But if you want to handle heavy-duty tasks, then it is better to go for gas-powered chainsaw. To make sure you choose the best cordless chainsaw, we recommend considering below factors…
Blade Size: Just like a gas-powered chainsaw, the blade size is quite important in cordless chainsaw as well. A larger blade like 16-inch or 18-inch allows you to make deeper cuts while cutting trees. On the other hand, 12-inch or 14-inch chainsaws are quite compact and made for simpler applications. Battery: The battery voltage and battery life offered by a chainsaw are quite important to check. A higher voltage battery like 40V or 60V usually results in more powerful motor. And a longer battery life allows you to use the chainsaw for longer period. Battery Capacity is given as 3 Ah or 5 Ah, where 5 Ah offers a better battery life (for same voltage). Motor Speed: You can find the motor speed or blade speed mentioned in a lot of chainsaws. In most cases, a faster chain or motor results in better performance. You can find options like 5000 RPM or 6000 RPM while buying a chainsaw.
For more information on how to choose a cordless chainsaw, we recommend to read our “Buying Guide”. You can also check out the list of Best Cordless Chainsaws mentioned below. They are carefully shortlisted based on the same information.
Top-Rated Cordless Chainsaw Chart
Best Cordless Chainsaw Reviews
1. DEWALT DCCS620B Cordless Chainsaw
Best chainsaw mills Best electric chainsaws Best chainsaw sharpeners Best chainsaw
Dewalt is another highly popular brand of power tools that makes a lot of power tools models. You can even find a great cordless electric chainsaw model from Dewalt that we have mentioned in this article. The Dewalt DCCS620B Cordless Chainsaw is the 1st product in this article and it is one of the best performing compact chainsaws. Since it has a 12-inch blade size, the overall size and form factor of this chainsaw is quite compact. And this Dewalt chainsaw is also quite lightweight that allows you to carry it around without any issues easily. As per its name, it uses a 20V battery to power its blade using a high-efficiency Brushless Motor. Just like various other high-quality power tools from Dewalt, this cordless chainsaw has a great build quality. You also get a 3-year warranty with it, which is also found in various other chainsaw options out there. This chainsaw offers a chain speed of 25.2 feet per second, which is quite decent for its given size and battery power. Highlights
12-inch blade size 20V electric chainsaw 3-year warranty Compact and lightweight design Ergonomic handle Weighs 9lbs. with battery Chain gauge rating of 0.043″ Batteries and Charger are not included
Components:
Cordless chainsaw User manual Warranty card
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
Black Decker is a brand of power tools that needs no introduction since it makes value for money power tools, including this cordless chainsaw. It offers one of the cheapest cordless chainsaw options available out there that we have mentioned here. The Black and Decker LCS1020 is yet another compact cordless chainsaw. As this is a budget chainsaw, it comes with a small 10-inch blade that makes it a great option if you are looking for compact and portable cordless chainsaws. This 10-inch blade is powered by a 20V battery that is more than enough for this blade size. You get various free accessories with this chainsaw despite its lower price tag. As a result, all of these things make it a great value for money option for a lot of users. Since this is an affordable cordless chainless, you only get a 2-year warranty with it. Thankfully, the build quality offered by this chainsaw is quite decent when compared with other options in its class. Highlights
10-inch blade size 20V electric chainsaw Uses lithium-ion batteries 2-year warranty Weighs 7.2 lbs. Value for money Ergonomic and comfortable handle Tool-free blade tension adjust system
Components
Cordless chainsaw Battery Charger User manual Warranty card
3. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
As per its name, Greenworks is mainly known for making eco-friendly electric power tools and related accessories. Since chainsaws are also power tools, you can also find various electric chainsaws from Greenworks including this cordless one. The Greenworks 20312 Cordless Electric Chainsaw is the 3rd product in this article and it is a highly reliable option. Even though it has a relatively affordable price tag, you get a 4-year warranty with it. Since it also offers a decent build quality, you can expect this chainsaw to last for a long time without any issues. As per its name, it comes with a 16-inch blade that is quite large for its given price. And since this 16-inch blade is powered by decently powerful 40V Li-Ion Battery, you can easily cut trees and tree branches using it. The battery of this cordless electric chainsaw also has a decent battery life due to its 2 Ah capacity. And even if you run out of battery, you can easily replace it since the battery replacement mechanism of this chainsaw is quite simple. Highlights
