Chain saws are much cheaper than gasoline ones - they have their advantages, there are also disadvantages. The purpose of chain saws is sawing wood:
- caring for trees in the garden or in the country;
- felling small trees;
- sawing logs;
- longitudinal, transverse and oblique cutting of boards, etc.
Power saws are more quiet and environmentally friendly, which compares favorably with their gasoline counterparts. The absence of harmful exhaust gases allows you to use the tool in enclosed spaces. The operation and maintenance of an electric chain saw is also much simpler - plugged it in, pressed the button - the saw started up, you can start working.
The design itself is very simple, the main mechanisms and the electric motor are hidden in the case, the chain tensioner is most often keyless in the form of a regulator. Electric saws also win by weight, they are very convenient to work at height, the load on the hands is almost not felt. Another advantage is cost.
Electric saws are an order of magnitude cheaper than gasoline ones, which is appreciated by summer residents, for whom it is not always justified to pay a high price for a chainsaw in order to stock up on firewood once a year, or cut a branch on a tree.
The disadvantages of electric models are the constant need for a power source, the small battery capacity of rechargeable models and less power compared to gasoline ones.
Power saw Hyundai 
Classification of electric chain saws
Regardless of the manufacturer, chain saws can be divided into the following categories according to the power supply method:
- Electric, i.e. powered by a 220 V mains supply through a power cord. These saws are more powerful than cordless saws, they are easy to use and maintain, they are light in weight and compact in size, they are quieter in operation, they have improved safety features (protection of the electric motor from overheating, chain brake that works in a fraction of a second, etc.).
- Cordless chain saws powered by a removable battery that do not require connection to the mains. These are very compact tools with a very low weight, they are very convenient to work with, but the battery capacity does not allow working for a long time, and the power of a cordless chainsaw is inferior to electric ones.
Cordless or electric - the tool can be used both for domestic purposes (for home and summer cottages) and professionally (in construction, for example).
How to choose a good tool
How to choose the right tool? Which is better: a cheap electric saw or an expensive one? Can a budget option be of high quality and reliable? Price determines quality, everyone knows about it, but there are pleasant exceptions to the rule. It is necessary to select a chain saw for the following reasons:
- What kind of work requires a chain saw - if it is the procurement of fuel, construction work, then it is better to give preference to more expensive models from well-known companies. Conversely, occasional gardening jobs don't require much power from the tool, so a cheaper saw can be purchased.
- How often will it be used. The more often the saw is used, the higher its class should be, which immediately affects the cost of garden tools.
- Based on power characteristics. When buying a chain saw, you should very responsibly study the characteristics of the tool, familiarize yourself with the functionality, its features. Perhaps some of the characteristics will affect the choice, regardless of the price or class of the instrument.
- Assessing your budget.
Selection of an electric saw according to power characteristics
The main characteristics by which a manual electric saw is selected are as follows:
1. Electric motor power.
The performance of the saw, the sawing speed, the depth of cut, and the resource of the hand tool depend on this parameter. The greater the power of the electric motor, the more professional the tool, the faster the cutting, the longer the bar can be installed on the saw.
Consider the peculiarities of your electrical network, if frequent power surges were noticed - pay attention to a more powerful saw unit, an increased power reserve will protect the engine from overheating during a sudden drop.
In addition, a powerful electric motor, which is equipped with professional and semi-professional chain saws, allows the operator to increase sawing time without stopping. If a household tool needs to be stopped every 10-15 minutes of work, then professionals will calmly endure 45-60 minutes of work without interruption. When choosing, it is important to consider that the greater the power of the electric saw, the greater its weight.
2. Hand saw weight.
Electric chain saws, in comparison with gasoline saw units, are inferior in weight to the latter. They are compact and light, rarely which model exceeds 5-6 kg, due to which they are indispensable when performing high-altitude work, when the operator has to work with an electric saw with almost no weight.
3. Bar length.
This parameter determines the thickness of the wood that your saw can overcome. The tire size directly depends on the power, the higher it is, the larger the size of the guide. The most common tires are 35-45 cm (household and semi-professional), but some manufacturers of professional tools have equipped their units with tires from 50 to 90 cm.
4. Security options.
- chain brake - a special shield with a lever that works when a kickback occurs and stops the rotating chain almost instantly;
- blocking from accidental start - the motor starts when you press two keys - start and lock, if you grabbed the handle and accidentally pressed the start button - the saw will not start until the second button is pressed.
