Battery chainsaw questions

[TresK3]

I don't know if things really break in set of three, but they certainly do in pairs...

About two weeks ago, my 11 year-old Husqvarna lawn mower - yes, I know, lawnmower; I'll get to the chain saw in a minute - gave up it's last ghost with a cough, a sputter, and some metal shavings. It was a 21" push with a B&S engine. RIP. Fairly certain I want to replace that with a battery mower of similar size.

A week later, the chainsaw started acting up (losing chain tension and sending sparks when I tried to cut anything; engine seems fine). I have that in the shop now. It's a 17 year-old Echo CS440 with an 18" bar and standard chain. It has a 45cc engine. It's been a very good saw - pretty much does everything I need: felling smaller trees (12-24" diameter), limbing anything, and bucking larger stuff that I have a professional drop, but also I've used it a lot. Not sure if it will be worth the $$ to fix, yet. So now I'm considering a battery chain saw as well. Obviously, I want to go with the same system for both.

Looking for any recommendations (or negatives) on an overall brand and/or voltage line. Mostly my decision will be based on the chainsaw since there seems to be more variability with those. The two top contenders at the moment are:

GreeenWorks 60V, 20" w/ 8.0 Ah battery and rapid charger (model CS60L810). It has a 4 year warranty on both tool and battery. Claims to be equivalent to a 60cc ICE. $450, complete.​

​

Stihl MS-271 36V, 18" bar, 2 year warranty on tool. No battery with this one, but obviously, I would use the mower battery. $429, tool only.​

The GreenWorks specs out a lot better and has twice the warranty. Has anyone had experience with this line? For lawn mowers, the 60V GreenWorks is $500 with two 4 amp batteries and charger; the 36V Stihl is $799 with one battery and charger.

I've looked at the EGO versions, but the saw has some really bad reviews. Also looked at the Echo line, since I like my current saw - they have a 56 V line with a 5 Ah battery. The mower is $550 with one battery and charger; not sure about pricing on the saw.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Or should I stay with gas on the saw and just look at mowers?

​

 

[hearthon]

Stick with the brand that you have battery's for and buy the chainsaw tool only on sale. That's what I do with all my dewalt stuff. I bought the 20v dewalt chainsaw and I like it, I don't do anything serious with it but it's good. Would love to try their 60v saw someday.

 

[Stelcom66]

I have a 16" Ego chainsaw. That's used mainly for quick, intermittent cuts of pieces to fit in the stove, or cutting large branches. The battery started losing it's charge after about 5 minutes a week or so after buying it. I contacted service, and they sent me a replacement battery. So I can say good customer service.

As for the saw - with a sharpened chain it does an adequate job and is convenient for the use stated above. I couldn't get by with just this though, even just for cutting rounds in my yard. I use a gas saw for that. With the way battery technology is going, maybe there is an adequate battery operated chainsaw that can almost match the performance of a gas saw, but for less run time.

Next season I'll probably buy an Ego weed trimmer - all of their batteries are the same 56v size, with different amperages. The tool batteries can then become backups for each other. The weird thing about Ego is at nighttime seeing a disengaged battery lighting up and going through a self test - both the original (kept it for a 5 minute run time) and replacement at the same time.

 

[walhondingnashua]

I started down the Echo line with batteries after a lot of questions on here along with reading/ watching a lot of reviews. From what I was told by the local battery repair shop, they cannot fix ryobi or ego. They CAN repair husky, stihl and echo batteries. I went with echo because most reviews on their battery line concluded that they were as good, or better than the husky or stihl equipment at a better price. The 56v was another reason. I only have the leaf blower and weedeater at this point because of a sale on a combo pack. Been happy with both. The chainsaw (tool only) is $200 so I will be purchasing it soon. Next summer, I have plans on buy one of the push mowers.

