The WEN 4017 16" electric chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for homeowners and DIYers. This corded electric model provides the cutting power of a gas chainsaw without the noise, fumes or maintenance of a gas engine.

The WEN 4017 features a robust 16" Oregon low-kickback bar and chain that can cut through logs up to 18" thick. The 14.5 amp motor delivers sufficient torque to tackle tough cutting jobs. An automatic oiler ensures the chain stays lubricated during use.

Weighing in at just 11 lbs, this lightweight saw is easy to handle and maneuver. The wrap-around front handle and rear hand guard provide a secure grip. Safety features include a chain brake and low-kickback chain to prevent dangerous kickbacks.

Overall, the WEN 4017 is an affordable and capable electric chainsaw suitable for most homeowners. It's a great option for storm cleanup, tree pruning, firewood cutting and other outdoor cutting tasks.

Design

The WEN 4017 electric chainsaw features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and maneuver. It weighs just under 10 pounds, allowing users to operate it without excessive strain or fatigue.

Despite its light weight, the 4017 still has a powerful 16-inch guide bar and chain that can tackle logs up to 18 inches in diameter. The total dimensions are 37 x 11 x 11 inches, providing an impressive cutting capacity for a chainsaw of this size.

The streamlined profile and rear handle allow you to get close to your work and makes limbing branches simpler. The compact dimensions also make storage and transportation straightforward. Just make sure not to mistake its portable size for lack of power.

The 4017 chainsaw is designed for occasional use around the homestead, not sustained heavy-duty logging work. But for typical homeowners, the design provides an optimal balance of strength, manageability and easy storage.

Engine

The WEN 4017 chainsaw is powered by a 2-stroke engine that runs on a 50:1 gas to oil fuel mixture. The engine capacity is 40.2 cc which provides adequate power for cutting through logs up to 16 inches thick.

The 2-stroke engine is lightweight and simple in design with fewer moving parts compared to 4-stroke engines. This allows for more compact packaging and reduced weight. The engine starts easily with a pull cord starter and offers smooth operation.

One downside of 2-stroke engines is that they tend to be less fuel efficient and produce more emissions compared to 4-stroke counterparts. However the engine is CARB compliant to meet emissions regulations. Overall the 40.2 cc 2-stroke engine offers a good balance of power, weight and ease of use for a chainsaw in this class.

Cutting Capabilities

The WEN 4017 chainsaw has strong cutting capabilities thanks to its 16-inch Oregon bar and chain. The bar length is a good medium size, providing versatility for different cutting tasks without being too large or unwieldy. It uses a standard 0.375-inch pitch Oregon chain, which is readily available for replacement when needed.

This electric chainsaw can cut branches and logs up to 16 inches thick, which is sufficient for most homeowners' yardwork needs. The 16-inch bar gives you good reach for cutting down smaller trees or storm debris. While professional loggers may need larger and more powerful saws, the WEN 4017 provides solid cutting performance for the average homeowner doing clean-up or firewood cutting.

The chain stays sharp longer than some competitors thanks to the Oregon brand and quality materials. It can handle both softwoods and hardwoods without excessive wear. Overall, the cutting capabilities match what you would expect for a corded electric saw in this price range. It provides a good balance of power, bar length, and chain quality to tackle small-to-medium cutting tasks.

Safety Features

The WEN 4017 chainsaw comes equipped with key safety features to protect the user while operating this powerful tool.

• It has an automatic chain brake that engages if the chainsaw experiences dangerous kickback from the bar. This instantly stops the chain to prevent potential injury.

• The chainsaw is designed to reduce kickback in general. It has a small tip on the guide bar to minimize kickback force if the tip contacts wood while cutting. The engine also has a compression release valve to make starting easier without flinging the chainsaw bar upwards.

• The front hand guard acts as protection between the user's hand and the bar/chain if kickback were to occur. This thick plastic guard absorbs impact instead of the operator's wrist or arm.

• An additional side hand protector shield prevents the user's knuckles and fingers from making accidental contact with the spinning chain along the top of the bar.

• The rear handle has an ergonomic design for a sturdy yet comfortable grip to maintain control of the saw. The Cordura carrying case offers safe storage and transport of the chainsaw.

Overall, WEN prioritizes user safety with the multiple protective features on this model. Both experienced and novice chainsaw users can operate it with confidence.

Ease of Use

Starting the WEN 4017 electric chainsaw is straightforward with the flip of a switch. The chainsaw features an automatic oiler to lubricate the chain and bar while running to reduce friction and wear. This helps extend the life of the cutting components.

