Battery powered chainsaws are fairly rare in the United States, but if you are interested in a battery powered chainsaw you can find them. It may take some digging to do. There is one brand currently being offered that claims a single chain blade can cut 4,000 pieces of PVC pipe with only a small amount of oil required.
This saw has a chain tip guard to prevent kickback and extend chain life. The electric brake stops within ½ second of releasing the trigger. It also has hand guards. A hex wrench allows for rapid blade changes and adjustments.
The chain guard allows fast entry to the blade and motor housing area. The 12 V.N1-MH battery gives you a longer operating time. You can buy an optional handle if you will need a longer reach. This 4.6 pound dynamo cuts through a variety of PVC piping diameters.
We found two other brands of battery powered chainsaws. One made in China has a 12 volt battery and a shock absorption system. The other brand has an 18 volt battery and a 10 inch chain. There is little information currently available on these saws and most of what is available is anecdotal.
On one message board we found a discussion thread on cordless battery operated chainsaws. One participant said he made 12 cuts and took down a five inch sugar maple.
Another said he got one and it wouldn’t cut a two inch twig – he had the chain on backwards. Overall it looks like the ideal chainsaw for the occasional user who wants to do some light pruning or to take down small trees.