Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw Review (2023)

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Greenworks is a consistent manufacturer of reliable cordless chainsaws, but are these eco-friendly alternatives powerful enough to handle different cutting tasks? As you know, selecting an incapable power tool can cost more money in the long run.

In this post, we’ll conduct a Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw review to confirm whether it’s worth all the hype it’s getting.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Design

Besides its eye-catching green color, the Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Chainsaw showcases a lightweight and compact design that makes it popular among homeowners and beginners.

While some professionals may deem its 12-inch bar length too short, it provides users maximum control during the cut.

We also liked that the unit’s bar and chain have an accompanied hand guard for added user protection. Its start button is not hidden somewhere for easy access, but it’s also not in your way, so it’ll prevent accidental startups.

On top of that, it’s hard to ignore that it has a translucent fuel tank. This design gives you an accurate view of the chainsaw’s oil level.

Bar Length

As we previously mentioned, this model features a 12-inch bar and chain. Besides pruning tree limbs, this length range is suitable for cutting wood branches. You won’t encounter difficulty if the material you remove is only 6 to 10 inches thick.

You can also try using it to cut small trees. However, it would be best to calculate the tree trunk’s thickness before anything else.

Features of the Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Package Inclusions

It depends on where you’ll purchase this chainsaw, but most authorized merchants sell it with a 2.0Ah Battery [1] and charger. Typically, the package does not include chain oil because it can leak during the product’s transit and delivery. 

Besides the chainsaw tool, you’ll also see the bar and chain in the box. The free inclusion of this package is its sheath. Among other things, we encourage you to flip through the user manual you’ll receive with the tool. 

Weight and Ease of Use

Our testers quickly noted how light this tool is during our first-hand experience with this 12-inch chainsaw. It only weighs around 6 pounds, so wielding it over long periods is less straining than using heavier gas models.

We don’t doubt chainsaw newbies can utilize this tool efficiently, mainly because it features a wrap-around grip. Besides its user comfort, you can set this handle in different cutting positions and angles to match your needs.

Battery Quality and Power

You may not know, but Greenworks’ 12-inch chainsaw belongs to the 40V Li-Ion system. Thanks to this, you can use the same batteries from another tool if they’re in the same brand and battery system.

The unit’s battery system also has a fade-free power feature. On top of providing sufficient energy to handle cutting tasks, it ensures that the batteries don’t experience memory loss during and after charging.

Tool-Less Chain Tensioning

Although it is convenient to not require any tools for adjusting the chain tension of this chainsaw, rotating its wheel to accomplish this task may prove to be somewhat challenging or less user-friendly.

On the bright side, you can spot the T-handle easily in the tool’s front. This part can loosen the guide bar and the tensioning cover.

Meanwhile, we saw the round knob at the rear. It can adjust the blade’s length and tension.

During our tests, the T-handle and knob remain in their respective places, even during heavy-duty cutting.

Oiling

One of the perks of this tool is you’ll get an oil reservoir. Because of this, you can rely on its supply throughout the cutting operation without refuel breaks. It can last up to the last drop of the battery duration, around 25 minutes.

You can also count on this model to keep the bar and chain lubricated because it’s integrated with an automatic oiler.

As long as this feature is in your power tool, it will create friction during usage and prevent heat buildup that can damage metal components.

Overall Performance

Given its power and size, we didn’t encounter issues trying to cut small materials like a 4-inch tree limb. The clean cuts continued even while handling wood trunks with a 10-inch diameter.

The cutting time for this chainsaw ranges around 12.6 seconds, but it depends on the material you’re cutting and the bar & chain size. Surprisingly, it cuts smoother in wet wood than in dry lumber.

Noise Levels

Since it’s an electric power tool, you can expect a quiet cutting operation. With a noise level of 83.8 decibels, no one can deny that it’s one of the most silent chainsaw options in today’s market.

Safety Features

Instead of a chain brake, the model compensates with a safety chain that features a low kickback.

Fortunately, it has a hand guard to add extra user protection. It’s also helpful that it features a safety button. After all, it can prevent undesirable accidents and injuries.

Beyond these features, we recommend wearing safety equipment and clothing to protect yourself further.

Value for Money

It’s crucial to remember that this Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw is cheap. Although some models of the same caliber can deliver slightly better cutting results, it’s a good choice for small-scale tasks and household jobs.

Warranty

Part of the reason why many users trust Greenworks is its generous product warranties. For this chainsaw model, the policy can range from three to four years in case of material and quality defects.

You can only return the tool if the purchase doesn’t exceed more than ninety days. Remember that this warranty won’t cover the chainsaw’s usual wear and tear or any misuse indications.

Parts Replacement

The replacement components for guide bars, batteries, and chains are widely available on the brand’s website. You can also buy them from Amazon for promos and shipping discounts.

Reputable Sellers

Whether for replacement parts, accessories, or tools, the best place to buy them is direct from the manufacturer. If you can’t visit a nearby store to purchase the item in person, you can scroll through their website or visit their official Amazon page.

Manual

The product manual for this model is very elaborate, from the specifications and safety features to the parts list and troubleshooting guides.

If you browse the tool on the brand’s website, you’ll find the downloadable user manual in one of the tabs under the product info. It’s next to the specifications and inclusions.

For other options, check out these reviews next:

Review Conclusion: Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

The result for these Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw reviews shows that the tool is specifically for small-scale and light-duty cutting operations.

Although its size and power are only suitable for a limited number of tasks, we can assure you that it’s a reliable saw as long as you use it according to its specifications and capabilities.

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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