HART 40V battery powered 16" chainsaw demonstrates increased cutting capacity and performance
HART is entering the high-performance battery-powered lawn care space with a new addition to its 40V product line. Among them, we have the HART 40V battery powered 16" chainsaw, which is now the top of the brand's expanding line. We wanted to see how far this saw would take you compared to HART's previous offerings.
advantage
- Faster and stronger than other HART chainsaws
- hard shell storage box
- Onboard wrench storage
- Double Nail Bar Security
shortcoming
- plastic buckling nail
- Easy to leak oil
HART currently has two 40V brushless chainsaws. Between 14" and 16", the 16" is the sweet spot for homeowner use. It's perfect for managing storm cleanup and seasonal tree care for any species without being overwhelmingly large.
We teamed up with our good friend and resident rancher Eli Mosley to clear a small tree on our ranch in Polk County, Florida. It's a great opportunity to chop down some trees and get up close and personal with the chainsaw in the same environment we tested previous models.
The brushless motor keeps the chain at a good speed and has some nice muscle behind it. We easily felled several trees up to 6 inches tall. Once every tree was down, we were able to quickly remove the limbs, which were then split into usable firewood.
Doing some test cuts on thicker trunks, it became clear that this model cuts faster and stronger than other battery powered options from HART. Overall, this is a very pleasant saw to use, as it is easy to control, cuts with confidence, and doesn't weigh too much.
One thing we'd like to see changed is the replacement of the plastic curved spikes with more aggressive metal spikes. The saw has enough power to tackle medium-sized trees, and an extra bite would help.
HART 40V Battery Operated 16" Chainsaw Design Notes
ergonomics
This chainsaw measures 33.75 inches from end to end. The fore and rear grips are very well spaced so you don't feel cramped when making cuts.
Barely, it weighs 10.19 pounds, and with the 4.0Ah battery the scales even tipped the scales at 13 pounds. It's what we've come to expect for this size, and exactly in line with what we've seen from similar battery-powered models.
The phone that goes with the side entry is an interesting one. With a 4.0Ah battery, it's well balanced but does stick out a bit.
chain tension
There's been a lot of debate between two-bolt and tool-less bar safety designs, and I'm personally glad to see HART sticking with the latter. While this isn't a chainsaw for professionals, many pros will avoid tool-free options.
HART provides a scraper that mounts securely to the bottom of the rear handle for on-the-fly adjustments, saving you a trip back to your truck or garage.
When you need to tighten or loosen the chain, loosen the crossbar nut slightly (1/4 turn is enough), then use the slotted end of a wrench to turn the adjustment screw left or right.
variable speed trigger
It is unusual for a battery-operated chainsaw to feature a variable-speed trigger. However, HART can. In general, you want the chain to be running at full speed while cutting so the chain is less likely to snag and seize. If you do pull the trigger, make sure you use good technique to avoid any problems.
suitcase
We love that HART provides a hard carrying case with this saw. It makes storage and transportation easier, and contains oil that inevitably leaks as temperatures rise and fall.
Additional features
- Translucent oil storage window
- electronic chain brake
- trigger safety
HART 40V 16 Inch Chainsaw Prices
The chainsaw kit retails for $246 and comes with a 4.0Ah battery, charger, scraper, and sturdy storage case. HART backs this chainsaw with a 3-year warranty.
the bottom line
The latest generation of HART 40V outdoor power equipment has been greatly improved, and the 16-inch brushless chainsaw is no exception. It's stronger than previous models, and it's designed to help homeowners tackle wider cuts. If you've been waiting for HART to release a great all-around chainsaw for storm cleanup and seasonal tree care, this is it.
HART 40V 16" Chainsaw Specifications
- Model: Hart HLCS021
- Power supply: Hart 40V battery
- Pole Length: 16"
- Oil Capacity: 6 oz.
- Chain Spacing: 3/8"
- Chain Gauge: 0.50
- Weight: 10.2 lbs (bare), 13.0 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Overall Length: 33.75 inches
- Height: 10 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $246.00 (kit)