Tomyvic TY-601 6-Inch 21V 550W Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Tomyvic is a relatively new player in the portable electric chainsaw space, having only been founded in 2018. However, in their short time they have quickly become a popular option for homeowners and DIYers looking for an affordable and lightweight chainsaw for basic property maintenance.

Based in California, Tomyvic aims to provide innovative cordless outdoor power tools that maximize mobility and ease of use. Their chainsaw lineup reflects this priority, with a focus on compact and ergonomic design as well as cordless battery power. Tomyvic chainsaws are best suited for light duty cutting tasks like pruning trees, trimming branches, and basic storm cleanup.

While Tomyvic doesn't have the brand recognition of chainsaw giants like Stihl or Husqvarna, their affordable prices and solid performance has earned them a loyal following. The TY-601 reviewed here represents Tomyvic's current entry-level chainsaw offering, intended for the homeowner who needs an occasional use saw for basic yard work.

Overview

The TY-601 from Tomyvic is an ultra-portable mini chainsaw designed for light jobs around the yard or home. Weighing in at just 6 pounds, the 6-inch chainsaw can easily be maneuvered into tight spaces. Despite its small size, the TY-601 packs surprisingly robust power with a 21V max lithium-ion battery and 550W brushless motor. Key specs include:

• Weight: 6 lbs
• Bar length: 6 inches
• Motor: 550W brushless
• Voltage: 21V max lithium-ion battery
• Chain speed: 12.5m/s
• Automatic chain oiling

The mini form factor makes this an ideal chainsaw for trimming small branches, pruning hedges, cutting firewood, and other basic tasks. Its compact size allows it to be stored easily as well.

Design

The Tomyvic TY-601 mini chainsaw has a compact and lightweight design perfect for home use. Weighing only 5.5 lbs, the chainsaw is easy to maneuver and hold while operating.

The body is made of durable plastic that can withstand rough use. The handle has an ergonomic shape with rubber grip pads that provide a comfortable and secure grip. This helps reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

The compact size, at just 15.7 x 6.3 x 8.7 inches, allows the saw to be used in tight spaces. It can easily fit into corners and small branches. The short 6-inch bar and chain are ideal for light trimming and pruning tasks.

The slim profile and well-balanced design make the TY-601 easy to control. The chain cover and hand guard help improve safety. Overall, the thoughtful design elements allow effortless operation during light duty yard work.

Motor

The TY-601 chainsaw is powered by a 550-watt brushless motor that provides ample cutting power for most homeowners' needs. The motor delivers high torque to chew through 6" logs with ease. Compared to cheaper brushed motors, the brushless design also generates less noise and requires less maintenance.

Users report that the motor provides smooth and consistent power when cutting. There is no noticeable lag or bogging down even when pushed into thicker wood. The motor handles extended use without overheating. Vibration is minimal thanks to the balanced motor and ergonomic rear handle.

While not as robust as top-end professional models, the power is sufficient for most light duty household tasks like pruning trees, cutting firewood, and storm cleanup. The TY-601 can handle moderate jobs without straining. For heavy duty logging work, a more powerful gas chainsaw would be recommended instead. But for typical homeowners, the 550 watt motor hits a nice sweet spot between power and portability.

Cutting Performance

The TY-601 has a 6-inch bar and chain, which is sufficient for most light duty trimming and pruning jobs around the yard. The mini chainsaw can cut branches and logs up to 7 inches in diameter, though it's best suited for smaller diameter cuts up to 4 inches.

The chain speed is quite respectable for a battery-powered saw of this size. It can reach a maximum speed of 8m/s, which equates to around 2,700 feet per minute. This allows you to make quick work of smaller limbs and vegetation. The chain tension is adjustable using the knob on the side of the housing.

One downside is that the saw does not have an automatic chain brake or kickback protection. You'll need to be cautious and maintain control when cutting to avoid potential kickback injuries. It's best to always use two hands and proper stance when operating this chainsaw. The compact size makes kickback more likely if you twist or apply off-angle pressure on the bar. Just take your time and cut within the saw's capacity for best results.

Battery Life

The TY-601 comes with a 21V lithium-ion battery that provides excellent runtime versus other mini chainsaws on the market. Users report getting 20-30 minutes of cutting time per charge, which is sufficient to complete most basic pruning and tree limb removal tasks.

