Greenworks 80V 18 Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Greenworks 80V 18 inch cordless chainsaw is part of Greenworks' PRO cordless outdoor power equipment line. As a battery-powered electric chainsaw, it provides the convenience of avoiding gas and oil while delivering on power and runtime. The 80V battery pack provides plenty of sustained power for sawing through logs and limbs up to 18 inches thick. With a brushless motor and 18 inch bar/chain, this chainsaw is well-suited for storm cleanup, tree pruning, firewood cutting, and other common residential outdoor tasks. Key features include the brushless motor that provides gas-like power, a tool-free chain tensioning system, automatic oiler, and low kickback chain. Overall, the Greenworks 80V chainsaw combines lithium-ion power and battery life with a comfortable, ergonomic design.

Power and Runtime

The Greenworks 80V 18 Inch cordless chainsaw is powered by a high-capacity 80V Li-ion battery that delivers impressive cutting power while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. The 2.0Ah battery has enough juice to make around 150 cuts in 4x4 lumber on a single charge. This amount of runtime is sufficient for most homeowners' occasional cutting needs. The brushless motor provides quiet yet robust power for slicing through logs up to 18 inches thick with ease. Compared to gas chainsaws, the high-torque electric motor requires less maintenance while delivering consistent performance. While the runtime can't match a gas model, the battery recharges in under an hour so you can get back to cutting quickly. Overall, the long-lasting 80V Li-ion battery enables this chainsaw to take on demanding tasks while giving you the freedom to roam without dealing with cord constraints.

Design and Build Quality

The Greenworks 80V chainsaw has a rugged yet lightweight design. The housing is made from durable polymer plastic that can withstand drops and impacts while keeping the weight at a manageable 15 lbs.

Despite the light weight, the chainsaw feels solid and well-balanced in hand. The top handle has an ergonomic shape and rubber overmold for comfort during extended use. The wraparound front hand guard also provides a secure and controlled grip.

The chainsaw uses tool-less chain tensioning, allowing you to dial in the right tautness quickly. Air vents on the housing help with cooling the motor during heavy duty cutting. Overall, the construction quality is very good for a battery-powered chainsaw in this price range.

Chain and Bar

The Greenworks 18-inch chainsaw comes equipped with a low-kickback Oregon chain and bar. The chain pitch is 3/8 inches with a gauge of .043 inches, which is a good match for the 80V motor on this saw.

The bar length is 18 inches, which allows you to make cuts up to 17 inches deep. This is a sufficient bar length for most homeowners, especially if you need to cut small logs or medium-sized branches. Longer bar lengths like 20 or 24 inches are best suited for felling large trees.

The chain stays sharp and cuts fast as long as you maintain it properly. Make sure to keep it oiled, tighten it when needed, and sharpen or replace the chain once it starts to dull. The Oregon chain and bar pair well with this saw and deliver reliable cutting performance.

Overall, the bar and chain setup on the Greenworks 80V chainsaw is well-suited for most homeowner cutting tasks. Just be sure to use the proper chain oil and maintain the chain to maximize cutting efficiency. More aggressive chains are available, but the stock Oregon chain has a good balance of speed, longevity, and safety.

Cutting Performance

The Greenworks 18-inch 80V chainsaw delivers impressive cutting power and speed for an electric saw. Its brushless motor provides high chain speeds to rip through both soft and hardwoods with ease.

Users report the 80V chainsaw cuts through pine, cedar, oak and other woods smoothly and efficiently. It has no problem tackling logs up to 18 inches in diameter. The automatic oiler helps keep the chain lubricated during long cuts to prevent binding.

While it may not match the torque and speed of top-end gas chainsaws, it has more than enough cutting muscle for most homeowners' needs. The chain stays sharp for a long time, though it's easy to access and replace when needed. Overall, the cutting performance rivals many comparable gas chainsaws, especially for a cordless electric model.

Safety Features

The Greenworks 18 inch chainsaw has several key safety features to protect the user:

• Chain Brake - It has an inertia activated chain brake that stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs, preventing potential injuries. The chain brake activates automatically in the event of kickback.

• Kickback Protection - This chainsaw has a reduced kickback bar and chain that make kickback much less likely. The bar nose design provides additional kickback protection as well.

