Product Reviews

Greenworks 40V Chainsaw – Features and a Complete Review!

Greenworks 40V – An ideal choice for up-in-the-air works!

This chainsaw is a battery-operated chainsaw. In comparison to gasoline-powered chainsaws, the Greenworks G-MAX Lithium-Ion battery chainsaw is touted as being a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Chainsaws powered by electricity or batteries are finding their way into homeowners’ hands, and so, here we are with our Greenworks cordless chainsaw review.

With its chain brake, handguard, and trigger that can be released instantly, the GreenWorks 40V G-MAX has all the safety features of a traditional chainsaw. Additionally, you can turn off the saw completely very quickly by simply switching it off. To protect the battery from discharge, the saw shuts down after a minute or so of inactivity.

If you’re somebody looking for a high-quality, durable, and highly efficient battery-powered chainsaw, or if you want to shift from a gas-powered chainsaw to a battery-powered, this Greenworks electric saw is definitely for you!

This article contains all information about Greenworks 40V, including all its features, specifications, uses, problems you might face using it, and some alternate options to this saw as well. (Just in case you’re looking for some)

How Long Does a Greenworks Battery Last?

Most probably, a Greenworks battery would serve you for around 3 years or maybe more. But most often, the charging and discharging cycles of your saw would determine the exact battery time and lifespan.

While working, the battery would last up to 4 hours.

Why Buy the Greenworks 40V Chainsaw?

There are a lot of reasons you shouldn’t be missing on Greenworks 40V chainsaw if you prefer using battery-powered saws.

This 16-inch Greenworks DigiPro brushless chainsaw is a cordless chainsaw that is extremely practical for up-in-the-air work. Right at the moment, you release the trigger, the engine silences and the saw stops. So, you won’t have to deal with the engine noise for long after shutting it down.

Let’s talk a bit about the restarting mechanism as well. Gas saws aren’t fun to start by hand while standing on a height, so having a pushbutton start is an invaluable feature when you’re at twenty-five feet.

In addition, the brushless motor and four-year warranty make this saw extremely attractive. For true commercial use, however, the warranty will be reduced to 90 days. We can say that after using a saw like this, you might be more open to cordless technology after all.

Who Makes Greenworks Chainsaws?

Greenworks is a brand owned by the Globe Group. They are a young company and are pioneers in a world that has left fossil fuels and electric cables behind. They have subsidiaries in several countries.

Greenworks 40V Chainsaw Review

When you have a chainsaw that won’t be used often, but just needs something to trim some branches or remove debris, battery-powered chainsaws are ideal.

However, despite being a battery-powered chainsaw, Greenworks 40V is regarded as one of the most reliable cordless saws on the current market. The saw can handle heavy jobs when needed and serves as a great backup for more intensive cutting operations.

Here are its amazing features that make it an exceptional choice for a chainsaw!

Specifications

Manufacturer Greenworks
Dimensions 31 inches x 9 inches x 8.5 inches
Weight 10.36 Pounds
Bar 16-inch
Motor type Brushless Motor
Charge Time 1 hour for 2.0 AH, 2 hours for 4.0 AH
Battery 4.0 AH, 40 Volts, G-MAX
Warranty 4 years (90 days commercial)

Chain Tension System

Increasingly, cordless chainsaws come equipped with tool-free mechanisms for tightening the bar and chain. A good example is a Greenworks chainsaw. You can loosen the bar and cover the tensioner by turning the T handle in front of the saw.

In order to adjust the chain tension, a round knob at the back of the saw adjusts the diameter of the saw blade. Throughout the cutting process, both the T handle and tensioning knob remain in place and are never loosened.

Your chain must be correctly positioned on your guide bar in order to spin effectively. While a chain shouldn’t be too tight, it should still be able to be raised just a little bit while leaving the teeth on the guide. A chain that’s too tight will lead to binding. If it’s too loose, it may fall off.

Regular maintenance includes adjusting the tension as your saw loosens and stretches over time. With the tool-less chain tensioner, you can avoid pauses in your work by tightening or loosening with a simple twist of the knob.

Air Filter

Air intake systems on chainsaws are designed to prevent sawdust from reaching air filters and this Greenworks 40V chainsaw is one of them. If the air filter is clean, the chainsaw will run smoothly. You should therefore place a high priority on an air filter that is free from dust and clean.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your machine will prevent it from getting damaged by larger debris. Consequently, larger debris does not reach the filter at all.

Automatic Oiler

The automatic oiler is another exceptional feature of this saw. Automatic oilers save you from the hustle of dealing with the oil requirements of your saw. The chainsaws with such oilers keep a balance in feeding the chain of the saw and hence ensure proper working.

It is important that you keep your bar and chain well oiled while running. The oil prevents the chain from binding, keeps it from overheating, and allows the chain to spin freely on the bar.

In Greenworks 40V, the automatic oiler shows you how much oil is in the reservoir through a translucent tank as you work. Those who work with both electric and gas saws can easily switch between them if they happen to run both.