The battery charges from empty to full in around 2-3 hours, so it's easy to get back up and running quickly after draining the battery. Some users do recommend purchasing a backup battery if you'll be doing prolonged cutting work.

The lithium-ion battery holds its charge well when not in use. It's common to still have over 50% battery remaining even after sitting unused for several weeks. So you don't have to worry about the battery draining too quickly while in storage.

Overall, the battery life is one of the standout features of this model. The impressive runtime makes it feasible to use for actual yardwork rather than just very minor jobs. And the fast charging time means you'll rarely be waiting too long to get back to work after the battery runs dry. For a mini chainsaw, the TY-601 battery performance is top-notch.

Safety Features

The Tomyvic TY-601 chainsaw includes several important safety features to help protect the user while operating this powerful tool.

Chain Brake

The chainsaw is equipped with an automatic chain brake that is designed to stop the chain immediately if kickback occurs. This helps prevent potential injuries by stopping the spinning chain that can strike the operator during kickback. The chain brake activates automatically by inertia if kickback is detected.

Low Kickback Chain

This chainsaw utilizes a low kickback chain, which is designed to reduce the chance and force of kickback. The depth gauges ahead of each cutter are filed lower to minimize kickback. This reduces the aggressiveness of the cutters so they are less likely to dig in suddenly and cause violent kickback. The low kickback chain provides important protection for users.

Safety Switch

There is a safety switch that must be depressed by the user's hand to allow the motor to run. This prevents accidental starting. The user must maintain grip on the front handle and switch to keep the saw running. If the grip is released, the saw will turn off. This prevents injuries if the operator loses control of the running saw.

Ease of Use

The Tomyvic TY-601 chainsaw is designed to be easy and intuitive to operate. Starting the chainsaw is straightforward with the push button start, no need to struggle with pull cords. The front handle has an ergonomic rubber grip and throttle trigger that make controlling and handling the saw comfortable even during extended use.

At just 6.6 lbs the TY-601 is lightweight and balanced, reducing arm fatigue compared to heavier gas powered models. The compact size also makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The built-in chain brake can be activated with your front hand to stop the chain quickly for added safety and control.

Maintenance is minimal with the TY-601. There is no gas, oil or filters to deal with like a gas chainsaw. Simply keep the chain tension adjusted and lubricated, and periodically sharpen or replace the chain when needed. The brushless motor is sealed and doesn't require any upkeep.

Overall, the easy starting, lightweight handling, and low maintenance design make the Tomyvic TY-601 an user-friendly electric chainsaw suitable even for first time users.

Accessories

The TY-601 chainsaw comes with several handy accessories to make cutting and maintenance easier.

Bar Guard

A plastic bar guard helps protect the bar and chain when the saw is not in use. This guard simply clips into place over the bar to prevent damage.

Carrying Case

For portability and safe storage, the chainsaw includes a durable nylon carrying case. The case has a shoulder strap for easy transport and a zippered front pouch for storing accessories.

Bar and Chain Oil

Proper lubrication is essential for chain life and performance. Tomyvic includes an 8oz bottle of bar and chain oil with the saw. The oil ensures smooth cutting by reducing friction and heat.

Tools

The TY-601 also ships with a small hex wrench and flathead screwdriver. These allow you to tighten bolts, adjust chain tension, and make other adjustments as needed. The tools conveniently store in the carrying case along with the saw.

Having the key accessories included right in the box makes the TY-601 ready to use immediately after purchase. The bar guard, case, oil, and tools add value by enabling safe transport and efficient maintenance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and portable at only 5.3 lbs
• Powerful 21V 550W motor provides fast cutting speed
• 6-inch bar and chain allows cutting of small logs up to 10 inches thick
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic oiling system lubricates the chain during use
• Built-in battery gauge shows remaining run time
• Fast battery charging time of 60-90 minutes
• Low kickback guide bar and chain for added safety
• Very quiet operation compared to gas chainsaws

Cons

• Battery life limits continuous run time to 20-35 minutes per charge
• Not as powerful as gas-powered chainsaws for heavy duty tasks
• Bar and chain may need frequent sharpening and replacement
• Plastic body feels cheaper than metal/magnesium chainsaws
• Not suitable for commercial or prolonged use
• Can struggle with very hard woods like oak due to lower torque