For years, every storm season brought with it a familiar, frustrating ritual. It involved a dusty gas chainsaw, a can of pre-mixed fuel, and a sequence I call the “pull-cord dance.” You know the one: choke on, pull ten times. Choke off, pull ten more. Flood the engine, curse the sky, and then spend the next twenty minutes tinkering with a spark plug while the fallen limb on the driveway mocks you. I’ve owned gas chainsaws my whole life, and while their raw power is undeniable, so are their headaches: the deafening noise, the noxious fumes that cling to your clothes, the constant maintenance, and the maddening unreliability after sitting for a few months. After one particularly stubborn 2-stroke refused to start, leaving me to clear a blocked trail with a handsaw, I knew there had to be a better way. I needed gas-level power without the gas-level problems.
- 18'' CHAIN AND BAR : Perfect for professional users
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY : 2X more torque. Provides more power, longer runtime, quiet operation, and extended motor life
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Chainsaw
A cordless chainsaw is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for property maintenance in the modern age. It promises to deliver the cutting power needed for serious tasks—felling trees, bucking firewood, clearing storm debris—without the noise, fumes, and maintenance nightmare of traditional gas models. The primary benefit is convenience fused with capability. Imagine grabbing a tool, sliding in a battery, and immediately sinking the bar into a 16-inch log. No mixing fuel, no wrestling with a starter rope, and you can actually hear yourself think while you work. It’s a revolutionary shift for homeowners and landowners who need serious performance but don’t want the hassle of a gas engine.
The ideal customer for a high-voltage cordless chainsaw like this is someone facing substantial yard work. This includes homeowners with wooded lots, ranchers clearing fence lines, or anyone who heats with wood and needs to process logs. If you’ve ever battled a gas saw and thought, “I wish this were simpler,” you are the target audience. However, it might not be the best fit for professional loggers who work miles from a power source and need to run a saw for eight hours straight. Likewise, if your only need is trimming a few small branches once a year, a smaller, less powerful model would suffice. For those who need unlimited runtime near a building, a powerful corded electric saw could also be a viable alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Bar Length & Power: The bar length dictates the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. An 18-inch bar, like the one on this Greenworks model, is substantial and suitable for felling medium-sized trees and bucking large logs. The power, measured in voltage (V), is the engine behind it. An 80V system is at the top end of the consumer market, providing torque and chain speed comparable to mid-range gas saws (in this case, a 42CC engine).
- Battery System & Runtime: This is the most critical factor for any cordless tool. The battery’s capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). The included 2.0Ah battery is a starting point, but realistic runtime under heavy load (cutting hardwood) will be around 15-25 minutes. For longer jobs, having multiple batteries or a larger capacity battery (4.0Ah or more) is essential. Also, consider the brand’s ecosystem; if you own other 80V Greenworks tools, you can share batteries, which is a massive advantage.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a saw that feels solid, not like a plastic toy. Key features include metal bucking spikes at the base of the bar, which grip the wood for safer, more controlled cuts. A sturdy handle, a reliable chain brake (a crucial safety feature), and a high-quality bar and chain are non-negotiable. The saw’s body should be made of high-impact polymer to withstand job site abuse.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of electric is simplicity. Look for features like a push-button start, an automatic chain oiler that keeps the chain lubricated during use, and a translucent oil tank to easily check the level. Chain tensioning is another factor; some saws are tool-less, while more powerful models like this one often use a traditional nut-and-screw system (with an included tool) for a more secure hold.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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Unboxing a Beast: First Impressions and Key Features
Pulling the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery from its box, the first thing I noticed was its substance. This is no lightweight limbing saw. It has the heft and solid feel of a serious tool, immediately dispelling any notion that “electric” means “flimsy.” The product specifications listing a weight of 2.05 pounds is clearly a typo, likely referring to just the battery or another component; with the 2.0Ah battery and a full oil reservoir, the working weight is closer to 15 pounds. While not feather-light, it felt incredibly well-balanced and noticeably lighter than my old 50CC gas saw. The construction is robust, with high-quality plastics and aggressive metal bucking spikes that promise a solid bite on timber.
Assembly was straightforward. It requires attaching the 18-inch bar and chain, which is secured by two nuts using the included “scrench” (screwdriver/wrench combo). This is a standard, secure setup for more powerful saws, though a departure from the tool-less tensioners found on some smaller models. The process took less than five minutes. Sliding the 2.0Ah battery into place produced a satisfying click, and the power button lit up, ready for action. The automatic oiler’s reservoir has a large, easy-to-open cap and a translucent window to monitor the level. From the ergonomic rubberized grips to the responsive chain brake, every component felt purposeful and well-made, giving me the confidence that this tool was built for more than just light pruning.
