Corded Electric Chainsaw with no mechanical chain brake

[kjc]

I just bought a Ryobi corded electric chainsaw (13 Amp, 16" bar). I live in a fairly dense urban neighborhood and am going to be processing wood from a local tree service. I want to use the electric saw for bucking so I don't annoy my neighbors.

Instead of a normal mechanical chain brake, the saw just has a fixed plastic guard where the brake should be, and the package says it has an "Internal Automatic Chain Brake for More User Control." I can't find any info about what that actually means or how it responds in a kickback situation.

Is this typical for electric saws? My gut is that having a conventional brake is an important kickback safety feature, so I am hesitant to go without one. Looking for advice, and taking recommendations on any other corded electric saws that people have experience with.

 

[johneh]

The way I read it is the chain break is the electric motor cutting power to the motor stops the chain
As with a gas saw instantaneously. In my eyes, it is good to go. It works like a gas saw your hand hits
the bar on a kick backstopping the chain

 

[blades]

I have a Makita unit corded, reason i bought this one, all metal gear train. Unlike most all of others i have seen with a big plastic ring gear and brass pinion gear. Which, if it gets jammed up, strips the plastic gear. At the moment and not being at home I do not remember if it has a traditional chain brake. Looked it up, it has an electric brake. The purpose intended for the unit is the same as yours. and allows for cutting inside during in-climate conditions with out fumes. I am not particularly fond of the battery powered units.

 

[stoveliker]

It may have an inertial break, like my echo cs 4910 has (also a manual break tho).

 

[ABMax24]

Turn the saw on and push the guard, does it have an electric switch that kills the chain?

Electric brakes have been common place on corded tools for a while, I'm sure it's the same here.