Kobalt 80V Chainsaw Review
Kobalt 80V Chainsaw First Impressions
We’ll start with the obvious: the battery. This bad boy offers an 80V lithium-ion rechargeable battery. As a part of the 80V series of Kobalt outdoor power equipment, the battery is interchangeable with the 80V mower blower string trimmer . It takes 30 minutes to fully charge the 2.0 Ah battery. This is impressive considering it has 144 watts of power. Being battery powered, there are the benefits of less noise, no fumes, and no mixing of gas and oil compared to a gas chainsaw.
If you’ve looked through the stores, there are some undeniable similarities between the Greenworks 80V Chainsaw and the Kobalt 80V Chainsaw – and their entire 80V line ups. It’s true that there is technology sharing. Does that make them the same exact tool? Not necessarily.
Editor’s note: The original review was based upon our experiences with the saw when it first appeared. However, the ratings were updated in our most recent shootout to show the performance of the saw against other chainsaws.
The Chainsaw’s Head-to-Head Performance Compared to Others in Its Class
Powered by the industry’s highest voltage battery to date
Brushless motors allow for more power and longer motor life
This is recommended for medium-sized tree cutting and storm clean up
Kobalt Chainsaw 80V Performance
But how does 80V affect cutting power, performance and efficiency? The 80V was sufficient for intermediate users of chainsaws. I tested it with basic tests and it proved to be very powerful. The saw cut more quickly than the 40-volt version and it had lower kickback. When the bar is 6 inches long, the kickback of the saw reduces intimidation. I liked its balance and ease of use. Don’t take my word for this.
With a Florida-based professional forester, I was able to use the chainsaw together. He is more familiar with gas-powered chainssaws. At first, he was skeptical that a battery-powered chainsaw could handle the professional jobs. The first time the saw passed through a large downed pine, he was convinced. The chainsaw’s improved power and extended length (18 inches) allow it to be used in multiple situations.
On our field trip we could see all of these safety features at work. The Kobalt 80V Chainsaw is equipped it with multiple safety features that even a former elementary hallway safety patrolman like myself can appreciate. You will find an on/off and trigger buttons, a lock with audible squeaks, and an electronic chain/guard/break/guard with audible squeaks. Automatic shut off is another safety feature that can help conserve battery life. The automatic shut-off will turn off the chainsaw if it is left idle for more than 15 seconds. Some might find it annoying, but I don’t mind the button being pushed to activate the saw. While in use, if a kickback or error occurs the electronic chain break engages and stops the chain with audible beeps to notify the user that something has caused the saw to stop. We had pinched bars, idle time, kickbacks, and all of the things that make tree cutting fun – and the safety features worked flawlessly.
One downside to using a battery-powered chainsaw is the limited runtime. While we haven’t tested the entire run-time, it’s worth having an additional battery to allow for full-day cutting. As with other chainsaws I noticed oil leaking from the bar and chains when they were stored flat-side down.
The Kobalt 80V Chainsaw was better than expected. With 80 volts, brushless motor, and an 18” bar, it can and should be more than just a backyard chainsaw. This machine is not going to be used by professional foresters. You might find it helpful for pro-landscapers who do tree trimming or storm cleanup. For property owners that need to care for large trees, I feel it is well-suited. It doesn’t matter if the tree has been sitting for a long time or when it was winterized. It’s as easy to charge the battery and go.
There is no doubt that much has improved since the release of its predecessor chainsaw. You will find a more ergonomic design, better safety features and much more power. The features of this chainsaw I enjoyed a lot were: quick on/off and safety considerations; good weight/balance; less noise than a gasoline powered one. I was impressed enough to give it my full approval. If you’re looking for a garden chainsaw, the Kobalt 80V Max might be worth your consideration.
Steve, who is also a contributing writer to Pro Tool Reviews, is a father and devoted husband. He enjoys being able to play Wing Chun, as well as being a keen practitioner.
Kobalt Cordless 80V Chainsaw Review: Goodbye Volatile Fluids and Hello Lithium
Last month, I tried out two of the new line of Kobalt 80 volt MAX cordless lawn tools , the mower and string trimmer. Their performance was impressive. They resisted all the abuse I lavished on them. This month, the 80 volt MAX18 inch cordless saw will go out to do some farmwork. Is it comparable to the 18″ gas saw, as well as other electric chainsaws?
I love the idea of using electric lawn tools, as I stated in last month’s review. BUT, after seeing a LOT of underperforming electric lawn equipment in the past, I approach them with a good deal of skepticism. Kobalt was kind enough to give their updated lineup of products for my review. Both the string trimmer (a mower) and the string cutter were great surprises. Like the other tools in the set, the chainsaw was very solid out of its box. It is a bit heavier thanks to the 80-volt battery that I call the “power brick”. This saw is less than 14 lb like my gassaw. It has a very similar weight to a conventional chainsaw.
The 80V power brick. This isn’t a saw that will cut through trees and small saplings. It was able to cut down two large Mulberry trees and I didn’t feel that it wasn’t powerful enough. The battery held up long enough to help me get down the trees. While it’s not practical to swap batteries or charge them in the forest or woodlot, this can be used on a large property or for occasional work. The saw’s performance is comparable to older, more efficient electric models.
It balances like a gas saw thanks to the location of the battery.
While swapping out batteries has its disadvantages, the upside to getting away with a gassaw is undeniable. Owning a gas model chainsaw can be costly. Either keep it clean between uses or you risk the inconvenience of having to start it on rare occasions. With the electric model, there are no such worries. You just need to plug it in, then cut. No yanking the pull start, no playing with the choke. I have to admit, I may have heard angels singing when I pushed the electric start button and pulled the trigger!
Also, the noise level of this saw is a huge benefit. It is actually silent when it’s not being used! Amazing! A typical gas chainsaw screams at 110 or 120 decibels. I found that this saw runs about 70 decibels louder than a typical household vacuum.
It is very important to keep in mind that no chainsaw, even one electric, can work without oiling its chain. At the very least, you won’t have to for very long. Although you may not be filling the gas tank, you still need to keep the oiler filled up! Get in the habit of topping off the oiler each time you swap the battery.
Kobalt 80V Chainsaw Review [2021] – Pros/Cons/Features Explained
Greenworks is unrivalled in the production of battery powered chainsaws.
The new manufacturer (i.e. Kobalt has replaced Greenworks as a manufacturer in terms power, performance, timing and efficiency.
Kobalt’s chainsaw features an 18-inch bar, a strong motor and a sharp chain. The 2Ah 80v lithium-ion batteries are used, and it runs much longer than anticipated.
Plus, it’s suitable for heavy-duty cutting work. Now, I get that it’s a battery operated tool, but the latest technologies enable it to do the miracles of cutting thick wood with ease.
Chainsaw Guru will be reviewing the Kobalt 8v chainsaw today, along with its pros and cons.
Look at it, and you won’t be disappointed:
.Kobalt 80V Chainsaw Review