Oregon CS1400 603348 16-Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Oregon CS1400 is a 16-inch gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIYers looking for an affordable and reliable option for light-duty cutting tasks around the yard. Part of Oregon's Prosaw series, the CS1400 combines a compact, streamlined design with user-friendly features and good cutting power for the price.

Weighing in at just 10.3 pounds without the bar and chain, this lightweight model is easy to maneuver and comfortable to operate for extended periods. The CS1400's powerful 40cc 2-stroke engine provides sufficient power for most small jobs like cutting firewood, tree limbs, and thick brush. An automatic oiler ensures the bar and chain stay lubricated during use.

Overall, the Oregon CS1400 is a budget-friendly gas chainsaw well-suited for basic property maintenance needs. This introductory review will cover the CS1400's key specs and features, real-world cutting performance, ease of use, safety mechanisms, pros and cons, and how it compares with similar models.

Specifications

The Oregon CS1400 chainsaw has a reliable 50cc 2-stroke engine that produces 3.5 horsepower. This provides sufficient power for cutting medium to large logs up to 16 inches in diameter.

The bar length on the CS1400 is 16 inches, which gives good reach and leverage when felling trees or cutting logs. It utilizes a 3/8 inch pitch Oregon chain, which are known for their durability and ability to hold a sharp edge.

Despite the powerful engine, the CS1400 still maintains a reasonable weight at just 12 lbs powerhead only. This makes it comfortable for extended use without excessive fatigue. The power-to-weight ratio strikes a nice balance between raw cutting power and maneuverability.

Some other key specs:

• Fuel tank capacity: 12.5 oz
• Chain speed: 12.5 m/sec
• Oil tank capacity: 7.7 oz
• Idle speed: 3000 rpm
• Air filter: Replaceable nylon
• Fuel mix: 50:1 gas to 2-stroke oil

Overall, the specifications suggest the Oregon CS1400 has robust capabilities for taking on demanding cutting tasks, while still being a practical size and weight for the average user.

Design and Build Quality

The Oregon CS1400 chainsaw features a durable yet lightweight design for ease of handling during prolonged use. The body is constructed from hardened plastic which provides impact resistance without adding unnecessary weight.

The rubberized wrap-around handle and trigger give a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to operate the saw with confidence. The handle is ergonomically shaped to fit naturally in your hand, helping to prevent fatigue.

At just 12.3 lbs this chainsaw is lighter than many comparably powered models. The compact size paired with the smart weight distribution makes the CS1400 easy to maneuver and control. You'll appreciate how effortlessly it swings during limbing thanks to the well-balanced design.

The slim body profile allows you to get the bar into tight spots that bulkier saws can't reach. Whether trimming branches or sawing logs, the CS1400's nimble handling reduces operator strain. Its lightweight build doesn't compromise on power or durability.

Cutting Performance

The Oregon CS1400 chainsaw delivers impressive cutting performance for a cordless electric saw. Its 16-inch bar and chain can cut through logs and firewood up to 14 inches in diameter, making quick work of fallen branches or small trees.

The saw has plenty of power to slice through both softwoods like pine as well as hardwoods like oak without slowing down. Reviewers mention the cutting speed stays consistent even in denser wood. The chain and bar stay sharp longer than cheaper models, though periodic sharpening and replacing the chain will be needed with heavy use.

The Oregon's brushless motor provides smooth, steady power while cutting instead of the bogging down that can happen with weaker battery-powered saws. There's minimal vibration thanks to the balanced design and ergonomic rear handle. It glides through greenwood smoothly though dry seasoned firewood requires a bit more push.

Overall, the cutting performance rivals gas-powered chainsaws for hobby and occasional use. It can handle storm cleanup jobs cutting branches up to 6 inches thick efficiently. While professional loggers would need a more rugged saw, the Oregon CS1400 is a great choice for suburban homeowners tackling DIY projects around the yard.

Ease of Use

The Oregon CS1400 chainsaw is designed for easy starting and operation. It features an easy-to-use start/stop switch that makes starting the saw straightforward - just press the start button and pull the starter cord.

Adjusting the chain tension is also simple with the side access chain tensioning screw that allows tightening the chain without tools. The chain brake can also be easily engaged by pushing the front hand guard forward. This stops the chain quickly if kickback occurs.

Maintenance is minimal on the CS1400. It is equipped with an automatic oiler to lubricate the chain and bar while cutting. The oiler has a transparent window so oil levels can be monitored. The air filter can be accessed under the rear handle for periodic cleaning or replacement. Overall, the Oregon CS1400 is very easy to start, operate and maintain for the average homeowner.

