Chainsaw Battery Buying Guide

By Gerald, Updated on May 7, 2024

As a homeowner and occasional user, I believe a chainsaw battery-powered can be the ideal choice. A small battery-powered chainsaw can cut small tree logs and maintain gardens. It requires minimal maintenance with numerous features compared to gas-powered models. But with time, your small chainsaw battery demands may require maintenance or replacements. Therefore, this article will help you understand chainsaw battery types, performance, and top chainsaw battery models.

Part 1. How does the chainsaw battery provide power?

The chainsaw battery is the primary power source for electrical cordless and simple chainsaws. It does not have an engine like a gas-powered chainsaw. However, a rechargeable battery supplies the power to a motor installed inside the chainsaw to drive the cutting chain. The function of the battery in a chainsaw is similar to that of other electric devices like laptops, smartphones, etc. Still, a chainsaw battery is more powerful in capacity and voltage to handle the high power demands of the chainsaw.

Part 2. Chainsaw battery types

In an electric chainsaw, a battery plays an important role. If you choose the right chainsaw battery for your cutting tool, it keeps the chainsaw operational. Here, we have two main battery types ideal for electric chainsaws.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery: The most popular type, Li-ion batteries offer many features. A high energy density, low self-discharge, and long lifespans are the attributes of a lithium-ion chainsaw battery. It utilizes Ion technology that moves during charge and discharge. Being a lightweight battery makes it much easier for chainsaw operators to cut.
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery: Nickel metal hydride is an advanced and improved nickel-cadmium (NiCd) form that can store two times high energy density with no memory effect. This chainsaw battery offers a longer runtime and is more environmentally friendly. Moreover, nickel metal hydride is more affordable than lithium-ion, with features like fast charging, weight ratio, and charge cycles.

Part 3. How long does a chainsaw battery last?

If you have concerns about the runtimes of a battery and want to know how exactly a chainsaw battery lasts. Mostly, several factors count in the runtime of a chainsaw.
Battery life depends on several factors, including:
1. Battery capacity

The battery capacity counts a lot in measuring the total run time of a small chainsaw battery. All the batteries come with an Amp-hours (Ah) capacity rating. So, a battery with a higher capacity rating will last longer. A battery with 5.0-ampere hours will last longer than 2.0-Ah.
2. Voltage

Voltage is a current flow pressure. Higher voltage is the indication of more current passing through a battery. This will result in a short battery backup. However, sometimes, higher voltage becomes an essential requirement to perform heavy-duty tasks. There are different voltage values according to chainsaw models like 12v, 20v, 24v, 36v, etc.
3. Chainsaw usage

The nature of the task directly affects how long a chainsaw battery will last. If you are performing a heavy-duty task continuously, it will result in quicker battery depletion.
4. Motor size

As you know, the motor is the primary source of power consumption. Therefore, if a motor consumes lower power, the chainsaw battery lasts longer. However, a motor with high power consumption will drain the battery rapidly.

Part 4. The best 5 small chainsaw battery models

Here, we have shorted the list with the top 5 small chainsaw battery models.

EGO Power+ 56V ARC Lithium Battery (5.0 Ah): Offers long runtime and compatibility and can perform heavy-duty cutting tree logs.
Greenworks 24V 2.0 Ah Battery: A good budget-friendly option can be obtained as a mini chainsaw battery model. It provides a decent runtime for smaller branch-cutting tasks.
Husqvarna 36V Li-ion Battery (2.0 Ah): Backed by a reputable brand, ideal small chainsaw battery for light trimming and pruning.
Stihl MSA 100 36V Li-ion Battery (2.6 Ah): Provides reliable power for occasional chainsaw usage.
WORX PowerShare 20V 2.0 Ah Battery: Versatile battery compatible with various tools, including mini chainsaw for gardening tasks.

Feature	EGO Power+	Greenworks	Husqvarna	Stihl	WORX
Battery Type	Lithium battery	Lithium-ion	Lithium-ion	Lithium	Lithium battery
Voltage (V)	56	24	36	36	20
Typical Capacity (Ah)	5.0	2.0	2.0	2.6	2.0
Estimated Runtime (Light Use)	45-90 min	30-50 min	40-60 min	40-60 min	30-50 min
Compatibility	EGO Power+ chainsaw	Greenworks Tools and Chainsaw	Husqvarna Chainsaws	Stihl Chainsaws	WORX PowerShare Tools
Brand Reputation	High	Medium	High	High	Medium

Part 5. How to choose a chainsaw battery

Consider a new chainsaw battery if your electric chainsaw needs frequent charging, the battery is swelled, it is not properly charging, and the chainsaw operates at low intensity.

Consider these factors when selecting a battery:

1. Chainsaw power requirements
When you are choosing a new chainsaw battery, it should be according to the chainsaw power requirements. A low power or high power can cause the machines to fail.

2. Battery capacity
A chainsaw battery with a high ampere-hour capacity guarantees a long runtime. Therefore, choose a battery with a higher capacity for longer runtime. However, capacity limitations should be considered according to the chainsaw model because it will help to charge and discharge the battery properly.

3. Compatibility
Ensure the battery is compatible with your chainsaw model.

4. Brand Reputation

Well-reputed brand battery ensures a long lifespan for your electric chainsaw. So, we advise you to consider a good battery brand for your electronic tool.

Part 6. How to maintain a chainsaw battery

Proper maintenance of a small chainsaw battery can result in a long lifespan and good battery backup. Therefore, we have some valuable maintenance tips for electric chainsaws.

1. Store batteries in a cool, dry place

The chainsaw battery is a combination of different chemical materials. These can lose their capacity due to excessive heat and wet conditions. Therefore, keep the battery at a normal and dry temperature.

2. Keep batteries partially charged

We recommend not completely discharging the small chainsaw battery. When the chainsaw shows weakness in power, immediately stop the work and charge the battery first. This will help the battery last a long time.

3. Clean battery contacts regularly

Regular cleanliness of the battery and connecting terminals can avoid sparking and corrosion. This will ensure the optimal performance of the battery.

4. Recycle old batteries responsibly

When the battery needs replacement, dispose of the old battery properly.

Part 7. Final thoughts

This chainsaw battery buying guide will help you find the most compatible one. Each step contributes to shaping the ideal battery for your chainsaw needs. However, it is important to remember that a compatible chainsaw battery depends on your model and the type of cutting tasks you plan to tackle.

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