Litheli 12 inch 550W U1CS27042 Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Litheli 12 inch 550W chainsaw is a powerful cordless electric chainsaw designed for heavy-duty use around the home and farm. This Litheli model runs on a 12-inch guide bar and chain powered by a 550 watt brushless motor. The chainsaw is lightweight at just under 7 pounds yet delivers gas-like power to cut through logs up to 10 inches thick. Key features include variable speed with dual triggers, automatic chain lubrication, and kickback safety features. With its cordless convenience and robust cutting capacity, the Litheli 12-inch chainsaw is an ideal choice for demanding yardwork and small logging jobs.

Design

The Litheli 12-inch electric chainsaw has a compact and lightweight design. It measures 35.4 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches and weighs only 14.3 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and transport.

The chainsaw housing is constructed from a durable composite plastic material that is impact-resistant. This helps protect the internal components if the saw is accidentally dropped. The exterior also has rubberized grips to provide a secure and comfortable hold when operating the saw.

At just 14.3 pounds, this is one of the lightest 12-inch electric chainsaws available. The lightweight build combined with the well-balanced design allows users to operate the saw without excessive arm fatigue, even when pruning trees or cutting logs for extended periods. This makes the Litheli a good choice for homeowners and casual users who need a portable chainsaw for their property maintenance tasks.

The compact size is achieved by using a high-efficiency brushless motor rather than a traditional brushed motor. This allows Litheli to pack plenty of power into a small chainsaw housing. The streamlined profile makes the saw easier to maneuver in tight spaces compared to bulkier gas-powered alternatives.

Motor

The Litheli chainsaw is powered by a 550W brushless motor that delivers high torque and efficiency. It runs on a 12V lithium-ion battery which provides long run times and quick charge times.

The 550W power output is suitable for most residential cutting tasks like pruning trees, cutting firewood, and storm cleanup. It has ample power to cut through branches up to 6 inches thick.

The brushless motor design requires less maintenance and is more resistant to overheating compared to brushed motors. It maintains high performance over time with no brushes to wear out.

Using a lithium-ion battery enables the saw to be lightweight at just 6.2 lbs. Lithium-ion also holds a charge well and is less prone to power fade during sustained use. The included 2.0Ah battery can make 70-100 cuts per charge depending on the material being cut.

The 12V voltage delivers a good balance of power and portability. Lower voltage batteries like 7V or 10V may struggle with thicker branches. Higher voltages like 18V or 20V add weight without much benefit for a chainsaw this size.

Overall, the 550W brushless motor and 12V lithium-ion battery of the Litheli chainsaw provide strong cutting ability in a compact and convenient cordless package.

Chain

The Litheli chainsaw comes equipped with a 12 inch Oregon bar and chain. The chain pitch is 3/8 inches with a 0.043 gauge. This narrow kerf chain helps maximize cutting efficiency.

The 12 inch bar length is suitable for most medium sized pruning and cutting tasks, though larger bars in the 15-20 inch range would be better suited for felling trees. The Oregon chain is known for its durability and chip-clearing capabilities thanks to the company's patented LubriTec lubrification system.

The chain tension can be adjusted using the side access tensioning system. This allows you to fine tune the tightness of the chain to optimize cutting performance. Be sure not to over-tighten the chain as this can damage the guide bar and lead to premature wear. The chain brake lever helps guard against dangerous kickback situations. Overall the chain and bar equipped on the Litheli chainsaw provide versatile cutting capabilities for the average homeowners needs.

Cutting Performance

The Litheli 12-inch electric chainsaw can cut logs up to 10 inches thick, which is sufficient for most homeowners' occasional tree-trimming needs. With its powerful 550W motor, it has a maximum cutting speed of 13 feet per second. This is about average for consumer-grade electric chainsaws.

The 12-inch bar and chain allow the saw to cut through soft and medium woods like pine without issue. Hardwoods may require multiple passes, especially if the log diameter exceeds 6 inches. The chain stays relatively sharp, but struggles with dirty cuts in knotty wood.

Overall, the Litheli 12-inch model performs very well for an electric chainsaw in its class. It provides homeowners solid cutting power for limbing, pruning, and minor tree removal. However, experienced users may want a professional-grade gas chainsaw for frequent heavy-duty use or cutting logs over 10 inches thick. The Litheli works best on smaller branches and logs typical of most suburban yardwork.

Features

The Litheli 12-inch chainsaw comes equipped with several handy features for safe and easy operation.

• The chainsaw has an automatic chain brake that engages when the front hand guard is pushed forward, stopping the chain instantly in the event of kickback. This helps prevent injuries.

