Determining which is better: a gasoline or electric saw (photo)

An electric or gasoline chainsaw is a must-have attribute for any builder and summer resident. This no longer requires proof or refutation - it is an indisputable fact. A saw that will never fail in an important situation should always be at hand for the master.

A mechanical saw will trim branches in the garden, cut down large trees, install a frame for the roof and a dozen other important things around the house. Since everyone is beginning to forget about manual equipment - it is too outdated, requires physical effort and a lot of time, then there is one question on the agenda of our article: which saw is better: gasoline or electric? This is what we will try to find out in just a few minutes. Go!

Which chainsaw is better: electric or gasoline, by what criteria will we compare tools?

In RuNet you will find the maximum number of classifications and differences, the better a gasoline or electric saw. We will present our version of the comparison, which includes:

• Reliability.
• Saw performance indicator.
• Efficiency in fuel consumption.
• Degree of service.
• The price, where would we be without it.

Before we move on directly to comparing which is better: a gas or electric saw, let’s outline the main differences. They are visible even with the naked eye.

The engine, powered by gasoline, operates in autonomous mode. The electric motor is tied to the 220 network, so its operating radius is significantly narrowed by the size of the wire and extension cord. It is impossible to go far into the forest with an electric model unless you have a generator on hand.

Electric also loses at construction sites where there is no light; large garden and summer cottage plots - all according to the same criteria.

However, all these situations are isolated and extreme. In other options, why not purchase a silent version of the saw that does not release gases and does not stink of gasoline and fumes after work? In addition, it is also very light.

So, which chainsaw is better: electric or gasoline - the question is always relevant. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake in choosing a device, you need to determine the range of your tasks and capabilities.

• Figure out for yourself: what loads and tasks the saw will perform. You can even write everything down on a piece of paper so you don’t lose anything in your head.
• Also think about how often you will use the device during work, what daily loads await the tool, etc.
• Don’t forget about the maintenance of the device: will you be able to service the instrument yourself, or will you have to look for a familiar technician?
• Is there enough money to fill a chainsaw with expensive fuel and oil?

Only after this short brief can you move on to the next points of our comparison.

How does reliability affect which saw is better: gas or electric?

Electric drive is easy, easy to learn and understandable even for a beginner.Although the gasoline circuit is productive and reliable. So what should we do?

The design of the internal combustion engine is such that the endurance of the circuit is initially much greater than the electric version. There's nothing you can do about it.

A gasoline engine has more speed, but expensive materials are used for its production. They allow the system to operate under long-term loads and in different weather conditions: even snow, rain or slush.

The gasoline model has a much more advanced cooling system. Protection against overheating is also better: there is an air filter, there are sensors to control the flow of heat and its removal from the system; Gasoline and oil levels are monitored for productive work. All this makes it possible to increase the resource intensity of a gasoline saw compared to an electric one of the same power.

If the device is used correctly on gasoline, its engine will last 10 years or more, withstanding various loads even on a daily basis. This is definitely not possible for an electric motor.

We conclude: for the construction of large structures and large-scale work, give preference to a chainsaw, and for small household tasks, an electric model of the saw will suffice.

All this, of course, is taken into account only when models from trusted manufacturers are compared. But in fact, it may turn out that the rating of Husqvarna chainsaws will lose to the electric version only because the chainsaw is not original, but a simple copy. Pay attention to this when purchasing.

Chainsaw or electric saw: which one to choose based on performance

The productivity of a saw is easy to determine: this is the amount of work performed by the tool in a specified period of time (minute, hour, etc.).

The productivity indicator is influenced by several factors, or rather two:

• Saw motor power.
• Quality of saw consumables (chains).

If you are looking for an assistant for gardening work without daily load, then your option is a low-power electric saw. It will save you a lot of money, because you will not overpay for the extra power of the device (the power of such devices is about 2 kW and below).

For other jobs that require a “formidable weapon,” you will also need a powerful electric motor or a 2-3 kW gasoline version.

An important point that everyone forgets: with the same engine power, gasoline saws are better than electric ones. Why? The first has a much higher efficiency (efficiency factor). The engine power is almost completely transferred to the cutting chain. Electric ones have lower efficiency.

That is, a 3 kW electric saw and a chainsaw of the same power give different effects during operation.

In addition, electric drives are not installed more than 2.5 kW, and therefore they can be safely called amateur, and nothing else. However, such a small power is compensated by savings on fuel and the lightness of the device.

In chainsaws, the engine can run as much as 5-6 kW. These are professional saw models that are used only for industrial cutting of timber. They are powerful, but large and heavy, so they are not suitable for everyone.

Comparing the cutting parts and types of motor, it is worth saying that the gasoline version generally has a longer chain than the electric one. The advantage of a long bar is that it is easy to saw through thick parts of trees and logs; the cut is made deeper and smoother.

But the bar of an electric saw works faster, and your hands don’t have time to get tired of it. As you should have already understood: for large tasks - gasoline, for light ones - electric. Don’t get confused, so as not to complicate your work and budget.

Which saw is better and more economical: gas or electric?

Fuel prices are skyrocketing.Saying that gasoline is now a luxury is like saying that the sky is blue. An indisputable fact.

An electric saw will be cheaper in terms of “refueling”, since we only need electricity to operate it. The device does not require constant filling with gasoline, and you do not need to buy oil for it.

Also, the electric saw does not suffer from such worries as constant replacement of spare parts and structural repairs. Buy it and use it.

A fuel-powered saw looks cost-effective in the sense that we need a large amount of work to be done. We save time and partly money by working with a fast and productive tool. And having bought one saw, even with minor repairs, you can use it fully for several years in a row, which cannot be said about electric models.

What about tool maintenance?

An electric saw is an easy-to-maintain device, plus it is comfortable to use. The technical inspection stops at one point - add oil to the crankcase and lubricate the chain. Nothing more is needed.

They also have a fairly simple preparation for work: plug it in and go to work. A gasoline saw is much more difficult to operate.

You will need to constantly refill the chain lube with oil and perform full maintenance on all parts of the tool. The engine requires regular cleaning and refueling with a properly mixed solution of gasoline and oil. And cleaning the filter and spark plug is generally a routine job.

When you don’t have time to constantly inspect the device, but just want to pick it up, turn it on and cut, take an electric saw. It’s easier to live with and there are fewer problems. You just have to sacrifice performance and operating time.

Which saw to choose based on price: gas or electric

An electric saw for any task saves not only in time of use, but also in the purchase itself. This is because the models are somewhat cheaper than their gasoline counterparts. Low cost is not proportional to poor quality. This price is explained by the fact that the electric motor is not as difficult to assemble as the internal combustion engine of a chainsaw.

The electric motor uses simple parts and materials. You won't find expensive chrome, steel or cast iron here; no combustion chambers, fuel tanks or spark plugs. Everything is primitive and at the same time works like clockwork.

A high-quality gasoline engine requires expensive materials, but it also lasts much longer than an electric one. For your daily routine, choose a chainsaw accurately and do not skimp on the budget for the tool. It’s better to buy quality once than to spend money on mediocrity several times and donate hard-earned money.