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Benefits of a Battery-Powered Chainsaw

A gray and black EGO battery-powered chainsaw outdoors on a wood table.

Battery-powered chainsaws, or cordless chainsaws, are more powerful and versatile than ever. A battery-operated chainsaw can be a great option when compared with a gas model for a few reasons:

It’s easier to start.
It runs quieter.
It has lower emissions.
It weighs less.
It doesn’t require as much maintenance.

See our Chainsaw Buying Guide to compare different types of chainsaws and learn how to find the best chainsaw for the type of cutting you need to do.

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Battery-Powered Chainsaw Safety and Protective Gear

A man wearing gray chainsaw chaps and gray steel toe boots.

Before you start cutting, make sure to read your user manual and always follow the safety recommendations.

Let’s take a look at the safety features on this saw.

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Safety Features on the Battery-Powered Chainsaw

A man wearing gloves activating the chain brake on a battery-powered EGO chainsaw.

The Chain Brake: If the saw kicks back, the chain brake will hit your hand and engage to immediately stop the chain from moving.

A man wearing gloves pointing to the chain oil reservoir on a battery-operated chainsaw.

The Chain Oiler: Oil from this reservoir will automatically lubricate the bar and chain to prevent overheating and binding.

A man wearing gloves using a chain adjustment knob to set the tension on a cordless chainsaw chain.

The Chain Adjustment Knob: Use this to adjust the chain tightness to avoid binding or derailing.

Caution

Different cordless chainsaws have different features. Read the manual and become familiar with the safety features on your saw and see Chainsaw Safety.

Safety Gear for Using a Battery-Powered Chainsaw

A man wearing a helmet, hearing and eye protection, chaps and gloves using a cordless chainsaw.

You’ll also need safety equipment to protect yourself as you work.

A hard hat, ear protection and eye protection are a must. Better yet, also wear a face shield to protect yourself from flying debris.
You’ll need heavy gloves with an enhanced grip surface.
Sturdy boots with steel toes and nonskid soles will protect your feet.
Chainsaw safety chaps are more than pants — they’re made of ballistic fibers that will tangle into the chain and stop the saw, protecting your legs and keeping you safer. These are worth every penny and a must-have whenever using a chainsaw. Wear them over long pants.

Removing the Battery From the Chainsaw

A man removing the battery from a cordless EGO chainsaw prior to maintenance.

Before performing any maintenance on a battery-operated chainsaw, make sure you have completely removed the battery. If you’re used to a gas-powered saw, expect to hear the engine idling as a warning that the saw is live. A battery-powered saw is always live as long as the battery is connected, so be extra careful about removing that battery every time you touch the bar or chain.

Cutting With a Battery-Powered Chainsaw

A closeup of man cutting through a log with a battery-powered chainsaw.

Follow these steps to cut with a chainsaw.

Stand and Cut Correctly

A man with a battery-operated EGO chainsaw cutting a log from underneath with a pushing chain.

Even though a battery-powered chainsaw may be lighter than other types, cut at about waist level, never above your shoulders. Don’t cut too close to the ground since contact with the ground can make your saw kick back. Cut with the middle part of the bar, not the tip, since it is easier to get kickback when cutting with the tip. Stand to the side of the saw, never hovering over the work area. Kickback while in this position can be especially dangerous. When cutting downward, it’s called cutting with a pulling chain; when cutting upward, as in the image to the right, it’s called cutting with a pushing chain.

Maintaining a Battery-Powered Chainsaw Chain

A man wearing gloves pulling on the chain of a stopped cordless chainsaw to check the chain tension.

To operate safely, your saw must be maintained properly. A battery-powered chainsaw is a lower-maintenance option, but there are some necessary steps for proper care and safe cutting. One of the key areas that needs attention is the chain.

Before you use the saw, with the battery disconnected, check the chain tension. You should be able to pull the chain down slightly from the bar, but it should not be slack. Some brands use a tool for tension, but some are toolless and use a tensioner knob. Regularly inspect the bar and clean it if needed. The chain will need to be sharpened regularly. If you use a filing kit, you can do it fairly easily.

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