Electric saw is rapidly becoming more popular than their gasoline powered counterparts for several reasons. An electric saw, no matter the type, requires very little maintenance other than some oiling and an occasional blade sharpening. Using an electric saw is often much safer because the power can be cut in an instant. Gas powered saws are made up of a heavy engine block which can be a pain in the back to maneuver, especially when using a long pole saw to cut a tree. Inside every electric saw is a powerful motor which spins the blade at high speed. Power is delivered instantaneously with the push of a button- no cord pulling necessary. For yard use, these saws come in two models- the chainsaw and pole saw. Each tool can be used to cut/ prune trees and other plant life around the yard. High quality brands to look for include Makita, Black & Decker, McCulloch and Ryobi among others.
Electric Chain Saw
Ah, the chainsaw- one of the most useful tools around the yard and industry. For the beginners, a chainsaw uses a heavy duty chain with sharp teeth to cut through all types of woods, living or not. The cutting teeth are staggered throughout the chain which rotates at high speed, cutting through just about anything. Typically these saws were powered by gasoline, but today there are many models powered by electricity. Users plug the unit into the wall using a long extension cord and turn the unit on/off using a trigger.
The power of an electric chain saw is measured in either amps or horsepower. The higher the number, the more power the machine has. A 1.5 horsepower electric saw is good for light jobs around the home such as pruning and cutting of thin branches. A higher horsepower of 4 or above can handle large jobs like cutting through large diameter tree trunks.
The guide bar is the part of the saw that the chain spins around. When you see an electric saw rated at “16 inches”, it means that the guide bar is 16 inches long. This means that you could potentially cut a tree trunk that is 32″ in diameter by following the cut all the way around. An automatic chain oiler is always a handy feature to look for. Auto chain oilers consist of a clear container that distributes lubricant to the chain automatically. Without one, users have to drip oil manually onto the chain periodically.
Electric Pole Saws
Sometimes a chainsaw just doesn’t have enough reach to cut branches on tall trees. In stead of getting on a ladder with your chainsaw (which can be quite dangerous), consider using an electric pole saw instead. These saws have a chain saw on the end of a long pole which allows users to cut trees while standing on the ground. This is a far safer way to trim trees and is easy to do.
These saws use a telescoping pole which can be adjusted as needed. Pole saws vary in the maximum length they can reach. To determine how long of a saw you will need, use a measuring on your tallest tree t determine maximum height. Pole saws use a guide bar just like chainsaws and are measured in inches. However, best results are obtained when limiting cuts to the branch diameter listed in your user’s manual.
Electric pole saws feature a powerful electric motor at the working end which is controlled by a trigger on the user’s side. The motors are designed to be slim and compact as to not limit your view when cutting. Weighing only a few pounds, these saws are easy to handle and maneuver.