Chainsaws are among those tools that come in handy year-round. Whether you’re preparing firewood, doing storm cleanup, or managing a myriad of other tasks, a reliable set of teeth is a must-have. To be sure, there are plenty of models to choose from, one of which is Ryobi’s 18-inch 40V HP Chainsaw (RY40HPCW01).
So, does this model have what you need to tackle your jobs? To help you decide, here’s a rundown of its performance and design features.
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Ryobi 40V HP Chainsaw Performance
At the heart of the RY40HPCW01 is a brushless motor and a 6.0Ah battery. According to Ryobi, this setup delivers power comparable to a 40cc gas engine.
That should be enough to handle medium-duty residential projects, especially when you factor in the 18-inch bar. Ultimately, this unit is capable of making cuts up to 32 inches in diameter.
Specs
- Model: Ryobi RY40HPCW01
- Battery: 40V (6.0Ah)
- Brushless motor
- 40cc equivalent
- Bar length: 18 in
- Cut diameter: 32 in
- Cuts per charge: 90
- Weight: 10.1 lbs
From what Ryobi tells us, this saw also yields a respectable runtime–upwards of 90 cuts per charge. Of course, that performance will vary according to such factors as the type of wood you’re working with.
Ryobi 40V HP Chainsaw Design
On the design side of things, there are a few facets worth covering.
For example, I like the automatic oiler, which boosts the all-important convenience factor. However, I would like to see Ryobi go with a toolless chain tensioning system on future versions.
Furthermore, Ryobi paid attention to functionality and safety when designing the 40V HP chainsaw. The variable speed trigger enhances control when cutting. Additionally, you have a mechanical chain brake and metal bucking spikes, both of which offer kickback protection. Regarding the latter feature, we’ll take metal over plastic any day!
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Ryobi RY40HPCW01 Price
The Ryobi 40V HP Chainsaw will sell bare for $279 and as a kit for $379.