5. Chain pitch.
Determines the cutting ability of the tool and the quality of the work performed. The saw chain consists of links, the pitch is the distance between three adjacent rivets connecting the links to each other. Electric saws are equipped with chains with a pitch:
- 0.325 inch low profile chain included with inexpensive household power saws, they are distinguished by a neat cut, reduced vibration, but softer chain material that quickly fails;
- ¼ inch - a low-profile chain for cheap household electric saws, as well as the previous one, it is distinguished by its softness, but it allows you to accurately cut wood, leaving an even, neat cut;
- ⅜ inches are the most common chains used by most manufacturers on professional and semi-professional chain saws. The chain is more powerful, withstands heavy loads, is characterized by high performance, but lower cutting quality.
6. The position of the electric motor in the housing.
There are two types of power saws:
- with a longitudinal placement of the electric motor - light compact sawing tools, perfectly suited for work at height (crown trimming, roofing, etc.), are inferior in power to saws with a transverse electric motor, recoil often occurs when starting;
- with a transversely mounted engine - more bulky saws, the center of gravity is shifted, there is no loss in the transmission of power to the chain, there is no kickback at start-up, they are reliable, faster and more qualitative cut.
7. Chain tension.
Electric saw companies produce tools with two types of chain tension:
- key - with the help of an appropriate tool - a less convenient, but more reliable way of stretching;
- keyless - by turning the regulator, lamb, lever - a safe and convenient way to tension.
8. The presence of a soft start system.
When starting the saw, a large current flows through the motor, causing the chain to jerk, leading to kickback. To avoid this, systems were installed that reduce the load on the electric motor and gradually accelerate the circuit.
9. The volume of the oil tank, the presence of a viewing window in it.
The larger the oil reservoir, the less often the operator will have to add lubricant. The viewing window allows the owner to visually control the fullness of the oil tank.
10. The presence of adjustment of the supply of lubrication by the oil pump.
More powerful electric saws are equipped with an adjusting screw that allows you to increase or decrease the oil consumption.
11. Duration of continuous work.
For a household tool, the duration of continuous operation should not exceed more than 10-15 minutes, the break in work should last the same amount. Semi-pro and pro tools can work without interruption for more than 45 minutes in a row.
12. Battery life.
This parameter is typical for cordless electric saws, mobile and not tied to a power source. Manufacturers produce batteries with a voltage of 8 V, 16 V, less often 32 V. The battery capacity can vary from 2 to 4 Ah. On average, the battery lasts for 45-60 minutes of work, depending on the intensity.
We offer a short video review, where the specialist explains the main criteria for selecting power saws, regardless of the manufacturer.
Overview of the Top 10 Electric Chain Saw Manufacturers in 2018
In 2018, the most popular chain saws were the following brands:
- Stihl.
- Makita.
- Husqvarna.
- Bosch.
- champion.
- Huter.
- "Interskol".
- Oleo Mac.
- PATRIOT.
Stihl
Stihl German electric saws are professional, high-performance sawing tools that are distinguished by economical lubricant consumption, convenient, well-thought-out design, and reliable components and mechanisms. Saws withstand long loads.
Some advantages in just one drawback - the high cost, both for the saws themselves and for consumables, equipment.
Makita
Makita Japanese chain saws also belong to the professional line, they have a well-thought-out design, are perfectly balanced, durable, have keyless chain tension, friction clutch gently transmits torque, and a soft start system is built in. Lockable start button, thanks to the double insulation of the electrical wiring, electric shock is completely excluded - safety is at its best.
The only disadvantage is the use of original oils for the chain, the supply system is unregulated, access to the electric motor and the entire “stuffing” is difficult.
Husqvarna
Good Swedish professional electric saws, the motor has a longitudinal design, high sawing speed, security system, keyless chain tensioner, low noise level, in general, an ergonomic high-quality design.
The disadvantage is the expensive cost of power tools, in addition, the owners complain about the inconvenient location of the oil tank cap.
Bosch
Another German brand that is loved by the consumer for its power tools, which, although they cost a little cheaper than the Shtilevsky ones, do their job very well. Electric chain saws of this brand are equipped with a powerful electric motor, equipped with overload protection and a soft start system. The speed and accuracy of the cut is high, the chain tension is keyless, if necessary, tires of various sizes are mounted. Very quiet, equipped with ergonomic handles and chain brake.
Among the shortcomings - only original chains and tires are used, the tires are ultra-thin, they bend with inept operation, and the price is above average.
