I have made the switch I started with an 80v lawnmower, kobalt. And now have the weed trimmer, and the hedge trimmer. Chain saw is next. The 80 v line has been great and now have plenty of batteries in case of that big job. Keep up the great work.
Good comparison video. If you compare one against one, some people might lean to gas but if you have multiple tools and common batteries, than I think the electric is the way to go. I live in the city and storing gas in the Texas garage and having a quieter chainsaw are also two considerations for me...
I started down the road of battery powered yard equipment with a Dewalt hedge trimmer. Figured safe brand to go into, there was 5 or 6 other tools that used the same battery already available. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm looking to add the polesaw, and DeWalt has eliminated everything in the line I'd started buying into and doesn't even offer the battery packs anymore. That has pretty much all but pushed me back to gas powered tools as there's significantly less worry about future supportability.
I notice you are cutting juniperus ashei (also called Ashe juniper, Mountain Cedar, Blueberry Juniper, or Post Cedar) . That wood can be beautiful for small turned objects and small art objects. I have one I cleaned, shaped, drilled and lacquered. Looks fantastic and I use if to stand some art paint brushes up in as a holder. Take a small piece and strip the bark...looks good.
While I still own a gas chainsaw. I did buy a battery chainsaw this past summer. I love it for trimming trees and cleaning up fallen limbs from my property. It can easier cut up whole trees too. However, it is a little slower than my gas saw. I just love the fact that I can pick up my battery saw and cut NOW!!! Great review video! Have a Great Week April!!!
All my garden tools are battery powered, for my smaller yard its by far the better option. Just need to keep a spare battery ready Thanks for another great video April
As I've become an old man, I've grown to prefer the electric tools vs. gas. Just easier. And thanks for wearing chaps. Femoral artery cuts are not a joke, not to mention all the other damage if could do your legs.
When I was at school, I remember our biology teacher telling us about a butcher that wasn't wearing their apron when chopping with a cleaver. Apparently, someone trying to save the butcher knelt on their knee in his groin & still couldn't stop him bleeding out. Don't know if the story is true but, as you can see, it left an impression.
I purchased two Milwaukee battery powered chainsaws ... the battery powered platform is the way to go ... I bought the entire outdoor tool line from Milwaukee and haven’t looked back ... thanks for the review
Battery definitely has an advantage over small gas saws and is ideal for the brush you're dealing with. My saw eats a bit larger lunch, primarily bowl blanks and such for wood turning, so electric isn't on the menu until it can spin at least a 28" bar. It's interesting to see how the technology is growing though.
Thanks for the video. One concern thou. When all and said and done I'm not sure if the carbon footprint is any smaller considering we still use natural gas and coal to produce electricity. The deposal of the battery, etc. I am not a fan of the gas and oil industry but I do believe in taking a good look before jumping on the "electric" band wagon. I do realize there are other advantages to the electric saw including noise and convenience.
@@rcollinge5818 really? Of all electricity produced what percentage is powered by fossil fuel? While I don't know the current number, it is over 50%. If we're looking for excuses we'll always find them.
April, I have a mess of cedar on my property behind the house if you need more trees to compare your gas and battery chainsaws on. You can stop by any time! The live oaks near the cedars appreciated the cedar clearing I've already finished by leafing out on limbs I thought were too far gone to come back. What a difference it made to the live oaks.
Since I was already well into the Makita 18 volt battery system, I replaced my Stihl string trimmer and blower with Makita battery powered equipment (I got tired of having to rebuild carbs every year or two). On my 3/4 acre, they are perfectly fine and have plenty of power. If I were still cutting commercially, I would still at least have a gas backup just because gas and oil are easy to find in a pinch. I also have the Makita 18 x 2 chainsaw. works well unless you need to take down a large tree.
I pretty much switched over to Dewalt 20 volt tools quite a while back. I have a Husqvarna 455 Rancher and a Husqvarna Hedge trimmer but they gather dust because my Dewalt replacements are ready as soon as I am and the 5 amp batteries (2 of them) last about as long as my 67 year old body does. I find that by the time they need to rest and charge so do I. I also have the smaller 2 amp batteries but they can't run the chainsaw as well as the 5 amp batteries do, I mainly keep them in my drill and impact driver in the shop.
The noise is a very important point if you are working next to a hospital, a medical center, a school or offices. It might be a bonus to get hired because your tools are less noisy.
Good to see a youtuber actually competent with a chiansaw. I am a ex-forester. Electric chainsaws are the superior product. Especially with two batteries or backpack battery, I see lots of professional landscaping teams switching too. But Husqvarna though. Nuff said. Electric chainsaws will be in harvesting gangs in the near future, probably already are as a second saw. Top tip, keep batteries between 30-80% SOC, full change immediately before using and it will out last you.
While I haven't switched to a battery powered chain saw, I did switch to the battery powered string trimmer this year. I am very pleased with it. The convenience is unmatched.
Never thought I'd admit it but I'm a convert to battery powered equipment too. I still have my gas saw and corded electric I got for small, close to the house jobs but really haven't touched either of those two in a while. I don't have a high end battery powered saw but still it has never let me down.
Besides the gas-powered ones, we also have an electric corded chainsaw from Stihl. When cutting logs to length (At home) we always use the corded one. It's more powerful than the gas-powered and much lighter and also quieter. Sure it's not practical when not cutting at home, bot for that we have our gas ones. That corded electric chainsaw is just a beast if you find a practical application for it. We heat our home with wood so we got a lot of cutting to do at home.
@@tiporari If you work with the chainsaw for the whole day, I 100% agree with you. If you for example live in the suburbs and just use it here and there, the battery ones are superior IMHO. They are ready when you are, "easier" to use and don't require gasoline. It's just more convenient if it's just for garden work.
@@tiporari "The battery ones are garbage unless you only use a saw for limbing and pruning." When was the last time you purchased a battery operated chainsaw? It's been a couple years now that I seen a video in which the person testing one said the newer ones were better than the old ones. You probably need a 30volt+ system for a decent battery powered chain saw.
Awesome video. I changed to a battery operated Sthil chainsaw in April. My older professional saw was to hard to start and too heavy. I am a battery man for the rest of my life. THANK YOU. :-) :-) :-)
I used to use chainsaws and brush cutters (big strimmer....... that can run steel blades, including chainsaw toothed blades) as part of my living and if they could bottle the smell of wood chip mixed with bar oil + fuel and smoke I would be a very, VERY happy man!!!! I have used electric and my personal opinion is that the smell is so close I'd still be a happy man. Yes, my thoughts on which is best come down to smell!!!! 😁 If my back was still able to use them, I'd have both in a small saw size plus a big petrol saw for the fun/scary jobs. Sound wise, I always turned the saw off when I wasn't cutting so that doesn't really bother me and compared to a big brush cutter, that sits just behind your right ear, chainsaws sound quieter any way. 👍
Are the battery saws safer to use than the corded electric saws? One of the biggest issues I’ve heard with corded saws is that they are not stopped by chaps like a gas powered saw. How does the battery powered saw compare?
Curious if the Stihll battery chainsaw can be throttled like a gas engine or is it simply on/off. Also, is there any delay when you pull the power trigger before the motor starts. I've noticed that on other brands.
