Electric Chain Saw Recommendation

[ray66v]

Can anyone recommend an electric chainsaw worth owning?
I only use one on very rare occasions, but, I need it to work after sitting for years waiting.
My McCulloch recently failed to answer the bell, (even though I put it away with all the fuel run out of it).
I own a Wen, (Piece of crap), and have seen the Makita, (I am not a fan of theirs).
Do you have any suggestions?

 

[B8FISH]

What about a sawzall with an extra long pruning blade? Might be able to cover two uses this way? You could even get a battery operated one and then have no cords to deal with.

 

[ray66v]

No, Thanks I have Sawzalls.
I just had to cut up some storm damage. Rock hard maple a few pieces were more than 8". This job will required a minimum of a 12" chain saw.

 

[Egon]

I've used one El cheapo electric for about 20 or more years now. Long as the chain is sharp and I use a little patience it still works well.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I have a electric pole saw (Remington I believe) that I bought at TSC for less than $100 bucks and you can also use it like a chain saw. Works great for limbs and small stuff, never had a problem with it.

 

[ray66v]

Thanks, Remington has a 16" electric that has my attention.

 

[montanaman]

Stihl makes a few electric models that are top of the line. Keep in mind though that you will have to pay for the quality. Most would rather buy a $50 saw every couple of years and throw it away when it doesn't work right.

You should be able to look on their web site and find them. You may also have to get your local dealer to order one for you because I don't know how many dealers keep them in stock.

Ken

 

[ray66v]

I'm not going to get cheap if I can't get anything decent. I am looking for people
to advise me.

 

[montanaman]

Looks like a good Stihl electric saw starts at around $300. Most buying these use them for construction jobs like pole framing and tie walls where they need a high quality tool that will last, but are working in doors, or just don't want to deal with a gas saw. I also noticed that unlike most companies, they will give you honest HP quotes!! Someone had a 4.5 HP unit for sale at about what a good bar and chain should cost, yet the $300 Stihl is rated at 1.9 BHP.

The rest seem to rate them the same way they do their air compressors and shop vacs!

Ken

 

[SPYDERLK]

I'm not going to get cheap if I can't get anything decent. I am looking for people
to advise me.

Remington makes a 14" 120 V, 8Amp saw that we use extensively. We chose this lightweight because we run it from the tractors using a 1000 Watt invertor. We have never worn one out because @ $50 we dont treat them with much respect and they get broken first. We have several - all still work. - cheaper to get another than to replace damaged parts. They wont compare with a gas saw when running from the invertor, but when running from house power they do noticeably better. You may or may not need to go to the bigger version.
larry

 

[ray66v]

Thanks! so far I like the Remingtion models they seem to be the best designed in their bracket. I am hoping someone out there has used the Stihl electric and can give a review. It will take some careful consideration because of the difference in price on the REAL saws.

 

[PILOON]

While I have only used the Sthil once, my close buddy that owns a small engine repair facility very highly praised the Sthil electric.
He claimed that all the other electrics were 'cr--p' in comparison.

He claimed that it was the only one that could be considered 'pro' quality.

I have a Sthil gas that I use for limbing (+ a Husky for 'real' work) and if the electric is at par with the small gas brother, then you can not go wrong.

FYI, I had a remington that I used for demolition and it quit on the second job.

 

[ray66v]

Thanks, more to think about.

 

[swines]

I've used one of these at a friend's house - Milwaukee Electric Tool - 6215, Electric Chain Saw, Tools, Tools, Tools


He swears by it, after having been through 2 other brands .... but, then he seems to be a pro at breaking most everything...

 

[ray66v]

Thanks, I am partial to Milwaukee tools. I own a lot of them, but I had not been able to find someone who had used the chain saw.

 

[irwin]

I've been thinking of an electric for the wife, I bought her a very light Echo, but she can't get it started, even after it's been running a while..kind of defeats the purpose...but if she had a powerfull light weight electric one I wouldn't need to do all the trimming or go run over to start it up for her all the time.

 

[professor]

I have a pacemaker therefore it isn't recommended that I use a gas saw. I have used an electric Remington 16" blade for about five years and I have had no problems. I have worn out one chain. I have a small gas generator that I haul on a trailer so I don't have to fool with long extension cords. The generator is easy to start and there is no oil/gas mixing and much quieter.

 

[Shmudda]

I've been thinking of an electric for the wife, I bought her a very light Echo, but she can't get it started, even after it's been running a while..kind of defeats the purpose...but if she had a powerfull light weight electric one I wouldn't need to do all the trimming or go run over to start it up for her all the time.

You know Tim, I tried buying my wife a chainsaw and tractor for Christmas one year and she found NO HUMOR in that move at all.....you must have one heck of a wife!!

Craig

 

[ray66v]

Professor, forgive my ignorance, why does a pacemaker prohibit using a gas saw?
I assume it is the ignition system?

 

[jeffinsgf]

I can most highly recommend the Husqvarna electric saw. I have had one for over 10 years, and have used it hard for extended periods, then it has sat idle for months up to years at a time. I currently use it to work up my firewood. I cut my trees in 4 foot lengths in the woods, then bring them out near my barn with the tractor. I built a saw buck and load the 4 foot trunk sections in that for two quick cuts with the Husky electric. It is so nice to work without the roar of the gas saw and to always have power at the touch of a button. That workflow saves me a ton of stoop work in the woods and has cut down considerably on my chain damage on my gas saw (from ground contact while bucking up at stove length). In ten years I have replaced one bar oil pump (about 5 bucks) and I had to rewire the switch, which I will get around to replacing someday. Husqvarna owns Electrolux (high end vacuums and sewing machines), so they have some history with electric motors. I am sure the Stihl electric would be an equally satisfactory machine. You're headed down the right path. I have worked with the Remingtons and Poulans, and I can promise you, if you plan on using it more than a couple times, you'll be glad you spent the extra money for a quality tool. I would find a good outdoor product dealer that carries both Husqvarna and Stihl. Be up front with the owner/manager and tell him you want to buy one or the other electric saw. He ought to be willing to bring in one of each to let you decide.