Champion
This American company produces not only mains power tools, but also battery ones. Cordless chain saws have received the highest rating from the consumer, thanks to excellent power characteristics, reliable assembly and a lithium-ion battery, a battery and charger are included (this is a rarity). The saw is small in size and weight, ergonomic, completely autonomous, inexpensive, given the complete set (the presence of a charger and a battery).
As a disadvantage, the owners highlight the excessive noise of the chain saw and the small battery capacity, which lasts no more than 20 minutes.
Huter
The German brand produces high-quality household power tools, including chain saws, which are distinguished by their inexpensive price (about 5 thousand rubles), reliability, and safety. Saws are equipped with low-profile chains, perfectly balanced, noise and vibration are minimized, comfortable handles with pads. Built-in protection of the electric motor against overheating, double insulation.
The disadvantages are: tool chain tension and short-lived equipment, which can be easily replaced.
"Interskol"
So the domestic manufacturer entered the TOP ten. Power saws are much cheaper, but no worse than imported analogues, which not everyone can afford to buy. Electric saws "Interskol" have an ethnonomic, balanced design, are equipped with a soft start system, noise and vibration are reduced. Low-profile equipment is used, easy access to the chain tensioner.
The owners of the equipment do not speak very well of the original headset - the chain quickly blunts and stretches, the tire is too thin and quickly fails. You can change the equipment without problems, saws have a standard mount for many headsets.
Oleo Mac
The Italian manufacturer produces very reliable electric saws that can even handle hardwood. The security system is duplicated, motor protection, excellent wear resistance.
In all respects, Oleo-Mac produces excellent chain saws, the only negative is that the chain tension and adjustment are not very convenient.
PATRIOT
This American company produces power tools that comply with all existing safety standards. Electric saws are distinguished by high reliability, maintainability, extended service life, good power characteristics.
As for complaints, the owners complain about the rapid wear of the gear in the gearbox and the not very convenient tension system.
DDE
An American company at Chinese production sites produces inexpensive power saws that can satisfy the needs of the owner of a private house or summer cottage. Chain saws are equipped with powerful electric motors, have standard safety systems (inertial brake, start button lock, motor overheat protection, soft start, etc.).
But the system for supplying oil to the chain is a bit unfinished, after a long period of non-use, problems with the supply of lubricant may arise, the operator will have to tinker.
Ranking of the best electric chain saws of 2018
These power saws received the highest consumer rating in 2018:
- Stihl MSE 250 C-Q-16.
- Makita UC4530A.
- Husqvarna 420EL.
- "Interskol" PC-16/2000T.
- Oleo-Mac 17 E-16.
- PATRIOT ESP 1816.
| Model | Power, W | Tire length, cm | chain pitch, | Automatic chain lubrication | Weight, kg |
| Stihl MSE 250 C-Q-16 | 2500 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 5.7 |
| Makita UC4530A | 2000 | 45 | 3/8 | + | 4.4 |
| Husqvarna 420EL | 2000 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 4.7 |
| 1800 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 4.1 | |
| Champion 420 | 2000 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 4.7 |
| Huter ELS-2000P | 2000 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 7.4 |
| Interskol PC-16/2000T | 2000 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 5.7 |
| Oleo-Mac 17 E-16 | 1600 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 3.9 |
| PATRIOT ESP 1816 | 1800 | 40 | 3/8 | + | 5.8 |
| 2410 | 45 | 3/8 | + | 4.7 |
Let's move on to a brief overview of the models listed above and consider their technical characteristics.
Electric chain saw Stihl MSE 250 C-Q-16
The electric saw weighs 5.7 kg and is equipped with a powerful 2500 W electric motor powered by the mains. The electric saw is equipped with a soft start system with a built-in inrush current limiter, the electric motor is reliably protected from possible overloads. The oil tank is made of transparent plastic and has a special lid that can be opened without any additional tools.
