Photo: Oregon
With the advent of powerful, high capacity lithium-based batteries, the idea of battery chainsaws has been materialized and they have a couple of benefits such as:
- Operating quietly.
- Being environmentally friendly because of zero carbon emissions.
- Being highly portable for use anywhere.
That said, these units still provide plenty of cutting power, making them ideal for chopping down trees and trimming branches. Therefore, if you have some wood to chop, these are the best battery chainsaws that you should consider buying.
In this post:
- 10 Best Battery Chainsaws – Review
- 1. Black & Decker LCS1240 – Battery Chainsaw with Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
- 2. DeWalt DCCS620B – Battery Chainsaw with an Efficient Brushless Motor
- 3. Greenworks 20312 – Battery Chainsaw with Chain Brake
- 4. Makita XCU03PT1 – Battery Chainsaw with Auto Shut-Off
- 5. Worx WG320 – Battery Chainsaw with Guard Cover
- 6. Makita XCU02Z – Low Noise Battery Chainsaw
- 7. DeWalt DCCS670X1 – Most Powerful Cordless Chainsaw
- 8. Black & Decker LCS1020 – Affordable Battery Chainsaw
- 9. Oregon 572625 – Self-Sharpening Battery Chainsaw
- 10. VonHaus 14-inch Cordless Chainsaw – High-Speed Battery Chainsaw
- How to Buy the Best Battery Chainsaws
- Conclusion
10 Best Battery Chainsaws – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Black & Decker LCS1240 (Tool-Free Chain Tensioning) |
| |
 | 2. DeWalt DCCS620B (Efficient Brushless Motor) |
| |
 | 3. Greenworks 20312 (With Chain Brake) |
| |
 | 4. Makita XCU03PT1 (Auto Shut-Off) |
| |
 | 5. Worx WG320 (With Guard Cover) |
| |
 | 6. Makita XCU02Z (Low Noise) |
| |
 | 7. DeWalt DCCS670X1 (Most Powerful) |
| |
 | 8. Black & Decker LCS1020 (Affordable) |
| |
 | 9. Oregon 572625 (Self-Sharpening) |
| |
 | 10. VonHaus 14-inch Cordless Chainsaw (High-Speed) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Black & Decker LCS1240 (Tool-Free Chain Tensioning)
|
2. DeWalt DCCS620B (Efficient Brushless Motor)
|
3. Greenworks 20312 (With Chain Brake)
|
4. Makita XCU03PT1 (Auto Shut-Off)
|
5. Worx WG320 (With Guard Cover)
|
6. Makita XCU02Z (Low Noise)
|
7. DeWalt DCCS670X1 (Most Powerful)
|
8. Black & Decker LCS1020 (Affordable)
|
9. Oregon 572625 (Self-Sharpening)
|
10. VonHaus 14-inch Cordless Chainsaw (High-Speed)
|
1. Black & Decker LCS1240 – Battery Chainsaw with Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
Photo: Black & Decker
- Power: 40 volts
- Chain Size: 12 inches
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
Starting off the list is this LCS1240 from Black & Decker, which is equipped with a tool-free chain tensioning mechanism for quick and easy chain adjustments.
That said, you get a 12-inch premium bar and chain, making the machine suitable for cutting fallen limbs or pruning branches, all while maintaining a relatively lightweight 8.3-pound construction.
The chainsaw features an oiling system for automatic lubrication of the chain and bar to ensure smooth running. You only have to fill up oil through the opening above, then let the machine do the rest.
Other features include a 40-volt electrical system, a 40-volt 2Ah battery (powers the chainsaw for approximately 60 4×4 pine lumber cuts on a full charge), and a full wrap-around handle for comfortable cutting in different angles.
A charger is also included in the pack and it fills up the battery in about 5 hours when empty. However, the unit does not have a brushless motor to turn the chain, which is known to be highly efficient, and it lacks a self-sharpening feature.
More Detailed: Black & Decker LCS1240 Review
Pros:
- Tool-free chain tensioning mechanism
- Automatic lubrication system
- Includes a 40-volt 2Ah battery and its charger
- Full wrap-around handle for comfortable cutting in different angles
- Relatively lightweight
Cons:
- No efficient brushless motor
- No self-sharpening feature
2. DeWalt DCCS620B – Battery Chainsaw with an Efficient Brushless Motor
Photo: DeWalt
- Power: 20 volts
- Chain Size: 12 inches
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
DeWalt’s DCCS620B features a safe low kickback 12-inch bar and chain, and this chain is run by a highly efficient brushless motor, which is designed to maximize on run time and motor life.
The machine is equipped with a tool-free chain tensioning and bar adjustment knob for quick and easy chain adjustments, as well as to set the proper bar clamping force.