I have a Stihl battery powered chain saw and a leaf blower that use the same batteries, and I've used gas-powered equipment for over 50 years, and still have some. The battery technology has come a long way and makes a lot of sense now in many situations where it did not, previously. You make a lot of good points, I'd like to add a few. One historic advantage of gas saws was that you could almost instantly extend the operation by refilling the gas tank, where batteries take a half hour to recharge. But if you have extra batteries, that difference goes away. And a battery tends to last me through about 45 minutes or more of cutting. Actual runtime is more like 20-25, but unlike gas saws, everytime you let go of the trigger to move a limb, you're not wasting energy reserves. Unless you are just cutting up a lot of logs you already had laid out, your electric saw should be fine. And if you're close enough to electrical power, you can recharge one battery while using the other, making two batteries sufficient for an entire day. Having two tools using the same battery, i have 2 batteries and two chargers. One's always set up in my shop for when I get done with a project. The other is in a "go bag" for my truck. I use the 110V inverter built into my truck dash to charge batteries all the time, on the property, or on the way to help other family members.
Battery chain saws are great for small branches and trees like you have in abundance. Their charge lasts longer than one might expect as the on time is a limited percentage of the work. For those outside of Texas, the "cedar" is actually Ashe Juniper, sometimes called Texas or Mountain Cedar. It is good for fence posts that can last 30 or more years. But Ashe Juniper almost explodes when burning, a very fast and hot burn. As a result, there are often burn bans in the area as is currently in place in Central Texas.
Hi from the UK. Would this be suitable for 6ft overgrown weeds? Some of the stalks have become thick and woody, I think there's a small tree there but it's mostly green. Do you think this would clog up the blade or is it ok to use on mostly green? Also average battery time on a small garden please? Thanks
the instant-on, low maintenance nature of electric garden tools has always appealed to me. My solution to battery life on an electric chainsaw is to used a mains-powered device, but I am also doing only small residential jobs around my property so running an extension cord is no trouble. I'm glad to hear battery units are close to the power of IC-driven units though.
Nice video, I think that battery operated chain saws are coming around more and more. No gas, just batteries and bar oil. Some people will still use the gas chainsaw, but I think that the battery operated ones will be used for home use.
Thought that was a darn good piece on battery powered chain saws. I have a stil that I use for all my wood turning needs. Works in the shop even in the winter (Minnesota). I’ve had it for 3 years now. Wouldn’t give it up.
I've got 3 batteries and 2 chargers for my battery set. I don't need to stop work ever to wait for a battery. Maybe if I'm leaf blowing non-stop for an hour, I'd have to wait a few minutes here and there, but generally not
As a retired firefighter I wonder how well it would work on a roof as well how it would deal with other fire ground problems? One less noise making machine along with the weight reduction might be great! Thanks for educating me and suggesting a Christmas present for my wife ( who already owns an electric and a gas powered chainsaw.) 🤚
For a few limbs battery power is fine. Something to consider though is when those very expensive batteries die and no longer take a full charge your back buying new batteries. Gas saws will work for many many years, as long as you take care of them. I've had a Homelite for 45 years still runs well and I have cut hundreds and hundreds of cords of firewood w it. Yes it's old and heavy but I sure got my monies worth out of her.
I've switched to totally to battery. I'm at an age that if I have a huge job that needs a powerful gasoline chain saw I hire out the job. Otherwise for small to medium jobs I use battery. I love my battery weed eater too. I have several acres to keep tidy and with two batteries I can do the job. I know own, chainsaw, mower and weed eater and I have 3 total batteries.
I have the same MS 211, great little saw, and using Motomix premix fuel, you can leave it in for months, and it will start, with no prob, even my dad's old MS 250 with no primer bulb or compression release, it still cranked within a few pulls
Battery powered tools have come a long way but they still aren't to the level they need to be. Only way battery powered tools will out sell gas tools is when they surpass gas powered in performance, longevity, durability, and etc. That's a very long road ahead. Until this happens they will always be considered a "2nd" option to people. I'm still not sold on battery powered in heavier applications.
All of your requirements are there today. However, everyone tries to make everything as cheap as possible, so electric tools tend to be more plastic, and less powerful. (they also don't want to kill their dead-dino brands) For me, the biggest drawback to electric battery life -- battery tech is getting better, but it's still nowhere near what a gallon of gas (or diesel) provides. And many of the places I've used a chainsaw is miles from the power grid. 5gal of gas is much lighter and cheaper than a dozen battery packs. For small jobs, yes, I reach for battery powered toys.
@@jfbeam I'm a huge fan of battery powered hand tools compared to wired tools because the power is there and the freedom of it but that's as far as my battery powered line goes. I've never been blown away by battery tools like saw, mowers, weed eaters and etc. I've constantly felt the need for way more power. You don't get that feeling with gas powered unless you cheap out when buying a product. The battery platform has a very long way to go in my opinion.
I'm still on the fence if battery power is the best way to go as far as leaving a smaller carbon foot print. It take ALOT of mining to get the lithium to make the batteries. And what about disposing of the battery? Are we sacrifices convenience for the better good in the long run? 🤔
Don't be fooled to think that the only emissions of a gasoline operated one are produced when using it. Manufacturing the internal combustion engine is no small feat, nor is the drilling, pumping, refining and transportation of oil/gasoline. Batteries can be recycled via similar means as raw ore is processed to metals. Also, lithium is not the main component in a lithium battery - in most chemistries, there is way more nickel. Those materials need to be mined yes, but over time the majority of those materials can be recycled from old batteries.
Well thought out comment. At the user end it is a smaller carbon footprint. The question you raise is a vaild point. What it the over-all difference, from start to finish of the product and its components? Additionally, on any particular electric grid, what is the footprint made by producing the electric to recharge the batteries? There are still a lot of coal power plants out there and nuclear fusion has waste materials and ecological impact as well.
We really appreciate your review on the Stihl 220 C chainsaw. I have a gas Stihl chainsaw but we’ve been leaning toward a battery one. I definitely like the 220c and probably will purchase one. Thanks for the video. 👍👍👍❤️
Great video. I use mostly battery-operated tool for lawn and landscaping. My edger and blower are battery-operated. My mower, though, remains gas powered. I don't see myself changing that soon. Regarding batteries and the environment, be aware of this. If your local power plant runs on fossil fuels, your battery-powered equipment runs on fossil fuels, too. The difference is that the tail pipe is at the power plant rather than at the equipment. And something can be said for that, too.
The bigger difference is in efficiency. Even powered by fossil fuels, electric motors are far more efficient at using that energy than a gas engine. Can be more than twice as efficient.
@@Dosbomber Nope. Just the little 20 volt guy. It took down most of a cherry tree that was dying and processed it using 4 recharges. Only thing it couldn't do was the main trunk. Had the guy who ground my stump take it down with his 24" bar gas saw.
We’ve got a couple battery operated saws now, but when that next storm comes through and takes down tree after tree as well as your power for what could be days, battery anything won’t do you a whole lot of good.
