Greenworks 40V Brushless Chainsaw Review: 16-Inch Oregon Bar, 20m/s Chain Speed (Tool Only)

Review Information

• Reviewed by: Jack Beurge
• Review type: Research-based review
• Testing status: Not personally tested by SAWOFF — based on manufacturer documentation and reputable external sources
• Published: August 27, 2026
• Manufacturer: Greenworks
• Model: 40V Brushless 16-Inch

Information in this review is labeled as one of four types: 🧪 SAWOFF hands-on test, 🏭 manufacturer specification, 📚 research from reputable sources, or 🧠 editorial assessment. See our testing methodology and editorial policy.

Introduction

The Greenworks 40V Brushless garden saw occupies a sweet spot that gas saws cannot: instant-start, low noise, and zero fuel mixing, but with a real 16-inch Oregon bar and a 20m/s chain speed that feels closer to a 35–40cc gas engine than a toy pruner.

This specific listing — Tool Only with original 16-inch chainbar, Oregon sawchain and protection bag — is built for the homeowner already invested in the Greenworks 40V system. No battery, no charger, no markup for hardware you already own. You get the brushless powerhead, the bar and chain, and a proper storage bag, and you supply your own 40V pack.

Based on manufacturer documentation, service manuals, and verified owner reports across Greenworks 40V/60V/80V platforms, this research-based review breaks down the engineering, real cutting performance, and where this tool-only 40V saves you money.

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Strategic Comparison: Where the 40V Tool-Only Fits

Before the teardown, here is how this 40V 16-inch brushless compares to siblings and gas benchmarks.

Model	Power	Bar / Chain	Chain Speed	Weight (Tool Only)	Best For	Shop
Greenworks 40V Brushless 16” (Tool Only)	40V Brushless	16” Oregon 3/8 LP .050	20 m/s	~4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)	Garden, limbing, storm cleanup	🛒 View Deal
Greenworks Pro 60V	60V Brushless	18” Oregon 3/8 LP	20 m/s	~5.6 kg w/ 4.0Ah	Heavy residential, firewood	🛒 Check Price
Greenworks Pro 80V	80V Brushless	18” 3/8 .050	20+ m/s	6.7 kg w/ 2.0Ah	Prosumer, large bucking	🛒 Check Price
Stihl MS 180	31.8cc Gas	16” 3/8 Picco	~18 m/s	4.2 kg dry	Light pruning, entry gas	🛒 Check Price
Stihl MS 250	45.4cc Gas	18” 3/8	~22 m/s	4.6 kg dry	Farm & ranch benchmark	🛒 Check Price

Takeaway: If you already own Greenworks 40V batteries for a mower, blower or trimmer, this Tool Only saw is the cheapest path to a capable 16-inch cutter. If you own no 40V batteries, factor a 4.0Ah pack + rapid charger into the cost — otherwise the value thins.

Technical Deep-Dive: Brushless Motor, 20m/s, and Oregon System

The Brushless Advantage

Unlike brushed motors that use carbon brushes sliding on a commutator, the Greenworks 40V uses a brushless DC motor with a permanent-magnet rotor and stator windings driven by an electronic speed controller. The controller monitors back-EMF and ramps current instantly when the chain meets resistance.

• No brush wear: No friction, no sparks, near-zero motor maintenance. Heat moves to the stationary housing where vents dissipate it.
• Flat torque: When you bury the dogs and pivot, the controller increases duty cycle within milliseconds to hold RPM. You feel less bog than on a 30cc gas saw hunting for its powerband.
• Cooler run: Direct-drive sprocket on the motor shaft — no gearbox, no gear losses, less to fail than a gas crankcase.

For context on internal combustion trade-offs, see our gas vs electric chainsaw guide and the magnesium-vs-polymer discussion in our Stihl Home vs Pro analysis.

Why 20m/s Matters

20 meters per second (~65.6 ft/s) is the chain’s linear speed at no load. For a 40V garden saw this is aggressive:

• In softwood (pine, cedar): cuts feel instant. The weight of the saw does the feed; no leaning required.
• In hardwood (oak, maple): speed helps keep chips clearing and reduces burnishing that dulls chains faster. Runtime, not speed, becomes the limiter.
• Versus gas: A Stihl MS 211 runs ~18–19 m/s, a Husqvarna 435 ~20 m/s. The Greenworks is therefore in the same cutting-speed class, with the difference being battery sag vs. fuel.

Original 16-Inch Bar + Oregon Chain

This kit ships with a genuine 16-inch (40cm) Greenworks bar and an Oregon 3/8” Low Profile chain, .050” gauge. That matters:

• Availability: Oregon 91PX / 90PX chain is sold everywhere — you are not locked to a proprietary pitch.
• Sharpening: Standard 5/32” (4.0mm) round file at 30°. Easy hand filing; sharp chain is the single biggest factor in battery runtime.
• Tensioning: Side-access dual-stud system (scrench) — far more secure than tool-less dials that loosen when packed with oiler paste. See our pro chainsaw bars guide for rail wear tips.

