Electric Chainsaw vs Gas Chainsaw

The world today has gone hi-tech in all aspects and when it comes to electronic tools there are so many to choose from.

This gives a hard time to most people, who end up giving up and go for the closest tool they come across. However there are some who take their time to research on the best tool to go for, something that’s truly commendable.

It is important to find out the details of any tool or machine you intend to purchase. Get to know the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how suitable it is to your needs. Whichever way, any tool purchased should always be on the consideration of the purpose for which the tool is being bought.

In the previous years, chainsaws were powered using very large engines that were very challenging to carry around.

This greatly reduced the mobility of the chainsaws, and could not be used far from where the engines were stationed. Today, there are two main types of chainsaws namely: the gas driven chainsaw and the electric type.

Differences between an electric chainsaw and a gas chainsaw

1. Mode of Control

• The Gas powered one is controlled by a petrol engine, while an electric one uses an electric engine.
• Electric chainsaws are also fitted with an electric cord, and a cutter bar that is smaller as compared to the gas powered one.

The electric type doesn’t miss to have its own limitations. One major limitation is the fact that it is associated with limited use since it is connected to the wall socket, making it challenging to use long distances away from the power output.

The furthest you can take the machine is about 100 meters from where it is plugged in. It is possible to use the machine further if you use a good extension.

Electric chainsaws are available in two variants available :

• With cord: This variant has to be plugged to the socket while using it. This limits its reach ability to the length of the cord.
• Cordless: This is a battery powered device. Once charged it can be used till the charge lasts. It can be moved easily due to the absence of cord. However, it is not suitable for prolonged usage.

2. Manipulate and Noise:

Electric Chainsaw:

• It is very economical as compared to the gas powered chainsaw that requires fuel, and it saves a lot of space.
• When comparing the electric energy used on the electric types with the fuel needed for the gas driven machines, the gas chainsaws use much.
• The electric machine is also easy to manipulate, hence suitable for new users.

Gas Powered:

• The gas powered chainsaw is loud and makes much noise
• It also requires more maintenance and needs cooling before refueling whenever it heats up.
• There is great risk of using this machine whenever a kickback occurs. Kickbacks happen when the machine hits on very hard material, and might land the user in a hospital bed. This is because when a kickback occurs, a user who is feeble will lose balance making it almost inevitable for them to fall down, and get injured.

3. Suitability for pruning and trimming:

With the knowledge on the details of both chainsaws, the ultimate choice of the user before purchase depends on the tasks to be performed.

Electric Chainsaw:

• When it comes to doing maintenance activities like pruning and trimming at home or any other place, then your best option is the electric saw.
• You will be able to do your work quietly and adequately, as the machine does not produce much noise. Am sure you would not wish to work around your home or a quiet neighborhood with engine noise.

Gas Powered:

• When it comes to activities like firewood cutting, it is wise to go for the gas powered chainsaw.
• When cutting firewood, your main target is to cut as many pieces as possible, within the shortest time you possibly can…
• Using a gas powered chain saw will enable you to produce twice the amount of firewood, than you would have produced when using the electric powered one.

4. Operational Safety

When working with both the electric as well as the gas driven chainsaws, you need to ensure that you put on appropriate safety precautions. This includes ear, head, leg, eye and general body protection equipment. You should also put on gloves and safety boots when handling the machine.

Electric Chainsaw: Using an electric chainsaw is safer for a number of reasons;

• one being that the power output from electricity is less than that of an engine. Due to the reduced power output, there is either no or much reduced occurrence of kickbacks when the machine is in use.
• The model is also light, easy to operate and the most modern ones come with more safety features as compared with the gas powered versions. There are times when while working on small projects such as pruning by the use of an electric chainsaw, you may overlook some few gears such as the helmet and the ear protection gear as the electric types produce less noise.
• Ensure the machine is well plugged using an extension cord with good voltage resistance. If the machine is not well fitted it may cause sparking of fire, and we all know the hazardous effects of electricity.

Gas Powered: When you are handling the gas powered saw,

• Ensure that you grip on it tightly.
• Your legs should be apart so that you have stability when using the machine.
• Remember to check your standing position in the case of tree cutting.
• Accidents occur due to standing in the wrong position when cutting a tree. A tree may tend to bend in one direction and end up falling in the other thus causing an accident.
• In comparison with the electric chainsaw, you need to be keener on stability as this machine is heavier and is accompanied with much vibration during operation.

5. Cost factor

Gas powered chainsaws are costly than electric ones due to the ease in their usability. They run very smoothly but when it comes to noise. They are too noisy and are heavy as compared to the electric chainsaws.

Conclusion

Chainsaws are known to have incredible power, and have had changes over the years. There have been some revisions on the size of the chainsaw. It now comes in sizes that are smaller than compared to before.

Choose a chainsaw that best suits your needs. If for small and medium jobs around the house, then go for the electric chainsaw. If you are doing heavy duties that require more power and energy, then go for the gas-powered chainsaw.