Any good Texan has a generator. The smart ones have a dual fuel gas/propane generator. The wealthy ones have auto switchover whole house propane generators. Push come to shove, you charge in your truck. But the batteries you have will chop up the tree that fell over the road. Not to say you don't use the old gas chain saw if it will start.
Had to trim several branches between 8-15 feet. After awhile of holding my gas Stihl in the air over my head, I'd welcome a battery one, especially for these smaller jobs. When felling a tree with 24" radius or more, I'm happy to still have the gas.
Important: do not rely solely on ear muffs, you need to have ear plugs too. Most muffs are not rated high enough to protect against the saw's noise. AC powered is better than gas or battery. A battery motor will have less torque than an equivalent horsepower AC motor. Electric (any sort) has almost instant torque, gas has to "rev" up. AC doesn't have batteries that will change format every few years, or not work in opposing company's devices. Electric plugs have been standard for nearly a century. Batteries have a huge environmental impact, from mining, manufacture, transport, and disposal. I use AC around the yard and gas elsewhere. Battery powered saws wouldn't even be a thought. BTW, I only use corn oil on my bar as 100% of the oil is going into the environment, biodegradable and less dependence on OPEC.
I have an echo CS 590 gas chainsaw, but around the house my Ryobi battery powered is what I use most of the time. As long as it has a sharp blade it cuts pretty well and I don't have to make my neighbors hear all the noise. It cuts quite a bit faster than any sawzall with the Diablo blade on it.
For light, occasional cutting, I think the batteries versions are a real option. They will never be as durable or long lasting as a gas driven but it depends on how they are used. Biggest downside I see is with the battery. The battery is essentially a consumable and a periodic high price replacement. Other than that, I find them very intriguing.
depends where you live or if you have solar panels. If you live in area powered by wind/solar/nuclear engergy vs coal/natural gas....so anywhere from zero to still less than a gas chainsaw, since even coal plants produce less carbon emissions than a gas engine for the same amount of energy
Highly depends on where you are. The battery April has there has a capacity of 281Wh. For me (Germany), we have an emission factor of about 400g of CO2 per kWh of electricity. To charge that battery would therefore result in 112.4 g of CO2 per charge. That's like burning 0.049 l (0.013 gallons) of gas. If your emission factor is higher, these values will be higher as well. Depends highly on the energy production system in your area. Also, the cost is a big factor. I calculated that over the lifetime of my battery powered weed eater, it will pay for itself in gas-cost-savings.
Construction of battery etc etc I can see a point of view. I myself not yet sold on battery saws or tools for that matter. But must admit to having battery drills which do the job for me. Most of my chainsaw work is in arduous territory and off grid so a lighter saw good but gas saw for a long day in the field I reckon
No, it's not really debatable. Small gas engines like those in lawn mowers and chainsaws are awful. They belch out pollutants like a car, because they aren't held to the same standards. To say nothing of local noise and air pollution, where is absolutely is no debate.
@@seruresto1386 I would absolutely debate what you say is undebateable. I LOVE the sound and smell of those engines. Much better than a plastic (made with oil) battery powered machine burning coal to get recharged from a decrepit power grid that can barely keep up with demand currently. A self powered 2 stroke smells and sounds like FREEDOM!
I got a battery operated saw for my father; hasn't used his engine saw since. Though the largest trees he would probably go after are 10" max (majority 8" max), so that helps a bit there.
Corded and battery power chainsaw will have slower chain speed feet per second than a gas saw does. Still works, but is different. Chain will have more vibration.
Personally, I prefer Ryobi, they have a wide selection of tools and I can use the same batteries for all tools, I start building my woodworking tools since last year and have already got over 10 different tools from Ryobi, always get more when there's a deal at home depot, in fact just picked up a pole saw today that was on my list, and it is 40% off, amazing deal!!
I have the battery saw and love it! I use it to make bowl blanks in the shop if needed. I also have the gas model for heavier work, ripping cutting the pith out. Great saws both of them. Be safe, be Cool! Beach, NC
I have replaced so many battery tools because the replacement cost of the batteries encourage you to just buy a new unit. Gas chainsaw will never have the obsolete battery problem.
Most of the time when the second battery has died from all your cutting you are getting tired also. The large batteries for these cordless chain saws last alot longer than most people think.
My Ram pickup has a 110V inverter and outlet in the dash. It's rated for 150W. My chargers run fine on it. John Deere Gator also has one. I have the AL-100 chargers. They take about 30 minutes to recharge the battery, and I have two batteries, which gives me anywhere from 1 to 2 hours of cutting time. (You can get even faster chargers from Stihl, but they use more power, more than the truck inverter supports.) Alternatively to a generator, you could also carry one of the portable battery chargers that has an inverter, or a portable electric inverter like this if you had other needs to justify it. www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Solar-Ready-Generator-Emergency/dp/B07SM5HBK1
there is very little difference in "enviromental impact" between the two, yes the battery unit isnt burning gas but there was a lot of fuel burned and resources used to make the battery packs, in automobiles this can be outweighed if the charging electricity is clean but in the case of a home owner chainsaw youll never overcome the initial foot print of all those lithium cells being produced
@Slow Pedro Hi Pedro. Sorry, no not yet. I havent yet fired up my new MS 291. We’ve had a lot of rainy weather here lately and also letting a sprained wrist heal. (Gonna need a fully working wrist to hold the heavy 291!) In meantime upgrading my home shop a bit. Bought a new vise I need to mount and set up a chainsaw sharpening station.
Oh wow I’m so glad I ran into your video/channel. I need to purchase a chainsaw and was wondering how they differ in performance (especially for a woman, since it’s just me maintaining stuff at home and it’ll be the first time doing something my little pole saw can’t handle). Happy I stumbled upon your video thank you so much 😊😊
Correct on the battery powered chainsaw. Since i've built my tool set around Milwaukee I'll be getting their saw. Batteries are expensive, especially the size to run a chainsaw.
COST of Stihl's batt saws is much higher than high end competitors ( Makita, Milwaukee, etc...) . If I didn't need to cut 6-8 firewood cords/year and trail clear year round, a batt saw would be great. BUTT.... Good point about down time while working with gas saws. Never thought about it. Thx.
It is right when you're comparing premium gas and premium battery tools. When you look at the market, the whole cheap gas saw will cost as much as one battery for the electric one. )
Good point, Tomek. The $$$ are the catch. The 220C-B looks like a winner, but it is pricey. $749 for the saw with a 16" bar, one AP300S battery, and a charger. A second AP300S battery will put you back $239. So, basically a shade under $1000. Whew! You can get a pro-grade 261 CM for a lot less than that. At $400 you could buy a 59cc Echo Timberwolf and still have nearly $600 left for a more modest battery saw. I bought a 40v Poulan Pro on closeout and I love it for pruning limbs and stuff under 6". It's a great orchard saw. I just have to remember to use thinner bar oil in the winter since there is no motor to warm it.
Thanks for this review! I’d like to buy one of these battery powered saws. But the web site does not have a purchase online option nor is it available on Amazon. Do you know what might be going on? Thanks!
The 220A can cut without stalling. I have a 140A. It stops with any real force put on it. I bought mine to carve in the city as hours of running a gas powered saw will bring a noise complaint
Do the battery powered saws have enough power to do occasional milling? I assume that kind of long rip cut takes a lot more power than a relatively short cross cut.
