Best Cordless, Top Handle Chainsaw

[@mhofma12]

These head to head videos are by far the best tool reviews on KZbin. Always look forward to watching them , thanks!

[@julianweiser9985]

You and ProjectFarm are the ultimate Tool testers. Love your large sample size and integration of newest tools.

[@danieltreeworkernordin9624]

Me and my guys run Husqvarna T540i due to the fast recharge, waterprof system, lightweight, easy handling and easy maintenence. The T540i is a beast, i've been climing with Battery since 2017 and i would never ever buy a gas power top handle saw again, neither to me or my crew!!!!!

[@toddjones5222]

Best comprehensive electric saw review I have seen. Thank you!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

wow thanks

[@renejolicoeur6289]

I am full time camper and I will be buying the Milwaukee saw . To me the best choose.I used them professionally at work for years. Cheers.

[@sirvozelo1]

I have the STIHL 161T Over 3 years have used and abused this little Saw, so far it never fail.

[@alwayson999]

Underrated video. Thank you for taking the time to produce this!

[@jake-mv5oi]

I picked up the 14" Milwaukee for a small trail saw when offroading. It's nice to be able to use batteries I already have. If I were cutting bar-length wood all the time I'd get the bigger battery, but my 6.0s did alright cutting up a 12" dia. tree that came down in a recent storm, just didnt last long.

[@philipwhatley6742]

This is the exact reason im looking for one! i have a hand saw for the trail but 2 weeks ago i REALLY needed an electric chainsaw

[@jake-mv5oi]

@@philipwhatley6742 It's been really handy. Last trip I needed something to put under my jack to get a few more inches to change a tire, so I just lopped off a chunk of a nearby fallen tree. Worked perfect

[@Jay-lr3me]

How long did the 6.0s last roughly?

[@jake-mv5oi]

@@Jay-lr3me probably 10 min of straight cutting

[@jake-mv5oi]

@@Jay-lr3me on the smaller stuff it lasts a lot longer

[@2chipped]

I have both of the gen 1 Makitas,in x2 (7yrs)standard 14' ....as well as single 18v top handle (2yrs). Both were bought due to price point only. After having fuel gell the carbs due to not being used,see below. They seldom get used at home whenever hurricanes hit the Ga coast (Idalia only fell a single tree). The activate button on both saws,router,weed-whacker are rage inducing triggers. Some bucket trucks have small hydraulic saws. If i was a professional ,price would be last on my priorities. Well done Rob and crew!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

AGREED - IVE SEEN THE HYDRAULIC AWS - VERY COOL!

[@jeffhaggerty3309]

Great review. Always a pleasure to watch. Keep it up Rob and team.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

thanks

[@weldonpinder7295]

Hey Rob I love your head to head videos and I've been anticipating a new hammer drill head to head since the last one a few years ago. I really enjoyed the impact driver one too

[@bhepp344]

Great video thank you! I just saw a utility company working near me and they had Milwaukee saws and I asked them their opinion. They loved them! And they said their company is getting away from gas saws all together. My climbing saw is an echo 355t witch has been awesome! I may try the m18 even if just for smaller jobs.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Very cool!

[@ClimberinChrist]

T540ixp is the best. Period

[@mccurjm]

Great review! I have the Milwaukee M18 14" top handle saw, which is great for me as a non-pro who does a fair amount of tree work for myself/family/friends and it shares the same battery platform as my other tools. I can't imagine going back to the Husqvarna T435 gas top handle saw I was using before. If I were a pro up trees all day every day, I'd probably choose the Husqvarna for a battery saw. The M18 top handle saw is fine hanging off my Sequoia harness but it's just bulkier and not nearly as refined as the Husqvarna. The new Stihl is a monster in performance but also in size and weight. That's probably only going to matter on big stuff that I may as well drag my Stihl 261 up the tree to do and it will do it better. It's a gas saw that wouldn't be allowed in very few locations but otherwise could do bigger bucking work. Most tree work pros are already going to have a bigger saw (or multiple) anyway, so the Husky is still likely the best arborist top handle saw. I say that as a Milwaukee cordless tool and Stihl auto-tune gas saw fan. Husky just hit the right balance overall. I'm looking forward to v2 of the Milwaukee top handle saw in the next couple years. They did a great job with this current version that was their first attempt at a top handle chainsaw. I hope v2 will take all the learnings from this version and add a lot of refinement to the solid platform they've started. A slimmer design with captive bar nut, bigger dogs, and dual loops (one for lanyard, one for harness hook) on the rear like the Husky has could make for a true competitor even for top level pro climbers.

