Stihl’s MS 250 Chainsaw Gives Homeowners A Reliable Wood-Cutting Solution

Heading into the winter months, some homeowners may rely on fireplaces to warm their homes, which means having a stockpile of firewood is a must. Plus, with cold weather often comes snow, as well as all of the cleanup to do once that snow starts to melt. Luckily, the Stihl MS 250 chainsaw has your winter worries covered. We’re taking a brief look to see why this tried-and-true chainsaw has stuck around throughout the years to help homeowners with various woodcutting tasks.

Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw Basics

Stihl starts with a 45.4 cc engine and uses it to drive a 3/8-inch RM3 chain around its 18-inch bar. If you prefer, it’s also rated to take a 16-inch bar.

According to Stihl, The MS 250 chainsaw was built and designed specifically for cutting firewood. Since the majority of firewood gets cut during the fall and winter, you don’t want to worry about cold weather preventing the engine from starting. Luckily, its winter/summer shutter allows the carburetor to remain at the optimum temperature for the season. It also helps prevent the carburetor from icing when working below 50°F by drawing air from around the cylinder to warm the carburetor.

Additionally, the side-access chain tensioner allows for better access to the saw chain with a bar wrench, as opposed to the typical guide bar adjustment screw location. Along with the easy-access air filter cover, this chainsaw definitely emphasizes easy maintenance.

Additional Features

• Master control lever operates the choke, starting throttle lock, and power switch
• Rear hand guard reduces the risk of injury, as well as provides a wide foot-placement area during starting

This chainsaw is also made in the U.S.A from American and foreign materials.

Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw: Why So Popular?

With its 16-inch or 18-inch bar and 10.1-pound powerhead dry weight, this saw is right in the wheelhouse for homeowners who have a larger property to maintain. With its 45.4cc gas engine, it’s not as powerful as the MS 271 Farm Boss that makes its living on farm and ranch properties, but it’s not as heavy and it’s $80 less.

Looking in the other direction, it’s a more capable saw than Stihl’s less expensive models and more feature-rich than the MS 271 Wood Boss.

At the end of the day, the MS 250 simply balances performance, weight, features, and price well for homeowners who want a solid all-around chainsaw for storm cleanup, property maintenance, and firewood cutting.

Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw Price

This chainsaw retails for $399.99 and you can find it at several local and online Stihl retailers. Stihl backs your purchase with a 1-year warranty.

For more Stihl content, check out our top Stihl chainsaw recommendations!

Specifications

• Model: Stihl MS 250
• Bar length: 18 in
• Powerhead weight: 10.1 lbs
• Power source: Gas
• Engine displacement: 45.4 cc
• Chain oil capacity: 6.8 oz
• Engine power: 3.0 BHP
• Fuel capacity: 15.9 oz

The post Stihl MS 250 Chainsaw: All-Around Workhorse for Homeowners appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Boy, did we open a can of worms when we started searching and testing to determine the best battery-powered chainsaw models. Not that long ago, there weren’t that many cordless chainsaws, and even fewer had high enough performance to warrant replacing gas saws.

Fast forward to today and cordless chainsaws meet and even exceed gas performance all the way up to 20-inch models. The big change this year is we have battery options to replace farm and ranch chainsaws!

Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw for Pros

Sithl 20-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw MSA 300 C-O

Pros have more options than ever before and as of Spring 2022, that includes 20-inch cordless chainsaws. Of the three available, Sithl earns our pick as the best battery-powered chainsaw for professionals in a tight battle (DeWalt and Greenworks Commercial also have 20-inch models this year).

Stihl is introducing the AP 500 S battery along with the saw, giving the MSA 300 C-O an advanced power source to pull high performance from. Where it pulls away from the pack is intelligence. The saw has 3 performance settings so you have options when you want to prioritize runtime over power. It also has an LED screen that displays power status, mode, chain brake position, and has a low oil alert. For those of you managing inventory, it’s also Smart Connector A 2 compatible.

Price: TBA

Best Cordless Chainsaw for Home Use

EGO 56V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw CS1800

In choosing the best battery chainsaw for home use, we didn’t want to sacrifice the power we enjoy from our professional saws. While there are a lot of options available, we tend to get the best balance of performance and weight in the 60V class.

Moving to an 18-inch bar, we put the EGO CS1800 on the top of the charts. It has excellent power and there’s plenty of runtime with available batteries up to 10.0Ah (a 5.0Ah pack comes in the kit).

In addition to its performance, EGO’s auto-tensioning system makes it super-easy to adjust the chain tension and access the bar and chain without the use of additional tools. There’s even an LED to help with post-storm cleanup when the power’s out and you can’t wait for sunrise.

Price: $259 bare, $349 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Most Powerful Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks Commercial 82V 20-Inch Chainsaw

In late 2021 at GIE, DeWalt, Geenworks Commercial, and Stihl all announced new 20-inch battery-powered chainsaws with the power to take on the farm and ranch class. All three also claimed to have the most powerful and as the dust settled, Greenworks Commercial’s had the highest-rated power.

The caveat here is that we haven’t been able to fully test these saws yet. They’re too new. We got our hands on them at GIE, though, and no matter which one you choose, you’re in for a treat! Once we get a chance to use for a more thorough test, we’ll be sure to share our experience. Learn more at the links below.

• DeWalt 60V Max 20-Inch Chainsaw DCC677 (March 2022)
• Greenworks Commercial 20-Inch Chainsaw
• Stihl 20-Inch Chainsaw MSA 300 C-O (Summer 2022)

Best Battery Top Handle Chainsaw

Makita 18V X2 (36V) Top Handle Chainsaw XCU08

Top handle chainsaws are an arborist’s and lineman’s best friend. The differences in design give these saws a very different feel while you’re cutting and we generally only recommend them for experienced chainsaw users.

Our choice for the best battery top handle chainsaw is the Makita XCU08. It’s a legitimate gas replacement that has the muscle to hang with traditional names such as Stihl and Husqvarna. The best part is that it comes in with a lower price tag.

The saw comes stock with a 14-inch bar, but you can also order the XCU09 if you want the same saw with a 16-inch bar instead.

Price: $339 bare, $449 with two 5.0Ah batteries and charger

Best Battery Pole Saw

Makita 18V X2 LXT Telescoping Pole Saw XAU02

When it comes to the best battery pole saw, multi-head systems are an excellent platform. However, most professional crews prefer dedicated tools to attachment systems. If that sounds like you, check out Makita’s XAU02. It’s a 9- to 13-foot telescoping system that reaches significantly higher than most of its competition.

Its performance is impressive, using two 18V batteries with its 10-inch bar to cut at speeds up to 3940 fpm (20.0 meters per second). In terms of overall power, it’s the equivalent of a 30cc gas engine, and Makita’s internal testing shows it cutting faster than a 31.4cc gas competitor.

