Sun Joe SWJ803E 10 inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Snow Joe SWJ803E is a 10-inch electric chainsaw from Snow Joe, a company known for making outdoor power tools and equipment for homeowners. Snow Joe aims to provide affordable reliability with their products, making tools and equipment accessible to most homeowners and DIYers.

The SWJ803E chainsaw is one of Snow Joe's more powerful electric saws, with a 10-inch Oregon bar and chain and a powerful 8-amp motor. It's designed to help homeowners tackle medium-sized branches and firewood cutting tasks around the yard. With its cordless convenience and solid specs for a homeowner saw, the SWJ803E aims to provide an ideal blend of power and portability.

Design

The Sun Joe SWJ803E chainsaw has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to maneuver and transport. It weighs just over 9 lbs, allowing users to operate it comfortably for extended periods.

The 10-inch bar is made from durable steel for long-lasting performance. It can cut branches and logs up to 7.5 inches thick, yet the narrow bar lets you make precision cuts in tight spaces.

The saw itself is constructed mainly from durable plastic. This helps reduce fatigue since the saw doesn't get too heavy over time. The wrap-around handle provides a secure grip, even when wearing gloves.

An adjustable chain tensioner knob makes it easy to get the right tension on the chain. This helps maximize cutting efficiency and reduces wear and tear.

Overall the thoughtfully designed saw balances power, safety, and convenience in a compact form factor suitable for most homeowner needs. The rugged but lightweight materials stand up to frequent use without adding unnecessary bulk.

Engine

The SWJ803E snow blower features a powerful 10 amp electric motor. This type of motor provides plenty of power to cut through up to 10 inches of snow, while being easy and convenient to start up.

Simply plug it into any standard 120V outlet and you're ready to clear snow. No gasoline, oil or manual pull-cords needed. The electric motor starts right up at the flip of a switch.

The 10 inch impeller is powered by the robust motor to throw snow up to 20 feet away. Homeowners can swiftly plow through heavy, wet snow without the machine bogging down thanks to the high-torque design.

This corded electric motor means you'll never have to worry about refueling or changing spark plugs. It's an incredibly low-maintenance yet potent engine, ideal for most suburban homeowners' snow removal needs. Just make sure to use an outdoor extension cord of sufficient gauge.

Cutting Features

The Sun Joe SWJ803E chainsaw comes equipped with a number of great cutting features that make it versatile and effective for a variety of tasks.

• The saw has a 10-inch bar length, which is a nice compact size that's maneuverable yet still able to cut thicker branches and logs up to 9.5 inches in diameter. The moderately long bar gives you good reach without being overly bulky.

• It uses Oregon low-kickback bar and chain technology. The chain has reduced kickback bumpers and built-in safety features to help prevent dangerous kickbacks while cutting.

• The chain tensioning system is tool-free and allows you to adjust the chain tension easily without extra tools. Just turn the adjustment knob to get the right tension for smooth and efficient cutting. This makes it convenient to tweak the tension while working.

The combination of the 10-inch bar length, Oregon advanced low-kickback chain, and tool-free chain tensioning provides strong cutting capabilities in a safer and easy to manage chainsaw. These well-designed cutting features let you take on a variety of tasks and cut wood efficiently.

Safety Features

Safety should be the top priority when using a chainsaw. The Sun Joe SWJ803E has several handy safety features:

• Chain brake - This chainsaw has an automatic chain brake that engages if the saw experiences kickback. The brake stops the chain within fractions of a second to prevent injury.

• Kickback protection - The SWJ803E utilizes a reduced kickback bar and chain. This helps prevent dangerous kickbacks if the tip of the bar touches anything. The front hand guard also provides extra protection.

• Ergonomics - The rear handle has an ergonomic grip and thumb slot for comfort and control. The front handle is adjustable without tools for proper balance. At just under 10 lbs, the SWJ803E is fairly lightweight for a gas chainsaw. The compact size makes it easy to handle.

With key safety features like an automatic chain brake, kickback protections, and ergonomic design, the Sun Joe SWJ803E allows you to fell trees and cut wood with greater peace of mind. Just be sure to wear protective gear, keep your hands away from the cutting area, and maintain full control.

Convenience Features

The Sun Joe SWJ803E chainsaw comes with several convenience features that make it easier to use.

