The Best Mini Chainsaw??
It might not be too wide of the mark to say that this Omola is by far the best battery operated 4 inch mini chainsaw around at the moment.
That is a strong statement. While it might be slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, in my view that would be money well spent when when you look at its specs and capabilities.
NB. Sadly, there have been some availability issues of late. You can find other top rated 4 inch bar chainsaws here.
Lets dive straight in.
Specifications
Before we get into the nitty gritty, lets do the tale of the tape:
Dimensions: 4.72 x 12.2 x 16.93 inches (12 x 31 x 43 cm)
Chain Length: 4.9 Inches (12.5 cm)
Weight: 4.2 pounds (1.9kg) which includes the battery
Battery: 4aH 36 V rechargeable
Horsepower: 0.8 hp
Chain Speed: 850m/min
With that done, lets look at what this battery powered mini chainsaw offers you. But In reverse i.e. lets do the cons before the pros because there aren’t many and we can get those out the way!
Cons
There are really only two aspects of this mini chainsaw that someone might view as problematic. Both however can be overcome. You will just need to decide if either one (or both) is bad enough to be a deal breaker.
1) The trigger safety button.
This is the button you have to push down while at the same time pulling the trigger that will get the chain running. Its a necessary safety feature.
To operate the saw with one hand you need to press the button in with your thumb while pulling the trigger with your index finger.
That could get pretty thumb tiring 🙂 if your thumb muscles are not used to being activated frequently.
The easy solution is to use the index finger of your other hand to push the button in when you start up. That just means you can’t hold e.g. a branch with your other hand while you start up.
In my opinion that is not a big deal.
2) The storage case.
This mini saw comes with a handy storage case! BUT if you store the saw flat after using it, the oil tends to leak out which leaves a mess. So, store it in such a way that the oil is less likely to leak out due to gravity. Also, wrap the chain bar in a plastic bag so if any oil does leak, it remains in the bag and doesn’t ruin your day when you open the case again.
And that is about the sum total of negative aspects relating to this mini chainsaw.
Pros
Where to start……
Brushless Motor!
This is a huge bonus as brushless motors are far more efficient and last longer than the more conventional electric motors.
Chain Lubrication
This is done via an auto lubricating mechanism. This is also a major plus as it prolongs the life of the chain. Just be aware that when you purchase this, it does not come with any oil. So remember to add some bar and chain oil to your purchase in order to maximize the cutting efficiency, and prolong the engine life.
If you want a second chain as a back up, you can find it here
Battery Powered
This is really a no brainer as who would want to be dragging an electrical cord around behind you when you are trimming branches and foliage.
But there is more – the battery life is outstanding (4 to 5 hours depending on work load) AND it will also accommodate the equivalent Makita battery.
The entire package includes a battery charger and it will take 2 plus hours to fully recharge the battery. That might sound like a long time but not many people are going to use the saw for more than 4 – 5 hours in a day.
So use all day, recharge at night.
Air Cooled Motor
The motor is air cooled which allows it to work for long periods without having to worry about coolant levels.
Simple Chain Adjustment
Adjusting the chain is easily accomplished and the tools to do the job are also supplied. As with any type of chainsaw, you will probably need to adjust the chain after the first few cuts in order to get the tension correct.
Chain Guard
There is a spring loaded chain guard which protects you from flying debris when you get cutting. This means it does its job irrespective of the angle you have the saw at when cutting.
Ergonomically Designed
An ergonomically designed, non slip handle allows you to hold the saw for longer periods without your hand getting tired.
An Instruction Manual
One is included with your purchase although in reality all you have to do after you get it is add oil and you are good to go!
And lastly
The aforementioned trigger safety switch and storage case (remember not to store the case flat if there is still oil in the oil well)
Conclusion
The cherry on top is this. It is an extremely well constructed tool – a rarity in this class of mini chainsaw – and it cuts through branches at least as wide as the bar length with ease.
It will cut all day long on a single charge and is ideal for the small (and not so small) jobs around the house.
And if you enjoy camping then this is the ideal chainsaw to take along with you!
Have a look at the Omola in action
Its hard to argue with the idea that this might well be by far the best battery operated 4 inch mini chainsaw available.
And finally, if you want to check out some of this mini chainsaw’s competitors, then click here!