As technology advances and changes, it can be harder to decide which type of chainsaw is most suitable for your needs. So, we decided to help make choosing between petrol, electric or battery chainsaws easier with this article. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of the different types of chainsaws…
Petrol Chainsaws
We’ll start with the most traditional option, which is the petrol chainsaw. These have been on sale since the 1920s, and continue to be a popular choice amongst chainsaw users across the world.
Petrol chainsaws use a combination of unleaded petrol and oil to power a 2-stroke combustion engine.
Petrol chainsaws are incredibly popular within commercial industries where a heavy-duty chainsaw is required - such as forestry and farming.
The pros and cons of petrol chainsaws
Petrol chainsaws have been around for a long time, and it’s easy to understand why with some of the advantages they can offer you.
However, it’s important to carefully consider your needs when it's time to choose the best tool for you. After all, whilst there are plenty of useful features with a petrol powered chainsaw, they are not suitable for all users.
The advantages of petrol chainsaws
In this section we’ll evaluate some of the most important advantages of petrol chainsaws to help you make the best decision for you.
Power
The first advantage of petrol chainsaws is that they’re much more powerful than electric models.
Petrol chainsaws can have engines from 30cc all the way up to 91cc. A bigger engine offers more power and cutting strength, which is essential if you have a lot of heavy-duty tasks to complete.
This engine also means petrol chainsaws have a faster chain speed, allowing them to cut through harder or bigger materials much easier.
Note - with this amount of power, petrol chainsaws are more suited to experienced users who can use them safely.
Portability
Petrol chainsaws are completely portable. Since the engine is petrol powered, the only thing you need is a jerry can or container for pre-mixed fuel.
This makes them much better for mobile use, like working through forests or remote areas where mains electricity is not easily available.
Size
Although size isn’t everything, if you’re looking for a more heavy-duty piece of equipment you should consider buying a petrol chainsaw.
Petrol chainsaws are typically larger than their battery or electric counterparts, and can support longer guide bars. This is important if you have larger projects in mind, like cutting down trees, as your chainsaw will be able to handle the task.
Plus, the larger engine means it’ll have the right amount of power to run the chain around the guide bar.
Top tip - look for a guide bar that’s approximately 2 inches longer than the thickness of the material you’re cutting most often to get the best size for your needs.
Run Time
Petrol chainsaws can run for several hours without needing to be recharged unlike a battery powered chainsaw.
Plus, if they do need refuelling, it’s a simple matter of topping up the tank. This is much more time efficient, which is ideal if you’re working to a deadline or in the middle of a project.
The disadvantages of petrol chainsaws
However, depending on what you need a chainsaw for, petrol models do have their disadvantages.
Weight
As we mentioned above, petrol chainsaws can have larger engines and more power than their battery powered and electric counterparts. However, a consequence of this is that they’re a lot heavier than battery powered or electric chainsaws.
This can affect the manoeuvrability and accessibility of the saw, as you need to be strong enough to use it safely. The weight also means it’s more tiring to use for long periods of time, which can limit how much work you can get done in a session.
Maintenance
Petrol chainsaws have a lot of essential parts that you wouldn’t find on an electric chainsaw. This means they tend to require a lot more maintenance to ensure they’re working efficiently.
For example, you need to regularly clean the fuel tank and starter mechanisms, as well as check the spark plug to make sure it’s working correctly.
They’re also more expensive to run and maintain, as you need to buy fuel and replacement parts to keep the engine running smoothly.
For more information on chainsaw maintenance, check out our article on Our Top Chainsaw Maintenance Tips.
Noise
Internal Combustion engines are loud, which means a petrol chainsaw is a lot noisier than other options on the market.
Whilst this isn’t particularly an issue in the middle of the woods, you may struggle to appease your neighbours if you’re using a petrol chainsaw in the garden at home.
This also means you need a stronger set of ear defenders to protect your hearing, especially since prolonged exposure to loud noises can be damaging in the long run.
Exhaust emissions
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of a petrol chainsaw is that you have to contend with the fumes and emissions that come from engine combustion.
Whilst more modern petrol chainsaws are designed to minimise these emissions, you may want to consider an electric model if this is a concern to you.
Also, although the technology has come a long way, petrol powered tools still are less environmentally sustainable than electric models due to their carbon output.
Electric chainsaws
Electric chainsaws have quickly become a popular choice amongst users of all kinds - but especially home users.
Corded electric chainsaws are plugged into a mains supply, and you just need to press a button to turn the system on. This has become immensely popular with beginners, people who need a chainsaw for casual use, or for less heavy-duty applications.
Since they’re powered by mains electricity, the power of corded chainsaws is measured in watts. Most models use around 1100 to 1600 watts, which is plenty for everyday use.
The pros and cons of electric chainsaws
In this section, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of corded electric chainsaws, and how these can impact your choice of tool.
The advantages of electric chainsaws
Electric chainsaws have plenty of advantages over petrol powered models that make them more accessible for people to use.
