SAW SHOP: Product Review: Battery Powered Chainsaws and Pole Saws

SAW SHOP

By Greg Helton, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer

As time changes, so does the equipment that we use. Technology has come a long way from the first chainsaws on the market to the saws we run today. We have seen a change from the carbureted saws that we love to tinker with, to the M-Tronic and Auto-Tune carburetors that we can’t adjust with our little screwdrivers. Even now we have seen the introduction of the MS 500i, a fuel-injected chainsaw. We will review that product in another article. With that change has come the development of battery-powered equipment. The market has been flooded with battery-powered chainsaws, pole saws, blowers, weed eaters, and hedge trimmers, to name a few.

Several different companies have made their appearance in the battery world. In this issue of The Saw Shop, I would like to review the MSA 300c made by Stihl. I will give my honest opinion of the chainsaw, the pros and cons. Like I said, “my honest opinion”. You may agree or disagree but try it for yourself. I will also talk a little about the battery-powered pole saws.

MSA 300c made by Stihl

So, if you asked me six months ago if I would run a battery-powered chainsaw I would have probably laughed at you, which might be what some of you are doing now. My words would have been, “I’m not cutting timber with no battery saw!”. But you know what, crow is not too bad with a little salt on it. I was given the opportunity to try out the new Stihl MSA 300c. It is Stihl's most powerful battery chainsaw. It is comparable to the Stihl MS 271 gas-powered chainsaw. It weighs approximately 14.1 lbs. with the AP 500s battery and has a run time of about 44 minutes.

Can you guess what the first thing I did with the new saw? That’s right, I put it in some wood. I will have to say, I was very surprised. The little saw fell a 12” red oak with no hesitation, even doing a boring back cut. I felled several small trees with it and continued to limb and buck them. Just as specified, about 45 minutes, and the battery was depleted.

I will start with the “cons”. Now remember, this is my opinion. For a timber cutter felling timber all day, the battery might not be the right fit. Many other gas powered Stihl chainsaws are better equipped for continuous run time and high production. Even though the MSA 300c has a good bit of power for a battery chainsaw, it lacks when it comes to larger diameter wood. It wants to struggle a little in the big cuts.

Another concern when it comes to any battery powered saw is the operators' failure to use the chain brake. Since the chain stops when the trigger is released, many operators do not feel the need to apply the chain brake before removing a hand from the saw. The issue is when the operators return to using a gas-powered saw, they have gotten out of the habit of using the chain brake. This could result in an injury.

Now let’s look at some “pros”. One big benefit is the convenience of the battery. There is no need to carry gas. This makes the chainsaw handy for trail work, yard work, trimming on a hunting lease, or even around the log deck. Another location where the chainsaw would be useful would be on the green chain at the sawmill—any place where the chainsaw

is only needed from time to time. With the battery, there is the convenience of no carburetor to get gummed up from bad gas, and no air filter to clog up. There is no worry if the gas is mixed properly. These could be benefits when used by employees who do not perform the maintenance themselves. As long as the battery is charged and bar oil is added, it is ready to run.

A few other concerns that should be mentioned, just because you do not hear a gas motor running, does not mean the dangers are not there. Any chainsaw, either battery or gas-powered, should be operated safely, using all appropriate PPE. Chainsaw cut resistant leg protection should always be worn when operating any chainsaw. The chain is still cutting the same way as a gas-powered saw. I believe sometimes, since the noise of the gas motor running is not there, we feel that it is not as dangerous. We should not let our guard down. Speaking of noise, ear protection should still be worn while operating the battery chainsaw. It is not the sound of the motor running that affects your hearing, it is the sound of the metal on metal from the chain spinning around the guide bar at a high rate of speed. Eye protection should also be worn any time you are operating a chainsaw. Also, make sure to maintain a proper grip on the chainsaw, wrapping the thumb around the handle. A kickback can still occur if the tip of the saw contacts a hard object.

One of the other benefits of battery technology is the production of the battery-powered pole saw. During a conversation with Phillip Sligh, South Carolina Field Representative for FMIC, he was telling me how several of the logging operations in his area have

purchased battery-powered pole saws. They like the new pole saws for the convenience of not having to keep fresh gas on the truck. Since they are mechanized, they do not use chainsaws very often. Keeping fresh gas available can be a hassle. With the batterypowered pole saw, they just need to make sure the battery is put on charge in the service truck on the way home. They also like the new pole saws for the weight. When reaching up to trim the loads, less weight is important. There is also the aggravation of trying to start a cold motor that hasn’t been cranked in a while. At the push of a button, you have an active saw. Just remember to wear all appropriate PPE while operating the pole saws. Head, eye, and ear protection are required.

There you have it, my opinion of battery-powered technology. I believe there are many good places for the new technology. I know it has made some jobs easier such as greasing and mechanicing. It all comes down to what you are doing and what tools you need to do that job. But don’t just take my word for it, try it out yourself and see if it makes the tasks a little easier. And as always, Stay Safe!