Comments on: How good are electric chainsaws? Do they work as well as the gasoline chainsaws?

By: Jim J

Jim J — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:42 +0000

Electric has some advantages and disadvantages. First, they cut the same. The chain does the cutting and they really don't care how they are driven. The electric will start and stop with a switch. The gas powered ones need to be started and often don't idle well so they stop and must be started again. No biggie if you are standing on the ground, but in the tree that is a pain. The biggest disadvantage with electric is the cord. I would not buy a cordless even if they are available. Also, electric is far quieter which may be a consideration in town or early in the morning.

By: POOKIE

POOKIE — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:42 +0000

Gas are nice because there is no cord, (really that's all) but with the rising gas prices- go for anything that doesn't require another trip to the gas station.
BONUS- I think you get a bit more power from the electric and its without the awful smell of gasoline (that stays on your clothes) and no pollution.

By: train2023

train2023 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:42 +0000

If the trees you have to cut are bigger than 4", don't waste your time with an electric saw. Also, if you are planning on buying a saw, don't buy an American made saw. Don't get me wrong, I love my country but they just haven't figured out how to make a reliable chain saw. Buy Stihl(German-made) or Husqvarna.–Good Luck

By: venus

venus — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:42 +0000

I have a gas chainsaw, and it goes through everything. My buddy has electric and he has to borrow mine…he hee hee, for the bigger jobs.

By: Bruce Goss

Bruce Goss — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:42 +0000

I have two mccullough electric chain saws we use for demolition. You get used to the cord and there are no fumes, great indoors. One thing is if you bind a gas saw the motor usually dies, the electric will not die and can be scary.
We try not to work to close to each other when running these saws, they are very powerful and you can hurt someone if the saw kicks back.
Off the ground the lack of cord makes the gas saw the better choice.

By: Sidney C

Sidney C — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:42 +0000

I would say that it all depends on the size trees you are cutting and are you able to handel the demands of a gas saw as they can get away from you if not being careful.Remember the electric won't have the power that a gas one will and if you have alot of cutting to do the gas one will do it quicker.Also the noise levels are different as well as the life span of the saws.If I were you I would buy a small gas powered as you can find them on sell usually less than a hundred bucks and it will last a life time if you take care of it.