Greenworks 40V 12 Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Greenworks 40V 12-inch cordless chainsaw is an eco-friendly battery-powered saw that offers an excellent combination of power, run time, and portability. Part of Greenworks' G-MAX 40V lithium-ion battery system, this chainsaw is designed to make quick work of limbs, fallen branches, and other yard debris without the need for gas or oil.

Weighing in at just 8.8 lbs with the battery installed, the Greenworks 40V chainsaw is light enough for extended overhead cutting yet has ample power from the included 40V 4Ah battery. It features a brushless motor for quiet, efficient operation and long runtimes between charges. The 12-inch Oregon bar and chain can handle logs up to 10 inches thick with ease.

This review will take an in-depth look at the design, cutting performance, battery life, safety features, ease of use, maintenance needs, and other key factors to consider for the Greenworks 40V cordless chainsaw. We'll provide a candid assessment of the saw's strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right battery-powered model for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Greenworks 12-inch cordless chainsaw features a rugged yet lightweight design for ease of use. The body is constructed from hardened plastic which keeps the weight down to just 6.29 lbs while still providing durability.

Despite the light weight, the chainsaw feels well-balanced in hand thanks to the ergonomic rear handle and wraparound front handle. Both handles are overmolded with a soft rubberized coating for comfort during extended use. This also helps provide a secure grip to minimize fatigue.

The chain brake lever sits in an accessible location above the rear handle for quick activation. There is ample space between the handles to maneuver the chainsaw comfortably with either a one or two-handed grip.

Overall the Greenworks chainsaw is thoughtfully designed with quality materials to deliver a tool that is lightweight yet durable for cutting jobs. The comfortable handle placement also makes it easy to operate with minimal fatigue.

Motor and Cutting Performance

The Greenworks 12-inch cordless chainsaw is powered by a brushless 40V motor that delivers excellent cutting power for a cordless saw. The motor provides sufficient torque and chain speed to make quick work of cuts up to 12 inches deep in a variety of wood types.

According to tests, the chainsaw can produce over 3400 SPM chain speed when unloaded. This high chain speed enables fast and efficient cutting through wood. Even pressure-treated lumber and small logs can be handled smoothly by the 40V motor without bogging down.

The 12-inch bar and chain can manage ripping cuts up to the full bar length in softwoods like pine. Hardwoods may require smaller increment cuts, but the saw still has muscle to power through oak, maple, birch, and other dense woods without problem. The motor and chain combine to deliver fast limbing and bucking capacity for storm cleanup or yard work.

With the 40V battery, users can expect sustained power and chain speed through multiple cuts. There is no fade or drop off in performance as the battery drains. The Greenworks design provides pro-grade cutting ability rivaling gas models, but without engine maintenance.

Battery Life

The Greenworks 40V 12-inch cordless chainsaw comes with a 4Ah lithium-ion battery that provides excellent runtime. Most users can expect around 45-60 minutes of cutting per charge, depending on the thickness and hardness of the wood being cut.

The battery utilizes Greenworks' 40V G-Max power system, which delivers consistent power and maximizes the life of the battery. It's compatible with other Greenworks 40V tools as well, so you can share batteries between devices.

One of the nice features of the battery is that it has a fuel gauge that displays the remaining charge, so you know when it's time to recharge. It also has no memory effect, meaning you don't have to completely drain it before recharging.

The battery takes about 2 hours to fully recharge once depleted. An extra battery can be purchased separately so you can essentially double the runtime before needing to recharge.

Overall, the 4Ah 40V battery provides ample juice for most homeowners' cutting needs on a single charge. The fuel gauge and fast recharge time also add to the convenience.

Safety Features

The Greenworks 12-inch cordless chainsaw has some good safety features to protect the user during operation.

Chain Brake

An automatic chain brake engages if the chainsaw experiences significant kickback while cutting. This stops the chain immediately to prevent further injury. The brake can also be engaged manually by pushing the front hand guard forward. This is useful when carrying the saw or taking a break from cutting.

Kickback Protection

To reduce the risk of dangerous kickbacks, the Greenworks chainsaw has a low kickback chain and bar. The chain's depth gauges and guard link design minimize the chance of kickback events. The small front hand guard also helps protect hands in case of kickback.

