Having an occasional need for a chain saw is a great way to kill a gas unit, as I learned with a Stihl 020 that I have. My hand saw is more than capable for larger cutting (10"+), but with this saw the engine gives out too quickly. So, I went on a search for a chain saw for occasional use without needing so much attention between.
The options seemed to be electric or battery. I passed on electric, realizing that I likely would need to cut something 55' away from an outlet with a 50' extension cord. This left me with battery units.
Doing much research, and needing to stay reasonable on cost, I settled on the Greenworks 80v unit. I chose this one for three reasons. One, the battery recharges in 30 minutes. I considered Greenworks' 40v unit, which also receives great reviews, but it's batteries take 2 hours to recharge. Two, though Oregon and Husqvarna have the most capable battery powered units, I couldn't justify the cost for the amount of use I'd give them. Third, most reviews on the 80v stated that it cut much like a gas saw. This is one of the reasons that I dismissed the EGO 56v, as many reviews stated that the bar speed was low-plus the EGO has a 16" bar while the Greenworks carries an 18" bar.
Every time I use it, someone (often me) goes away impressed. I can, with my normal usage, get 30+ minutes from a battery, and I have two, so I really don't have to stop. This saw's ability to cut has to be experienced to believe it. I have trimmed branches from a live oak that used nearly all of the bar; I have plunge cut into oak and softer hardwoods; undercutting is a breeze; everything that I have thrown at it it handles with aplomb.
The deal sealer for me came from dropping it off of the roof of my shed while topping a tree whose trunk had grown into the eave. It landed on a plastic planter, impacting the oil reservoir enough to egg the opening, causing the cap to pop off. I rounded the opening enough to get the cap back on, but noticed a split in the neck of the tank. Contacting Greenworks customer service, I asked about buying a replacement reservoir. Not having a spare unit, they suggested contacting an authorized repair center. I replied that I had successfully repaired many such plastic tanks in the past, and had no qualms about repairing this one, but I wondered if that would affect the warranty. They replied with approval, stating that they had discussed it and determined that this would not void the warranty...the first time that I have had a company reply with such reason and understanding regarding their warranty.
If you need a saw occasionally, I cannot recommend this saw highly enough. If you need a saw from a company that's reasonable about their warranties on their products, I don't know that any one else qualifies.
The options seemed to be electric or battery. I passed on electric, realizing that I likely would need to cut something 55' away from an outlet with a 50' extension cord. This left me with battery units.
Doing much research, and needing to stay reasonable on cost, I settled on the Greenworks 80v unit. I chose this one for three reasons. One, the battery recharges in 30 minutes. I considered Greenworks' 40v unit, which also receives great reviews, but it's batteries take 2 hours to recharge. Two, though Oregon and Husqvarna have the most capable battery powered units, I couldn't justify the cost for the amount of use I'd give them. Third, most reviews on the 80v stated that it cut much like a gas saw. This is one of the reasons that I dismissed the EGO 56v, as many reviews stated that the bar speed was low-plus the EGO has a 16" bar while the Greenworks carries an 18" bar.
Every time I use it, someone (often me) goes away impressed. I can, with my normal usage, get 30+ minutes from a battery, and I have two, so I really don't have to stop. This saw's ability to cut has to be experienced to believe it. I have trimmed branches from a live oak that used nearly all of the bar; I have plunge cut into oak and softer hardwoods; undercutting is a breeze; everything that I have thrown at it it handles with aplomb.
The deal sealer for me came from dropping it off of the roof of my shed while topping a tree whose trunk had grown into the eave. It landed on a plastic planter, impacting the oil reservoir enough to egg the opening, causing the cap to pop off. I rounded the opening enough to get the cap back on, but noticed a split in the neck of the tank. Contacting Greenworks customer service, I asked about buying a replacement reservoir. Not having a spare unit, they suggested contacting an authorized repair center. I replied that I had successfully repaired many such plastic tanks in the past, and had no qualms about repairing this one, but I wondered if that would affect the warranty. They replied with approval, stating that they had discussed it and determined that this would not void the warranty...the first time that I have had a company reply with such reason and understanding regarding their warranty.
If you need a saw occasionally, I cannot recommend this saw highly enough. If you need a saw from a company that's reasonable about their warranties on their products, I don't know that any one else qualifies.