[@richardbadish6990]

Yeah, I'm a Line clearance Arborist myself. I've been wanting to buy my own personal trim saw for private work. I've seen the popularity grow on these electric saws. So I wanted to see how they are doing as far as performance goes. To see if it would be beneficial to get over a 200t or the newer 201tc. From seeing this video, it appears that I wouldn't be benefiting much by going electric. I'd want something that's at least close to the 200t or 201tc. With that mentioned, it's almost silly to pay 3-500$ more for the bigger electric stihl saw. It's actually heavier than the gas version. So what am I gaining? Quieter saw, and the fact I wouldn't need to lug a tank of fuel around with me, a battery would be much lighter. The other thing would be that I have power on demand, vs having to continuously start the saw over and over or have it idling making noise the whole time. I only looked into these, because number one. I figured they'd be lighter. And I was thinking they'd be a good bit cheaper. I figured since the gas saw is around 800. The electric would be no more than 5 to 600. Boy was I mistaking! I mean, if I'm paying $500 more for a saw. It better be a lot of bells and whistles over its gas counterpart. So looks like gas is still the better option imo.

[@jimmyf1312]

Milwaukee: jack of all trades, master of… all of them

[@lmilne4859]

Questionable lol

[@loucifer4205]

Master of garbage

[@loucifer4205]

Most of their stuff is garbage don't go by how good it is when you first use it a tool that last long is a good tool and China Milwaukee doesn't last

[@chrisvids1820]

Except weight. Which, in my opinion could be the most important in this category. It is very tempting however

[@sirvozelo1]

I really can't say much because the only one I have is the Stihl 161T but this one I have used and abused it for sure, way over manufacturers recommendation over 3 years so far never have any problem, I am not even sure if I with trade it for the Stihl 220C.

[@lmilne4859]

Stihl king of chainsaws and concrete saws hands down

[@riba2233]

Awesome test as usual, can't wait for the next one! I have a small feedback about the scoring system, I don't think that you should value all points and categories equally and linearly. For example if the fastest saw is really ahead of others, it will still just get one point less. You should give the points for the category relative to the result, not just the position. Similar story for the final rank, you are valuing all the categories equally for the total score, but for eg something like loudness and cutting speed are surely not equally important and should be scored with a different multiplier for the total score. That is just my humble opinion and a small nitpick, hopefully I am not being too hard :) I still think you have some of the best comparative tests in the industry!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Are you saying that we should double weight our scores based on what we feel the more important performance or features are ?

[@riba2233]

@@ConcordCarpenter yeah something like that, doesn't have to be strictly double but what you feel that category weighs, some could be 1.5x, some 0.7x etc etc. Also if one tool finishes in 11.2s, and the next one in 11.3s, they should get basically the same score within a category, seems too harsh loosing a whole point for something that is basically the same result

[@codyhuber]

@@riba2233 I think the points are helpful but really you have to evaluate the whole review to get a sense of a tool. Like if a tool cuts fast but vibrates a lot, is loud and maybe heavy then you need to see all that. The subjective part of reviews for ergonomics and similar is hard to score but also where listening to experts can point out some flaws or hidden advantages.

[@OUTILSCLIPSQC]

I have the milwaukee 12" plate and its a pure beast !! Like the power the balance . 😎 good job on your video guys

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks for commenting

[@RYwoodview]

I picked up a Greenworks homeowner chain saw since I have other Greenworks outdoor 40v tools. No, it's not as fast and powerful as my gas-powered Stihl, but it does the job trimming limbs easily & conveniently. Love these saws!

[@Shredice7]

As an ice sculptor I'm always looking for good chainsaw options. Will forever be an electric Makita 5012b guy but battery powered stuff is great for small jobs and remote work. Love the videos!

[@turdferguson2839]

Wow, not only is the Milwaukee the best saw but it's also the best price... never seen Milwaukee be the lowest price before.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

me neither, thats a first

[@texashillcountryadv9197]

Would like to see the Ryobi 40 V top handle, tested.

[@venturebro24]

Rob, the online review doesnt seem to be uploaded yet. When can we expect to see it uploaded?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

a day at the most - we had some issues getting the graphs done before the long weekend

[@venturebro24]

​@@ConcordCarpenterappreciate the heads up, I always look for the article and read along as the video plays! 👍

[@SeanRhoadesChristopher]

I think the noise of the Makita is also for safety reasons. It acts as an alarm to those below.