Safety Features

The Oregon CS1400 chainsaw comes equipped with several key safety features to help protect the operator during use.

Chain Brake

It has an automatic chain brake that is designed to stop the chain instantly if kickback occurs. This can prevent potential injuries by stopping the chain before it makes contact with the operator. The chain brake activates automatically thanks to a inertia sensor.

Anti-Vibration

To reduce fatigue and improve control, the CS1400 utilizes an anti-vibration system. This cushions the handles and isolates engine vibration from the operator's hands. The result is improved comfort during extended use.

Kickback Protection

This chainsaw is engineered to reduce the risk of dangerous kickbacks. The focused nose bar design helps keep the tip from contacting wood while cutting to prevent kickback. Additionally, the low kickback chain helps reduce the force of a potential kickback for safer operation. The chain catcher is another layer of protection, catching broken chains to prevent them from striking the operator.

Pros of the Oregon CS1400 Chainsaw

• Powerful 16-inch bar and chain can cut logs up to 36 inches thick
• Automatic chain oiler provides constant lubrication to prevent wear
• Easy starting thanks to the lubricant reservoir and decompression valve
• Anti-vibration handle reduces user fatigue during prolonged use
• Low-kickback guide bar and built-in chain brake improve safety
• Durable metal construction and all-metal drivetrain for longevity
• Excellent value for a corded electric chainsaw in this size range

Cons

The Oregon CS1400 chainsaw has a few drawbacks to consider:

• Heavy and bulky design - Weighing in at over 13 pounds, this is a fairly heavy and bulky chainsaw compared to some other 16" gas models. The extra weight could make it tiring to use for extended cutting sessions.

• Limited run time - With a 40cc gas engine, the CS1400 doesn't have as long of a run time per tank of gas as some larger 50cc+ models. Plan on refueling more frequently.

• Difficult to start when cold - Many users report the chainsaw can be tricky to start, especially when the engine is cold. Be prepared to pull the starter cord multiple times.

• Bar oil cap leaks - A common complaint is the bar oil cap doesn't seal tightly and can leak oil during transport and storage. This causes a mess and wastes bar oil.

Comparable Models

The Oregon CS1400 is comparable to other mid-size, corded electric chainsaws in the 14-16 inch bar length range. Here's how it stacks up to some other popular models:

• DeWalt DCCS620P1 - Very similar to the CS1400 in terms of power, bar length, and overall performance. The DeWalt has less vibration and is slightly lighter at 12 lbs vs the CS1400's 13 lbs. The Oregon has a slightly better chain tensioning system and is a bit cheaper. Overall they are very comparable.

• Greenworks 16-Inch Corded Chainsaw (20192) - The Greenworks is cheaper but less powerful with a 12 amp motor vs the 14 amp CS1400. It is lighter at about 10 lbs. The Oregon has better build quality and cut speed but the Greenworks is good for more occasional use.

• WORX WG304.1 - This is one of the top-rated chainsaws. It has excellent power at 15 amps and cuts very fast. It's also lighter than the CS1400 at just over 10 lbs. The drawback is the higher price tag. Performance is similar but the WORX costs significantly more.

• Black & Decker LP1000 - A budget-friendly corded electric saw. It has less power at just 6 amps so cut speed suffers. It does have tool-less chain tensioning and an automatic oiling system. Much lighter but lower performance than the Oregon.

• Remington RM1425 - Very similar 14 amp motor and power as the CS1400. The Remington is a couple pounds lighter but not as durable. The Oregon has better build quality for not much more cost. They are comparable options.

Conclusion

Overall, the Oregon CS1400 16-inch chainsaw is an impressive and reliable corded electric chainsaw that lives up to its claims. It is powerful and packs plenty of torque, making quick work of cutting and pruning tasks. The automatic chain oiling is a handy feature that takes away the hassle of manually lubing the chain.

The lightweight yet durable magnesium case makes the chainsaw easy to maneuver and reduces fatigue from extended use. Safety features like the chain brake, low-kickback bar and chain, and two-step start switch all help minimize accidents and injuries. It's a great choice for homeowners, landscapers, and DIYers looking for an electric chainsaw option.

While it is not as portable or versatile as a gas chainsaw, it provides cordless convenience and steady power when working within range of an outlet. For those seeking a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to gas that can handle demanding cutting tasks, the Oregon CS1400 delivers impressive performance and value. Overall, it's a recommended product that is likely to satisfy those in the market for a robust and dependable homeowner-grade electric chainsaw.