16-inch Blade Size and 0.375-inch Saw Pitch 40V electric chainsaw 2 Ah battery (up to 90 minute run time) 4-year warranty Less vibrations Brushless motors for less noise Includes chain brake and low kickback mechanism
Components
Cordless chainsaw Battery and charger kit User manual Warranty card
4. Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw
Worx can be another great option if you are looking for affordable and value for money power tools. And the Worx cordless chainsaw mentioned here is the cheapest option here. The Worx WG322 is another compact Cordless Chainsaws in the article. Despite its highly affordable price tag, it offers a 10-inch blade and a 20V battery system. And this makes it a great option if you want an affordable and compact cordless chain for using at your home. You even get a 20V 2Ah battery and a charger with this electric chainsaw that makes it an excellent value for money product. Just like various other options present in this article, it offers a 3-year warranty along with decent build quality. You can also find features and options like automatic lubrication, chain tension adjust, and long battery life with this chainsaw. Since it weighs only 6.2 lbs., it is one of the most lightweight and portable options present in this article. Highlights
10-inch blade size 20V electric chainsaw Weighs 6.2 lbs. 3-year warranty Automatic chain lubrication system Includes chain tension adjustment Compact and lightweight
Components
Cordless chainsaw Battery Charger kit User manual Warranty card
5. EGO Power+ CS1400 Cordless Chainsaw
Ego Power+ is a highly popular brand of power tools out there due to its high-performance options. It offers a high-performance cordless chainsaw with a justified price tag that is present in this article. The EGO Power+ CS1400 is one of the powerful cordless chainsaws in the list. As per its name, you get a 14-inch blade with this chainsaw that offers a great balance between size and cutting power. The high-efficient Brushless Motor is powered by a 56V battery. You get a great cutting performance from this cordless chainsaw and you can easily cut trees and tree branches using this chainsaw due to its 6300 RPM motor Since this chainsaw uses brushless motor, it is quite silent when compared with other options. You also get a 5-year warranty with this motor and excellent build quality. As a result, it is the most durable and reliable cordless chainsaw option present in this article. It can last you a long time even if you are using it for heavy-duty applications. The options chosen in this list doesn’t come with battery and charger. A 2.5Ah Li-Ion Battery is recommended Highlights
14-inch blade size 56V electric chainsaw Brushless Motor 5-year warranty Weather-resistant construction Chain kickback brake for safety Chain tensioning knob
Components
Cordless chainsaw User manual Warranty card
6. Makita Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
Makita is a highly popular brand of power tools that manufactures a wide range of high-end models, including cordless chainsaws. This Makita XCU04Z brushless cordless chainsaw comes under the 6th product on this list. It is the best option for those looking for premium chainsaws. Its compact rear handle design provides enhanced performance and user comfort to operate the saw. With its tool-less chain adjustment, you can operate and maintain the saw effortlessly. This chainsaw uses two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries at once to power the brushless motor direct drive system. Thus, you will get a total of 36V power to power up the 16-inch blade, and its variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3, 940 FPM) for decent cutting performance. Since it is engineered with extreme protection technology (XPT), the saw offers improved dust and water resistance that let you work/operate in any weather conditions. The chainsaw will protect its battery from over-discharge, overload, and overheating. Apart from these features, they are built-in LED, auto power-off function, and a built-in lock-off lever. The Makita offers a great build quality along with a 1-year warranty against any manufacturing defects. Highlights:
16-inch blade size 36V (18V+18V) electric chainsaw 2 LXT lithium-ion batteries Brushless motor direct drive system equal to 32CC gas chain saw. Features built-in lock-off lever, auto power-off, and built-in LED. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for enhanced durability Tool-less chain adjustment.
