Saker Mini 6 Inch SK1806DBT02-U Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Saker Mini Chainsaw is a lightweight and compact electric chainsaw designed for use around the home and yard. This mini chainsaw packs impressive cutting power into a small 6-inch bar, making it easy to maneuver and handle for tasks like tree pruning, firewood cutting, and storm cleanup.

Weighing just over 5 pounds with the battery installed, the Saker Mini delivers portable cutting power without sacrificing performance. The compact size and one-hand operation enhance control and safety when working in tight spaces. With a tool-free chain tensioning system, users can easily adjust chain tension for optimal cutting.

Overall, the Saker Mini aims to provide an efficient and convenient cutting solution for light-duty requirements where a full-sized chainsaw is impractical. Its portable design and cordless convenience make it well-suited for basic homeowner needs.

Design

The Saker Mini chainsaw has a compact and lightweight design perfect for use around the home and yard. At just 6 inches, it is one of the smallest chainsaws on the market, making it easy to maneuver and store. Despite its small size, it still packs impressive power thanks to its 18V lithium-ion battery.

Weighing only 4.4 lbs with the battery installed, the Saker Mini is incredibly lightweight compared to larger gas-powered saws. This makes it much easier to handle for extended cutting tasks without fatigue. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and has a rubberized grip to prevent slipping. It also features a front hand guard for added protection.

The small form factor combined with the well-designed handle makes the Saker Mini easy to control and allows users to get into tight spaces that larger saws can't access. Overall, the compact and lightweight design is optimized for convenience, portability, and ease of use.

Power

The Saker Mini chainsaw is powered by a 6 inch 18V lithium-ion battery that delivers adequate runtime for small jobs around the yard, while keeping the saw lightweight and easy to maneuver. The battery takes about 3 hours to fully charge and provides roughly 20-30 minutes of continuous runtime depending on the thickness and hardness of the material being cut.

This isn't the longest battery life, but is reasonable for the saw's intended use for pruning limbs and small branches up to 3 inches thick. The power is comparable to other mini chainsaws in this class. While you may need to pause to swap out batteries on longer jobs, the battery is easily removable and replaceable when it runs low.

The brushless motor provides sufficient torque for the saw's compact size, allowing it to slice through moderate yard debris fairly efficiently. It may bog down a bit on denser woods, but performs adequately for most homeowners' trimming needs. Overall the power balances portability and runtime well for a mini chainsaw geared towards lighter household use.

Cutting Ability

The Saker Mini chainsaw has respectable cutting abilities for a compact saw. It can cut branches and logs up to 6 inches thick, which is sufficient for basic property maintenance and firewood preparation.

The chain speed is solid at 15m/s when running on full battery power. This allows you to make quicker cuts through smaller logs and branches. The chain itself uses chisel cutters, which help grab and cut through wood efficiently. Chisel cutters hold their sharpness better than semi-chisel cutters when dealing with dirt or sand.

Overall, the cutting thickness, speed, and chisel chain allow the Saker Mini to take on small-to-medium cutting jobs with ease. It's not meant for felling large trees, but it can definitely handle typical property cleanup and firewood tasks. Just don't overwork it on logs larger than 6 inches thick.

Safety Features

The Saker Mini chainsaw has some great built-in safety features. One of the most important is the chain brake, which is designed to stop the chain immediately if kickback occurs. This can prevent potential injuries in the event of kickback. The chain brake activates automatically in case of kickback, but there is also a manual lever allowing you to engage the brake at any time for added control.

In terms of kickback protection, the Saker Mini has a reduced kickback bar and chain which are designed to minimize the chance and impact of kickback events. The compact overall size and weight distribution of the saw also give you more control over kickback forces. Additionally, the front hand guard helps protect your hand by acting as a barrier between your hand and the saw in the event of kickback.

Together, the chain brake system and kickback protections allow you to operate the Saker Mini with confidence - knowing the saw is designed for safety. Just be sure to always use proper chainsaw techniques, maintain full control of the saw, and engage the brake lever for maximum protection.

Ease of Use

The Saker Mini chainsaw is designed for ease of use, making it a great choice for homeowners and occasional users.

