Top-Rated Electric Chainsaws for Small Property Owners: An Actionable Guide

Owning a small property can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but maintaining it often requires the right tools, especially when it comes to tree care and yard maintenance. Chainsaws are essential for cutting branches, trimming trees, and clearing fallen logs, but choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. For small property owners, electric chainsaws offer a great balance of power, convenience, and eco-friendliness.

In this guide, we'll explore the factors to consider when selecting the best electric chainsaw for small property owners and review some top-rated models that cater specifically to those with smaller yards and limited tree care needs.

Key Considerations for Small Property Owners

1. Power and Cutting Capacity

When selecting an electric chainsaw, the power of the motor is critical. Smaller properties typically involve lighter, less intensive cutting tasks compared to large estates, so it's important to choose a chainsaw that fits your needs without being overpowered.

• Amp Rating: For small properties, an electric chainsaw with a motor between 8 to 15 amps will suffice for most cutting tasks. A higher amp rating (14-15 amps) is great for thicker branches and small to medium-sized trees, while lower amp models (8-10 amps) are enough for lighter trimming and cutting tasks.

• Bar Length: Chainsaw bars typically range from 10 to 20 inches. For small property owners, a 14-16 inch bar length is usually sufficient to handle tree trimming, pruning, and cutting small-to-medium-sized logs. A longer bar (18 inches or more) is generally more suitable for larger properties or denser woods.

2. Corded vs. Cordless Chainsaws

The choice between corded and cordless chainsaws largely depends on your property's layout and the distance you need to cover during work.

• Corded Chainsaws: These chainsaws offer continuous, uninterrupted power, which is useful for longer tasks such as cutting several branches or felling smaller trees. The main downside is that you'll need to stay close to a power outlet or use an extension cord, which limits mobility.

• Cordless Chainsaws: Powered by rechargeable batteries, cordless models offer greater mobility and freedom to work without worrying about the proximity to an electrical outlet. However, battery life can be a limiting factor, especially when working on larger projects. For small properties, a high-capacity battery should suffice for most cutting jobs, but it's always wise to keep an extra battery on hand for extended tasks.

3. Weight and Comfort

One of the primary concerns for small property owners is ease of use. You don't need a heavy-duty chainsaw, but comfort and control are crucial when working in smaller spaces or for extended periods.

• Weight: Most electric chainsaws weigh between 6 to 12 pounds. While heavier chainsaws may offer more power, they can be tiring for extended use, especially if you're trimming branches for long hours. Lighter models (6-8 pounds) offer better maneuverability and less strain on the arms and shoulders.

• Ergonomics: Look for chainsaws with ergonomic handles that reduce vibration and enhance comfort. Features like padded grips or adjustable handles can make a significant difference during long trimming sessions, allowing you to stay in control and reduce fatigue.

4. Safety Features

Safety is paramount when using a chainsaw. Look for models that come with essential safety features to protect you while working:

• Chain Brake: This feature instantly stops the chain if kickback occurs, preventing potential accidents.
• Low-Kickback Chain: A chain designed to reduce the risk of the saw jerking backward when cutting into dense wood.
• Hand Guards: Protect your hands from flying debris and accidental chain contact.
• Safety Switches: Many chainsaws feature safety switches that prevent the saw from being activated unless both hands are securely gripping the saw.

5. Maintenance and Durability

Maintaining your electric chainsaw will ensure its longevity and performance. Look for features that reduce the amount of upkeep required, especially if you're a first-time chainsaw user.

• Automatic Oiler: An automatic chain oiler helps lubricate the chain during operation, ensuring smooth cuts and reducing wear on the chain and bar.
• Tool-Free Chain Tensioning: A feature that lets you adjust the chain tension easily, without requiring additional tools. This is especially helpful for keeping the chain in good condition, especially when cutting softwoods and hardwoods.

Top-Rated Electric Chainsaws for Small Property Owners

1. Greenworks 14-Inch 10 Amp Corded Chainsaw

• Power: 10 Amp Motor
• Bar Length: 14 inches
• Weight: 7.8 lbs
• Price: $79.99

Why It's Great for Small Property Owners: The Greenworks 14-inch corded chainsaw is a lightweight and reliable option for small property owners. Its 10-amp motor provides ample power for pruning branches, cutting small logs, and trimming trees without being too heavy or cumbersome. The 14-inch bar length is ideal for most tasks around the yard, and its ergonomic design ensures that you stay comfortable while working.

The automatic oiler ensures smooth operation, while the tool-free chain tensioning system allows for easy maintenance. It's perfect for those looking for an affordable, easy-to-use chainsaw for routine yard work.

Pro Tip: For best results, always make sure the chain is properly lubricated before starting your project to prevent overheating and premature wear.

2. WORX WG304.1 18-Inch 15 Amp Corded Chainsaw

• Power: 15 Amp Motor
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 11 lbs
• Price: $129.99

Why It's Great for Small Property Owners: If you're looking for something with a bit more power, the WORX WG304.1 is a fantastic option. Its 15-amp motor and 18-inch bar are perfect for cutting larger branches or tackling occasional tree felling, while still being manageable for smaller property tasks. The chainsaw also comes with a low-kickback chain, an automatic chain oiler, and tool-free chain tensioning.

Despite the longer bar and more powerful motor, the WG304.1 is designed to remain comfortable during use, thanks to its balanced weight and ergonomic handle. It's ideal for property owners who occasionally need to take on bigger projects without overcommitting to a heavy-duty chainsaw.

Pro Tip: Take short breaks to prevent overheating when working on bigger projects, and regularly check the chain tension for optimal performance.

3. Ryobi 16-Inch 13 Amp Corded Chainsaw

• Power: 13 Amp Motor
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Price: $99.99

Why It's Great for Small Property Owners: The Ryobi 16-inch corded chainsaw is a versatile and powerful tool, suitable for cutting medium-sized branches and logs with ease. The 13-amp motor offers sufficient power for most small property tasks, and the 16-inch bar is perfect for trimming and pruning.

One of the standout features of this model is its automatic chain oiler, which ensures smoother operation and longer chain life. Additionally, its ergonomic handle design provides a more comfortable cutting experience.

Pro Tip: Always use the chainsaw on a stable surface to ensure the best results, and don't forget to lubricate the chain regularly to avoid unnecessary wear.

4. Sun Joe SWJ800E 14-Inch 9 Amp Electric Chainsaw

• Power: 9 Amp Motor
• Bar Length: 14 inches
• Weight: 7.7 lbs
• Price: $69.99

Why It's Great for Small Property Owners: The Sun Joe SWJ800E is a budget-friendly option for small property owners who don't need a heavy-duty chainsaw but still want reliability and efficiency. With a 9-amp motor and 14-inch bar, it's perfect for light to medium-duty tasks like pruning branches and cutting small trees.

Its lightweight design and ergonomic handle make it comfortable to use for extended periods. Additionally, it comes with an automatic oiler and a low-kickback chain, ensuring safety and smooth operation.

Pro Tip: Ideal for occasional use, make sure to clean and store the chainsaw properly after each session to maintain its longevity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electric chainsaw for a small property is all about finding the right balance between power, ease of use, and safety. Electric chainsaws are an excellent choice for small property owners because they're quieter, lighter, and easier to maintain than their gas-powered counterparts. Whether you're trimming branches or clearing fallen logs, the models reviewed in this guide offer a great combination of performance and affordability, ensuring that you have the right tool for the job.

With the right electric chainsaw in hand, you'll be able to keep your property well-maintained and tackle all your tree care tasks efficiently and safely.