Protection Bag — Small Detail, Real Value

The included bag is not marketing fluff. It is a padded bar cover/bag for storage:

• Prevents chain dulling when the saw rests on concrete or in a truck bed
• Contains bar-oil weep (all auto-oilers drool a little when stored)
• Keeps the chain away from kids, pets, and garden hoses in the shed

Real-World Performance: Garden, Limbing and Cleanup

Evaluated from documented owner runs in garden and yard-cleanup scenarios (not a replacement for a 70cc felling saw):

Garden Pruning & Limbing — The Core Strength

With a 4.0Ah battery, owners report 60–90 cuts in 3–4-inch softwood branches, and 40–60 cuts in 6-inch hardwood limbs. The 16-inch bar is nimble: you can work one-handed on a ladder with three points of contact per our chainsaw safety guide, snip, release trigger (instant stop, zero idle), move, and cut.

Noise is the hidden win: 86–88 dB under load vs. 105+ dB for a 40cc gas saw. At 7 a.m. on a Saturday, your neighbors will thank you. No fuel smell in the garage, either.

Bucking Logs up to 14 Inches

On 10–12-inch seasoned oak with a sharp Oregon chain and 4.0Ah pack:

• Feed rate: Steady, patient push. The controller holds RPM until you over-feed; if you force it, over-current protection cuts power — release and re-pull the trigger.
• Runtime: One 4.0Ah pack ≈ 15–20 minutes of trigger time in mixed hardwood, 30+ minutes in pine. Two packs + rapid charger = continuous garden work.
• Oil: Translucent tank, automatic oiler. The 40V oiler is well-tuned for 16 inches — less drool than the 80V 18-inch units.

What It Is Not

This is not a production felling saw. For logs >16 inches, frozen hickory, or all-day firewood processing, the 60V Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf equivalent or a gas Stihl MS 261 remains the correct tool. The 40V platform will do it in an emergency, but thermal limiting and battery depletion make it the wrong daily choice for timber.

Ergonomics & Safety

• Weight & balance: Tool-only body ~4.2 kg; with 4.0Ah battery ~5.6–5.9 kg total — lighter than the 80V and comparable to an Oregon CS300. Battery sits rear-centered, giving a neutral balance point for wrap-handle control.
• Vibration: No reciprocating piston. Vibration is a low hum versus gas high-frequency buzz. Owners with long limbing sessions report far less hand numbness (HAVS risk).
• Handle: Over-molded rubber, glove-friendly trigger with lockout, and inertia-activated brake bar + electronic motor brake (chain stops when trigger is released — no spin-down like a gas clutch).
• Safety: Read our chainsaw safety guide before felling or working above shoulder height. For working with top-handle technique, see one-handed chainsaw safety.

Tool-Only Economics: The Smart Buy

You should buy Tool Only if:

• You own Greenworks 40V batteries (mower, blower, trimmer, etc.)
• You want a second saw for limbing while your gas saw bucks
• You value low maintenance and garage-friendly storage (bag included)

Buy a kit instead if:

• You own zero Greenworks batteries — a 40V 4.0Ah + charger adds $130–$180
• You need maximum runtime — get the 60V or 80V platform (larger packs, higher sustained current)

Greenworks 40V batteries are cross-compatible across the full 40V garden line, so one battery set powers the whole shed — a real cost saver versus buying into a new voltage.

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Maintenance: Almost Nothing, But Do This

1. Every battery swap: Remove battery, pull side cover, scrape chip-oil paste from sprocket cavity, clear oil port with a pick, blow with compressed air. Electric saws pack paste faster because there is no hot exhaust to blow dust clear.
2. Every sharpening: Clean bar groove, file burrs flat (90°), flip bar 180° to equalize rail wear.
3. Sharpening: Oregon LP chain = 5/32” file, 30° angle, same strokes per cutter. Check rakers every 3rd filing.
4. Oil: Standard bar & chain oil; winter-grade below 40°F. The automatic system is gravity-assisted — a little weep in storage is normal. Store with bag on, oil cap up, or drain if storing months. See chainsaw bar oil guide.
5. Bag care: Wipe inside after use; oil will collect. Keep the bag on for transport.
6. Battery: Store at ~50% (two lights), 50–70°F, never charge below freezing, let hot packs cool 15 min before charging. See our battery saws for beginners guide.

