XPT - Xtreme Protection Technology. Optimal protection against dust and splash water even under harsh conditions Makita is famed for being one of the best power tool brands around and, after testing many of their cordless tools, I can see why. So, while I had high hopes for their DUC353Z Twin 18V Cordless Chainsaw, I was also a little doubtful about whether or not it would be up to the task that I had in mind for it – helping me to slice up the several mature trees that Storm Arwen had scattered around my farm. Other standout features include an emergency brake with stopping times of less than one second, as well as a variable speed trigger, single handed activation and a secondary auxiliary handle for when you require added balance and control when working. Retailing at a very reasonable price, this cordless chainsaw from DeWalt delivers on all counts. Cordless chainsaws have many benefits, but there’s some restrictions to bear in mind as well. For one, cordless models tend to be pricier than the conventional alternatives.

While I may have found a few more flaws to this battery powered chainsaw when compared to the others that I tested, its price makes up for these. This is a very affordable machine – you’d struggle to find a good chainsaw for any cheaper, especially one that doesn’t skimp out on quality. From our experience, we found that the best cordless chainsaw will generally weigh under 5 kg . These are powerful yet manageable and make it possible to maintain control. Nevertheless, you could also choose a chainsaw closer to 3 kg if you want something particularly light . As mentioned, the tool-less chain tensioning is a big plus, although all of the six cordless chainsaws that I tested have been designed with this feature. Just like the others, this one also has a claw stop, as well as ergonomic handles to improve the user experience. Capable of up to 70 cuts in 4" x 4" pressure treated spruce When powered by 18V XR 5.0Ah Li-ion battery (not included) First and foremost, even if you don’t plan on using your cordless chainsaw for heavy-duty tasks, you’ll still need to invest in protective clothing and accessories, including chainsaw trousers, boots, gloves, and a hat/helmet, as well as safety goggles and ear defenders (these usually come attached to the helmet). This is something required by law, so don’t take it lightly.Design: A well-designed cordless chainsaw will have considered ergonomics, with a comfortable handle and grip. Models with cushioned or anti-vibration handles were given top marks as these made the chainsaws more comfortable to use for long periods. I also looked for chainsaws with balanced weight distributions, as this improves the user’s manoeuvrability and control. While the optimal bar length varies depending on the tasks, those with longer bars (of 25 cm +) could complete a wider range of tasks, so they were given higher marks. I also identified whether each chainsaw’s bar length matched up with its power – for example, an 18 V system for a 15 – 20 cm bar chainsaw or a 36 V system for chainsaws with 30 cm bars and above. Although the runtime was a little disappointing, the chainsaw makes this worth dealing with when you take into account how easy it is to use. Even with the battery in, it weighs just 3.5kg , making it so lightweight and comfortable to work with. Its metal gripper spikes help to hold the machine steady while you’re cutting, and its automatic oiling system works well. They’re very lightweight when compared to petrol chainsaws – this not only makes them easier to move around to different parts of your garden, but also gives you more manoeuvrability if you need to take your chainsaw up a ladder or a tree But how does this machine compare to the others when it comes to price? The Ryobi sits somewhere in the middle. Yes, you could buy yourself a more powerful petrol chainsaw for less, but you’d end up with a much heavier and more cumbersome machine. Plus, with its powerful motor and fast cutting speed, this one will do just about anything that a similar-sized petrol chainsaw will do – it really does function so well. Just about all of the best battery powered chainsaws need to be assembled in the same way. This isn’t complicated – it’s only the bar and chain that need to be attached. Ryobi has designed this machine to make that whole process tool-less, including when it comes to adjusting the chain tension at the end. As a result, assembly only took 10 minutes and was a very easy task.

The first step was assembly, which took less than ten minutes . I didn’t need any tools for the enti re process – Makita has designed this chainsaw in a way that makes it extremely simple to put together. Even better, they provide a small bottle of oil with the machine, meaning that you can have it up and running soon after you’ve opened up the box. For cord-free functionality at a price that won’t upset the budget, look no further than this Bosch UniversalChain 18 Cordless Chainsaw. A lightweight option that’s easy to handle and operate, this cordless chainsaw from the reputable power tool manufacturer is just the thing for handling all those outdoor cutting tasks. It’s easy to see why those who don’t have much chainsaw experience often find chainsaws to be intimidating – after all, these power tools can cause a fair bit of damage. That’s exactly why Bosch created their UniversalChain 18V Cordless Chainsaw. Designed with new users in mind, this chainsaw is geared towards those who need a power tool to help with pruning trees and cutting firewood. Thanks to Storm Arwen, I had plenty of the latter to do, and I was counting on this chainsaw to help me clear up the damage. This bit of chainsaw spec is easy enough to get your head around. Guide bar length simply refers to the length of the bar that the chainsaw utilises in its cutting action. The longer the bar you’re working with, the larger the piece of wood you can hope to cut.Ryobi recommends using at least a 4.0aH battery with this 18V chainsaw. While it’ll work with smaller ONE+ batteries, your runtime wouldn’t be long enough to make it worth your while. So, since I had a fair bit of wood to get through, I went slightly larger with a 5.0aH battery. The fact that this machine is so small and lightweight (just 3kg , even with the battery in), makes it very easy to manoeuvre and cut in a controlled manner. I used it with a 4aH battery, which enabled me to cut on and off for about two hours. I was impressed with the battery life, but not so much with the machine’s chain speed – at 4.5m/s , it was much slower than some of the other chainsaws that I tested (I would recommend the Makita, at 20m/s, if you’re looking for something faster). Still on the fence about whether to go with a cordless chainsaw over a petrol or electric model? Here are just a few of the benefits that a cordless chainsaw can offer: A 30cm Oregon Bar and Chain offer a chain speed of 10 m/s, while an automatic oiling system and tool-less chain tensioning design make this a user-friendly option that requires minimal additional maintenance. As with any chainsaw, safety features are of paramount importance, which is why you’ll appreciate the inclusion of a mechanical chain brake as standard. As part of the ONE+ system from Ryobi, you can also enjoy the benefits of a universal battery that works with upwards of a hundred other tools from the reputable manufacturer.