I had one of the "entry level" 14" models for 30 years and used it infrequently. Just a couple of months ago, I gave it to my daughter and we cut down some 6" diameter Ligustrum "trees" (way past the "bush" size) with no problem and a very dull blade. Check the amps on the models you look at. (I forget what brand mine was).

 

I was given an old version of this recently. Haven't really used it much yet, but bombproof and will always start, unlike my gas one.

Amazon.com : Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar - Sliver : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar - Sliver : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

Reading the reviews, the consensus seemed to be that this was the only corded saw that was worth having- others described as toy, or junk, so "budget" may not be the best approach.

Edit: The Harbor Freight ones are good candidate for budget.

 

Harbor Freight stuff is often low quality. If you only need to do this kind of work every few years, hire someone to do the job. Buying cheap tools is never a good investment.

 

I have a Harbor Freight chainsaw and it does the job in the shop for cutting blanks. Not good if you have to run a long extension cord. To do it over, I would opt for a battery operated saw. Check the various stores and reviews. Maybe something on YouTube, too.

 

My FIL got one of those Portland 14" electric chainsaws from HF (around $40), and it is perfect for his needs - which sound exactly like yours as well. I believe it takes standard Oregon chains and bars as well, but I can't confirm at the moment. I've used it a few times, and it's perfect for small stuff like what you are looking at. One recommendation is to make sure and get a chain file so you can keep it sharp. They are only a couple of bucks, and HF has a set for something like $3 as well. Super easy to use (only takes a few minutes), and will really extend the life of the chain quite a bit. Oh, and don't forget to pick up some bar and chain oil as well.

Another option if you have one of those gas weed whackers that can take attachments is to get a pole saw for it. I have a Husqvarna whacker and a bunch of attachments for it, including a pole saw. They run around $100 or a bit more though, so it's not really 'budget', but they are extremely useful around the property for trimming branches and stuff. I use it all the time when I don't feel like breaking out one of my regular gas chainsaws and it's always handy.

Cheers,
Brad

 

I've had a corded 14" Homelite chainsaw at home for a dozen years or so. Mostly it comes out at Christmas to trim the base of the tree, and then a few weeks later to cut that in half for pick-up. The saw has works fine - and no batteries means no fiddling around with power packs that won't hold a charge any more. Extension cords are not a problem for me. When we have an occasional limb come down this saw handles it.

My observation at our cabin in the woods has been that anything needing more than a 14" saw needs someone with more experience than I, so I'm happy with that size.

 

I can find 9 amp chainsaws for around $50, a few 12 amp models, and then a cluster of 14-15 amp models around $100. There is an Oregon brand 16 and 18 inch models around $100 with a built-in chain sharpener feature, which appealed to me, but I have not looked into whether they work. I have a 12 gauge 25 foot extension cord that may reach the nearest outlet, which is on the outside a shed in the back of our lot.

I need something that can cut the stumps to get them low. They are big and wide. I will also use it in place of the reciprocating saw to cut the larger parts of the tree down. They are soft, fibrous, and wet, like palm or other "fibrous" trees. Not really "wood".

I am not a chainsaw expert, but I did own a 12 inch one a long time ago. It was too small but it did the job. Ideally, a 14 or maybe 16 inch model would be best for my needs, based on my own poor assessment of the current job and a guess about future needs.

I have a lot to learn about chainsaw safety. I know about kickback, but will learn as much as I can before I start using it. We were kids when I bought that first chainsaw long ago. I trusted my roommate (and mentor), but he was young too. He had a lot of bravado to go with his skills. He is not a methodical person like me. He is more of a "get 'er done now and read the manual later" type. He is so skilled and has so much overall experience that it works for him.

If I find it in the right size, do I want 9 amps for $50, or 15 amps for $100? Think: General purpose use for when the reciprocating saw with a long blade is not sufficient. I got a bottlebrush tree and a huge Oriental pepper tree that need cutting way back coming up. (Not cutting down like the bird of paradise tree.)

P.S. The Makita chainsaw recommended above looks very nice, but it sells for over $200+ and I can't see what makes it worth double or triple the price. Maybe its the Makita brand and assumed better design and reliability ??

 

There is an Oregon brand 16 and 18 inch models around $100 with a built-in chain sharpener feature, which appealed to me, but I have not looked into whether they work.

The chain sharpener works IF you use their special chain - it will ruin a standard chain pretty quick. It's called their "PowerSharp" system, and the chain is sharpened on top of the tooth with a flat file instead of in the gullet with a round file like standard chains. You can get bars/chains for other brands of saws as well.

Cheers,
Brad

 

Go on line and do some product review research. Check out the comments on the different models.

 

As for the blade & chain: My idea of a longer blade vs the common 8" is that the larger ones have more teeth, more cutting length, which means less heat build-up with friction on the chain and less sharpening required. Amps = the more the merrier. (and I second the 40-$50 range).
Just FYI.

 

You will need more than a 25' extension cord for sure- 10' slack around you while cutting for safety and access to start.