Telescoping Pole

One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its telescoping pole. The pole can extend from 6.6 feet to 10 feet, allowing you to reach high branches without needing a ladder. The telescoping mechanism locks securely into place at different heights.

Rotating Head

Another nice convenience feature is the rotating head, which pivots up to 30 degrees. This allows you to position the bar at different angles to make angled cuts. The head tightens into place with a knob so it stays locked in the angle you set.

Carrying Case

The chainsaw includes a durable carrying case that provides safe and secure storage and transport. The case has a handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying. It protects the bar and chain during transport and keeps everything together in one place.

Maintenance

Keeping your chainsaw in optimal working condition is key for safe and effective use. Here are some of the main maintenance tasks to remember:

Chain Sharpening

The chain on a chainsaw needs to be sharpened regularly as it naturally becomes dull with use. A sharp chain makes cutting easier and safer. You can sharpen the chain yourself using a round file and filing jig or have it sharpened at a service shop. File gently and be sure to maintain the proper filing angles.

Air Filter Cleaning

A dirty air filter can restrict proper airflow to the engine, reducing power. Consult your owner's manual for how often to check and replace the air filter. Typically just tapping a filter or using compressed air is sufficient to remove debris between changes. Replacing air filters regularly is wise.

Fueling

Use only the recommended fuel and bar/chain oil for your model. An improper gas/oil mixture can lead to engine damage over time. Don't overfill the gas tank and only fuel in a well-ventilated area after allowing the engine to cool. Also inspect fuel lines occasionally for cracks that could lead to leaks.

Pros

• Lightweight Design: The Sun Joe SWJ803E chainsaw weighs just 8.8 lbs with the battery installed, making it easy to maneuver and reducing fatigue during extended use. The lightweight build is great for using up high on ladders or for homeowners.

• Telescoping Reach: The telescoping pole extends to reach up to 15 feet high, allowing you to prune and cut branches without needing a ladder in many cases. This reach combines nicely with the lightweight design.

• Excellent Value: For the reach, battery life, features and power the SWJ803E chainsaw delivers, it represents an outstanding value compared to gas-powered models with similar capabilities. It's a budget-friendly option.

Cons

The Snow Joe SWJ803E chainsaw has a few drawbacks to consider:

• Underpowered - This electric chainsaw only has a 10-amp motor, which some users find underpowered for cutting thicker logs or branches. It may struggle and bog down in very dense or wet wood. For heavy-duty tasks, a gas chainsaw with more power may be preferable.

• Flimsy materials - While decent for light jobs, some parts like the chain cover and bar mounting seem a bit flimsy. This isn't built as ruggedly as pro-level gas chainsaws. The plastic clutch cover is also prone to cracking over time. Durability may be a concern with heavy use.

• Noisy - This chainsaw is quite loud, reaching up to 103 dB. That's comparable to a gas model. So hearing protection is a must when operating it. Some users wish it was a bit quieter for use in residential settings. Vibration levels are also significant if using it for prolonged periods.

Conclusion

Overall, the Chainsaw Sun Joe SWJ803E 10 inch is a solid choice for occasional homeowners looking for an electric chainsaw for basic property maintenance. Its lightweight and compact size make it easy to handle and store. The 10 inch bar can handle small to medium branches up to 7.5 inches thick, making it suitable for pruning shrubs, trimming limbs, and cutting small trees or firewood.

The powerful 8 Amp motor provides reliable power as long as you let it rest between longer jobs. Safety features like the hand guard and chain brake add important protection. While the plastic housing feels cheaper than pro models, it helps keep the saw lightweight. For the price, it's a good value electric chainsaw.

This saw is best for homeowners tackling occasional tasks a few times a year. It lacks the rugged durability for daily professional use. If you need to fell large trees or cut firewood regularly, a more powerful gas chainsaw would be a better choice. This electric model also requires an outdoor extension cord, limiting your range.

Overall, the Sun Joe SWJ803E is a budget-friendly electric chainsaw ideal for basic homeowner needs. If you require professional capabilities or frequent heavy-duty use, you may want to consider investing in a more expensive gas-powered model. But for light-duty cutting jobs a few times a year, this saw provides good homeowner value.