Q: A tree fell last night. need a saw. The thickest is about 12-14 inches in diameter.
Looking 16 v 18 inches. And gas v electric.
Eying Husqvarna 16". What do you think? by Fran Dudis from New Jersey on October 31, 2011
A: Sorry to hear about the tree. When choosing between gas & electric, think about where you will be cutting- are you close to an outlet?
Husqvarna only recommends up to a 50' outdoor extension cord for their 16" saw, so you are limited in how far you can go, but they are very convenient.
A gas saw can go anywhere you need to, you just need to keep your gas/oil mix handy. Some of the gas saws can use bar/chain combos of different sizes- smaller for trimming, larger for felling.
If most of the trees you'll be cutting are around the size of this one, the 16" saw will be fine. Be sure to check out the Husqvarna Owners Manual (downloadable from our Specs page) for excellent advice on how to safely cut down, and cut up, a tree.
If you're going to be working on larger trees over the long haul, the 18" bar will be faster, you just need to determine if the extra weight and expense are worth it. by Mike, Product Expert
Husqvarna makes fine saws, and this electric model has many of the same features as their gas units.
An automatic chain oiler keeps the chain and bar from fouling when cutting larger logs or trees; and the engine sits lengthwise to the bar for better balance and so you can trim in tight places.
As long as you're within reach of an electrical outlet or generator, this saw will handle all but the most rigorous, lumberjack grade, cutting jobs.
Its powerful 13 watt motor can take on sturdy limbs and logs; and since the electric motor has no emissions (besides sawdust!) it is legal in states with pollution controls such as California.
April 05, 2012
Don H. Oakland, CA
My Electric Chain Saw
Not much of a story except to say that it is an outstanding chain saw, just perfect in every respect.
Like all the Huskvarna products I own (3) I am very pleased with it.
February 14, 2012
Gregory B. Ashford, WA
Excellent overall
The saw is excellent overall. Quality control appears to be quite good It is easy to assemble from the box (remember to pull HARD on the safety brake), and easy to use. Vibration is minimal, and sound is low.
I use a 100 foot 12 gauge cord, which works fine with the 13 amp motor. Two minor improvements that I would like to see are the addition some sort of clip to attach the power cord to the saw more firmly, and perhaps a built in slot to hold the saw's wrench-chain tightener multi-tool. But these are minor.
It is a fine saw so long as you can work within 100 feet of a suitable power outlet or source. Nice not to have a smoke-belching, always running, incredibly noisy two-cycle engine operating near your face.
The saw is excellent overall. Quality control appears to be quite good It is easy to assemble from the box (remember to pull HARD on the safety brake), and easy to use. Vibration is minimal, and sound is low.
I use a 100 foot 12 gauge cord, which works fine with the 13 amp motor. Two minor improvements that I would like to see are the addition some sort of clip to attach the power cord to the saw more firmly, and perhaps a built in slot to hold the saw's wrench-chain tightener multi-tool. But these are minor.
It is a fine saw so long as you can work within... more
January 10, 2012
Michael W. Oley, PA
The 8 second saw!
Prosumer? Yeah maybe, it did feel nice to hold in my hands. Quality control? What's that!?
I opened the box, I assembled the bar and chain. Simple enough but I use chainsaws frequently so I already know the drill. So I fill the oil tank then plug in my 12 awg 25' extension cord and pull the trigger, the motor runs and the chain spins. I take on the 4" diameter limb and make it half way through when the saw dies with a spit and a sputter.
I think to myself quietly, what the he?
So I check my breaker and the connections and all seems good, but the saw does not work. Then I swap extension cords going from a 12 awg 25' to a 14 awg 50'. The saw is still a no go! Then I plug a lamp into the receptacle feeding the extension cord since I just can't believe that nothing is happening here and I can't accept it. Well, the light works, both from the extension cords as well as the receptacle itself. The circuit is good and so are my cords! That means the problem is within the saw. Ok, so I connect my DVOM (digital-volt-ohm-meter) to the plug end on the saw and set the meter to read ohms. The meter reads nothing as it should since I didn't do anything yet. Now I depress the lockout/safety button and squeeze the trigger on the saw, only to find half a million ohms of resistance!!! For those unwilling to do the math it's 500,000 ohms worth. For all intents and purpose, that is an open circuit....
It should have read somewhere around 12 ohms since the motor runs on carbon based brushes, not half a freekin million, and break on or break off made no difference electrically speaking, so I am stuck with a dead saw!
So I contact PED (chainsaw direct) as well as Husqvarna. Both companies want a serial number that did not exist on my saw, nor could either tell me where to find it! However, PED (Chainsaws Direct.com) was at least willing to deal with the problem on my behalf, Husqvarna was not!
