Cordless chainsaw review.

[mowin]

So, I'm a Stihl guy as far as chainsaw go. Had many from a small top handle to a 441.  Still have 4 from a homeowner model to a 311( think that's the model) 

I wanted a cordless to do small jobs at clients quickly.  I purchased a ego 16" with a 5amp hour battery last week.  Like everything about this saw, except for 2 things.  The plastic log grippers are useless. But the biggest issue is the chain tightening system.  It sucks.  After 4 or 5 cuts, the chain loosens to the point it will throw the chain. It's even worse if your into vines or smaller brush.  Yes, I know chains stretch.  But I've never had a saw throw a chain even if it was new after a few cuts.  The battery lasts longer than I thought it would, and charges from dead to full in a little over a hr.  

I'm probably going to return it. 

[Wolc123]

1 hour ago, mowin said:

So, I'm a Stihl guy as far as chainsaw go. Had many from a small top handle to a 441.  Still have 4 from a homeowner model to a 311( think that's the model) 

I wanted a cordless to do small jobs at clients quickly.  I purchased a ego 16" with a 5amp hour battery last week.  Like everything about this saw, except for 2 things.  The plastic log grippers are useless. But the biggest issue is the chain tightening system.  It sucks.  After 4 or 5 cuts, the chain loosens to the point it will throw the chain. It's even worse if your into vines or smaller brush.  Yes, I know chains stretch.  But I've never had a saw throw a chain even if it was new after a few cuts.  The battery lasts longer than I thought it would, and charges from dead to full in a little over a hr.  

I'm probably going to return it. 

If you can wait it out, it might get better.  I had the same issue with my electric chain saw, but after roughly 12 hours of usage, the chain now stays tight.   
 

Mine never threw the chain, but it did loosen up a lot, for the first few uses.   

[nywaw]

Maybe try the Stihl one.  Looks to be around the same price at a quick glance.  I'd imagine it's built a lot better. 

[mowin]

1 minute ago, Wolc123 said:

If you can wait it out, it might get better.  I had the same issue with my electric chain saw, but after roughly 12 hours of usage, the chain now stays tight.   
 

Mine never threw the chain, but it did loosen up a lot, for the first few uses.   

Was yours the ego brand?

[mowin]

8 minutes ago, nywaw said:

Maybe try the Stihl one.  Looks to be around the same price at a quick glance.  I'd imagine it's built a lot better. 

I chose this one because of the 56v 5 amp battery.  Paid $325 for this one. 

Edited April 11, 2023 by mowin

[nywaw]

5 minutes ago, mowin said:

I chose this one because of the 56v 5 amp battery. 

Did you feel the Stihl would under perform?  I've seen a bunch of videos with them, they look pretty good.  I have a few things from the original EGO line.  Pretty good overall but batteries don't last long.  Had two chargers and one broke in the first year.  Having a cordless leaf blower is nice for small cleanups like sidewalks, garage, a dusting of snow, etc.  but wouldn't say anything is built super well, but good enough for light homeowner usage.

[mowin]

Just now, nywaw said:

Did you feel the Stihl would under perform?  I've seen a bunch of videos with them, they look pretty good.  I have a few things from the original EGO line.  Pretty good overall but batteries don't last long.  Had two chargers and one broke in the first year.  Having a cordless leaf blower is nice for small cleanups like sidewalks, garage, a dusting of snow, etc.  but wouldn't say anything is built super well, but good enough for light homeowner usage.

Well, I thought the higher voltage and amp hr battery was a better deal.

I almost went with the Milwaukee 18v tool only as I've got a few tools with that battery. 

[ZAG]

1 hour ago, mowin said:

So, I'm a Stihl guy as far as chainsaw go. Had many from a small top handle to a 441.  Still have 4 from a homeowner model to a 311( think that's the model) 

I wanted a cordless to do small jobs at clients quickly.  I purchased a ego 16" with a 5amp hour battery last week.  Like everything about this saw, except for 2 things.  The plastic log grippers are useless. But the biggest issue is the chain tightening system.  It sucks.  After 4 or 5 cuts, the chain loosens to the point it will throw the chain. It's even worse if your into vines or smaller brush.  Yes, I know chains stretch.  But I've never had a saw throw a chain even if it was new after a few cuts.  The battery lasts longer than I thought it would, and charges from dead to full in a little over a hr.  

I'm probably going to return it. 

My stihl has been fantastic!

[mowin]

31 minutes ago, ZAG said:

My stihl has been fantastic!

What model? 

[G-man]

I have a sun joe 40w 16 in saw thats worked well for small lane clearing  job and the matchin pole trimmer   use them mostly for clearing lanes and trimming deer stands. Both have been  good saws. 

I also have a 18v ryobi  6in chainsaw  i " inherited " when i bought a property. ( was left  in the shed)  that is actually a very good saw for tree climbing and limbing. 

[ZAG]

8 hours ago, mowin said:

What model? 

 

[The_Real_TCIII]

13 hours ago, mowin said:

Well, I thought the higher voltage and amp hr battery was a better deal.

I almost went with the Milwaukee 18v tool only as I've got a few tools with that battery. 

My cousin has the Milwaukee and loves that thing

[JohnPlav]

I got the Kobalt 14in 40v because I have some other 40v tools and it was under $100.  Honestly I was pretty surprised with what it can do.  Battery life is definitely an issue but for small jobs/residential work it’s great.  It’s good enough that now I keep the Jonsered down at camp and the Kobalt at home.