You also get a full wrap-around handle for comfortable cutting in different orientations, a variable speed trigger with a top speed of 25.2 feet per second, a 20-volt electrical system and a relatively light 8.8-pound weight with the battery fitted in, which is easy on the hands.
Combined, these features make it the top-rated cordless chainsaw in this review. However, no battery or charger is included in this kit, and it does not have a self-sharpening mechanism.
More Detailed: DeWalt DCCS620B Review
Pros:
- Durable and efficient brushless motor
- Safe low kickback chain
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Full wrap-around handle for comfortable use when cutting in different orientations
- Variable speed trigger with a top speed of 25.2 FPS
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- No self-sharpening mechanism
3. Greenworks 20312 – Battery Chainsaw with Chain Brake
Photo: Greenworks
- Power: 40 volts
- Chain Size: 16 inches
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
This chainsaw is equipped with a couple of safety features, which include an electronic chain brake for stopping the chain from rotating around the bar while a low kickback chain minimizes the reactive force.
The unit also features a brushless motor, which offers up to 70% less vibration for comfortable use, 30% more torque for quick cutting and is more durable than the brushed type.
A 16-inch bar-and-chain gives you more room to reach deep into tree branches or cut wider wood pieces while an automatic oiling system keeps these two components constantly lubricated for high performance.
Included in the pack is a 40-volt 4Ah battery, which is capable of powering the chainsaw for up to 100 cuts on 4×4 lumber when fully charged, and you also get a charger for refilling the energy.
On the downside, no self-sharpening system or automatic shut-off mechanism for battery conservation is built-in, but a tool-less chain tensioning knob for quick and easy chain adjustment is included.
Pros:
- Electronic chain brake safety feature with a low kickback chain
- Smooth and highly efficient brushless motor
- Automatic oiling
- Includes a 40-volt battery and its charger
- Tool-free chain tensioning
Cons:
- No self-sharpening system
- Lacks an automatic shut-off feature
4. Makita XCU03PT1 – Battery Chainsaw with Auto Shut-Off
Photo: Makita
- Power: 36 volts
- Chain Size: 14 inches
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
Makita’s XCU03PT1 is quite unique because it features an on/off LED switch with automatic shut off. This automatically powers off the saw when cutting is delayed, thereby extending battery life while also reducing wear and tear.
The chainsaw is fitted with a built-in lock lever, which is a safety feature that prevents the chain from engaging accidentally while a variable speed trigger lets you control the chain speed between 0-3940 FPM (65.7 FPS), which is very fast.
Four 18-volt batteries are included in this kit, and only two are required to run the chainsaw. This means you get two reserve power sources that can be charging as you continue cutting.
Other features include tool-free chain adjustment, a compact and comfortable rear handle, a full wrap-around handle for easy use when cutting in different orientations, a brushless motor with an efficient direct-drive system and a dual-port charger for refilling the two reserve batteries at once.
However, no self-sharpening system is built-in for keeping the cutting teeth perfectly sharp.
Pros:
- Battery conserving auto shut-off feature
- Built-in lock lever safety feature
- Includes four 18-volt batteries
- Tool-free chain adjustment
- Brushless motor with an efficient direct drive system
Cons:
- No self-sharpening system
5. Worx WG320 – Battery Chainsaw with Guard Cover
Photo: Worx
- Power: 20 volts
- Chain Size: 6 inches
- Weight: 8.1 pounds
This chainsaw is fitted with a protective guard cover for safety purposes while steel teeth on this cover hold the piece of wood in place for stability as you cut.
Additionally, this design allows you to cut directly from the ground without lifting the wood while a scissor-like cutting action limits dangerous kickbacks.
An automatic tensioning mechanism gives you the convenience of doing the chain adjustment for you while an automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated at all times for smooth running.
You get a 20-volt battery and its charger with the kit, but the chainsaw’s 20-volt electrical system is not as powerful as the 40- or 60-volt type. Also, the unit’s short 6-inch bar and chain limits you to cut or trim wood pieces that do not exceed 4 inches in diameter.
Pros:
- Protective guard cover with steel teeth that hold the wood piece steady
- Can cut directly from the ground
- Scissor-like cutting action limits kickbacks
- Automatic chain-tensioning
- Automatic oiling
Cons:
- Relatively short 6-inch bar and chain
- The 20-volt electrical system is not as powerful as the 40- or 60-volt type
6. Makita XCU02Z – Low Noise Battery Chainsaw
Photo: Makita
- Power: 36 volts
- Chain Size: 12 inches
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
Makita’s XCU02Z is characterized by a low noise level while in use, producing up to 89 decibels. While this may seem to be loud, in chainsaw terms, this is quite low and can be compared to a motorcycle that is about 25 feet away.