What We Like
- Ferocious cutting power equivalent to a 42CC gas engine
- Instant-on, push-button start with no pull-cords or fumes
- Part of the extensive Greenworks 80V ecosystem (75+ tools)
- Substantially quieter and less vibration than gas models
- Aggressive metal bucking spikes for excellent leverage
Drawbacks
- Included 2.0Ah battery provides limited runtime for heavy tasks
- Gravity-fed oiler is prone to leaking when stored on its side
Deep Dive: Putting the Greenworks 80V Saw to the Test
A tool can look good on paper, but the real test is how it performs when the wood chips are flying. We put the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery through a series of demanding trials, from clearing a massive fallen oak to processing a winter’s supply of firewood. Its performance was, in a word, transformative.
Sheer Cutting Power: Taming a Fallen Oak
Our first major test came courtesy of a late-summer thunderstorm that dropped a 60-foot oak tree across our back pasture. With sections of the trunk measuring well over 20 inches in diameter, this was a job I would have exclusively reserved for a high-powered gas saw. I decided to give the Greenworks a shot, and I was stunned. Greenworks claims performance comparable to a 42CC gas chainsaw, and based on my experience, that’s not marketing hype. The brushless motor delivers incredible, instantaneous torque. The moment I squeezed the trigger and laid the 18-inch bar into the trunk, the chain bit hard and didn’t let go.
Leaning into the saw, I used the aggressive metal bucking spikes as a pivot point, and the chain chewed through the dense hardwood with a steady, relentless hum. There was no bogging down, no hesitation—just a constant stream of wood chips. I made cut after cut through 16- and 18-inch sections, and the saw behaved like a seasoned veteran. This performance confirms what many users have discovered: this isn’t just a saw for small limbs. As one owner reported after Hurricane Helene, it cut up a 24-inch diameter tree “faster than my gas-powered saw.” The power is real, and it is more than capable of handling the toughest jobs a homeowner is likely to face.
The Achilles’ Heel: Battery Life and Power Strategy
If this chainsaw has a weakness, it lies with the included 2.0Ah battery. While the power output is immense, that performance comes at a cost to runtime. In our tests cutting dense, seasoned oak, we consistently got between 15 and 20 minutes of hard, continuous cutting before the battery was depleted. For lighter work, like limbing a pine tree or cutting softer wood, we could stretch that to around 30 minutes. This lines up perfectly with user feedback; one person noted they got “6 cuts on an approximately 16-18 inch diameter ash tree” before needing a recharge. Another was told by customer service that 10-15 minutes of cutting under load is “normal.”
This is not a dealbreaker, but it requires a strategic approach. The included rapid charger refuels the 2.0Ah battery in about 30 minutes. This creates a workable rhythm: cut for 20 minutes, then spend 30 minutes splitting and stacking what you’ve cut while the battery charges. However, for non-stop work, a single 2.0Ah battery is simply not enough. The true potential of the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery is unlocked when you have a second battery, or preferably a larger 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery. This is where the value of the Greenworks 80V ecosystem becomes paramount. If you already own their leaf blower or string trimmer, you have a fleet of batteries ready to go, allowing you to work all day. For those serious about cutting, investing in an additional, higher-capacity battery is highly recommended.
Ergonomics, Handling, and In-Field Quirks
Working with this saw for extended periods is a pleasure compared to its gas counterparts. The lack of violent vibration significantly reduces operator fatigue. It feels solid and balanced, allowing for precise and controlled cuts whether you’re felling, bucking, or limbing. However, there are a couple of design quirks to note. The main power button needs a firm press, which can be slightly awkward when wearing thick work gloves. The saw also features an automatic power-off safety feature that shuts the unit down after a period of inactivity. While I appreciate the safety aspect, it can be a minor annoyance to have to power it back on after pausing to move a log.
The chain tensioning system, which requires the included tool, is robust and holds tension well, but it’s important to follow a user’s advice: “Check the bar’s anchor nuts are secure and tight before initial use.” We found them slightly loose out of the box, and the vibrations of a running saw can easily work them completely off if they aren’t snugged down properly. This is a simple, five-second check that prevents a major headache in the field. Overall, the handling is excellent, striking a great balance between raw power and user-friendly operation.
Maintenance and the Oily Truth
One of the most frequently mentioned complaints about this saw is that it leaks bar and chain oil. Our testing confirmed this. If you store the saw on its side or hang it from a hook, a small puddle of oil will form underneath it. We dug into this and found a user who had spent a long time on hold with customer support, only to be told that this is by design. The automatic oiler is a “gravity-fed open lubrication system,” meaning it’s designed to flow freely to keep the chain lubricated. When the saw is idle, that flow continues slowly.