At this point I'm just waiting for my refund, but food for thought for those of you looking to go electric:
Electric is the way to go if you're close to a source of power, electric will cost you less than gas both in purchase price and in terms of use. To get the unstoppable power I have in my Poulan electric saw, you'd need an 80cc gas powered equivalent! That's a grand easy! Or, you can get the 3.5 hp Poulan from these guys and thank me later, the choice is yours! Before you decide anything, might I suggest that you first learn the difference between a SPRAG verses a centrifugal clutch. It's a brutal world of difference between the two!
I can't stall my chain no matter how hard I stand on my saw. Everybody made fun of my so-called toy until they used it and felt what I was talking about. Can this Husky do the same? I strongly doubt it! Then again, I got a bad sample to test. However PED was easy to deal with and Husqvarna was anything but.... Regardless, I'm sticking with my 3.5 hp Poulan, bang for the buck I dare you to beat it!
Prosumer? Yeah maybe, it did feel nice to hold in my hands. Quality control? What's that!?
I opened the box, I assembled the bar and chain. Simple enough but I use chainsaws frequently so I already know the drill. So I fill the oil tank then plug in my 12 awg 25' extension cord and pull the trigger, the motor runs and the chain spins. I take on the 4" diameter limb and make it half way through when the saw dies with a spit and a sputter.
I think to myself quietly, what the he?
So I check my breaker and the connections and all seems good, but t... more
December 04, 2011
JOE D. Manchester, CT
Husqvarna 316E Adventures
Well my backyard was a mess because of that October storm that messed up all the trees out this way. Unfortunately I had a real mess to contend with but there were no chainsaws to be had locally to I ordered one from you guys and I am happy I did.
I have had to learn how to adjust the chain and keep it tight so there has been a learning curve for me. Putting it together was a bit of a challenge for me. I have had the chain come off once but it was no big deal. The cover to get at the chain is not too easy to put back on at all. It takes some getting used to.
I will say this though, this chainsaw is very powerful and it has really helped around here and at my mom's place as well. It cuts really well and I do not have anything bad to say on it.
I like electric chainsaws because I do not have to fuss with fuel etc. We have been in short supply of all sorts of stuff that's chainsaw related and I have not been able to get chaps out here in CT.
I would have bought some from Chain Saws Direct but they did not respond to my email concerning them. A very good chainsaw to say the least.
CSD RESPONDS: We are sorry we didn't get back with you quickly enough! We work very hard at answering everyone's email as soon as possible, although we get a little backed up when there's a major weather event like "Snow-tober".
Please try us again at 'service@chainsawsdirect.com' or call us (toll free) at 888-455-4683- we'll be happy to answer your questions!
Well my backyard was a mess because of that October storm that messed up all the trees out this way. Unfortunately I had a real mess to contend with but there were no chainsaws to be had locally to I ordered one from you guys and I am happy I did.
I have had to learn how to adjust the chain and keep it tight so there has been a learning curve for me. Putting it together was a bit of a challenge for me. I have had the chain come off once but it was no big deal. The cover to get at the chain is not too easy to put back on at all. It takes some getting used to.
I love woodworking and have no fear, but plenty of respect, for any saw except chainsaws. I fear them.
I have owned two other electric chain saws, brand name, but not Husqvarna, and they have been terrible. I use electric because I only need a chain saw once or twice a year, and don't want to deal with the gas going bad.
Any way this saw far out performed the other electric saws I've owned. It cut so well, it was not scary to use. It was easy to assemble, the safety section of the manual was well done, and the tips helped me.
I used it to take down an 11" diameter tree that was damaged in a storm as well as several 3"-4" limbs.
It made short work of all.
I love woodworking and have no fear, but plenty of respect, for any saw except chainsaws. I fear them.
I have owned two other electric chain saws, brand name, but not Husqvarna, and they have been terrible. I use electric because I only need a chain saw once or twice a year, and don't want to deal with the gas going bad.
Any way this saw far out performed the other electric saws I've owned. It cut so well, it was not scary to use. It was easy to assemble, the safety section of the manual was well done, and the tips helped me.
I asked my friends if they have any trees that need cutting
After I cut down a dead 30' Popcorn tree in my back yard i was not ready to stop.
I actually asked my friends if they had any trees that needed cutting! It's a sheer joy using a brand new chain saw for its first time.
I used to have to clear limbs and top telephone poles out of my bucket truck to perform my job as a lineman. Needless to say, that was done with a much more heavy duty chainsaw, electric though nevertheless. So while not a novice at using electric chainsaws, and having been retired for 7 years, it felt good to be back in the saddle again.
The Husqvarna I purchased totally surpassed everything I had expected it would do. Strong, sharp of course, it's brand new, and the oiler worked flawlessly. I splurged for the carrying case just to keep things from being piled on it.
Much thanks to Chain Saws Direct. One last thing, It's hard to match their free, ultra-quick shipping.
