Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Chainsaw Enters New Territory With 18-Inch Bar
Ryobi has truly raised the bar with their HP brushless line, and we’ve been incredibly impressed with the advancements they’ve made in outdoor power equipment (OPE). So, when we got our hands on the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18″ Chainsaw, we were eager to see how it stacked up against other 18″ models we’ve tested.
Pros: Superior Cutting Force, Versatile Battery Compatibility, and More
- Unparalleled cutting power
- Well-balanced, compatible with various battery sizes
- Automatic lubricator flow adjustment for continuous operation
- Dual bolts provide added safety for the bar
- Convenient onboard storage for the scrench
- Comes with a blow molded case for easy transport and storage
Cons: Minor Shortcomings
- The plastic buckling nail could be sturdier
When it comes to cutting with an 18″ bar, you need serious muscle. These models are often the top choice for homeowners and professionals working on farms and ranches. However, power levels can vary greatly, so we wanted to determine where the Ryobi chainsaw falls on the spectrum.
Our friend, Eli Mosley, invited us to his ranch to help him take down a cracked oak tree. With solid branches up to 14 inches in diameter, it presented the perfect challenge for this saw. It’s funny how we always find ourselves with OPE reviews when he needs work done…
Initially, when we started cutting, we noticed that the chain speed of the Ryobi chainsaw seemed slightly slower than other 18-inch saws we’ve tested. However, once we began cutting through the oak, the true power of Ryobi’s HP brushless motor became apparent. It effortlessly tackled the densest part of the wood with its 0.050 chain, surpassing our expectations in terms of torque and muscle.
Unlike some other brands, Ryobi doesn’t claim equivalence to gas engine sizes. However, based on our experience, we estimate it falls into the 42cc+ category. Although it may not match the power of 50cc+ farm and ranch models, it undoubtedly ranks among the most potent battery-powered chainsaws available today.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18″ Chainsaw Design Notes: Weight, Balance, and More
Weight and Balance
With the blade, chain, and half a tank of oil, the saw weighs 9.9 lbs. When you add the 5Ah battery included in the kit, it brings the total weight to just under 14 lbs. This weight is comparable to other similar gas-powered saws when factoring in the weight of the bar, chain, oil, and gas.
The design team at Ryobi has done an excellent job with the battery port, ensuring that the saw maintains optimal balance. Whether you use the smaller 4.0Ah battery or the larger 6.0Ah battery, you won’t experience any imbalance issues while operating the saw.
Dual Stud Bar Nuts
To provide extra security, especially when working with larger saws, Ryobi has incorporated a double stud and rod nut system. This means you can tighten the rod tensioner tool-free, and with onboard storage for the scrench, you’ll always have it on hand.
It Comes With a Case!
One notable advantage of purchasing this chainsaw is the inclusion of a high-quality blow molded case. The scabbard fits over the crossbar and chain, providing added protection during transportation and preventing oil from making a mess. Remember to clean it periodically to avoid excessive build-up and ensure its longevity.
Flex Spike
The only minor drawback we found is that the curved spikes on the Ryobi chainsaw are made of plastic. While it’s not a significant issue, we prefer seeing metal spikes on high-performance models like this one.
Additional Features
- 0.050 gauge, 3/8″ pitch chain
- Mechanical Chain Gate for added safety
- Quick charger and 5.0Ah battery included in the kit
- Compatible with all Ryobi 40V batteries
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18″ Chainsaw Prices: Great Performance at a Competitive Price
For $329 at The Home Depot, you can get the complete Ryobi chainsaw kit, including the chainsaw itself, a 5.0Ah battery, a fast charger, and a protective case. This price is around $20 less than comparable 18-inch saws from Ryobi’s main competitor. Considering the exceptional performance we’ve witnessed, the value this product offers is hard to beat.
Ryobi provides a 5-year warranty for their tools and a 3-year warranty for their batteries under their comprehensive warranty program.
The Bottom Line: An Outstanding Cordless Chainsaw Option
We were highly impressed with the performance improvements in Ryobi’s HP series OPE. If you’ve used other Ryobi battery-powered chainsaws in the past, be prepared for a completely new cutting experience. Thanks to these advancements, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18″ Chainsaw now competes with the top cordless chainsaws available today.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18″ Chainsaw Specifications
- Model: Rimei RY40580
- Motor: Brushless
- Compatible Battery: 40V 5.0Ah battery
- Bar Length: 18 inches
- Chain Spacing: 3/8″
- Chain Gauge: 0.050
- Chain Speed: 22 m/s
- Replacement Chain: Y62.050
- Chain Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 13.2 lbs.
- Warranty: 5-year tool warranty; 3-year battery warranty
- Price: $329