7 best chain saws for battery and network models
The chain electric saw does not require engine maintenance and is environmentally friendly, in comparison with gasoline counterparts. There are two categories of such a tool. Our rating of the best chain saws, based on reviews by craftsmen and gardeners, as well as key features of the tool, will help you choose the right model.
Best Network Electric Chainsaws
These chain saws operate from a single-phase network of 220 V. The power of the engines varies from 1300 to 2000 W, which allows you to cut materials of different density.
Due to the constant power supply from the mains, an electric saw can work for a long time of 5-8 hours a day. This is a good option for cottages, firewood, small construction work, manipulations in the workshop. But the power saw is limited by the length of the cord and you have to stretch the extension cord everywhere. Care is also required so as not to accidentally cut the wire.
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| Makita UC4041A | STIHL MSE 141 C-Q-14 | Makita UC 4530 A / 05 | PATRIOT ESP 1814 | Bosch AKE 30 S | |||||||
| Power, W | 1800 | 1400 | 2000 | 1800 | 1800 | ||||||
| Tire length mm | 400 | 350 | 450 | 355 | 300 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 4,7 | 4,1 | 4,4 | 4,35 | 3,9 | ||||||
| Keyless chain tension adjustment |  |
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| Number of links, pcs | 56 | 61 | 62 | 52 | 45 | ||||||
Makita UC4041A
A power saw with a bus length of 40 cm and a groove width of 1.3 mm. The power of the tool is 1800 watts. It is equipped with a second handle of complex shape for convenient holding during sawing in all spatial positions.
+ Pros of Makita UC4041A
- You can pull the sagging chain without any additional tool - just push the lever on the rotary tensioner and scroll it a bit forward.
- The main handle is well rubberized on both sides.
- The start key has a safety button to protect against accidental start-up and to facilitate holding it in the clamped position.
- Compact housing length due to transverse engine position.
- The chain is lubricated automatically from the oil from the inner tank - using the button with the value “+” and “-” you can adjust the amount of lubricant supplied.
- When you release the trigger, the chain instantly stops thanks to the electronic brake - there is no rotation by inertia.
- Consumables for it are inexpensive (asterisk and chains).
- Cons Makita UC4041A
- Hands weighing 4.7 kg get tired faster and require more frequent breaks.
- The tire pressure cover after cleaning is difficult to put on - for a long time to get into small threads.
- The control window does not show how much oil is left for lubrication.
- The metal on the drive sprocket is rather weak and soon this part begins to cut through the chain - grooves and depressions form.
- The sprocket can wedge despite the presence of grease on the chain - it is necessary to lubricate it separately with oil from the syringe.
- High oil consumption during normal flow.
- The groove on the tire is quickly clogged with sawdust, and you have to stop work to clean.
Conclusion. A tire length of 40 cm allows you to saw thick logs with a diameter of 35 mm at a time. On both sides, this model will cope with a log with a diameter of about 70 cm, so this is the best chain saw for harvesting firewood and working with thick trees.
STIHL MSE 141 C-Q-14
A popular chain saw with a power of 1,400 watts and a tire length of 35 cm. It is equipped with electronic engine protection and an automatic lubrication system. A 3/8 inch chain pitch is ideal for sawing medium-density wood.
+ Pros of STIHL MSE 141 C-Q-14
- It saves electricity by consuming 1.4 kW per hour.
- The elongated shape of the tire allows you to saw through the material along its entire length by 35 cm.
- A lubricant tank lasts for 50 minutes of continuous operation.
- No overload occurs - sawing a log with a diameter of 35 cm in one pass without triggering the motor protection.
- It is quieter than other models.
- Due to the lower weight, the hands do not strain when held.
- There are devices for fixing the power cord so that it does not disconnect when tensioned.
- An internal anti-vibration system is provided.
- Cons STIHL MSE 141 C-Q-14
- The main handle is not rubberized and slides in the hands even with gloves.
- A 40 cm long power cord makes the plug and socket always hang in the air, which is felt by weight - replacing the cable requires the purchase of a thick wire with a suitable power cross section.
- Sawdust constantly accumulates under the lid that covers the sprocket - they are impregnated with grease and then fly out, reaching the operator.
