Top-Rated Electric Chainsaw for Rural Living: An Actionable Guide

Living in rural areas often comes with unique challenges, one of which is managing the property---whether it's clearing fallen trees, cutting firewood, or maintaining fencing and landscapes. For these tasks, an electric chainsaw is an essential tool that can offer both power and convenience. But with so many options available on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we will break down the key factors to consider when selecting an electric chainsaw for rural living, and review the top-rated models that will suit your needs.

Why Choose an Electric Chainsaw for Rural Living?

Living in a rural area often means dealing with large plots of land, which can require frequent tree maintenance, clearing brush, and cutting logs for heating purposes. An electric chainsaw is an ideal tool for such tasks for several reasons:

• Ease of Use : Electric chainsaws are generally easier to operate than gas models, requiring less physical effort and skill to start and use.
• Low Maintenance: Compared to gas-powered chainsaws, electric models require much less upkeep. There's no need to worry about mixing fuel or changing spark plugs, making them more user-friendly.
• Environmentally Friendly : Electric chainsaws have zero emissions, making them a more eco-conscious choice compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
• Quiet Operation : Unlike gas-powered chainsaws, electric chainsaws produce minimal noise, which is especially valuable in quiet rural areas.
• Cost-Effective : While the initial investment might be similar to gas models, electric chainsaws tend to have lower operational costs in the long run, as electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline.

For rural living, the right electric chainsaw needs to combine power, battery life, and portability. It must be versatile enough for large projects like cutting firewood or trimming trees, yet light enough for more delicate tasks like pruning. Below, we'll explore the top-rated electric chainsaws suited for these tasks.

What to Look for When Choosing an Electric Chainsaw for Rural Living

Before jumping into the list of top-rated chainsaws, it's important to understand the key features that will make or break your experience. Here are the crucial factors to consider:

1. Bar Length

• The bar length determines the size of the branches and logs you can cut. For rural living, a bar length between 14 and 18 inches is typically sufficient for a variety of tasks, from cutting firewood to trimming trees. Longer bars (20 inches and above) are better for larger trees, while shorter bars (under 14 inches) are suitable for lighter, more precise pruning.

2. Battery Life and Power

• In rural areas, where access to electricity might be limited, battery life is crucial. Choose a chainsaw with a powerful battery that can last long enough to handle your typical tasks. Batteries with a higher Amp-hour (Ah) rating tend to provide longer runtimes.
• For larger jobs, consider a model that uses two batteries or one with a faster recharge time to minimize downtime.

3. Motor Type

• Brushless Motors : Brushless motors are more efficient and durable, offering longer battery life and better power output. They are the preferred option for rural living, where you may have extended usage periods.
• Brushed Motors : While cheaper, brushed motors tend to have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency compared to brushless motors.

4. Weight and Ergonomics

• Since rural living can involve extended work hours, it's essential to choose a chainsaw with a lightweight design. A well-balanced chainsaw reduces fatigue, especially when working in tight or high spaces.
• Look for features such as ergonomic handles, anti-vibration technology, and lightweight construction.

5. Safety Features

• Safety is paramount when using chainsaws. Look for features like:
  • Chain Brake: Stops the chain immediately in case of kickback.
  • Automatic Oiling System: Ensures the chain stays lubricated, reducing wear and tear.
  • Low-Kickback Chains: Designed to reduce the risk of sudden jerks during operation.

6. Price vs. Features

• While electric chainsaws are generally more affordable than gas-powered ones, the price can still vary significantly based on features like motor type, bar length, and battery capacity. Determine your budget and choose a chainsaw that offers the best combination of power, efficiency, and durability within that range.

