Greenworks 40V 16 Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Greenworks 40V 16 Inch cordless chainsaw is a mid-range electric chainsaw designed for occasional use around the yard. It runs on a rechargeable 40V lithium ion battery and has a 16 inch bar and chain for cutting branches and small logs up to 14 inches thick.

This cordless electric chainsaw is lighter weight and produces less noise than comparable gas chainsaws, making it a good option for homeowners who only need a chainsaw periodically. It's not designed for sustained heavy-duty use or felling large trees.

The Greenworks 40V offers cordless convenience combined with sufficient power for most homeowner cutting tasks like pruning trees, cutting firewood, and storm debris cleanup. It has useful features like a chain brake, automatic oiler, and tool-free chain tensioning.

Overall, the Greenworks 40V chainsaw provides an affordable and capable cutting tool for home use, with advantages of an electric saw like low noise, zero emissions, and minimal maintenance. This review will take a close look at the key features, performance, pros and cons of this Greenworks chainsaw model.

Design and Build Quality

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch cordless chainsaw features a durable yet lightweight design perfect for easy handling during cutting sessions. At just 12.8 lbs with the battery installed, it strikes an ideal balance between power and portability.

The machine housing is constructed from hardened plastic that can stand up to heavy use without cracking or warping. This tough exterior also helps dampen vibration for more comfortable operation.

The wrap-around handle provides a secure and ergonomic grip, allowing you to maintain control as you cut through limbs and small logs. Its overmolded surface remains comfortable even during extended use.

The chainsaw employs a tool-less chain tensioning system, making it simple to keep the cutting chain at optimal tightness. This helps maximize cutting efficiency and reduces skipping or derailing.

Overall, the well-designed body and balanced weight of the Greenworks 16-inch cordless chainsaw allow it to deliver top-notch performance whether tackling storm damage or taking on DIY projects around the yard. The durable housing and vibration-dampening features enable comfortable control over long work sessions.

Motor and Cutting Performance

The Greenworks 16 inch chainsaw is powered by a 40V Brushless Motor that delivers excellent cutting power for the price. The brushless motor provides more torque and longer runtime compared to brushed motors.

This chainsaw has impressive cutting capacity for a cordless model. It can cut logs up to 14 inches thick, rivaling some gas-powered chainsaws. The motor generates good chain speed to help slice through wood efficiently.

While it may not match the raw power of a professional gas chainsaw, it has ample power for most homeowners' cutting tasks. The 40V battery provides consistent power output even in tough cutting conditions. Overall, the motor and cutting performance is very good for a cordless electric chainsaw in this price range.

Battery and Run Time

The Greenworks 40V 16 inch chainsaw comes with a 4Ah lithium-ion battery that provides enough power for home use. The battery voltage is 40V which is higher than most other cordless chainsaws in this price range.

The 4Ah battery capacity enables a decent run time on a full charge. You can expect approximately 30-35 minutes of use from the chainsaw before the battery runs low. This is enough to complete smaller jobs like trimming trees or cutting firewood without having to stop repeatedly to recharge.

Charging the battery from empty takes about 2 hours to fully recharge. This quick charge time ensures you won't be waiting too long before resuming work after the battery dies. The battery also charges while the chainsaw is in use, though at a slower rate.

The run time is comparable to gas chainsaws in this size class. While not as long as higher voltage batteries, the 40V 4Ah battery provides sufficient cutting power and longevity for homeowner use without the hassles of gas or cords.

Overall, the battery specs and performance allow this Greenworks chainsaw to tackle most typical cutting tasks at home efficiently on a single charge. Just be sure to have a spare battery or charger handy for larger jobs.

Safety Features

The Greenworks 40V chainsaw has several important safety features to protect the user.

Chain Brake

It has an inertia chain brake that is designed to stop the chain immediately if kickback occurs. This brake activates automatically using centrifugal force if the tip of the bar contacts anything. It helps prevent potential injuries from kickback.

Low Kickback Chain

This Greenworks chainsaw comes equipped with a low kickback chain. It has a reduced kickback bar nose that allows for better control and reduces the chance of kickback injuries. The depth gauges ahead of the cutter teeth are filed lower to reduce kickback.

Auto Oiler

An automatic oil pump provides continuous lubrication to the bar and chain. This ensures the chain stays lubricated during cutting to maintain smooth operation and extend the life of the bar and chain. It also reduces friction that can cause overheating.

Safety Switches

There are several safety switches that prevent unintended startup. It has a trigger lockout switch that must be depressed before pulling the trigger. There is also a front hand guard that must be in place to start the saw. These help avoid accidental startup.

Ease of Use

The Greenworks 16-inch chainsaw is designed for easy startup and handling during operation. The push-button electric start eliminates the need to pull-start a gas engine, allowing the saw to power on instantly with the press of a button.

