The best electric and gasoline chainsaws 2020: rating, reviews

A chain saw is a very specific device: it is rather difficult to replace it with something else, but not everyone knows how to choose a saw. Most often, it all comes down to the choice between electric and gasoline tools. Which is better, electric or gasoline chainsaws, read our independent top 5.

How electric chain saws differ from gasoline-powered chainsaws

The principle of operation for all chain saws is the same: the engine moves the cutting chain along the bar, and at the same time the saw itself does not it is especially important whether it runs on gasoline, electric current, compressed air, or even muscle strength woodcutter. But for the user, the choice between chain saws of different types is a matter of principle. Hand and pneumatic saws, of course, are exotic tools, but the choice between gasoline and electricity is completely in vain baffling many.

Chainsaws - also called chainsaws - are powered by two-stroke internal combustion engines. They use a mixture of gasoline and oil as fuel. Thanks to the use of a diaphragm carburetor and other tricks, the chainsaws can work in any position without stalling. Usually, machines of this class are equipped with a recoil starter and an automatic brake that stops the chain if the saw, for example, bounces towards the sawer.

For the most part, gasoline saws are quite expensive and heavy, but reliable and productive devices with high power, designed for long-term use in difficult conditions. They do not require an electrical connection, are not prone to overheating and, if there is a sufficient amount of fuel mixture and lubricant, they can cut wood for days on end. For a home or a summer cottage, such opportunities are rather redundant. But at a construction site or in logging, a chainsaw is often indispensable.

Electric chainsaws are very similar to their gasoline counterparts and work in much the same way. However, they have their own specifics. Electric saws do not need a fuel mixture (although you still have to pour lubricating oil into the crankcase), which is their undoubted advantage. An electric motor, unlike an internal combustion engine, does not smell or smoke, so you can also saw with such a tool indoors.

Saws of this type usually cost a little cheaper than gasoline saws, weigh less, take care of them easier, and operate as well. The main disadvantage is obvious: without direct access to the outlet, the power saw turns into a pumpkin. There are, of course, good cordless tools, but their batteries also need to be recharged from time to time. It is unlikely that anyone wants to carry a gasoline generator with them in order to power an electric saw from it. Although there have been such cases in Russian history, moreover, teams of lumberjacks drove through the taiga not just generators, but entire mobile gas power plants, but this is a completely different story.

The performance of electric saws is usually lower than that of gasoline units. Electric motors tend to overheat with prolonged continuous use, so it's better to wield them for 40 minutes a day, no more. In terms of power, electric saws are also often inferior to gasoline ones and therefore are intended not so much for professional use as for household use.

So, let's summarize what is the difference between gasoline and electric saws:

• autonomy: electric saws need access to the electrical network, gasoline - only a fuel mixture;
• productivity: gasoline saws are usually more powerful and more productive than electric ones, and are also able to work for a long time without breaking or overheating;
• Convenience: electric saws are relatively light and easy-to-use tools, which cannot be said about chainsaws (nevertheless, both of them need to monitor the condition of the chain, bar and lubricant). In addition, electric units do not emit exhaust, do not smell like fumes and make much less noise than gasoline ones;
• price: chainsaws are usually more expensive than electric ones;
• Reliability: Electric saws are generally more prone to overheating and breakage than those with combustion engines;
• Scope of application: most often, electric saws are amateur-class devices that can be used to cut firewood for a bath or trim bushes in the country. Due to the difficulty in handling, gasoline saws are usually used in a professional environment: in construction and logging.

All chainsaw manufacturers produce both gasoline and electric devices. Our independent top 5 includes devices from Makita, Bosch, Caliber, greenworks and Huter. Let's take a closer look at them.

Top 5 electric and gasoline saws

The best mains saws

1. Makita UC3541A

Makita is one of the oldest and most respected tool manufacturers in the world. This electric chain saw, priced at around RUB 6,500, fully justifies the iron reputation of the brand. The instrument weighs less than 5 kilograms, but it is assembled with high quality, it fits comfortably, and you can use it for a long time without getting tired. Power of 1800 watts is enough for any household needs, including small construction. If you do not overtighten the plastic attachment of the chain and clean the oil channels in time, the tool will serve for many years. True, many complain about the quality of the complete chain, which dulls after about a month of active use, so it is better to immediately replace it with something better.

