Greenworks Step Up Their Tree Working Game With 18" Pro 60V Chainsaw
The latest generation of 60V lawn care and landscaping tools from Greenworks is excellent. When they upgraded the 16" chainsaw, we saw a huge increase in performance. Now, the design has been applied to the Greenworks Pro 60V 18-inch chainsaw. We took it to the ranch to see how it did with some central Florida oak.
advantage
- Excellent chain speed and strength
- 18" bar increases cutting capacity
- metal buckling nail
- Dual capture rod nuts securely maintain rod tension
- Packaged 4.0Ah battery provides the right balance of runtime and weight
shortcoming
- no major disadvantages
I got a call from our friend Eli Mosely telling me he had a giant water oak that came down from the pasture and we needed to cut it down. These oaks are beautiful, but they tend to rot in the center, gradually weakening until they split and fall. While the center of the tree was rotten, the branches were intact, providing us with plenty of solid oak 12 to 18 inches thick.
Tilt the chain up and the saw quietly comes alive compared to our air saws. Of course, instant start without having to pull the starter is one of the main benefits of kicking the gas tank for lithium-ion power. Traveling at just under 67 feet per second, the chain melted 14 inches of oak like butter. Once we were happy with the cut, we decided to give it a little more push and see if the chain would snap. It can, but the brushless motor has the torque to keep the chain moving better than most cordless saws.
Most importantly, we were able to cut quickly while maintaining a high level of control as we worked at different heights and angles over several hours.
As far as run time goes, it will vary based on what you're cutting, how thick it is, and what batteries you're using. In our opinion, a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery is the sweet spot, giving the chainsaw the perfect blend of runtime, balance, and weight. Paired with a 6 amp charger, you should be able to run almost continuously on a pair of batteries. If you need a number, Greenworks says you can make 150 cuts in a 4×4 with a single 4.0Ah battery.
Greenworks Pro 60V 18" Chainsaw Design Instructions
chain selection
Greenworks' move to 0.050" chain is a big deal. Since most battery-operated chainsaws are still using 0.043-inch chainsaws, only stronger models can handle larger chain sizes and tend to cut faster and have longer chain life.
Nails
As we move to more powerful cordless chainsaws, we prefer the two-bolt system that Greenworks uses on this 18-inch model. The tension on the rod seems to hold longer, and since the design team opted for a captive nut, there's no risk of dropping or losing it. However, you do want to make sure your screch is always with you, as it doesn't have onboard storage.
flex spike
We like that this saw uses metal curved spikes. They bite into wood and hold in place better than plastic, and can be replaced if they get damaged.
Oil
The translucent window for viewing the oil level is a bit difficult to see. It's okay in bright sunlight, just not in the shade. To be on the safe side, always remove the cover and check the fluid level before starting work.
However, we really like the caps that Greenworks uses. It has a flap that is easy to grip with fingers and thumb even when wearing gloves.
Like most chainsaws, we found some oil leaks. That's the price you pay for automatic oil priming. We're not surprised by this, and it's no worse than what we're used to. If you only use the saw occasionally, you may need to empty the reservoir between jobs to prevent leaks.
Additional features
- chain gate
Greenworks Pro 60V 18" Chainsaw Prices
You can buy this Greenworks chainsaw as a bare tool for $279.99, or as a kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger for $399.99. There's also a 4.0Ah kit for $349.99.
If performance is your thing but prefers 16-inch handlebars and chainstays, that model is $229.99 bare or $299.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger.
the bottom line
Essentially, the Greenworks Pro 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw is the same as the 16-Inch model, but with a larger bar. There's nothing wrong with that, though, and we love the extra capacity. Greenworks claims that the saw has 20% more torque than a 42cc air saw and cuts faster, and based on our experience, that seems to be accurate. It's not quite at the performance level of a farm and ranch chainsaw, but it's much better than most of the homeowner's air saws we've used. No need to worry about gas, it's a great solution for seasonal yard work, post-hurricane/storm cleanup, and making your neighbors jealous when you pull the cord 50 times.
Check out more Greenworks chainsaws in this article!
Greenworks 60V Pro 18" Chainsaw Specifications
- Model: Lvgong CS60L03
- Motor: Brushless
- Pole Length: 18 inches
- Buckling Studs: Metal
- Chain gate: yes
- Automatic Lubricator: Yes
- Fuel Tank: Translucent
- Start type: button
- Chain Tensioner: Tools
- Warranty: 4 years on tool and battery