Tired of wrestling with noisy, smoky gas chainsaws that refuse to start? Or perhaps you’re eyeing that overgrown branch in your backyard and need a tool that’s powerful yet easy to handle? If you’re looking for a cleaner, quieter, and more convenient way to tackle your yard work, then the world of 40V chainsaws might just be your next best friend.
But navigating the choices can feel overwhelming. What makes one 40V chainsaw better than another? How do you know if it has enough power for your needs? These questions often leave homeowners scratching their heads, unsure of where to begin. This post is here to cut through the confusion.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes these battery-powered workhorses so great. We’ll break down the key features to look for, helping you pick a 40V chainsaw that’s perfect for your projects. Get ready to discover the power and ease that a 40V chainsaw can bring to your outdoor chores!
Our Top 5 40V Chainsaw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 40V Chainsaw Detailed Reviews
1. Greenworks 40V 16″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
Rating: 9.3/10
Tackle your yard work with ease using the Greenworks 40V 16″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw. This powerful and user-friendly chainsaw is a fantastic tool for homeowners. It’s ideal for trimming branches, clearing fallen limbs after a storm, or any other outdoor project you have. The included 4.0Ah battery and charger mean you’re ready to go right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor gives you more power and makes the tool last longer.
- It’s super easy to start with just a push of a button – no gas or messy cords!
- A chain brake adds extra safety to help prevent accidents.
- The automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain running smoothly.
- You can adjust the chain tension without needing special tools, making maintenance simple.
- It’s lightweight and easy to handle for most yard jobs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for most homeowners, very heavy-duty jobs might require a gas-powered saw.
This Greenworks chainsaw offers a great balance of power, convenience, and safety. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their outdoor chores.
2. Greenworks 40V 14″ Chainsaw
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of wrestling with gas-powered chainsaws? The Greenworks 40V 14″ Chainsaw offers a powerful and convenient alternative for your yard work. This electric chainsaw comes ready to go with a 2.5Ah battery and charger, making it simple to tackle tasks like pruning branches and cutting firewood.
What We Like:
- The 14-inch chain and bar are great for cutting wood. You can get up to 75 cuts on 4×4 lumber from one charge.
- The TruBrushless motor gives you more power and runs longer. It’s also quieter and the motor lasts longer.
- An automatic oiler keeps the chain properly oiled for better cutting.
- Adjusting the chain tension is easy for simple maintenance.
- Starting is a breeze with a push button. There’s no gas, no fumes, and no messy parts like carburetors or spark plugs.
- Everything you need is included: the chainsaw, a scabbard, a 2.5Ah battery, a fast charger, and a manual.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the 14-inch bar might be too small for very large trees or demanding jobs.
- The 2.5Ah battery provides good runtime for most tasks, but heavier use might require purchasing an additional battery.
This Greenworks chainsaw is a fantastic option for homeowners seeking a user-friendly and efficient tool. It makes yard cleanup much simpler and more enjoyable.
3. Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless Compact Chainsaw (Great For Storm Clean-Up
Rating: 9.4/10
Tackling backyard projects or preparing for your next camping trip just got a whole lot easier with the Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless Compact Chainsaw. This powerful yet user-friendly tool is designed to make your outdoor chores a breeze, offering a clean and convenient alternative to gas-powered chainsaws. Whether you’re cleaning up after a storm, trimming branches, or cutting firewood for a cozy campfire, this chainsaw is up for the task.
What We Like:
- The 12″ bar and low-kickback chain with a hand guard keep you safe while you work.
- An automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated for longer life and better performance.
- Tool-less tensioning makes it super simple to adjust the chain.
- It starts up instantly with the push of a button – no gas, fumes, or messy maintenance like spark plugs or starter ropes.
- Everything you need is included: the chainsaw, a protective scabbard, a 2.0Ah battery, and a charger.
- It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it great for various tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for general use, it might not be powerful enough for very large trees or heavy-duty logging.
- Battery run time might be a consideration for extended, continuous use without recharging.
This Greenworks chainsaw is a fantastic choice for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts. It provides a powerful and convenient way to handle many common cutting needs.
4. SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 14” Lightweight Chainsaw Kit with Tool-free Chain Tension & Auto Lubrication
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle your yard work with the SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 14” Lightweight Chainsaw Kit. This cordless chainsaw is designed for power and convenience, making it a great tool for homeowners. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a battery and charger. This chainsaw is built to last and makes cutting wood easier.
What We Like:
- It’s a cordless chainsaw kit that includes a 2.5Ah lithium battery and a fast charger.
- This SKIL chainsaw cuts faster than other 40V chainsaws from different brands.
- The digital brushless motor gives you strong power to cut through tough wood easily.
- The battery lasts longer and has a longer life thanks to special cooling technology.
- The Auto PWR JUMP charger gets your battery to 30% charge in just 15 minutes.
- You can easily adjust the chain tension with a simple dial on the side.
- Auto-lubrication keeps the chain running smoothly and effectively.
- An anti-kickback brake stops the power if the saw kicks back, keeping you safe.
- The chainsaw is built with weather-resistant materials for extra durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2.5Ah battery might not be enough for very large jobs without recharging.
- The tool-free chain tensioning mechanism could be more robust for heavy-duty use.
