Thoughts On Electric Chainsaws

Please chime in.
I have a Neuton cordless which is OK, good for saplings and I'm looking to get something a little beefier. I'm particularly interested in the Oregon 40 volt or any others that have a built-in sharpener.

 

I have the Ryobi 18v (only because I already had the batteries for my other cordless tools) and the stock chain is crap. I could cut faster with a hand saw.
I replaced the chain with one that was "less" safety orientated and now it cuts great. I have cut down 6-8" diameter trees with it and use it for keeping my tree stands limb free.

I have hear great things about the higher voltage saws, and they may be better but they are out of my price range at the moment.

Stihl or Oregon would both be good options from what I remember when I was looking at them.

 

Actually, I use an electric for small jobs. No need to bust out my gas powered 4000# (exaggeration, but it feels like it weighs that much when I am up on a ladder) Stihl to cut a 6" limb when my electric Black and Decker chainsaw will handle the job nicely from the ground on it's extension pole. YMMV

 

I'll be interested if I could get a good deal on 1000 ft extension cords.

 

tis just another tool.
it has it's usefulness.
If your prime source of fuel is wood. This is not the right tool for that.

If you are a suburbanite that needs to do some trimming and storm clean up. It'll probably work.

If you are using it as a defensive tool as an apartment dweller. You are the freakin' Man (or woman) no one is gonna make it in your door and leave with all their body parts. (this may also be used by certain organizations to dismantle rats for disposal)

 

(I was in this movie)
Go gas. If you get sucked back in history, it would be easier to create fuel than generate enough electricity, while fighting witches.

 

Have a Poulan electric that has done a lot of back yard work. The clutch has failed so will have it repaired asap. The big "Husky" does the heavy work and the two lighter ones do the smaller jobs. Electrics have their places.

 

Would be if I make a RMH.

 

This is why the Oregon electric appeals to me - built in sharpener!

 

I can't post a link yet but amazon sells them for sure. There are a few good videos on youtube.

I would be cutting 4-5" logs for shiitakes. My husband keeps cutting huge logs that are too heavy to move.

I also have a ton of saplings I'd like to clear.

 

Agreed.

I have a friend (maybe more!) that has cleared 10 acres of salt ceader with a 110Vac chain saw that is powered by a portable generator on a small trailer, pulled by the yard mower. The Honda Gen is quiet and the sound of a Buzz Tails' rattles can be heard when using the saw. pretty important! This system is also good for the smaller or weaker folks and allows clearing to be a small bit at a time, then too the Gen is around for bad weather events and can power a light for night use.

 

Voltage drop would kill the deal unless you figure to ues #2 wire!

 

I actually took a farm safety workshop with my daughter last year that included use of chainsaws. I don't think the ear protection is as necessary with electric though.

 

Your post made me wonder how an electric compared with gas in terms of decibels. Google "Quiet Chainsaws - Noise Pollution Clearinghouse" and you'll find the pdf I did.

The report did review the Neuton which I use, and they said it was quiet enough that hearing protection was not needed!

 

This really does not work well! It only sharpens/removes steel on the top of the chain. In doubt? Go check out a real set of chain saw sharpening tools that retains the correct angles of the CHIPPER teeth. The sharp chipper teeth at the correct angle are the key to a quick cutting chainsaw!