hopping for an electric chainsaw is straightforward once you know what to look for — but most buyers get tripped up by two things: buying more saw than they need, or buying a chain that doesn’t fit. This guide covers both.
Electric Chainsaw Buying Checklist
Before you buy, work through these six questions. The answers narrow your choice fast.
1. What will you primarily cut?
Light duty (firewood, small branches up to 6 inches, pruning): A 12-inch bar, 20V cordless chainsaw is sufficient. Lighter, easier to handle, and more than capable for regular yard maintenance.
Medium duty (downed trees, limbs up to 10–12 inches, general property work): A 16-inch bar, 40V brushless chainsaw hits the sweet spot. Enough power for most homeowner and acreage work without the weight and maintenance of gas.
Heavy duty (large timber, continuous professional cutting): Gas is still the standard here. Battery capacity limits sustained cutting over multiple hours. That said, dual-battery 40V setups extend runtime significantly for demanding work.
2. Bar length
Bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. The rule: choose a bar 2 inches longer than the largest log you’ll regularly cut.
|
Bar Length |
Max Cut (single pass) |
Best for |
|
8–10 inch |
Up to 6–8 inches |
Pruning, small branches |
|
12 inch |
Up to 10 inches |
Light property maintenance |
|
16 inch |
Up to 14 inches |
General homeowner/acreage |
|
18+ inch |
16+ inches |
Large timber, professional |
Wild Badger Power electric chainsaws are available with 12-inch (20V) and 16-inch (40V) bars — covering the full range of residential and semi-professional cutting needs.
3. Battery voltage and runtime
• 20V: Adequate for intermittent use — pruning, occasional firewood cutting
• 40V: More power and longer runtime per charge — recommended for regular or extended cutting sessions
Wild Badger Power’s 40V brushless chainsaw includes a 4.0Ah battery with fast charger. Runtime: approximately 35–50 minutes of active cutting. For longer sessions, a second 40V battery keeps work continuous while the first charges.
4. Brushless vs brushed motor
Brushless motors are worth the slight price premium for chainsaws:
• Brushless: More efficient, longer motor life, consistent power throughout battery discharge, runs cooler
• Brushed: Lower upfront cost, fine for occasional light use
All Wild Badger Power 40V chainsaws use brushless motors.
5. Safety features
Don’t overlook these — chainsaws are the highest-risk power tool in most yards:
• Chain brake: Stops the chain instantly on kickback or impact. Required on any modern chainsaw. Confirm it’s present before buying.
• Low kickback chain: Reduces the risk of kickback events. Standard on quality electric chainsaws.
• Trigger lockout: Prevents accidental start. A two-step trigger is standard on quality models.
• Hand guard: Protects the front hand from debris and kickback.
6. Oil system
Chainsaw bars and chains require lubrication during operation. Check that the saw has:
• Automatic oiler: Delivers bar oil continuously during operation — standard on quality chainsaws
• Oil window or indicator: Lets you check oil level without opening a panel
• Oil cap accessibility: Easy to fill without tools
Wild Badger Power’s electric chainsaws feature automatic oiling systems with easy-access oil caps.
Chainsaw Chain Compatibility: How to Get It Right
Buying the wrong chain is the most common mistake after buying a chainsaw. Chains are not universal — three measurements must match exactly.
The Three Numbers You Need
1. Bar length The length of your guide bar in inches. This is the easy one — it’s usually stamped on the bar or listed in the manual.
2. Pitch Pitch is the distance between chain drive links, measured as the average of three consecutive rivets divided by two. Common pitch values: - 3/8" low profile (0.325"): Standard on most homeowner chainsaws - 3/8": Common on mid-range saws - 0.325": Found on lighter saws
3. Drive link gauge The thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. Common gauges: - 0.050": Most residential electric chainsaws - 0.043": Lighter/smaller bars
Wild Badger Power Chain Specifications
|
Model |
Bar Length |
Pitch |
Gauge |
Drive Links |
|
20V Chainsaw |
12 inch |
3/8" LP |
0.050" |
44 DL |
|
40V Chainsaw |
16 inch |
3/8" |
0.050" |
57 DL |
Wild Badger Power replacement chains are available direct — 8“, 10”, 12“, and 16” options for both the 20V and 40V platforms. Browse chainsaw chains at Wild Badger Power.
How to Read a Chain Specification
Replacement chains are listed with these three numbers in sequence. Example: 3/8" LP × 0.050" × 44 DL — this tells you pitch, gauge, and drive link count. All three must match your bar exactly.
If you’re unsure, check your saw’s user manual or the sticker on the existing chain before ordering.
Electric vs Gas Chainsaw: The Quick Version
|
Factor |
Electric (40V Cordless) |
Gas |
|
Startup |
Instant |
Pull-start |
|
Weight |
Lighter (8–12 lbs) |
Heavier (12–16+ lbs) |
|
Runtime |
35–60 min per battery |
Unlimited (refuel) |
|
Maintenance |
Minimal (chain, bar, oil) |
Full engine maintenance |
|
Noise |
~90 dB |
~105–110 dB |
|
Emissions |
None |
Yes |
|
Best for |
Residential, regular property work |
Extended professional use, large timber |
For most homeowners cutting firewood, clearing storm damage, and managing property up to a few acres, a 40V electric chainsaw is the right tool. It starts instantly, requires minimal maintenance, and is significantly quieter than gas.
FAQs
What size electric chainsaw do I need for firewood? A 16-inch 40V cordless chainsaw handles most firewood cutting — capable of logs up to 14 inches in diameter in a single pass. For large hardwood logs above 16 inches, consider making two cuts from opposite sides.
Can I use any chainsaw chain on my Wild Badger chainsaw? No — you must match pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly. Wild Badger Power sells compatible replacement chains directly. Using an incorrect chain is dangerous.
How long does a 40V chainsaw battery last? Active cutting time varies by wood density and chain sharpness. With a 4.0Ah battery: expect 35–50 minutes of active cutting on mixed hardwood and softwood. Runtime decreases with dull chains or dense hardwood.
Do electric chainsaws need bar oil? Yes. All chainsaws — electric and gas — require bar and chain oil for lubrication during operation. Wild Badger Power chainsaws have automatic oiling systems; you simply keep the reservoir filled with standard bar oil.
Is an electric chainsaw powerful enough to cut down a tree? Yes, within limits. A 40V 16-inch brushless chainsaw can fell trees up to 12–14 inches in diameter with proper technique. For larger timber, gas remains the better tool. Never exceed the bar length guideline for the diameter of the tree you’re felling.
Shop Wild Badger Power Electric Chainsaws
Wild Badger Power’s cordless chainsaw lineup — 12-inch 20V and 16-inch 40V brushless models — are available direct with replacement chains and bars.
Browse electric chainsaws for sale at Wild Badger Power — free shipping, 40V battery compatibility across the full product lineup.