Electric vs Gas Chainsaw
Chainsaws
are powered by engines that
are either run by gas or electricity.
Both electric and gas chainsaws are popular. They both offer unique
benefits. You must remember that they are suited for different kinds of jobs.
When working with a chainsaw, always wear your safety gear. This includes gloves, safety goggles, earmuffs and a protective vest.
Electric Chainsaw
The starting wattage of electric
chainsaws is 2400W and the running wattage is 1200W. These are mainly used for pruning trees,
cutting firewood and basic yard work. They are available in two variants:
corded and cordless chainsaws.
Corded Chainsaw
The corded chainsaw works after
it’s been plugged into an electric outlet. They provide a consistent power
source but need an extension cord to reach an adequate distance. They are
lightweight and easy to carry.
Read the chainsaw manual when selecting an extension
cord.
Cordless Chainsaw
Cordless chainsaws are
powered by rechargeable batteries. Hence, they are heavier than corded
chainsaws. They provide you with better mobility around the work area.
Gas Chainsaw
Gas chainsaws are dependent on a constant supply of
fuel and are powered by gasoline. You can select from light-duty chainsaws to
professional ones. They are both gasoline and oil changes.
For lightweight homeowner models, they have 2hp (horsepower) and 8-hp+ professional ones. The higher horsepower model can power through large diameters and logs. Gas chainsaws have the power you need for making clean cuts in difficult materials with faster cutting speeds. They can vary from 20 meters per second to 65 feet per second.
Wear protective chainsaw clothing
and helmet with a face cover or safety glasses when working with a gas
chainsaw. Also wear protective impact gloves. Use hearing protection to avoid
excessive noise.
Are Electric Chainsaws as Powerful as Gas Ones?
No, electric chainsaws are not as powerful as gas
ones. You must use gas chainsaws for heavy duty tasks like felling large trees.
Features of Electric and Gas Chainsaw
Let's understand the various features of electric and gas chainsaws. It will also help you understand the difference between electric and gas chainsaws.
Pros of Electric Chainsaw
Some advantages of electric chainsaws are:
- They are generally quieter, reducing noise pollution and creating a more pleasant working environment.
- They are compact and easier to handle. Several models are designed to reduce arm strain, making them comfortable to use for extended periods.
- They do not give rise to any gas fumes. Hence, they are an eco-friendly option.
- You can start them quickly by plugging them into the socket.
Cons of Electric Chainsaw
Electric chainsaws have the following disadvantages:
- Cords can make it difficult to move around. It can be a hassle to manage the long cords while working.
- Though you can use cordless ones, they are not as powerful. Also, they require frequent battery charging.
Pros of Gas Chainsaw
Gas chainsaws offer the following advantages:
- You can use them to cut large trees and logs for firewood. They have higher cutting speeds.
- They can run for a longer time. Hence, they are suited for large projects.
- You can use them outdoors without connecting them to any electrical outlet. They do not have any cords, allowing you to move around easily.
Cons of Gas Chainsaw
You might experience the following disadvantages:
- They are heavier than electric chainsaws. You may experience fatigue if you use them for a long time.
- While operating, they give off a gas scent. Hence, they must be used in open areas. This is necessary to avoid any buildup of gas fumes.
- Gas chainsaws are generally more expensive. They might not be the best choice for beginners.
Always use a gas chainsaw in open
or well ventilated areas to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Factors to Consider for Buying: Electric vs. Gas Chainsaws
Keep the following factors in mind when buying an
electric or gas chainsaw.
Job Type
Carefully consider the type of
work you plan to undertake. Opt for a light-duty
electric chainsaw for tasks like pruning.
For bigger tasks, like felling trees, consider a medium-duty electric chainsaw. A gas chainsaw is best for heavy-duty tasks. Consider a gas one if you plan to cut large trees or a large amount of firewood.
Bar Length
A chainsaw's bar length is the total useful length of the saw. A short bar length is best for work that needs precision. They are suited for shorter cutting lengths.
Larger bar lengths are available in heavy-duty chainsaws. You can select from the following bar lengths:
Electric Chainsaw
The bar length of electric chainsaws usually ranges
from 8 inches to 18 inches.
- Light-duty chainsaw: 10 inches and 14 inches
- Medium-duty chainsaw: Bar length of 8 inches, 10 inches, 16 inches and 18 inches
Gas Chainsaw
Gas chainsaws have bar lengths from 14 inches to 24
inches.
- Light-duty: 14 inches
- Medium-duty: 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches
- Heavy-duty: 20 inches and 24 inches
Safety Features
Look for chainsaws with built-in
safety features. They can be low kickback bars, handguards and chain brakes.
These features can reduce the sudden upward motion
of the guide bar. The fast kickback can lead to serious injuries. If you are a
beginner, you must only buy a low kickback chainsaw.
Never saw using the tip of the chainsaw bar. It increases the chances of a kickback. Instead, refer to the manual to position it correctly.
Maintenance
Electric chainsaws are easier to
maintain. They include auto-oilers that keep the chain lubricated. This feature
help to reduce your workload. It also helps to increase the machine’s lifespan.
The gas chainsaws require routine
checks. You must clean their air filters on a regular basis. They also require
frequent fuel and oil changes.
Now, you can choose the chainsaw that best fits your
needs. Make sure that you read the instruction manual and follow all safety
rules when using it.