After I cut down a dead 30' Popcorn tree in my back yard i was not ready to stop.
I actually asked my friends if they had any trees that needed cutting! It's a sheer joy using a brand new chain saw for its first time.
I used to have to clear limbs and top telephone poles out of my bucket truck to perform my job as a lineman. Needless to say, that was done with a much more heavy duty chainsaw, electric though nevertheless. So while not a novice at using electric chainsaws, and having been retired for 7 years, it felt good to be back in the saddle again.
<... more
June 27, 2011
Don H. Oakland, CA
Chain Saw Brake
Hi- I had a little problem with the safety brake- I finally realized out that you have to pull it back firmly toward the rear of the saw.
After that everything worked great, I give it five stars.
June 13, 2011
Lon Shelton, WA
homeowner
I live in a gated community in Washington State owning a very small lot surrounded by community forest property. Mainly I just needed a chainsaw to clean up wind falls from winter storms and to supply a wood stove in a shop recently acquired.
Because I won't be using this saw regularly, a gas saw just didn't make sense.
Having owned gas saws in the past, I was nervous about whether the electric saw would be powerful enough to cut some of the bigger logs. This saw, however, has exceeded my expectations, and I love how easy it is to operate.
I bought the Husqvarna because it was rated best by all ratings I could find. This saw holds its own against many of the gas models I have owned.
I live in a gated community in Washington State owning a very small lot surrounded by community forest property. Mainly I just needed a chainsaw to clean up wind falls from winter storms and to supply a wood stove in a shop recently acquired.
Because I won't be using this saw regularly, a gas saw just didn't make sense.
Having owned gas saws in the past, I was nervous about whether the electric saw would be powerful enough to cut some of the bigger logs. This saw, however, has exceeded my expectations, and I love how easy it is to operate.
I ordered a Husqvarna 316E from Chainsaws Direct in November and it arrived in a very short time. The saw is perfect, best quality.
It does take some effort to release the chain brake, but you get used to it after you know how much effort to put into it.
Chainsaws Direct is a very professional dealer to work with, I was totally satisfied with my purchase. I would recommend them to all of my friends and will buy from them again in the future if I need anything else that they sell.
Thanks Chainsaws Direct for a pleasant purchase experience.
September 20, 2010
Kathy Jamestown, PA
Excellent machine
I love this chainsaw! I sold a gas powered Husqvarna for the convenience of the electric model and I am glad i did.
This one is lighter weight than the gas one, and powerful! I just plug it in and go!
I am an older woman, used to sawing firewood for our woodstove every year. Even though I am confined to working near a power source, for me, the trade off is that I don't have to worry about gas, oil, and pull starts.
The chain was easy to put on and take off, and really gets the job done. This is a quality tool for the homeowner.
Thanks, Husqy!
September 03, 2010
Andrew Kirkland, WA
Beware of instructions...
I set out with high hopes of easy assembly, but 35 minutes into it and numerous failures I decided to consult the instructions. They really seemed to be dumbed down so that the average dolt could understand them and get on with his or her cutting enjoyment.
I think they were a bit too simple because 44 of the the 45 or so pages were filled with very amusing drawings of how not to use a chainsaw and only one page was devoted to the actual assembly instructions.
I managed to get it together, and only after assembling it I realized that the instructions indeed were pretty simple.
Now the time came to test it out. I plugged it in, pulled back on the safety bar and...nothing. I checked the electrical connections, replaced the extension cord I was using, plugged into a new outlet and...nothing. At this point I was happy to see that both of my extension cords worked, but I was miffed about the saw.
The instructions were re-read and once again and the only thing that I could see might be dysfunctional - other than this operator - was the instructions saying to pull back the safety bar. I pulled it back repeatedly until it started to bend. I didn't want to break it, so I contacted the website for advice.
People seemed to have the same trouble and the answer was to pull back very hard - don't worry about breaking it, it won't break. So I did and a satisfying "click" was heard.
I found an old branch that had fallen down in a recent storm and used it as my first test. The saw started cutting into the wood but wasn't as I imagined. I probably could've cut through faster with one of my manual tree saws. About 45 seconds of cutting found me covered in oil and only about an inch into the smoking branch.
I consulted the manual and reviewed all the "what not to do" items and it appeared that I was obeying all the rules. Then it hit me: "I wonder if the chain is on backwards?"
I dissembled it, turned the chain around and reassembled it. Assembly was much easier the second time.
Back to the test branch once again. This time it carved through like it was butter. Wow! This saw is awesome. It's quiet and very light to handle.
I have been cutting everything I can find that even remotely looks like it needs a trim. I have no doubt that this will serve our cutting needs for a long time.
Improvements? Well outside of the assembly instructions, which all unassembled products seem to fall short on, I guess the only thing I would've liked was maybe a small container of chain oil to be included in the box.
