I have been using Craftsman gas chainsaws for years, but would like to try a battery powered saw since yanking the cord to start it is getting to be too much of a workout. Not to mention the noise, mixing gas and oil, etc.

So I watched a couple of Project Farm videos comparing battery powered saws. The DeWalt came out first, but the man said his personal preference was the Mikita. He found the safety on the DeWalt more awkward than the Mikita's grip safety and in general considered the Mikita lighter and handier.

Comparing the two on Amazon, I found the DeWalt had numerous complaints that it leaked bar oil "like a sieve." My current Craftsman does that and I really would like to avoid it on the next saw.

Then I did a search of this forum and found many members recommended the DeWalt. So I would like to hear from those of you who have experience with either or both saws.

Is the DeWalt really that leaky?
Is the safety switch awkward?
Anybody like the Mikita?

What kind of work you plan to do??
Personally I would only by a Stihl. Reliable and lasts. I have owned cheaper chains, they just do not hold up.

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Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
What kind of work you plan to do??
Personally I would only by a Stihl. Reliable and lasts. I have owned cheaper chains, they just do not hold up.

I have 3 Stihl saws. All of them have been great. I don't have experience with their electric models. Do they get good reviews?

I've been looking at these two plus the Milwaukee, Ryobi and Stihl. Milwaukee and Makita allow you to use two 18 volt batteries to get to 36 vokts which is not only cheaper than a 40 volt but can be used in their 18 volt tools.

I really like the Makita but need to ask my neighbor about Stihl which is a line he has in his store. If I were buying today, I'd probably go Makita. Good quality and reviews plus tool interchangeable.

Stihl and Milwaukee I would look at very hard.

Do you have other battery operated tools. Really the choice is picking a battery type. That's the major cost on these things. Go with the batteries you have if you do, or the ones you will pick as you get other tools.
But I have used extensively the Makita and the Stihl. As a saw the Stihl is miles better, but it has its own battery type and you can't use it in your drill. If I was doing real work get the Stihl. If you are just casually cutting then the others are fine.

I am helping a neighbor with a large walnut tree that someone else cut down but only took away the best sections. Other than that, probably will cut up less than a dozen limbs, fallen trees, and the like, per year.

So I don't think I need professional quality.

I have mostly DeWalt battery tools, but the saw uses a different sized battery that isn't compatible with the drills, etc!

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Really the choice is picking a battery type. That's the major cost on these things. Go with the batteries you have.

This. For me it was the Ryobi 40V series, and I have been reasonably happy with their chainsaw.

^^^
As I mentioned, I'm looking at Ryobi and their 40 volt among others What do like and not like about it?

Chainsaws are dangerous toys. ER bills are expensive. I would not buy a bottom of the line chainsaw. Granted you will not need the top of the line. Go to the store, see how heavy it is and look carefully at the safety features. There is a learning curve. 14 inch or 18 inch bar??

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Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Chainsaws are dangerous toys. ER bills are expensive. I would not buy a bottom of the line chainsaw.

Had a neighbor who, after watching me use my Stihl, talk about getting his own chain saw. I cautioned him they're dangerous tools, make sure to read up on how to operate them safely, and a cheap saw would be more dangerous than a good saw.

He preceded to heed none of my cautions/recommendations. Luckily, the saw was so crappy it couldn't be kept running, he took it back, and gave up - lol.

I have both a battery operated Stihl and a Dewalt. I had the Stihl first, its got a smaller toothed chain and I think it has/will wear down quicker. I have some land with lots of small scrub trees, homeysuckle, etc and battery chainsaws work great for that. I picked up the Dewalt in an auction along with a battery Dewalt trimmer and blower. I absolutely love the convenience of the battery Dewalt blower, the Dewalt chainsaw works, has a slightly larger bar and larger toothed chain, but IT LEAKS LIKE NOTHING I'VE EVER SEEN. Bar oil everywhere, when sawing it really slings it onto the wood as well, almost makes me think the design is to liquify the wood into pulp instead of just lubing the chain. I'd choose Stihl over Dewalt.

I only have he Dewalt so can’t offer a compare. I do like the portability and the 20v battery as I have other Dewalt tools that are 20v.

Have not noticed excessive use of bar oil when cutting but it does leak when not in use.

The main use for me is to cut away downed trees when trail riding with the RZR. The Dewalt makes a mess on top of my toolbox when riding. Still a great tool.

Not really a true chain saw, but classified as a pruning saw. It is battery operated Milwaukee and has a 6-inch bar. It goes thru 5-inch limbs like butter. My only complaint is that it leaks bar oil like a sieve. I have to store it on plastic to catch the oil. If their true battery operated chainsaws are as good as this is, I wouldn’t hesitate on the Milwaukee. I’ve no experience with full size battery operated chain saws, but they are appealing. Still, nothing sounds as good in your hands as a good gas powered chainsaw. I’ve had a Shill for about 30 years, and it’s still going strong. Off to watch the Project Farm video.

I have a Milwaukee that I've used a few times and have in my work vehicle at all times. this way I can pick up some firewood quick if it's on the side of the road and easy. I will say if Stihl makes one fully or partially made in the U.S. I'd go in that direction. The reason I went with Milwaukee is it is my other addiction right after Sig pistols... I have over 25 Milwaukee 18volt tools in my work van.

For even minor work you are going to need at least two batteries....

I have been cutting wood with chainsaws for about 30 years.

Many thanks to Scuba Steve Sig and Ugeesta for providing information regarding their actual experience with the DeWalt.

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I have mostly DeWalt battery tools, but the saw uses a different sized battery that isn't compatible with the drills, etc!

The 60 volt Dewalt batteries are backwards compatible with the 20 volt tools. I have several of both tools and batteries. Also the 60 volt batteries can be charged on any of the 20 volt chargers. I do not own the chain saw as I too only use Stihl gas saws. So I don't know about the possible leakage issue. Something to consider.

I have the dewalt. If people would read the owners manual, it states to drain the bar oil after each use. Thus the leak. It is powerful and does the job well.

o5

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Originally posted by orion5:
I have the dewalt. If people would read the owners manual, it states to drain the bar oil after each use. Thus the leak. It is powerful and does the job well.

o5

Same with my Ego. it's a PITA, but I just keep it in a tub, it might leak an ounce over 6mos.

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Originally posted by hrcjon:
Do you have other battery operated tools. Really the choice is picking a battery type. That's the major cost on these things. Go with the batteries you have if you do, or the ones you will pick as you get other tools.
But I have used extensively the Makita and the Stihl. As a saw the Stihl is miles better, but it has its own battery type and you can't use it in your drill. If I was doing real work get the Stihl. If you are just casually cutting then the others are fine.

This is your best advice, it's all about the battery, if you have other tools or plan on a string trimmer, pruner, blower etc. you need to stick to a brand for efficient battery use. That said I have Stihl and have no regrets.