I'm getting ready to buy a battery chainsaw and haven't read through all 500+ replies, but maybe someone can help me decide.
I have a Sthil MS291 that was $600 and it's junk, probably because I've had it less than 3 years. Apparently the older ones were better made. I've replaced so many plastic parts: the chain brake bar I finally just pop riveted metal to hold last one together and it broke also. Muffler fell off, bolt holes stripped out...I run it without muffler until now it won't start. Probably needs piston, jug, gaskets, bolts. Other parts fall off & I replace.
Dealer & Sthil customer service sux.
I cut maybe 1 tree/month...not much use, but limbs, etc. I need a saw.
I have a 40v Greenworks 12" little saw I carry in truck & it's been through h--- for 10 years (clearance at Walmart $75 & I got a spare battery). Greenworks has great reviews if you look it up and I called them. They said definitely go brushless. So I'm looking at 18" or 20". Greenworks also said not to get commercial grade because 2yr warranty. Others it's like 5-6 years.
I considered Dewalt since I have a bunch of Dewalt I use all the time. They're 20v but a flexvolt 60v works because batteries will either series or parallel (higher AH) depending on what it's used in. Also a lot of people don't know there are battery adapters
less than $25, so I use a 20v Dewalt battery in a Craftsman 20v saw.
Dewalt chainsaws, however, don't have good reviews.
To me it's so convenient no fuel mix, pull start, fumes, hassle.
Any ideas on a powerful 18"-20" saw, best bang for the buck are appreciated. A bare tool doesn't make sense by the time you add the battery and charger.