Best Cordless Chainsaws
In recent years, cordless chainsaws have become incredibly popular due to their portability, easy maintenance, and high performance. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a homeowner with a penchant for DIY projects, a cordless chainsaw can be a handy tool that allows you to do your work efficiently, and without the limitations of a cord.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the best cordless chainsaws that have impressed us in 2023. Let's get started!
Why Choose a Cordless Chainsaw?
Cordless chainsaws offer several advantages over their corded counterparts:
- Portability: They are not tethered to a power outlet, allowing you to use them anywhere.
- Ease of Use: They are generally lighter and easier to maneuver, making them suitable for both professional and amateur use.
- Low Noise: As compared to gas-powered chainsaws, cordless chainsaws are quieter, making them more comfortable to use.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Cordless Chainsaw
Battery Life
The battery life of a cordless chainsaw is one of the most important factors to consider. Chainsaws with longer battery life allow for extended work periods. However, it's worth noting that the battery life can vary significantly depending on the cutting load. Some models come with extra batteries or fast charging features, which can be handy for prolonged use.
Power
The power of a cordless chainsaw is typically indicated by the voltage of its battery. Higher voltage generally means more cutting power but may also mean a heavier chainsaw. Depending on your needs, you might prefer a less powerful, lighter chainsaw for small tasks or a more powerful one for heavy-duty cutting.
Guide Bar Length
The guide bar length determines the size of wood the chainsaw can cut in a single pass. Smaller chainsaws may have a guide bar length of 10-12 inches, suitable for light tasks like trimming branches. Larger models might have a guide bar length of 16-20 inches, suitable for cutting larger trees.
Safety Features
Look for safety features like a chain brake, which can stop the chain instantly in case of a kickback. Some models might also have features like a low-kickback chain, handguards, and safety shut-off switches.
Weight
A lighter chainsaw can be easier to handle and maneuver, especially for prolonged periods. However, more powerful chainsaws tend to be heavier. It's important to strike a balance between power and weight that suits your needs and physical capabilities.
Price
Cordless chainsaws can range from affordable to quite expensive. Higher-priced models often come with advanced features, more power, and better battery life. It's essential to consider your budget and the chainsaw's features to ensure you're getting good value for money.
Best Cordless Chainsaws of 2023
While the best chainsaw for you depends on your specific needs and preferences, here are a few top-rated models:
1. DeWalt DCCS620P1
- Battery: Uses two 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries
- Charging time: 30 minutes for a full charge (per battery)
- Battery run time: Up to 1.5 hours on a single charge (per battery)
- Motor: Compact reciprocating saw motor with 1-1/4" stroke length
- Strokes per minute: 3200 SPM
- Seat depths: 0-1" with locking shoe
- Length: 7.5" (recip saw only)
- Weight: 3.6 lbs (recip saw only)
- Handles: Soft-grip side handle and rear handle
- Safety features: Clear shoe guard, wood-style handle
- Accessories: Includes blade, battery and charger
The DeWalt DCCS620P1, part of DeWalt's extensive lineup of 20V MAX tools, is an exceptional choice for users who value power and versatility. This chainsaw is powered by a high-capacity 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery that offers long-lasting performance. It's not the lightest chainsaw on the market, but at 8.8 pounds, it's comfortable to handle for extended periods.
One standout feature is the tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob, which allows for proper bar clamping force without the need for additional tools. Add to this a low kickback 12” Oregon bar and chain that can cut through logs with ease, and you have a reliable tool for your trimming and pruning needs.
2. Makita XCU03PT1
- Battery: Uses two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries
- Charging time: 30 to 70 minutes for a full charge (per battery)
- Battery run time: Up to 2 hours on a single charge (per battery)
- Motor: Compact reciprocating saw motor with 1-1/4" stroke length
- Strokes per minute: 3,500 SPM
- Seat depths: 0-1" with shoe
- Length: 9" (recip saw only)
- Weight: 3.2 lbs (recip saw only)
- Handles: Soft-grip side handle and rear handle
- Safety features: Clear shoe guard, dust protection system
- Accessories: Includes blade, battery, charger and carrying case
The Makita XCU03PT1 is a powerhouse, boasting two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries for a whopping 36V of power. This chainsaw stands out for its impressive speed and power, making quick work of even larger cuts.
Makita has incorporated their signature technology into this chainsaw, such as the Star Protection Computer Controls, which protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. The tool also features an adjustable automatic chain lubricator, allowing for easy maintenance and smooth cutting performance.