Price: ₽ 6 308

Makita UC3541A

2. BOSCH AKE 30 S

Everybody knows Bosch tools and other equipment, both amateurs and professionals. So this saw, at a relatively low price of 6500 rubles, is capable of a lot. With a chain and a tire, the unit weighs less than 4 kilograms, but develops a solid 1,800 watts of power. The saw is equipped with an SDS system for easy tensioning and replacement without the need for additional tools. The set comes with a chrome-plated chain, capable of long service with careful use. The only thing that upsets this light and compact device is not the highest maintainability, but the tendency to consume an excessive amount of oil. Otherwise, it is an excellent choice for a summer residence and a garden.

Price: ₽ 6 310

BOSCH AKE 30 S

3. CALIBER EPTs-1800/14

The Russian brand CALIBR is not as famous as Makita and Bosch, however, chain saws under it are produced, albeit not very expensive, but quite worthy. For a modest 4,000 rubles, we are offered a 1,800-watt instrument that will show itself well in construction, garden maintenance, and other household chores. But for felling wood, this saw is not suitable - here the design is not the same, and the productivity is not so much. The tool, of course, is a little heavy - its weight is 5.3 kilograms - but with such opportunities and such a price, this disadvantage can be tolerated. An excellent budget electric saw that will not disappoint those who will not expect the capabilities of a professional tool from it.

Price: ₽ 3 861

CALIBER EPTs-1800/14

Best Battery Saw

4. Greenworks G40CS30 2.0Ah x1

Hand-held cordless electric saw, capable of working without being constantly tied to an electrical outlet. A battery with a voltage of 40 volts gives out enough power for all household needs: cutting down a couple of trees on the site, trimming bushes or preparing firewood for a bath with its help is the very thing. The battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh lasts for 30-40 minutes of continuous operation. The instrument weighs a little, but it works almost silently in comparison with gasoline counterparts. Not all reviews about the quality of the complete chain are positive, therefore, it may be better to immediately replace it with something of a higher quality. The main drawback of this unit, which is good in all respects, is the high price of almost 12,000 rubles, but you can pay extra for such mobility and convenience.

Price: ₽ 12 060

Greenworks G40CS30 2.0Ah x1

Best Chainsaw

5. Huter BS-45

One of the most affordable household-class chainsaws on the market: the price of this unit is slightly more than 5500 rubles. BS-45 weighs, of course, more electrical counterparts - about 7 kilograms with a bus and a chain. But this saw also has more power, a serious 2300 watts, and a long 45-centimeter tire allows you to cut even thick trees. If you monitor the condition of the tool, clean the saw and adjust it according to the instructions, then it will serve for many years. A serious and at the same time inexpensive tool that will easily cover any household needs. The main disadvantage of this chain saw is that the quality is not very consistent, so be sure to check the tool before buying.

Price: ₽ 5 620

Huter BS-45

Popular questions

Are electric saws inferior in power to chainsaws?
Electric, like gasoline chain saws can be of very different power, so it is quite possible to find an electric saw that is more powerful than a gasoline one. However, if we talk about powerful professional models, then they really, basically, work on internal combustion engines. And yes, the most powerful chainsaws are more powerful than the most powerful electric saws.

Do electric saws have limitations on the duration of continuous operation?
Electric saws are generally not recommended to be used continuously for more than 40 minutes. Longer operation can lead to overheating and damage.

conclusions

So, chain saws can be both gasoline and electric. The former are most often used in professional activities due to their high power and reliability. The latter are usually inferior in these parameters, but they win in terms of ease of use and price. Therefore, choosing between an electric and a gasoline chain saw is not that difficult if you know how to choose the right one. We hope our Independent Top 5 was able to help you with this.
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