That last snow which came through here was heavy and wet and it took down a tree in my back yard. Not very big, maybe 10 inches at the base. I've limbed a whole lot of it with a bow saw but I'll need a chainsaw to finish the job.

This is not something I would be using often at all, so I don't need anything fancy. I just need something relatively inexpensive that's worth the money and will get the job done.

I don't want to hassle with a gas-powered chainsaw, don't want to play with spark plugs or fuel/oil mixtures or forget to drain the gas after use or pull it fifty times to start it. I just want something that will let me cut some limbs every once in a while with a short charge of juice.

I figure, what, a 16 or 18 inch bar, or that might even be more than I need. American-made is too much to ask, I suppose.

Any recommendations would be welcome.

If you are already invested in a battery setup with other tools I would look into that universe first.

I have a Dewalt battery chainsaw and like it but use it only for smaller things like you’ve described. I think it has a 12” bar.

I think a Stihl might be American made, not sure though. Won't be inexpensive. I believe Craftsman makes one through Ace iirc. Not American made I would guess.

The thing about Stihl is it should be easy to get the chained sharpened or get new ones from Stihl. Other brands not sure on that.

I've been very happy with a Kobalt (Lowes) 40vMax saw. It has great battery life and cuts like as demon. Has auto oiling and tool-less chain adjustment. After 4-5 years of fairly steady use I finally had to replace the chain, which was a normal (I think 53 tooth) chain, four for $20. At Lowes they run about $150 for saw, one battery, and charger. I like it so much I got a comparable 40vMax pole saw (batteries are shared) so I can stay off ladders as much as possible.

edited to add: 14" bar. Made in, unfortunately, China. I got mine on sale; the current Lowes price is $229

I bought a Milwaukie as I already have batteries and such for it.

Pretty much once you get one battery powered item, you are tethered to that brand for other items since the batteries are expensive and interchangeable. I myself went with Ryobi and am super happy with them. I have a chainsaw, lawn mower, weed eater, and leaf blower so far.

Having several items that each came with a battery, I have had zero problems chainsawing all day. Once one battery dies, I stick it in a quick charger, and put in a new battery. By the time that one dies, the other is charged. If I am at my land, I bring a power inverter to plug the charger in to recharge the batteries. I could never get either of my gas chainsaws started when I needed them.

I haven’t had a single regret in getting any battery powered item yet.

Although I use the Kobalt saw for quick jobs, I have a Stihl gas 16" (210, I think) that has a self draining carb, so no gas stays in the bowl after shutting down. It also has an energy storing pull start, so a few - three is enough - short, easy pulls is sufficient to start it. You still have the issue of mixing fuel, but if you want one saw to do it all you might consider that.

One tree, 10"?
You could do it with a saws-all with the proper blades. It wouldn't be a fast as a chainsaw but it would be doable.

I bought an Ego a couple years ago and love it. I use it all the time around the house and when I'm cutting firewood it's nice to have it for a second saw in case I get the Stihl in a bind.

Sounds like this is a one-time requirement. How about renting a saw? I understand your preference for battery power, but for a rental, where you won't keep it and therefore won't need to be concerned about spark plugs etc., it really doesn't matter.

If you're going to buy, maybe consider a corded chainsaw, rather than battery. I have one of these, I think I paid $79 for it at Ace Hardware. Not quite as convenient as battery powered, but a lot less money, and for one-time or occasional use, it's not that much of a hassle to deal with an extension cord.

I'm already invested in the Ryobi 40V system (e.g. weedwhacker, edger, blower) so I added their chainsaw. It works well and is a heck of a lot easier to maintain than a gas chainsaw. I live in suburbia and don't burn wood to heat so it's occasional use.

If I weren't invested in the Ryobi 40V system then I'd buy the Ego. The head to head tests on YouTube (e.g. Project Farm), the Ryobi does fine, but the Ego does better.

I have Bauer from Harbor Freight. It’s been a great saw for my needs which are similar to yours. As many have said I already have several of their tools and batteries.

Years ago I had a 16" Sears brand corded electric chain saw. It took several years to actually wear it out. Had 2000w Honda camping generator so could haul it anywhere on the estate with cord, in 3rdlawn tractor trailer. Winner winner.
A
decade newer battery op saw required a new 3rd battery after 2 seasons. Loser.

quote:

Originally posted by gjgalligan:
One tree, 10"? You could do it with a saws-all...

I don't have a saws-all.

There are dozens of trees behind my house. One of them is a dead standing tree I've limbed so that it's just a trunk. The tree appears sturdy, but if it fell just right, it would manage to rake the back of the house.

I need a chainsaw for only one tree at the moment, but tomorrow is another day. Just take my word for it- I need a chainsaw. Thank you

quote:

Originally posted by signewt:
Years ago I had a 16" Sears brand corded electric chain saw. It took several years to actually wear it out.

Are corded saws still available?

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
I think a Stihl might be American made, not sure though...

Some of their tools are, and some aren't. I bought one of their 12-inch battery powered chainsaws hedge trimmers, assuming it was US made. Took it home, looked all over for the Made In The USA label. Found the "Made In China" hidden in some crevice.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by signewt:
Years ago I had a 16" Sears brand corded electric chain saw. It took several years to actually wear it out.

Are corded saws still available?

Makita makes one.

Para,

Sunbrite rentals has a chainsaw for $50 a day ($150 deposit). Looks to be pretty close to you.

https://sunbritesupply.com/equipment-rental

259 Grayson Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30046 US

770-963-0392, 770-277-9924

Thank you, but I don't want a rental or a saws-all or anything like that. I want to purchase a chainsaw and keep it so that I will have it when I need it.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by signewt:
Years ago I had a 16" Sears brand corded electric chain saw. It took several years to actually wear it out.

Are corded saws still available?

Look like it! Home Depot has some of every brand and bar length. I didn’t realize they had corded ones. The only corded one I have is a Ryobi extension pole saw for small limbs up high. I do prefer the battery powered though to not deal with an extension cord, but they still exist if that is what you want. If you don’t have other battery powered yard tools and won’t need it often, then sounds like a corded chainsaw is your best bet.