From Steve Nix,
Your Guide to Forestry.
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The power and freedom of a gas-operated chainsaw often influences people to purchase a saw that they just don't need. Gas powered saws can be heavy, high maintenance and expensive nightmares for people who only occasionally use saws for light work.

For these reasons many people just don't need the expense or power of a gas chainsaw. If you mainly use saws around the house you need to reconsider your purchase to include a good electric chainsaw first.

Good and bad points you need to remember are:

Electric saws have less power and will increase you sawing time

Electrics are not designed to cut and buck large trees

Electrics are tethered to a 100 foot power cord

Electrics are lighter in weight and safer

Electrics take much less maintenance and are cheaper in price

Electrics are perfect for small trees and "pruning/trim" work

This "best" review is based on company reliability, user popularity and opinions expressed on my About Forestry Forum. Any and all of these chainsaws will make a great purchase. I've tried to include both moderately priced and top-of-the-line saws and their company web sites.

It would be remiss if I did not mention safety. Just because you have less power in an electric versus a gas saw doesn't mean you be casual about its use. Treat it with respect. An electric chainsaw should be considered dangerous and you would benefit by reviewing my chainsaw safety interview with Carl Smith.

Best Moderately Priced

Remington Model 098031- Some people consider Remington to manufacture the best mid-priced saw on the market; 8.5 pounds; 16" blade; Suggested Retail Price - $64.99

McCulloch Model MS1640NTCC- The company suggests this saw is ideal for trimming small to large size branches and cutting small to medium size trees; 7.05 pounds; 16" blade; Suggested Retail Price - $79.99

Craftman Model 41AZ63NQ799- Sears' Craftman tools have always enjoyed the reputation of being top quality; 12.2 pounds; 16" blade; Suggested Retail Price - $69.99


Best Top-of-the-line

Makita UC 4000- A bit pricey but one of the most powerful electic chainsaws you can purchase; 9 pounds; 16" blade; Suggested Retail Price - $199.99

Milwaukee 6215 - Arguably the best electric chainsaw available; 16" blade; Suggested Retail Price - $279.99

Makita UC120DWD Cordless- Battery operated for the freedom from an electric cord. Limits cutting jobs due to the short 5" blade but an alternative to corded saws; 4.6 pounds; Suggested Retail Price - $385