[@ViSongs482]

Great video, I really wanted to a sthil 220, but that 3rd safety button would drive me bonkers. I wonder if they will get rid of it in future models

[@davids970]

The dewalt xr with the 60v flex battery is a beast

[@matthewgross6958]

Value your reviews! Just bought the Milwaukee!!

[@donnaw740]

What happened to the ego top handle saw ?

[@IndianaDoug]

Best climbing saw is a Husqvarna 3120, without a doubt😁 Good review👍🏻

[@interman7715]

Where's the XR DEWALT?

[@levipankey]

Where’s your website link so I can see the results on there?

[@tyrrellroach5872]

I was a bit surprised that the electric chainsaws were so loud. The one benefit I thought they would have they didn’t. And gas doesn’t weigh as much as a battery. With that said the loss of pulling a cord in the top of a tree is a welcome loss but on the ground gas is still king especially if your doing heavy cutting for hours on end

[@TRUE_GR1T]

It's weird how Makita prices are basically the same in CAD as they are in USD. I just picked up the makita 40v with battery and charger for $599 (reg $669) CAD and got a bonus 4ah battery with it.

[@aaronoconnor606]

Interesting can't wait to see the makita 80v concrete cutter vs the MX fule

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Me too

[@EverettKnowlton]

you should try out the new Dewalt 60v top handle

[@thereeljahjah]

What a great post.. very comprehensive 👏🏼👏🏼

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RC-Heli835]

Awesome review! Top notch!

[@demolitionbmxd]

would have loved to have seen the dewalt top handle in this as well, great review though

[@hartshorn95]

It would be interesting to see a test that compares top handle saws chains, which chain is faster between 1.1 3/8, 1.1 .325 and 1.1 1/4

[@richardbadish6990]

That would come down to each specific saw. Each saw will have a chain it cuts better with than the other brands.

[@Photo-ms1mo]

Echo due to its ultra lightweight is in completely different category... Ypu can almost compare it with a hatchet style saws

[@PaulStregevsky]

Isn't an electronic chain brake for low-end saws? I thought the best type is inertia-activated mechanical, followed by just mechanical, and finally by electronic.

[@stephenleepmg113]

Love the video. Thanks Rob !!!!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

thanks

[@hp4546]

Would like to see a weight to power comparison graph. Would be interesting to see the Milwaukee vs say the Echo when weight is taken into consideration.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

You can easily do that math with our data

[@MAKESHIFTFARMs]

This was a good review. I’m more of a gas guy tho. I have a Stihl GTA 26, Black+Decker string trimmer, and want the cordless top handle Makita someday, but all my other equipment is gas powered.

[@ToolHombre]

DeWalt sure stayed quiet about their new saw while all this was happening. Shame they didn't seek you guys out for getting in on the action.

[@supercalifragalistic-z9f]

Makita is the only one not manufactured in china. Japanese brand made in Japan, Germany, and USA. That's why i bought that one for in-tree work while climbing.

[@ErinHenderson-lp7ep]

36v top handle is MIC. Sorry. As is the 40v 18” rear handle by them

[@jeffadams492]

Excellent informative video thank you

[@aaronoconnor606]

Looks like most professionals would go with stihl or husky if they wanted something lighter. I have worked in both industries these little limbing saws are pretty impressive. I'm actually surprised how well the milwaukee did I don't work in forestry anymore so if was going to pick one up it would be a milwaukee or makita

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Yes, those are the tool brands that they are most comfortable with

[@OUTILSCLIPSQC]

The sthil looks nice too but since i only run milwaukee tool its make sens to me to have a milwaukee , also have all the milwaukee ope

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Its a sweet saw

[@rickybeez]

Fantastic video

[@Rabbeh1]

no dewalt >< ?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

At the time they didn’t have a top handle saw

[@danziiiiiiiii]

Didnt include battery run time, one of the most important criteria....

[@riba2233]

not really since there are plenty of battery options, can't test them all

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We could have but chose not to- the focus here was could these saw be a realistic viable option for Pro arborists and landscapers

[@supercalifragalistic-z9f]

​@@ConcordCarpenterbut battery run time is important to people working up in trees for pay. Still good head to head video.

