When most people think of electric chainsaws, they think of weak saws struggling with small branches. Times have changed my friend. If you’re looking for a powerful saw that is quieter, has less fumes, and versatile, Look no further than the WORX brand.
But, what about the affordable WORX brand? Are they quality chainsaws or just cheap tools with good marketing?
Quick Summary
Value
Power
Reliability
Plenty of power for homeowners with land to care for. Very easy to start for a gas chainsaw, and won’t vibrate like crazy – so can be used by people of all ages. It’s a bit pricey, but the general consensus is that it’s worth it.
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
If you have decided you want an electric chainsaw, there are a few things that it helps to consider in advance.
The first choice is the obvious one: corded or cordless?
- Cordless has the advantage of being able to be used at a distance with a bunch of extension cords, but these also have limited battery power and are more costly than their corded counterparts.
You need to have an idea of what all you plan to use the chainsaw for. Are you going to be mainly pruning trees? Will you be using the saw to lay in a supply of firewood? The answers to these questions will help you determine how powerful of a saw is required for what you intend to use it for.
WORX 16-inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
WORX is a popular company that specializes in outdoor power tools like chainsaws. Their line of high quality, corded electric chainsaws bring you the best of both worlds. You get the power and versatility you need, without all the vibration, fumes, and added weight.
The WORX 16″ has a powerful 14.5 amp engine provides everything needed to easily cut through thick branches and smaller adult trees. It has a 16″ cutting radius that gives you the width you need to handle the bigger projects.
The WORX has added safety features that help to reduce injury from kickback. Vibration reduction technology, automatic tension adjustments and even automatic oiling for convenience and ease.
Pros
- No harmful emissions
- Easy to maintain
- Not noisy as compared to a lot of models
Cons
- Difficult to source spares
- Not as powerful compared to corded models
Features and Benefits
The WORX 16-inch electric saw is an excellent chainsaw for beginners and experts alike. It has a lot of nice features that make caring and upkeep of the saw as easy as possible, as well as added safety features.
But that does not mean that it slacks when it comes to performance.
This is a powerful, heavy duty, durable corded electric chainsaw that can easily tackle a variety of cutting projects, large and small.
Lightweight, Ergonomic Design
One of the biggest complaints about the basic design of many chainsaws is they tend to be bulky, which makes them hard to wield with any sort of precision. They also tend to be quite heavy, which can lead to fatigue and more difficult work.
With an electric chainsaw, there is no need for a fuel compartment, which is where most of the weight of a gas-powered saw comes from. The WORX line of saws are designed to be lightweight and easy to hold. The 16″ weighs just a little over ten pounds, making it almost half the weight of a gas-powered counterpart.
Enhanced Safety
Performance is, of course, one of the most important features of any saw, but safety is also very important. Injuries, severe and fatal, can occur when using powerful tools like chainsaws.
The WORX model has a chain brake feature for enhanced safety. If the brake encounters a problem with contact with the chain, it automatically stops within seconds, helping reduce the likelihood of kickback injury.
Automatic Oiling
No need for gas means that this model doesn’t produce emissions and will not cause your ears to ring for hours on end. It also has automatic lubrication features that help make the saw easy to start and ensure proper lubrication at all times.
The system allows for constant oiling of the bar and chain to ensure that there is no grinding, which can reduce the effectiveness of your blade. There is a large reservoir for oil that has a clear panel that makes it easy to know when it is time to add more oil.
Automatic Chain Tensioner
With many chainsaws, you need tools and experience if you want to adjust the tension of the chain to the blade. This is something that you will need to do as different projects require different levels of chain tension.
With the WORX model, all the work is done for you. The blade has an auto-tension system that adjusts to maintain proper tension throughout use of the saw. This means no tools are needed and no manual adjustments are necessary.
Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chainsaw
This is an incredibly well designed and high quality electric chainsaw that has a powerful motor and a 16″ cutting radius like the WORX model. However, this model is about twice as much as the other models we are reviewing.
The Makita has tool free automatic adjustments, a large trigger switch to start the saw with a “soft start” which allows for a smoother startup that is easier on the engine. It also boasts a built-in current limiter which helps protect the motor from damage.
Black + Decker LCS1020 Lithium Ion 10″ Chainsaw
For those who need a powerful engine, but not nearly as wide of a cutting radius, the LCS1020 is an excellent option. Different from the other models described here, this is a cordless model. In terms of power, it has comparable output, but the cutting radius is 10″, which is better for cleaner more precise cuts.
Looking For More Options? Click here to read our full chainsaw buying guide.
Conclusion
Powerful chainsaws do not have to be loud, noxious fume spewing gas powered monsters. There are quite a few high quality electric chainsaws that give you the power you need, but with reduced vibration, weight, and zero emissions.
The WORX 16-inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw offers you enhanced safety, automatic oiling, and automatic adjusting of the chain. These features are definitely worth it, particularly for beginners!
