EGO Power+ CS1401 14-Inch 56V Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

to the EGO Power+ CS1401 Chainsaw

The EGO Power+ CS1401 is a cordless 14-inch chainsaw that runs on a 56V lithium-ion battery. As a battery-powered electric chainsaw, it provides the convenience of cordless operation without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a gas chainsaw.

EGO Power+ specializes in battery-powered outdoor power equipment. Their 56V lithium-ion battery technology enables their tools to deliver power comparable to gas-powered models. The CS1401 chainsaw is one of their flagship products, designed for homeowner yard work like pruning trees, cutting firewood, and storm cleanup.

As a cordless electric chainsaw, the CS1401 aims to provide the cutting performance of a gas model but with the quiet and low maintenance operation of an electric chainsaw. Its key features include the powerful 56V Arc Lithium battery, 14-inch bar and chain, weather resistant construction, and convenient electric starting.

Design

The EGO Power+ CS1401 chainsaw has an ergonomic and lightweight design optimized for comfort and ease of use. It weighs just 12.3 lbs with the 2.0Ah battery installed, making it one of the lightest 14-inch chain saws on the market. The body is constructed from a durable polypropylene polymer that is impact-resistant without adding unnecessary weight.

At 35.2 inches in total length, the CS1401 strikes a nice balance between portability and sufficient bar length for tackling small- to medium-sized limbs and logs. The wraparound front handle provides a secure and controlled grip, even when wearing thick gloves. An additional rear handle near the battery boosts leverage when making tough cuts. The slim body profile allows users to get close to their work while reducing arm strain.

Overall, EGO designed the CS1401 chain saw to provide power-tool cutting performance in a compact, ergonomic, and maneuverable package suitable for routine property maintenance. The lightweight build reduces fatigue over extended use compared to heavier gas-powered alternatives.

Motor

The EGO Power+ CS1401 chainsaw is powered by a high-efficiency brushless motor that provides plenty of torque and power for cutting. The motor generates 1400W of power, which is equivalent to a 38cc gas chainsaw.

One advantage of the brushless motor design is increased efficiency compared to brushed motors. Without brushes and a commutator to create friction and waste energy as heat, more of the electrical energy gets converted into useful cutting power.

The EGO motor has electronic speed control that delivers a no-load speed up to 4000 RPM. At max power, it provides torque comparable to a gas chainsaw in order to make smooth cuts even in dense hardwood. The instantaneous start-up and power delivery makes this an ideal saw for limb cutting and storm cleanup tasks.

When not at full throttle, the variable speed trigger provides precise control over the chain speed. This helps conserve battery power and prevents over-cutting on thinner branches. Overall, the brushless motor in the EGO chainsaw delivers plenty of speed and torque for demanding cutting jobs.

Battery and Charger

The EGO Power+ CS1401 is powered by a 56-volt 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery. This high voltage battery provides longer runtime compared to lower voltage batteries typically found in 14" chainsaws.

EGO estimates the 5.0Ah battery provides up to 150 cuts in 2x4 lumber on a single charge. This translates to around 30-45 minutes of runtime depending on the thickness and hardness of the wood being cut. Run times will be shorter when making lots of large cuts or cutting dense hardwoods.

Charging the battery from empty takes approximately 50 minutes with the included rapid charger. The charger plugs into a standard 120V household outlet and has an LED indicator to show charging status. It's a good idea to have a second battery on hand for extended cutting sessions or all day use.

The battery clicks securely into place on the saw and has a battery life indicator so you can check the remaining charge. Overall the large capacity 56V lithium-ion battery provides excellent power and respectable runtime for a cordless chainsaw of this size.

Chain and Bar

The EGO Power+ CS1401 chainsaw comes equipped with a 14-inch bar and chain. The bar length is suitable for most light-duty cutting tasks like pruning trees, trimming branches, and cutting firewood.

The 14-inch Oregon bar is made of durable hardened steel that can handle bumps and knocks. The bar features rounded nose sprockets that are gentler on the chain.

The saw uses a 3/8-inch pitch Oregon chain that is designed to deliver efficient cutting. The chain has a 0.043-inch gauge which provides a good balance of durability and cutting performance. The semi-chisel cutters can handle both green and dry wood without excessive wear.

The 14-inch bar and 3/8-inch pitch chain is an excellent match that makes the saw nimble and easy to control during use. It's a versatile setup that works for most homeowners' cutting needs around the yard.

