chainsaws

[stardelta]

Has anyone bought an electric chainsaw ? If so, would you recomend one in preference to the 2 stroke type. Thanks SD

[Twenty20]

Petrol chainsaws have the obvious advantage of no trailing wires and, of course, you can take them anywhere.

Difficulty in starting a petrol chainsaw is usually down to poor maintenance or the wrong procedure - it's not just plug in and go like an electric version.

Personally, I'd say the choice is down to the type of cutting you have to do. If it's just heavy hedges etc an electric would do but I wouldn't be up in a tree sawing branches with an electric.

[buildersmate]

Agree with 20/20. I've had an electric one - twice - both Bosch - and had bad experiences with them. Broken outside of warranty.
Apart from the constant battle to ensure one keeps the cable out of the way (though there is no danger of electrocution because these things are double-insulated), there's the limited range. I would buy a petrol one next time.
You get what you pay for - the experts will say Husvarna every time. I've seen cheapo petrol ones in DIY-sheds from China that definitely don't look man enough to me. These things get serious mechanical abuse and have to tolerate constant showering with chippings. OK for a few logs up to 100mm diameter perhaps - nothing more.

[chas2008]

the trick in getting most garden machinery going is to squirt a bit of neat fuel in the carb...usually works.

A 2 stroke has far more oomph in it than an electric one, electric versions are really considered just a hobby machine used once a month to cut a few minor branches. Any serious use it has to be a 2stroke , like cars they need servicing , also the chain needs sharpening on a regular basis for optimum performance, something many people forget.
A good sharp chainsaw needs no pressure on it the chain drags it into the timber and cuts with no effort.

[Trotbot]

I used to use a Husvarna (with a 24 inch bar) for everyday, bigger stuff was done with a Stihl. All depends what and how often. Electric for light work, occasionally, not for anything else. Remember a 2 stroke needs a fuel mix, not neat petrol (80:20 with oil, and then no oil in the carb)