What helps set this model apart is a torque boost mode. You can do most of your cutting on a battery-saving standard setting and then kick it up to full power for thicker or harder braches.

Price: $499 bare

Best Small Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Choosing the best small cordless chainsaw isn’t just a matter of choosing something lightweight with a 10- or 12-inch bar anymore. The introduction of battery pruners with a 4- to 6- inch bar and chain ups the ante. So we picked one of each for you.

DeWalt 20V Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw DCCS620

DeWalt launched a line of light-duty OPE for its popular 20V Max platform as a way to give contractors the ability to clear jobsites using the batteries they already have. Those same OPE tools are great for homeowners that need occasional or limited use equipment.

The name says it all: DeWalt’s 20V Max compact cordless chainsaw features a highly-manageable 12-inch bar and chain that works with one of the deepest lines of cordless power tools available. For dedicated lawn care, you might look to the FlexVolt 60V Max line, but this saw is just right for limbing and light felling around your home.

Price: $179 bare, $249 kit with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Battery Pruner

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet 6-inch Pruner 2527

As the only current member of Milwaukee’s OPE line to use the M12 battery platform, the M12 Fuel Hatchet does a couple of things better than its limited competition.

First of all, we like that it’s a 6-inch bar and chain rather than 4-inch. Even though it’s only 2 more inches, it gets you into cutting branches you might normally turn to a heavier standard-form chainsaw for.

We also like that this model has an auto-oiler, something that’s missing on Stihl’s model. Combined, this makes it the best cordless chainsaw for those looking for a truly compact pruning tool.

Price: $189 bare, $269 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Value Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks 60V Pro 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw C60L212

We were thrilled with the performance improvement in Greenworks’ 2nd-generation 60V Pro chainsaw. Capable of cutting faster than 42cc gas saws, it’s a fantastic all-around chainsaw for property maintenance and storm cleanup.

In addition to its higher performance, it has a more professional-grade feel with metal bucking spikes, dual captured bar nuts, and excellent balance. If your priorities include getting a lot of bang for your buck, this is the chainsaw for you!

Price: $229.99 bare, $299.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Budget Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Skil PWRCore 40 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw CS4555-10

Just because you’re on a sub-$200 budget doesn’t mean you can’t get a quality brushless chainsaw. Skil’s PWRCore 40 system includes a 14-inch brushless chainsaw that finds an excellent balance between performance, design, and price.

We tested this saw cutting oak and it did an excellent job of confidently melting through branches up to 12 inches thick. With auto-oiling and a tool-free chain adjustment system, it’s very easy to use as well. Best of all, the kit is just $199.99.

Price: $199.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

See Also: Can battery power cut it? Read our article: Why use a battery-powered chainsaw

More Recommendations from Brands We Trust

Best DeWalt Cordless Chainsaw

Without a doubt, DeWalt’s 60V Max 20-inch cordless chainsaw (DCCS677) is the best model in Yellow’s lineup. As one of three battery-powered 20-inch chainsaws announced launching in the spring of 2022, it’s in a very elite class.

In designing the saw, DeWalt’s development team used the largest brushless motor in any tool they have, period. Along with a list of features that verify its professional pedigree, it’s also the first DeWalt chainsaw to come with a case.

Price: $349 bare, $449 with 4.012.0Ah battery and charger, $499 with 5.0/15.0Ah battery and charger

Best Hart Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Hart makes a strong statement with its 16-inch brushless chainsaw (HLCS021). For starters, a 16-inch chainsaw is no joke—you need a stronger motor than most DIY saws use.

A 360° tour around this model reveals a big step forward for Hart. Dual bar nuts are a nod to Pro-style design while the scrench conveniently stores on the handle. There’s an automatic oiler and the saw comes with a hard plastic case for storage. Overall, this is a much more capable cordless chainsaw than we saw from Hart’s initial offerings.

Price: $274 with a 4.0Ah battery and fast charger

Best Echo Cordless Chainsaw

Echo is moving away from its original cordless line to a new 56V Force system (the two systems are not compatible). Along with the initial launch, there are two chainsaw offerings: a homeowner-grade 18-inch model and a Pro-focused 12-inch top handle.

The top handle is our choice as the best Echo battery-powered chainsaw. As part of the X-Series, the DCS-2500T oozes professional design. It starts with a muscular brushless motor and builds out the drop protection (including a quickdraw harness ring) you expect from a professional gas top handle saw. It’s definitely not your least expensive top handle option, but it is designed with the demands of professional tree care use in mind.

Price: $429.99 bare, $499.99 kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Husqvarna Cordless Chainsaw

In the end, Husqvarna’s 540i XP is one of the best cordless chainsaws for professionals. Though not as powerful as the Greenworks Commercial 82V, its balance of 40cc power and weight makes it an excellent all-rounder for cordless cutting.

We also like the option to use a standard battery pack or switch over to a battery backpack for extended cutting.

Price: $589 bare (14-inch bar), $599 bare (16-inch bar)

Best Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw

Take the Greenworks model we recommended as the best value cordless chainsaw earlier, flip out the 16-inch bar for an 18-inch, and you get our favorite Greenworks chainsaw for homeowners. With performance that rivals a 42cc gas engine, its 18-inch bar offers excellent capacity you’ll get plenty of runtime from the 4.0Ah battery that comes in the kit.

Price: $279.99 bare, $429.99 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Makita Cordless Chainsaw

Makita’s cordless chainsaw didn’t take long to get dialed in really well and they make some of the best cordless chainsaws in the industry. The XCU08 top handle we recommended earlier is a sold choice for arborists.

For a rear handle design, go for the XCU04. It’s a 16-inch 36V (18V X2) model that’s reasonably lightweight at 11.1 pounds with batteries. Like Makita’s other cordless chainsaws, expect smooth cutting and exceptional balance. Its 32cc gas equivalence isn’t quite as strong as some of the competition, but its refined design makes up for it and then some.

Price: $299 bare, $329 with two 5.0Ah batteries and dual-port rapid charger

Best Milwaukee Cordless Chainsaw

Milwaukee had one of the first really great cordless chainsaws and the M18 Fuel 2727 is still an excellent choice. It sports a brushless motor that runs its 16-inch bar and chain to levels that exceed 40cc gas power. It has a quality build with metal bucking spikes and dual captured bar nuts.

Even though other brands have pushed the power boundary forward, we still highly recommend this saw. Now that Milwaukee has raised the bar with its self-propelled lawn mower, there are whispers beginning to ask if there’s a new high-performance chainsaw in the works for later this year.

Price: $329 bare, $499 with 12.0Ah battery and charger (also available with a 14-inch bar for $319)

Best Ryobi Cordless Chainsaw

Ryobi’s launch of HP Brushless tools has been impressive and it’s a game-changer for the 40V lawn care and landscaping line. The 40V HP Brushless 18-inch chainsaw is a fantastic example. With cutting performance far ahead of any other chainsaws we’ve tested from Ryobi, it earned our respect and recommendation.

