cwatkin
ArboristSite Member
I own several gas saws and two battery powered saws. I am finding myself gravitating to the battery saws for small jobs or stuff after work where you want to cut without the sound and smell of gas. One of mine is a Milwaukee 18V. This is a great saw but leaves a little to be desired on power for larger jobs.
Then I have a Redback 120V max saw that I bought for $99 with a battery and a charger as the company went bankrupt. I liked it so well I went back and bought another saw (last one available) as well as a blower for the same price so that I would have two extra batteries from the combo deals. I wish I had bought 5 more at this price! The diodes in the first saw decided to let the smoke out after lots of use so I moved over to the other saw at that time. I kept the broken saw for hard parts in case I need to repair the newer of the two. The 2nd saw continues to work well but two of the three batteries will no longer accept a charge. Of course since this model is no longer made, any new batteries available are new old stock which can be questionable with batteries. They also cost a small fortune.
I don't know if power tool batteries can be rebuilt or if this is even worth it but was thinking that I need to be in the market for a new larger battery saw. How are the models in the 72V/80V max lines? There are Greenworks/Kobalt 80V models which I think are basically the same thing, one just branded for Lowes. Also, I know SunJoe/SnowJoe makes a 100V as well. I know voltage isn't the full measure of capability but I want something that can hang with a 45cc or so gas saw and run an 18 inch bar without any trouble like the Redback.
I have had very mixed experiences with tools from Harbor Freight but see they sell an 80V Atlas. Again, this isn't cheap so I wouldn't want to throw away a bunch of money on something from there. Also, I have had experiences with their tools in the past where I needed a new battery or charger and there is no continuity in the lines. Everything is changed and/or each tool category takes a different battery and charger even if the voltage is the same.
I wasn't a huge fan of the Stihl battery saw I used. It just seemed puny but I don't know which size or voltage I was using but suspect it was on the smaller side. It would have been fine for trimming but I want something that can actually cut.
I use my equipment and am willing to pay more for a commercial option if those here know of something that might better suit my needs. I bought the first $99 Redback on a whim as a gamble and never thought I would be as impressed as I have been. Something comparable or better than this is what I want.
Any suggestions are welcom.
Thanks,
Conor
Then I have a Redback 120V max saw that I bought for $99 with a battery and a charger as the company went bankrupt. I liked it so well I went back and bought another saw (last one available) as well as a blower for the same price so that I would have two extra batteries from the combo deals. I wish I had bought 5 more at this price! The diodes in the first saw decided to let the smoke out after lots of use so I moved over to the other saw at that time. I kept the broken saw for hard parts in case I need to repair the newer of the two. The 2nd saw continues to work well but two of the three batteries will no longer accept a charge. Of course since this model is no longer made, any new batteries available are new old stock which can be questionable with batteries. They also cost a small fortune.
I don't know if power tool batteries can be rebuilt or if this is even worth it but was thinking that I need to be in the market for a new larger battery saw. How are the models in the 72V/80V max lines? There are Greenworks/Kobalt 80V models which I think are basically the same thing, one just branded for Lowes. Also, I know SunJoe/SnowJoe makes a 100V as well. I know voltage isn't the full measure of capability but I want something that can hang with a 45cc or so gas saw and run an 18 inch bar without any trouble like the Redback.
I have had very mixed experiences with tools from Harbor Freight but see they sell an 80V Atlas. Again, this isn't cheap so I wouldn't want to throw away a bunch of money on something from there. Also, I have had experiences with their tools in the past where I needed a new battery or charger and there is no continuity in the lines. Everything is changed and/or each tool category takes a different battery and charger even if the voltage is the same.
I wasn't a huge fan of the Stihl battery saw I used. It just seemed puny but I don't know which size or voltage I was using but suspect it was on the smaller side. It would have been fine for trimming but I want something that can actually cut.
I use my equipment and am willing to pay more for a commercial option if those here know of something that might better suit my needs. I bought the first $99 Redback on a whim as a gamble and never thought I would be as impressed as I have been. Something comparable or better than this is what I want.
Any suggestions are welcom.
Thanks,
Conor