I have an eGo 16" saw. Yes, it can handle "occasional" milling, although if you're cutting with the grain you'd probably want a different tooth profile, but that would go for a gas saw as well. I helped a neighbor cut up an old mostly dead/dried tree, maybe locust or something similarly hard. He had a 16" gas saw, said the chain needed sharpening and I believe him from the amount of dust vs chips his generated, but my eGo went through it fine, to include a couple cuts near the base where I was bar deep and then had to do the other side to finish the cut. Same tree, doing some rip cuts, near bar length long, would cause some problems due to the long strings building up that maybe wouldn't have been a problem with the different tooth shape mentioned above.
I have a question. I'm wondering if the e-chainsaw has a chin tightener . The Makita chainsaw didn't have a chain tightener and would always throw the chain regularly. That's why I didn't get one. I know Stihl has been in the chainsaw business for years and had to think of that... right?
I can't believe anyone would make a chainsaw without a way to adjust the chain tension. In fact the first one I found with a google search for "Makita electric chainsaw" has it. Mechanically, you really can't make a chainsaw without a way to adjust the chain bar position to account for manufacturing differences in chains and other parts. Now, if you are talking about "automatic" chain tension, that is just down to what you want to pay for. Not worth it, in my opinion.
I also have EGO, I have trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer, and chain saw. Like the Chain saw the least. Seams to through the chain easily. I love the other tools. Looking to add brush cutter attachment. Mine run on 56V. Used blower to move leaves this fall and worked great. Great video as always April.
A great episode as usual. I will make one amendment, battery powered are not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The manufacture of batteries and the power plants that provide the electricity to recharge use allot of fossile fuel to produce. I haven't seen the math on this particular saw, but whenever I have crunched the numbers on the fossil fuels used to produce and run electric tools, the difference in carbon footprint is either negligible or even favors gas powered. If this makes you mad, don't blame me, blame the math.
It's mostly going to depend on the battery capacity. My kobalt came with a 2AH (amp hour) and was good for about 45 minutes of cutting up 4 to 6 inch diameter branches. Higher capacities will last longer on similar or smaller projects. I know kobalt has 4AH batteries (probably bigger) that fit, but I don't know what the stihl tools have.
April, I am converting all to battery power as well. I am a Makita fan as they have a huge line of tools that all use the same battery architecture. Don’t have the chainsaw yet but am waiting for a deal!
I'm not keen on battery-powered tools. Every one I've owned, the batteries have died early, replacements are EXPENSIVE, and often the maker has "upgraded" and my particular battery is no longer available. I'll stick with extension cords. I've had two gas saws, and both also gave me constant troubles to get and keep running. The electric saws never fail. I have a 10-inch "pruning" saw that I've used to take down and cut up 12-inch palms. A corded chainsaw might not be best for ranch work, but for house/yard work it is fine and much cheaper.
I've switched my entire gas army to electric . Even my zero turn is electric. Check out the Ryobi zero turn, 100 amp hr. 3 acre , 42" cut. Thanks for the video and educating the gas users.
I have the milwaukee fuel chainsaw and firewood is not a problem at all. Anymore on my hunting property I use the battery over gas 99.9% of the time. Only felling huge oaks do I reach for my bigger bar gas saw.
Saw maintenance time is so much less with electric which drastically shortens the work hours during biannual tool maintenance days. It's a win for that fact alone but it still seems like I need to keep a gas around. I think all it will take is one more slight advancement in fuel cell technology to be able to add a bit more power without loss in longevity to the point where they outperform gas entirely.
Great video. Probably best to have both because I sometimes forget to plug in chargers. :) I just bought a corded drill as backup (to cordless drill) for this exact reason.
when you say you are saving the environment using battery tools around your home the effort will make miniscule amount of difference, but some mountain in south america is getting dug up for the materials to make the batteries, and the amount of energy it costs to put them together. your battery tools and batteries will have died decades before they have covered the cost to the environment to make them, just love your videos none the less,
I love my electric chainsaw. Mine is corded, so I have to use an extension cord. Funny thing is, my electric chainsaw has more torque than my old gas chainsaw. Plus sides, I don't have to worry about batteries, and if I don't have anywhere to plug my extension cord in, I just bring my portable generator with me. The generator uses gas, but at least I don't have to bother with the oil-gas mixture for a chainsaw.
This totally convinced me to get a battery saw. Thank you for your hard work & continued efforts to help us improve. 🙏 Sending gratitude from a Daoist monastery near Seattle! ☯️
I have made the switch I started with an 80v lawnmower, kobalt. And now have the weed trimmer, and the hedge trimmer. Chain saw is next. The 80 v line has been great and now have plenty of batteries in case of that big job. Keep up the great work.
Good comparison video. If you compare one against one, some people might lean to gas but if you have multiple tools and common batteries, than I think the electric is the way to go. I live in the city and storing gas in the Texas garage and having a quieter chainsaw are also two considerations for me...
I started down the road of battery powered yard equipment with a Dewalt hedge trimmer. Figured safe brand to go into, there was 5 or 6 other tools that used the same battery already available. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm looking to add the polesaw, and DeWalt has eliminated everything in the line I'd started buying into and doesn't even offer the battery packs anymore. That has pretty much all but pushed me back to gas powered tools as there's significantly less worry about future supportability.
I notice you are cutting juniperus ashei (also called Ashe juniper, Mountain Cedar, Blueberry Juniper, or Post Cedar) . That wood can be beautiful for small turned objects and small art objects. I have one I cleaned, shaped, drilled and lacquered. Looks fantastic and I use if to stand some art paint brushes up in as a holder. Take a small piece and strip the bark...looks good.
While I still own a gas chainsaw. I did buy a battery chainsaw this past summer. I love it for trimming trees and cleaning up fallen limbs from my property. It can easier cut up whole trees too. However, it is a little slower than my gas saw. I just love the fact that I can pick up my battery saw and cut NOW!!! Great review video! Have a Great Week April!!!
All my garden tools are battery powered, for my smaller yard its by far the better option. Just need to keep a spare battery ready
Thanks for another great video April
As I've become an old man, I've grown to prefer the electric tools vs. gas. Just easier. And thanks for wearing chaps. Femoral artery cuts are not a joke, not to mention all the other damage if could do your legs.
The chaps aren't rated for electric saws.
@@jonanderson5137 do the electric saws not have a clutch that will bog out/disconnect once filled with the fibers from the chaps?
@@thomasarussellsr the electric saw torque is exactly why the chaps aren't rated.
I bought a new pair of chaps this year, can't remember if Husq or Stihl and it's written on the tag.
When I was at school, I remember our biology teacher telling us about a butcher that wasn't wearing their apron when chopping with a cleaver. Apparently, someone trying to save the butcher knelt on their knee in his groin & still couldn't stop him bleeding out. Don't know if the story is true but, as you can see, it left an impression.