Starting the saw is straightforward with the pull start cord - just a few pulls primes the fuel and gets the engine going. The saw has an automatic choke so no need to fiddle with levers to get it started. Once running, the engine provides smooth power without hesitation or bogging down.

Handling is very good thanks to the compact size and light weight of just 6.4 lbs. The rounded rear handle and front hand guard allow you to grip the saw securely. The trigger style power switch is intuitive and easy to operate even with gloves on.

When it's time to sharpen or replace the chain, the side access chain tensioner knob makes the process simple. Just loosen the knob, remove the bar nuts, and slide off the chain. Reinstallation is just as easy in reverse order. The knob allows you to tension the chain perfectly without tools. Overall, this chainsaw is designed for quick, hassle-free operation.

Maintenance

The Saker Mini chainsaw requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

Cleaning - It's important to clean the chainsaw after each use to remove any built-up sawdust, debris, sap, and dirt. Use a small brush and compressed air to thoroughly clean out the motor housing, chain cover, guide bar, and all other components. Wipe down the outer surfaces with a clean rag. Proper cleaning will prevent performance issues and premature wear.

Chain Sharpening/Replacement - A sharp chain is essential for smooth, efficient cutting. Inspect the cutters before each use and sharpen or replace the chain as needed. Use a round file and file guide to evenly sharpen the cutting teeth at the correct 30° angle. Replace the chain when cutters are heavily worn or damaged. It's good practice to keep a spare chainsaw chain on hand.

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and guidelines to keep the chainsaw performing optimally. Periodically inspect components for wear/damage and make repairs or replacements as needed. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your chainsaw and ensure it's ready to work when you are.

Accessories

The Saker Mini chainsaw comes with some useful accessories to enhance your experience.

Bar Guard

The bar guard is an essential safety accessory that comes standard with the saw. It covers the exposed part of the chain when not in use to protect you from accidental contact. The sturdy metal guard clicks into place easily.

Charger

A fast 50 minute charger is included to power up the removable 6V battery. This makes it convenient to recharge the battery anywhere with an outlet. The charger plugs directly into the battery.

Carrying Case

A durable textile zippered case provides safe transport and storage for the saw and accessories. The case has a handy shoulder strap for easy carrying. Inside are compartments for stowing the saw, battery, charger, guard and small tools.

Pros

The Saker Mini Chainsaw stands out for its excellent portability, power, and value.

Portability

Weighing only 4.4 lbs with the battery installed, the Saker Mini is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver. Its compact 6-inch bar length makes it ideal for trimming branches and smaller jobs where maneuverability is key. The inclusion of a carrying case also makes it simple to transport. This saw's portable design is perfect for use around the home and yard.

Power

Despite its small size, the Saker Mini packs impressive cutting power thanks to its brushless motor. It delivers efficient energy use and high chain speeds for smooth cuts through branches up to 5 inches thick. For a mini chainsaw, users are surprised by its ability to power through decent sized limbs with ease.

Value

This cordless electric chainsaw provides great value by combining portability, power, and convenient cordless operation at an affordable price point. Compared to similar models, the Saker Mini offers an impressive balance of performance and price. It's a budget-friendly option that still delivers on key functionality for light duty cutting tasks.

Cons

• The Saker Mini chainsaw has some limitations in its cutting ability. The 6-inch bar means it can only cut branches up to around 4 inches thick. For bigger limbs or trees, you'll need a larger chainsaw.

• Battery life is relatively short compared to gas chainsaws. The 2Ah battery lasts around 20-25 minutes of run time. For extended cutting, you'll need extra charged batteries or need to recharge during use.

• While lighter than gas models, the Saker Mini still weighs over 7 pounds. It may get tiring to hold overhead or use for long periods. Consider both hands or short sessions if you have weaker arms or shoulders.

• There's no rapid charger included. Recharging the battery pack takes 2-3 hours. Faster chargers are available separately.

• It lacks the power of gas or corded electric models. The Mini works well for smaller tasks but can struggle in dense or hardwood. Go slowly and don't overwork it.

• No chain brake, which helps stop the chain if kickback occurs. Use caution and proper technique to avoid kickbacks.

• Not designed for heavy duty use. It's best for occasional light yard work, not all day limbing or felling trees. Durability may be limited with very frequent professional use.