While it’s not completely Pro-style with its plastic bucking spikes, property owners looking for a high-performance cordless option to replace gas can rely on Ryobi.

Price: $189 bare, $349 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Battery Chainsaw Buying Guide | What We Look For

Performance is King

Thanks to advanced brushless motors, electronics, and batteries, voltage no longer tells the entire story. However, cutting speed with the torque to get through thick hardwood species is the number one priority for us.

Runtime is (Sort of) a Big Deal

Ideally, a battery-powered chainsaw balances cutting speed and power with runtime. Larger batteries are certainly helping. Advancements in battery technology are as well. Denser cells with more robust connections are able to more efficiently transfer energy from the battery to the chain, giving you higher performance without a drop in runtime that makes the saw irrelevant.

The other side of the conversation involves rapid chargers. Most brands offer them now and several include them as a standard part of the kit. With today’s cordless technology, two batteries and a rapid charger can be enough to keep you running continuously all day.

Triggered

Most chainsaws are similar in form and share all of the same basic operational features. Where the best cordless chainsaws differ in form is primarily in their switches and triggers.

All of the saws have a UL or similar test lab certification on them, but they’re not all the same. In use, some of the saws in our test have more defined two-step triggers while others can be easily activated with a single grasp around their lockout button and trigger. At the end of the day, we expect our chainsaws to have a trigger mechanism that will keep us from accidentally activating the motor, and all of our recommendations meet that requirement. From there, it’s just a matter of the feel or function you prefer.

The true two-step lockouts aren’t difficult to operate in normal conditions. In odd positions, such as reaching around a tree while limbing, sometimes the mechanical lockouts can be tricky to slide.

For select cordless chainsaws, the first of two (or sometimes three) stages of starting is an electronic power button.

Some electronic switch saws can be run with a single grab once powered on. You just have to be mindful of the auto timeout feature. It can be frustrating the pull the trigger to no effect when you thought the saw was ready.

Ease of Adjustment

Chainsaw bars need to be adjusted nearly every time you use the saw. A new chain stretches out pretty quickly. You need to snug it up at least a few times as it breaks in.

If your chain gets tight rather suddenly, it usually means the bar is not getting oil. Don’t loosen it until you make sure the saw is oiling properly.

Pro Tip: Get into the habit of loosening your chain at the end of the day. Cold weather can cause it to tighten as it cools and damage parts.

A saw’s bar will be designed for either tool-free adjustment or will require a screwdriver-wrench combination tool called—yep, you guessed it—a scrench. Tool-free adjustment is the quickest and easiest with plastic knobs and/or dials built into the saw. They loosen the bar, move the bar forward or back to properly tension the chain, and lock the bar down tight again.

Dual Studs vs Tool-free Adjusters

Saws with tool-free adjusters use a single stud to attach the bar to the saw, but manual adjusting models typically have two mounting studs. Some old-school users view dual studs as an indication that the saw is geared toward professionals, but we don’t think that’s a hard, fast rule. Not for modest-sized saws anyway. However, the biggest and strongest chainsaws made all have dual stud bar mounts.

Pro Tip: Be sure to snug the nuts evenly because torquing down on only one can loosen the other.

Aw, Nuts!

Lost bar nuts are a frequent occurrence during regular use in the field. To prevent this, some saws have the added feature of captive nuts that won’t come all the way off the cover no matter how much you spin them.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare nut on hand if the ones on your saw aren’t captuve—it’s not unusual to lose one in the field!

To keep your adjustment tool close at hand, look for models that have storage slots built into the saws.

Your preferences may vary, but I can appreciate both adjustment methods. We like the speed and convenience of tool-free adjustments for my small saws. For big saws, we feel more confident securing the business end of these powerful tools down with a wrench.

It’s not a deal-breaker either way for the saws in our test unless the mechanism itself is flawed. The best battery-powered chainsaw for you is the one that instills a sense of both confidence and convenience.

Bars and Chains

Most chainsaw brands don’t try to reinvent the wheel by making their own bars and chains. Instead, many use quality Oregon components, though Stihl makes their own bars and chains. Most cordless chainsaws use 3/8-in. pitch, 0.043-in. gauge chains while stronger models are moving up to 0.050-in. gauge.

Oiling Systems

Bar and chain oil is the lifeblood of a chainsaw as the saw cannot run without it for very long. Most saws oil readily, but we occasionally run across models that have issues after a while. If a saw oiled well out of the box, it usually just needs a good cleaning to unclog it.

Oil Visibility

Most battery-powered chainsaws have translucent windows that let you check if there’s oil in the tank, and most let you estimate the level pretty well. If yours has a small window or none at all, be sure to stop and check the oil level frequently. About every hour of working time or anytime you notice a change in performance is a good rule of thumb.

Oil Caps

The ease of filling the oil reservoir is a noteworthy convenience factor when considering the best battery-powered chainsaw. We don’t like having oily fingers, so being able to fill the tank while leaving our work gloves on is our preference. Look for oil caps with lugs that are easy to turn with gloves on and/or flip-up tabs that provide an even better grip.

Spills & More Spills

Chainsaws often leak oil while sitting because daily heating and cooling shrinks and expands a plastic tank like a rudimentary pump. Some saws are messier than others.

Wherever you store your saw, put a piece of cardboard underneath it to collect any oil. You can switch it out as needed and whenever an Amazon order arrives.

Be careful when filling your chainsaw. Some have a large section of the cap that goes inside the tank and displaces a surprising amount of oil when you fill it anywhere close to the top. Wiping gooey oil off a chainsaw is an annoying waste of time.

Another cause of spills is an oil tank with a filler neck that is too narrow. Bar and chain oil is thick and tacky. It can pour like molasses in the cold, so it easily “piles up” and overflows in a narrow neck.

Pro Tip: Only poke a small hole in the foil of your oil container or use a (clean) syrup bottle to dispense oil into your chainsaw’s reservoir.

Providing another challenge, plastic filters at the inlet of its tank can constrict the diameter.

Caps that cross-thread easily can also make the oil-fill process more of a chore.

Environmental Sidetrack: Try Biodegradable Bar and Chain Oil

The other part of this cleaner, greener, lithium-ion-powered story is you can pair your battery chainsaw with a biodegradable bar and chain oil made of vegetable-based ingredients, such as Stihl Bio Plus. Those barrels of useful wood waste also contain a few gallons of oil from the saws.

Aside from having to landfill all of your petroleum-preserved sawdust, it’s just good practice to minimize your exposure to petroleum oil on your skin, clothing, and the atomized portion that you breathe in.

Naked? Don’t Use a Cordless Chainsaw Like This Guy!

