Unpacking the Lightest Electric Chainsaw Conundrum
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Just how small should you go? Click on the pic to see more mini chainsaws
If you need an electric chainsaw for around the garden, then most people would prefer the lightest electric chainsaw available. It would make life a lot easier. You get an easy to handle chainsaw that gets the majority of the required jobs done. Lightweight means easy to carry, easy to work with, and easy to store. You can browse a selection of them here.
Definition of Lightweight
So what is “lightweight” in electric chainsaw terms. Its open to debate but anything under say ten (10) pounds {4.5 kg} can probably be deemed lightweight especially as you will (and certainly should!) be using 2 hands to operate the chainsaw.
The obvious exceptions to this “rule” are the lightest battery chainsaws – the ever more popular mini electric chainsaws which are designed for one handed use.
In fact these mini battery driven chainsaws are easily the lightest electric chainsaws around and are now so popular that they make up the majority of all types of chainsaws sold on Amazon.
They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 4 inch bars to 8 inch bars
The Trade Off
There is of course a trade off here that you need to appreciate. The lightest electric chainsaws on the market are ONLY suited for light work. Light electric chainsaws are not designed for heavy duty stuff like cutting down large trees.
Having said that, all the lightweight electric chainsaws shown below will be more than adequate for most jobs they are called upon to do by the average weekend warrior.
Comparing Apples with Apples
There is also a small problem to take into consideration when comparing the lightest electric chainsaws.
The weight quoted for a corded electric chainsaw is a “true” weight while the weight of the lightest cordless electric chainsaw will vary depending on whether it excludes or includes the power pack (battery).
Also remember that a lightweight battery powered chainsaw will have various power pack options available to them. For example 2Ah, 4Ah or 6Ah packs which will all be a different weight.
So lets look at some of the lightest chainsaws, that are not one handed mini chainsaws, that are commonly available:
Black & Decker LP1000 Alligator (6.5 lbs)
Is it or isn’t it a chainsaw?
Well yes it is and if you are looking for a superb garden pruning chainsaw then this one weighs in at a mere 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg) and has some unique characteristics to add to the appeal.
Check out our review here
Or you can click on the picture.
Black & Decker CS1216 (10 lbs)
Although just making the cut at 10 pounds (4.5kg), the B & D CS1216 is a corded chainsaw and thus we don’t have to try factor in the possible weight of a range of batteries.
But of course, as you can see by the length of the actual cord attached to both the alligator and this one, you can’t really operate these without an extension cord.
That in turn means you need to be in fairly close proximity to an electrical power source.
That might, or might not, be seen as a limiting factor for some people,
Cordless Chainsaws
Although the battery size will influence the weight, the smaller the bar the lighter the chainsaw is likely to be.
You can see some 12 Inch Cordless Chainsaws and Top Rated 14 Inch Cordless Chainsaws
Lets now look at three cordless electrical chainsaws that are pretty light but their final total weight will depend on the battery you purchase and attach to get them working! The weights quoted are without a battery.
GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (6.9lbs)
An impressive chainsaw that has the additional advantage of having a brushless motor. To find out more about the Greenworks 20312 G Max, read our full review here.
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 CHAINSAW (7.2lbs)
The baby of the Black and Decker range is a small lightweight chainsaw that still packs a decent punch.
Despite it’s somewhat out dated electric motor (it is fitted with a brushed motor rather than the more efficient brushless type), this lightweight cordless chainsaw continues to sell very well.
Not fancy, but ultra reliable.
Find out more about the pros and cons of this chainsaw.
GreenWorks 20292 G-MAX 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (7.1 lbs)
And finally another Greenworks chainsaw – this time the 20292 cordless chainsaw.Click on the image above to get the lowdown on this 12 inch chainsaw.
Other Lightweight Chainsaws (but gas powered)
OK so this is digressing from the stated heading but there are some lightweight gas chainsaws that might be worth your consideration. Again the weights quoted depend on a multitude of factors but in essence they all have a 12 inch bar and fit our stated definition of “light” – less than 10 pounds (4.5kg).
So here they are:
The Echo 12 inch, 26.9cc chainsaw weighing in at 6.8lbs (3.1 kg)
The Tanaka 12 inch, 32.2cc version – weighs in at 7.5lbs (3.4kg)
The Husqvarna T435 chainsaw also tips the scales at 7.5lbs (3.4kg)
As you can appreciate, when you search for the lightest electric chainsaw, you will find many where the difference in weight between them is negligible in practical terms.
So it is best to also include other factors like performance before you make your final decision!
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