I purchased two Milwaukee battery powered chainsaws ... the battery powered platform is the way to go ... I bought the entire outdoor tool line from Milwaukee and haven’t looked back ... thanks for the review
Battery definitely has an advantage over small gas saws and is ideal for the brush you're dealing with. My saw eats a bit larger lunch, primarily bowl blanks and such for wood turning, so electric isn't on the menu until it can spin at least a 28" bar. It's interesting to see how the technology is growing though.
Thanks for the video. One concern thou. When all and said and done I'm not sure if the carbon footprint is any smaller considering we still use natural gas and coal to produce electricity. The deposal of the battery, etc. I am not a fan of the gas and oil industry but I do believe in taking a good look before jumping on the "electric" band wagon. I do realize there are other advantages to the electric saw including noise and convenience.
NEVER assume electricity is made from coal or gas !
There are alot of areas in the U.S.A. that are powered by HYDRO, Solar and Wind !
@@rcollinge5818 And what are the parts made from or use power from to make them? Gas and oil.
@@rcollinge5818 really? Of all electricity produced what percentage is powered by fossil fuel? While I don't know the current number, it is over 50%. If we're looking for excuses we'll always find them.
So helpful - I'm looking at getting my first chainsaw for fairly light duty work. I'll go with battery.
2:02 "That means you can mix skipping gas and oil". I am so glad I'm not the only one who does this!
LOL, I had to listen to that a couple of times to make sure I heard it the way she said it.
Haha, me too!
I still adore her, no matter what skip-mixing she decides to do...😛
April, I have a mess of cedar on my property behind the house if you need more trees to compare your gas and battery chainsaws on. You can stop by any time! The live oaks near the cedars appreciated the cedar clearing I've already finished by leafing out on limbs I thought were too far gone to come back. What a difference it made to the live oaks.
Since I was already well into the Makita 18 volt battery system, I replaced my Stihl string trimmer and blower with Makita battery powered equipment (I got tired of having to rebuild carbs every year or two). On my 3/4 acre, they are perfectly fine and have plenty of power. If I were still cutting commercially, I would still at least have a gas backup just because gas and oil are easy to find in a pinch. I also have the Makita 18 x 2 chainsaw. works well unless you need to take down a large tree.
I pretty much switched over to Dewalt 20 volt tools quite a while back. I have a Husqvarna 455 Rancher and a Husqvarna Hedge trimmer but they gather dust because my Dewalt replacements are ready as soon as I am and the 5 amp batteries (2 of them) last about as long as my 67 year old body does. I find that by the time they need to rest and charge so do I. I also have the smaller 2 amp batteries but they can't run the chainsaw as well as the 5 amp batteries do, I mainly keep them in my drill and impact driver in the shop.
The noise is a very important point if you are working next to a hospital, a medical center, a school or offices. It might be a bonus to get hired because your tools are less noisy.
Good to see a youtuber actually competent with a chiansaw.
I am a ex-forester. Electric chainsaws are the superior product. Especially with two batteries or backpack battery, I see lots of professional landscaping teams switching too.
But Husqvarna though. Nuff said.
Electric chainsaws will be in harvesting gangs in the near future, probably already are as a second saw.
Top tip, keep batteries between 30-80% SOC, full change immediately before using and it will out last you.
While I haven't switched to a battery powered chain saw, I did switch to the battery powered string trimmer this year. I am very pleased with it. The convenience is unmatched.
Never thought I'd admit it but I'm a convert to battery powered equipment too. I still have my gas saw and corded electric I got for small, close to the house jobs but really haven't touched either of those two in a while. I don't have a high end battery powered saw but still it has never let me down.
Besides the gas-powered ones, we also have an electric corded chainsaw from Stihl. When cutting logs to length (At home) we always use the corded one. It's more powerful than the gas-powered and much lighter and also quieter. Sure it's not practical when not cutting at home, bot for that we have our gas ones. That corded electric chainsaw is just a beast if you find a practical application for it. We heat our home with wood so we got a lot of cutting to do at home.
This 100%. The battery ones are garbage unless you only use a saw for limbing and pruning.
@@tiporari If you work with the chainsaw for the whole day, I 100% agree with you. If you for example live in the suburbs and just use it here and there, the battery ones are superior IMHO. They are ready when you are, "easier" to use and don't require gasoline. It's just more convenient if it's just for garden work.
@@tiporari
"The battery ones are garbage unless you only use a saw for limbing and pruning."
When was the last time you purchased a battery operated chainsaw?
It's been a couple years now that I seen a video in which the person testing one said the newer ones were better than the old ones.
You probably need a 30volt+ system for a decent battery powered chain saw.
Awesome video. I changed to a battery operated Sthil chainsaw in April. My older professional saw was to hard to start and too heavy. I am a battery man for the rest of my life. THANK YOU. :-) :-) :-)
I used to use chainsaws and brush cutters (big strimmer....... that can run steel blades, including chainsaw toothed blades) as part of my living and if they could bottle the smell of wood chip mixed with bar oil + fuel and smoke I would be a very, VERY happy man!!!! I have used electric and my personal opinion is that the smell is so close I'd still be a happy man. Yes, my thoughts on which is best come down to smell!!!! 😁 If my back was still able to use them, I'd have both in a small saw size plus a big petrol saw for the fun/scary jobs. Sound wise, I always turned the saw off when I wasn't cutting so that doesn't really bother me and compared to a big brush cutter, that sits just behind your right ear, chainsaws sound quieter any way. 👍
Are the battery saws safer to use than the corded electric saws? One of the biggest issues I’ve heard with corded saws is that they are not stopped by chaps like a gas powered saw. How does the battery powered saw compare?
Curious if the Stihll battery chainsaw can be throttled like a gas engine or is it simply on/off. Also, is there any delay when you pull the power trigger before the motor starts. I've noticed that on other brands.
I have a Stihl battery powered chain saw and a leaf blower that use the same batteries, and I've used gas-powered equipment for over 50 years, and still have some. The battery technology has come a long way and makes a lot of sense now in many situations where it did not, previously. You make a lot of good points, I'd like to add a few. One historic advantage of gas saws was that you could almost instantly extend the operation by refilling the gas tank, where batteries take a half hour to recharge. But if you have extra batteries, that difference goes away. And a battery tends to last me through about 45 minutes or more of cutting. Actual runtime is more like 20-25, but unlike gas saws, everytime you let go of the trigger to move a limb, you're not wasting energy reserves. Unless you are just cutting up a lot of logs you already had laid out, your electric saw should be fine.
And if you're close enough to electrical power, you can recharge one battery while using the other, making two batteries sufficient for an entire day. Having two tools using the same battery, i have 2 batteries and two chargers. One's always set up in my shop for when I get done with a project. The other is in a "go bag" for my truck. I use the 110V inverter built into my truck dash to charge batteries all the time, on the property, or on the way to help other family members.
Battery chain saws are great for small branches and trees like you have in abundance. Their charge lasts longer than one might expect as the on time is a limited percentage of the work. For those outside of Texas, the "cedar" is actually Ashe Juniper, sometimes called Texas or Mountain Cedar. It is good for fence posts that can last 30 or more years. But Ashe Juniper almost explodes when burning, a very fast and hot burn. As a result, there are often burn bans in the area as is currently in place in Central Texas.
