I grew up on a chainsaw. And an axe. So… I’m biased.
But… I can go out to the log pile in -20C, with the saw, a small jerry of premixed gas and a jug of bar oil… and cut all morning. Maybe till afternoon coffee. Usually I’d bag out before the saw did.
In -20C, with a duffel full of batteries that’ll all have to be trickle charged afterward?
I don’t think so.
Temperature plays a big roll in how long battery operated tools can last. You get more run time in warm weather than in cold weather. Then you have the issue of progressively shorter run times as the battery ages.
ReplyDeleteelectrics are ok if you just use it for the occasional use, they are handy. for serious cutting you can't beat gas.
ReplyDeleteI cut a lot of firewood, and I finally bought one of those electric chainsaws two years ago. I found that I can cut the same amount of firewood with one battery, as I can with one tankful of gas and oil in a regular chainsaw. I was pleasantly surprised by that.
ReplyDeleteCL
The cordless electric chainsaw works about as well as I do at sub-zero temperatures (that's Fahrenheit for you heathens and Hottentots), but a cordless electric drill with a spare battery can't be beat. Especially when you're out in the pasture mending board fence.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with battery powered chainsaws, lawnmowers, etc. is the safety of the batteries. My chainsaws and power equipment reside in an unheated shed. Do I leave the batteries in the shed knowing that the temperature extremes will rapidly degrade the battery life? Or do I take them in the house knowing that lithium ion batteries tend to spontaneously combust? I suppose a fireproof battery storage box would work, but for now I'll stick with gas and extension cords.
ReplyDeleteFor hoe moaner jobs, battery powered is good enough. You don't have to get your carb rebuild every year from it setting with ethanol fuel killing yer seals and gaskets. I know, but most don't know to drain the tank, then run it till it dies.
ReplyDeleteFor real work, gas is the way.
We cut, age, split and burn on average 4 cords a year of pine and love my trusty gas powered Stihl saw. Its a keeper. DG
ReplyDeleteI once had a Milwaukee Tool WIRED electric. It weighed as much as a petroleum powered unit, RAN like a SEWING MACHINE, had a 16 inch bar and cut like a gasoline powered unit. The oil reservoir was CAST ALUMINUM. Thing was a TANK.
ReplyDeleteI do regret selling it. Probably more of a collectors item these days. It would keep up with a gas unit I'm sure... Had a 20 ft. long cord and of course, you could use extension cords to expand the range.
You could NOT take it to "The Woods"... unless you drag along a generator. At that point, take the gas powered chain saw.
Otherwise, it was a beast.
Plug in electric saws, if the cord can reach the work, are sooo much easier and lower maintenance than gas.
ReplyDeleteI had a pulling (poulan) pro for a few years. POS. I found that when I needed a saw, it wouldn't start. Usually the carb. I have a corded electric that does what I need to do. I have a couple sharp axes. Last time the crappy chainsaw let me down, I got the job done with an ax.
ReplyDeleteI love my Ego electric pole saw but all I use it for it trimming the palm trees and the hedges (with the hedge trimmer attachment). 15 minutes and I'm done.
ReplyDeleteASM826, however, still cuts his own firewood to heat his house. I expect he feels the same as you, although I don't expect many days at -20C in North Carolina ...