Introduction
As a kid living near the Rocky Mountains in Montana, I had the incredible experience of sleeping in a handmade Native American teepee during a salmon fishing adventure with a friend’s family. Looking at the perfectly cut and leveled poles, I couldn’t help but wonder about the effort it took to create such a structure. Now, as an adult, I ponder how my dad’s friend would react if I brought out a GreenWorks 80V chainsaw to help with his excess wood.
Embracing the Cordless Revolution
Cordless tools are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are revolutionizing the way we approach tasks. While there’s a certain nostalgia associated with traditional handsaws, axes, and loud pneumatic chainsaws, the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw is challenging the dominance of gas engines in outdoor power equipment. The true test lies in assessing its runtime and power. In this review, we explore the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw model GCS80420 from their 80V Pro Series, designed to demonstrate cordless capabilities in the professional OPE tool arena.
GreenWorks 80V Chainsaw Features
The GreenWorks 80V chainsaw builds upon the success of its predecessor, the GreenWorks 40V Brushless Chainsaw, which impressed with its runtime and power. The new 80V model also features a DigiPro brushless motor and introduces a remarkable addition for a cordless saw – an 18-inch bar and chain. This unique feature sets it apart from other cordless chainsaw manufacturers. The chainsaw also boasts an electronic chain brake and real metal aggressive curved spikes on the front, enhancing both control and precision during woodcutting.
The automatic oiler, with its translucent window, allows for easy monitoring of the oil level. This means you can store the chainsaw on a shelf or garage floor without worrying about oil spills. This advantage distinguishes the GreenWorks 80V Chainsaw from the EGO cordless chainsaw, which tends to leak oil.
Ergonomics and Handling
The GreenWorks 80V chainsaw offers a solid and robust build quality, with a metal wraparound handle that instills a feeling of sturdiness. Unlike ultralight tree saws, this chainsaw resembles a heavy-duty gasoline model. However, it does not feel oversized or unwieldy. It strikes a balance between a mid-size homeowner saw and a small-displacement professional model. The connection between the 18-inch bar and the saw is unusual, as typically longer bars are paired with more powerful chainsaws. Nevertheless, the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw effortlessly cuts through 16-inch diameter oak trunks, showcasing its impressive performance.
Charging the GreenWorks 80V Battery
Currently, the GreenWorks 80V series offers 2.0Ah batteries. With a battery pack rated at 144Wh, an 80V fast charger can fully charge the battery in just 30 minutes. GreenWorks plans to introduce 360Wh 5.0 Ah and 460Wh 6.4 Ah batteries, which will provide longer runtimes. For optimal operation, having multiple battery packs and chargers on hand is recommended. However, for smaller yards, a fast charger and a couple of 80V battery packs should suffice.
The charging process is straightforward and familiar to those who have used lithium-ion batteries before. The fast charger features a built-in fan to cool the battery pack, ensuring efficient charging while preventing overheating. A single LED indicator notifies when the battery is charging and when it’s fully charged. This versatile charger can be used as a desktop charger or wall-mounted. Furthermore, leaving the battery on the charger for a brief period, even after it’s charged, allows for additional work time.
Using the GreenWorks 80V Pro Chainsaw in the Field
To evaluate the GreenWorks 80V Pro chainsaw, we compared it with other models in a variety of aspects, including power, weight, handling, runtime, and ergonomics. The chainsaw performed exceptionally well, surpassing our expectations. Its cutting precision and control were comparable to that of a miter saw. Upon testing it on a 16-inch diameter tree trunk, we observed its ability to plow through wood effortlessly.
Compared to the GreenWorks 40V DigiPro chainsaw, the new 80V model exhibited 30% more power and a larger cutting capacity due to its 18-inch bar. The chainsaw’s instant start-up, similar to the 40V DigiPro brushless model, contrasts with the Black & Decker 40V Max chainsaw’s one-second delay. The GreenWorks 80V chainsaw impresses with its snappy performance and professional-grade build quality, making it easy to forget that it is a cordless model. Additionally, its quiet operation reduces noise pollution compared to traditional gas-powered chainsaws.
GreenWorks 80V Chainsaw vs. EGO 56V Chainsaw
While both the GreenWorks 80V and EGO 56V chainsaws offer exceptional performance, they differ in certain aspects. The GreenWorks model shines in terms of power, outperforming the EGO chainsaw. However, the EGO chainsaw boasts longer runtime, allowing users to accomplish more tasks. Moreover, the EGO chainsaw’s design, though enjoyable, exhibits a more playful appearance, while the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw resembles a traditional tool. The choice between them depends on individual preferences and specific job requirements.
GreenWorks 80V and Black & Decker 40V Chainsaws
A comparison between the GreenWorks 80V and Black & Decker 40V chainsaws highlights the importance of power, especially when dealing with larger tasks. The start-up delay of the 40V Max chainsaw, coupled with its limited cutting capacity, makes it less suitable for cutting large diameter trees. In contrast, the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw excels, offering superior performance and power. Although the Black & Decker 40V chainsaw may be suitable for pruning smaller trees, its capabilities pale in comparison to the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw.
Specifications of the GreenWorks 80V Chainsaw
- Model: GCS80420
- Certification: ETL
- Steel buckling nail
- Chain gate
- Pole Length: 18 inches
- Chain Spacing: 3/8″
- Chain gauge: 0.05 inches
- Side chain tension
- Automatic chain and bar oiler
- Translucent tank capacity: 1.9 oz
- Wrap-around handle
- Battery: 80V 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery (144Wh)
- Charger: 80V single port fast charger
Conclusion
The GreenWorks 80V chainsaw not only evokes nostalgic memories of teepee poles but also pushes cordless OPE tools into the professional market. With its impressive power and 18-inch cutting capacity, this chainsaw offers a compelling alternative to gas-powered models. Despite the runtime limitations, GreenWorks plans to introduce higher watt-hour batteries, ensuring longer operation times. The chainsaw’s striking similarity to traditional gasoline models may appeal to professionals seeking a familiar and reliable tool. Cordless chainsaws offer quieter operation and eliminate the inconvenience of refueling, making them an attractive choice for users looking to streamline their cutting experience.