While frustrating, the solution is simple and has become part of our end-of-day routine: store the saw standing up on a flat surface, resting on its battery base and handle. This keeps the oiler port oriented correctly and dramatically reduces leakage. For long-term storage, it’s best to simply empty the oil reservoir. It’s an annoying quirk, but once you know how to manage it, it’s a minor issue. Aside from that, maintenance is a dream. There are no spark plugs, no air filters to clean, no carburetors to adjust. Just keep the chain sharp, the reservoir full of oil, and the battery charged.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user sentiment for the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery is overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing that it converted them from lifelong gas-engine loyalists. One reviewer, whose father is a master mechanic who tunes high-performance race saws, admitted his dad called the Greenworks saw “cute” at first. However, after using it to cut down 25 trees, he noted, “Everyone on my crew was highly impressed.” Another user, who owns a mix of Husqvarna and Stihl saws, was “pleasantly surprised” and ended up processing an entire giant Siberian elm that fell on his house with the Greenworks saw alone.
The most common criticisms consistently revolve around the two issues we also identified. The limited runtime of the included 2.0Ah battery is the primary complaint, with one user lamenting, “It will run for between 10 and 12 minutes of cutting wood and need to be recharged.” The other is the oil leak. As one user bluntly stated, “My complaint is that it leaks badly,” before explaining that Greenworks confirmed this is a result of its design. This feedback is critical because it sets realistic expectations: the saw is a powerful beast, but to get the most out of it, you need to be prepared with a multi-battery strategy and a proper storage spot.
How Does the Greenworks 80V Chainsaw Compare to the Alternatives?
The Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery operates in a competitive space. While it excels in cordless power, different users may have needs better met by corded models or other battery ecosystems. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.
1. Oregon CS1500 Electric Chainsaw 18-Inch
- Powerful performance: 15A electric chainsaw with integrated PowerSharp self-sharpening system. The perfect chainsaw for homeowners and DIY, with a long-lasting 18-inch guide bar
- Built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system minimizes downtime by sharpening your chain in 3 to 5 seconds. Ergonomic design features Chain Brake for safety. Lightweight design.
The Oregon CS1500 is a formidable corded electric chainsaw that shares the same 18-inch bar length as the Greenworks model. Its biggest advantages are its unlimited runtime—as long as you’re plugged in, you can cut—and its unique, built-in PowerSharp chain sharpening system, which sharpens the chain on the saw in seconds. This is a huge convenience. However, its primary limitation is the power cord, which restricts mobility and can be cumbersome to manage in a large or wooded area. This saw is an excellent choice for someone who does all their cutting in a defined space near an outlet, like a backyard woodpile, and who values convenience and zero downtime for charging over absolute portability.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. Chainsaw Tool Only
- 16" Oregon Bar and Chain
- Variable speed trigger for full control
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw is a direct cordless competitor, renowned for its professional-grade build quality and performance. It operates on Milwaukee’s ubiquitous M18 battery platform, a massive advantage for contractors or DIYers already invested in that system. It’s powerful, durable, and reliable. The main drawbacks compared to the Greenworks kit are its slightly smaller 16-inch bar and the fact that this is sold as a “tool only” package. Purchasing the required high-output battery and charger separately can make the initial investment significantly higher. This is the ideal choice for a Milwaukee power user who wants to add a high-performance chainsaw to their existing tool collection.
3. Oregon CS1400 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw
- Powerful performance: 15 amp electric chainsaw with integrated chain brake. Ideal saw for professionals and homeowners who cut wood in harsh environments. Low vibration, low kickback saw
- ControlCut Saw Chain: This Oregon chainsaw comes with a low maintenance chain included, which produces a smooth cut every time and stays sharper for longer
The Oregon CS1400 is another powerful corded option, offering a 16-inch bar and a robust 15-amp motor. It’s a slightly smaller and often more budget-friendly alternative to the CS1500, forgoing the PowerSharp system for a more traditional design. Like its larger sibling, it provides consistent, uninterrupted power for as long as it’s plugged in. It’s a fantastic, low-maintenance choice for homeowners who need to tackle tough jobs like clearing storm debris or cutting firewood close to home. The Greenworks saw is superior for work out on a larger property, but for sheer, cost-effective cutting power in the backyard, the CS1400 is hard to beat.
Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 80V Chainsaw Right for You?
After extensive testing and review, our verdict is clear: the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery is a phenomenal piece of equipment that truly delivers on the promise of gas-free, high-performance cutting. It’s a game-changer for any landowner or serious homeowner who is tired of the maintenance, noise, and fumes of gas-powered saws. It has the raw power to fell trees, the stamina (with the right battery strategy) to process a cord of wood, and the simplicity to make yard cleanup almost enjoyable. It has earned a permanent place in our tool shed.
However, it is not without its flaws. The included 2.0Ah battery is inadequate for anything more than light work, making a second or larger battery a near-mandatory investment for unlocking the saw’s true potential. Furthermore, the tendency to leak oil requires a mindful storage solution. If you can look past these manageable quirks, you will be rewarded with one of the most capable and convenient cordless chainsaws on the market. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to cut the cord—and the pull-cord—for good.
If you’ve decided the Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw 2.0Ah Battery is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API