Ryobi HP Brushless 20" Chainsaw

Experiencing the HP Brushless 20" Chainsaw from Ryobi has been a blend of impressive power and some frustrating design flaws. As someone who's frequently engaged in both DIY projects and more demanding tasks, I was eager to see how this 40V battery-powered chainsaw would stack up against traditional gas chainsaws. Here’s my detailed review of this tool.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing, the first thing that caught my attention was the weight of the chainsaw. At 15.9 lbs, it’s on the heavier side, but the balance is commendable. The soft grip handle adds to the comfort, making it easier to manage the weight during prolonged use. The 20-inch bar and chain are promising for larger cuts, and the overall build quality appears robust at first glance.

Performance and Power

One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its 40V HP Technology, which Ryobi claims offers gas-like performance. In my experience, this claim holds water. The chainsaw has no trouble slicing through hardwood, and it even handled a 30-inch pine tree without much fuss. The power is consistent, and the automatic chain oiler ensures that the chain remains lubricated, facilitating smooth cuts.

However, the power comes with a caveat. The tool's performance is heavily reliant on the battery life. With a fully charged battery, the chainsaw operates at peak efficiency. But as the battery depletes, there is a noticeable drop in power. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on tackling extensive projects. It's wise to have multiple batteries on hand to avoid downtime.

Battery Life

Battery life is a mixed bag with this chainsaw. While the 40V system delivers impressive power, it also drains quickly under heavy use. I used a combination of 6Ah, 4Ah, and 2Ah batteries, and found that the 6Ah batteries overheated and drained faster than expected during demanding tasks. This can be a significant drawback if you’re working on larger projects that require continuous operation. The charging time is another factor to consider, as the standard charger takes a while to fully recharge the batteries.

Design Flaws

Despite its powerful performance, the chainsaw has a few design flaws that are hard to overlook. The tension screw, which is crucial for maintaining the chain's tightness, is poorly designed. It’s made of plastic and tends to strip or break easily. This makes it challenging to keep the chain tight enough, leading to potential safety hazards. On more than one occasion, the chain fell off during use, which is both frustrating and dangerous.

Additionally, the lubricating compartment has its issues. After a single refill, it clogged up and refused to accept new lubrication. This required frequent cleaning of the feeding canal, which disrupted the workflow.

Safety Features

On the safety front, the chainsaw is equipped with a mechanical chain brake, which is a standard but essential feature. It adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that the chain stops immediately in case of a kickback. This is particularly reassuring when dealing with larger cuts and more challenging tasks.

User Experience

As someone who has used both gas and electric chainsaws, I found the noise level of this chainsaw to be relatively low, which is a pleasant change from the loud roar of a gas chainsaw. The soft grip handle also adds to the overall user experience, making it more comfortable during extended use. However, the recurring issue with the tension screw and the frequent need to recharge the batteries can be quite frustrating.

Final Thoughts

The HP Brushless 20" Chainsaw from Ryobi is a powerful tool that delivers impressive performance, especially for an electric chainsaw. It’s capable of handling tasks that are typically reserved for gas chainsaws, making it a versatile addition to any toolkit. However, it’s not without its flaws. The poorly designed tension screw and the limited battery life are significant drawbacks that can affect the overall user experience.

Would I recommend this chainsaw? It depends on your needs. If you’re a DIY enthusiast looking for a powerful tool for occasional use, this chainsaw could be a good fit. Its performance is commendable, and the convenience of an electric chainsaw is hard to beat. However, if you’re a professional or someone who needs a chainsaw for extensive, continuous use, the design flaws and battery limitations might prove to be too much of a hassle.

In conclusion, the Ryobi HP Brushless 20" Chainsaw is a solid tool with great potential, but it comes with a few caveats. Weighing the pros and cons will help you determine if it’s the right tool for your needs.