• There is a built-in chain tensioner that allows you to easily adjust the chain tension without tools. Proper chain tension is important for safe cutting.

• An anti-vibration handle and cushioned grip make the saw more comfortable to hold during extended use. This reduces fatigue.

• The chainsaw utilizes a tool-less chain replacement system. You can quickly remove and install a new chain without extra tools.

• For safety, a visible chain oil window lets you check the oil level at a glance before starting work.

• The 12-inch bar and chain are ideal sizes for many common residential cutting tasks like pruning trees, cutting firewood, and storm cleanup.

• At just over 12 lbs, the Litheli chainsaw is fairly lightweight and maneuverable for a gas-powered-like cutting experience.

So in summary, the Litheli chainsaw provides thoughtful safety mechanisms, tool-less adjustments, vibration reduction, and sensible bar length and weight for easy handling during day-to-day property maintenance jobs.

Ease of Use

The Litheli 12 inch chainsaw is designed for easy handling and control during operation. Its compact size and lightweight build (only 11.5 lbs) allow you to maneuver the saw with minimal effort. The rubberized handle provides a comfortable and slip-resistant grip, even when wearing gloves or working in wet conditions.

The well-balanced design also aids in control and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. When starting the saw, the combined primer bulb and choke lever ensure quick and easy ignition. Once running, the throttle trigger provides smooth variable speed operation. An automatic chain brake engages after each cut for added safety and convenience.

Overall, the ergonomic shape, light weight, and thoughtfully placed handles and controls of the Litheli 12 inch chainsaw allow users to wield and operate the tool with great comfort and ease. This makes the saw ideal for tasks ranging from storm cleanup to backyard tree trimming. Even first time users should find this mini chainsaw easy to handle and control.

Maintenance

The Litheli chainsaw requires some regular maintenance to keep it operating at peak performance. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Chain Sharpening

• The chain will naturally become dull with extended use. Periodically check the sharpness and sharpen the chain as needed using a round file and chain sharpening kit. Follow the kit instructions to sharpen the chain at the correct angle and depth.

• A dull chain can increase the risk of kickback as it tries to aggressively grab the wood. Keeping the chain sharp will lead to faster, smoother cutting.

Cleaning

• Over time, the exterior housing, chain bar, and other components can build up sap, sawdust, and dirt. Use a small brush and damp cloth to regularly wipe down the exterior.

• Avoid spraying the chainsaw directly with water. Use a brush and damp cloth to gently clean the chain and bar. Make sure components are dry before storing.

Storage

• After use, let the chainsaw fully cool down before storing away. Wipe off any dirt, sawdust, or sap built up during use.

• Store the chainsaw indoors in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid letting it sit in extreme cold or heat for extended periods.

• Empty the oil and gas tanks before long term storage. This will help prevent stale fuel issues when taking the saw back out.

• Store the chainsaw locked away or up high if you have children in your home. Always emphasis chainsaw safety.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design makes it very portable and easy to maneuver
• Powerful 12" bar and chain can cut logs up to 10" thick
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic oiling system requires no maintenance
• Long run time of up to 45 mins per charge
• Fast charging time under 2 hours
• Very quiet operation compared to gas chainsaws

Cons

• Limited cutting thickness capacity of 10"
• Battery and charger not included in purchase
• Chain needs frequent sharpening and replacing
• Not as rugged and heavy duty as gas-powered models
• Plastic housing prone to cracks if dropped
• Only a 1 year warranty

Conclusion

In summary, the Litheli 12" 550W Chainsaw is a powerful and versatile cordless electric chainsaw that offers great value for money.

The brushless motor provides excellent torque and cutting power, while the 12" Oregon bar and chain can handle medium-sized logs and branches up to 10 inches thick. Weighing just 8.8 lbs, the saw is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Some of the standout features include the tool-less chain tensioning system, automatic oiling system, and battery charge level indicator. Safety features like the chain brake and front hand guard are also well implemented.

For a cordless electric chainsaw, it has impressive run times of up to 40 minutes on a single charge. This gives you plenty of cutting capacity between charges. The 2.0Ah battery and charger are included.

While not as rugged or powerful as a gas chainsaw, the Litheli is great for limb cutting, storm cleanup, and other general property maintenance tasks. It's much quieter and easier to start than a gas saw.

Overall, the Litheli 12" Chainsaw is a great value electric chainsaw that offers excellent power and runtime for tackling medium-sized cutting jobs. If you need an efficient and hassle-free electric chainsaw, it's easy to recommend the Litheli.