Electric chainsaw?

[Antarctican]

Up here in the pacific northwest, some wheelers will tell you chainsaws are a great idea to have, especially in the spring when you often find the previous fall/winter storms have knocked down trees across the roadway. Guys are guys, and if someone could fit a 4-cyl 22R on an 18" bar and pick it up they'd do it.

However, space and weight being at a premium, I am all about efficiency. I've been thinking about spending < $100 on an electric chainsaw, and just running it with a 100' extension onto a decent AC converter. For instance, there's a $69 Yardworks unit with 16" bar and 12A motor with a 2 year warranty. And you don't have to worry about packing a device with gasoline inside your vehicle. In addition to considerably lighter weight, easy starting, easier storing (can be hung upside down or vertically with no issues), virtually maintenance free, given I have an electrical system upgraded to handle it, is there really any disadvantage to using one? (Aside from snickers from your mates when you pull it out of the back.)

Part 2 of my question is electrical... what would an electric chainsaw pull and would the electrical upgrade requirements be so costly that a gasoline powered saw makes more sense economically?

[Hemi71cuda]

120volts x 12amps = 1,440 watts. So you'd need an inverter strong enough to put that out continuously. Definitely upsize and get a thick extension cord if you're gonna go 100ft to compensate for voltage drop.

I would agree and back you up that it would be much cleaner/safer/practical to carry an electric version. So long as it has the guts to do the job.

[Pale Rider]

battery operated chain saw! keep an extra battery plugged into the FJ AC outlet...

Outdoor Power Tools | STIHL USA

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[robhawkyyz]

i borrowed an electric chainsaw from a friend just to cut some small limbs, not with the fj inverter, and it worked for a little bit and then caught on fire, i guess it was from sawdust that got in the motor. and unless you pay good money the gas engines have been not so good either lately . i would go quality gas if you use it enough, otherwise let us know what you choose and how it works.

[jimmiee]

I have a 16" Mac that I take camping. I usually have to walk off the trail way more than 100' to cut up that nice dead tree that's ready to burn. If you like to camp and you like plenty of firewood an electric chainsaw is simply out of the question.

[hobojon]

Big fan of electric chainsaws and their dependability. They are also relatively quiet which is a big plus in some situations. You still have to carry bar lube though.......

A good quality bat op sawzall with an agressive 12" wood blade can be equally effective while being self contained.

[Tonka Cruiser]

I carry one of these with 3 batteries when I wheel:

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-LCS120-Lithium-Ion-Cordless/dp/B004JMZH1W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354412148&sr=8-2&keywords=black+and+decker+battery+chainsaw

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-LCS120-Lithium-Ion-Cordless/dp/B004JMZH1W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354412148&sr=8-2&keywords=black+and+decker+battery+chainsaw

[jimmiee]

Tonka Cruiser previously said:

I carry one of these with 3 batteries when I wheel: Amazon.com: Black & Decker LCS120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw: Patio, Lawn & Garden

I hope the saw is smaller than the hyperlink?

[jimmiee]

jimmiee previously said:

I hope the saw is smaller than the hyperlink?

Seriously, that looks like the ticket. How long does the battery last cutting small logs?

[Tonka Cruiser]

Can't give you a time but i use it to limb trees and the 3 batteries will last afternoon.