You know you need manoeuvrability and no risk of slicing through power cords, but should you opt for a petrol-powered chainsaw, or a cordless battery powered one?
Petrol power
The mainstay of the arborist’s toolbox for decades, the petrol-powered chainsaw is synonymous with tree felling – powerful, noisy, smelly, but very much fit for purpose.
Pros
A professional standard chainsaw can have an engine up to around 120cc – powerful enough to fell the largest trees, powering the blade at high speed for efficient tree clearing. This makes them a great choice for large felling projects.
They are easy to manoeuvre and tend to be lighter than their battery-powered counterparts, not least because you can put as much or as little fuel in as needed for your project. There is also a much larger range of bar sizes available.
Cons
Petrol chainsaws are powerful tools, but the fuelling process can be a little time-consuming and you won’t be able to refuel a hot chainsaw engine mid-project. You’ll also need to remember to add the right type and amount of oil to ensure effective operation.
As we’ve alluded to, petrol chainsaws can be noisy and smelly, and of course as a fossil fuel, petrol will exhaust into the environment giving off noxious fumes.
You’ll also need to be careful when storing a petrol chainsaw – making sure to drain it when not using it and storing it safely.
Battery power
Battery powered chainsaws tend to be smaller than petrol-powered versions and offer greater flexibility for the domestic user. Battery technologies have developed over recent years meaning longer life and fast charging too. Let’s dig into more pros and cons.
Pros
Battery operated chainsaws tend to be easier to handle due to their smaller size. They are quieter and more environmentally friendly than petrol chainsaws.
They start at the touch of a button delivering almost instant power, unlike petrol versions which may take a few more seconds to deliver speed.
They don’t require cord pull priming to start, saving you additional time and energy - and they don’t require special storing, simply switch off and store.
Cons
Battery-powered chainsaws will be slightly heavier than their equivalent-sized petrol counterparts. This is simply due to the weight of the battery pack.
Although the technology has much improved in recent years, for major tree felling you may not get the engine power you need to fell a lot of very large trees.
Finally, depending on the size of your project, you may need a spare battery to prevent down time.
Verdict
For the domestic user who may just need a chainsaw for smaller garden projects, log cutting, or small branch pruning, an electric chainsaw is likely to give you more flexibility, and a cleaner more pleasant experience.
However, for professional lumberjacks undertaking major felling works, petrol chainsaws are likely to provide more options in terms of bar length.
