I have heard a few folks talking about Proyama saws lately, so I thought I would give one a try.

I ordered a “kit” and within a few days it was sitting on my front porch.  My plan was to unbox it, assemble it, check it over, and take it with me on a trip into Tennessee the following weekend where I had been hired to clean up a 35 acre property.

Saw Setup

I was pleasantly surprised at all the extras included in the box.  It really is a “kit”.  Included are:

• Owner’s manual
• 22″ bar and chain
• 18″ bar and chain
• Ear muffs
• Work gloves
• Fuel mixing bottle
• Face shield
• File, 2 gaskets, and a small tool
• Bar/chain guard for storage
• Scrench
• Dogs
• Hardware
• Storage bag

It only took me a few minutes to everything assembled.  There was nothing special or unique about loosely bolting the 22″ bar on, unboxing and untangling the chain, looping it around the bar and clutch, and then using the flathead end of the scrench to set chain tension.

I fueled it up, added bar oil, and started it of course.  No way am I driving somewhere to spend a couple of days cutting without making sure the saw runs!

It was not difficult to start.  I primed it and gave it two, maybe three yanks.  It was probably 75 degrees F outside when I cranked it up.  I avoided giving it full trigger throttle.  I prefer to break my saws in a bit easy, even though I’ve been told by engine “experts” I don’t have to worry about it.

The storage bag is a nice touch.  It is pretty thin material, and might not take much abuse, but it’s more than most manufacturers include.

Features

This saw did not cost me a fortune, but at the same time it wasn’t the cheapest 22″ option out there.  I would say it’s closer to opening price point than mid price point.

I am told it is made in China, but it is packed with features.

It has a magnesium case to help reduce weight.  It weighs around 14 pounds.

It has a primer bulb, which I’ve found typically helps get a saw started with fewer pulls.  Would you rather rip your arm off a couple of extra times pulling on that cord, or just push the primer bulb?!

They use a filter to reduce the amount of grit and dirt that circulates through the case and around the motor, which in theory should help it run better and cooler for longer.  But the drawback… you have to clean the filter.

They have a rubber sleeve/grip on the handle.  They claim to have an anti-vibration system, but I’m not sure if it’s anything more extensive than just that grip.

I’ve heard this saw is similar to the SupMix 62cc saw, or possibly made by the same parent company.  But I’ll point out Proyama advertises this as a 3.5 HP motor, 12k rpm speed, where as the SupMix I reviewed a while back was 4.2 HP and 8500 rpm.

My Review

This thing is typically easy to start, whether it is warm or cold.

It cuts well, and has reasonable power.

My saw sometimes had just a bit of a stumble off idle, but it was not annoying and didn’t seem to affect it running or cutting at normal RPM.

It cuts fairly fast, ergonomics and balance are good, and it cuts straight.

I would give the chain durability a solid C, maybe a B.  I did end up with some burrs on some of the links.  I actually wish instead of packing the saw with both a 22″ chain/bar and an 18″ chain/bar they would have just sent it with a spare 22 bar and chain.

I took this saw along with an old trusty PoulanPro.  I wouldn’t say I preferred it over the PP, but it is not a bad saw.

Along those lines, I don’t like it as much as the Supmix behemoth I reviewed last year, but it’s a different size saw and frankly I didn’t pay as much for this one.

All in all, I rate it a “B” and I think it’s worth the money.

With a great balance between raw power and ease of handling, the DEWALT DCCS670X1 chainsaw is designed with homeowners in mind. It’s ergonomic and quite efficient, so it’s ideal for cutting needs around the yard and house. No, it’s not a pro saw, but it’s suitable for the majority of folks in the market.

In this article, I’ll cover a broad range of topics, including what I think about this saw, general info about Dewalt’s Flexvolt system, and how the DCCS670X1 stacks up against the competition.

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V Tools
DeWalt’s 60V FLEXVOLT battery architecture is a smart move. They know that one of the biggest concerns consumers have is making sure their tools have enough power. DeWalt has jumped through a number of technical hoops to give us a battery that works to provide excellent power and runtime.

Once you go through my review, you’ll have a solid understanding of how the 60V battery works in this saw, and whether it would be right for you. Regardless of what I think when I try it out, if your needs for a saw, or your application, are different then we need to consider what technology is best for you.

Features:

• Up to 70 cuts per charge (on a 6″ x 6″ pressure treated pine wood)
• Low Kick Back 16″ Oregon bar and chain can be used in construction and outdoor cutting applications
• Tool-Free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob (simplifies bar clamping force adjustments)
• Auto-Oiling for continuous lubrication
• Quarter-turn oil cap for quick oil re-fills
• Chain brake for kick back protection

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DEWALT DCCS670.

