Gas Vs. Electric
You need a chainsaw – but you haven’t made up your mind as to whether you want a gas or an electric chainsaw.
To help you decide, you first have to look at what you will be using the chainsaw for, and the type of wood you will be cutting. In addition, you have to consider how much time you are willing to devote to maintenance and repairs. This is a big advantage electric chainsaws have over gas.
Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages associated with electric chainsaws.
The advantages are simple; they require no fuel, no mixing gas, and oil, though the bar does have to be oiled. With gas-powered units, you have to use a gasoline-oil mixture as fuel.
Electric chainsaws are relativity quiet compared to their noisy gas-powered brothers. They are also easy to start and start instantly, no more pulling on the start cord over and over again. They don’t emit any exhaust fumes; they vibrate less, and usually cost less. With everything so wonderful about electric chainsaws, what could be the disadvantage of owning one? Oh, and one more advantage, you can use an electric chainsaw indoors.
The first major disadvantage of electric chainsaws, is they do not have the power that a gas powered chainsaw has. Another disadvantage is that you are tethered by an electrical cord and must have a nearby, convenient source of electricity, which brings us to the fact they can be a potential shock hazard. This is especially true if you are not paying attention and accidentally cut the power cord as you are cutting the tree. Finally, electric chainsaws are limited to the length of guide bar they can use, which is usually less than 14 inches. Whereas gas-powered chainsaws have a wide variety of engine sixes and guide bar lengths available.
If an electric chainsaw still sounds right for you, then make sure that the one you purchase has been approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) and bares their label.