Hi from the UK. Would this be suitable for 6ft overgrown weeds? Some of the stalks have become thick and woody, I think there's a small tree there but it's mostly green. Do you think this would clog up the blade or is it ok to use on mostly green? Also average battery time on a small garden please? Thanks
the instant-on, low maintenance nature of electric garden tools has always appealed to me. My solution to battery life on an electric chainsaw is to used a mains-powered device, but I am also doing only small residential jobs around my property so running an extension cord is no trouble. I'm glad to hear battery units are close to the power of IC-driven units though.
Nice video, I think that battery operated chain saws are coming around more and more. No gas, just batteries and bar oil. Some people will still use the gas chainsaw, but I think that the battery operated ones will be used for home use.
Thought that was a darn good piece on battery powered chain saws. I have a stil that I use for all my wood turning needs. Works in the shop even in the winter (Minnesota). I’ve had it for 3 years now. Wouldn’t give it up.
2:18 stihl also makes some direct injection chainsaws which eliminate the carborator
I've got 3 batteries and 2 chargers for my battery set. I don't need to stop work ever to wait for a battery. Maybe if I'm leaf blowing non-stop for an hour, I'd have to wait a few minutes here and there, but generally not
Did you discuss cost comparison?
As a retired firefighter I wonder how well it would work on a roof as well how it would deal with other fire ground problems? One less noise making machine along with the weight reduction might be great! Thanks for educating me and suggesting a Christmas present for my wife ( who already owns an electric and a gas powered chainsaw.) 🤚
For a few limbs battery power is fine. Something to consider though is when those very expensive batteries die and no longer take a full charge your back buying new batteries. Gas saws will work for many many years, as long as you take care of them. I've had a Homelite for 45 years still runs well and I have cut hundreds and hundreds of cords of firewood w it. Yes it's old and heavy but I sure got my monies worth out of her.
I've switched to totally to battery. I'm at an age that if I have a huge job that needs a powerful gasoline chain saw I hire out the job. Otherwise for small to medium jobs I use battery. I love my battery weed eater too. I have several acres to keep tidy and with two batteries I can do the job. I know own, chainsaw, mower and weed eater and I have 3 total batteries.
I have the same MS 211, great little saw, and using Motomix premix fuel, you can leave it in for months, and it will start, with no prob, even my dad's old MS 250 with no primer bulb or compression release, it still cranked within a few pulls
Battery powered tools have come a long way but they still aren't to the level they need to be. Only way battery powered tools will out sell gas tools is when they surpass gas powered in performance, longevity, durability, and etc. That's a very long road ahead. Until this happens they will always be considered a "2nd" option to people. I'm still not sold on battery powered in heavier applications.
2:56 Wild chickens in the background planning their attack.
Great video. Very informative.
All of your requirements are there today. However, everyone tries to make everything as cheap as possible, so electric tools tend to be more plastic, and less powerful. (they also don't want to kill their dead-dino brands) For me, the biggest drawback to electric battery life -- battery tech is getting better, but it's still nowhere near what a gallon of gas (or diesel) provides. And many of the places I've used a chainsaw is miles from the power grid. 5gal of gas is much lighter and cheaper than a dozen battery packs. For small jobs, yes, I reach for battery powered toys.
@@jfbeam I'm a huge fan of battery powered hand tools compared to wired tools because the power is there and the freedom of it but that's as far as my battery powered line goes. I've never been blown away by battery tools like saw, mowers, weed eaters and etc. I've constantly felt the need for way more power. You don't get that feeling with gas powered unless you cheap out when buying a product. The battery platform has a very long way to go in my opinion.
Wired tools are dead they just don't know it yet. Makes so much more sence in almost every setting from jobsite to domestic.
I'm still on the fence if battery power is the best way to go as far as leaving a smaller carbon foot print. It take ALOT of mining to get the lithium to make the batteries. And what about disposing of the battery? Are we sacrifices convenience for the better good in the long run? 🤔
Don't be fooled to think that the only emissions of a gasoline operated one are produced when using it. Manufacturing the internal combustion engine is no small feat, nor is the drilling, pumping, refining and transportation of oil/gasoline. Batteries can be recycled via similar means as raw ore is processed to metals. Also, lithium is not the main component in a lithium battery - in most chemistries, there is way more nickel. Those materials need to be mined yes, but over time the majority of those materials can be recycled from old batteries.
Well thought out comment. At the user end it is a smaller carbon footprint. The question you raise is a vaild point. What it the over-all difference, from start to finish of the product and its components? Additionally, on any particular electric grid, what is the footprint made by producing the electric to recharge the batteries? There are still a lot of coal power plants out there and nuclear fusion has waste materials and ecological impact as well.
This is very interesting to me. Thank you for more insight. 😊
We really appreciate your review on the Stihl 220 C chainsaw. I have a gas Stihl chainsaw but we’ve been leaning toward a battery one. I definitely like the 220c and probably will purchase one. Thanks for the video. 👍👍👍❤️
Great video. I use mostly battery-operated tool for lawn and landscaping. My edger and blower are battery-operated. My mower, though, remains gas powered. I don't see myself changing that soon. Regarding batteries and the environment, be aware of this. If your local power plant runs on fossil fuels, your battery-powered equipment runs on fossil fuels, too. The difference is that the tail pipe is at the power plant rather than at the equipment. And something can be said for that, too.
The bigger difference is in efficiency. Even powered by fossil fuels, electric motors are far more efficient at using that energy than a gas engine. Can be more than twice as efficient.
2:56 Wild chickens in the background planning their attack.
Great video. Very informative.
I haven't touched my Stihl gas saw since I bought my little Dewalt chainsaw. I'm only on a half acre suburban lot though.
Dewalt Flexvolt 60V Max brushless? That's the one I'm looking at for myself.
@@Dosbomber Nope. Just the little 20 volt guy. It took down most of a cherry tree that was dying and processed it using 4 recharges. Only thing it couldn't do was the main trunk. Had the guy who ground my stump take it down with his 24" bar gas saw.
We’ve got a couple battery operated saws now, but when that next storm comes through and takes down tree after tree as well as your power for what could be days, battery anything won’t do you a whole lot of good.
Any good Texan has a generator. The smart ones have a dual fuel gas/propane generator. The wealthy ones have auto switchover whole house propane generators. Push come to shove, you charge in your truck. But the batteries you have will chop up the tree that fell over the road. Not to say you don't use the old gas chain saw if it will start.
Had to trim several branches between 8-15 feet. After awhile of holding my gas Stihl in the air over my head, I'd welcome a battery one, especially for these smaller jobs. When felling a tree with 24" radius or more, I'm happy to still have the gas.
Important: do not rely solely on ear muffs, you need to have ear plugs too. Most muffs are not rated high enough to protect against the saw's noise.
AC powered is better than gas or battery. A battery motor will have less torque than an equivalent horsepower AC motor. Electric (any sort) has almost instant torque, gas has to "rev" up. AC doesn't have batteries that will change format every few years, or not work in opposing company's devices. Electric plugs have been standard for nearly a century.
Batteries have a huge environmental impact, from mining, manufacture, transport, and disposal.