Overall, the automatic chain brake and low kickback chain setup provide good safety for homeowners using this cordless chainsaw. Just be sure to still follow all standard chainsaw safety practices.

Ease of Use

The Greenworks 40V 12-inch chainsaw is designed for easy startup and maneuverability during operation. The push-button start eliminates pull cords for starting the motor. Once running, the rear handle has an ergonomic grip and handy trigger lock to make extended use more comfortable.

The chain tension can be quickly adjusted using the side access knob, without tools. The knob allows tightening the chain when needed to maintain optimal cutting performance.

At just over 12 lbs, the Greenworks chainsaw is lightweight for a cordless electric model. This makes it easier to handle and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. The compact size and well-balanced design also aid with maneuverability in tight spaces or when precision cuts are needed.

The automatic oiler provides optimal lubrication to the chain and bar during cutting. This further improves the smoothness of operation and reduces the effort needed by the user. Overall, the thoughtful design features of the Greenworks 40V chainsaw help enhance ease of use for homeowner cutting tasks.

Maintenance

The Greenworks 12-inch cordless chainsaw requires some periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are a few key maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

Chain Tensioning

• Check the chain tension regularly. A loose chain can slip off the guide bar.
• Locate the side access chain tensioning knob and turn it clockwise to tighten the chain when needed. The chain should have just a little bit of play when correctly tensioned.
• Refer to the user manual for detailed guidance on proper chain tensioning. Tension too tight can damage the bar and chain.

Cleaning

• Clean the chainsaw after each use to remove any debris, sap, or dirt that may have accumulated.
• Pay particular attention to keeping the guide bar rails clean and free of debris. This helps prevent wear and ensures smooth chain movement.
• Use a small brush and compressed air to clean dust and chips from the brake band, chain brake mechanism, and clutch drum.
• Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to clean the chainsaw. Stick to compressed air, a brush, and a dry cloth.

Storage

• Store the chainsaw in a dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing it to moisture, which can corrode components.
• Drain the chain and guide bar of oil before longer-term storage and run the saw for a short time to remove any remaining oil.
• Remove the battery before storing to prevent accidental startup.
• Store indoors or use a protective cover or case if storing in a shed or garage. Keep out of reach of children.

Noise and Vibration

The Greenworks 12-inch cordless chainsaw operates at a noise level of around 93 dBa, which is typical and on par with gas-powered chainsaws of this size. The sound intensity is substantial, so wearing proper ear protection is highly recommended when using this saw for extended periods.

Some users note the Greenworks chainsaw produces less vibration compared to gas models. This can help reduce hand and arm fatigue during prolonged use. The saw incorporates an automatic chain oiler to keep the chain lubricated, which also helps dampen vibration. And the saw's compact size and light weight (just 7.8 lbs with battery) further cut down on excess shaking when sawing. So while not vibration-free, the design does aim to reduce vibration for better control and less tiring operation versus comparable gas chainsaws.

Accessories

The Greenworks 12-inch chainsaw comes ready to use out of the box with a 12-inch bar and chain installed. It's a good length for light yard work like trimming branches and cutting smaller logs.

For tackling bigger jobs, you can purchase replacement bars in 14-inch or 16-inch lengths. Longer bars allow you to cut wider material in a single pass. The chainsaw uses standard 3/8-inch pitch Oregon chains, so you can swap in any brand of chain that fits.

Some handy accessories included with the saw are a hex wrench for tightening the bar nuts and a screwdriver for carburetor adjustments. The saw doesn't require much maintenance, but having those basic tools on hand is useful.

An optional carrying case is available to safely transport and store the chainsaw. It has pouches for the battery and accessories. A sturdy case helps protect the saw from damage when not in use.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to handle and maneuver
• Quiet operation compared to gas chainsaws
• Instant start with no pull cords needed
• Lower maintenance since it's electric with no gas or oil needed -Cuts efficiently through wood up to 12 inches thick
• Automatic oiler applies oil as needed to the chain and bar
• Good run time with 2.0 Ah battery
• 5 year warranty provides peace of mind

Cons

• Slower cutting speed compared to some gas models
• Battery and charger sold separately adds to initial cost
• Only compatible with Greenworks 40V batteries
• Not as powerful as gas chainsaws for heavy duty tasks
• Chain tensioning requires tools
• Doesn't include a carrying case