Greenworks 40V 18 Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw, Tool Only Review
A Greenworks 40V 18 inch brushless cordless chainsaw, tool only, rated for up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber per charge, with an automatic oiler, easy-adjust chain tensioning and compatibility with over 75 other Greenworks 40V tools.
| Brand | Greenworks |
|---|---|
| Model | CS40L05 |
| Voltage | 40V |
| Bar length | 18 inches |
| Dimensions | 36.81 x 10.04 x 9.25 inches |
| Weight | 11.24 lbs |
| Best for | Buyers already in the Greenworks 40V tool system wanting a cordless chainsaw for tree felling, limbing, pruning and firewood |
Product Overview
Greenworks builds this chainsaw around an 18 inch chain and bar intended for tree felling, limbing, pruning and firewood preparation, rating the saw for up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber from a single battery charge. The saw is sold as tool only, meaning it is designed to use a battery from Greenworks' existing 40V tool lineup rather than including one.
A brushless motor is the core technology upgrade over a brushed design, which Greenworks states provides 2 times more torque, along with more power, longer runtimes, quieter operation and extended motor life compared with a brushed-motor chainsaw.
Day-to-day operation is built around an automatic oiler for proper chain lubrication, easy-adjust tensioning for bar and chain maintenance, and push-button start with no gas, fumes, carburetor, spark plug or starter rope, positioning this as a lower-maintenance alternative to a gas chainsaw.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
Rated for up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber per charge.
2x more torque, longer runtime, quieter, longer motor life.
Maintains chain lubrication during cutting.
Simplifies bar and chain maintenance.
Works with over 75 other Greenworks 40V tools.
Design and Build Quality
Stated dimensions are 36.81 inches long by 10.04 inches wide by 9.25 inches tall, with a weight of 11.24 pounds for the tool alone, model and part number CS40L05. The size reflects the tool-only configuration, sold without a battery or charger included.
The 18 inch bar and chain are sized for substantial cutting tasks like tree felling and firewood prep rather than light trimming, and the automatic oiler is built in to maintain chain lubrication during use without manual reapplication mid-task.
Greenworks designs the saw as part of its broader 40V tool system, stating compatibility with over 75 other tools that share the same battery platform, letting an owner of other Greenworks 40V tools reuse an existing battery rather than buying a dedicated one for the chainsaw alone.
Performance in Everyday Use
Greenworks rates the saw for up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber per charge, giving a concrete benchmark for expected runtime on a defined cutting task rather than a vague battery life estimate.
The brushless motor is stated to deliver 2 times more torque than a brushed equivalent, which Greenworks frames as translating into more cutting power, longer runtimes per charge, quieter operation during use and a longer overall motor lifespan.
Maintenance-related performance comes from the automatic oiler, which keeps the chain lubricated during cutting for increased productivity, and the easy-adjust tensioning system, which simplifies keeping the bar and chain properly tensioned between cutting sessions.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting capacity | Up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber | Listing states the saw gets up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge | 8.5 | A specific cut count confirms the runtime claim with a concrete benchmark |
| Motor technology | Brushless, 2x more torque | Listing states brushless motor technology provides 2 times more torque, more power, longer runtimes and quieter operation | 8.5 | A stated torque multiplier confirms the brushless motor's performance advantage |
| Automatic oiler | Built-in chain lubrication | Listing states an automatic oiler delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity | 8.3 | A named maintenance feature confirms the automatic lubrication claim |
| Tensioning system | Easy-adjust tensioning | Listing states easy adjust tensioning for easy bar and chain maintenance | 8.2 | A named adjustment system confirms the maintenance-ease claim |
| Dimensions and weight | 36.81 x 10.04 x 9.25 inches, 11.24 lbs | Listed item dimensions are 36.81 inches by 10.04 inches by 9.25 inches at 11.24 pounds | 8.0 | Stated dimensions confirm the tool's physical size and handling weight |
| Tool system compatibility | 75+ compatible tools | Listing states compatibility with 75+ compatible tools in the Greenworks 40V system | 8.6 | A stated compatible tool count confirms the battery-sharing value across the tool lineup |
Who Should Buy It
- Tree felling, limbing and pruning
- Firewood preparation
- Owners of other Greenworks 40V tools
- Buyers wanting a gas-free, push-button start chainsaw
- Anyone without an existing Greenworks 40V battery who wants a complete kit in one box
- Sold as tool only, with no battery or charger included
- At 11.24 pounds, it is heavier to handle than a smaller mini cordless chainsaw
- Only useful at full performance when paired with a Greenworks 40V battery
- No stated weight capacity or bar oil reservoir size is given for the automatic oiler
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | Greenworks | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor type | Brushless, 2x more torque | Brushed motor, less torque | Comparable brushless cordless chainsaw |
| Cuts per charge | Up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber | Lower stated cuts per charge | Comparable 250-cut rated saw |
| Maintenance | Automatic oiler, easy-adjust tensioning | Manual oiling and tensioning | Comparable automatic oiler design |
| Battery system | Compatible with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools | Proprietary, single-tool battery | Comparable multi-tool battery platform |
| Startup | Push-button, no gas or fumes | Gas-powered, requires starter rope | Comparable push-button cordless saw |
Alternatives Worth a Look
A tool-only, 40V, 18 inch brushless cordless chainsaw rated for up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber per charge, with an automatic oiler, easy-adjust tensioning and push-button start. It suits buyers already invested in the Greenworks 40V tool system, with the main consideration being a compatible battery and charger must be purchased separately since this is sold as tool only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this come with a battery?
No, it is sold as tool only.
How many cuts can it make per charge?
Up to 250 cuts on 4x4 lumber, per the listing.
What bar length does it use?
18 inches, per the listing.
Does it use gas?
No, it is a cordless electric chainsaw with no gas, fumes or spark plug.
How much does the tool weigh?
11.24 pounds, per the listing.
Is the chain lubricated automatically?
Yes, via an automatic oiler, per the listing.
Is it compatible with other Greenworks tools?
Yes, with over 75 tools in the Greenworks 40V system.
This review is based on the manufacturer's stated bar length, motor technology, cuts-per-charge rating, dimensions and tool-system compatibility as listed. It is editorial analysis of the stated specifications and features, not independent hands on testing of this specific saw's cutting performance or battery runtime.