Weight
For example, electric chainsaws are much lighter than petrol models because they don’t have heavy engine parts to weigh them down. The average electric chainsaw ranges from 2 - 7kg, whereas some petrol chainsaws can reach 10kg.
This makes an electric chainsaw a lot easier to handle, and they’re a more accessible option for an everyday user. It also means you can use them for longer without your muscles becoming overtired.
Noise
Due to the lack of a combustion engine, electric chainsaws are much quieter to run. This is useful in more populated areas where you need to be conscious of noise pollution.
This is also much simpler for personal or casual use, as you’ll need less intense noise-cancelling equipment to stay safe.
Ease of use
An electric chainsaw is much easier to use than a petrol powered one. This is because there are fewer complicated parts to get it started, and it requires fewer steps to turn on - just push a button to start the motor, and you’re ready to go.
Plus, as long as your chainsaw is plugged in, it will work. This removes the hassle of using a starter rope, and you don’t need to worry about flooding the engine or blowing a spark plug.
The disadvantages of electric chainsaws
However, electric chainsaws do have their drawbacks depending on when and where you need to use them, and for what reason.
Restricted range
The most obvious issue with corded electric chainsaws is the cord. This can restrict the range of use and prevent you from completing tasks that are too far away from a mains power supply.
For example, a corded electric chainsaw is of little use in the middle of a farm or forest. However, if you’re looking for a chainsaw to use at home, this becomes less of an issue.
Plus, you can invest in a high quality and long extension cord to counteract this as much as possible.
Top tip - be aware of the cord at all times to avoid accidental trips and falls.
Power
The other main downside to electric chainsaws is that they’re less powerful than their petrol counterparts - which can be an issue if you have a lot of high intensity tasks to complete.
However, for easier tasks like cutting through branches in the garden, an electric chainsaw is a capable tool.
Battery chainsaws
Battery powered chainsaws are still powered by electricity, but we count them as a separate category here because they have a few important characteristics that separate them from a regular electric model.
Battery chainsaws, also known as cordless chainsaws, are perfect for extended use where you don’t want to be restricted by a power cord. Instead of being plugged in, these chainsaws use rechargeable battery packs to power the cutting chain.
The pros and cons of battery chainsaws
Here we’ll walk you through the qualities of battery powered chainsaws that may help you decide on the right model for you.
Note - since they both run on electricity, we’ve highlighted the primary differences between electric and battery chainsaws below. However, it’s worth remembering that some advantages, like noise and weight, will apply to both.
The advantages of battery chainsaws
Battery chainsaws have plenty of advantages over more traditional options.
Portability
For one, they’re cordless. This makes them far more portable than other electric models, meaning you can use them on the go.
They’re also better for more delicate tasks because you can manipulate a lighter battery powered chainsaw in a variety of ways. This makes them perfect for chainsaw art and sculptures where you need the enhanced range of motion to carve.
Ease of use
Cordless chainsaws combine the best features of petrol and electric chainsaws. With this product, you get all the mobility with a less complicated starter system.
Combined with a lighter weight, cordless electric chainsaws are ideal for long days of less intense work as you can easily complete tasks without having to carry around a heavy weight.
The disadvantages of battery chainsaws
Unfortunately, there are a few key drawbacks that may mean a cordless electric chainsaw is not the right option to suit your needs.
Power
Firstly, battery powered chainsaws are the least powerful of the 3 options. This means they may not be able to complete difficult heavy-duty tasks, like felling trees.
However, if you’re looking for a chainsaw for everyday use, a battery powered model is perfectly capable. In fact, as they’re less powerful, battery chainsaws are safer for beginners, and will cause less strain on the body.
Battery life
The other main pitfall of a battery powered electric chainsaw is that they have limited battery life. This is inconvenient if you need to use your chainsaw for extended periods of time, especially if the battery died midway through a cut.
Batteries can also take a long time to charge, which will mean tasks take a lot longer than you may have planned for.
Top tip - you can opt to have spare batteries to help avoid this problem.
Conclusion
With all of this information in mind, choosing a chainsaw rests largely on what you’re planning to use it for.
Petrol chainsaws: these are popular for commercial use, or those experienced with chainsaws. The power and portability make them more suited to foresters and farmers with more heavy-duty requirements.
Electric chainsaws: electric chainsaws are perfect for home or casual use, where the cord is less of an issue as you're closer to a mains supply. If you need to remove branches or cut firewood, this may be the one for you.
Battery chainsaws: battery chainsaws are the lightest and most mobile models, which make them especially suited to hobbyists or chainsaw artists - where the battery life also becomes less of an issue.
Where to buy the best chainsaws
Whether you’re looking for a petrol, electric or battery chainsaw, we’ve got you covered at Hughie Willett Machinery.
We’re proud to offer an extensive range of chainsaws to suit any budget, and from leading brands such as Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo.
Or, if you need more advice, contact our friendly team of experts who will be happy to help and support you throughout the buying process.
Shop our chainsaw range at Hughie Willett Machinery now
For more information, advice and ground care equipment buying guides, check out the Hughie Willett Machinery blog…
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