Mini Chainsaws - Yay or Nay?

RP · #1 09-27-2022, 07:25 AM

I used full-sized chainsaws when I was younger, but those days are long gone. However, I notice that there are now battery-powered "mini chain saws" that might be just the thing for cutting up the brush that's around my cabin in the woods and could be used in my wood stove. I wanted to get some feedback on these mini chain saws from folks who have used them...

imwjl · #2 09-27-2022, 08:00 AM

The battery powered matter is a frequent discussion within my trail builder and ski area associates as well as a friend who works in Milwaukee Tool corporate. The consensus is they are starting to be legit gasoline replacements for some applications. They and the Milwaukee Tool guy mention specific battery compatibility matters.

Third tier battery powered stuff is bad relative to some products because of the recycling and manufacturing ethics matters.

KenL · #3 09-27-2022, 08:12 AM

I have a Stihl battery-op chainsaw. Love it. Used it once and promptly sold my gas-powered saw.

A neighbor asked me how long the battery lasts? "Longer than me," I replied.

Now I'm not out there felling big trees. But for my purposes, it does the job quite well. I've got around 100 pines, and I use it to trim off the dead lower branches, mostly.

I have this theory- the fewer small gas-powered engines in my life, the happier I am. I've gotten rid of all of them, except for my Stihl leaf blower. And if it ever croaks, I'll replace it with a battery-op unit.

The Watchman · #4 09-27-2022, 08:20 AM

I have 14' and 16" corded Remington saws (bought at garage sales for a few bucks) and they do everything I need in my backyard. I wouldn't hesitate in buying a cordless. I feel much safer than with the bigger gas powered ones.

nickv6 · #5 09-27-2022, 08:20 AM

You know you really want it to "adjust" your neighbour's banjo...

David Eastwood · #6 09-27-2022, 08:21 AM

I have an Ego battery-powered chainsaw. It’s small - 14” - but perfectly adequate for small brush and branches. I’ve cut 3” material with it easily, and expect it could cope with 4”-5” without too much trouble. It’s light, and very easy to handle.

I’ve had an Ego mower and snowblower for several years, and am fully invested in their system - high quality tools, more than adequate for the average homeowner. I picked up the chainsaw along with a trimmer and edger from a neighbour who was moving, and have since added a hedge trimmer.

Steve DeRosa · #7 09-27-2022, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP

...I notice that there are now battery-powered "mini chain saws" that might be just the thing for cutting up the brush that's around my cabin in the woods and could be used in my wood stove...

Also a wonderful deterrent to home intruders...

Tnfiddler · #8 09-27-2022, 08:54 AM

I bought the Stihl GTA 26, for my wife, who loves to work on our property! I had my doubts about it, but I think this saw is the stuff!!

RP · #9 09-27-2022, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Also a wonderful deterrent to home intruders...

You sure??? We get some interesting home intruders in my neck of the woods....

DCCougar · #10 09-27-2022, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP

I used full-sized chainsaws when I was younger, but those days are long gone. However, I notice that there are now battery-powered "mini chain saws" that might be just the thing for cutting up the brush that's around my cabin in the woods and could be used in my wood stove. I wanted to get some feedback on these mini chain saws from folks who have used them...

Never used a chainsaw before. I got a Ryobi 14" battery powered. Works great!

121 · #11 09-27-2022, 01:54 PM

If the limbs and tree diameter are not too big, maybe a battery powered reciprocating saw would be better than a battery powered chain saw.

I like a reciprocating saw because it's such a versatile power tool.

Many different type of blades are available for cutting wood, metal and plastic.

Here's a video of a guy cutting a tree using a reciprocating saw.

joe white · #12 09-27-2022, 02:06 PM

I have the 12" Dewalt chainsaw and their limb saw as well. Both are more than adequate for my needs.

Jim Owen · #13 09-27-2022, 03:02 PM

Hi Randy,
I have asked for a battery powered Stihl for my retirement gift from work. I currently have a small Stihl easy start.

I’m getting too feeble to be a lumberjack. My goal in retirement is to not have to pull a starter.

hubcapsc · #14 09-27-2022, 03:05 PM

We live on 20 acres... I gave away my Husqvarna chainsaw, I'm
all electric now. I also have a smaller chainsaw on the end of a
pole.

-Mike

Murphy Slaw · #15 09-28-2022, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCCougar

Never used a chainsaw before. I got a Ryobi 14" battery powered. Works great!

I bought one of those for my wife, figured it was junk.

My "real" Echo chain saw was down at my cabin the other day and a big limb broke, actually about half of a big old peach tree.

I cut the whole thing up and did some other stuff with a single battery with that Ryobi.

That thing is WAY better than I thought it would be!