect for trimming branches. Makita also has a lot of top handle and smaller 10" to 16" cordless saws.
Stihl with a coo of Austria and the batteries from Poland is at the upper end of the price range. I am sure you will be happy with DeWalt or a saw that matches your batteries.
Cordless has come a long ways in the last few years. Especially for lighter duty , small back yard cleanup
Stihl with a coo of Austria and the batteries from Poland is at the upper end of the price range. I am sure you will be happy with DeWalt or a saw that matches your batteries.
Cordless has come a long ways in the last few years. Especially for lighter duty , small back yard cleanup
F121 has a point. Some of the battery saws sound like I'm glad I don't have one.
For my use I picked up a Kobalt 40v. Does the trick on smaller stuff. For anything larger than 4", 5" I'd get a Husk, an Echo, or a Sthile (in that order) if I was serious about having a gas saw. One thing about chainsaws - it's the one tool I'm EXTRA careful around. (Too many horror films maybe [emoji848]).
For my use I picked up a Kobalt 40v. Does the trick on smaller stuff. For anything larger than 4", 5" I'd get a Husk, an Echo, or a Sthile (in that order) if I was serious about having a gas saw. One thing about chainsaws - it's the one tool I'm EXTRA careful around. (Too many horror films maybe [emoji848]).
BillK
Well-known member
How far from the house is the stuff you will be cutting ? I personally have a 20 year old McCulloch electric that does just fine. I don't think i have started my gas saw but once since I got the electric. Yes I have to pull out an extension cord but it really is no big deal and I don't have to get po'd when the battery goes dead just when I need it most.
For occasional homeowner use I think AC electric is better than battery. Unless maybe you have 10 different tools that use the same exact battery. I cant imagine a chain saw working for very long with the 20V battery out of my Dewalt drill.
Thats my opinion,
For occasional homeowner use I think AC electric is better than battery. Unless maybe you have 10 different tools that use the same exact battery. I cant imagine a chain saw working for very long with the 20V battery out of my Dewalt drill.
Thats my opinion,
It's about 200'. I have no desire to bring extension cords out there. Apparently the 20v batteries are quite good. Again, it's for small trees, branches, logs etc. As is I was using an 18v sawzall which did the job but was a chore.
Badger 13
Well-known member
Years ago I looked at the Stihl when they came out with the battery one. It was pretty pricey at the time, so I just stuck with my gas Stihl. Not using it that much, I stated looking at battery models, and reading reviews. I have all Milwaukee tools, so that was my main choice. I learned out local power company has replaced their gas chain saws with Milwaukee as well. Just waited for a good sale, and now I own one. So far, very happy with it, and not regrets. Makes for a great grab & go for quick jobs.
Doug19
Well-known member
DO NOT buy anything with the Husqvarna 40v battery. The tools are great but the batteries die within a year or two.
Not around here. The small saw shops are nearly extinct. Stihl has gone with big chains like Ace H/W, John Deere, Coastal, etc.
jar944
Well-known member
That might make sense if you were not already on a cordless platform.
And have a local dealer.
The decision for me hinged on all my trees/etc being close enough to run an extension cord, so I opted for a corded electric and over a decade later, don't regret it. Then again I'm far more often using a cordless recip saw for cuts 3" or smaller and wouldn't want that corded. It'll do larger cuts, but if more than a few, then I might as well get the extension cord out as the amount of time spent would be about the same and it saves wear on my more expensive recip saw.
If you're cutting a significant amount of firewood then I would just get a good ole 2 cycle.
If you're cutting a significant amount of firewood then I would just get a good ole 2 cycle.
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I'm a huge Stihl and Milwaukee fan. I had 6 gas Stihls at one time. Realized I didn't use them enough to keep them, so I sold them.
I now have the M18 and am totally satisfied. And if you've ever used the Milwaukee warranty, it couldn't be any easier. Call or email, they email you a label, you print it and send it off. A week or two later you get either the repaired one or a new one in the mail.
I don't know about you, but my Stihl service centers around here are old curmudgeons that bah-humbug all the time and take a week or two themselves to do anything.
We use Stihl chainsaws and rotary saws at my department. If we have to send one to the authorized repair shop (which is just down the street), the turnaround is usually four to six weeks!
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
I have an 80 Volt Kobalt chain saw. I was skeptical at first, but I bought it on the advise of a friend. The thing is an animal. I wish I would have bought it sooner
vette-kid
Well-known member
I have that saw as well. I wish it wasn't made in China, other than that it's a great tool. In fact, the entire line is really good. I have the mower and string trimmer as well.
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IndyGarage
Well-known member
I have the 2 x18v Makita - runs excellent. XCU04
brianh
Well-known member
I have the Ryobi 18 volt brushless 12"bar my wife uses it mostly, I am surprised at the power. I got because I already have the batteries had it for 2 years no issues.
WisJim
Well-known member
I have Greenworks brand 40 volt battery tools. We have the 16" chainsaw, string trimmer, pole saw, and the little cultivator/tiller. The oldest batteries we have are 5 years old and they get used a lot with all the tools we have. One of the oldest batteries is starting to show a bit shorter run time, but I'm happy with the use we've gotten from it in 5 years. My wife likes the string trimmer and chainsaw and she will use them and never used our previous gas powered tools because of problems starting up the gas engines. I especially like the additional safety of the battery powered chain saw--no trying to start a saw on a ladder or carrying a running saw up a ladder or in a tree. Get in position to use it, turn on the switch, and saw!
The M18 chain saw and blower are suppose use the HD12.0 battery both for power and longevity.
Milwaukee this fall had the M18 chainsaw kit saw battery and a free M18 leaf blower.
While the chain saw would not replace a gas saw completely.........it would be perfect for the majority of home owners needs.
Just cleaned up a poplar with 14” trunk and the M18 saw was more than up to the task. 4-8” oak also was no problem. Quiet is a added bonus.
Here’s that poplar on the wood lathe
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=998129&stc=1&d=1586820555
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IndyGarage
Well-known member
Personally I don't think 18V is enough for a chainsaw - My 18 x 2 Makita replaced my small gas saw - I sold my Husqvarna off, because I don't need it anymore.
The only downside is the batteries don't last as long as a tank of gas, however, unlike a gas chainsaw, an electric only runs while you are cutting, so they last longer than you might think.
The only downside is the batteries don't last as long as a tank of gas, however, unlike a gas chainsaw, an electric only runs while you are cutting, so they last longer than you might think.