Are you looking to purchase a new electric chainsaw for the first time? If so, you might be confused by the number of options available in the market today. Having a budget in mind makes this process easier. So how much does an electric chainsaw cost on average?
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Electric chainsaws start from $45 for an entry-level model, with only basic features. And it can go upto $500 for the high-end models that come with a powerful motor and battery. For the majority of time, you’ll find a good electric chainsaw between $100-$250.
The Sun Joe SWJ599E is the cheapest electric chainsaw available at a cost of just $44. It is a 14” chainsaw that is ideal for trimming and pruning your gardens, activities that do not need much power. (Click here to find more about the Sun Joe SWJ599E from Wallmart)
On the other hand, the MILWAUKEE 2727-21HD costs around $435, with a 16” bar. This chainsaw is designed for professional usages such as felling trees and logging. Saws around this price point offer users high output power and multiple features. (Click here to go to the Amazon to know features of MILWAUKEE 2727-21HD)
If you want to learn more about electric chainsaws, this article will provide you with the information you need. Read on as I discuss the value such saws have to offer along with a buying guide. I have also included a list of the best affordable electric chainsaws in case you are looking to make a purchase.
At the end of this article, I hope to have helped make the process of buying a new electric chainsaw a simple and enjoyable process. You will have all the information you need to choose the perfect model that suits your requirements and budget.
Are Electric Chainsaws Worth Buying?
Electric chainsaws are lightweight and compact, and perfect for works that don’t need lots of power like trimming limbs, cutting small wooden logs, etc. Electric chainsaws are quieter, don’t require a lot of maintenance, and are much more affordable than gas-powered chainsaws.
Thanks to their lightweight and compact design, these types of chainsaws are ideal for beginners learning how to use this category of power tools. They are easier to balance and hold, reducing fatigue and giving such users more control.
Electric chainsaws are also great for users with simple cutting requirements. Applications like pruning and trimming do not need a very powerful chainsaw. Electric chainsaws come in handy with adequate power and sufficient run time. As a result, you can get the job comfortably done without much of a hassle.
Electric chainsaws are budget and environment-friendly. They are much quieter than gas models, allowing you to use them without waking up your neighbors. They also do not require complicated maintenance and can be stored without taking up too much space. This makes it a great product for non-professional customers.
If you are new to chainsaws, then you have to first learn some important things about chainsaws before start to use them. We have made a detailed article about chainsaw tips for beginners, you can read it to learn about this powerful tool.
Which is Better: Corded or Cordless Chainsaw
Electric chainsaws can be further divided into corded and cordless chainsaws. Both these saws have an electric motor to power the chain but have different sources of power. As a result, both these models have their own pros and cons.
- Corded chainsaws can be plugged into a regular 120V electric socket. This allows the saw to operate for an infinite amount of time, making it ideal for applications that take time to complete. As a result, such models often come with more powerful motors for improved versatility.
However, these models are limited by the length of the power cord, which makes it less suitable for outdoor applications or usage in remote areas. Corded electric chainsaws are better suited for applications that take more time and require more power.
- Cordless chainsaws are powered by rechargeable batteries, mostly lithium-ion batteries. This allows the user to operate such saws anywhere, anytime without worrying about a source of power.
However, such models are largely dependent on the charge of the battery and how long they can support the motor. As a result, they are provided with lower-powered motors that are designed for increased efficiency. Cordless electric chainsaws are better for simple household applications like trimming and pruning that require short run times.
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
If you are someone buying a chainsaw for the first time, you may not be sure what things you should keep in mind. This buying guide will ensure you have the necessary information, allowing you to make the right choice.
- Power source
Electric chainsaws can be powered by a cord or can have rechargeable batteries that allow for cordless usage. Both of these models have their advantages and drawbacks that were mentioned above.
If you are someone looking to do gardening and cutting work near to your house, then a corded saw will meet your requirements. These saws are cheaper to maintain and buy because of the relatively simple power delivery mechanism.
Most saws have a maximum cord length of 100ft, which means you have to be within that distance from a power outlet. If you are someone with a large area that requires maintenance, then you might prefer a corded saw.
While these saws are most expensive, thanks to the rechargeable batteries, they can be used even in remote locations. They are also lighter and compact, making them ideal for use when cutting branches within the tree.
- Cutting Requirement
Every user has a different requirement. Some might want to cut the trees that have thick barks, while others might want to maintain the neatness of their garden by trimming branches and smaller plants.
If you need your chainsaw for heavy-duty applications, check for models with higher amperage (12A – 15A), with a larger bar. This will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. If you choose a cordless model, ensure to have multiple batteries that will allow you to cut for longer.
If your saw serves household purposes like light cutting and garden maintenance, you can choose a lower-powered motor that is light, compact, and equipped with a short bar. You can complete the required work without much hassle while paying a lower amount and having to worry less about performance and storage.
