Cordless Chainsaw: What It Can and Can't Cut

Cordless chainsaws are light, quiet and start every time. They're great for pruning, firewood and storm clean-ups. But they have limits, and knowing them keeps you safe and saves you a flat battery halfway through a job.

1. What they handle well

Pruning limbs and branches.
Cutting firewood from small and medium logs.
Clearing fallen branches after a storm.
Small trees, within the bar length and the saw's power.

2. What to leave to petrol or a professional

Felling large trees, or any tree near houses, sheds or power lines.
All-day firewood cutting from big hardwood logs.
Work at height or from a ladder.

3. Bar length and pack size

Bar length: the bar should be longer than the timber you plan to cut. 30 to 40cm bars suit most home jobs.
Pack size: chainsaws draw heavily. Use 5Ah or larger packs, or a twin-pack or higher-voltage saw for hardwood.
Australian hardwood: it is hard work for any saw. Expect fewer cuts per charge than the maker quotes.

4. Keep the chain sharp

A sharp chain makes chips, not dust. A blunt chain wastes battery, heats the pack and makes the saw harder to control. Sharpen it often and keep the chain tension and bar oil right.

5. Safety

Wear chainsaw chaps or pants, a helmet with face shield and ear muffs, gloves and steel-capped boots.
Hold it with two hands and stand to the side of the cut.
Watch for kickback from the tip of the bar.
Remove the battery before touching the chain.

Using a chainsaw safely takes training. If you're new to it, a chainsaw course is well worth it.