Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
Gas-powered chainsaws are loud, noisy, and pollute our environment. Battery-powered chainsaws have jumped leaps and bounds in performance over the last few years, but are battery powered chainsaws safer than gas models?
Battery-powered chainsaws eliminate these problems. They run on batteries instead of gas, making them quieter, less polluting, and safer. Plus, they’re portable, allowing you to work from anywhere.
But how do battery-powered chainsaws compare to gas-powered ones? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Are Battery Powered Chainsaws Safer?
An electric chainsaw can look like a toy compared to traditional gas-powered models. However, they still function just like gas-powered saw, and you need to use the same safety precautions with a gas chain saw.
Always use proper precautions when working around power tools. Wear eye protection and ear plugs. Keep children away from power equipment. Never operate a chainsaw near flammable materials such as wood stoves, fireplaces, candles, lanterns, oil lamps, kerosene heaters, charcoal grills, campfires, etc.
Battery vs gas chainsaw safety
Battery and gas powered chainsaws are designed with many safety features right out of the box. Some of these features are there so that you don’t injure yourself during the operation. Other features are there to help prevent injury in case of an accident.
Many of these safety features are available for both gas and electric chainsaw. One of the main causes of accidents during chainsaw operations is kickbacks.
Kickback occurs when the tip of the chain saw bar comes into contact with the log while running. This can happen due to several reasons, including improper setup, incorrect blade sharpness, etc. If you want to make sure that your chainsaw is safe to operate, here are some tips.
- Make sure that the chainsaw is set up properly. A good rule of thumb is to always start with the chain off. You’ll be able to see how well the chain fits the teeth of the motor. If the chain doesn’t fit correctly it could lead to kickback.
- Always maintain proper blade sharpness. When sharpening a chainsaw, never sharpen the teeth of the chainsaw bar. Instead, sharpen only the edges of the chain saw bar where it meets the handle.
- Keep the chainsaw away from flammable materials. Never store a chainsaw near anything that might catch fire. Also, keep the chainsaw out of reach of children and pets.
- Use the correct type of fuel. Gas-powered chainsaws require gasoline. Battery-operated chainsaws work best with lithium-ion batteries.
- Check the oil level regularly. Chainsaws run better when they have plenty of oil. Oil helps lubricate the parts inside the chainsaw.
- Don’t overload the chainsaw. Overloading a chainsaw can cause serious problems like overheating and even breakage.
Are corded electric chainsaws safer than battery chainsaws?
We often get asked if corded electric chainsaws are safer than their battery-powered chainsaw cousins. If we are talking about stamina, hands down, the corded chainsaws have the advantage.
Corded chainsaws have the advantage of endless runtime as long as you are near a power outlet. Some corded chainsaws are even as powerful as some gas chainsaws; now that’s saying something. But let’s talk about safety features.
One of the main differences between a corded and cordless chainsaw is the weight of the saw. Cordless saws tend to way more because of the weight of the battery pack. The weight difference might be small, but it does make a difference if you cut and use the saw for a long time.
What makes the corded saw work so well is also the main hazard for the corded saw, and that is the cord itself. The corded electric chainsaws are a trip hazard. You don’t want to trip and fall with a chainsaw in your hands. Another issue besides being a trip hazard is entanglement.
In such cases, the battery chainsaw is better. Due to its all wireless function, there are no trip hazards. There is also no way it’s going to wrap around anything.
If you are doing any type of trimming where you need to scale a ladder or climb to a height above ground level, it makes much more sense to use a cordless saw to avoid the trip and entanglement you might get with a corded saw.
Why Use a Battery-Powered Chainsaw?
The popularity of battery-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) continues to grow. And while there are many advantages to owning such tools, one of the biggest benefits is how much less noise they make compared to traditional gas-powered counterparts.
Some cities now require that certain OPE tools must meet strict emissions standards, choosing to buy a gas-powered or battery-powered model even more important.