Back on Track… Bucking Spikes

For pushing a saw through wood more efficiently, chainsaws come fitted with bucking spikes (a.k.a. bumper spikes, felling spikes, or dogs). These spikes sit against the body of the saw alongside the bar and anchor the saw in place while the bar pivots through the cut.

The spikes allow you to apply a lifting motion of the rear hand instead of pushing downward. Holding the saw tight to the wood, the motor can exert its maximum pulling power. This saves you from some of the cutting vibrations and especially the jerking common to holding a saw away from your work.

Our battery-powered saws all have some semblance of spikes. Most aren’t as long or as sharp as those on large gas saws, but actual steel spikes are becoming more common. We prefer those to the simple plastic ridges on other models.

Pro Tip: Applying leverage with spikes adds control, but go easy and listen to the pitch of the motor. You can overload battery chainsaws with too much pressure, and the weaker models stall easily.

Balance

While it’s true that the comfort and feel of a tool are largely subjective, it’s also true that some designs work better than others. Most Pros and experienced homeowners can immediately tell.

For the best battery-powered chainsaw, a balanced feel in your hands and the ability to cut straight without introducing a twisting motion to overcome are both important ergonomic factors.

Holding a saw with your left hand on the front handle in front of you should have the saw balancing fairly flat. Being a bit front-heavy is okay, but a rear-heavy saw lifts the cutting end of the saw up towards you and requires more effort and vigilance to use and carry safely.

Cutting Sideways

Determining a good feel for felling cuts while holding the chainsaw sideways is more about the comfort of applying force to the front and rear handles as you grasp it from the side, and also the ease of operating the trigger while sideways.

Handles

In general, chainsaws with thicker handles are more comfortable to grasp in use because have more surface contact and soften that contact with your hand. Of course, rubber handle surfaces help too, not only for padding but also for the increased grip they provide.

Trigger Comfort

Most cordless chainsaw triggers are large enough for two fingers to fit on them. Some have an extra-long trigger with more room to vary your grip stance for comfort. The best feeling triggers retract flush with the handle instead of leaving a raised bump your fingers have to push against.

Weight

The dry weight of the best battery chainsaws can swell to well over 15 pounds. Experience shows that a saw’s weight is less important than proper balance overall as you only feel the full weight when you’re NOT cutting.

But carrying around and positioning a heavy saw can certainly be more taxing over a long workday. The catch with these saws is that the batteries are a major part of the weight. So the stronger, longer-lasting saws with high-capacity battery packs and longer bars that we prefer end up being the heaviest.

Battery Selection

While we do the majority of our testing with the kitted batteries, it’s worth looking at the full range a manufacturer has available for your cordless chainsaw. If you end up investing in the entire lineup, you’ll likely want to consider the biggest batteries you can buy for it to get all of your lawn chores done efficiently.

You might also want a lower-capacity battery to shave some weight when you don’t have a lot of work to complete.

“Current” State of Affairs

Voltage

Higher voltage means more power, right? There’s certainly an argument for that, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Power is measured in watts and that comes from multiplying the voltage times the current. You can make a 36V chainsaw with the same power as a 56V model. The lower voltage simply has to produce more amps (current) to get there.

That’s why you see chainsaws with 40cc gas performance at 18V, 36V, and 60V. It’s all about the combination of volts and amps.

Watt-Hours

Another thing that is interesting to note is the discrepancy between the amp-hour and watt-hour ratings on some of the batteries in our tests for their given voltage. We’ve covered the subject of battery voltage, storage capacity, and current output many times. To review simply:

Volts x Amp Hours = Watt Hours

It’s the same basic equation we use for power, just applied to energy storage instead of output. It’s an easy way to compare the available energy of one battery to another when they have different voltages.

We’re increasingly finding that manufacturers—perhaps to simplify things for consumers—are rounding amp-hours. Some calculate their watt-hours with maximum voltage while most use nominal. Unfortunately, this makes some comparisons more challenging and adds to potential confusion.

“Nominal” Differences

When you charge a lithium-ion battery, it will reach its maximum voltage. Shortly after putting it to use, it settles into a slightly lower voltage—its nominal voltage. The nominal voltage is where the battery spends most of its working life and is roughly 90% of the maximum voltage.

Brands have to choose which one to display. When you see numbers such as 60V Max, that’s a battery that settles into a 54V nominal voltage. When you don’t see “Max” on the battery and packaging, you’re usually looking at a battery that is displaying its nominal volts.

We say “usually” for a reason. Some brands market their maximum voltage but don’t make it clear.

Some European countries regulate stated voltages more stringently, and it seems that it could only serve to help if the simple math all added up.

Buy Into a System

One other consideration for these saws is the system of battery-powered OPE to which they belong. Like other cordless tools, you can purchase some of our best battery-powered chainsaws as bare tools at significant savings over the kit. If you’re already invested in one of these systems, the overall winner may not interest you as much as seeing which model from your brand is the best in the lineup. Though not the best overall, it might be the best balance of performance and value for you.

Look at the Entire Model Lineup

If you haven’t bought into a system yet and may pick up more outdoor power tools in the future, check out the entire lineup from a brand. Make sure they can fulfill your wish list before going after just the chainsaw. For many users, the saw functions as a secondary tool when compared to the hours you spend with a string trimmer or mower.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers?

That’s not us. We only recommend what we’d actually use, even if we don’t earn a commission from it. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Battery Chainsaw Reviews 2022 | Best Cordless Chainsaws appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

ECHO CS-501P Chainsaw Caters To High-Performance Needs Without Bloated Weight

Our resident ranch foreman and country music singer, Eli Mosely called me up to see what we had in the way of chainsaws to deal with some downed oak trees he had on the property. We’ve had good success with battery-powered models, but he wanted something in the 50cc class to make the work more efficient. We gave our friends at ECHO a shout and got our hands on the CS-501P—an X-Series chainsaw that looked right up his alley.

Pros

• Outstanding performance for the 50c class
• Incredibly lightweight for the 50cc class
• Easy starting
• Easy filter access

Cons

• Ignition switch doesn’t return to the on position automatically
• No onboard scrench storage

ECHO CS-501P X-Series Chainsaw Performance

As part of the X-Series, we expect higher performance and that’s what we got out of the chainsaw’s 50.2cc engine. As the guys were making quick work of a downed oak, the 20-inch Pro-Lite bar and 20LPX chain simply melted through the hardwood with all the confidence we could hope for in this engine class.

Note: You can also get this saw with a 16- or 18-inch bar if either of those sizes suit your needs better.

Helping out that engine is what ECHO calls its G-Force engine air pre-cleaner. It’s designed to extend the filter life and the amount of time you can have the chainsaw in service between maintenance intervals. When you need to access the filter, it’s a tool-free process. Just loosen the knob on the housing above the handle.

There’s also a digital ignition system along with a decompression valve, making starting easier.

