A chainsaw is one of those power tools that can really help you cut through yard work easily and quickly. The best cordless chainsaw will combine the ease of movement of a cordless petrol model with the cutting power and reliability of a corded, electric chainsaw.
However, generally speaking, it can also be among the more expensive models on the market, so you need to be sure you’re not just buying any chainsaw. You need to be sure you’re investing your money in a cordless chainsaw that has features which will suit your needs or the jobs you need to accomplish.
With that in regard, we have highlighted three models to help you find the one that will be perfect for you and workshop.
Best Cordless Chainsaws: Your Top Options
Greenworks 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
As mentioned, what you need to look for in a cordless chainsaw is a middle ground between power and mobility, and you would certainly see that in this saw from Greenworks.
Features
With a 40-volt lithium battery and capacity to push all the power through its long, 12-inch bar, delivers a powerful cutting action one would expect from a saw. Even with that power level and long bar, Greenworks have worked hard to make sure that this product only weighs a little over 6 pounds. This is a great feature since it will ensure that you can carry and handle the saw without hassles.
Since a chainsaw requires oiling before and after use, the Greenworks 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is integrated with an automatic oiler system. However, one of the issues with this tool is related to the build of that self-oiling mechanism.
The oil released by the automatic oiler tends to leak all over the stainless steel bar and chain during operation. This isn’t a huge deal breaker, though, and it certainly does keep it nicely lubricated. Just always make sure that you wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting covered in oil.
The other slight issue is with the battery. While it packs in 40 volts, it only produces a power of 2 amps, but Greenworks also has an available 40-volt, 4-amp battery that will significantly improve its overall performance. The only trouble is you have to purchase it separately.
Pros
- Easy to transport and use
- High-quality chain and bar
- Does not require manual oiling
- Lightweight
- Battery can be upgraded
- Worry-free chain tensioning
Cons
- Low-powered battery
- Imperfect oiling system
Click the link below to check it out on Amazon:
Worx WG322 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
If you’re looking for an option that brings a very high degree of mobility, then . It has a number of features that make it perfect for working in difficult or confined areas, but to achieve this, it does sacrifice a bit of power.
Features
Probably, the first thing you’ll spot is that the bar of this product is two inches shorter than the other two models in this article. That short bar, combined with a very low overall weight of 6 pounds, makes this model very easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
In addition, the tool-free automatic chain tension system and the easy-to-read battery level indicator are very useful features, primarily when working off the ground. Hence, this could be an excellent option if you frequently handle jobs related to cutting the crown of a tree or working above ground level like in a harness rig or on a ladder.
Down at the ground level, the mobility features are frankly less important, and the low-powered 20-volt battery becomes more of an issue. However, in areas or applications where space is limited, most of the features of this little machine will come in very handy.
This product also has an automatic oiling system, but similar to the first product we reviewed, the oil tends to leak, but this is because the oil tube comes off most of the time. So, always make sure that you check it beforehand.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Extremely compact design
- Worry-free chain tensioning
- Extremely portable
- Easy to use and store
- Comfortable to use
- Can be used in hard-to-reach areas
- Long battery life
- Battery is compatible with other Worx tools
Cons
- Short
- Underpowered battery
- Requires regular checking of the oil tube
Ready to check it out on Amazon? Click the link below!
Makita XCU02PT 18V 12-Inch Chainsaw
is of a pretty innovative design since it uses not one but two 18-volt batteries as its power source, providing you with 36 volts of cutting power.
Features
As the name implies, this Makita tool has a 12-inch bar to provide the user with an excellent cutting surface that will tackle even thicker logs and tree trunks with ease. It also has an integrated oil port which helps keep everything lubricated, as well as a tool-free tension adjustment system.
As mentioned, its dual batteries provide excellent power, but, unfortunately, they also have a few issues. The first is that the tool will not operate with only one battery, so you need to keep both of them fully charged. Also, if one of the batteries breaks, your chainsaw won’t work, and you would need to purchase a new one.
The second issue is that the batteries are too heavy. They are, in fact, the heaviest component of this chainsaw. By having two, you are drastically increasing the weight to 10 to 12 pounds, which is about double the weight of the other two models.
Pros
- Long bar
- Powerful
- Worry-free chain tensioning
- Easy-to-locate and large oil port
- Low-noise operation
- Comfortable and easy to use
Con
Heavy batteries
You can check it out on Amazon by following the link below:
Verdict
We’ve kind of cheated a little because we’re not simply going to pick the best cordless chainsaw on the list—we’re actually picking two!
If you are looking for raw cutting power, and if you think you’ll be doing most of your work at ground level, then we recommend the Greenworks model because it is the most powerful among the three.
On the other hand, if you will be doing a lot of work off the ground, then the superior maneuverability and extremely low weight of the Worx Cordless Saw will ensure your safety.