Features

The EGO Power+ CS1401 chainsaw comes packed with useful features for safe, efficient cutting. It has an automatic oiler that lubricates the chain while running to prevent binding and increase the chain's lifespan. This feature ensures the chain stays properly lubricated without you having to remember to oil it manually.

Another important safety feature is the kickback brake. This instantly stops the chain if any kickback is detected, preventing potential injuries. The brake activates automatically using inertia, so you don't have to think about pressing any buttons. It brings the chain to a stop in fractions of a second if any unsafe kickback motion occurs.

For convenience, the CS1401 has a built-in LED light to illuminate your work area if you're cutting in dim conditions. It has an ergonomic rear handle with rubber over molding for comfort during extended use. The chain tension can be adjusted tool-lessly, allowing you to dial in just the right tension. And at just 14 inches, it's a nicely balanced size for limbing, pruning and mid-range cutting tasks.

Cutting Performance

The EGO Power+ CS1401 packs impressive cutting performance for a battery chainsaw. With a high efficiency brushless motor, it can reach chain speeds up to 20m/s for fast, smooth cuts through wood. This chainsaw has a 14" bar length, allowing it to cut logs up to 12" thick.

In testing, the CS1401 makes short work of cutting through both softwoods like pine as well as hardwoods like oak without bogging down. It has plenty of power to slice through lumber, fallen branches, and small trees with ease. Many users mention how surprised they are by the cutting speed and capacity of this cordless model, saying it rivals gas chainsaws.

The Oregon chain and bar hold up well to heavy use without much sharpening needed. The chain tension is easily adjustable via a side access knob too. Overall, users consistently rate the cutting performance as excellent, making this a very capable chainsaw for property maintenance, storm cleanup, and firewood cutting. The battery power delivers high chain speeds for fast cuts while not sacrificing capacity to handle decent sized logs.

Ease of Use

The EGO Power+ chainsaw is designed for easy operation and maneuverability. It has an ergonomic rear handle with rubber over molding that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The front handle is also rubberized to reduce vibration and fatigue.

To reduce vibration, the EGO Power+ uses a patented multi-stage reduction system and anti-vibration handles. This results in smooth and comfortable operation, even during extended use. Users mention the chainsaw feels very steady and easy to control.

Noise level is another important factor for ease of use. The EGO Power+ operates at a lower noise level of 84 dB, which is less than a gas chainsaw. This makes it easier to hold a conversation while using it without needing hearing protection. The quieter performance is ideal for homeowners who want to use it without disturbing neighbors.

Overall, the ergonomic design, vibration reduction system, and quieter performance of the EGO Power+ chainsaw make it very easy and comfortable to operate. Users appreciate how steady and manageable it feels compared to gas-powered alternatives.

Maintenance

The EGO Power+ CS1401 requires some periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The chain and bar will need lubrication, tension checks, and sharpening to maintain good cutting performance. The chain will likely need to be replaced every 1-2 years with heavy use.

Part availability is very good for the EGO Power+ line. The chains, bars, batteries, and other accessories are readily available from EGO or online retailers. Since EGO uses a proprietary battery technology, you will need to stick with EGO branded replacement batteries rather than third party options. The advantage is that EGO seems to actively support its battery platform with new tools and accessories.

Overall, maintenance tasks are straightforward for the CS1401 chainsaw. Following the manual recommendations for lubrication and chain tension will keep it operating smoothly. And EGO provides good part availability for items that wear out over time like the chain and bar.

Pros and Cons

The EGO Power+ CS1401 chainsaw has several advantages as well as some drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Powerful 14-inch bar and chain can cut through logs up to 14 inches thick
• Brushless motor provides excellent torque and chain speed
• 56V lithium-ion battery lasts up to 150 cuts on a single charge
• Rapid charger fully charges battery in under an hour
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic chain oiling and kickback brake for safety
• Weather resistant construction

Cons

• Heavier than gas-powered chainsaws at over 14 lbs
• Battery and charger add to the overall cost
• Not designed for intensive, all-day use like professional models
• Chain may need frequent sharpening and replacing
• Battery charge won't last all day for heavy duty tasks

The EGO Power+ offers home and farm users a powerful cordless alternative to gas chainsaws, with convenience and lower maintenance. But the limitations of run time and long-term durability should be considered for regular heavy use.