ECHO CS-501P X-Series Chainsaw Design Notes

Weight

ECHO’s X-Series isn’t just about performance. It’s also about weight savings. With a dry weight of just 10.6 pounds, the CS-501P stakes its claim as the lightest 50cc chainsaw available in North America. What that means for you is excellent cutting performance with lower fatigue on bigger jobs.

Chain Tensioning

Chain tensioning is a straightforward process. Start by loosening the two bar nuts. A 1/2 turn each is plenty. Support the bar in one hand and use the scrench to adjust the chain tensioner with the other. Tight the bar nuts back up and you’re good to go.

When you do need to access the chain sprocket to clear out debris or change out the bar/chain, the bar nuts are captive, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.

Ignition Switch

The only thing we didn’t care for on this chainsaw is the ignition switch. It doesn’t automatically return to the “On” position after you shut the engine off. That might seem minor, but it’s actually a pain point for many chainsaw users. ECHO’s product team is aware of it, and their newest chainsaw models we saw at the Equip Expo (formerly GIE) back in October have the automatic return design.

Additional Highlights

• Beefy metal bucking spikes
• Intertia-activated chain brake
• Adjustable automatic oiler
• Ergonomic aluminum front handle

ECHO CS-501P X-Series Chainsaw Price

Retail pricing for this ECHO X-Series chainsaw is $499.99 to $519.99, depending on which bar length you go with. It has a 5-year consumer warranty or a 1-year commercial-use warranty.

The Bottom Line

The ECHO CS-501P X-Series chainsaw is an absolute pleasure to use. It has the performance to cut through hardwoods with ease and low weight which makes it easier to manage. As long as the ignition switch isn’t a deal-breaker for you (and it shouldn’t be), you’ll have a hard time finding a better combination of weight and power in the 50cc class.

Specifications

• Model: ECHO CS-501P
• Engine: 50.2cc
• Fuel: 50:1 gas/oil mix (10% max ethanol)
• Fuel Capacity: 16.6 ounces
• Bar Length: 16 – 20 inches
• Chain Pitch: 3/8-inch
• Oil Capacity: 9.5 ounces
• Dry Weight: 10.6 pounds
• Warranty: 5-year consumer, 1-year commercial
• Price: $499.99 – $519.99

The post ECHO CS-501P X-Series Chainsaw Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Stihl Gives Homeowners A Value Option With The 16-Inch MS 170 Chainsaw

Stihl has an outstanding chainsaw reputation among professional users, but homeowners typically don’t need that level of performance. They also tend to go for saws that are lighter and more compact. Can a Pro-focused brand like Stihl dial it back for the needs of homeowners while maintaining a reputation for quality? We took a closer look at the Stihl MS 170 16-inch chainsaw to find out.

Check out our picks for the best Stihl chainsaws here!

Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw: The Big Deal

This gas-powered Stihl chainsaw features a 16-inch bar length and is compatible with 12 or 14-inch bars as well. With the homeowner market as its target demographic, Stihl designed it to be more compact and lightweight than a lot of Pro-level chainsaws. In fact, its powerhead weight stands at just 8.6 pounds.

It’s no slouch in the performance department, though. Stihl uses a 30.1cc engine that produces 1.7 brake horsepower.

Ideal applications include trimming or cutting small trees, fallen limbs, and other tasks around the yard. It’s excellent for occasional property maintenance and storm cleanup. Stihl recommends a 17-inch maximum diameter.

Additional Features

The MS 170 employs includes an IntelliCarb compensating carburetor, which automatically adjusts the air/fuel ratio when the air filter becomes clogged or restricted, maintaining the engine’s correct RPM without pulling in dirty air to deal with it.

Additionally, Stihl’s anti-vibration system helps reduce operator fatigue and gives you a more comfortable working experience.

When you combine the Ematic guide bar with Stihl’s Oilomatic saw chain (both come with the saw), you’ll get the proper lubrication with up to 50% less oil consumption than other designs. The magic is in ramps on the bar rail. They contain the oil flow while getting it onto the parts that require it.

One area where you see a departure from professional models is in fuel and oil capacity. With an 8.5-ounce fuel tank and 4.9-ounce oil reservoir, you’re going to fill up more frequently than with other models.

Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Price

This chainsaw retails for $199.99. That’s more than you might pay for budget brands at big box stores, but you get a higher-quality saw plus the backing of your local dealer for the price. Stihl backs your purchase with a 1-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

In its stock 16-inch bare configuration, the Stihl MS 170 has the performance and size to meet the needs of homeowners without being overly intimidating. Combined with features inspired by Stihl’s line of professional-grade models and being made in America with global materials, it’s no wonder the MS 170 is one of the top-selling homeowner chainsaws in the market.

Specifications

• Model: Stihl MS 170
• Power source: Gas
• Bar length: 16 in
• Oilomatic chain: 3/8 in
• Chain oil capacity: 4.9 oz
• Fuel capacity: 8.5 oz
• Displacement: 30.1 cc

The post Stihl MS 170 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

EGO’s 10-Inch Telescopic Pole Saw Helps You Take Control Of Your Yard

EGO has had a pole saw as part of its Power-Head attachment system. This is the first dedicated pole saw the company has released, however. With this standalone model, EGO included some updates and industry-first features. We cover what changed in the EGO 10-Inch Telescopic Pole Saw (PS1001) so you can determine if it might better help you with those hard-to-reach trimming tasks.

EGO 10-inch Telescopic Pole Saw: The Big Deal

EGO tells us that this pole saw will feature the industry’s first LED Cut Line Indicator. This was included to let you accurately cut when working in low-light conditions like shaded canopies. We’re definitely curious to see this feature in action when we get our hands on this pole saw. For now, it reminds us of the shadow cut line LEDs you find on some of the best miter saws.

Like their Line IQ string trimmer, EGO made the telescopic shaft using carbon fiber. This makes it both lightweight and durable. According to EGO, this design reduces the weight of the PS1001 pole saw by up to 30% compared to similar tools. It’s also adjustable, so you can either extend or retract the shaft if you need more or less reach. That should help with balance by not forcing you into that long length when you don’t need it. EGO also offers a lifetime warranty on the carbon fiber shaft.

Including the 10-inch saw blade and the user’s reach, the EGO PS1001 telescoping pole saw has a maximum reach of around 16 feet. We assume the tool itself has a maximum length of 12 feet, adding 4 feet to the reach to account for the user’s height, but we won’t know for certain until it gets closer to the official release.

Kitted, the EGO PS1001 pole saw includes a 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery, with which you can expect to achieve up to 100 cuts on a full charge.

Additional Features

• Tool-free tensioning

EGO PS1001 10″ Telescopic Pole Saw Price

The powerhead model sells for $279 as a kit with a 2.5Ah battery. We expect this dedicated pole saw to fall into a similar pricing structure. We’ll know more closer to when it releases in 2023.