Other than that, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a powerful electric chainsaw.
I set out with high hopes of easy assembly, but 35 minutes into it and numerous failures I decided to consult the instructions. They really seemed to be dumbed down so that the average dolt could understand them and get on with his or her cutting enjoyment.
I think they were a bit too simple because 44 of the the 45 or so pages were filled with very amusing drawings of how not to use a chainsaw and only one page was devoted to the actual assembly instructions.
I managed to get it together, and only after assembling it I realized that the instructions indeed were ... more
June 12, 2010
ROBERT Granite Falls, WA
Add bar oil and start cutting!
I received my Husqvarna 316E on Thursday June 10, 2010, assembled the bar and chain, added bar oil and after plugging in, fell a 20 inch diameter dead fir tree.
What a relief not to have to fight with oil-gas mixture, noise, and the obnoxious smell of 2-stroke exhaust. The 316E cuts as fast as my gas powered chainsaw, also with a 16 inch bar, but with much less hassle.
The care required to move around with the extension cord is a minor problem, in my opinion. It may not be a lumberjack tool, but for a homeowner who needs a reliable chainsaw once in a while, I think it is hard to beat the Husqvarna 316E.
I've been thinking of purchasing an electric chainsaw for quite a while and I'm glad I went with the Husqvarna 316E. I researched many other electric chainsaws and decided on the 316E mainly based on quality of construction and confidence that Husqvarna would deliver a rugged and well built saw.
My purchase with Chain Saws Direct was effortless. The saw arrived right when I was told to expect it.
I received my Husqvarna 316E on Thursday June 10, 2010, assembled the bar and chain, added bar oil and after plugging in, fell a 20 inch diameter dead fir tree.
What a relief not to have to fight with oil-gas mixture, noise, and the obnoxious smell of 2-stroke exhaust. The 316E cuts as fast as my gas powered chainsaw, also with a 16 inch bar, but with much less hassle.
The care required to move around with the extension cord is a minor problem, in my opinion. It may not be a lumberjack tool, but for a homeowner who needs a reliable chainsaw once in a while,... more
May 21, 2010
Kevin Bedard Pine, CO
Great Firewood Saw Around the House
I looked for quite awhile before committing to this saw. I'm glad I did my research, because I'm really happy with this electric saw!
I can recommend it for the inertial chain brake (which many cheap saws do not have) as well as the power.
This electric chainsaw does not balk at cutting 16" diameter hardwood logs. It simply goes though them without a whimper.
Yes, this saw might be expensive, but it's made in Norway and after three seasons of cutting firewood, it seems built to last.
I can do nearly everything I want with this saw, whereas friends with cheap electric saws are hampered along the way by the poor power and durability of their saws.
I love how well balanced this saw is because of the in-line motor. I've taken a lot of workload off my MS260 Stihl gas saw with this nice, quiet electric machine!
One suggestion that will help you get more out of this saw and any other high current tool: use heavy power cords that can manage the amperage. Go with at least 14 gauge three conductor cords and 12 gauge for 50 ft. plus runs.
You'll be glad you did.
I looked for quite awhile before committing to this saw. I'm glad I did my research, because I'm really happy with this electric saw!
I can recommend it for the inertial chain brake (which many cheap saws do not have) as well as the power.
This electric chainsaw does not balk at cutting 16" diameter hardwood logs. It simply goes though them without a whimper.
Yes, this saw might be expensive, but it's made in Norway and after three seasons of cutting firewood, it seems built to last.
I can do nearly everything I want with thi... more
April 15, 2010
Kriss Schrader Power Equipment Direct, IL
Tricky Chain Saw
The Husqvarna electric 316E chain saw is a great little unit, but it can be kind of tricky when you use it for the first time.
Husqvarna built in a safety feature that works so well you might think the saw won't start.
The chain saw requires you to pull the chain brake all the way back until you hear a click.
Without doing this you will not be able to start the saw, making you think it is dead on arrival.
This is not a light and easy pull on the chain brake, either. You will need to put a little bit of force into it in order to hear the click, but don't think that you are going to break the plastic.
Husqvarna made the chain brake tougher so it doesn't engage itself because of a light bump or tap, interrupting your cutting.
After pulling back on the chain brake, the saw will be fully operational and you will be able to tackle those tough jobs you bought the chain saw for in the first place.
Happy Cutting!
The Husqvarna electric 316E chain saw is a great little unit, but it can be kind of tricky when you use it for the first time.
Husqvarna built in a safety feature that works so well you might think the saw won't start.
The chain saw requires you to pull the chain brake all the way back until you hear a click.
Without doing this you will not be able to start the saw, making you think it is dead on arrival.
This is not a light and easy pull on the chain brake, either. You will need to put a little bit of force into it in order ... more
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Owners Manual