 

[zrock]

2 years ago i sorta went thought the same situation and all my gas powered tools started craping out. I got the greenworks lawn mower, leave blower, and chainsaw. Im quite happy with everything and have had 0 problems. I have the 60v and my only complaint is with the lawnmower and the side discharge, it does not have enough speed to throw the grass and just leaves windrows all over the place, but gives me a chance to use the leaf blower and get rid of all of those and i can live with that

 

[GG Woody]

Milwaukee seems to have a few tools and OPE to go along with their batteries...
I've been on Milwaukee batteries for 24 years, the only complaint is when they switched from 14.4 to 18V then to M18.
I really think they are hanging with M18 for the long run.
I love gas saws but I could add a top handle Milwaukee to the fleet...

 

[Prichan]

I don't know if things really break in set of three, but they certainly do in pairs...

About two weeks ago, my 11 year-old Husqvarna lawn mower - yes, I know, lawnmower; I'll get to the chain saw in a minute - gave up it's last ghost with a cough, a sputter, and some metal shavings. It was a 21" push with a B&S engine. RIP. Fairly certain I want to replace that with a battery mower of similar size.

A week later, the chainsaw started acting up (losing chain tension and sending sparks when I tried to cut anything; engine seems fine). I have that in the shop now. It's a 17 year-old Echo CS440 with an 18" bar and standard chain. It has a 45cc engine. It's been a very good saw - pretty much does everything I need: felling smaller trees (12-24" diameter), limbing anything, and bucking larger stuff that I have a professional drop, but also I've used it a lot. Not sure if it will be worth the $$ to fix, yet. So now I'm considering a battery chain saw as well. Obviously, I want to go with the same system for both.

Looking for any recommendations (or negatives) on an overall brand and/or voltage line. Mostly my decision will be based on the chainsaw since there seems to be more variability with those. The two top contenders at the moment are:

GreeenWorks 60V, 20" w/ 8.0 Ah battery and rapid charger (model CS60L810). It has a 4 year warranty on both tool and battery. Claims to be equivalent to a 60cc ICE. $450, complete.​

​

Stihl MS-271 36V, 18" bar, 2 year warranty on tool. No battery with this one, but obviously, I would use the mower battery. $429, tool only.​

The GreenWorks specs out a lot better and has twice the warranty. Has anyone had experience with this line? For lawn mowers, the 60V GreenWorks is $500 with two 4 amp batteries and charger; the 36V Stihl is $799 with one battery and charger.

I've looked at the EGO versions, but the saw has some really bad reviews. Also looked at the Echo line, since I like my current saw - they have a 56 V line with a 5 Ah battery. The mower is $550 with one battery and charger; not sure about pricing on the saw.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Or should I stay with gas on the saw and just look at mowers?

​

Recent physical disability led me to purchase an electric chainsaw for what I'd thought would be the short term, as I couldn't pull start my 2 trusted 18" Husky and Dolmar gas powered ones. Checked the prices on the better known name brands, then I went to Harbor Freight and got on sale an Atlas 18" 80v electric chainsaw. I was not expecting anything special but I have to say I will now go to it before even thinking about breaking out the gassers. This saw is surprisingly powerful and long lasting with the 80v batteries. You can buy and use the less expensive 40v batteries as the saw operates on either, but it is more economical and practical to go with the 80v in the long run. I ended up joining the Inside Track Club, got the saw and the charger and one 80v battery for about half the normal list price. Really wanted another 80v battery so I waited not too long when the battery came up on sale for Inside Trackers so snagged it, and got the more powerful 8.0 Ah Extreme Performance Lithium-Ion battery, again for half the normal list price. So my savings was substantial. I really love this saw. With the two 80v batteries I can stay busy for a long time cutting. One can be charging while using the other. I got the fast charger.

This thing will take on so far everything I've thrown at it as well as my gassers do. One of the better purchases I've ever made I think. The saw is listed for $149 and the batts about $250, yes expensive but wait till you can get a coupon or they on sale, and if you're Inside Track you'll save even more. Compared to the better known name brand products so far this thing has stood up to the test. I burn about 5 cord wood a year so spend a fair amount of time cutting and splitting. Adding the Atlas saw package to the arsenal is a good back up and, for me, even long term solution.