Specifications

• Model: EGO PS1001
• Max reach: 16 ft

The post EGO 10-Inch Telescopic Pole Saw appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

If you’re buying a Greenworks chainsaw, you’re already starting off on the right foot. They make excellent electric and cordless chainsaws, including some of the most powerful in the industry.

They also make a range of voltages to choose from. If you already have other Greenworks tools, chances are you can stick to the same platform and use the batteries you already have. If not, we’ll help you sort through and find the best one for your needs.

The Case for Battery Over Gas

Kicking the gas can to the curb in favor of electric power has several benefits. There’s no gas and oil to mix (or spill!), no gas engine emissions, far less maintenance, and there’s much less noise. In some cases, they can rival the power of gas saws.

In general, we prioritize power and you’ll see that in our selections. Price and features come into play as well, but we believe you’ll have the best experience with the highest performing chainsaws. In our opinion, it’s worth paying a little more to get it.

Best Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw Overall: Commercial 82V 20-Inch Chainsaw

Greenworks was one of three brands to announce an entry into the cordless 20-inch farm and ranch class and it happens to have the strongest output of them all. This beefy saw jumps ahead in performance, boasting better than 60cc gas engine power and putting it in a class with very little competition.

It’s the most capable saw across the entire Greenworks line and its 25 m/s chain speed is appropriate for trimming and felling, land clearing, and general forestry. If you’re looking for something that can be a primary replacement for gas power in the farm and ranch class, this is the best there is.

It runs $548.99 as a bare tool and you’ll need to grab your batteries and charger separately.

More Details

• Item Number: 2024902
• Commercial build
• Brushless motor
• Advanced electronics package
• Steel bucking spikes
• Chain brake
• Dual stud bar nut system (tool required)Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank
• Compatible with all Greenworks 82V Commercial tools and batteries
• 2-year warranty

Best Greenworks 60V Pro Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks is on its second generation for its 60V chainsaw. The original was solid, but this updated model takes it to the next level. Sporting a brushless motor, it’s capable of producing more torque and faster cutting than a 42cc gas saw.

If you’re looking for our top recommendation while you’re buying a Greenworks chainsaw, this is it. It’s the best balance of size, weight, and performance among the different voltages. While the 40V saw may score higher in value, the 60V Pro is a better bet if you have consistent chainsaw work throughout the year.

Available with a 16-inch bar for $229.99 bare and $299.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger, it’s a solid value at its performance level.

There’s also a kit with an 18-inch bar and 4.0Ah battery for $349.99 ($259.99 as a bare tool). Both sizes are a solid bet—just go with the one that fits the type of cutting you do the most.

The battery is compatible with the entire line of 60V Pro lawn care equipment, including Greenworks’ battery-powered pressure washer.

More Details

• Item Number: 2015402
• Brushless motor
• Steel bucking spikes
• Chain brake
• Dual stud bar nut system (tool required)
• Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank
• Compatible with all Greenworks 60V tools and batteries
• 4-year warranty

Best Greenworks 80V Cordless Chainsaw

Moving into the 80V Pro line, the most up-to-date chainsaw is the brushless 18-inch that steps up from the 16-inch we had last year.

The performance level matches up with a 45cc gas engine and it has a very professional feel with legitimate steel bucking spikes and a chain brake. If you’re looking for the most powerful battery-powered Greenworks chainsaw on the residential side, this is the way to go.

The kit runs $449.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger at Tractor Supply or $249.99 as a bare tool direct from Greenworks.

More Details

• Model: Greenworks 2019902
• Brushless motor
• Steel bucking spikes
• Chain brake
• Dual stud bar nut system (tool required)
• Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank
• Compatible with all Greenworks 80V tools and batteries
• 4-year warranty

Best Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw

The Greenworks 40V line is one of their broadest and there are several chainsaw options, including an 8-inch pole saws attachment and 12- to 16-inch traditional chainsaws. The 14- and 16-inch saws use brushless motors.

We’d go for the 16-inch model to get the best power and capacity. A 16-inch saw is in the sweet spot for homeowner needs, tackling limbing with ease and giving you the bar length to fell smaller trees.

Updated with a bump in performance and a more secure dual stud bar nut system, it’s $259.99 with a 4.0Ah USB battery and charger.

More Details

• Item Number: 2016802AZ
• Model: Greenworks CS40L412
• Brushless motor
• Automatic oiler
• Chain brake
• 3-year warranty
• Compatible with all Greenworks 40V tools and batteries

Best Greenworks 24V Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks expanded its 24V chainsaw offering and now has a 12-inch model that takes our top recommendation for this voltage class. Aside from bumping up the bar length a couple of inches, it also has a brushless motor and better performance than its 10-inch predecessor.

This model is an excellent choice for limbing trees and cutting larger hedge branches that are too thick for your hedge trimmer or loppers. The battery has a USB charger built-in and is compatible with all Greenworks 24V and 24V X2 lawn care and power tools. It’s also pretty affordable, coming in at $149.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger.

More Details

• Item Number: 2016602
• Model: Greenworks CS24L410
• Tool-free chain tensioning
• Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank
• Brushless motor
• Compatible with all Greenworks 24V and 2 x 24V tools and batteries
• 3-year warranty

Best Greenworks 48V Cordless Chainsaw (2 X 24V)

Greenworks takes advantage of two 24V batteries to offer the higher power of a 48V chainsaw. Going this route gets you better performance but without leaving the 24V system that powers other lawn care equipment and power tools. This saw is available with either a 14-inch or 16-inch bar—we recommend going with the longer one. Either way, you get the same brushless performance driving the saw’s chain up to 3940 FPM.

The $279.99 kit comes with two 4.0Ah batteries with USB charging ports on both. You also get a dual-port battery charger to get both packs back in the game without having to remember to switch them over.

More Details

• Item Number: 2018002
• Model: Greenworks CS48L4411
• Brushless motor
• Auto-oiler
• Dual stud bar nut system (tool required)
• Translucent oil tank
• Plastic bucking spikes
• Chain brake
• Compatible with all Greenworks 24V and 2 x 24V tools and batteries
• 3-year warranty

Best Greenworks Commercial 48V Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks Commercial’s 48V system has a dual-voltage 24V/48V battery design that runs equipment with either a single battery for 24V or two batteries for 48V. Then there are some straight-up 48V tools and we suggest you take a look at the arborist-specific 48V 12-inch top-handle chainsaw.

Also compatible with 10-inch and 14-inch bars, this lightweight 12-inch saw comes in at just 7.5 pounds without the battery. Its brushless motor runs the chain at 64 fps and boasts power greater than the 45cc gas model, making quick work of the branches you’re trimming at height.

It’s a professional tool with a solid build that runs $549.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger.

