Pro Grade Cordless Chainsaws?

[Philbert]

We have had several threads on cordless ('battery operated') chains saws: OK, in fairness, I started several of those! The saws and the batteries keep improving, with more and more models offered. This probably parallels the introduction of cordless contractor tools (drills, saws, etc.) into the building trades.

The specific focus on this thread is on battery operated chainsaws and pole saws for pro-level use:

Which current model battery operated saws or powered pole saws are suitable for professional (arborist, full time landscaper, etc.) use, and WHY?
*** Please base this on actual experience with these saws, not assumptions or rumors.

What specific features would you want to see in a pro-level battery operated chainsaw or powered pole saw?
*** Go wild on this one!

Philbert

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-and-other-36v-cordless-chainsaws.177392/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/36-volt-and-40-volt-chainsaws.256224/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/echo-58-volt-cordless-chainsaw.277864/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/oregon-cs300-40v-cordless-chainsaw.286385/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/review-oregon-powernow-cordless-chainsaw.179262/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/oregon-40-volt-pole-saw.248941/#post-4611988

 

[Philbert]

I get asked questions about battery powered O*P*E all the time. In fairness, my experience has mostly been with the Oregon 40V line (comments posted in threads above). I have briefly tried some of the others (STIHL, ECHO, etc.), but that is different than using them for an extended time, So I rely on comments that others have posted in these threads. I also do not use my O*P*E every day.

In general, for professional use, I assume that most people would want:
- more power (is there ever enough?) - something more at the level of competitive 2-cycle saws;
- durability - able to hold up for heavy and extended use (along with a little bit of occasional abuse?);
- local service / support (or some type of very responsive mail-in support, to keep the business running).

Any others?
- cell phone charging?
- in vehicle charging?
- compatible accessories?

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

Bueller? . . . .Bueller? . . . Bueller . . . . ?

(Philbert)

 

[Philbert]

OK, here are some battery features that I would like to see on Pro grade cordless O*P*E:

- Some type of OEM solution for in-vehicle charging (not just vague specs for inverters, etc.).

- Some type of OEM gang or sequential charging station / options. If a Pro has several batteries, they don't want to hang around waiting to swap out batteries on the charger. And multiple chargers require multiple outlets, which may not be available. Some type of charger that lets them plug in 4 (or more?) batteries at the end of the day, and find all of them charged and ready when they come back the next morning.

- Carrying cases or protective sleeves for the batteries. They are expensive and should be protected to reduce the risk of dropping, shorting out, etc., as well as to keep them convenient for use.

- Battery diagnostics. If I take my iPhone into an Apple store, they can tell me how many times it has been charged, what percent of charge it is capable of holding, etc. These O*P*E batteries can cost $150 (or more), and it would be nice to know that the user is getting the full life out of them, when to plan for replacements, etc.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

Copied / paraphrased from comments in another thread:

Batteries for saws used in trees / at elevation, need more secure engagement / retention features to prevent unintended removal and dropping, than saws used on the ground.

Philbert

 

[1Alpha1]

I'd like to see hands-free parallel parking ability.

And, a back-up camera would be nice.

Collision avoidance would be a fantastic feature.

Oh wait......we're talkin bout chainsaws. Sorry..........

 

[rayjay257]

Copied / paraphrased from comments in another thread:

Batteries for saws used in trees / at elevation, need more secure engagement / retention features to prevent unintended removal and dropping, than saws used on the ground.

Philbert

I can see this as being very important. Definitely need a secondary , fail safe retaining strap. One that would also be drop proof if the saw gets dropped to the end of the tether and bangs around the tree trunk or limbs.

 

[7sleeper]

Copied / paraphrased from comments in another thread:

Batteries for saws used in trees / at elevation, need more secure engagement / retention features to prevent unintended removal and dropping, than saws used on the ground.

Philbert

Donot see it in that way. Cordless equipement, regardless if chainsaw, drill, etc. are often used far above the ground and problems, as far as I have heard of, are very very seldom! The chances of having the whole tool fall is far more typical than any accidental ejection of the batterie.

7

 

[Philbert]

I have had a few batteries 'self-eject' when the tool touched the ground just right - primary with long handled tools: pole saw, string trimmer, etc. Similar thing could happen if bumped against a branch. So I think that a retention strap / device is worth considering.

There is actually an entire industry developing to prevent dropped tools / objects from elevation in a variety of work settings:
http://www.dropsonline.org/resources-and-guidance/tools-at-height-best-practice/ Even hand tools dropped from heights can have serious consequences.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

OK, here is another Philbert idea for pro-grade, battery saws:

A 'high / low' range selector switch to let the user choose between faster chain speed for limbing, or higher torque for bucking. A number of electric contractor type tools already have this feature, so the designs could be adopted from those.

Philbert