- There is an inertial moment - after releasing the button, the chain still rotates, and you need to hold it in your hands and wait for the stop.
- The chain is tensioned with a key.
- During the launch, the saw throws up a bit and you need to get used to it in order to compensate for the jerk by raising your hands.
Conclusion. Due to its light weight, even a woman will be able to work with this chainsaw. A 35 cm long tire and a 1400 W motor provide a light weight of 3.8 kg assembly and ease of handling. At the same time, it will allow quietly sawing a log with a diameter of 30-35 cm.
Makita UC 4530 A / 05
One of the most powerful Japanese chain saws with a power of 2000 watts, adapted to high loads. The tire is 45 cm long with a 3/8 inch chain pitch and a high rotation speed of 13.3 meters per second.
+ Pros of Makita UC 4530 A / 05
- Convenient folding petal for easy chain tensioning without the use of an additional tool.
- Well rubberized main handle.
- Easy brush replacement service through hatches on the sides.
- Metal teeth-stops on the body.
- Lubrication adjustment and oil residue control through a transparent window.
- Random start lock.
- All tool bearings are sealed, which extends their service life.
- When bouncing, the left hand automatically rests on the shield, from which the chain brake is activated.
- Soft start makes it easy to get started with such a powerful tool.
- Cons Makita UC 4530 A / 05
- The engine is located longitudinally, which in combination with a 45 cm tire makes the electric saw very long - it takes time to get used to such dimensions.
- A 50 cm short cord always dangles with a power outlet in the air.
- The tire cover is slightly shorter than the tire itself - part of the tool remains unclosed during transportation and storage.
- This model has a characteristic “disease” - a broken oil pump.
- When cleaning, the chain tensioner screw often falls out.
Conclusion. This is an excellent chain saw for building a bathhouse or a small house from a log house. Power of 2000 W and a tire length of 45 cm will allow you to quickly saw logs, as well as cut openings for windows and doors.
PATRIOT ESP 1814
American tool with assembly in China. It has a power of 1800 watts, an unauthorized start lock, a 110 ml barrel for lubrication. The length of the tire is 35.5 cm with the number of links in the chain 52.
+ Pros of PATRIOT ESP 1814
- Convenient neck for filling oil from the right side of the housing.
- Instant rotation stop when a hand touches a protective shield.
- Creates even cuts and is not pinched in the material.
- The stock chain is delivered well-sharpened - you can lubricate and immediately begin to work.
- Detailed instructions in Russian, helping to avoid damage to the tool in the first stages of use.
- There is enough power not only to saw off a branch of apple or cherry, but it is also easy to cut off an oak board, a nut.
- There is no oil leak when storing the tool.
- Cons PATRIOT ESP 1814
- This power saw does not have rubber pads - hands can slip in cloth gloves.
- To adjust the chain tension, a screw is used under the plastic plug - a key is required to perform manipulation.
- A short cord resembling a ponytail - you always need a long carry.
- At the first start-up, the oil enters for a long time and lubricates the circuit - you need not to rush to give a load and wait for complete lubrication.
- The window for monitoring the oil level becomes clouded and hard to see - you have to unscrew the lid and check it with a dipstick in the car engine, otherwise you can miss and burn the engine from increased load.
Conclusion. This model is included in the rating of chain saws due to its affordability. But this did not affect the quality of work, and it can easily cope with thick branches and logs thanks to the power of the 1800 W motor. This is a good option for a private house to prepare firewood in a bathhouse or for heating in the country.
Bosch AKE 30 S
A chain saw from a German manufacturer with a power of 1800 watts. It has a thin tire with a groove of 1.1 mm and rotates the chain at a speed of 9 m / s. Two screws are provided for quick chain tightening and disassembly for cleaning.
+ Pros of Bosch AKE 30 S
- Very compact electric saw - it is easy to make accurate cuts with it in any spatial position (trimming branches, curly woodwork).
- To clean the tool does not need keys - the tire is removed after unlocking the handle.
- The oil tank holds immediately 200 ml, so you can work longer and not be distracted by maintenance.
- Good shape of the main handle - thanks to the repetition of the anatomical structure, the operator’s hands will be less tired.
- The teeth of the stock chain are coated with chrome, providing long-lasting sharpening and accelerated nibbling into the material.
