Greenworks Steps Up Their Tree Work Game with 18-Inch Pro 60V Chainsaw
Greenworks’s latest generation of 60V lawn care and landscaping tools has been excellent. We saw a big boost in performance when they upgraded the 16-inch chainsaw. Now that design has made its way into the Greenworks Pro 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw. We took it out to the ranch to see how well it handles some central Florida oak.
Pros
- Excellent chain speed and power
- 18-inch bar improves cutting capacity
- Metal bucking spikes
- Dual captured bar nuts securely hold the bar tension
- Kitted 4.0Ah battery offers the right balance of runtime and weight
Cons
- No major drawbacks
Greenworks Pro 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw Performance
I got a call from our friend Eli Mosely letting me know he had a huge water oak come down out at the ranch that we needed to cut up. These oaks are pretty, but they tend to rot in the center, weakening until they split and come down. While the center of the tree was rotten, the branches were just fine, giving us plenty of 12 – 18-inch thick solid oak to work on.
Ramping up the chain, the saw quietly came to life compared to our gas saws. Of course, that instant-on without pull starting is one of the major benefits of kicking the gas can for lithium-ion power. Running just under 67 feet per second, the chain melted right through 14 inches of oak like butter. Satisfied with the cut, we decided to push it a little harder and see if the chain would bog. It can, but the brushless motor has the torque to keep the chain moving better than most cordless saws.
Most importantly, we were able to cut quickly while maintaining a high level of control as we worked at a variety of heights and angles over several hours.
In terms of runtime, it varies depending on what you’re cutting, how thick it is, and which battery you use. In our opinion, the 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery is the way to go, giving the saw an excellent blend of runtime, balance, and weight. Paired with the 6-amp charger, you should be able to work nearly continuously with a pair of batteries. If you need a number to go with, Greenworks says you can get 150 cuts in 4×4 with one 4.0Ah battery.
Greenworks Pro 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw Design Notes
Chain Selection
Greenworks’ move to a 0.050-inch chain is significant. With most battery-powered chainsaws still using a 0.043-inch chainsaw, only the more muscular models can handle the larger chain size and tend to have faster cutting with better chain life using it.
Bar Studs
As we move into more powerful cordless chainsaws, we are drawn more to the dual-stud system as Greenworks uses on this 18-inch model. The tension on the bar seems to hold longer and because the design team chose captured nuts, there’s no risk of dropping or losing them. However, you do need to make sure your scrench is with you at all times since there’s no onboard storage for it.
Bucking Spikes
We love that this saw uses metal bucking spikes. They bite into the wood and hold better than plastic ones and are replaceable if they ever get damaged.
Oil
The translucent window to view your oil level is a little tough to see through. It’s okay in bright sunshine, just not in the shade. Be sure to open the cap and check the level before you start your work to be on the safe side.
We really like the cap Greenworks uses, though. It has a flip-top cap that’s easy to grip with your finger and thumb even when you’re wearing gloves.
Like most chainsaws, we’re seeing some oil leakage. That’s the price you pay for automatic oiling. We’re not surprised by it and it’s no worse than we’re used to. If you only use your saw occasionally, you may want to empty the reservoir between jobs to keep it from leaking.
Additional Features
- Chain brake
Greenworks Pro 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw Price
You can get this Greenworks chainsaw as a bare tool for $279.99 or in a kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger for $399.99. There’s also a 4.0Ah kit for $349.99.
If you like the performance, but would rather have the 16-inch bar and chain, that model runs $229.99 bare or $299.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger.
The Bottom Line
Essentially, the Greenworks Pro 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw is the same as the 16-inch model with a larger bar. There’s nothing wrong with that, though, and we like the additional capacity. Greenworks claims the saw has 20% more torque and faster cutting than a 42cc gas saw, and that seems accurate in our experience. It’s not quite up to the performance level of a farm and ranch chainsaw, but it’s much better than most homeowner gas saws we’ve used. With no gas hassles to worry about, it’s a great solution for seasonal yard work, post-hurricane/storm cleanup, and making your neighbors jealous while they yank their pull cord 50 times.
Check out even more Greenworks chainsaws in this article!
Greenworks 60V Pro 18-Inch Chainsaw Specifications
- Model: Greenworks CS60L03
- Motor: Brushless
- Bar Length: 18 in.
- Bucking Spikes: Metal
- Chain Brake: Yes
- Auto Oiler: Yes
- Oil Tank: Translucent
- Start Type: Push Button
- Chain Tensioning: Tool
- Warranty: 4 years on tool and battery
i understand there was a recall for the GS 180 for 2014 – 2020 models. Is there a 2nd generation available under either the Kobalt, Greenworks or Snapper brands…web info is very confusing. Loews still keep their ads for Kobalt and Snapper up on their website, and amazon still lists theirs as well. Can you clarify?