 

Go cordless. I wouldn't worry about the batteries. Ryobi would be a good option. Affordable and actually performs really well. Their battery configuration hasn't changed in years, and they have no plans to. So even if you had to replace a battery in 5-10 years, you'll be good.

I have a Ryobi pole saw (part of their expandit system). Used it a bunch the past two years and it's been rock solid.

 

I have the 40V Ryobi 14 inch battery-powered chain saw (RY405010) with the 4Ah battery for US$300 (Sep. 2023).
It runs for about 25-30 minutes, and it's done. Has to be recharged. Recharging takes 3-4 hours, so you're pretty much done for the day.
It cuts just fine, but battery life for a job is limited.
Yes, you could by another battery. The 2Ah extra battery was an additional $150.
For all that money, you could buy a decent gas-powered model that runs and runs, filling it with more gas when you need.

 

I have used the Greenworks 14.5 Amp 18" Corded Electric Chainsaw for several years and no issues. Typically can find them 60 bucks or so.

 

I read Brad's (@MrUnix) reply about the Oregon self-sharpening chainsaw and decided to call Oregon. The person who picked up the phone had been with them for over 15 years and knew the details of their products, a good sign. I asked about the self-sharpening system, and one of the things I learned is that a chain is only good for up to 20 sharpenings before chain replacement, and many owners who sharpen too often or are aggressive with it get only 10 sharpenings from a chain. The chains are specific to those saws. I decided to rule out the self-sharpening saws - I can deal with manual sharpening, with the light use we need, it should go a long time between sharpening sessions. I wonder whether those specially designed self-sharpen chains will cut as well as standard chains.

We are going out to the orange big store as soon as my partner gets off the phone with her mother. I want to buy a couple reciprocating blades labeled as "pruning" rather than "wood" and look at their chainsaws on the shelf.

I looked online at the $40 (limited time price) Harbor Freight 14 inch chainsaw. I like the price, but the negative comments were consistently about "chain constantly loosens or came off" or "oil leaked out" or "oiler uses way too much oil". I had a Harbor Freight air compressor dump all of its oil on our garage floor while parked in its storage place. When we buy a chainsaw, it will sit in storage for long periods between uses. After our experience, I don't like Harbor Freight tools that hold oil.

I have seen the Greenworks saws at the big online retailer. I will look into them more. We are off to the big box store now - I'll look around while my partner looks at flooring.

 

We have a Craftsman now. My gas chainsaw oiler disintegrated. My brother who was visiting took it apart with intention to fix it, but it's still in pieces. Maybe the part was no longer available.

One thing to be aware of is bar wear. You can correct for it somewhat with a file when it happens but eventually you'll need a new bar. I used a chainsaw often for several years so I learned a bit about them.

 

I have used my Greenworks in the shop to make bowl turning blanks frequently and have cut several branches up to 13 inch diameter out of our maple trees during that time. I also used it rip several large sycamore and holly logs and it did fine even with the wrong chain configuration. I just sharpen the blade myself (hack) but doesn't seam to be an issue. Hasn't leaked oil and chain has stayed tight. I have thought about a battery operated a few times but overall am always within a power outlet distance. Worst case can wheel the generator to where I need it and fire it up.

 

Rent a chainsaw from Home Depot?

 

I looked at Home Depot, and chainsaw rentals start at $35 for 4 hours.

It is clearly time to buy a chainsaw for our irregular needs. Besides, we will have more chainsaw work coming in the future.

 

I go to Harbor Freight for tools that I'll only use occasionally. I got a corded pole saw there several years ago and it does what I need it to do, i.e. trim small branches off of trees. You could look there.

 

Just a cautionary note: I did what your are doing some years ago. I bought an inexpensive small chain saw for occasional use. I think I use it 2-3 times and it quit. The drive gear on the motor shaft was brittle plastic and the splines stripped out. I trashed it and bought a much more expensive Makita. I'm not saying that you should buy a Makita. Just be careful buying cheap.

 

First off, In using you reciprocating saw do you have a "pruning" blade on it? It makes a big difference in cutting speed.

Because I already have several Dewalt 20v battery tools I would get their cordless chain saw (about $150) then the battery is not a consideration. Watch for a sale as they often have them. Also Dewalt has a great power pruner that works quite well on limbs up to 1+ inches. I use mine quite a bit and the battery lasts a long time on that tool.

 

First off, In using you reciprocating saw do you have a "pruning" blade on it? It makes a big difference in cutting speed.

Because I already have several Dewalt 20v battery tools I would get their cordless chain saw (about $150) then the battery is not a consideration. Watch for a sale as they often have them. Also Dewalt has a great power pruner that works quite well on limbs up to 1+ inches. I use mine quite a bit and the battery lasts a long time on that tool.

Somehow I missed this question, but the answer is yes, I have both the wood cutting and the pruning blades. The pruning blades are more effective than the wood cutting blades, but not as much as you may imagine.

 

Lot of good advice here.
But my main recommendation: If you buy a cordless saw, get two batteries. One will be charging when you are using the other. I have a cordless 40 volt Atlas pole saw from HF - great for small limbs, but cutting anything say 3" and over will drain the battery quickly.