Components
Cordless chainsaw Charger kit User manual Warranty card
7. Craftsman V20 CMCCS620M1 Cordless Chainsaw
Craftsman is a popular brand that manufactures a wide range of high-quality power tools, including this cordless chainsaw. This Craftsman V20 cordless chainsaw is a compact yet powerful option offering a 12-inch blade and a 20V 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery system to power up the brushless power for effortless cutting. It is portable and lightweight, letting you carry it easily around without any issues. It offers a chain pitch of 3/8-inch and a chain speed of 44 feet per second at the given size and battery power. Thus, you will get up to 60 cuts (or) cut up to 10-inch thick upon full charge. With its Versatrack trackwall system, you can keep the equipment, tools, and others within the reach. With its bubble level, the tool provides precise and level cutting. Furthermore, you can find useful features like tool-free tensioning (low maintenance), and auto oiling. Apart from its great build quality, the Craftsman offers a 3-year manufacturing warranty or 90-day money-back return guarantee, which is commonly found in various other chainsaw options out there. It even includes a charger and the 20-volt battery in the pack, which makes you not purchase them separately. Highlights
12-inch blade size Electric cordless chainsaw with 20V battery 0 Ah lithium-ion battery for high capacity and extended runtime Tool-free tensioning for minimum maintenance. Versatrack trackwall system Bubble level and auto oiling Backed by a 3-year manufacturing warranty Compact, portable, and lightweight design Weighs 9.9 lbs with a battery Ergonomic handle for easy to operate and move Chain gauge rating of 0.043 inches Pack includes charger and batteries
Components
Cordless chainsaw Battery Charger kit User manual Warranty card
How to Choose a Cordless Chainsaw/Battery Powered Chainsaw?
While analyzing cordless chainsaws in the market, you have to consider factors that let you decide which one suits you best. Below, we have provided a detail information of the most defining factors of cordless chainsaw.
1. Guide Bar/Blade Length
Blade is sometimes referred as guide bar – it is connected to chain and spins around for chopping the tree or wood. Blade length is the first factor to considered as it determines how thick of wood it can cut. Most of the cordless chainsaws come from a range between 10-inch to 36-inch.
For casual lumberjack and homeowners – 14-inch is ideal For medium-duty jobs – 16-inch to 20-inch For heavy-duty and professional grade jobs – 22-inch to 36-inch
To determine which one suits you perfectly, we recommend to consider basic thumb rule – blade should be at least 2-inches longer than the wood you want to chop. This provides clearance and prevents any kickback injuries (caused by saw blade sudden thrust towards operator). To provide clear guidelines, we provided a table below representing tasks and suitable blade length.
2. Battery Type
Rechargeable batteries used in cordless chainsaws come in three types – Li-ion, No-Cad and NiMH).
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) – This is the most modern battery technology available in the market. They have highest energy density and low self-discharge. They are light in weight, powerful and low maintenance. But they are expensive and can explode at high heat. Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) – These are the oldest type of rechargeable batteries. They perform well even in low temperatures. They are inexpensive, ideal for all products and recharge fair quickly. But they are low energy density and contain toxic chemicals. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) – They are similar to NiCad but much twice effective in terms of performance. They don’t contain any heavy metals which makes them environmental friendly. But they perform poorly in low temperatures.
4. Motor Power
Another important factor to look for while choosing chainsaw is its Motor power. Just like a gas-powered chainsaw where the power rating is given by CC or HP, cordless electric chainsaws have their Motor power mentioned in volts. You can find chainsaw models with Motor power or battery voltage rating of 20V, 40V or 60V. And as you would expect, in most cases, a chainsaw with a 60-volt Motor will offer the best possible performance to the user. Some chainsaw models even use two batteries at once for double the voltage. This also has the benefit of running on a single battery while replacing one of the batteries if needed. Unfortunately, not all cordless chainsaw models come with included batteries. And you might have to buy a battery kit including the batteries and charger later on.
