Battery powered chainsaw

[ning]

So you are saying what we have now is exactly right. That Dewalt optimizes for their tools. Milwaukee optimizes for their tools, EGo optimizes for theirs, Stil optimizes, etc.

Considering everyone's got 2Ah, 3Ah, 4Ah of the same voltage... and these are intended to go in any of a hundred tools... it's pretty obvious that the batteries aren't optimized for a particular tool.

The group 24 vs 78 is basically just like the 2Ah/4Ah/etc; you "optimize" so that a geo metro gets a small battery because a mouse can turn over a 1.0L engine while a 7.3L needs a bit more, so you choose a different stand size for that vehicle.

We all know this; the only reason Milwaukee has a different battery than Ryobi is lock-in.

Ironically, automotive batteries are standardized for the convenience of the auto manufacturer, not as much for the consumer, who's going to buy one battery for precisely one application (except the random TBN'er who's going to re-use that battery in four different machines before it's really dead, of course); for battery tools, we swap them all the time and it would be convenient for both the tool manufacturer (minus the customer lock-in of course) as well as the consumer for them to be more standardized.

I'd imagine at some point the EU will get around to this.

 

[cdaigle430]

Tree guy feedback on the M18 he used on the job.

I did prune an entire job with the m18 hatchet 4 big trailerloads of tree prunings I went thru three batteries 6AH. I'd put a charger in cab it charges before I can run out of battery so I think it's awesome .I hate to think how much Tru fuel I've bought not knowing .it's the hatchet only that has me impressed I'm testing playing .working me ass off

I also have the M18 Chainsaw but always reach for the hatchet. I also have the Ryobi 40v pole chainsaw and that also works better than I expected.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

I detest "peak HP"
particularly on corded equipment, it's basically saying "while it's rapidly slowing down we very briefly saw 4HP but at 13A you'll be lucky to get 1.5HP continuous"

(not a dig on op here - I see that on a lot of my own equipment as well, we all (hopefully) just know not to pay it any attention)

I detest "peak HP"
particularly on corded equipment, it's basically saying "while it's rapidly slowing down we very briefly saw 4HP but at 13A you'll be lucky to get 1.5HP continuous"

(not a dig on op here - I see that on a lot of my own equipment as well, we all (hopefully) just know not to pay it any attention)

Actually, they find peak horsepower using the rpm X torque equation, but instead of using simultaneous values, they use stalled rotor torque and peak free spinning rpm.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

“Battery saw makers” don’t invent battery technology. They buy batteries from suppliers. Can only use what is offered for sale to them.

There is some difference in the charge circuits, and the temperature limit circuits, between higher end companies batteries. As well as higher quality battery cells, and buss bars connecting those cells.

 

[WinterDeere]

Actually, they find peak horsepower using the rpm X torque equation, but instead of using simultaneous values, they use stalled rotor torque and peak free spinning rpm.

So I guess the question is whether it's theoretically possible for a universal motor to pull stall current at anywhere near full RPM? I know this is not possible in an induction motor, but I suspect it might be possible in a universal motor, as they're essentially operating under unchanging field constraint (they're DC motors, and operating as such even under AC). Not my area of study, so I don't know for sure.

If it is possible for the motor to pull stall current near rated RPM, even momentarily under the right conditions, then it's a valid measure of peak horsepower. I'm an EE but not a "motors guy", so I don't know enough on the subject to say if this is true or false, off the top of my head.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I can take along my inverter generator and charge 24 batteries on 2.5 gallons of fuel... Which is about what I'd burn in fuel with my gas saw . I could charge more, if I had more charges and batteries... But I don't

 

[ernemats]

I don't think there will ever be a universal battery for all chainsaws, tools, etc. there is too much difference in tool designs, motors used to have one battery fit all and still keep the products design and still do what it is supposed to do. It would be nice to have batteries from one company be interchangeable with others but different companies have different tools with different power requirements

 

[Richard001]

I don't think there will ever be a universal battery for all chainsaws, tools, etc. there is too much difference in tool designs, motors used to have one battery fit all and still keep the products design and still do what it is supposed to do. It would be nice to have batteries from one company be interchangeable with others but different companies have different tools with different power requirements

I don't know why that, a common design, can't be done. Car batteries, watch batteries, and flashlight batteries all have a common design, shape and fit.

It's not for the government to do, it has to come from the battery manufacturers themselves. This will only happen when consumers push for this.

Imagine having to buy a Sony charger for your player, and another different charger for your cell phone and yet another different charger for your bluetooth devices.

Standardizing batteries will make reduce the cost of them.

Richard

 

[John_Mc]

The companies have no incentive to standardize batteries. It would just make it too easy to buy someone else's gear.

 

[ultrarunner]

Lots of variety outside voltage and physical dimensions with auto batteries especially over the years...

Chemistry... cold cranking, post or no post, etc.

 

[ArlyA]

I don't think there will ever be a universal battery for all chainsaws, tools, etc. there is too much difference in tool designs, motors used to have one battery fit all and still keep the products design and still do what it is supposed to do. It would be nice to have batteries from one company be interchangeable with others but different companies have different tools with different power requirements

I agree. Power tool battery's have many, many differences of designs.

 

[ArlyA]

I don't know why that, a common design, can't be done. Car batteries, watch batteries, and flashlight batteries all have a common design, shape and fit.

