Introduction: The Best Budget Entry in the 80V Class
The Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch is a battery-powered chainsaw that stands out in the sub-$400 price range. Many budget battery saws cut slowly, stall under load, or come as a bare tool requiring an additional $200 investment for a battery and charger. The Greenworks Pro 80V is different: it includes both the battery and charger in the box at a price lower than any other 80V saw in its class. However, low price often raises questions about performance. Based on owner feedback and spec-sheet analysis, here is what this saw delivers.
Cutting Speed and Power
The brushless motor spins the chain fast, and the 16-inch bar handles logs up to about 14 inches in diameter without bogging down. On the spec sheet, a cut through a 10-inch seasoned oak log is timed at 6.2 seconds, which is competitive with many 40cc gas saws (which typically cut the same log in about 5.5 seconds). The difference is small, and the Greenworks eliminates the need for pull-start effort. The brushless motor provides instant torque, and the chain does not stall unless forced. For limbing and general firewood cutting, this saw is fast enough to keep up with a gas saw.
Battery Life and Runtime
The included 2.0Ah battery is small, delivering about 25 cuts through 6-inch to 8-inch logs on a single charge. This is sufficient for light trimming or small cleanup jobs. For serious firewood cutting, a larger battery is recommended. Owners report that using a 4.0Ah battery (compatible with other Greenworks 80V tools) doubles the runtime to about 50 cuts. The battery charges from empty to full in about 45 minutes with the included charger. The battery features a fuel gauge with four LEDs, allowing users to monitor remaining charge and plan work accordingly.
Ease of Use
Starting the saw is simple: insert the battery, press the safety lock, and pull the trigger. No choke, primer bulb, or pull cord is required. The saw starts instantly every time. The chain brake is easy to engage with the left hand and stops the chain quickly. The oil tank holds about 4 ounces of bar oil, enough for about 20 minutes of continuous cutting. The oiler delivers a steady stream of oil to the bar and chain, preventing overheating issues.
Build and Value
The Greenworks Pro 80V is not a pro-grade saw. The body is made of high-impact plastic, which feels solid but lacks the density of a Stihl or Husqvarna gas saw. The bar is a standard 16-inch low-profile bar, and the chain is a 91PX type, which is common and easy to find at hardware stores. The brushless motor is the highlight: it is sealed, quiet, and has no brushes to replace. Greenworks offers a 4-year warranty on the tool and a 2-year warranty on the battery, which is better than most budget saws.
The Heavy Weight Problem
This saw is heavy. With the 2.0Ah battery installed, it weighs 10.5 pounds—about 2 pounds heavier than a comparable 40cc gas saw and about 3 pounds heavier than top-tier battery saws like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel or the Stihl MSA 220. Owners consistently note that the weight becomes noticeable after about 20 minutes of overhead limbing, causing arm fatigue. For bucking logs on the ground, the weight is less of an issue. However, for extended pruning or limbing, the weight can be tiring. The weight comes from the large 80V battery and heavy-duty motor, trading weight for power and runtime.
The Fragile Plastic Oil Cap
A common complaint among owners is the bar oil cap, which is made of thin plastic and screws into a plastic thread on the oil tank. After a few months of use, the cap can start to cross-thread. Users advise tightening the cap only until snug, as overtightening can strip the plastic threads. If the cap breaks, a replacement costs about $5, but it remains an annoying failure point on an otherwise good saw.
Chain Tensioning Requires a Tool
This saw uses a tool-required chain tensioning system. A combination wrench (included) is needed to loosen the two bar nuts, adjust the tension screw, and then tighten the nuts again. This system is similar to many gas saws and works reliably, but it is slower than tool-less tensioning systems. The included wrench is stored on the back of the saw, preventing loss. Owners report that the chain stays tensioned well after adjustment, requiring re-tensioning only occasionally.
Value for the Price
The Greenworks Pro 80V is the lowest-priced 80V chainsaw that includes a battery and charger. Most competitors sell the bare tool for the same price or higher. When factoring in the cost of a battery and charger, the Greenworks saves $100 to $150 compared to brands like Ego or Makita. It offers a brushless motor, a 16-inch bar, and decent cutting speed at a hard-to-beat price. For owners of other Greenworks 80V tools, battery compatibility makes this saw an easy addition to the tool kit.
Who This Suits
This saw is not for everyone. Here is an honest breakdown of who should buy it and who should look elsewhere.
Buy This Saw If:
- You are on a tight budget. This is the most affordable 80V chainsaw with a battery included. If you need a saw for light to medium work and do not want to spend $400, this is your best option.
- You already own Greenworks 80V tools. Battery compatibility makes this an easy addition to your tool kit. You can share batteries between your trimmer, blower, and saw.
- You need a saw for occasional firewood cutting. If you cut a few cords of wood per year, this saw will handle it. The cutting speed is good, and battery life is adequate for a few hours of work with a spare battery.
- You want a quiet, low-maintenance saw. No gas, no oil mixing, no spark plugs. Just charge the battery and cut. The brushless motor requires no maintenance.
Do Not Buy This Saw If:
- You need a saw for professional daily use. The plastic oil cap and tool-required chain tensioning will frustrate you. The weight will tire you out on long jobs. Look at a Stihl or Husqvarna gas saw or a top-tier battery saw like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel.
- You need to cut trees larger than 14 inches in diameter. This saw can handle 14-inch logs, but it struggles on larger wood. You will need to make multiple cuts, and the battery will drain fast. For big trees, get an 18-inch or 20-inch gas saw.
- You hate heavy tools. At 10.5 pounds, this is one of the heaviest battery saws in its class. If you have shoulder or arm problems, look for a lighter saw like the Ego Power+ CS1600 or the DeWalt 60V 16-inch.
- You want tool-less chain tensioning. The tool-required system is not a dealbreaker, but if you value convenience, you will prefer the tool-less systems on the Ego or Milwaukee saws.
Verdict
The Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch chainsaw is a solid value. It is not the best battery saw on the market—it is heavy, the oil cap is fragile, and the chain tensioning system is old-school. But for the price, it delivers fast cutting, a brushless motor, and a complete kit with battery and charger. Owner feedback indicates it starts every time, cuts quickly, and the battery lasts long enough for weekend firewood projects. If you are looking for an entry-level battery saw that will not break the bank, this is the one to buy. Just be careful with the oil cap, and consider buying a larger battery if you plan to do serious work. For the money, this saw earns a recommendation.
