When my husband brought home the Ryobi chainsaw, I was curious but also skeptical. We’ve had mixed results with power tools in the past… some last, others barely get through a season. Since he’s the one who handles most of the outdoor work, I got to watch firsthand how this chainsaw held up and whether it was worth the buy.
What Is the Ryobi Chainsaw?
The Ryobi chainsaw is a cordless, battery-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners who want something more manageable than a gas-powered option. It comes in different bar lengths (typically 10–18 inches), and the most common models use Ryobi’s 40V battery system, which is compatible with other Ryobi tools. It’s marketed as a lightweight, eco-friendly alternative for trimming branches, cutting logs, and tackling yard clean-up without the noise and fumes of gas models.
Why My Husband Bought It
He chose the Ryobi chainsaw because we already own a few Ryobi 40V tools, and the idea of swapping batteries between them seemed convenient. He wanted something lighter and easier to handle than a traditional gas chainsaw but still strong enough to cut through medium branches and small logs after storms.
My Husband’s Experience Using It
The first time he used it, he was impressed with how lightweight it felt compared to the old gas chainsaw he used to lug around. Starting it up was simple… just pop in the battery and press the trigger, no pulling cords or messing with fuel. That part alone made him pretty happy.
For small to medium tasks, like trimming branches and cutting firewood for the outdoor pit, it worked smoothly. The cuts were clean, and the motor didn’t struggle much with logs around 6–8 inches thick. He also liked that it was noticeably quieter, which meant he could work without disturbing the entire neighborhood.
But once he pushed it past its comfort zone, the limitations showed. Thicker logs slowed it down, and the battery life drained quickly when tackling tougher cuts. On one job, the battery gave out halfway through, which left him frustrated since it meant stopping to recharge or swap batteries. Another annoyance was the oil reservoir, it leaks a bit when stored, and we had to start keeping it on a rag in the shed.
Overall, he appreciated the ease of use and convenience, but he admitted it’s not a “serious” chainsaw for heavy-duty projects. For storm cleanup and general yard work, it gets the job done. For felling large trees or cutting through really dense wood, it simply doesn’t have the power.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Simple start-up, no gas or cords
- Quiet operation
- Compatible with other Ryobi 40V batteries
- Great for small to medium yard tasks
Cons
- Leaks bar oil when stored
- Battery life drains quickly with heavy use
- Not powerful enough for thick or hardwood logs
- Extra batteries are expensive if you need more runtime
Is It a Scam?
No, the Ryobi chainsaw is definitely not a scam. It’s a legitimate product that delivers on its promise for lighter work. The disappointment comes only if you expect it to perform like a professional gas chainsaw… it’s not built for that.
Alternatives
- EGO Power+ 16-Inch Chainsaw
- Greenworks Pro 80V Chainsaw
- Husqvarna 120 Mark II (Gas)
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
If you want a chainsaw for small jobs, occasional trimming, and light firewood cutting, the Ryobi chainsaw is worth it, especially if you already use Ryobi tools and own their batteries. But if you’re expecting heavy-duty performance, you’ll probably be disappointed. For us, it works fine as a secondary tool for the yard, but it’s not the only chainsaw we’d rely on.
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