A Tiny Chainsaw That Actually Delivers | Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Review

Key Specs & Features

The Greenworks 40V 12" Cordless Chainsaw is designed for people who don’t want the hassle of mixing gas, pulling cords, or lugging around a heavy saw. It runs on the Greenworks 40V battery system, comes with a 12-inch bar and chain, and includes a 2.0Ah battery plus charger out of the box. You’ll also find safety touches like a low-kickback chain and a hand guard, an automatic oiler, and tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments.

Specs snapshot:

• Battery: 40V (2.0Ah included, 4.0Ah available for longer runtime)
• Bar & Chain: 12-inch, low kickback
• Motor: 0.73 HP equivalent
• Oiler: Automatic
• Weight/Dimensions: 24.6" x 7.3" x 10.2"

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Performance & Usability

Right away, the Greenworks impressed with how easy it is to set up. Pop in some bar oil, slide in the battery, and you’re good to go. That said, the oil reservoir is small, awkwardly placed, and prone to spilling — a funnel helps a lot.

On small branches and limbs, it’s smooth and quiet. The wrap-around handle feels comfortable, and even though the saw looks a bit tall, the ergonomics work well. Compared to the DeWalt 20V 12-inch, the chain speed feels a bit slower, but it still gets the job done for casual trimming.

When it came to larger logs (5–6 inches), the Greenworks could handle them, but you need patience. Push too hard and the motor slows; keep steady pressure and it’ll work through cleanly. It definitely has a “sweet spot” speed where it cuts best.

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Real-World Use

• Backyard maintenance: Great for cutting windfall trees, pruning shrubs, or trimming firewood-sized logs. Storm cleanup is a breeze.
• Camping or Jeep gear: Compact enough to toss in the truck for trail clearing. This has been a big one for me personally. It's a perfect fit.

Noise is low compared to gas saws, but vibration is noticeable. A sharp chain is essential here; with no way to “rev” like a gas saw, a dull blade will bog it down quickly.

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Value & Context

At around $149, this saw is priced right in the sweet spot for casual homeowners. It’s not a pro-level tool like Makita’s higher-end battery saws, but that’s not its lane. For folks who already own Greenworks 40V tools, it’s a no-brainer addition. If you’re cutting 10-inch logs every weekend, this isn’t your saw — but for the average backyard, it’s perfect.

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Final Thoughts

The Greenworks 40V 12" Chainsaw shines when it’s used for what it’s meant to do: quick, light-to-medium yard work. It’s compact, easy to handle, and refreshingly quiet. Yes, the oil port could use a redesign, and no, it won’t replace a gas saw for heavy-duty jobs. But if you want a grab-and-go saw for storm clean-up, pruning, or camping, it’s one of the easiest recommendations out there.

👉 Best for homeowners, campers, and anyone who wants a no-fuss, battery-powered chainsaw for everyday use.