Pros and Cons of Electric Chainsaws

 
 

April 16, 2009 by Robert 

If you have visited a local hardware store or visiting websites selling chainsaws you will notice that you can buy both gas and electric chainsaws. Due to the lower prices of electric chainsaws, it's tempting to want to purchase an electric chainsaw, but that may not be the right decision. You have to make sure that whatever chainsaw you end up purchasing does what you need it to do.

Below is a list of Pro's and Cons when it comes to purchasing an electric chainsaw so that you can make an informed decision to find out if they are right for you.

 
 

Pros

Inexpensive – Generally speaking, electric chainsaws are less expensive than a gas chainsaw
Lightweight – Gas chainsaws are quite heavy, but electric chainsaws are much lighter.
Reduced Kickback – Electric chainsaws don't suffer from the same harsh kickback that a gas chainsaw suffers from.
No Refueling – There are a number of risks associated with refueling a chainsaw because of the threat of fire, but with electric, you simply plug the chainsaw into any electrical outlet and it will work.
Easy Storage – Because electric chainsaws don't use combustible gasoline, they can be stored easily and no draining of fuel is required.
Quiet – Electric chainsaws are quieter thanks to their electric motor, vs a loud gas engine.
Clean – Because they don't burn fossil fuels, they are safe for the environment.
Maintenance – Because they do not have a gas engine, they have fewer parts to wear out and do not experience as much mechanical breakdown as a gas chainsaw.

Cons

Portability – One of the most obvious cons to owning an electric chainsaw is the need for electricity. If you're using the chainsaw in your yard, an extension cord will suffice, but for those wanting to use it away from home, a generator will need to be brought along to power the electric chainsaw.
Power Loss – Electric engines do suffer from power loss, so if you're working on a thick log, you will notice that it will slow down quickly.
Accidents With Power Cords – Because you will always need to be using a power cord (unless you purchase a rechargeable chainsaw) there's always a chance that the cord will get in the way of cutting and you will end up cutting through the cord.
Less Powerful – Electric chainsaws lack the raw power that is needed for some jobs, so they are better suited to pruning and cleaning up smaller brush.

Electric chainsaws certainly have their place if used for what they are intended. If you live in a town or city and want to use a chainsaw from pruning and light cleanup work, an electric chainsaw is perfect. If you are heading into the forest to do some major cutting, a gas powered chainsaw will most likely be what you are looking for. Do your research and decide what you will be doing with your chainsaw and you will be assured that you are getting exactly what you need.

Poulan is a brand of electric chainsaws that is recommended for occasional use around the home and garden. Poulan is made by a division of Husqvarna. Here are some choices.

Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4 HP Electric Chain Saw Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4 HP Electric Chain Saw
List Price: $89.99
Sale Price: $65.99
Average Rating:

Providing cutting-edge features to help you power through jobs both big and small, the Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4.0 HP Electric Chain Saw arrives fully assembled, so it's ready to go right out of the box...

Poulan 1420 14-Inch 2 HP Electric Chain Saw Poulan 1420 14-Inch 2 HP Electric Chain Saw
List Price: $70.00
Sale Price: $59.52
Average Rating:

POULAN" ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW *14" electric chain *2 amp motor *Manual oilier *Fully assembled *Reduced kickback guide bar and safety chain *Boxed

Poulan 952802360 8 amp 1.5 HP Electric Pole Pruner with 10-Inch Bar and Chain, Boom Telescopes up to 8 Feet Poulan 952802360 8 amp 1.5 HP Electric Pole Pruner with 10-Inch Bar and Chain, Boom Telescopes up to 8 Feet
List Price: $129.00
Sale Price: $89.98
Average Rating:

This 1.5 Peak hp electric tree pruner is perfect for small cutting jobs close to your house or power outlet. This model comes with 10" bar and adjustable extension boom for extended reach. The pruner can be detached from the extension boom and used as an electric chain saw.

Poulan 16-Inch 3.0 HP Electric Chain Saw 1630 Poulan 16-Inch 3.0 HP Electric Chain Saw 1630
List Price: $79.99
Sale Price: $66.54
Average Rating:

The Poulan 16-inch, 3 HP electric chain saw is perfect for light cutting jobs around the yard, with a cutting capacity of 32 inches diameter. The auto-oiling system keeps the 16-inch steel bar and chain fully lubricated...

McCulloch MCC3516F 16-Inch 3.5 HP Electric Chain Saw McCulloch MCC3516F 16-Inch 3.5 HP Electric Chain Saw
List Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $78.53
Used From: $80.99
Average Rating:

McCulloch electric chain saws combine the easiest starting and lightweight power with the great features found on many McCulloch chain saws. Chain Saw Type: Electric, Bar Length (in.): 16, HP: 3.5, Fuel Capacity (pt...

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