More Details

• Item Number: 2013702
• Commercial build
• Brushless motor
• Steel bucking spikes
• Chain brake
• Dual stud bar nut system (tool required)
• Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank
• Compatible with all Greenworks 48V Commercial tools and batteries
• 2-year warranty

Best Greenworks Corded Electric Chainsaw

Corded electric chainsaws aren’t as convenient as cordless, but they’re absolutely the way to go when you want to avoid gas on a smaller budget. Of the choices Greenworks has, we like their 14.5-amp saw as our top choice.

It has much higher power than the 10-amp saws and sports an 18-inch bar, matching the size of some of the best battery-powered chainsaws out there and giving you the most cutting versatility. Best of all, it’s less than $100!

More Details

• Item Number: 20332
• Tool-free chain tensioning
• Automatic oiler
• Translucent oil tank
• Wrap around handle design
• 3-year warranty

The post Best Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw Reviews 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Take On Your Seasonal Tree Work With The Green Machine 62V 16-Inch Chainsaw

More and more folks are making the switch to battery-powered OPE simply for a variety of reasons. The Green Machine 62V 16-Inch chainsaw lets you skip the hassle of gas engine maintenance in exchange for cordless convenience. We took it for a spin to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Green Machine 62V 16-Inch Chainsaw Performance

Green Machine uses a 62V battery to power a brushless motor that drives its 0.043 gauge chain at speeds up to 20 m/s. That’s right on par with what we want from the 16-inch class. Like many chainsaws we test, the bar and chain are both Oregon designs and replacement chains are readily available at many hardware stores.

This chainsaw has a very responsive trigger and reaches its top speed very quickly. It’s a capable saw, melting through thick logs with relative ease. It doesn’t have as much torque as some of the top-performing chainsaws we’ve tested, so you may need to cut a little slower. However, if you let the motor keep the chain speed up, it’s up for the storm cleanup and seasonal maintenance of just about any species.

Pro Tip: Keeping your chain sharp is critical to getting the best performance out of any chainsaw. Click here to learn how.

Green Machine 62V 16-Inch Chainsaw Design Notes

Weight and Balance

The Green Machine GMCS6200 has a really nice overall balance and feel. Without the battery, it weighs just 9.5 pounds. Using the kitted 4.0Ah 62V battery, that number jumps to 13.25 pounds which is still reasonable for a cordless chainsaw. When you have lighter work, go ahead and switch to the 2.5Ah battery. You’ll shave some weight and the saw still has plenty of power for the job.

Chain Tensioning Dial

Green Machine’s chain tensioning system is pretty clever. It’s tool-free, which is popular and convenient for homeowner-focused chainsaws. The execution is different from others we’ve seen, though. Turn the inner dial counterclockwise to loosen the bar (don’t completely take the cover off), then turn the outer dial to loosen (counterclockwise) or tighten (clockwise) the chain. Tighten the inner dial back down and you’re ready to get back to work.

Bucking Spikes

This saw lacks real bucking spikes, opting for plastic ridges instead. That’s normal for a saw in this size and power class, but we do prefer to see metal bucking spikes to help bite into the wood while we’re cutting.

Additional Features

• Automatic chain oiler
• Electronic chain brake

Green Machine 62V 16-Inch Chainsaw Price

This chainsaw is a Home Depot exclusive and retails for $293 as a kit that includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. There are no bare tool options currently. It’s backed by a 5-year limited tool warranty and a 3-year limited battery warranty.

The Bottom Line

The Green Machine 62V 16-inch chainsaw has a very approachable design and can handle a wide range of seasonal tree maintenance and storm cleanup tasks. While there are stronger battery-powered options in the 16-inch class, Green Machine fans should expect a very capable saw for small to medium-size trees and branches.

Green Machine 62V 16-Inch Chainsaw Specifications

• Model: Green Machine GMCS6200
• Power Source: Green Machine 62V battery
• Bar Length: 16 in.
• Weight: 9.5 lbs. (bare), 13.25 lbs. (with 4.0Ah battery)
• Runtime: 45 minutes
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 in.
• Chain Length: 66 link
• Bar Size: Medium
• Chain Gauge: 0.325 in.
• Chain Speed: 20 mps
• Warranty: 5-year limited tool warranty, 3-year limited battery warranty
• Price: $293 (kit)

The post Green Machine 62V Battery-Powered 16-Inch Chainsaw Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

EGO 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw Gets a Performance Upgrade

2022 has been a big year for EGO and its line of 56V battery-powered lawn care equipment. They’re pushing the boundaries out further, but considering EGO already has a 16-inch battery-powered chainsaw, it’s fair to wonder what’s changing.

Pros

• More power than the previous 16-inch model
• Flip-top oil reservoir cap
• Metal bucking spikes
• Tool-free chain tensioning with easier adjustments than the previous design

Cons

• No significant drawbacks

EGO 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw Performance Upgrades

This isn’t EGO’s first rodeo in the 16-inch chainsaw class. The original model was one of the first available and it’s still one of our favorite battery-powered chainsaws to use. While the bar size isn’t changing, the saw is getting a performance upgrade. Its brushless motor is now capable of producing power equivalent to a 40cc gas engine with chain speeds up to 20 meters per second (65.6 fps or 3937 fpm).

In our use, we could tell the difference. The original model was very good…for a battery-powered chainsaw. Even back then, EGO was pushing the performance boundary further than most and leading the pack. With this new power level, though, it’s a more apples-to-apples shift if you’re used to using a gas chainsaw in the 16-inch class.

EGO Battery-Powered 16-Inch Chainsaw Design Upgrades

One feature we’re excited about is the addition of metal bucking spikes. The original 16-inch only had plastic nubs, and the metal spikes grab wood much more effectively.

EGO also swapped out the oil reservoir cap for a flip-top design, making it easier to open and tighten.

The sprocket cover shifts to a flip design and the auto chain-tensioning adjuster switches from a dial to a knob. The process is still the same, though. Loosen the cover (you don’t have to remove it completely), turn the bar tensioner dial to adjust the chain tension, and then tighten the cover back up.

It’s a very convenient system compared to using a scrench. However, several people on our team still prefer the security of bar studs with captured nuts. You can’t please everyone, I guess. As a tool designed for the light to medium tree maintenance and cleanup homeowners typically deal with, EGO’s tool-free system is just fine.

Additional Features

• Makes up to 130 cuts in 4×4 with 2.5Ah battery
• Includes a low kickback chain
• Brake indicator
• Safety lockout button
• Automatic oiling
• Compatible with all EGO 56V batteries

EGO 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw Price

With a 2.5Ah battery and charger, you can pick up the EGO CS1611 kit for $269. If you want more capacity, there’s a kit with a 4.0Ah battery for $299 (EGO CS1613). The bare tool (EGO CS1610) runs $219 if you’d like to use the EGO batteries you already have.

