The best battery-powered chainsaws have a few advantages over fuel-based and electric alternatives. They're faster, for example. There's no monkeying about with messy fuel canisters and oil before starting your chainsaw up. Instead, you pop in a charged battery and go. It's that simple.
More importantly, in an ever-changing world and with a population that's more mindful than ever of the earth's changes, battery-powered chainsaws are an environmentally-friendly option. There are no fuel emissions to speak of, they're generally cheaper to operate, and they're quieter than gas chainsaws. And if you're used to using an electric chainsaw, you'll love the freedom of going cord-free.
So, which battery-powered chainsaw is right for you? Today, we're going to run through the top six chainsaws on the market, cover their pros and cons, and help you decide which is the best choice for you.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR chainsaw
A lightweight chainsaw with guts
With a 12-inch bar and lightweight build, this model is a breeze to maneuver, perfect for tree trimming.
Pros:
- 12-inch bar
- Compact design
- Brushless motor
- 90 cuts per charge
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR has an interchangeable battery that works with all of their 20-volt tools. That's good news for those who have already bought into DEWALT. This lightweight chainsaw has a 12-inch cutting bar with lots of oomph to cut through tree branches, trim bush, and slice fallen limbs into firewood. The operation is insanely quiet, and the battery on the DEWALT holds out for an afternoon of work.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX chainsaw
A trouble-free option with a tool-free tension system
Everything from the handle to the weight to the blade tension system is trouble-free on this battery-powered chainsaw.
Pros:
- Weights just 7.2 pounds
- Easy to handle
- Great battery life
- Interchangeable batteries
- Integrated safety handle
Cons:
- May need to oil the chain manually
If you own BLACK+DECKER 20-volt equipment, the 20V MAX is the best battery-powered chainsaw for you. The batteries are swappable with other tools in your garage. This 10-inch chainsaw is just right for smaller jobs. With a big, ergonomically-designed safety handle, this small saw is easy to handle, prevents muscle fatigue, and cuts through small brush and tree limbs well. When assembled, this chainsaw weighs just 7.2 pounds. Best of all, it auto-oils itself and has a tool-free tensioning system.
WORX WG322 20V Power Share chainsaw
6.2 pounds of pure power
It weighs next to nothing, cleans up quickly, and is a brute at work.
Pros:
- Weighs only 6.2 pounds
- Auto-tension system
- Sharp, efficient saw
- Auto-chain lubrication
- Interchangeable batteries
Cons:
- Not for big trees
This tough little chainsaw from WORX is well-balanced and solidly built. It's the right tool for yard work, trail cutting, tree trimming, and even felling small trees. At only 6.2 pounds, the WORX is ultra-lightweight and easy to move about, and it prevents hands fatigue and muscle soreness. This package deal includes the battery-powered chainsaw, rechargeable 20-volt battery, and one charger.
Greenworks Pro 80V brushless cordless chainsaw
A complete package
This chainsaw package includes everything you'll need, including an 80-volt battery and a rapid charger.
Pros:
- Brushless motor
- Chain oils itself
- Easy push-button start
- Rapid charger included
- 18-inch cutting bar
Cons:
- A little heavy
Greenworks Pro 80-volt battery-powered chainsaw has an 18-inch bar and chain that's capable of trail maintenance, branch trimming, and cutting trees and limbs up to 34 inches. A simple push-button start requires no priming, choking, or pulling. The grip is comfortable, the chain lubricates itself automatically, and this beast of a machine can handle everything your gas-powered chainsaw can. This kit includes a chainsaw, an 80-volt battery, and a fast charger.
CRAFTSMAN V60 chainsaw
For big jobs
With a V60 battery, this 16-inch chainsaw has a long runtime and performs ultra-precise cutting.
Pros:
- V60 battery lasts forever
- Low kickback
- Hefty handle
- Auto-oiling
- Battery recharges in one hour
Cons:
- Heavy
For big jobs, you need the CRAFTSMAN V60. With a brushless motor that's less susceptible to wear and tear, this battery-powered chainsaw's 16-inch bar grinds through everything! The battery takes only one hour to charge and pushes out cutting power for an entire afternoon. The handle is big and solid, which helps to keep this large chainsaw balanced. If you're cutting down trees, not simply trimming, throw this in your shopping cart now.
Makita XCU04PT LXT chainsaw
Comes with two batteries
This package deal comes with a chainsaw, charger, and two batteries.
Pros:
- Two batteries included
- 16-inch cutting bar
- Brushless motor
- LED on/off switch
- Tool-less chain adjustment
Cons:
- It's heavy
The Makita XCU04PT has high torque to weight ratio brushless motor that keeps up with gas engine chainsaws in the same class. A built-in locking lever prevents the chain from engaging accidentally, and the LED on/off switch is a nice touch for those who work before the sun is up. The Makita comes with a chainsaw, two batteries, and a dual battery charger. If you need a workhorse that can keep up with you, you've just found it.
These battery-powered chainsaws are a cut above the rest
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Battery-powered chainsaws are quickly taking over the chainsaw market thanks to their quiet, fume-free operation.
If you need something small and lighter in weight, set your sights on the DEWALT 20V MAX XR. Its interchangeable battery works with all of the tools in DEWALT's 20V lineup, and this little 12-inch chainsaw is a superstar with branches, limbs, and small trees.
If you're used to handling hefty, saw-through-anything models, the Greenworks Pro 80V is the one for you. It does everything well and comes with an 80-volt battery and a fast charger.
For big projects, you need the CRAFTSMAN V60. It comes with a quick-charge battery that'll keep up with an entire day's work, and the 16-inch blade can handle the biggest of jobs.
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