It's not for the government to do, it has to come from the battery manufacturers themselves. This will only happen when consumers push for this.

Imagine having to buy a Sony charger for your player, and another different charger for your cell phone and yet another different charger for your bluetooth devices.

Standardizing batteries will make reduce the cost of them.

Richard

Have you tried to install a battery your auto uses into you neighbors?

 

[Richard001]

Have you tried to install a battery your auto uses into you neighbors?

No, but I have loaned AA batteries to a friend and they fit and worked.

 

[ning]

I agree. Power tool battery's have many, many differences of designs.

This would be an excellent argument if it wasn't for the fact that other than the connection point, one manufacturer's 2Ah 18V or 20V battery is practically identical to another's. You'll note that when newer brushless high-power tools came on the scene, everyone suddenly made "high power" versions of their batteries that are capable of a faster power dump (and conversely faster charging).

Given that Dewalt or Milwaukee etc can bring out their new tools to use any of their existing batteries, there's nothing special in any of the tools that requires a special purpose battery... until you decide you're going 40V, then they bring out their standard (for themselves) 2Ah/4Ah/etc batteries which suddenly fit any of their 40V batteries.

Definitely the only thing keeping them from sharing a standard is that they've got consumers in a lock-in based on battery shape.
It's not anti-competitive since none of them have a monopoly position in the tool markets, but it's definitely consumer-antagonistic.

 

[WinterDeere]

Definitely the only thing keeping them from sharing a standard is that they've got consumers in a lock-in based on battery shape.
It's not anti-competitive since none of them have a monopoly position in the tool markets, but it's definitely consumer-antagonistic.

While I can agree that the "lock-in" is definitely part of the equation, it's not the only thing. Engineers have designed different shape batteries in their attempts to optimize the packaging and handling of the few tools for which it was originally designed. If that weren't true, they'd all have a similar shape in the first place, which they have not.

But I would agree that they could all migrate toward a common standard, as even those manufacturers who have optimized for one original suite of tools then slam that same battery pack into several others, as their product line expands within a given system.

 

[Grumpycat]

The companies have no incentive to standardize batteries. It would just make it too easy to buy someone else's gear.

But it also means the tools get standardized as well. The form factor EGo uses to attach batteries heavily dictates the rest of the design. Same for Dewalt and everyone else.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

The fit sometimes is fairly close which is why adapters are available. This is Dewalt to Milwaukee. Amazon $15. Some are 18v to 20v, 20-20, flat to "post" style.
I have a large Dewalt collection so the few other brands I have adapters for.
Dewalt developed flexvolt 20v-60v so those batteries interchange.

 

[IXLR8]

I was getting ready for the storm that is heading for the east coast and noticed an 80' tall pine tree that was leaning towards my shop. Not a good situation with wind gusts to 60mph forecast. I got out my come-along and chains to make sure tree fell where I wanted it to and got out my Ego 16" chain saw w/5Ah battery. It has always worked well for me, couldn't bog it down, never shut down due to over current/temp. Well I must have hit the ground a few too many times last time I used it. It didn't throw chips like it use to and I kept getting over current/temp shut downs. What should have taken me less than 5 minutes to cut down the tree took closer to 15 min with all the shut downs. Went to cut up the tree and gave up due to all the shutdowns. Grabbed my trusty Echo 280e, checked the fuel, low but should be enough to finish the job. I finished the cut, but had 5 more cuts before I was done. Next cut, saw died due to being out of fuel and of course there was no more premix available. I thought I was done cutting for the season. Pulled out my Stihl 270, a bit cantankerous starting but seemed to run fine once running, and it had 1/2 a tank of fuel. Got 2 cuts done and then it wouldn't run above idle!!! Grabbed my Ego 2Ah battery and made the next cut with the Ego saw. 2Ah battery not real happy running the saw, pulled the 5Ah battery off the charger and finished my cutting for the day.
Note to self, get correct file for Ego chain and keep the chain SHARP.

 

[WinterDeere]

Sounds like you need to set aside a Saturday this winter for some saw maintenance! Very few things make me more frustrated than grabbing a tool to do a job, and then having to waste my time working on tool, rather than the job for which it was intended.

Keep at least 3 loops of chain for each saw/bar combo you're running. When one goes from throwing chips to throwing dust, swap it out. Easy enough to sharpen that chain in a heated shop on a rainy Tuesday evening, rather than wasting precious daylight hours on it when it's needed.

 

[IXLR8]

Sounds like you need to set aside a Saturday this winter for some saw maintenance! Very few things make me more frustrated than grabbing a tool to do a job, and then having to waste my time working on tool, rather than the job for which it was intended.

Keep at least 3 loops of chain for each saw/bar combo you're running. When one goes from throwing chips to throwing dust, swap it out. Easy enough to sharpen that chain in a heated shop on a rainy Tuesday evening, rather than wasting precious daylight hours on it when it's needed.

Couldn't agree more. I have extra chains for the Sthil and Echo saws, none yet for the EGO. I have only had it for a few months and wasn't sure if it was going to work out. I really like it and spare chains will be acquired this week. The issue is finding the correct file for the chain, it is a 4.5mm file and I am finding they are hard to come by. It might be easier to find a different chain that uses a more common file. For a while Oregon was putting the wrong file in their 4.5 mm package so I am hesitant on mail order.