I use AC around the yard and gas elsewhere. Battery powered saws wouldn't even be a thought.
BTW, I only use corn oil on my bar as 100% of the oil is going into the environment, biodegradable and less dependence on OPEC.
Steve a big yes especially if you throw in the arms of your safety glasses breaking the seal between muff and skin
The battery operated chainsaw did they sale the unit as a package or did you have to buy the charger and battery separately
Around $300 for the Battery version..... not bad at all. I’m getting one. Thanks for the vid
A lot of the local tool stores are selling them now more than the gas ones
I have an echo CS 590 gas chainsaw, but around the house my Ryobi battery powered is what I use most of the time. As long as it has a sharp blade it cuts pretty well and I don't have to make my neighbors hear all the noise. It cuts quite a bit faster than any sawzall with the Diablo blade on it.
For light, occasional cutting, I think the batteries versions are a real option. They will never be as durable or long lasting as a gas driven but it depends on how they are used. Biggest downside I see is with the battery. The battery is essentially a consumable and a periodic high price replacement. Other than that, I find them very intriguing.
How much carbon does it take to charge a battery?
depends where you live or if you have solar panels. If you live in area powered by wind/solar/nuclear engergy vs coal/natural gas....so anywhere from zero to still less than a gas chainsaw, since even coal plants produce less carbon emissions than a gas engine for the same amount of energy
Highly depends on where you are. The battery April has there has a capacity of 281Wh. For me (Germany), we have an emission factor of about 400g of CO2 per kWh of electricity. To charge that battery would therefore result in 112.4 g of CO2 per charge. That's like burning 0.049 l (0.013 gallons) of gas. If your emission factor is higher, these values will be higher as well. Depends highly on the energy production system in your area.
Also, the cost is a big factor. I calculated that over the lifetime of my battery powered weed eater, it will pay for itself in gas-cost-savings.
The smell and sound of my 2 stroke saw is my favorite part about using it! Reduction of carbon footprint with electric is debatable.
Construction of battery etc etc I can see a point of view. I myself not yet sold on battery saws or tools for that matter. But must admit to having battery drills which do the job for me. Most of my chainsaw work is in arduous territory and off grid so a lighter saw good but gas saw for a long day in the field I reckon
I agree with both of you. Definitely are some debatable aspects.
No, it's not really debatable. Small gas engines like those in lawn mowers and chainsaws are awful. They belch out pollutants like a car, because they aren't held to the same standards. To say nothing of local noise and air pollution, where is absolutely is no debate.
@@seruresto1386
I would absolutely debate what you say is undebateable. I LOVE the sound and smell of those engines. Much better than a plastic (made with oil) battery powered machine burning coal to get recharged from a decrepit power grid that can barely keep up with demand currently. A self powered 2 stroke smells and sounds like FREEDOM!
I got a battery operated saw for my father; hasn't used his engine saw since. Though the largest trees he would probably go after are 10" max (majority 8" max), so that helps a bit there.
Corded and battery power chainsaw will have slower chain speed feet per second than a gas saw does. Still works, but is different. Chain will have more vibration.
Personally, I prefer Ryobi, they have a wide selection of tools and I can use the same batteries for all tools, I start building my woodworking tools since last year and have already got over 10 different tools from Ryobi, always get more when there's a deal at home depot, in fact just picked up a pole saw today that was on my list, and it is 40% off, amazing deal!!
I have the battery saw and love it! I use it to make bowl blanks in the shop if needed. I also have the gas model for heavier work, ripping cutting the pith out. Great saws both of them. Be safe, be Cool! Beach, NC
I have replaced so many battery tools because the replacement cost of the batteries encourage you to just buy a new unit. Gas chainsaw will never have the obsolete battery problem.
A cordless saw is great, but you can't get far from an electrical outlet. And if you need to take a gas generator with you for charging?)
Most of the time when the second battery has died from all your cutting you are getting tired also. The large batteries for these cordless chain saws last alot longer than most people think.
My Ram pickup has a 110V inverter and outlet in the dash. It's rated for 150W. My chargers run fine on it. John Deere Gator also has one. I have the AL-100 chargers. They take about 30 minutes to recharge the battery, and I have two batteries, which gives me anywhere from 1 to 2 hours of cutting time. (You can get even faster chargers from Stihl, but they use more power, more than the truck inverter supports.) Alternatively to a generator, you could also carry one of the portable battery chargers that has an inverter, or a portable electric inverter like this if you had other needs to justify it. www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Solar-Ready-Generator-Emergency/dp/B07SM5HBK1
Thanks April! Exactly what i am looking for in a comparison. Not just which one cuts the fastest, etc.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Little baby saw that 211...we run ms460 as our go to saws up here. Anything smaller is a kick around saw
there is very little difference in "enviromental impact" between the two, yes the battery unit isnt burning gas but there was a lot of fuel burned and resources used to make the battery packs, in automobiles this can be outweighed if the charging electricity is clean but in the case of a home owner chainsaw youll never overcome the initial foot print of all those lithium cells being produced
Yay! A chainsaw video, thank you. Still sticking with Stihl gas-powered for now. Just added an MS 291 to the family last week (it’s a beast! 🙂)
@Slow Pedro Hi Pedro. Sorry, no not yet. I havent yet fired up my new MS 291. We’ve had a lot of rainy weather here lately and also letting a sprained wrist heal. (Gonna need a fully working wrist to hold the heavy 291!) In meantime upgrading my home shop a bit. Bought a new vise I need to mount and set up a chainsaw sharpening station.
@Slow Pedro Oh no way. My shop
Is waaaaaaay to messy right now! 😂
Oh wow I’m so glad I ran into your video/channel. I need to purchase a chainsaw and was wondering how they differ in performance (especially for a woman, since it’s just me maintaining stuff at home and it’ll be the first time doing something my little pole saw can’t handle). Happy I stumbled upon your video thank you so much 😊😊
Correct on the battery powered chainsaw. Since i've built my tool set around Milwaukee I'll be getting their saw. Batteries are expensive, especially the size to run a chainsaw.
You made some good points about the battery powered saws especially when you have it in your vehicle no gas smell. Take care and have a blessed week.
COST of Stihl's batt saws is much higher than high end competitors ( Makita, Milwaukee, etc...) . If I didn't need to cut 6-8 firewood cords/year and trail clear year round, a batt saw would be great. BUTT....
Good point about down time while working with gas saws. Never thought about it. Thx.
It is right when you're comparing premium gas and premium battery tools.
When you look at the market, the whole cheap gas saw will cost as much as one battery for the electric one. )
Good point, Tomek. The $$$ are the catch. The 220C-B looks like a winner, but it is pricey. $749 for the saw with a 16" bar, one AP300S battery, and a charger. A second AP300S battery will put you back $239. So, basically a shade under $1000. Whew! You can get a pro-grade 261 CM for a lot less than that. At $400 you could buy a 59cc Echo Timberwolf and still have nearly $600 left for a more modest battery saw. I bought a 40v Poulan Pro on closeout and I love it for pruning limbs and stuff under 6". It's a great orchard saw. I just have to remember to use thinner bar oil in the winter since there is no motor to warm it.