- Features
There are a number of features offered by different manufacturers when it comes to their electric chainsaws. However, it is important to prioritize the features that align with your requirements.
Safety features like low kickback and a chain brake are a good option to have if you are a beginner. This will give you more room for errors, which will help you learn and gain confidence quickly.
If you are looking for professional applications, choose models with features like low vibration, ergonomic grips, and tool less chain removal and adjustment.
- Safety equipment
If you are buying a chainsaw for the first time, then you must also purchase safety equipment to protect you in case of an accident.
Safety helmets and goggles provide protection to the head and neck region, especially from falling debris and flying splinters. You can also protect your feet in such instances by wearing steel-toe safety boots.
Chainsaw apparel is another essential safety precaution you must take. These specially designed gloves, pants, and jackets are stuffed with an artificial fiber that gets stuck in the chain in case of accidental contact. This will prevent the fast-moving chain from causing severe damage when it comes in contact with your limbs.
Best Affordable Electric Chainsaws
As promised, here is the list of three affordable electric chainsaws that I would personally recommend. They offer good performance and features, making it a great value for money but if you have a budget constraint.
Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Chainsaw
The Oregon CS1500 is a corded chainsaw offering powerful performance and good features at a very affordable price. The saw comes with a 15 amp motor and an 18” guide bar that allows users to do some heavy-duty cutting work with the saw.
The standout feature of this product is the PowerSharp self-sharpening mechanism. It allows users to sharpen the entire chainsaw in under three seconds without removing the chain or using any tools. The inbuilt Lubri-Tec oiling system also keeps the chain lubricated, allowing for smooth operation.
I personally liked the performance of this chainsaw, as it allowed me to use it for some tough work that needed the extra power. It was also comfortable to operate thanks to its ergonomic grip that also helped absorb some of the vibrations.
The electric chain brake as well as the extension cord lock gave me the security I wanted to prevent any accidental contact or disconnections while using this saw.
The noise emitted by the saw was really low, which allowed me to operate it without disturbing the peace and quiet of my neighborhood. It also started quickly despite the chilly weather, making it perfect for all weather conditions.
However, the saw consumed a lot of chain oil, which was not the most convenient. The chain also tends to slip off if the tensioning mechanism is not set up precisely. Overall, the Oregon CS1500 is a great product for those looking for a budget-friendly and powerful corded electric saw. (Click here to see the updated price of this saw from Amazon)
WORX WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw
Next up on the list of best affordable electric chainsaws, we have the WORX WG303.1. This inexpensive product has a 16” guide bar with a chain that is powered by a 14.5 amp motor, both of which offer ample cutting power and great cutting efficiency.
This product has a corded power supply that helps you use it for longer run times. It also comes with a lightweight and balanced design, weighing just over 11 lbs. This gives users the stability and comfort to use it for extended periods of time. It also combines well with comfortable grips, making the user experience pleasant.
I was impressed by the lightweight design of this saw, which gave me the confidence that I could operate the machine for longer periods of time. I was also glad to have the metal spikes in the chain, which gripped the wood better. As a result, I could maintain my balance while cutting, making the job much more efficient.
The auto-tension and auto-lubricating mechanism on this saw made my life a lot easier, as I did not have to do too much maintenance. It also offered sufficient performance that would help me take care of garden cutting, pruning, and trimming.
I would have liked the materials to be of slightly more premium quality. While it justifies the cost, cracks started developing in the plastic, especially around the oil housing. This led to a number of leaks that eventually created a mess.
This product works great for beginners looking to get an affordable chainsaw with a good set of features that will help them learn quickly. (Click here to see the updated price of this saw from Amazon)
WORX WG305.1 Electric Chainsaw
The last product on this list is also from WORX, the WG 305.1 Electric Chainsaw. This chainsaw is the cheapest model on my list and is best suited for smaller cutting applications that do not require too much power.
The WG305.1 is powered by an 8 amp electric motor that is powered by a corded supply. It also has a lightweight design, having a total weight of just 6.6 lbs. It also has a low kickback mechanism and a rubberized over grip that helps the user have complete control over the machine.
I liked the comfort that this chainsaw gave me from the moment I picked it up. It was not the most powerful but gave me the confidence to cut down branches while I was on an elevated platform. The chain brake, as well as the auto-tensioning system, ensured that my machine was tuned to provide the optimum performance at all times.
I was also impressed by the fact that I was provided with an oil level indicator and a simple refill mechanism. It helped save a lot of time in maintenance and ensured that I did not apply too much lubricant to the chain, which would affect its performance.
The 14” bar was a bit of a letdown, as it limited my cutting options to just small garden cutting. While it excelled in such applications, the machine drastically faded away when I tried to use it on tougher and thicker trees.
The manual oiling was also a slightly cumbersome task considering some models in the same price point offering auto-lubricating. Overall, this product is an ideal buy for users looking to get the best value for money for small cutting purposes that require lower power outputs. (Click here to see the updated price of this saw from Amazon)
