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

The ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V cordless chainsaw is an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a lightweight yet powerful electric chainsaw. Made by ReliaRoads, a company known for high-quality outdoor power equipment, this 16-inch chainsaw is powered by a 40V lithium-ion battery.

Weighing only 10.8 pounds without the battery, the ReliaRoads cordless chainsaw is designed to provide the power of a gas chainsaw without the noise, fumes, or maintenance of gas-powered models. It's an excellent option for cutting and trimming smaller trees and limbs around your property.

The ReliaRoads 16-inch chainsaw comes equipped with a heavy duty Oregon bar and chain. It provides up to 45 minutes of run time on a full charge, allowing you to tackle multiple projects. Key features include an automatic oiler, low kickback chain, and tool-less chain tensioning.

In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at the design, motor, battery life, safety features, ease of use, accessories, and overall performance of the ReliaRoads 40V cordless chainsaw. We'll summarize the pros and cons to help you determine if this is the right electric chainsaw for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V chainsaw features a durable yet lightweight design for comfort during extended use. The body is constructed from hardened plastic that is impact-resistant to withstand heavy use. The handle features an ergonomic grip made of rubberized material that provides a secure and comfortable hold when operating the saw.

Despite the rugged construction, the chainsaw only weighs 10.8 lbs making it easy to maneuver and control. The compact 16-inch bar is designed for portability without sacrificing reach and cutting capacity. It can still tackle medium-sized limbs and logs up to 14 inches thick.

The chain itself is Oregon brand with a 0.375 inch pitch and 0.050 inch gauge. It is chrome plated for rust resistance and retains a sharp cutting edge even after heavy use. The bar and chain stay aligned and taut thanks to the tool-less chain tensioning system. Overall, the solid construction and lightweight yet powerful design allows for prolonged use on cutting jobs without undue hand and arm fatigue.

Motor and Cutting Performance

The ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V chainsaw is powered by a high-torque 40V Brushless motor that delivers excellent cutting power for taking on medium to large limbs and logs. The 40V lithium-ion battery provides ample juice for the motor to maintain a high chain speed for smooth and efficient cuts.

This cordless chainsaw has impressive cutting capacities of 16 inches, which is suitable for most homeowners' pruning and woodcutting needs. The automatic oiler helps keep the chain lubricated during sustained cuts to prevent overheating and wear. The chain tensioner allows quick adjustments to maintain optimal tautness.

With a max chain speed of 12 m/s, the ReliaRoads chainsaw can make hundreds of cuts per charge. The brushless motor and optimized gear drive translate to less vibration and noise, while providing strong torque for cutting through hardwoods like oak or maple. Most users find the power and speed sufficient for all their firewood processing and storm cleanup tasks.

Overall, the 40V Brushless motor delivers pro-grade power and speed in a compact cordless platform that can handle demanding cutting jobs while remaining easy to control and maneuver. The cutting capacities match gas-powered models several times the price.

Battery and Run Time

The ReliaRoads Chainsaw comes equipped with a large 40V 2.0Ah lithium ion battery that provides ample power and extended run time. The battery features smart cell technology to optimize performance and prevent overcharging or over-discharging.

Charging the battery from empty takes about 2-3 hours with the included fast charger. On a full charge, users can expect up to 45 minutes of continuous cutting before the battery needs to be recharged. This is sufficient for most homeowners to take on smaller trimming and pruning tasks around the yard. For professionals doing heavy duty cutting all day, an extra battery or two can be purchased to extend run times further.

The battery lock helps keep the battery securely in place while operating the chainsaw. It uses a simple push and click locking system. An integrated battery life indicator lets you monitor remaining charge, so you know when it's time to switch out the battery or plug back in.

Overall, the 40V lithium ion battery provides powerful, reliable performance with quick charge times. While one battery may not get through an entire day of heavy commercial use, it's more than enough capacity for most homeowners' weekend project needs.

Safety Features

The ReliaRoads Chainsaw has several key safety features to prevent accidents and injuries when operating the chainsaw.

Kickback Prevention

Kickback occurs when the moving chain touches an object and is rapidly propelled backwards and upwards. To reduce the risk of dangerous kickbacks, the ReliaRoads chainsaw has an anti-kickback chain design and reduced kickback bar. The anti-kickback chain has a special depth gauge that limits how deep the cutters can go into the wood. The reduced kickback bar has a small radius tip which provides lower kickback compared to standard bars.

Chain Brake

This chainsaw is equipped with an automatic chain brake that engages if the front hand guard pushes forward, such as during a kickback. This immediately stops the chain to prevent or minimize injury. It also has a manual chain brake lever that allows you to stop the chain while operating the saw. The chain brake helps improve safety and gives you better control.