Overall, this SKIL chainsaw kit offers a great balance of power, convenience, and safety for your outdoor projects. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable cordless chainsaw.
5. ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw
Rating: 9.2/10
Take on any cutting job with the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw. This powerful 40V saw uses two 20V MAX batteries (not included) to deliver impressive performance for wood cutting, tree pruning, and firewood prep. Its brushless motor means it lasts longer and needs less upkeep than older types of motors, giving you reliable power every time.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cutting: The 16-inch bar and brushless motor make quick work of tough tasks.
- DeWalt Battery Compatibility: Use your existing DeWalt 20V MAX batteries for convenience.
- Automatic Oiling: The chain stays well-lubricated for smooth operation and longer life.
- Safety First: Features like a quick-stop brake guard and rapid stop offer excellent protection.
- Great Value: Comes with extra chains, a guide bar cover, and necessary tools.
- Solid Support: Enjoy a 2-year warranty, 30-day refund, and lifetime customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries Not Included: You’ll need to buy DeWalt 20V MAX batteries separately.
- Battery Recommendation: For best results, two 4-5Ah batteries are recommended, adding to the initial cost.
This ReliaRoads chainsaw is a solid choice for homeowners and DIYers needing dependable cutting power. It offers a good balance of performance, safety, and convenience, especially if you already own DeWalt batteries.
Your Guide to Picking the Best 40V Chainsaw
Thinking about getting a 40V chainsaw? They’re a great choice for many yard jobs. They’re quieter than gas chainsaws and don’t need gas. This guide will help you find the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important things in mind:
- Bar Length: This is how long the cutting part of the chainsaw is. Longer bars can cut bigger branches. Shorter bars are easier to handle for smaller jobs. Think about what you’ll be cutting most.
- Chain Speed (RPM): This tells you how fast the chain spins. A faster chain cuts wood quicker. Look for chainsaws with good RPMs for efficient cutting.
- Battery Voltage and Amp-Hours (Ah): You already know it’s 40V. The “Ah” tells you how long the battery lasts. More Ah means longer run time. Check if it comes with a battery and charger.
- Weight: Chainsaws can be heavy. A lighter one is easier to use for longer periods. Check the weight with the battery.
- Safety Features: Look for a chain brake. This stops the chain quickly if something goes wrong. A chain catcher is also good. It stops the chain if it breaks.
Important Materials
The parts of a chainsaw matter for how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Bar and Chain: Good chainsaws have bars and chains made from strong steel. This helps them stay sharp and last longer. Some brands offer premium bars and chains.
- Housing: The body of the chainsaw is usually made of tough plastic. High-quality plastic resists cracks and damage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a 40V chainsaw better, while others make it worse.
- Brushless Motor: Chainsaws with brushless motors are usually better. They last longer, run cooler, and use battery power more efficiently. This means more cutting power and longer battery life.
- Build Quality: Feel the chainsaw. Does it feel solid and well-put-together? Poorly made chainsaws can break easily.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making good tools. Look for brands that have good reviews and offer warranties. A good warranty protects you if something goes wrong.
- Battery Compatibility: If you already own other 40V tools from a brand, the batteries might work with the chainsaw. This can save you money.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use the chainsaw affects which one is best.
- Light Yard Work: For trimming small branches and cutting up fallen limbs, a lighter chainsaw with a shorter bar is perfect. You won’t need the biggest battery.
- Medium Yard Work: If you trim hedges often or cut larger branches, you’ll want a chainsaw with a longer bar and a higher Ah battery. A brushless motor will also be very helpful.
- Occasional Use: If you only need a chainsaw a few times a year, a more basic model might be fine. Make sure it has the basic safety features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a 40V chainsaw?
A: You should look for the bar length, chain speed (RPM), battery voltage and amp-hours (Ah), weight, and important safety features like a chain brake.
Q: How does the bar length affect chainsaw use?
A: A longer bar can cut bigger branches. A shorter bar is easier to handle for smaller jobs.
Q: What does “Ah” mean for a chainsaw battery?
A: “Ah” stands for amp-hours. It tells you how long the battery can power the chainsaw. A higher Ah number means the battery lasts longer.
Q: Is a brushless motor important for a 40V chainsaw?
A: Yes, a brushless motor is better. It makes the chainsaw last longer, run cooler, and use battery power more efficiently.
Q: What materials should I look for in the bar and chain?
A: Look for bars and chains made from strong steel. This helps them stay sharp and last longer.
Q: How can I tell if a chainsaw is good quality?
A: Check the build quality. Does it feel solid? Also, consider the brand’s reputation and if it offers a warranty.
Q: Can I use batteries from other 40V tools with my chainsaw?
A: Sometimes, yes. If you own other 40V tools from the same brand, their batteries might work with the chainsaw.
Q: What are some common use cases for a 40V chainsaw?
A: They are good for light yard work like trimming branches, medium yard work like cutting larger limbs, and occasional jobs around the house.
Q: Are 40V chainsaws as powerful as gas chainsaws?
A: Modern 40V chainsaws are quite powerful. They can handle many jobs that gas chainsaws used to do, but very heavy-duty tasks might still need a gas model.
Q: What safety features are most important on a 40V chainsaw?
A: A chain brake is very important. It stops the chain quickly in emergencies. A chain catcher is also a good safety feature.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!