- Relatively quiet work.
- Cons Bosch AKE 30 S
- The second handle is thin and has no rubber pads.
- Intensively “devours” oil.
- The cut can go away from a given line, there are scores that require further processing.
- If the chain is not pulled in time, then it flies.
- Expensive for repair - the engine anchor is not sold separately, but only with the motor.
- There is no asterisk at the end, so when washing with a nose, it turns out roughly.
Conclusion. Good chain saw for workshop use. Thanks to the compact dimensions of the case and the tire of 30 cm, it is convenient to control for making curly cuts in wood. Weight 3.9 kg also facilitates manipulation on outstretched arms.
Best Cordless Electric Chainsaws
These chainsaws are powered by a 2.0-5.0 Ah battery. The complete absence of wires allows the use of such a chainsaw on the spacious territory of the construction site, where the master often has to move. It is also useful when working at heights and makes it easy to climb forests or a stepladder, and does not constantly monitor the length of the wire.
One of the drawbacks of these chain saws is power consumption. A powerful engine consumes a lot of electricity, so its supply is quickly consumed and it will not work all day with one battery. In this case, several batteries are installed, which are installed alternately.
Here is the reliability rating of chain saws from this category, which users especially liked.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 436 Li | Greenworks GD40CS40 | |||||||
| Battery Voltage | 36 | 40 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 3,7 | 5,4 | ||||||
| Tire length mm | 350 | 400 | ||||||
| Keyless chain tension adjustment | |
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| Oil tank capacity, l | 0,2 | 0,17 | ||||||
Husqvarna 436 Li
Husqvarna 436 Li
A compact chain saw with a 3.0 Ah battery that is mounted right behind the engine. The tire length is 35 cm and the tool is able to work on a single charge for up to 3 hours.
+ Pros of Husqvarna 436 Li
- The protective mechanism against accidental starting - until you press the upper key, the lower one does not start the engine.
- Convenient hinged screw for quick chain tension.
- Power is not inferior to network models.
- Light weight 2.6 kg - this is one of the lowest indicators in this category of equipment.
- Almost no vibration on the hands.
- On one charge, you can saw 47 chunks of oak with a diameter of 12 to 25 cm.
- The battery can be charged regardless of the remaining charge - it has no memory.
- It is allowed to work in frosts down to -10 degrees.
- Cons Husqvarna 436 Li
- The cost is twice the price of network models.
- If you need to saw wider logs, then installing a 40 cm long tire is difficult - for this you need to additionally drill holes in it in the exact place, which not everyone can.
- Loud work with a noise level of 106 dB.
- In severe frosts above -11 degrees, it is not recommended to work on the street - you can ruin the battery life.
Conclusion. This electric chain saw is the best for working at heights. The tire length of 35 cm allows you to saw through massive logs and cut various openings.Moreover, the tool has an acceptable weight and is convenient for cutting on outstretched arms. The second G-shaped handle allows you to hold the tool at different angles.
Greenworks GD40CS40
Electric cordless saw with overhead battery. The tool is as light as possible due to the use of hollow parts and mesh inserts, which is convenient for manipulations at heights.
+ Pros of Greenworks GD40CS40
- Powered by a battery with a voltage of 40 V gives increased power, not inferior to network power saws.
- Two handles are completely rubberized and help to securely hold the device.
- The battery model for this saw is equipped with rubber corners to prevent damage to the case in harsh building conditions.
- Key lock for long cutting.
- Chain tension with a keyless screw.
- There is no unpleasant odor during operation.
- Plastic, although Chinese, is of high quality.
- 4 diodes on the battery, showing its charge level.
- There is a soft start and a sharp brake.
- Cons Greenworks GD40CS40
- Comes without battery and charger.
- There is no shock absorber in the design.
- The original battery is very expensive (about 9000 rubles).
- If you allow a full discharge of the capacity, then then it will not charge for about 30 minutes.
- The tire is thin and flexible - a chain can fly on thick branches.
- It takes 2 hours to fully charge.
- Discharges in 90 minutes with intensive use.
- There is some vibration.
Conclusion. The saw is well suited for use on a construction site or garden care. With it, it is convenient to cut old trees and trim extra branches.