[@stephenreamer4323]

An added comment. The price for the Stihl MSA 220 w/the same battery I found at Acme tool for approx. $760.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

yep, prices fluctuate

[@MAGASTACKER]

Milwaukee for the 🥇

[@jasonwomack4064]

The Stihl's battery port would make me leary as a buyer. Its enclosed design looks like a nightmare waiting to happen, once junk gets in there gum things up.

[@berettaguy7445]

Like you said, it's enclosed..."junk" doesn't get in there.

[@taylanlowe120]

No one ever tests yard force. They have a 120v battery saw

[@Resleeved]

I hope Milwaukee have overcome the battery heat issues. Milwaukee batteries are also one of the most unreliable especially the 9 and 12s. There are many video reviews online where the milwaukee batteries overheat in the saw with constant use rendering the tool useless. You will never have this issue with stihl or husky, not sure about the others. I have some husky batteries almost 10yo and still going strong.

[@riba2233]

Yep they are so overrated :|

[@steffendetrick]

They discontinued the 9.0 the 12.0 still has problems, but honestly the rest of them 8.0ho,6.0ho, ect. have been great.

[@riba2233]

@@steffendetrick they are, but they are a bit too small for some ope tools

[@saiiiiiii1]

Isn't this a balancing problem of the charger rather than the battery itself? At least to my knowledge

[@Resleeved]

@@saiiiiiii1 the batteries just can't handle the heat imo. It's a problem with trying to stick with 18v for everything when everyone else has gone higher voltage in turn, less heat and stress on the components

[@genemetz1945]

Why does no one evaluate the Kobalt 80-volt brushless 18" chainsaw with a 5-ah battery? - - I have (2) Kobalt 80-volt 18" Bar Chainsaws and use (2) 5 AH Batteries. Using it on a Southeast LA farm that was devastated by a Hurricane and has been working absolutely great even cutting huge logs and trees. For oil, I like to use Ryobi Bar and chain oil. We have cut 20"+_ logs and it works like a charm. And NO more pulling and pulling to start a gas-powered chainsaw. My first 80-volt 18" Bar Chain saw with a 5-AH Battery and charger was $400 in Jul 2021 I'll stick with the battery. With two batteries to rotate. I'm 78 and only work for only an hour or two each session. I hate pulling to start and fiddling with the gas engines to keep them running. I'm not an environmentalist. And if my job was cutting trees, I would only use Gas chainsaws.

[@codyhuber]

Wonder why the EGO top handle didn’t make the test?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We reached out a few times, they did not respond.

[@codyhuber]

@@ConcordCarpenter seems odd they would not want to work with such a solid resource as your channel?!? I hope that changes and you get a chance to test the saw. Great work as usual:)

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@codyhuber we deal with Marketing folk and they often are bust, and have their own agendas. Lots of turn over. Many don’t know the business or know the tool reviewers

[@codyhuber]

@@ConcordCarpenter sounds like my experiences with EGO as well. Lots of marketing…

[@henrymahoney7072]

I love Milwaukee

[@loucifer4205]

So you love China 🇨🇳 they're owned by China 🇨🇳 made using slave labor and they China 🇨🇳 is trying to destroy our country and the rest of the world and you support them you better start waking up

[@mirekdudka9071]

I just start watching. I see milwaukee = i see the winner 😂😅

[@spijkerpoes]

Wow great test here! Few additions from the field: echo has some problems with batteries and chargers going bust suddenly, but these have always been replaced with no hassle, so hats off there. I find also that the echo is way more silent than the Husqvarna, so I do not agree with that test result. Also, the Husk had problems with its electronics: it just goes dead and that's it. To the dealer, the second time already, but the problem still exists. The Stihl 161 t has a chain I really dislike. So small, tiny. The slightest error in filing will cause big problems. The stihl 220 is indeed a beast. It goes through the battery likewise. My take would be: The best allround: the husq. The best tree removal saw the stihl 220. The best pruner by far (for old men): the echo.

[@djdnauk1977]

It's there any reason you didn't include the wen electric chainsaw? For the price is extremely good, arguably the best in that price range

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

Probably because this is about cordless chainsaws for potential pro grade.

[@djdnauk1977]

@@Pepe-dq2ib it is cordless, and is comparable to some of these, higher rated usually than some of these

[@venturebro24]

​​@@djdnauk1977WEN is definitely not comparable to these pro grade brands. In this lineup Greenworks is the closest things to a value brand. In other classes of saw look at Ryobi and Kobalt. But WEN is generally considered to be quite terrible when compared to these pro brands.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Yes - its not a Pro-grade saw

[@djdnauk1977]

@@ConcordCarpenter what's the distinction?