 

I have 4 electric chainsaws that I use for yardwork and workshop stuff.

I have 2 Black and Decker 18" saws that are the same saw as the Oregon but lack the auto sharpener. It is a great saw. Somewhere there is a review I wrote on this site several years ago. It is a very powerful and capable saw. Has a nice auto break on the chain. Has Oregon chain and bar.

I have a 16" corded Bauer (harbor freight) that is also capable. It is a little less safe because the blade coasts to a stop rather than breaking. Easy to handle. Also has an Oregon bar and chain. It is half the price of the Black and decker.

I also have the Bauer 10" cordless chainsaw. I got it for free when I bought a 5ah battery and charger. I used it to do a significant amount of cleanup after our back to back hurricanes. It is amazing how much it can do on one battery.

I have a number of Bauer battery tools so am not worried about battery failure from sitting. If I had to pick just one for limited use, I would go with the Bauer cordless because it is so easy to put to use. I no longer have many trees that would need a bigger saw. I have purchased several yart tools in the Bauer line and have been surprised by how much I like them.

 

For eight years now, I have used the following Makita corded chainsaw to cut down 24-inch-diameter trees: Makita USA - Product Details -UC4051A

I forgo the Makita replacement chains and buy Oregon chains, which last much longer: VersaCut 91VXL Saw Chain - Pitch: 3/8", Gauge: .050"

I'm still using the original bar.

 

For eight years now, I have used the following Makita corded chainsaw to cut down 24-inch-diameter trees: Makita USA - Product Details -UC4051A

I forgo the Makita replacement chains and buy Oregon chains, which last much longer: VersaCut 91VXL Saw Chain - Pitch: 3/8", Gauge: .050"

I'm still using the original bar.

Oregon chains!

 

The Makita UC4051A is a 16 inch chainsaw, but costs between $250 and $300. I found one seller for under $200 and ordered it. I don't like the seller and have never used them before, but they are well-known and popular. They say "shipped from the US". It is due to arrive by the end of next week.

It was more than I wanted to spend, but I feel that I got a quality tool that will last a long time with intermittent use. Nearly all of the low cost ones had oil leak and chain problems in their negative reviews. I hope the Makita is better in those regards.

Soon I will have a tool I can use to cut bowl blanks from logs, too. They just cut down a tree in front of a neighbor's house a few days ago. The tree trimmers called it a "Buddha tree" and I suspect it was a Ficus religiosa (sacred fig). I passed on the free wood. Now I wonder if I should have kept a log segment or two.

Many thanks to all for their helpful input. I learned a lot and appreciate your comments.

 

The Makita UC4051A is a 16 inch chainsaw, but costs between $250 and $300. I found one seller for under $200 and ordered it. I don't like the seller and have never used them before, but they are well-known and popular. They say "shipped from the US". It is due to arrive by the end of next week.

It was more than I wanted to spend, but I feel that I got a quality tool that will last a long time with intermittent use. Nearly all of the low cost ones had oil leak and chain problems in their negative reviews. I hope the Makita is better in those regards.

Soon I will have a tool I can use to cut bowl blanks from logs, too. They just cut down a tree in front of a neighbor's house a few days ago. The tree trimmers called it a "Buddha tree" and I suspect it was a Ficus religiosa (sacred fig). I passed on the free wood. Now I wonder if I should have kept a log segment or two.

Many thanks to all for their helpful input. I learned a lot and appreciate your comments.

I never had an oil pump problem, ever. I hope it works out for you.

 

The CORDED one I have sitting out in my shed....came from a Yard Sale for a WHOPPING $10....

Either I need to learn to sharpen the chain..or just buy a new chain..

Has a 16" bar...has a tank for the chain oil....

Works just fine.....YMMV...of course..

 

@bandit571 lives near a cosmic confluence of great tools at yard sales and swap meets.

Our local yard sales and swap meets have old clothes and old kitchen stuff that nobody wants. Even the ones selling a few tools: I don't want or need them. Most of what I see are abused cordless drill/drivers without batteries.

 

True...but...I can also walk into the local WalMart, and buy a new corded Chainsaw....maybe go there and take a look?

 

You're right, I didn't try Walmart. I did visit Home Depot, Lowes, and Harbor Freight, and also read and searched online. I made my choice and we will see how it works out. I found a good deal on the Makita, but the ship and delivery dates were later than other sources. Now let's see if they ship on time, which is still pending in 8 days.

 

The Makita chainsaw was supposed to ship yesterday/today and it did not. As I suspected, the deal was too good to be true.

-> Avoid "Ali Express dot US" or "Ali Express dot COM".

They are Chinese-owned, and I had been avoiding them until now. When I placed the order, they were clear that the item would ship in 10 days from a US location. Their policy is to cancel the order and issue a refund if it does not ship on time. I watched the days to ship countdown, wondering why the deliberate delay? I was not surprised when they did not ship on time and Ali Express cancelled the order.

Now I am back to square 1. Thanks to everyone for their replies and comments, but I can take it from here. I will report back once I've bought something. That Makita was very good, but also costly. I'll think about it and make up my mind this weekend.