The Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Pruning Saws Make Quick Work of Small Branches
When it comes to seasonal trimming and pruning, you could reach for a chainsaw, lopping shears, or heavy-duty hedge trimmer, but what if there was a better solution? Skil has just released two brand-new handheld 20V pruning saws that are joining the growing group of garden pruners, also known as mini chainsaws. These are aimed at making gardening day a little easier on the mind, and especially the body.
Pros
- Faster and easier than hand saws
- Compatible with all Skil PWRCore 20 batteries
- Easy to operate
- Compact profiles
- Tool free chain tensioning
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Telescopic Pruning Saw
Cutting Power
The Skil Telescopic Pruning Saw is your go-to option for light-duty trimming this season. Its brushless motor quickly powers the 0.043 gauge chain to a top speed of 5 m/s–that’s right in line with the premium models we’ve tested. Practically, it’s not only much faster than a hand saw, but it’s also much less fatiguing.
For runtime, Skil tells us to expect around 115 cuts per charge with the kitted 2.0Ah battery. Using a larger PWRCore 20 battery will allow you to make more cute, but will also slightly increase the total weight.
This cordless pruning saw is equipped with a 6-inch bar and a top mounted kickback guard for added safety. It features a tool-free chain tensioning system, so you can make quick adjustments with the twist of a dial.
Unfortunately, this saw does not have an automatic chain oiler, meaning you’ll need to periodically apply bar oil directly to the chain to keep excess friction at bay. Skil includes a small applicator bottle to make this process easy.
Ergonomics
This saw weighs in at 3.75 pounds as a bare tool, and 4.7 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery. It measures 22.5 inches from tip to tail, and extends out to 35 inches, giving you around 7 feet of cutting reach. The grip is draped in with a grooved rubber overmold to help channel away sweat and debris, and a hard plastic finger guard helps keep your hands safe while you’re working.
My only real complaint is the actual size of the grip. Since the telescopic shaft fully retracts into the grip, they had to increase the grip diameter to accommodate for it. This makes it a little difficult to reach the thumb safety and pull the trigger at the same time. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if your hands are on the smaller side, you may have some trouble.
- Model: Skil PR0601B-11
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20V battery
- Weight: 3.75 lbs. (bare), 4.7 lbs. (with kitted 2.0Ah battery)
- Length: 22.5 in. (collapsed), 35 in. (extended)
- IPX4 Rated
- Chain Speed: 5 m/s
- Bar length: 6 in.
- Chain Gauge: 0.043 in.
- Chain Pitch: 1/4 in.
- Auto Oiler: No
- Warranty: 5-year
- Kit Price: $149 (includes a 2.0Ah battery, charger, oil applicator bottle, and a wall mount storage bracket)
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Pruning Saw
Cutting Power
The Skil handheld 20V pruning saw is ideal for light-duty trimming and pruning both hard and soft woods. Its brushless motor quickly spins the 0.043 gauge chain up to a blazing top speed of 8 m/s. This speed allows you to quickly glide through small limbs, tackle light storm cleanup, and even buck up small kindling logs for campfire season.
Just like the telescopic model, Skil claims you’ll get up to 115 cuts on a single charge with the kitted 2.0Ah battery. It’s also compatible with the entire lineup of Skil PWRCore 20 batteries if you need to grab a spare battery for some additional runtime.
This pruning saw is equipped with a 6-inch bar, a top mounted kickback guard, and a tool-free chain tensioning system. To adjust the chain tension, simply loosen the dial, pull forward on the guide bar, and then tighten the dial to hold it in place. This makes it easy to make quick adjustments while you’re working.
The PR0600B-11 features an automatic oiler and a 1.01 ounce oil reservoir to keep the chain friction to a minimum and increase its lifespan.
Ergonomics
This pruner clocks in at 2.9 pounds as a bare tool and 3.9 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery, and measures 17.4 inches from tip to tail. The grip features a grooved rubber overmold and has a very similar design as other Skil PWRCore 20 tools. It feels great in my medium-sized hands, and there’s a little extra room on the tool body if you wanted to use both hands for added stability.
- Model: Skil PR0600B-11
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20V battery
- Weight: 2.9 lbs. (bare), 3.9 lbs (with kitted 2.0Ah battery)
- Length: 17.4 in.
- IPX4 Rated
- Chains Speed: 8 m/s
- Bar Length: 6 in.
- Chain Gauge: 0.043 in.
- Chain Pitch: 1/4 in.
- Auto Oiler: Yes
- Oil Capacity: 1.01 oz.
- Warranty: 5-year
- Kit Price: $129 (includes a 2.0Ah battery, charger, and a wall mount storage bracket)
The Bottom Line
For most folks, these Skil 20V Pruning Saws can handle the majority of light trimming and pruning tasks. Admittedly, they’re not without their limitations when it comes to cutting power, runtime, and cut capacity. Regardless, these saws a great option if you’re on the hunt for a lightweight, easy-to-use saw with plenty of useful features, and one heck of a good pricetag!
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