1. Noise
One of the most obvious differences between gas-powered and battery-powered OPE tools is their amount of noise. While both types of OPE tools emit some level of sound, gas-powered tools tend to generate far more noise than battery-powered ones. This is because gas-powered tools run on gasoline, which produces a lot of noise and vibration. On the other hand, battery-powered tools operate off lithium-ion batteries, producing very little noise.
2. Weight
Another major difference between gas-powered and electric-powered OPE tools involves weight. Because gas-powered tools rely on combustion engines, they typically weigh around three times as much as their electric counterparts. For example, a typical gas-powered chain saw weighs about 30 pounds, whereas a comparable electric chain saw weighs just 10 pounds. As a result, gas-powered tools are generally heavier and bulkier than electric-powered models.
Safer Cutting When Up High
A battery-powered chainsaw won’t make noise when it’s turned off, but there are still safety concerns when working high above the ground.
One option that many people overlook is using a battery-powered saw. A battery-powered chainsaw doesn’t make much sound, so it’s easier to hear yourself think and the people you are working around.
Since it runs on batteries, you can run it without worrying about pulling a cord.
All you do is push the trigger button and keep holding it. Once you release the trigger, the motor shuts off automatically.
If you do have to work at higher than ground levels using a battery-powered saw, then a battery-powered saw could be a useful and safe alternative to gas-powered chainsaws.
Benefits of Electric Chainsaws
The benefits of electric chainsaws over gas-powered models include lower noise levels, fewer moving parts, and no emissions. In addition, electric chainsaws are lighter and smaller than gasoline-powered versions.
They are also quieter and easier to use because there are no noisy internal combustion engines. They are ideal for homeowners who cut down trees or shrubs without disturbing neighbors or damaging nearby property.
Rechargeable batteries typically power electric chainsaws. Some models come with built-in charging stations.
Others offer optional battery packs that can be charged via wall outlets. Batteries must be replaced periodically, however. If you plan to replace your current batteries, choose high-quality replacements. You don’t want to buy cheap batteries that won’t hold up under heavy usage.
If you’re considering buying an electric chainsaw, it’s important to understand how the tool works. Here are some things to consider:
• How much power does the saw deliver? Most electric chainsaws fall into three categories: light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty. Light duty tools are best suited for trimming small branches and cutting away brush. Medium duty models are designed for larger jobs like pruning trees and clearing land. Heavy duty models are meant for tree felling and large-scale landscaping projects.
• Does the model have a safety system? Safety systems prevent the chain from spinning unless the trigger is depressed. This helps protect against accidents where the chain could wrap around the operator’s body.
• What size blades do the saw feature? Blades vary in length and width depending on what job you’ll be performing.
Power and Performance
Electric chainsaws are powerful and dependable tools that make it easy to cut wood without lugging around a gasoline-powered chainsaw.
Electric chainsaws aren’t always considered the best choice for cutting trees and branches because they’re less powerful than gas models. That may have been true in the past but isn’t true any longer.
Electric chainsaws are often thought of as being weaker than gas ones. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many models can do just as good a job cutting down trees as gas ones. And while you might think that it wouldn’t matter how strong a saw is, there are certain tasks where it does make a difference.
Affordable
Today, there are over 30 different chainsaw brands available on Amazon. Some companies offer high-quality products that rival the best names in the industry, while others sell cheap, low-quality products that don’t match the performance of the most expensive ones.
A powerful and efficient battery-powered chainsaw can be purchased for around $200. This includes the tool and the battery. Other models go for much higher prices, but a model for $200 will get you a very capable saw that will handle almost every job a homeowner would need to tackle.
Safer to Use
Chainsaws must be operated safely. Electric chain saws have several safety advantages over their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Slower chain speeds
Chains on electric and battery-powered chainsaws disengage when the trigger is released
Chain bars that aren’t longer than 20 inches
With chains being ideal when the throttle isn’t pressed, slower chain speeds, and shorter chain bar lengths, you are in more control over your saw, which in the ends makes the saw safer to use.