To run the unit, you need two 18-volt lithium-ion batteries, delivering 36 volts inside. However, these batteries are not included in the kit.
Once connected though, the chainsaw is fitted with a variable speed trigger that can let it run up to 1650 FPM for increased cutting speed.
A convenient tool-free chain adjustment feature is also included for convenience while a chain brake lets you easily pause the rotating cutter for safety purposes.
On the downside, this piece is equipped with a brushed motor, which is not as durable and energy-efficient as the brushless type.
Pros:
- Produces low noise during operation
- Variable speed trigger with a top speed of 1650 FPM
- Tool-free chain adjustment
- Safety chain brake
Cons:
- Fitted with a brushed motor
- Batteries not included
7. DeWalt DCCS670X1 – Most Powerful Cordless Chainsaw
Photo: DeWalt
- Power: 60 volts
- Chain Size: 16 inches
- Weight: 12.2 pounds
Though very costly, DeWalt’s DCCS670X1 has a powerful 60-volt system and motor, which gives superior cutting power.
A 60-volt, 3Ah lithium-ion battery is actually included with the chainsaw, and this ensures you get up to 70 cuts on pressure-treated 6×6-inch pine wood.
The unit is also fitted with a brushless motor that is very efficient and highly durable for long-lasting use.
Other features include a low kickback 16-inch bar and chain that is long enough to cut deep into wide pieces of wood, a convenient tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob and automatic oiling with a quarter-turn oil cap for quick refills.
You also get a chain brake for kick back protection and a full wrap-around handle for comfortable use when cutting in different orientations. However, this piece is relatively heavy because it weighs 12.2 pounds.
Pros:
- Powerful 60-volt chainsaw
- Includes a 60-volt, 3Ah battery
- Durable and efficient brushless motor
- Tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiling
- Chain brake for kick back protection
Cons:
- Expensive
- Quite heavy
8. Black & Decker LCS1020 – Affordable Battery Chainsaw
Photo: Black & Decker
- Power: 20 volts
- Chain Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 7.2 pounds
If you are on a tight budget, Black & Decker’s LCS1020 is a very affordable battery chainsaw that you should consider. Despite this, it has all the essential features such as a convenient tool-free chain tensioning rotary dial for quick and easy adjustments.
The unit is equipped with an oiling system for automatic lubrication of the bar and chain for smooth running when in use while a wraparound bail handle allows you to comfortably do the cutting in any orientation.
For safety, a chain brake is fitted in for kickback protection and the built-in 10-inch bar and chain have a premium Oregon low kickback design for additional safety.
More features include a 20-volt lithium-ion battery and charger in the set and a lightweight 7.2-pound design for reduced fatigue and easy maneuverability as you go about with your work.
On the downside, this piece is fitted with a brushed motor, which is not as efficient and as durable as the brushless type, and the chainsaw’s 20-volt system is not as powerful as the 40- or 60-volt kinds.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Convenient tool-free chain tensioning dial and automatic oiling
- Wrap around bail handle for comfortable use when cutting in any orientation
- Chain brake for kick back protection
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue and eases maneuverability
Cons:
- Fitted with a brushed motor
- The 20-volt system is not as powerful as 40- or 60-volt units
9. Oregon 572625 – Self-Sharpening Battery Chainsaw
Photo: Oregon
- Power: 40 volts
- Chain Size: 16 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
Oregon’s 572625 is characterized by power sharp technology, which is the brand’s own patented self-sharpening technology. With this, you can sharpen the chain on the saw directly in seconds, which helps to reduce downtime.
A 40-volt 4Ah battery pack comes with this piece, giving you a runtime of cutting approximately 400 2-3-inch diameter branches on a full charge. This battery features a premium cell technology that delivers constant power without fading as the charge level drops.
Additionally, a brushless motor runs the chain, and this is known to be highly energy-efficient, which means you get longer battery life. This motor is also more durable and performs exceptionally well, delivering a top chain speed of 2795 FPM with no load.
Other features include automatic oiling for keeping the bar and chain lubricated at all times to run smoothly, tool-free chain tensioning for quick and easy adjustments and a long 16-inch guide bar that can be used to cut through wide wood pieces.
The chainsaw also features a safety overload protection feature, which ensures the motor shuts off automatically in case the chain is pushed too hard. However, it weighs 12 pounds with the battery attached, which is relatively heavy.