To make operation more comfortable, the WEN chainsaw utilizes anti-vibration technology to reduce hand fatigue. By dampening vibrations, users can run the saw for longer periods without their hands going numb. The rubberized rear handle and front hand guard also absorb shock and vibration. Overall, the design helps decrease user strain when making cuts.

The 16-inch bar provides good reach for trimming branches or cutting smaller logs. It's a good compact size that remains maneuverable. The chainsaw only weighs about 10 pounds, so it's not overly heavy or tiring to use. The weight combined with the compact bar length make it relatively easy to handle during use.

Maintenance

The WEN 4017 chainsaw requires some periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Two key areas to focus on are the air filter and spark plug.

The air filter needs to be checked regularly and cleaned or replaced as needed. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the carburetor, reducing engine power. The 4017 has an easy to access air filter behind the rear handle, making inspection and replacement straightforward. Just unclip the rear handle, remove the air filter cover, and check or swap out the filter element. WEN recommends replacing the air filter every 3 months or 25 hours of use.

Spark plug maintenance is also important. The spark plug ignites the fuel mixture in the engine and over time can become fouled, resulting in hard starting or rough running. The 4017 gained praise for making spark plug access relatively convenient. Just remove the top engine cover to get to the plug. Use a spark plug wrench to remove and inspect the plug every 6 months or after around 50 hours of use. Check for discoloration or carbon build-up and replace if needed. Use the recommended NGK BPMR7A spark plug as a replacement.

Following the manufacturer's advice on air filter and spark plug service will help keep the 4017 chainsaw running optimally for a long time.

Pros

The main pros of the WEN 4017 16-inch electric chainsaw are its power, price, and reliability.

• Powerful: This chainsaw provides plenty of power for cutting through smaller to medium-sized pieces of wood. Its 16-inch Oregon bar and chain can make quick work of branches, logs, and firewood. The 1,600W motor generates up to 4,375FPM chain speed for fast, effective cuts.

• Great price: At under $100, the WEN 4017 packs impressive power and convenience at a very wallet-friendly price point. Compared to gas models in the same performance range, this electric chainsaw delivers excellent value. It's a fraction of the cost of pro models, making it ideal for DIYers on a budget.

• Reliable performance: This budget-friendly chainsaw delivers consistent results thanks to its durable Oregon bar and chain, powerful motor, and overall solid construction. Many users report getting years of reliable use with proper care and maintenance. The automatic oiler ensures the chain stays lubricated during use.

Cons

• Weight - The WEN 4017 chainsaw weighs in at around 14 pounds, making it on the heavier side for a 16-inch electric chainsaw. The extra weight can make it more difficult to maneuver and control during prolonged use. Those with smaller builds may find the weight unwieldy.

• Noise - This chainsaw can be quite loud, especially when pushed to maximum capacity. It operates at a noise level of around 103 dB, which is similar to other electric saws but substantially louder than comparable gas models. Ear protection is a must when running this saw. The noise could be an issue if using the saw for extended periods or around others.

• Oil Tank Capacity - With a modest 3.2 ounce oil tank, the 4017 requires frequent refilling of the chain bar lubricant. Many comparable models have tanks nearly twice as large, allowing longer uninterrupted use. Those doing heavy duty cutting may need to stop to refill the oil more often than desired. Larger projects become inconvenient as oil replenishment is required.

Conclusion - Overall Value and Recommendation

The WEN 4017 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw provides good value for the price. It's lightweight and compact yet still packs impressive cutting power. The automatic chain oiler helps prolong chain and bar life. Safety features like the kickback brake and front hand guard add peace of mind. While it may lack some of the power and durability of pricier pro models, it's still a very capable chainsaw for light-duty homeowner use.

The 4017 strikes a nice balance between budget-friendly price and useful features. For routine property maintenance tasks like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and firewood cutting, it's a solid choice. The easy start-up, easy handling, and quiet operation make it user-friendly for homeowners. While occasional issues like oil leaks or chain derailment may arise, the two-year warranty helps safeguard against defects.

In summary, the WEN 4017 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw is a great value electric chainsaw for light to moderate residential cutting tasks. For homeowners seeking an affordable, quality electric chainsaw that's lightweight yet efficient, with handy safety mechanisms, the 4017 is an excellent option to consider. It provides capabilities and reliability beyond many comparably-priced models.