5. Battery Runtime
It represents the time duration the battery will perform under single charge. If the runtime is higher, then you don’t have to recharge multiple times for completing a single task. Runtime is very important as you will only one battery pack for a machine.
6. Blade Speed
You can find the blade speed or motor speed rating mentioned in most of the chainsaw models out there. This rating can be given in RPM or rounds per minute with chainsaw models offering a motor speed of 4000 RPM or 5000 RPM. As you would expect, a 5000 RPM motor will offer better performance and a cleaner cut while using your chainsaw. You can also find the blade speed of some chainsaw models mentioned as FPS or feet per second. This includes ratings like 30 FPS or 40 FPS, where a 40 FPS chainsaw offers better performance than a 30 one.
7. Motor Type
Motor consumes electricity provided battery and drive its parts, including chain. No matter how powerful the battery is, without a good motor, chainsaw will not work efficiently. Previously, electric motors used carbon brushes in order to transmit power. But now-a-days, brushless motors are more common. Magnets present in brushless motor transmit the charge without any physical contact with the components. Because of no physical contact or friction, there will be no interference. So, for an effective cordless chainsaw, we recommend to choose a brushless motor.
8. Oiler Type (Lubrication)
Be it cordless or not, lubrication is very important to maintain bar and chain in proper condition. Oiling process will prevent these components from getting damaged or overheated. The process of oil application differs based on the chainsaw you select. Basically, there are three oiling methods. The best one among them depends on user preference. Below, we have provided information on these three oil types.
Manual Oiler – This process uses a button for oiling the chain and bar. In this way, user will have control over when the oiling occurs and the amount as well. Automatic Oiler (Fixed) – It is a self-oiling system which provides continuous lubrication to chainsaw components. There is no option of increasing or decreasing the flow. Automatic Oiler (Adjustable) – The oiling process is similar to the above. However, it allows the user to increase or decrease the flow. This option is the best of both above options.
It is better to choose a chainsaw with automatic option. Without this, you may have to stop multiple time to oil the chain or blade which will ultimately slow you down.
9. Chain Brake System
Even if you are an experienced professional, it is common to experience kickback sometimes. Kickback is a sudden rational thrust of the blade towards the user. This can sometimes lead to cuts on upper body or face. This happens when the chain gets pinched between wood while cutting or when it catches on a hard object. To prevent such kickbacks, chain brake system is implemented by many manufacturers. This safety mechanism is available in two types – Manual and Inertia-Activated.
Manual Chain Brake – When physical contact is made with bar situated on top handlebar, this safety mechanism will be activated by stopping the chain. Usually, it hits your wrist to trigger the break. Inertia-Activated – It stops the chain when any upward force is encountered. An internal mechanism will be activated and doesn’t look for any physical contact in order to apply brake to the chain.
Both these options are safe and helpful. However, Inertia-Activated Brake is the modern and advanced option. But having this feature can increase the cost of chainsaw.
10. Chain Tensioner Type
Chainsaws go through a lot of beating. So, you have to adjust the chain from time to time. This is even more important for newly purchased chainsaws – as new chains have a tendency to stretch. There are different ways of adjusting chain tension – among them only two are popular.
Scrench Chain Tensioner – This one is performed using a special tool called scrench – a combination of wrench and screwdriver. Using it, you can tighten or loosen the screw or bolt on the chainsaw. Tool-Less Chain Tensioner – It doesn’t require any special tool. Instead, you can just adjust the chain tension using a knob. That is why, it is called tool-less.
11. Buckling Spikes
If you are professional or need to cut heavy logs regularly, then it is better to invest in a model with bucking spikes. This is also mentioned as felling spikes, bumper spikes or dogs. They are sharp metal spikes that are connected to chainsaw. They are usually located at the base of blade. They help you dug the chainsaw deep into the truck of tree log. It makes the whole cutting the trees or logs easy. It also adds a form of protection from kickback. Some professional prefer this option for the stability and control they offer.
