Don’t let overgrown trees take away from the beauty of your home and garden – clean them up with a chainsaw. Both gas and electric chainsaws from Tractor Supply can help with different tasks around your property, but which is better for your needs? Let’s explore the gas and electric versions of these tools and how they compare.
What Are Chainsaws?
Chainsaws are power tools that are typically used to cut and shape wood. Professionals often utilize them, but they can also be used by homeowners to easily manage wood around their properties. Chainsaws are designed for common tasks such as:
- Tree felling: Chainsaws help cut down standing trees to make room for construction or to use as firewood.
- Tree trimming and pruning: Chainsaws allow homeowners or professionals to remove unwanted branches and roots, whether as a safety precaution, to improve the tree’s appearance or to promote healthy growth.
- Cutting firewood: Harvest firewood from trees by cutting wood into small pieces with a chainsaw, and then using a splitter (one that fits logs around 18 inches long), so they’re the perfect size for burning.
- Cleaning up after storms: If trees have fallen or broken after a storm, chainsaws can help cut them into more manageable pieces for removal.
These tools feature a long guide bar that is surrounded by a chain of cutting teeth. When powered by the engine, the chain will spin around the guide bar, allowing its teeth to slice through materials. While these are versatile tools, gas and electric power types give users specific advantages, depending on which they choose.
Examining Gas Chainsaws
As is the case with gas-powered lawn mowers, gas-powered chainsaws require a consistent fuel supply. Their engines are built to use this fuel and turn it into reliable power to help with a wide range of cutting needs. Gas chainsaws come in several different styles, including light-duty options and those designed for professional use.
Advantages
Using a gas-powered chainsaw allows you to handle heavy-duty jobs, such as slicing through large trees. This is because their engines are designed for greater cutting power and high cutting speeds, and they run for longer periods of time. This is especially helpful after a storm, when trees have fallen into your yard and need to be removed.
Gas chainsaws are also a good choice if you have a lot of cutting jobs to do or tasks that aren’t located near an outlet. If you’re trying to reach wood toward the back of your property, gas-powered chainsaws handle the job without you having to worry about reaching for the right power equipment-specific extension cords.
Disadvantages
Because you’ll be relying on gasoline to operate the chainsaw, these models require you to have a supply on hand, which may result in inconvenience. Also, because these chainsaws are so powerful, they are generally more expensive. Gas-powered options are heavy, as well, meaning some may not be physically able to use them for long periods.
Breaking Down Electric Chainsaws
Alternatively, electric chainsaws are mainly used for less intensive needs, making them great for basic yard cleanup, cutting firewood and managing branches around your property. Electric chainsaws, as the name suggests, use electricity rather than gasoline to give them the power they need to operate. Electric chainsaws mostly come as cordless models, which run on a rechargeable battery, but you can also find plug-in versions if that’s what you prefer.
Advantages
Because these offerings aren’t filled with fuel, they are usually rather lightweight. This makes them easy to handle for those looking to take on big jobs. They also feature quiet operation and don’t release the smell of burning fuel, which makes them a more neighborhood-friendly choice. When relying on electricity over gas, you won’t have to worry about whether your chainsaw will be ready for use. Depending on the model, you can simply plug them in and start them up, or you can charge it fully before starting your project. Cordless chainsaws are ideal for jobs that require you to cover a larger area, or they can help you reach spots you couldn’t with a plug-in model. Meanwhile, corded chainsaws are great for more permanent setups with nearby electrical outlets, such as woodworking stations.
Disadvantages
While electric chainsaws may be able to handle bigger cuts, it will take much longer given they aren’t as effective for heavy-duty cutting jobs. Additionally, some electric models are corded, which means that you’ll have to either be near an outlet or grab an extension cord designed for use with power tools. This also means that users will need to be careful of where they go, so they don’t trip on the cord or get it caught.
Alternatively, cordless electric models offer the convenience of gas-powered ones in a more compact, lightweight package. Cordless chainsaws, however, don’t provide quite as much power, so they are best for light-duty tasks. They also run on battery power, meaning you’ll need to ensure the battery is charged before use.
Gas vs. Electric Pruner Chainsaws
For those who are looking for other ways to take care of unwanted branches, pole saws are a great choice. These tools are also known as pruner chainsaws, and they work similarly to chainsaws. They differ in that they feature long poles in between the handle and cutting section, which provides extended reach. These poles may have a fixed setting for simple use or telescoping setting to help you make size adjustments as needed.
To determine if you need a gas or electric pole saw, consider factors such as:
- Power level: Like chainsaws, gas-powered pole saws offer more power than electric options, making them better suited for heavy-duty jobs and frequent use.
- Weight: Electric pole saws tend to be more lightweight than gas models, so they are easier to maneuver, especially for homeowners who don’t handle power tools often.
- Cord limit: If an electric pole saw has a cord, it can limit the area in which you can use it. Meanwhile, gas-powered and cordless electric pole saws allow for a wider area range since they don’t need to be plugged in.
- Noise level: Gas-powered pole saws are generally noisier than electric-powered designs, so if you want a quieter option, choose an electric one.
Extra Considerations for Electric Pole Saws
If opting for an electric pole saw, you’ll have to decide between cordless and corded (plug-in) models. Cordless pole saws run on a rechargeable battery, which you simply place into its charger and plug into an electrical outlet. They enable you to work beyond the limits of a corded model, though they may need to be recharged often to accomplish your project. On the other hand, corded pole saws offer consistent power without the need to recharge a battery, though their reach may be limited by the placement of your electrical power source.
Find Your Next Chainsaw Today
Whether you need a gas or electric chainsaw, be sure to do your research before making a purchase. When exploring outdoor power equipment and tools For Life Out Here, look to our selection of chainsaws, parts and accessories. When you’re ready to make a purchase, shop online or visit your local Tractor Supply store.