Hardware Specs: The Raw Numbers

• Motor: 40V Brushless DC, direct-drive
• Chain Speed: 20 m/s (65.6 ft/s) no-load
• Bar: Original Greenworks 16-inch (40cm)
• Chain: Oregon 3/8” LP, .050” gauge (e.g., 91PX056)
• Weight (Tool Only): ~4.2 kg / 9.3 lbs (without battery)
• Weight (with 4.0Ah battery): ~5.7 kg / 12.6 lbs
• Oil System: Automatic, translucent tank
• Tensioning: Side-access dual-stud + scrench
• Brake: Mechanical inertia + electronic motor brake
• Included: Tool Only powerhead, 16-inch bar, Oregon chain, protection bag (no battery/charger)
• Warranty: 4-year limited tool warranty (battery warranty separate)

Pros & Cons: The SAWOFF Take

Pros

• True 20m/s speed: Snappy cuts, gas-like chain speed for a 40V garden saw
• Brushless reliability: No brushes, no spark plug, no carburetor, no fuel mixing
• Oregon standard: Cheap, sharp, widely available chain; easy to file
• Tool-Only value: Pay only for the saw if you own 40V packs — saves $120–$180
• Quiet & clean: 86–88 dB, zero emissions, instant start, instant stop
• Bag included: Clean storage and transport out of the box
• Cross-compatibility: One battery runs the whole Greenworks 40V garden system

Cons

• Battery not included: New buyers must add pack + charger cost
• Runtime limited: 4.0Ah ≈ 15–20 min trigger in hardwood; you need two packs for half-day work
• Not a felling saw: Over 16-inch hardwood is its ceiling; pros need 60V/80V or gas
• Oil weep: Like most electric auto-oilers, it can drool when stored horizontally

Final Verdict: SAWOFF Approved for Gardens

The Greenworks 40V Brushless 16-inch (20m/s) Tool Only with Oregon bar and bag is the most logical cordless garden chainsaw for anyone already in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem. It delivers real cutting speed, a proper Oregon chain, and brushless longevity in a lightweight, quiet package that a Stihl MS 180 owner would envy for limb work — without the pull-cord ritual.

It will not replace a 60V or gas saw for heavy felling, but for pruning, limbing, yard cleanup, and bucking up to 14 inches, it is exactly the right tool. Tool Only keeps the price sharp if you bring your own battery.

SAWOFF Rating: 4.6 / 5 — Best Garden Value (Tool Only)

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FAQ: Tool Only, Oregon, and Garden Use

Does this Greenworks 40V chainsaw come with a battery and charger?

No — Tool Only includes the brushless powerhead, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, and protection bag. Supply your own Greenworks 40V battery and charger.

What battery should I use?

Any Greenworks 40V pack works (2.0Ah to 6.0Ah). For 16-inch work, a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah is the sweet spot. A 2.0Ah runs but drains in 10–15 minutes under load.

Is the 20m/s chain speed actually fast?

Yes. 20m/s is high for 40V and matches ~35–40cc gas saws. You feel it as instant bite in softwood. In hardwood, battery current limits runtime before speed.

Can I swap to another bar length?

Stick to 16-inch. A 14-inch is fine, but an 18-inch adds drag and triggers thermal shutdown faster. The motor and oiler are tuned for 16 inches.

How do I keep the Oregon chain sharp?

Use a 5/32” round file at 30° from inside-out. Keep cutters even. Check depth gauges every third sharpening. A sharp chain doubles runtime.

Why does it leak bar oil when stored?

Temperature-driven air expansion pushes oil past the pump. Store with the protection bag on and oil cap up, or drain the tank for long storage. See our chainsaw bar oil guide.

Get out there and cut. Safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Greenworks 40V chainsaw come with a battery and charger?

No. This listing is Tool Only — you get the 40V brushless chainsaw, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, and protection bag. Battery and charger are sold separately. It is designed for users already in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem who want the best tool-only value.

What battery does the Greenworks 40V 16-inch brushless chainsaw use?

It runs on any Greenworks 40V lithium-ion battery (2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah). For this 16-inch bar we recommend a 4.0Ah or larger pack — a 2.0Ah pack will work for light pruning but drains quickly under load.

How fast is the 20m/s chain speed in real cutting?

20m/s (~65.6 ft/s) is high for a 40V garden saw and similar to entry-level 35–40cc gas saws. It gives snappy cuts in softwood and clean limbing, though sustained hardwood bucking is still limited by battery runtime, not chain speed.

Is the Oregon bar and chain standard?

Yes — it ships with an original 16-inch (40cm) bar and genuine Oregon saw chain (3/8" LP, .050" gauge). Oregon chain is widely available, easy to sharpen with a 5/32" file, and interchangeable with common replacements.

Can I use this for felling large trees?

It is optimized for garden work, limbing, pruning, yard cleanup and bucking logs up to 14 inches. For regular felling over 16 inches or production firewood, a 60V/80V platform or 45cc+ gas saw like the Stihl MS 250 is a better fit.

What is the protection bag for?

The included protection bag covers the bar and chain for storage and transport. It keeps bar oil off floors and walls, protects the chain from dulling on concrete, and is useful if you carry the saw in a car or shed.

How does Tool Only value compare to kits?

Tool Only saves $120–$180 versus a battery + charger kit if you already own Greenworks 40V batteries. If you own no 40V batteries, add the cost of a 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger — the kit may then be better value.