Thanks for this review! I’d like to buy one of these battery powered saws. But the web site does not have a purchase online option nor is it available on Amazon. Do you know what might be going on? Thanks!
3,4k views in 38 min, That's respect, hope to get there one day. You have done a Great job with your channel april 👍
The 220A can cut without stalling. I have a 140A. It stops with any real force put on it. I bought mine to carve in the city as hours of running a gas powered saw will bring a noise complaint
Do the battery powered saws have enough power to do occasional milling? I assume that kind of long rip cut takes a lot more power than a relatively short cross cut.
I have an eGo 16" saw. Yes, it can handle "occasional" milling, although if you're cutting with the grain you'd probably want a different tooth profile, but that would go for a gas saw as well. I helped a neighbor cut up an old mostly dead/dried tree, maybe locust or something similarly hard. He had a 16" gas saw, said the chain needed sharpening and I believe him from the amount of dust vs chips his generated, but my eGo went through it fine, to include a couple cuts near the base where I was bar deep and then had to do the other side to finish the cut. Same tree, doing some rip cuts, near bar length long, would cause some problems due to the long strings building up that maybe wouldn't have been a problem with the different tooth shape mentioned above.
I just bought the Dewalt 20V 12” chainsaw. For what I will be doing this was a no brained. Especially since it is on sale for $89 at Home Depot
I have a question. I'm wondering if the e-chainsaw has a chin tightener . The Makita chainsaw didn't have a chain tightener and would always throw the chain regularly. That's why I didn't get one. I know Stihl has been in the chainsaw business for years and had to think of that... right?
I can't believe anyone would make a chainsaw without a way to adjust the chain tension. In fact the first one I found with a google search for "Makita electric chainsaw" has it. Mechanically, you really can't make a chainsaw without a way to adjust the chain bar position to account for manufacturing differences in chains and other parts. Now, if you are talking about "automatic" chain tension, that is just down to what you want to pay for. Not worth it, in my opinion.
I also live in the Texas Hill Country and I like the way you limb up those Cedars!
Looks Great! ♡
Very informative video! Thanks for the comparison.
How about the fence around the treehouse deck Apeil.? Is it finished now?
Great video as always...you should look into Ego’s battery platform I think you’ll like it
I also have EGO, I have trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer, and chain saw. Like the Chain saw the least. Seams to through the chain easily. I love the other tools. Looking to add brush cutter attachment. Mine run on 56V. Used blower to move leaves this fall and worked great. Great video as always April.
vegetable oil makes a GREAT bio option for bar oil
Good review their April. It was also nice to see the safety equipment you had on to.
I really like what you do. Can't wait to see The Wood Shed.
Great video! Never thought i would be watching a woman giving us good advise on chainsaws
The saw is a beast. I use it regularly for firewood and clearing my hunting property. Went with the 12AH battery and love it!
A great episode as usual.
I will make one amendment, battery powered are not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The manufacture of batteries and the power plants that provide the electricity to recharge use allot of fossile fuel to produce. I haven't seen the math on this particular saw, but whenever I have crunched the numbers on the fossil fuels used to produce and run electric tools, the difference in carbon footprint is either negligible or even favors gas powered.
If this makes you mad, don't blame me, blame the math.
Nice review / intro to battery op chainsaws. That looks like one hefty battery.
April, how long does each battery last under a typical load? Like when you were cutting the larger logs?
It's mostly going to depend on the battery capacity. My kobalt came with a 2AH (amp hour) and was good for about 45 minutes of cutting up 4 to 6 inch diameter branches. Higher capacities will last longer on similar or smaller projects. I know kobalt has 4AH batteries (probably bigger) that fit, but I don't know what the stihl tools have.
Sure would be nice to see gas vs. cordless of more than one brand.
April,
I am converting all to battery power as well. I am a Makita fan as they have a huge line of tools that all use the same battery architecture. Don’t have the chainsaw yet but am waiting for a deal!
Tip: Red devil pruning blades 9"-12" work wonders for your battery powered sawzall. I love those blades. They cut through trees like butter.
I'm not keen on battery-powered tools. Every one I've owned, the batteries have died early, replacements are EXPENSIVE, and often the maker has "upgraded" and my particular battery is no longer available. I'll stick with extension cords. I've had two gas saws, and both also gave me constant troubles to get and keep running. The electric saws never fail. I have a 10-inch "pruning" saw that I've used to take down and cut up 12-inch palms. A corded chainsaw might not be best for ranch work, but for house/yard work it is fine and much cheaper.
I've switched my entire gas army to electric . Even my zero turn is electric. Check out the Ryobi zero turn, 100 amp hr. 3 acre , 42" cut. Thanks for the video and educating the gas users.
I experienced alot of joy using a battery powered polesaw. And it got me wondering if a big battery saw could cut firewood.
I have the milwaukee fuel chainsaw and firewood is not a problem at all. Anymore on my hunting property I use the battery over gas 99.9% of the time. Only felling huge oaks do I reach for my bigger bar gas saw.
Project Farm recently did some really good comparisons of electric chainsaw models and included a petrol one.
Saw maintenance time is so much less with electric which drastically shortens the work hours during biannual tool maintenance days. It's a win for that fact alone but it still seems like I need to keep a gas around. I think all it will take is one more slight advancement in fuel cell technology to be able to add a bit more power without loss in longevity to the point where they outperform gas entirely.
I'm a big fan of electrical tools and have had electric lawn mowers for over thirty years.
Great video. Probably best to have both because I sometimes forget to plug in chargers. :) I just bought a corded drill as backup (to cordless drill) for this exact reason.
Lithium batteries hold their charge in storage. And charge very fast. With two your set.
@@rj.parker Good point, also, invest in an inverter for field work.
@@SaturdayProjects The new Ford F150 has a 7500 watt inverter as an option on its hybrid version.
@@rj.parker I've seen this on a number of vehicles.
@@SaturdayProjects 1500w not 7500w of AC power this Ford will have.
when you say you are saving the environment using battery tools around your home the effort will make miniscule amount of difference, but some mountain in south america is getting dug up for the materials to make the batteries, and the amount of energy it costs to put them together. your battery tools and batteries will have died decades before they have covered the cost to the environment to make them, just love your videos none the less,
Plus, where does your electricity come from?
@@jfbeam Lightning Bolts!!!!! (I'll leave now {slinks away})
I picked up a electric many years ago, that was corded and it was a work horse!
I have been thinking of a leaf blower and will have to check one out.
April Wilkerson great video agan thanks 👍👌
I love my electric chainsaw. Mine is corded, so I have to use an extension cord. Funny thing is, my electric chainsaw has more torque than my old gas chainsaw. Plus sides, I don't have to worry about batteries, and if I don't have anywhere to plug my extension cord in, I just bring my portable generator with me. The generator uses gas, but at least I don't have to bother with the oil-gas mixture for a chainsaw.
Well that doesn't happen very often: I just got a Stihl chainsaw ad before this video. 😁
This totally convinced me to get a battery saw. Thank you for your hard work & continued efforts to help us improve. 🙏
Sending gratitude from a Daoist monastery near Seattle! ☯️
And also adds to the draw on the electric grid. So combos of both are better.