12. Handles
Rear and top are the most common types of handles available with cordless chainsaws. Rear handle chainsaws are suitable for ground tasks which is recommended for homeowner use. Top handle types are used when you have to climb up the tree or any elevated platform. It is suitable for professional or while handling heavy-duty tasks.
13. Anti-Vibration Feature
They reduce the vibrations which are commonly felt while operating a chainsaw. It lets you work for long periods easily without numbness or hand fatigue.
14. Spring-Assist Starting
It is the most common quick-start feature available in chainsaws. It will reduce the resistance when the starter cord is pulled. It reduces the force required to start by 40%.
15. Throttle Lock
Before using the control for chainsaw, it forces you to unlock the throttle. This feature prevents unintentional operation of chainsaw.
16. Size and Weight
As all of the electric chainsaw models present in this article are cordless models, their size and weight are quite important to check. This ensures that you can easily use the chainsaw while on the go as they use battery power for powering the blade. The size of a chainsaw is directly dependent on its blade size. A chainsaw with a smaller blade size will have a smaller physical size and vice versa. And as you would expect, a smaller chainsaw is quite easy to carry in the back of your truck or store in your garage when not in use. You should also check the weight of a given cordless chainsaw as a heavy chainsaw can cause hand ache while using it. On the other hand, you can use a lightweight chainsaw for a long time without any issues.
17. Build
Chainsaws come in metallic or polycarbonate build. Metallic ones are more sturdy and long lasting. However, they are a bit expensive. Polycarbonate build is not as quite sturdy but a budget friendly replacement option. If your budget allows, it is better to go for a metallic build.
18. Compatibility with Attachments
As wood working tasks are diverse, it is better to invest in a cordless chainsaw that comes with several attachments designed for different purposes. For example, some of the commonly available attachments are – Debarkers (cleans logs for cutting), beam and milling machines (lets you cut wood for planks, structural boards and beams). Some saws come with attach poles for extended reach, which is helpful for trimming or pruning areas when necessary.
19. Blade Guards and Tip Guard Cases
They are practically storage or carrying bag for the chainsaw. It protects the chain when not in use, prevents any accidental injuries while carrying the saw.
20. Tool-Free Chain Adjuster
It is a plastic knob which can lock/unlock the chain bar for adjusting the chain tension without wrench or screwdriver. With this adjustment, you can adjust the chain tension safely and easily.
21. Popularity and Ratings
Many people just choose a model based on their brand’s popularity. However, this is not the good way to purchase a chainsaw. You have to closely look at the ratings and reviews from product to product, regardless of the brand popularity.
22. Price
As with any product, you will get what you pay for. Cordless chainsaws are available from $130 to $600 based on features and brands. You can find good non-professional saw at lower price range as well but make sure to read all the reviews. But if you can stretch the budget a little bit, then you can get some safety features, ergonomics and power.
24. Durability and Warranty
Since these are power tools that are used for heavy-duty applications like cutting down multiple trees and tree branches at a time, they need to be durable. This ensures that you can use the given chainsaw for a long time without facing any issues. The easiest way to ensure that a given chainsaw is durable enough for your usage is to look at the warranty period offered by it. While some options have a 2-year warranty, others might even have a 5-year warranty. You can also check the build quality offered by a chainsaw as it also contributes to the durability of a chainsaw. Such options with long warranty periods and decent build quality can last you for a long time. Some chainsaw models even include carbide tipped chains that last for a long time and do not need to be replaced quickly.
Safety Considerations while using Chainsaw
Kickback is the main dangers faced by operators while using chainsaw. It happens when the cutting blade is pinched between the wood or when it hits something solid like nail or metal. This will cause the bar to push force against the operator. In order to avoid kickback several chainsaws come with kickback safety mechanisms. Apart from this, there are other safety precautions you have to consider. We have mentioned them for your reference.