[@richardvacanti9428]

I can’t believe that you won’t include the co with the best battery technology ego. Why did you not include Ego?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We reached out to ego several times, but did not receive a response

[@stephenreamer4323]

That Stihl AP500 battery is a beast, and very pricy, too bad you didn't do a total runtime/battery. I'm guessing the Stihl would win hands down. I run an AP300 and do just fine.

[@matteout_woodworking]

I'm surprised too...a guy climbing a tree you would think that to be important

[@ConcordCarpenter]

agreed

[@dustinkrebs8229]

Why is Milwaukee always the best in every video you guys have?🤔

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Actually - not true. go back and tally it up

[@Cratos98]

I have Milwaukee platform and i Will choose them but none of this beat Stihl

[@fortunatofreitas4986]

No sound on my end

[@ConcordCarpenter]

try again

[@NGMonocrom]

14:05 ~ I'm sorry but how could you *not* include price in your rankings? Especially when for less than half the cost of a Husqvarna, the Milwaukee _easily_ holds its own against it. Easily! Price isn't going to skew anything. It's going to help someone make an informed decision. If we're talking someone whose new to the Trade, someone starting out, has to provide their own chainsaw; price becomes a HUGE factor. Also, not having to deal with Husqvarna's absolutely abysmal customer service if something breaks down, that is a huge, hidden advantage. (I don't mean customer service from a shop that is an Authorized Husqvarna Dealer. I mean trying to deal with Husqvarna in North America, directly.) Honestly, if Husqvarna simply got rid of its customer service operations, THAT itself would be a major improvement over what exists now.

[@YukinagaFinn]

I generally like Makita products. But I'm so annoyed with my makita 36v...... it hasn't been used so much but it has been problematic from early on. Today I very nearly threw the damn thing out of the tree. Had to finish work early and took it to get it checked out - looks like an up to $200 fix. Some problem with the electrical boards. Not impressed.

[@esbato1]

Looking to leave my husqvarna to carry an electric chainsaw just cause I won't have to carry my 2 stroke mixed fuel inside my truck and my bigass chainsaw

[@hartshorn95]

Most of these saws have run the shitty oregon 90px chain should have swapped everything to run on the same chain stihl ps3pro 3/8 043

[@pepecarlos1]

Mikecrack

[@ConcordCarpenter]

huh?

[@JackElectrician]

First

[@dustinweber6803]

No ego 😢

[@ConcordCarpenter]

No, its not a pro-grade saw

[@armandhammer9617]

Banning gas powered engines is asinine, as lithium batteries are way more toxic for the environment.

[@istvanglock7445]

Not really. There is a solution to the lithium battery issue, and that is to recycle them. Plenty of ways government can incentivize this. The only solution, that we can presently see, to the fossil fuels issue is to stop using them.

[@martinriley106]

Laser oil monitoring is rubbish. It will annoy anyone using it on a daily basis. Too techie and nonsense!

[@IndependentThinker74]

No EGO saw? It is probably better than any of these tested. Kind of disappointing.

[@Dan-zs4rk]

Someone else asked. He mentioned that it’s not “pro grade”. Just the messenger.

[@riba2233]

no way it's better.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

How are you backing up that statement? Are you an arborist or climb with a chainsaw?

[@IndependentThinker74]

The new, redesigned 18" model is the best I've used. Compared to their older 14" and 16" inch models it is vastly superior in every way. Your 2020 chainsaw showdown didn't compare the 18" model. I've used it vs the Milwaukee and it is better in every way except weight. @@ConcordCarpenter

[@richardbadish6990]

Are you an Arborist? It's pretty obvious you aren't and I can guarantee you. You haven't tried all these saws out either. Cutting brush or down trees is completely different than climbing and cutting up in a tree? I always find it amazing, how people want to claim a saw they've used. Is the best, when they've haven't used many saws in their entire life. You wouldn't be referring to the Ego saw that's got a battery pack and cable attached to it would you? Because that would tell me, you have no idea what it's like climbing/trimming trees for a living! The last thing you want is more shit that will get hung up on you while climbing. Not to mention if a branch you cut grabs it on the way down. It's going to most likely rip the cable out or damage the battery pack. I just watched another channel that did compare that saw to the smaller stihl saw and it was noticeably slower.

[@moe8024]

Dewalt?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

nope