 

[dougstove]

I recently got the 56V Echo with 18" bar, paired with their string trimmer/brush saw. Both work well so far. I chose Echo for price, and because there is a good local dealer for service. My brother had the DeWalt chain saw and we were not impressed; multiple rounds of warranty returns.

 

[walhondingnashua]

If not interested in using the batteries you already have look into the ability to repair the batteries. I went with echo because the batteries can be fixed and the warranty is good. Next idea might be just to jump in with a combo pack or a brand that has a spring deal where you get something free. I got an extra 2.5 amp battery with my blower/trimmer combo set. This led me to order a top handle echo battery saw.

 

[Turbo89]

I wouldn’t recommend either brand for your goals. Honestly, I’d probably be looking at EGO, their lawn mowers and yard equipment is pretty good and you can stick with one battery system.

If you’re ok with a separate battery system, I’d recommend the dealt 60v saw or the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw, but but the Dewalt 20V. I’ve run all and own a reasonably upgraded 20V Dewalt. The 60V Dewalt / M18 cut as good as my 20”, 62CC gas saw (honestly, probably better).

The 20V Dewalt chainsaw is very convenient, but chokes on anything above 10” or so, and just cuts slow…. It’s also famous for leaking oil. I run it with a 14” bar and 8AH batteries, but it still can’t keep up with my clone 62cc WEMARS gas saw. All that being said, I leave it in my truck a lot with a full battery and that’s pretty useful.

 

[Stelcom66]

I wouldn’t recommend either brand for your goals. Honestly, I’d probably be looking at EGO, their lawn mowers and yard equipment is pretty good and you can stick with one battery system...

I bought an Ego chainsaw 2 years ago. I hope it's the right choice. The battery that came with the saw wouldn't hold a charge a month later. At least Ego was good about sending me a replacement. Now however, that battery isn't very useful - maybe 5 - 6 cuts of a 10" or so tree and it's flashing red (discharged). Was considering Ego's trimmer that includes the battery, same as used in the saw. Or, just purchase another battery, $179 for the 2.5A one that came with the saw, $299 for a 5 amp. So, there's a considerable cost for the convenience.

I think I'm willing to pay for it though, I seem to have bad luck with my gas chainsaws starting and then stalling. I've done the typical maintenance. I'll certainly hang onto them to use for larger cuts. But for what I do in the yard - a few cuts, then splitting, cutting again, etc. Battery power is a good choice IMO.

 

[Turbo89]

I bought an Ego chainsaw 2 years ago. I hope it's the right choice. The battery that came with the saw wouldn't hold a charge a month later. At least Ego was good about sending me a replacement. Now however, that battery isn't very useful - maybe 5 - 6 cuts of a 10" or so tree and it's flashing red (discharged). Was considering Ego's trimmer that includes the battery, same as used in the saw. Or, just purchase another battery, $179 for the 2.5A one that came with the saw, $299 for a 5 amp. So, there's a considerable cost for the convenience.

I think I'm willing to pay for it though, I seem to have bad luck with my gas chainsaws starting and then stalling. I've done the typical maintenance. I'll certainly hang onto them to use for larger cuts. But for what I do in the yard - a few cuts, then splitting, cutting again, etc. Battery power is a good choice IMO.

Yea, you really need to get the big Amp Hour batteries, I ran a few 3 or 4Ah ones; then I upgraded to two 8 Ah batteries for the Dewalt 20V, that helped the saw cut a little stronger and it’ll easily get 50+ cuts of a log. It lasts long enough typically that you can charge the dead battery to about 70% while I use the other 8Ah battery.

With respect to my previous post, I’m assuming you’ll get a big Ah battery(s) with the lawn mower, hence sticking with the system for the chainsaw.