Brushless Motor

The precision of brushless motors makes them more efficient. A brushed motor is also quieter, runs longer, and cools faster- making overheating virtually impossible.

Using a brushless motor, this model is capable of providing up to 30% more torque than most other models. Even experienced sawyers who use this saw for personal use prefer it over gas-powered saws for moderate-sized jobs, and they also keep it as a backup when working in the field since they know its power is sufficient to finish any heavy jobs left in limbo.

Button Push Start

This battery-operated chainsaw saves much of your time as compared to the gas-powered saws.

The first thing you have to do before starting a gas engine is prime and choke it. In addition, the fuel to oil ratio must be correct, the filters must be clean, and the spark plug must work. These are not complicated to maintain but require an additional step prior to starting your saw.

But this Greenworks saw starts working instantly as soon as the power button is pressed, and the engine engaged. There’s no pulling needed as a single push of the button starts the saw.

G-MAX Battery

Featuring the G-MAX 40V 4Ah Li-Ion Battery or a Tool Only option, the G-MAX System integrates 14 different lawn tools into one complete system to offer lawn care homeowners a complete solution for yard work.

The Greenworks G-MAX System is the best solution for those looking for gas-concurrent lawn tools with power and performance, longer run time, and versatility to meet all their needs. No matter what chores you need to do around the house or how many natural disasters you need to clean up, this G-MAX 40V Lithium-ion System will help you out.

Lightweight

Heavy chainsaws could be great trouble when you have to work for long hours. And so, we prefer having a not-so-heavy saw in order to enjoy maximum comfort and ease of work.

This chainsaw from Greenworks again is a win here. It weighs around 10 pounds which is a great weight for a chainsaw.

LowVib System

An engine with a larger displacement will result in more vibration over time, which can lead to fatigue. Due to its technologically advanced anti-vibration system, the Greenworks 40V will allow you to work for longer periods of time, making smooth cuts and causing less stress on your body.

Furthermore, with its ergonomic design, any hand size can reach the controls comfortably, reducing fatigue. However, anti-vibration gloves are always advisable. It’s important to protect yourself!

User Experience

Because of its versatility, ease of use, and affordable price, homeowners pretty much admire this particular model. The power and dependability of this saw, as well as those from the 40-volt series, is highly rated.

Experts say it packs a punch in a compact, cordless design, considering how compact it is. It’s a popular backup saw, and many people have praised its value as a saw that can be relied upon.

Additionally, it has been mentioned that this particular model is comparable to gas saws of similar size, though a gas saw can operate all day long without recharging, this one is very easy to use, and offers little resistance when cutting. It is also a perfect choice when working in residential areas because it’s quiet in working and isn’t loud at all.

For the complaints, it is a common complaint that bar and chain oil leaks, but it is normal due to the automatic oiler that has some oil leftover in the reservoir after the engine is turned off.

Price

This Greenworks 40V Chainsaw would cost you somewhat around $160 to $165. However, prices may vary from region to region.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • One of the best battery-operated saws for homeowners

  • Perfectly weighted and balanced; hence easy to handle

  • Ideal for up-in-the-air works

  • Quiet operation with exceptionally powerful cutting

Cons
  • Some users have complained about the oil leakage due to an automatic oiler

  • Not suitable for high professional use

 

Alternate Options for Greenworks 40V Chainsaw

Because you’re looking for some great quality chainsaws, there shouldn’t be only one option to look at. Here are our top picks as alternatives to the Greenworks 40V chainsaw. We hope this helps too.

  1. DeWalt 20V Chainsaw
  2. Poulan Pro PR5020
  3. Husqvarna 455 Rancher
  4. Husqvarna 120 Mark ii

1. DeWalt 20V Chainsaw

Batteries used in the DeWalt 20V chainsaw are 20V MAX XR batteries, which are compatible with your current 20V MAX batteries. Gas fumes, carburetor issues, or maintenance issues are eliminated with this gas-free chainsaw.

DEWALT 20V Chainsaw - Design

You can use it for medium-sized branches, about 4 to 8 inches across. In addition, it is very easy to work with. It can even be handled with just one hand. With its brushless motor, there is less friction, resulting in less heat.

This tool is perfect for tasks such as cutting beams, tearing down buildings, and removing tree limbs in outdoors. Furthermore, its lightweight design ensures maximum control. Furthermore, brushless motor technology allows the motor to run for a long time with minimal maintenance required.

2. Poulan Pro PR5020

This one’s the best affordable high quality, and durable saw you’ll find on the market. Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw has a powerful 50 CC 2-cycle engine that makes it easy to use and incredibly powerful. Moreover, the model features low weight, a powerful, low-emissions, and a low-fuel consumption OxyPower engine.

Poulan Pro PR5020 Review

This engine is also easy to handle and maintain because the chain tensioning is conveniently situated on the side and the spark plug and filter cans can be easily changed through the cylinder cover clips. Thus, if you are looking for an alternative to the Husqvarna 455, this Poulan chainsaw is one of the best choices.

