Hurricane season is upon those of us on the coastlines of the US and I’ve got chainsaws on the brain. Realistically, there are good reasons to have one no matter what time of year it is, but each part of the country seems to have a different part of the year to really focus on them. For those of you that need a chainsaw on a more occasional basis, check out this Ryobi chainsaw – the 20″ RY10521B.
It features a 2-cycle 46cc engine that drives the chain at what Home Depot claims is 23.4 mps (meters per second). Assuming that’s correct since I can’t find any mention of it on Ryobi’s website or in the manual, that’s a respectable 77 fps.
When it comes time to replace the chain, you’re looking for a 20″, 0.050″ width (gauge) with a 0.325″ (3/8″) pitch and 78 links. It’s shouldn’t be terribly difficult to find at any store that sells chainsaws.
Ryobi Chainsaw Key Features
- 20 in. bar with a 3/8 in. pitch and a full-complement chain for great cutting performance
- 46cc, 2-cycle gasoline engine generates great cutting power
- 3-point vibration isolation for operator comfort and reduced fatigue
- Inertia-activated chain brake for safety
- Safe-T-Tip helps prevent rotational kickback
- Side access tensioning enables quick and easy adjustments
- Automatic bar and chain oiler keeps them lubricated to maintain smooth functionality
- Heavy-duty carrying case included for easy transport and storage
Aside from what I’ve already discussed, a couple of things in that feature list stand out. First, the Safe-T-Tip isn’t something you see on most Pro-level chainsaws and gives us an indication that Ryobi is targeting occasional users like homeowners and folks looking to maintain smaller properties. That tip helps reduce the risk of kickback in case you’re not the kind of person using a chainsaw every day.
I like the fact that this Ryobi chainsaw comes with a top loading case. Even the best chainsaws leak oil and some more than others. Whether you store it in the garage or transport it where you need to work, that bar oil stays contained.
Pricing and Recommendations
With a vast array of battery-powered chainsaws to choose from, I like lithium-ion as a recommendation for most homeowners. However, most of those options are in the 14″ – 16″ range with a few 18″ options out there as well. The Ryobi RY10521B gives you the extra length and power you need along with a beefier chain to tackle bigger work.
The other side of the battery coin is the cost issue. My go-to Makita 18V X2 chainsaw will set you back $389 for the kit with batteries. This Ryobi chainsaw is just $187.95. The trade-off is that you have to buy gas and mix oil, but it’s much easier on your wallet before you make your first cut.
Take a Closer Look at Battery-Powered Chainsaws
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The Bottom Line
On paper, this Ryobi 20″ Chainsaw checks off all the boxes that most occasional users need to worry about at a compelling price point. Ryobi’s 3-year warranty adds to the confidence that comes with that recommendation.
Tim Johnson over at OPE Reviews has been getting some of his property under control using the RY10521B, so check out his review to see what he has to say about its performance.
Ryobi Chainsaw Specifications
- Model: Ryobi RY10521B
- Engine Type: 2-Cycle
- Engine Size: 46cc
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Torque Maximum (Nm): 1.63
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Gauge: .050
- Fuel Tank Capacity (oz.): 20
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Engine Displacement (cc): 46
- Chain Pitch: .325″
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Chain Speed (mps): 23.4
- Bar Length: 20 in.
- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Drive Links: 78
- Warranty: 3-years limited
- Price: $187.95
