Are you planning to purchase your first-ever chainsaw? Then you may be wondering what the difference is between electric vs gas chainsaw. Just one look at an electric chainsaw and you can already tell that you have an amazing deal. However, is it capable of meeting your needs? How about a gas chainsaw? What can it offer you?
To help you make the best purchasing decision, we have gathered information in the form of this guide. In this article, you will find an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both electric and gas chainsaws. Our goal is to help you in making the best decision in knowing what fits you and your task.
Electric Chainsaw – How Does it Work
Electric chainsaws are available in two categories – corded and cordless. Both of these versions work the same way when it comes to driving the chain. The difference, however, is with the way the chainsaw is operated. Chainsaws that are operated need electricity coming from an electrical outlet. On the other hand, cordless chainsaws operate on batteries.
Electric chainsaws operate using electrical motors. This type of motor does not come with moving parts like that of a gas engine. It is operated by an internal power-producing part that is called the “armature”. It works by converting electrical power to mechanical power. It comes in the form of torque. The torque is moved to a shaft in the chainsaw, causing the bar to spin surrounding the guide bar.
Why Choose an Electric Chainsaw?
- They are compact and lightweight, making them easy to be handled by any size of a person
- They operate quieter than the gas models. They only make noise the moment the throttle trigger is pulled
- They do not need gas or produce a smell
- They operate with just a simple touch of a button
- They are ideal for sprucing trees, cutting small logs, trimming limbs, and cutting tasks around your yard
- They are very easy to maintain since no mixture is needed
- They are very easy to store. All you need to do is to turn the chainsaw off, unplugging it, and set it aside
- They are generally cheaper than gas chainsaws
- Electric chainsaws, especially the corded ones, can run continuously so long as they are constantly plugged in. The cordless models, on the other hand, are only limited by their battery change. This process usually takes about 30 minutes to a full hour’s worth of cutting time.
Gas Chainsaw – How Does it Work
Gas chainsaws are available in two categories – 2-cycle and 4-cycle. The difference between these two types is that the 2-cycle chainsaw needs you to combine oil and gasoline, pouring it into one tank, feeding the engine. This mixture of fuel is what lubricates the components of the engine properly. On the other hand, a 4-cycle chainsaw does not require the mixture mentioned earlier since it features two separate tanks for each gasoline and oil.
Regarding how a gas chainsaw works, fuel goes into a carburetor, mixing with air. This mixture then passes through a cylinder and is ignited with a spark plug. As the mixture starts to burn, it releases energy, pushing the piston in a back-and-forth motion.
Then, a crank and connecting rod convert the piston motion to a rotary motion. Then, a drive shaft brings that power and into the centrifugal clutch. This clutch attaches the engine to the chain with sprockets which causes it to spin on the guide bar.
Why Choose a Gas Chainsaw?
- They are ideal for heavy-duty tasks, handling any type of job given to them. Other recommended tasks with a gas chainsaw include trimming, pruning, slicing firewood, cutting down of large trees, and others
- Options on blade lengths reach up to 72 inches
- They cut relatively quicker compared with either battery chainsaws or corded electric chainsaws
- They are very mobile, and can even be used at any location. They are not simply restricted by a distance just like that of a corded electric chainsaw
- They can be operated the entire day, as long as there is enough fuel to use
Conclusion
Reality dictates that there is no competition with electric vs gas chainsaws. They both have their pros and cons brought to the table. If you are simply trimming around some parts of your property, then an electric chainsaw is the best option to consider. However, if you are dealing with some serious, hard-core wood cutting, then the gas chainsaw might be the better choice for you. A gas engine will always be the better choice if you don’t mind compromising some quiet time and putting in a little investment. Share with us your thoughts in the comments section, and feel free to share this article if you like.
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