3. Husqvarna 455 Rancher

Chainsaws from Husqvarna are simply amazing! The Husqvarna chainsaws are considered the second-best chainsaws in the world and the most popular as well.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher Review

For those who cut five to ten cords of wood each year, or even more, this residential chainsaw is ideal. With the bar and chain removed, it weighs about 12.8 pounds and has 3.49 horsepower. Its slimmer and skinnier body makes it feel quite comfortable in your hands when you grasp it.

The tool also comes with a great chain break to prevent injuries caused by kickback. As well as being easy to begin, it is also convenient to use for a long time.

4. Husqvarna 120 Mark ii

Husqvarna has once again created a masterpiece. If you are a homeowner who mainly does light work, then the Husqvarna 120 Mark ii is the best choice. Among gas-powered chainsaws, this is the best for 2 x 4 projects. Homeowners and professionals alike can use this tool to limb and prune fallen trees.

Husqvarna 120 Mark II Review

With this chainsaw, you don’t have to carry a lot of extra fuel when gathering firewood. Also, you may also use it in conjunction with a larger felling saw, which can have a 60cc engine and a 30-inch bar.

Greenworks 40V Chainsaw – Most Common Uses

The Greenworks 40V battery-operated saw can be used for a lot of outdoor woodworks such as:

  • Tree felling
  • For limbing, that is, to remove branches from a standing tree trunk or from a fallen tree
  • For pruning and bucking
  • For cutting firebreaks to suppress wildfires
  • Logging and processing for firewood

Greenworks 40V Vs 80V Chainsaw

With an 18-inch bar, the new 80V chainsaw is more powerful and has a lot greater cutting capacity than GreenWorks’ 40V chainsaw. Another difference is that the chainsaw feels very similar to a gas model. Also, the ignition is almost instantaneous.

Furthermore, the 40V system has a watt-hour capacity of 146-watt hours whereas the 80V system has a watt-hour capacity of 144-watt hours. The 80V Greenworks chainsaw also charges faster compared to the 40V. It takes 30 minutes to charge 80V, while 1 to 2 hours to charge the 40V.

Greenworks 40V Chainsaw Problems

Like every other chainsaw, Greenworks 40V too has some problems along with being an exceptionally amazing battery-powered chainsaw.

Firstly, it is somewhat disappointing that, despite its huge power, it is not considered suitable for professional use. Even though it’s a great piece of equipment, we would not recommend it for professional logging tasks due to its limitations, including downtime, efficiency drops, and lengthy recharge times.

Secondly, the price of spare batteries is another problem that many users complain about. This unit doesn’t cost much and is quite affordable, but it can get quite expensive to buy extra batteries. You’ll, unfortunately, have to prepare yourself for a significant budget hit if you wish to add a spare battery.

How to Start a Greenworks 40V Chainsaw?

The best thing about this chainsaw is that it doesn’t require pulling to start. There’s a start button that does the entire job. Here’s how to start this chainsaw.

  1. Just behind the battery, you’ll see a power-on button. Just press that button.
  2. Upon pressing the button, you’ll hear a ‘beep’ sound, and a green light would turn on, indicating that the saw is ready to use.
  3. Next, it’s just a matter of holding it firmly with a strong grip. When you do that, now press the lever (which is the safety button) on the left of the handle.
  4. Once you’ve ensured safety, pull the button just underneath the handle and the saw starts cutting.
  5. On the very second you release the button, the saw stops immediately and the engine ceases completely.

What Size Chain Does Greenworks 40V Chainsaw Take?

The Greenworks 40V chainsaw can take a 14 as well as a 16-inch bar chain. Some people prefer using a 14-inch chain while others go for 16-inch as it is a bit long and hence, more convenient to use.

Spark Plug for Greenworks 40V Chainsaw

This Greenworks 40V chainsaw DOES NOT take a spark plug!

 

 

Greenworks 40V Chainsaw – FAQs

Where are Greenworks chainsaws made?
A sprawling Greenworks plant near Shanghai in China, which employs 4,000 workers at its peak, makes all Greenworks tools.
Are Greenworks and Ryobi the same company?
No. Greenworks and Ryobi are not the same company. Many GreenWorks products are viewed as Ryobi products a few years after their debut. Before Ryobi introduced its green-branded tools, GreenWorks was the first to offer green-colored tools.
Does Stihl own Greenworks?
Stihl does not entirely own Greenworks. However, Stihl holds a substantial minority stake in Globe Tools Group.

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this detailed review has helped you in narrowing down your choices if you were unaware of how beneficial a cordless chainsaw can be.

It’s hard to find a chainsaw that beats the features of the Greenworks 40v, 18-inch Chainsaw in terms of dependability and ease of use. The lightweight design, easy maintenance, and quality construction enable you to start working quickly and to continue working until the job is done!

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