Battery saw comparison

[fishahaulic]

I posted this in the home owner forum, it was suggested to post on this forum.
Hello everyone, due to some issues with my back, and my age I'm looking for a small battery saw just for yard work/cleanup. After much research, I think I've narrowed it down to two models. First one is a Stihl MSA 70C, next is a Husqvarna 120i, just wanted to get some opinions good or bad from any current users.
Thanks in advance.

 

[OM617YOTA]

If you have any cordless tools already, look at what saws are offered in the tool/battery system you already have.

 

[fishahaulic]

Has anyone had any experience with the Husqvarna 120i, looks like it would work for my needs and is fairly light.

 

[Philbert]

I have used battery saws, but not those models.

It’s important to look at the whole ‘family’ of tools supported by the battery platform you are buying into.

The batteries are half the tool.

You may truly believe, ‘I am only buying this one tool.’ But they are like potato chips: ‘maybe a pole saw, string trimmer, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, . . . ‘

Once you have 2 batteries, you can start buying ‘bare tools’ (no battery or charger) for half the cost.

So, also look at which other tools are supported by those 2 models mentioned.

Or, as @OM617YOTA suggests, if only for occasional use, and you already own DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, etc., cordless tools, check out the saws that run on those batteries.

Philbert

 

[Rbohlin]

Project Farm has a review of all current popular battery chainsaws. He feels the Echo DCS-5000 is by far the best, and among the less expensive, currently $299 on Amazon who also offers a 2 year extended warranty for $26. Scroll to near end of his 18 minute video.

 

[hayboy]

I have a Husky120i that does a good job . It does have a manufacture defect that pulls the bat down over a few days. Just remove the bat after every use, thanks you tube, I thought I had a bad bat.

 

[OM617YOTA]

I have a Husky120i that does a good job . It does have a manufacture defect that pulls the bat down over a few days. Just remove the bat after every use, thanks you tube, I thought I had a bad bat.

Unless the tool has a solid ker-chunk ker-chunk switch, and not just a button, then it will draw some amount of power all the time. Best to make a practice of storing the tools without the batteries inserted.

 

[fishahaulic]

I made the decision to purchase the Husqvarna 120i, it will be more than sufficient based on my needs. Thanks for all the replies and advice. I will report back after working with it.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Looking forward to hearing how you like it!

 

[Hermio]

Unless the tool has a solid ker-chunk ker-chunk switch, and not just a button, then it will draw some amount of power all the time. Best to make a practice of storing the tools without the batteries inserted.

We do not have that problem with the Kobalt 80-volt unit we bought. It holds its charge for months.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Same with my Kobalt 80v saw, but I'd be very surprised if there isn't a miniscule draw all the time. Micro amps.

 

[Hermio]

Same with my Kobalt 80v saw, but I'd be very surprised if there isn't a miniscule draw all the time. Micro amps.

Could be. But some batteries even have some internal draw. Charge a battery and put it on the shelf for 2 years and many will show some evidence of discharge.

 

[OM617YOTA]

ALL batteries have some level of self discharge, and multi-cell lithiums have to run a battery management system as well, which uses some power.