Once running, the rear handle has an ergonomic grip that fits comfortably in the hand. The front hand guard provides a steady and protected grip, enabling accurate control of the saw. At just over 10 pounds, the Greenworks chainsaw is relatively lightweight for a gas-powered equivalent saw yet still feels sturdy during use.

The chain tensioning system allows tool-less adjustment of the chain. To tighten or loosen the chain, simply turn the tensioning screw to get the right tension based on the included visual guide. This enables quick, simple chain adjustments without extra tools.

For chain lubrication, the chainsaw has an automatic oiler that provides a constant feed of bar oil to the chain and bar during cutting. This ensures adequate lubrication to reduce friction, minimize wear, and prolong the life of the bar and chain. The transparent oil tank lets you monitor the oil level, and refilling the tank is straightforward by opening the easy-access cap.

Maintenance

The Greenworks 40V chainsaw requires some regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

Chain Sharpening

The chain on the Greenworks chainsaw should be periodically sharpened with a round file and depth gauge tool. This helps keep the cutters sharp for faster, smoother cutting. Follow the sharpening angles specified in the user manual.

Chain Tensioning

Check the chain tension regularly, especially after heavy use. There's a side cover knob that allows tightening the chain easily without tools. Proper tension reduces chances of the chain jumping off and maintains efficient cutting.

Cleaning

After each use, clean wood dust and debris from the saw. Use a small brush to remove sawdust from the chain, guide bar, sprocket cover and other hard-to-reach areas. This prevents buildup and corrosion. Also check that the oil ports are clear of obstructions.

Storage

When storing for longer periods, empty the chain oil tank and run the saw until oil is depleted from the bar and chain. Clean the saw thoroughly before storage. Store the saw and battery pack in a cool, dry place.

Accessories

The Greenworks 16-inch chainsaw comes ready to use out of the box with a 16-inch bar and chain. However, there are several accessories available to customize and optimize the saw:

Bar lengths - Greenworks offers replacement bars in 14, 16, and 18 inches, allowing you to size the bar for different tasks. The 14-inch is good for light pruning and trimming, while the 18-inch handles larger diameters.

Chains - Chains need to be replaced periodically as they dull. Greenworks has Oregon branded chains available for the 16-inch model in both standard and low kickback designs. Make sure to match the drive links to bar length.

Bags - A carrying bag protects the saw when transporting between jobs. It also keeps oil and sawdust contained. Greenworks has a branded canvas carry bag available.

Oils - Proper oiling is critical for chain life and performance. Only use high-quality bar and chain oil designed specifically for chainsaws. Greenworks offers both synthetic and conventional oil options. Automotive oil should never be used.

Other - Greenworks also provides replacement sprockets, tuning files, tools, and protective equipment like chaps and helmets.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent value for a cordless electric chainsaw in this size range
• Powerful 40V lithium-ion battery provides great cutting performance
• Automatic oiler provides consistent lubrication to the chain and bar
• Tool-less chain tensioning makes it easy to adjust the chain
• Very lightweight and comfortable design reduces fatigue during use
• 16-inch bar can handle small-to-medium sized limbs and branches
• Quieter operation compared to gas-powered chainsaws
• No fuel mixing, starters, or pull cords needed like a gas chainsaw

Cons

• May lack power for larger cutting jobs compared to gas chainsaws
• Run time is limited per charge compared to gas (though extra batteries can help)
• Replacement batteries and parts may be more expensive than some brands
• Not designed for heavy duty storm cleanup or felling large trees

Alternatives

• Gas-powered chainsaws if maximum power is needed for frequent big cuts
• Corded electric chainsaws provide unlimited runtime, but limit mobility
• Greenworks, Ego, Dewalt and Makita also make quality battery powered chainsaws
• Consider pole saws for high branches

Conclusion

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch cordless chainsaw is a great option for homeowners looking for a lightweight and efficient electric saw. Its brushless motor provides smooth and powerful performance for cutting logs and fallen branches. The long-lasting 4Ah battery can make up to 150 cuts on a single charge.

The tool-less chain tensioning system makes it easy to adjust the chain as needed. Safety features like a hand guard and chain brake add peace of mind. While it doesn't have the raw power of a gas chainsaw, it's much quieter and doesn't require dealing with fuel and exhaust.

For those seeking an electric chainsaw for light-duty use around their property, the Greenworks 40V model is a top choice. It delivers smooth cutting power without the noise and maintenance of gas. The battery life is sufficient for most homeowners' occasional trimming and pruning tasks.

Overall, the Greenworks 40V cordless electric chainsaw is an excellent value for the price. It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, with handy features for safety and convenience. If you need to fell large trees or cut firewood for hours, a gas model is better suited. But for typical homeowner use, Greenworks' 40V chainsaw is a great battery-powered option.