Top-Rated Electric Chainsaws for Rural Living

1. EGO Power+ 18-Inch 56V Cordless Chainsaw (CS1804)

• Battery: 56V 5.0 Ah lithium-ion
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Motor: Brushless motor
• Runtime: Up to 100 cuts per charge
• Weight: 12.7 lbs
• Price: $299.00

Why It's Great for Rural Living : The EGO Power+ 18-inch chainsaw is a heavy-duty yet user-friendly option for rural properties. Its brushless motor provides excellent performance with minimal noise and vibration. The 18-inch bar allows you to tackle medium to large trees and logs, while the long-lasting battery ensures you can work for extended periods. It's perfect for clearing fallen trees, trimming overgrown branches, or cutting firewood.

Pro Tip : For long hours of work, invest in an extra battery to avoid downtime during charging.

2. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

• Battery: 40V 4.0 Ah lithium-ion
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Motor: Brushless motor
• Runtime: Up to 75 cuts per charge
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Price: $219.00

Why It's Great for Rural Living : Greenworks has made a name for itself in producing efficient, eco-friendly tools, and this 16-inch cordless chainsaw is no exception. It's lightweight, easy to handle, and powerful enough for most tasks around the property, including cutting firewood and trimming large branches. The brushless motor increases both the efficiency and lifespan of the tool, making it ideal for frequent use.

Pro Tip: For best results, use it for tasks like clearing brush or cutting logs under 12 inches in diameter.

3. Makita XCU03PT1 16-Inch 18V X2 Cordless Chainsaw

• Battery: 18V 5.0 Ah (x2) lithium-ion
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Motor: Brushless motor
• Runtime: Up to 150 cuts per charge
• Weight: 12.5 lbs
• Price: $349.00

Why It's Great for Rural Living : The Makita XCU03PT1 is a professional-grade chainsaw that offers the power of two 18V batteries (36V total). With a 16-inch bar, it is versatile enough for various tasks like pruning, felling smaller trees, and cutting firewood. The brushless motor maximizes efficiency and runtime, and the chain tension is easy to adjust, making it a reliable tool for rural living.

Pro Tip: This chainsaw is perfect for homeowners with larger properties or those who rely on cutting firewood for heating.

4. DeWalt DCCS670X1 16-Inch 20V Cordless Chainsaw

• Battery: 20V 5.0 Ah lithium-ion
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Motor: Brushless motor
• Runtime: Up to 90 cuts per charge
• Weight: 12 lbs
• Price: $299.00

Why It's Great for Rural Living : DeWalt is known for durable, high-performance tools, and this electric chainsaw lives up to that reputation. It features a 16-inch bar, which is versatile enough for general yard work and larger tree maintenance tasks. The brushless motor enhances its power and lifespan, and the lightweight design ensures comfort during extended use.

Pro Tip : The DeWalt chainsaw is a great choice if you already own other DeWalt 20V tools, as you can use the same batteries for multiple devices.

5. Ryobi 18V 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

• Battery: 18V 4.0 Ah lithium-ion
• Bar Length: 10 inches
• Motor: Brushed motor
• Runtime: Up to 50 cuts per charge
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Price: $99.00

Why It's Great for Rural Living : The Ryobi 10-inch chainsaw is a compact, budget-friendly option for smaller tasks around the rural property. It's perfect for pruning, trimming small trees, or cutting smaller logs. While it lacks the power of larger models, it's highly portable and easy to use.

Pro Tip: This chainsaw is best for light tasks and can be a great backup tool for quick maintenance or trimming around the garden.

Conclusion

When choosing an electric chainsaw for rural living, you need a balance of power, portability, and battery life. The best options depend on the size of your property, the tasks you intend to perform, and how frequently you will be using the tool. For larger properties with significant tree maintenance, consider models like the EGO Power+ 18-Inch or Makita XCU03PT1, which offer excellent power and longer runtimes. For lighter tasks, the Ryobi 10-Inch or Greenworks 16-Inch are affordable and efficient choices.

Regardless of which model you choose, an electric chainsaw is a practical, eco-friendly tool that can make rural living much easier, from cutting firewood to maintaining trees and fencing. Choose wisely, and make sure to consider the battery life, motor type, and weight for long-lasting comfort and efficiency in your work.