Chainsaw Repair

I have been using the Oregon PowerNow chainsaw for 2+ years and have had the chance to try their new 40V pole saw, due out this spring.

As noted, battery powered saws are not a direct replacement for gas saws, but they do have their advantages - all of the advantages of a corded electric saw, without the cord: no fuel to store, mix, or go stale; no ethanol issues; no flooding; no repetitive pulling on a starter rope; no 2-cycle fumes; less maintenance (no spark plug, air filter, carb rebuilding, etc.); much quieter; less vibration;  only runs when trigger is depressed; etc., etc., etc. 

They can be a great 'grab-and'go' saw; good for trimming; good for someone who can't store gasoline indoors (apartment manager, for example); good for someone who has trouble starting a gas saw, but does not want the cord.

I would only consider the 36/40 volt saws right now (same batteries, described as either 36 or 40 volts) .  Just like cordless drills, which started out at 7 volts, but really were not that useful until the 12 and 18 volt versions came out, the 36/40 volt saws are the current 'standard' in my mind.  STIHL, Oregon, Husqvarna (rear and top handle), Bosch, Makita (top handle) all have models.  The Husqvarna and Bosch are only available in Europe as I understand it.  Ryobi (Home Depot) is developing one to go with their other 36 volt OPE. Many of these tools are part of an OPE family, including hedge trimmers, string trimmers, etc., that use the same batteries.

As far as cold weather use, I used the 40V pole saw cleaning up tornado damage in Illinois this past December, when the temps were about 20*F and was surprised at how long the Li-ion batteries lasted (I think I posted something about this in another thread).  The batteries keep getting better: originals were 1.2 and 2.4 amp-hour; the newer ones are 4.0 Ah - same size and same weight. Like any cordless tool, I would want a second battery to charge/swap out while working with the other.

The PowerSharp chain is a separate topic, as it only comes standard on the Oregon saw with the built in sharpener, but could be fitted to any 3/8 low profile saw.  I also ran the Oregon 40V saw with the PowerSharp chain, and 2 other, new, Oregon, 3/8 low profile, reduced kickback chains (91VG, and 91PX) side-by-side and was very impressed with the PowerSharp chain.  It really is a fairly aggressive chain.  The trick is to treat it like any other chain, and not intentionally jam it into rocks, or shove it into dirt to 'test' it.  I also use the PowerSharp chain on one of my corded electric saws (Makita UC4000), and it is my 'low-fuss-in-the-city-combination'. 

I am anxious for them to release their .325 version of the PowerSharp chain to see how it does on larger saws.

Philbert