Quick verdict
A 16 inch brushless chainsaw that runs two 20V 4.0 Ah packs in series for 40 volts, with an inertia chain brake, tool-free tensioning, an auto oiler and a maker rating of 120 cuts through a 4x4 per charge. It suits a homeowner who wants a complete budget kit with a real safety brake for storm limbs and light firewood. The caveat is energy: two 20V packs carry half of what a true two-pack 40V kit does, and no wattage or chain speed is stated.
Strengths
- Inertia chain brake with lock-out switch
- Two 4.0 Ah packs included
- Tool-free tensioning and automatic oiler
- Brushless motor with push-button start
- Packs also run DongCheng 20V and 40V tools
Weaknesses
- Two 20V packs in series carry half the energy of a native 40V two-pack kit
- No wattage, chain speed or weight stated
- Charger not spelled out in the listing
- Thin US support and parts presence
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Who this chainsaw is for
Two batteries, a 16 inch bar, a chain brake and a brushless motor for a budget price is the formula that gets a first-time chainsaw buyer to click. The DongCheng 40V 16 inch chainsaw follows it: two 20V 4.0 Ah packs that run in series for 40 volts, a brushless motor, tool-free tensioning, an automatic oiler and an inertia chain brake. It is aimed at the homeowner who cuts storm limbs and a modest pile of firewood and wants the whole kit in one order.
This review is based on the maker’s published specifications and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run this product ourselves.
What you get
The listing names the saw with a 16 inch bar and chain and two 20V 4.0 Ah lithium batteries; a charger is not spelled out, so confirm it is included before buying. The motor is brushless and the maker describes the output as gas-like, without a watt or chain speed figure. DongCheng rates the saw for up to 120 cuts through a 4×4 on one charge and asks that both packs be fully charged before first use so they deliver evenly. Tensioning is by an external knob with no tools, the oiler is automatic, and the chain brake is inertia activated with a stated stop time under 0.1 seconds, backed by a lock-out switch. The batteries also run DongCheng’s 20V and 40V tools. Weight, oil tank size, chain pitch and gauge are not stated.
Cutting and power
Two 20V packs in series give the motor 40 volts to work with, the same arrangement several budget brands use. It works, with one known habit: when the two packs are unevenly charged the saw runs to the weaker one and shuts down early, which is why the maker tells you to charge both fully first. Without a stated wattage or chain speed, judge it by the 120 cut rating and by owner reports on this class of saw: clean work in limbs and seasoned softwood, a slower and grabbier cut in green hardwood, and a need to let the chain do the work rather than lean on it. A 16 inch bar is best used on logs under about a foot.
Runtime and batteries
Two 20V 4.0 Ah packs together hold about 160 watt-hours, which is half of what a two-pack kit with native 40V batteries carries and a little more than a single 56V 2.5 Ah pack. The 120 cuts on a 4×4 figure fits that energy budget. For firewood, plan on short sessions and a charge break; for storm cleanup it is adequate. The packs fit DongCheng’s own 20V and 40V tools, a lineup with limited presence in US stores, so treat the platform argument lightly.
Build, handling and ergonomics
The inertia chain brake is the feature that lifts this saw above the cheapest imports; a brake that trips on kickback rather than only by hand is what a new user needs. The tool-free tensioning knob and auto oiler are standard conveniences that work as described on saws of this type. Owners of similar paired-pack saws report a rear-heavy balance with both packs fitted and plastics that feel lighter than a brand saw. DongCheng is an established tool maker in its home market, which counts for something in the castings and the motor, though US support is thin.
Living with it
Charge both packs fully and together, every time. Use bar and chain oil and keep the tank full, since no oil capacity is stated and small tanks run dry fast. Confirm the chain spec from the bar stamp before buying spares; a 16 inch low-profile chain is a common size. Store the packs indoors at partial charge. Look for the warranty term on the product page and keep the order record, since support will be through the seller.
Alternatives to Consider
The Greenworks 40V 16 inch brushless chainsaw kit is the brand equivalent with a single native 40V pack and wide tool compatibility. The Ryobi 40V 16 inch brushless chainsaw, tool-only, is the better buy for anyone who already owns Ryobi packs. For more energy in the box, the SEESII 40V 16 inch kit ships two 40V 4.0 Ah packs rather than two 20V packs, though its listing does not mention a chain brake.
Verdict
Buy the DongCheng 40V 16 inch chainsaw if you want a complete budget kit with an inertia chain brake, tool-free tensioning and two packs for storm limbs and light firewood, and you have confirmed the charger is in the box. Skip it if you cut hardwood regularly, already own a major battery platform, or want a saw with a stated weight, chain speed and US service behind it.
Full specifications
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with Two 4.0 Ah Batteries FAQs
The two 20V packs run in series, so the saw can only draw what the weaker pack can give. Two packs at different charge levels cause early shutdowns; charging both fully, and together each time after, keeps them balanced.
DongCheng rates it for up to 120 cuts through a 4x4 on a charge of both packs. That figure assumes dry lumber; green or hardwood rounds use more energy per cut and bring the number down.
Yes. The listing describes an inertia-activated chain brake with a stated stop time under 0.1 seconds, plus a lock-out switch on the trigger. That is a better safety spec than many budget saws publish.
The title names two 4.0 Ah batteries but the listing does not spell out a charger. Confirm with the seller before ordering; a saw with two packs and no way to charge them is a common budget-kit surprise.