Regardless of which configuration you choose, EGO backs the chainsaw with a 5-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

The 16-inch class is the sweet spot for homeowners dealing with seasonal tree maintenance and storm cleanup. With the improved performance, EGO makes an excellent chainsaw even better and solidifies its chainsaw line. If you’re looking for the best balance of performance, design, and price in EGO’s lineup, the updated 16-inch chainsaw is the way to go.

To see what we thought of the original EGO battery-powered 16-inch chainsaw, click “Next Page” below!

Specifications

• Model: EGO CS1611
• Power Source: EGO 56V battery
• Bar Size: 16 inches
• Chain: 3/8 x 0.43
• Weight: TBA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Price: $219 – $299

The post EGO 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw Review CS1611 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ditch Gas for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 8-inch Hatchet Pruning Saw

More and more brands are making the switch to adopting exclusively battery-powered tools. This is especially visible in the lawncare and OPE side of the business, where just a few years ago gas dominated the market. Now, states like California are actually banning gas outdoor power tools. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet Pruning Saw is no exception. Part of the M18 Fuel line, it’s designed for the toughest applications. We got our hands on it at a recent media event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet Pruning Saw: The Big Deal

The M18 Fuel Hatchet Pruning Saw has the power to cut through tough materials like hardwoods. Milwaukee uses electronics and brushless motor technology to maintain speed under load. This allows them to get, according to product managers, the equivalent of 25cc gas power.

Its compact design offers control and maneuverability, even in tight or awkward areas. In fact, without the battery, it weighs less than 5 lbs. For a battery-powered tool, the M18 Fuel hatchet pruning saw reaches full throttle very quickly—less than one second. You also don’t have to worry about the annoyances that come with a gas pruning saw, like fumes, oil level, and maintenance.

Performance

We got to do some serious testing with this 8-inch M18 FUEL pruning saw at the August 2022 Milwaukee Pipeline media event. Cutting through a ~6-inch log we made about a dozen cuts and still had 4 bars left on the XC8.0 battery.

In terms of power, the ability I had to leverage this pruning saw into the cut and make quick work of this log impressed me to no end. The tool feels comfortable in the hand, and you can really work it quickly and easily when making your cuts. The full house chain cuts at 5 m/s or about 16.5 fps which definitely gets the job done.

I found that I could not only cut quickly but accurately, cutting off thin 1/2-inch or thinner slices of wood as I went. The trigger ramps up the blade nearly instantaneously, and the bucking spikes let me bite right into the wood. The top guard also gives you a fair amount of confidence and protection as you cut, ensuring you can’t easily injure yourself with kickback.

There’s a lot to like about this M18 FUEL Hatchet. The onboard scrench scores big points for sure. Compared to the Milwaukee M12 Hatchet, this larger model cuts more confidently and with greater capacity. For arborists, this tool really fits nicely into an emerging market for battery-powered outdoor power tool solutions.

Additional Features

• Variable speed trigger
• Lanyard loop
• Easy-access chain tensioner
• Automatic oiler
• Metal bucking spikes

Price and Availability

The M18 Fuel Hatchet Pruning Saw is set to release in October 2022. It carries a retail price of $279 for the bare tool. We look forward to doing even more testing when we inevitably get this saw in for review.

Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 3004
• Blade length: 8 in
• Price: $279

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet Pruning Saw appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee Introduces More Electric Chainsaw Options For Lawncare Pros

When you’re cutting down small trees, especially at height, you want a reliable chainsaw that’s going to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel lineup includes a top handle chainsaw, which boasts competitive and pro-grade performance. We give you our take on how this tool will benefit lawncare professionals so you understand what to expect.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best battery chainsaw article for our top picks.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Top Handle Chainsaw: The Big Deal

Milwaukee Tool actually includes two sizes of top handle chainsaw in the M18 Fuel lineup. You’ll have the option between a 12-inch and a 14-inch model, both of which Milwaukee claim cut faster than 35cc gas chainsaws. They have the power to cut hardwoods without the headaches that come with gas power, like fumes, maintenance, and cost.

Which Milwaukee Top-Handle Chainsaw is Right for You?

The primary outdoor power tool here is the 14-inch model top handle chainsaw. Milwaukee touts that as the optimal tool for arborists looking for a quiet and powerful solution for climbing and limbing. Some applications make sense for the smaller saw, however. The first thing that comes to mind is the lineman. When you simply want a smaller saw for cutting back branches that get in the way of powerlines, 12-inches does the job.

I don’t know about you, but I want the weight of that saw as small as possible if I’m up in a bucket near power lines. If you need something more than a 12-inch bar, you don’t need to be dealing with that branch!

Performance and Electronics

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Top Handle Chainsaw features the expected electronics that let it reach full throttle quickly. How quickly? We pulled the trigger and it got to full speed in less than a second. Thanks to this technology, you can expect it to be easy to control and reduce downtime.

While Milwaukee told us that these chainsaws maintain their speed without bogging down, we had to test for ourselves. After watching others make several cuts using this saw with an XC 8.0 battery pack, we took our turn. On what we estimated was an 8- to 9-inch diameter log, we made nearly a dozen cuts—pushing the saw as we would a gas tool.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL top handle chainsaw is STRONG. I can stall a gas saw—and I could have stalled this one by applying an unreasonable amount of pressure to the chain as it cut. With that said, it didn’t stall on any of those cuts, and I had a crowd of people around me staring. I wasn’t about to baby the tool with an audience!

So what about speed? Well, this chainsaw operates at around 15 meters per second (that’s around 49 feet per second). That’s not as fast as many gas-powered top handle chainsaws—which is where most of the complaining comes from online (we know who you are!) What Milwaukee does, however—like most battery-powered saws we’ve seen and used—is drop the speed and give you torque. That means you don’t really see the chain speed drop very much as you go through the cut. It’s very confident.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw Runtime

After making these cuts and wondering at the efficiency of the tool, I took a look at the battery. I still had three bars out of four. Having not been the first person to use this tool, I can see why Milwaukee would claim up to 150 cuts per charge in 4×4 cedar with an M18 Redlithium high output XC8.0 battery. We were working the tool a lot harder than you would on 4×4 cedar.

Additional Features

• Easy-access chain tensioner
• Automatic oiler
• Metal bucketing spikes
• Onboard scrench storage
• Lanyard loop
• Climbing scabbard

The only niggle we had with this chainsaw was the small, thin trigger. I often had to adjust my grip to get the Milwaukee 2826 top-handle up to full speed. With time, I figured it out, but I always like tools to intuitively work as I expect. We plan to do more testing when we get this tool in for a full review.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Top Handle Chainsaw Price

The 12-inch model retails for $339 as a bare tool. The 14-inch model comes as a kit for $479. We will update this article as more information becomes available about these chainsaws ahead of their January 2023 release.

Specifications

• Model: 2826
• Chain speed: 15 m/s (~49 fps)
• Bars: 12- or 14-inch
• Availability: January 2023

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel Top Handle Chainsaw appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.