You should operate a chainsaw only when you are alert and fully awake. Throughout the operation, keep an eye on chain tension. Because the chains can get loosen up as they heat up. Make sure to wear safety apparel that includes eye and ears protection, chaps, steel-toe boots and heavy-duty gloves. In order to minimize the danger, purchase a model with low-kickback chain. Few chainsaw models come with in-built safety features for keeping the user safe. Avoid modifying or removing these features. Never try to chop wood material that is higher than your chest. Never start chainsaw at the place of fuel tanks or any other fuel source. Sparks can ignite spilled gasoline. Under the cutting location, maintain a clear drop zone. While using a corded electric model, maintain the extension cord behind the chainsaw. It is better to start the chainsaw on the ground with foot on rear handle. Avoid wearing loose clothes while operating the chainsaw. When you are cutting or trimming overhead, make sure to wear hard hat.
How to Maintain a Cordless Chainsaw?
To maintain the efficiency and keep the chainsaw running smoothly, it is important to clean and performance maintenance after every use. Below, we have mentioned some basic maintenance tips for your reference.
Chain Sharpening – For a clean and safer cut, chain has to be sharper. To help this process, chainsaw machines come with filing kits containing several interchangeable wood files, filing guides and depth gauge. Cleaning – Dirt, wear and tear can take a toll on the blade and chair. Over the time, rust can form and damage these components. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean them after every use. Proper Chain Tension – For best results, chainsaws should have 1/8”. If the slack is too much, then it can break up the chain. But if it is too little, it can stall the blade. To increase/decrease the tension, a knob is provided on the chainsaw. Oiling the Chain – As chain and blade interact with each other, proper lubrication is important to keep them smooth. If the chain or blade loses its shine, then it’s time to grease. Make sure to use right oil type for this purpose. Special oils are formulated for oiling chainsaws.
Benefits of Using Cordless Chainsaws
Compared to other chainsaw types, cordless ones come with some unique advantages. We have mentioned them below.
Mobility – Being portable, there is no restriction of plugging the cord to an electrical outlet. So, you don’t have to deal with extension cords, cord entanglement or tripping over while doing them. lightweight structure is another reason that makes this machine portable and easy to move around. Quiet Operation – Gas powered chainsaws are quite loud. Even you use them for just 30 minutes, you will end up with ringing ears and pissed neighbors. But cordless ones are battery operated. So, they are quite. No Fumes – Gasoline chainsaws release smoke which can be quite harmful your health. But cordless one doesn’t release any fumes. Ease of Use – As they are light in weight, you can handle heavy-duty tasks with more control and precision. Lighter structure puts less strain on your hands.
Conclusion:
Cordless chainsaws are a much better version of electric chainsaws since they are powered by batteries. These can be used on the go with a very similar performance to a gas-powered one. Thus, we have mentioned some of the best cordless chainsaw options in this article along with their features and differences. And the detailed buying guide can be quite handy to learn various things about these to choose the perfect one for you. Although, if you are still not able to choose the perfect one for you, here are some of our recommendations:
The Worx WG322 20v cordless chainsaw can be a great option if you are on a budget. Even though it is the cheapest option present in this article, it offers a 3-year warranty. It has a 10″ blade that is powered by a 20V battery. As a result, it is a great option if you are looking for compact and portable cordless chainsaws. On the other hand, the Craftsman V20 CMCCS620M1 Cordless Chainsaw has a large 12″ blade that is the largest in this article. And since it is powered by powerful 20V batteries, it can easily cut through trees and tree branches without any issues. You also get a 3-year warranty with its electric motor and the battery has a capacity of 4.0 Ah. And you get all of this at a very justified price tag. Although, if you want a highly durable and reliable option, you can go with the Ego Power CS1400 cordless chainsaw. It offers a 5-year long warranty and a great build quality that is much better when compared with other options. As a result, it can last for a long time without any issues. It also offers a decent cutting performance due to its 14″ cutting blade and 56V supported battery type. Unfortunately, you have to buy the batteries separately.
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