Power saw Makita UC4530A chain
Chain saw Husqvarna 420EL
| Main | |
| Manufacturer | Husqvarna |
| Producing country | Sweden |
| Food | Network 220V |
| Engine location | Longitudinal |
| Bar length | 400.0 (mm) |
| Chain pitch | 3/8″ |
| Chain speed | 14.5 (m/s) |
| Oil tank volume | 180.0 (ml) |
| The weight | 4.7 (kg) |
| Guarantee period | 12 (months) |
| Characteristics of the electric motor, battery | |
| Power consumption | 2000.0 (Tue) |
| Additional functions | |
| chain brake | Yes |
| Starting current limitation | Yes |
| Keyless chain tension adjustment | Yes |
| additional characteristics | |
| Packing dimensions | 605/244/25 (mm) L/W/H |
| Power saw class | Domestic |
| More | Oil level indicator. Chain tension adjustment without tools. Softstart™ electronic soft start system |
| Uniqueness | Yes |
| Chain lubrication | Automatic |
| Equipment | Power saw, bar, chain, manual, warranty card |
| Tire Groove Width, mm (in) | 1,3 |
| Engine power, W (hp) | 2000 (2,72) |
| Type of | |
| Noise level | 102 |
Bosch AKE 40 S chain saw
A great tool for both home and professional use. The electric motor with a power of 1800 W has a longitudinal placement in the housing. The oil tank is equipped with an inspection window and a built-in strainer, lubrication is carried out by an automatic oil pump. The inertial brake will stop the chain rotation in a matter of seconds.
Champion 420 electric chain saw
Ergonomic design weighing 4.7 kg (without accessories) is designed for use in the home. The chain saw received a 2000 W electric motor (longitudinal placement), access to the brushes is simplified through a special hole without the use of tools. The start of the motor is push-button, there is a key for blocking the start button. Double insulation protects against electric shock.
The oil tank is equipped with a filling sensor. On the handle with rubber pads there is a hook for convenient holding of the wire. There is a chain brake and an oil pump for chain lubrication. The equipment consists of a 57-link chain and a 40 cm guide. We offer.
Huter ELS-2000P electric chain saw
A household power tool weighing 7.4 kg is used in construction and in the household. Electric motor power 2000 W, there is overload protection. The supply of chain lubrication is automatic. For safety purposes, the saw is equipped with a chain brake with a protective shield. The rig includes a 40 cm guide and a 57 link chain. We offer.
“Interskol” PC-16/2000T electric chain saw
| Country | Russia |
| Manufacturer's Warranty | 2 years |
| MAIN CHARACTERISTICS | |
| Type of | Electrical |
| Engine location | Longitudinal |
| Power, W) | 2000 W |
| Bar length | 40 cm |
| Chain pitch | 3/8″ |
| Maximum chain speed | 14 m/s |
| Number of links | 57 |
| FUNCTIONS | |
| chain brake | There is |
| Automatic chain lubrication | There is |
| Protection against accidental activation | There is |
| FOOD | |
| Power type | Net |
| Oil tank volume | 0.085 l |
| EQUIPMENT | |
| Tire | 1 PC. |
| Chain | 1 PC. |
| Protective cover | 1 PC. |
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | |
| Height | 19 cm |
| Depth | 26.5 cm |
| Width | 55.5 cm |
| The weight | 5.7 kg |
| Color | Black gray |
Power saw Oleo-Mac 17 E-16
| Manufacturer | Oleo Mac | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engine power, kW | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bar length, mm / inches | 400 / 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chain pitch and link thickness | 3/8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of links, pcs | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| chain brake | There is | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automatic chain lubrication | There is | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight, (kg) | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Guarantee | Tire length, see read and download instructions for PATRIOT ESP 1816 read and download instructions for DDE CSE2418.
| Operating time with AK 30 battery 1) | up to 55 min |
| Operating time with AK 10 battery 1) | up to 18 min |
| Operating time with AK 20 battery 1) | up to 40 min |
| Battery type | Lithium-Ion COMPACT |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Equipment | with AK 20 battery and AL 101 charger |
| Bar length | 30 cm |
| Weight 2) | 2.7 kg |
| vaga | 2.3 kg |
| Oil tank volume | 110 cm³ |
| Sound power level 3) | 94 dB(A) |
| Vibration level left/right 4) | 3.4/3.2 m/s² |
| Rollomatic E bar, length | 30 cm |
| Chain pitch | 1/4″P |
The compact tool weighs only 2.5 kg, the electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 3.3 Ah and a voltage of 36 V. The chain tension is toolless, there is a chain brake and auto-lubrication. Tires 30 cm long are mounted. The battery and charger are included. We offer you to read and download the instructions for Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ-AK20-AL101
The electric motor is located transversely, the chain tension adjustment is keyless. Tires 30 cm and chains for 47 links are mounted. There is a chain brake, oil supply to the chain is automated. Comes with one battery + charger. Comfortable rubberized handle provides a secure grip. We offer you to read and download the user manual for Champion CSB360.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with a small video rating, perhaps this will help you make the right choice and choose the tool for yourself.
For those who wish to communicate live with the current owners of the equipment, we suggest visiting all kinds of forums, where you will learn about the problematic and trump points of a particular model of a particular manufacturer.
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