 

[hobbyheater]

Have 3 Stihl chainsaws the biggest being the MSA 300 with a 20 inch bar and will tackle anything up to 20 inches before swtching over to gas .and two batterys will do half a cord . > Video is of the MSA 300 .
Have a Stihl RMA 510 V self propelled lawnmower will do anything that my Honda Commercial would do .No Video of the lawnmower.
Both use the same batterys .

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[John Mc]

Looks as though that MSA 300 works well. What species of wood were you cutting, and do you recall the diameter?

 

[Whitenuckler]

Have 3 Stihl chainsaws the biggest being the MSA 300 with a 20 inch bar and will tackle anything up to 20 inches before swtching over to gas .and two batterys will do half a cord . > Video is of the MSA 300 .
Have a Stihl RMA 510 V self propelled lawnmower will do anything that my Honda Commercial would do .No Video of the lawnmower.
Both use the same batterys .

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Missing ear protection ! I need it just to listen to that whine !

 

[hobbyheater]

Looks as though that MSA 300 works well. What species of wood were you cutting, and do you recall the diameter?

Western Hemlock ,about 14 inches . Cut all the logs in the stack with 300 !

 

[walhondingnashua]

We all know of what can be done to gas saws to improve performance. Although there is no engine to tweak, there have to be at least a few things to improve on a stock battery saw.
I watched a video yesterday of a guy who converted his echo 2500T from 3/8 low profile to .325 nano. I admit to only knowing the minimum when it comes to chains. I would assume, just as it is with gas, the less chain you have in the cut, the less work the saw has to do. There were mixed opinions in the reviews. Some thought the nano was a good idea but some stated 1/4 picco would be better.
Opinions on what chains (gauge, pitch, cutter count, raker height, etc) would optimize a battery saw?

 

[John Mc]

Personally, I'd start with the same pitch chain the manufacturer included with the saw. I would assume they put some thought in to selecting the appropriate chain to make the most of it. However, they'll probably include a safety chain. You can change that to the same pitch chain without some of the safety features for a bit better performance.

Does your battery saw use one of the 3 standard rim sprockets to drive the chain? If so, changing pitch is simple, just replace the sprocket. However, a lot of battery saws use spur sprockets, which means changing the whole clutch drum, and sometimes can mean changing the oil pump drive gear. Not a difficult job, IF the parts needed are available.

I'm just not a fan of the 1/4" pitch chains. They might make sense on small pole saws, but I've not been impressed with them on the few battery saws on which I've tried them. I've never run one on a gas saw.

I'm sure you already know this, but the single biggest "performance improvement" you can make on a chainsaw is learning to sharpen a chain well. It's not difficult to do with several of the different styles of sharpening guides available these days. With a bit of practice, it's not hard to beat "new out of the box" performance on a chain. In my experience, a hand sharpened chain done properly and to manufacturers specs (no customizing of angles or depth gauges) will out-cut a chain sharpened on a grinder by even an experienced operator, and it's not hard at all to beat the job that the typical hardware store flunky does on their grinder after the 15 minutes of training he/she likely had.

 

[salecker]

We all know of what can be done to gas saws to improve performance. Although there is no engine to tweak, there have to be at least a few things to improve on a stock battery saw.
I watched a video yesterday of a guy who converted his echo 2500T from 3/8 low profile to .325 nano. I admit to only knowing the minimum when it comes to chains. I would assume, just as it is with gas, the less chain you have in the cut, the less work the saw has to do. There were mixed opinions in the reviews. Some thought the nano was a good idea but some stated 1/4 picco would be better.
Opinions on what chains (gauge, pitch, cutter count, raker height, etc) would optimize a battery saw?

A sharp chain...
Hands down the best mod for any saw.
The most powerful gas/electric saw will not reach it's full potential if you don't know how to sharpen a chain.
A cheap POS saw with a sharp chain will out-cut a expensive powerful saw with a dull chain

 

[walhondingnashua]

Thanks guys. I have really made keeping my chains sharp a big priority and will do the same with my battery saw.

Do the low pro chains or the nano chain seem to hold their edge better or worse? Do I need to sharpen them any differently?