Pros:
- Powersharp self-sharpening technology
- Includes a 40-volt, 4Ah battery with premium cell technology
- Durable and efficient brushless motor
- Automatic oiling
- Features overload protection for shutting off the motor if the chain is pushed too hard
Cons:
- Heavy
10. VonHaus 14-inch Cordless Chainsaw – High-Speed Battery Chainsaw
Photo: VonHaus
- Power: 40 volts
- Chain Size: 14 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
VonHaus’ cordless chainsaw wraps up this list and it is a high-speed unit that features a fast 6600 RPM as the maximum chain wheel speed. This is made possible by a powerful brushless motor that is highly efficient and is engineered to last longer while providing more power.
When running, a kickback brake handle at the front allows you to stop the motor and chain as a safety feature.
That said, you get a 14-inch blade length for efficient cutting while a 40-volt, 4Ah lithium-ion battery gives you a run time of approximately 28 minutes with no load.
Other features include tool-less chain tensioning for quick and easy adjustments, rapid charging using the included charger (takes approximately 2.5 hours to fill up the battery) and easy chain assembly before first use.
However, at 13 pounds, this chainsaw is quite heavy and it doesn’t have a self-sharpening mechanism built-in.
Pros:
- High 6600 RPM chain wheel speed
- Powerful brushless motor
- Kickback brake handle safety feature
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Includes a 40-volt, 4Ah battery and a fast charger that fills it up in 2.5 hours
Cons:
- Heavy
- Lacks a self-sharpening mechanism
How to Buy the Best Battery Chainsaws
Photo: Black & Decker
1. Power
The power of a battery chainsaw is given in volts and a higher voltage electrical system means the motor runs faster and with higher torque, which translates to a faster cutting rate.
Even though this is good, it has its own downside. A high voltage system usually drains the battery pretty fast. Therefore, you need a very powerful battery if you want to use such a tool for long periods of time. This means checking for the highest Ampere-Hour (Ah) rating available.
2. Battery
Battery capacities are usually measured in Ampere Hours (Ah) and the higher this value is, the better. This is because a more powerful energy source will give you a longer runtime so that you can do more work with minimized charging interruptions.
As a general rule of thumb, you should get one that goes from 4Ah going upwards.
Other than that, you need to check if a battery is included in the set because some chainsaws come as a tool only. The complete sets with batteries and chargers are definitely better to buy because you won’t have to spend anything extra before getting started.
Also, check the quality of the charger. To avoid having a lot of downtimes, look for a fast-charging system, which will refill your batteries in a short time.
3. Size
Another important factor to consider is the size of the bar and blade. Measured in inches, the longer the bar is, the better. This is because a longer piece will give you an extended reach so that you can cut through wider pieces of wood easily.
4. Convenience Features
Just as the name suggests, convenience features are meant to make the chainsaw’s use easier. The most essential ones that you need to look for include:
Tool-free chain tensioning
This feature is meant to let you quickly and easily adjust the chain such that it is not too tight or too loose for proper spinning and cutting. Instead of using a tool, such a setup simply requires you to turn a large knob that has a handle, making the process very easy.
Sharpener
Of course, with continued use, you should expect the cutting blades on the chain to get blunt, thereby affecting the chopping performance afterward.
Instead of manually sharpening these cutting edges, some chainsaws feature automatic sharpeners, which do everything for you. All you have to do is engage this system, then run the chain. It will be sharpened as it goes around the bar.
Read More: The Best Chainsaw Sharpener
Automatic oiling
This feature is very important because the bar and chain need to be constantly lubricated so as to minimize wear and tear, and also give smooth performance. Without this, you will have to lubricate these parts manually by hand, which can be very cumbersome.
Other features
Other features to look for include a chain brake, which is a safety feature that stops the chain once there is a kickback, and a reduced kickback chain, which basically reduces the chain’s cutting power to prevent it from biting too much at a time.
5. Weight
Apart from making battery chainsaws easily portable, lightweight designs also have the benefit of reducing hand fatigue, which is quite common if you operate a heavy unit for long periods of time.
As such, you should buy this product based on your lifting capabilities or simply look for the lightest one available. In most instances, anything below 10 pounds is quite easy to handle.
6. Safety
As stated above, some of the safety features that you need to look for include a chain brake and a low kickback chain.
7. Ease of Use
Lastly, the best cordless chainsaw is ultimately the one that is easiest to use. For this, you need to look for features such as a full wrap-around handle, which allows you to chop your wood while holding the saw in any orientation.
The rear handle should also be ergonomically designed for comfortable holding, with a well-placed trigger that is easy to reach.
Conclusion
Battery operated chainsaws are definitely your best bet if you are looking for a highly portable and environmentally friendly wood chopping tool. However, as you can see above, there are many varieties of these products in the market to choose from.
With that in mind, this article narrows it down to the best battery chainsaws that you should consider buying and after reading through, you will be in a better position to pick the most ideal piece that suits your needs,