3. Greenworks Pro GCS80420
- Battery: Uses two 40V MAX lithium-ion batteries
- Charging time: 30-40 minutes for a full charge (per battery)
- Battery run time: Up to 45 minutes on a single charge (per battery)
- Motor: Brushless permanent magnet reciprocating saw motor
- Strokes per minute: 3,000 SPM
- Seat depths: Up to 1 inch
- Length: 9 inches (recip saw only)
- Weight: 4.1 pounds (recip saw only)
- Handles: Soft-grip side handle and rear handle
- Safety features: Clear shoe cover, electronic brake
The Greenworks Pro GCS80420 is a perfect pick for homeowners who require a potent chainsaw for dealing with mid-sized trees and thick branches. Powered by a 80V lithium-ion battery, it can make up to 150 cuts on a single charge.
The 18-inch bar length is more than sufficient for residential use, and the electronic chain brake enhances user safety by preventing kickbacks. This chainsaw also has an automatic oiler to ensure the chain stays lubricated, and it comes with metal bucking spikes that help create stability while cutting.
4. EGO Power+ CS1604
- Battery: Uses two EGO Power+ lithium-ion batteries
- Battery voltage: 56V
- Charging time: 45-90 minutes for a full charge
- Battery run time: Up to 1 hour on a single charge
- Motor: Brushless motor with electronic brake
- Strokes per minute: 2,700 SPM
- Blade stroke: 1-1/4 inches
- Shoe travel: 0-1 inch
- Length: 15 inches
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
The EGO Power+ CS1604 is a robust and dependable chainsaw that provides plenty of power courtesy of a 56-volt lithium-ion battery. With a 16-inch bar and a chain speed of 6800 RPM, this chainsaw can handle most jobs around the yard or farm.
EGO's Weather Resistant Construction ensures that this chainsaw can handle any weather conditions. It also features a chain tensioning knob that allows for quick adjustments without any tools. One of the standout features is its brushless motor, which is not only efficient but also reduces vibration, making the chainsaw more comfortable to use.
5. Ryobi RY40530-PS
- Battery: Uses one 18V ONE+ lithium-ion battery
- Charging time: 30-60 minutes for a full charge
- Battery run time: Up to 35 minutes on a single charge
- Motor: Brushed motor
- Strokes per minute: 2,800 SPM
- Seat depth: 1 inch
- Length: 9.3 inches (recip saw only)
- Weight: 3 pounds (recip saw only)
- Handles: Soft grip side and rear handle with rubber overmold
- Safety features: Shoe guard, side eject blade clamp
The Ryobi RY40530-PS is a compact and lightweight chainsaw that doesn’t compromise on power. It runs on Ryobi's 40V lithium-ion battery, offering performance that rivals many gas-powered models. The chainsaw features a 14-inch bar and chain, making it perfect for smaller to medium-sized tasks.
One notable feature is its side-access chain tensioning and automatic oiler, which make adjustments and maintenance a breeze. This chainsaw also comes with an anti-vibration handle, reducing fatigue on extended use.
6. Black+Decker LCS1240
- Battery: Uses one 14.4V lithium-ion battery
- Charging time: 30 to 60 minutes for a full charge
- Battery run time: Up to 16 minutes on a single charge
- Motor: Brushed motor
- Strokes per minute: 2,500 SPM
- Seat depth: 0 to 1 inch
- Length: 9.3 inches (recip saw only)
- Weight: 3 pounds (recip saw only)
- Handles: Soft grip side and rear handle
The Black+Decker LCS1240 is an excellent choice for those on a budget who need a reliable chainsaw for light to medium-duty tasks. Powered by a 40V MAX lithium-ion battery, it boasts a 12-inch Oregon low-kickback bar and chain, perfect for cutting through smaller logs and branches.
The chainsaw features tool-free chain tensioning, allowing for easy adjustments, and an automatic oiling system keeps the chain well lubricated. It's also one of the lighter models, weighing just over 10 pounds, making it easy to handle for prolonged periods.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best cordless chainsaw, it's important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of the projects you'll be tackling, the tool's weight, battery life, and your budget.
The DeWalt DCCS620P1 and Makita XCU03PT1 are excellent choices for those looking for high performance and power. The Greenworks Pro GCS80420 and EGO Power+ CS1604 are perfect for homeowners dealing with larger tasks, while the Ryobi RY40530-PS and Black+Decker LCS1240 are impressive lighter-duty chainsaws.
Investing in a cordless chainsaw will enhance your productivity and make your outdoor work much more manageable. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when using any chainsaw. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and wear appropriate protective gear when operating these tools.
With a variety of cordless chainsaws on the market, we're sure you'll find one that suits your needs perfectly.