Safety Controls

For convenient operation, the ReliaRoads chainsaw has combined on/off switch with lockout. This prevents accidental starting. Other safety features include a hand guard and wrap-around front handle to protect your left hand. It also has non-slip grip surfaces for better control. The auto-stop feature turns off the motor when not accelerating for 30 seconds to help prevent unintended running of the saw.

Ease of Use

The ReliaRoads RCSBL-16 chainsaw aims to provide a smooth and easy user experience.

Balance

The battery pack is positioned under the handle helping to centralize the weight for better control and less arm fatigue. The rear handle has an ergonomic grip and positioning to enable a secure hold during operation. Overall the saw seems well balanced for most users.

Vibration Reduction

This electric chainsaw has an automatic chain tensioning system and padded handles which help dampen vibrations from the motor and chain. Less vibration translates to less user fatigue during extended use. However, electric chainsaws do tend to vibrate more than gas-powered models.

Chain Tensioning

An automatic chain tensioning system helps keep the chain at the proper tightness. This removes the need to manually check and adjust chain tension before each use. The system ensures optimal tension for safe cutting.

Starting

Starting the saw simply requires pressing the safety lock and trigger switch. There is no pull cord or priming needed. The brushless motor activates quickly each time. This instant starting makes the saw convenient for small jobs where it will be turned on and off frequently.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential for optimal chainsaw performance and longevity. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Chain Sharpening - Chains naturally become dull with use and require periodic sharpening. This can be done yourself with a round file and guide, or taken to a professional. Follow sharpening instructions in the user manual. A sharp chain will cut faster, smoother, and safer.

Cleaning - Over time, sawdust and debris can accumulate in the exterior housing, chain, bar, and motor air intakes. Blow out dust routinely with compressed air. Use a small brush to dislodge stuck-on sawdust. Keeping it clean improves cooling and prevents clogs.

Oiling - Proper bar and chain lubrication reduces friction and overheating. Check the oil tank level before each use and top up as needed. Use only the recommended bar and chain oil. Adjust the oiler flow as needed to provide adequate lubrication without waste. Inspect the guide bar regularly for wear and replace when the groove is noticeably shallow.

Regular maintenance as described in the owner's manual will keep your chainsaw running optimally for years of use. Invest a few minutes before and after each use to enhance performance and safety.

Accessories

The ReliaRoads 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

ReliaRoads offers replacement bars in 14, 16, 18, and 20-inch lengths. Shorter bars like the 14-inch are good for limbing and pruning, while longer bars like the 18 or 20-inch are better suited for felling large trees.

Chains

You'll want to match the gauge and pitch of the chain to the guide bar. ReliaRoads has chains available in .043, .050, and .058 gauge. Make sure to choose the right chain depending on the typical wood you'll be cutting.

Tools

It's important to keep the bar and chain sharp and well-maintained. ReliaRoads offers a kit with flat and round files along with depth gauges. They also sell replacement sprockets and rim drives when it's time to replace worn parts.

Having the right accessories makes a big difference in operation and safety. Invest in quality bars, chains, and maintenance tools to get the best performance from your ReliaRoads electric chainsaw over the long run.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 40V brushless motor provides excellent cutting power and torque
• 16" bar and chain allows it to cut larger logs and branches up to 14" diameter
• Automatic oiling system lubricates the bar and chain while cutting
• Includes a 4Ah battery and rapid charger for quick charging
• Very lightweight and well-balanced for an electric chainsaw
• Quiet operation compared to gas-powered chainsaws
• No gas, oil or fumes during operation

Cons

• Battery life could be longer, expect 20-30 minutes of run time per charge
• Doesn't have as much raw power as gas-powered chainsaws with similar bar length
• Replacement batteries and accessories can be expensive

Alternatives

If you need longer continuous run time, consider a corded electric chainsaw. They provide unlimited runtime but you are limited by the length of the power cord.

For even more power and torque for heavy-duty cutting, look at gas-powered chainsaws in the 50cc range. However they require maintenance like air filters and spark plugs.

Battery technology continues to improve, so more premium 40V or 80V cordless chainsaw models provide advanced brushless motors and larger batteries for extended run times. Though the upfront cost is higher.

Conclusion

The ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V Chainsaw is a powerful cordless electric chainsaw that offers great cutting performance and runtime thanks to its brushless motor and long-lasting lithium-ion battery. It has a solid build quality with an ergonomic wrap-around handle and anti-vibration technology for user comfort.

The automatic oiler ensures the bar and chain stay lubricated during use. Safety features like the chain brake and low-kickback chain add peace of mind. While it doesn't have the raw power of gas chainsaws, it's much quieter and better for environmentally conscious users.

Overall, the ReliaRoads 40V Chainsaw is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a robust electric chainsaw for tasks like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and firewood cutting. It eliminates the hassles of gas while providing smooth, quiet cutting power. If you want an electric chainsaw with professional grade features without the professional grade price tag, the ReliaRoads 40V model is a great option to consider.