• Safety Switches - There are dual trigger switches that require the user to engage both switches simultaneously to activate the chainsaw. This prevents accidental start-ups. There is also a lock-off button that prevents the trigger from being engaged during transport or storage.

The auto chain brake and inertia activation combined with the kickback reducing chain and bar result in a very safe operating chainsaw. The safety switches provide an extra layer of protection against accidental operation. Overall, the safety features allow the chainsaw to be operated securely.

Ease of Use

The Greenworks 18-inch chainsaw is designed for easy starting and operation. The tool-less chain tension system allows you to easily adjust the chain tension by hand - no tools required. Simply turn the knob to achieve the proper tension.

The automatic oiler ensures the chain stays lubricated during use. There's no need to manually pump oil or remember to engage a lever. The oiler provides a steady stream of bar and chain oil for smooth cutting and reduced wear.

Starting the saw is straightforward with the push-button electric start. Just press the button and the saw starts right up thanks to the brushless motor. There's no pull cord to yank like on a gas chainsaw. This makes starting fast and effortless.

Overall, the Greenworks chainsaw is one of the easiest electric saws to get up and running as well as adjust and operate during use. The tool-less chain tensioning, automatic oiling, and push-button start all contribute to the ease of use.

Noise and Vibration

The Greenworks 80V 18 inch chainsaw runs fairly quietly, which is a benefit when doing home DIY projects. The manufacturer states a sound pressure level of just 96dB, which is similar to a lawnmower or shop vacuum. While not silent, it's much quieter than a typical gas chainsaw that can produce noise levels over 100dB.

The brushless motor design helps minimize vibration levels compared to models with brushed motors. Less vibration equals less fatigue for the user during prolonged use. The chainsaw has an overmold handle and anti-vibration mounts which also dampen vibration. Reviews say the vibration is low, allowing the saw to be used comfortably for limbing branches and small trees without making the user's hands go numb.

Some buyers did note the plastic chain cover amplified noise slightly compared to metal covers. But overall the Greenworks saw produces acceptable noise levels for a battery powered model while keeping vibration to a minimum.

Maintenance

The Greenworks chainsaw requires regular maintenance to keep it operating smoothly. Here are some tips for maintaining your saw:

Cleaning - After each use, remove any sawdust, dirt, or debris that has accumulated on the saw. Pay special attention to the chain, bar, and drive sprocket. Use a small brush and compressed air to remove particles.

• Check the chain tension frequently. Chains can stretch over time and need adjustment. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on tightening the chain.

• Periodically clean the air filter to prevent dust and particles from reducing airflow to the engine. Remove the air filter cover and use compressed air or a soft brush to gently clean the filter. Avoid washing the filter if possible.

Storing
- Before storing for longer than a few days, empty the fuel and run the engine until it stops to prevent stale gas issues.

• Clean all parts thoroughly before storage. Bar and chain oil can become sticky over time.

• Store indoors in a dry location when possible. Use fuel stabilizer if storing for over 2 months.

Replacing Parts - Over time, parts like the chain and bar will become worn and need replacement. Replace immediately if you notice excessive wear or damage.

• Spark plugs should be replaced yearly. Check your manual for the recommended spark plug type and gap spacing.

• Air filters should be inspected regularly and changed as needed, approximately every 3-6 months with frequent use.

• Refer to your owner's manual for other parts replacement timelines and instructions. Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your chainsaw.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 80V motor provides excellent cutting performance
• Long 18" bar can handle larger logs and branches
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic oil lubrication system
• Quiet operation compared to gas chainsaws
• No fuel mixing or emissions
• Long runtime with 2 included batteries
• 5 year warranty provides peace of mind

Cons

• Battery runtime less than gas (though can carry extras)
• May lack torque for very heavy duty use
• Brushless motor would improve efficiency
• Doesn't come with a case or accessories
• Relatively heavy compared to some other cordless models

Overall, the Greenworks 80V chainsaw provides outstanding performance and value for most homeowners and landowners looking for an electric alternative to gas. The power and features compete with gas models many times the price. Downsides are minor compared to the benefits of no maintenance, emissions, or noise. An excellent choice for a robust cordless chainsaw.