It may sound ridiculous to compare an electric and a gas chainsaw, right? But as Consumer Reports once said, that is because you probably haven’t used an electric chainsaw recently. This guide will walk you through the fierce competition between electric vs gas chainsaws, concerning two reputable outdoor equipment tool brands, DeWalt and Stihl. In this face-off, Stihl and DeWalt come to a tie. Let’s see how they compare in detail.
Introduction to DeWalt and Stihl
Before diving into the comparison between electric vs gas chainsaws, let’s get to know the background of two reputable brands, DeWalt and Stihl, first.
Founded in 1924 in Leola, Pennsylvania, the DeWalt Industrial Tool Company is now a worldwide manufacturer of power tools and hand tools for construction, manufacturing and woodworking industries. DeWalt chainsaws are known for their powerful cutting performance and rugged durability for tree trimming, firewood and tough outdoor jobs. They are praised as reliable, easy-to-use tools for safety and strength.
Andreas Stihl AG & Co. (commonly referred to as Stihl) is now a leading international mechatronics company based in Waiblingen, Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart, Germany. It was founded in 1926 by Andreas Stihl and recognized as the world’s best-selling brand of chainsaws and other outdoor equipment. The Stihl chainsaws are famous for the reliability and durability they provide to their owners year after year.
Face-off Between Electric vs Gas Chainsaw
Since we’ve learned about the backgrounds of the two competitors that we gonna talk about in this blog, let’s review the exciting face-off between the DeWalt DCCS670X1 and Stihl MS 180 C-BE by Consumer Reports.
Vitals Comparison
| Features | DeWalt DCCS670X1 (Electric) | Stihl MS 180 C-BE (Gas) | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 60V lithium-ion battery | 32cc two-stroke engine | Electric is more eco-friendly and starts fast; Gas has longer runtime |
| Weight | 13-pound | 11-pound | Stihl is lighter |
| Cutting bar length | 16-inch | 16-inch | Same |
| Price | $330 | $250 | Stihl has a lower upfront cost |
| Price in Special Case | $250, if you have a compatible battery | – | If you have a DeWalt battery, the price is the same |
| Runtime | About 70 cuts, 6×6-inch pine | Several hours on a single tank | Stihl has a clear runtime advantage and can continue to work with added gas |
| Recharge/Refuel Time | About 1 hour to recharge | Minutes to refuel | Stihl is much faster to get back to work |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years | DeWalt has a longer warranty |
Test by Test
| Test | DeWalt DCCS670X1 (Electric) | Stihl MS 180 C-BE (Gas) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Speed | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Safety | Very good | Very good | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Very good | Very good | Tie |
| Handling | Excellent | Very good | DeWalt |
The Winner
According to Consumer Reports, the face-off between DeWalt and Stihl comes to a draw. Both competitors have their own advantages and disadvantages.
| Items | DeWalt DCCS670X1 | Stihl MS 180 C-BE |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Electric vs Gas Chainsaw: Which Should I Choose?
Based on the tests by Consumer Reports, the gas Stihl and electric DeWalt are almost identical in their performance. So, what should you choose?
Choose DeWalt Electric Chainsaws If:
- You’re eco-conscious
- You prioritize handling
- You prefer simple maintenance
- You are okay with frequent recharging
Choose Stihl Gas Chainsaws If:
- You need long, continuous work
- You value runtime and initial cost
- You don’t mind noise and regular maintenance
How to Maintain Your Chainsaws?
Even a robust chainsaw needs care and attention in use. Regular maintenance is essential for safe and reliable performance, protecting yourself and others from potential hazards. Here are common maintenance checks before each use of your chainsaw:
- Ensure that all the safety features, such as the chain brake, throttle lockout and emergency switch, are in proper working order
- Test the throttle trigger for smooth operation and discontinue use if it sticks or the engine fails to idle after releasing the trigger
- Tighten any loose components
- Inspect the chain and sharpen it as required to maintain optimal cutting performance
- Check and adjust the chain tension as needed for safe and efficient operation
- Inspect the air filter, and clean or replace it when necessary
- Ensure the bar groove is clean to minimize wear and tear on the chain
- Inspect the drive sprocket for signs of wear, and replace it as needed
- Clear any debris blocking the lubrication hole
- Rotate the bar periodically to promote even wear distribution
*Note: Before starting, always remember to disconnect the spark plugs (for gas-powered chainsaws) or unplug it from power (for battery-powered chainsaws). This can prevent your chainsaw from accidentally starting up while you do your maintenance.
Conclusion
Both gas and electric chainsaws are powerful tools for your woodworking. You can choose the right chainsaw according to your specific needs and preferences from reliable suppliers. To ensure reliability and extend the service life of your chainsaw, you’d better perform regular maintenance and inspection before and after each use. At FridayParts, we provide a vast selection of quality chainsaw parts for DeWalt and Stihl. Explore our extensive inventory and enjoy your sawing now.