Other ways to keep your chainsaw cutting experience safe are to:
• Always wear eye protection.
• Keep children away from the chain area.
• Make sure the chain is properly lubricated and tightened.
• Keep fingers out of the trigger area unless you are about to start making a cut
Easy to Use
They’re easy to use, too. You just plug it into an outlet and turn it on. There’s no complicated startup procedure like there is with gas-powered saws. And you won’t have to clean up oil spills or change filters.
The same goes for the battery-powered models; you insert a battery and press the trigger, and you are ready to cut.
An electric chainsaw is easier than gas-powered models to maintain because it doesn’t require much upkeep. Gas-powered tools usually need to be cleaned regularly and maintained properly. But electric chainsaws don’t require any special care other than keeping the chain tension correct.
No Fuel Emissions
Electric chainsaws are one of those things you just assume are environmentally friendly, and it turns out they are. Electric chainsaws don’t even produce any harmful emissions into the air.
The reason why? Because there isn’t any fuel being burned. Instead, electricity powers the motor, which makes the chain spin around.
So what about noise levels? Electric chainsaws are much quieter than gas powered ones because there’s no combustion involved. And since they require less maintenance, they could save you money in the long run.
Quieter
Electric power tools are getting better and better at keeping down the racket they make while cutting wood. A recent study found that the typical gas chainsaw runs about 117 decibels—a few decibels louder than the sound of a car driving by.
Electric chainsaws start around 90 decibels, and most models fall between 90 and 102 decibels.
While you might think ear protection might not be needed because of the lower levels of noise, I would still recommend you need wear hearing protection while using any outdoor power equipment
Operating Electric Chainsaws Safely
The use of power equipment such as electric chain saws requires special precautions. They are dangerous machines, and it is important to follow safety rules and regulations. If you do not know how to operate a power tool, read the operational or instruction manual to ensure you are familiar with the chainsaw operation.
Always transport tools properly and safely. Transporting tools improperly could cause damage to the machine or even injure someone. Always ensure that the chainsaw is secured in a safe place during transportation.
Never leave tools unattended. You must take care of them yourself. Do not allow anyone else to operate them without proper instruction.
Always wear eye protection and ear protection. Wear gloves too.
Being physically fit and mentally alert is important for operating a chainsaw safely.
Kickback
A chainsaw kicks back when it encounters resistance. This can happen when cutting into wood, metal, concrete, etc. If you don’t know how to stop the kickback, it could cause serious injury. Here are some tips to help keep you safe.
Users can avoid chainsaw kickback by doing the following simple tasks
- Make sure your chain brake is working correctly (if the saw has that function)
- Keeping the nose from hitting the ground and other not cutting instructions
- Don’t overreach when trying to cut a limb or trunk when you are cutting.
Protective clothing and equipment
When using a chainsaw, it is important to protect yourself from injury. Always wear safety goggles, ear defenders, eye protection, gloves, boots, and long sleeves.
Eye protection is required by law and must be worn whenever you work near moving parts or around dust, debris, or flying particles.
Chainsaws require special protective clothing. You must wear proper protective clothing when operating a chainsaw. This includes a hard hat, heavy-duty leather gloves, knee pads, rubber aprons, steel-toe shoes, and hearing protection.
Battery-powered chainsaws are safer to use than gas chainsaws
Traditional gas-powered garden tools like hedge trimmers and lawnmowers are noisy, create toxic fumes and emit harmful vibrations. These are just some reasons why many people choose electric power over gas.
Some battery-operated chain saws are designed to minimize risks to users. Testing on cordless chainsaws proved them to be quieter, cleaner, and vibrated far less than their gas counterparts. Most modern electric or battery-powered chainsaws also come with a chain guard with kickback protection and automatic lubrication, so they don’t need to be adjusted manually.
So overall, I do believe that battery-powered saws are safer to use than gas powered models.