Greenworks 60V Chainsaw Easily Gas Powered
We have been pleased with the performance of Greenworks' previous generation 60V chainsaw. While the newest models have more power, we decided to put the new Greenworks 60V chainsaw through the same tests as the old one to see just how different it really is. Our friend Eli Mosley had some oak trees to work on, so we headed over to his ranch and put the saw through its paces.
advantage
- More powerful and faster than previous 60V models
- metal buckling nail
- Now includes standard chain instead of skip teeth
- Dual Capture Nut Rod Fixation System
shortcoming
- A kitted 2.5Ah battery may not give you the run time you need for larger projects
More power, less weight, less noise
Before we started, I asked them if they would rather climb with an air saw or try a battery-operated chainsaw. Lifting and noticing the lighter weight, they decided to give it a try.
On paper, Greenworks tells us the saw cuts faster and has 20 percent more torque than a 42cc gas engine. When pulling the trigger for the first time, our guys noted that it sounded "cute." Accelerating it to full chain speed of 20 m/s and making his first cuts in oak, he had a lovely smile on his face.
Clearly, this updated model cuts faster and stronger than the previous model. Much of that is due to an upgrade in brushless motor and battery technology, delivering more current than previous versions.
While he was in the air, several of us noticed how easy it was to communicate with him since we weren't battling the gas engine noise.
We prepped and removed the main branch we wanted and started the ground work. From light pruning to cutting 12-inch branches, the Greenworks 60V Chainsaw does a great job.
No one even bothered to start the air saw when we had all the pieces piled up.
run
So I'm a really bad guy and didn't actually count the amount we cut. In any case, this is a difficult metric to quantify. You have the diameter of the cut, the type of tree, the temperature…you get the idea.
What I can tell you is that we took down several major oak branches within a 12" range with the 5.0Ah battery. Once at the ground, we cut the larger section into about 18" sections and trimmed off any branches. In terms of working time, we cut about an hour and a half.
The 2.5Ah battery in the kit is good for light pruning, but I highly recommend going up to 5.0Ah for medium to large branches (or full felling).
Oil
The Greenworks 60V chainsaw has a lug oil cap that opens easily with gloves on. The flip-up tabs also provide a good grip. However, the translucent windows are a bit difficult to see through.
Like most chainsaws, it leaks a little bit of oil when it sits. If you only use the saw occasionally, you may want to empty the reservoir when you're ready to put it down for a while.
Greenworks Pro 60V 16" Chainsaw Design Instructions
chain gang
Previous Greenworks 60V chainsaws used Oregon 91 skip tooth chains. This saves money and requires less battery power, but these skip tooth chains cut slower than traditional chains. That's not surprising since it only has half of its teeth. They also do a good job of clearing debris from the chain path – which is why you often see them on models that use longer bars.
As with the previous model, Greenworks moved from the thinner 0.043-inch chain that most cordless chainsaws come with to a stronger 0.050-inch chain. The difference is that they pack it with a standard tooth chain instead of a skip tooth. It still comes with a 16" stem.
bar security
The rod is secured with a double stud whose nut needs to be tightened and loosened with a wrench. Some saws in this class feature tool-free adjustments, but the advantages are still debated. Although some convenience is lost, some professionals feel that the double stud design maintains a more secure connection.
However, dropped nuts are common. Greenworks also designed a locknut for this saw so it's less likely to get lost in the field. This is definitely a plus.
Pro Tip: Be sure to place the nuts evenly on the double stud chainsaw bar to ensure it stays secure.
flex spike
The updated Greenworks 60V Chainsaw features steel curved spikes that grip wood securely during vertical cuts. The spikes allow you to gain downward leverage when you rock the saw slightly forward using the flex grip. Many saws in this category have plastic curved spikes — and tiny ones at that. It would be nice to see more durable steel nails here.
ergonomics
The chainsaw weighs 9.3 pounds with the battery on, and around 12.5 pounds with the 2.5Ah battery. It does a decent job in the balance category compared to its peers. It depends a lot on the battery you use, as a 2.5Ah pack will save some weight. We mostly use the 5.0Ah and don't find anything particularly out of the ordinary, although it certainly shifts the weight back. What matters is how well you guide the saw through your cut, we didn't feel like we had to fight the weight of the saw at all.
Our team had some debate over the handle size. People with large hands may feel that they are too thin. I have medium sized hands and haven't found it to be a problem, but I can definitely see how our office gorilla is an exception. As a chainsaw aimed at homeowners, I think it strikes a fair balance.
other highlights
- mechanical trigger safety
- inertia start chain brake
Greenworks Pro 60V 16" Chainsaw Prices
This Greenworks 60V chainsaw is $299.99 as a 2.5Ah battery kit. If you already have the battery, you can buy it bare-bones for $229. Both the chainsaw and the battery are backed by a 4-year warranty.
the bottom line
We really like the performance gains on this Greenworks 60V chainsaw over previous models. Considering the old one was done well, the update goes above and beyond the average homeowner's needs and accommodates properties that larger homeowners can take advantage of. For general tree maintenance, the 2.5Ah battery in the kit works well. However, if you're planning on cutting down the trees entirely or maintaining a larger property, invest in a 5.0Ah battery or two.
Greenworks 60V Chainsaw Specifications
- Model: Greenworks Pro CS60L212 (kit)
- Power source: Greenworks 60V battery
- Weight with battery: 12.5 lbs
- Supporting battery: 2.5Ah
- Nominal battery watt-hour: 108
- Chain: 3/8" pitch, 0.050 gauge
- Pole Length: 16"
- Warranty: 4 years limited
- Price: $229 bare, $299 kit with 2.5Ah battery