Review | DEWALT DCCS670X1 Flexvolt Chainsaw

The familiar yellow and black brand coloring of the DeWalt immediately gives me a sense of ease. It’s a brand that has delivered quality and cutting edge technology for almost a century. This, in itself, goes a long way toward selling it to anyone who’s familiar with DeWalt tools.

From the moment you take hold of the DEWALT DCCS670X1 60V Flexvolt Chainsaw (wow, that’s a mouthful to say), it’s apparent that it’s going to be a pleasure to use. The ergonomically designed soft-grip handles make handling the DeWalt super easy and comfortable. You can forget about those pains that you get from using a gas chainsaw, with constant vibrations that run all the way up your forearms. The large trigger switch gives you excellent control over the ample power provided by the brushless motor. A weight of only 12.2 LBS, makes it even easier to use.

The size is really great, a 16” Oregon bar gives you a good length to cut through most logs or tree trunks with a single stroke. The chain is self-lubricating, so maintenance is virtually done away with. Filling the chain oil reservoir is no problem, there’s a well-marked filler cap on the side that opens with a quarter turn and locks tightly into position when you’re done filling it with oil. It’s a chainsaw that you can pick up, start with a touch and get to work in seconds. Even the chain tensioning and bar tightening is made really easy. There’s no need to use any tools for this, as it has a handy tightening knob.

Safety is a big concern with chainsaws and the DeWalt DCCS670X1 60V Flexvolt chainsaw has got this well covered. The large well-designed chain guard makes one feel very confident operating the saw. In addition to this, the chain and bar are designed for low kickback and it also has a chain brake to protect you in the event that you do experience a kickback.

What really sets the DEWALT DCCS670X1 apart from other comparable chainsaws is the 60V Flexvolt battery. The Flexvolt range has not been around very long, it’s the latest and greatest battery technology from DeWalt. The 60V FlexVolt battery provides the best working time out of all their batteries (up to 70 cuts on pressure treated pine 6” X 6”) but is also backward compatible with other Dewalt 20V MAX and 120V FlexVolt MAX tools. This versatility makes it highly desirable to invest in the Dewalt FlexVolt line of tools. The standard 3AH lithium-ion battery will give about the best battery life for a battery of this size and if you need more, you have an option of 9AH battery.

One thing I really like about DeWalt is their excellent warranty and service agreement. Not only do you get a 3-year limited warranty with very few limitations, but you also get a 90-day money back guarantee and a 1-year free service plan. This is a chainsaw that you can buy with confidence and be sure that you’re going to get many years of hard work from it. Congratulations to DeWalt for this.

Tech Specs (DEWALT 60V Chainsaw — DCCS670X1):

Amp Hour : 3.0 Ah
Bar Length : 16″
Bar Type : Oregon
Power Source : Lithium Ion
Weight : 12.2 lbs

60V MAX Flexvolt battery

Batteries have been around for a very long time but until now, they have always been limited to a single voltage rating. This means that you have to use a battery of a voltage that corresponds to the motor that it runs. Now that battery powered tools are so common, this has become quite a problem. This is especially true when we look at the rapid development of these tools. Every few years a new model comes out, often at a higher voltage. This makes the older tools (and their batteries) obsolete.

DeWalt is the first company to offer a solution with the Flexvolt battery that can be used either as a 20V or 60V power source. This is fantastic news for those of us who have a wide selection of tools.

The concept behind the Flexvolt is so simple, it seems strange that no one has thought of it until now. The battery has twelve 5V cells that have two switching modes. To obtain 60V from the battery, all 12 cells are connected in series. This multiplies the voltage of the cells – 12 X 5 = 60. When the battery is switched to 20V, the battery rearranges the cell configuration so that you get 3 banks of cells. Each bank consists of 4 cells connected in series (4 X 5 = 20). The end result can be seen as three 20V batteries connected in parallel. You end up with a 20V battery with three times the amount of current – your amp hours are, therefore tripled in 20V mode.

It’s pure, simple genius. While the theory is so logical and simple, it must take some pretty advanced microelectronics to achieve this in something as small as a battery. It really is a work of clever engineering.

The DeWalt Legacy

So often technology seems to be developed by engineers, for engineers. New products boast new and amazing feats of modern science that look great on paper but don’t actually have any real benefit to us as users. Well, DeWalt started out with a very different approach.

The company’s founder, Raymond DeWalt worked at Seabrook Farms as a superintendent. He sought to develop machinery that would increase productivity and offer the user good versatility. In 1922 he developed his first woodworking machine. Because of his background, he’s machine was developed from the standpoint of the user and not an engineer sitting behind a drawing board.

His ideas were so good that in 1924, the DeWalt Product Company was established at a site in Leola, Pennsylvania. The company grew fast and in 1929 they opened a new facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For its time, this was an ultramodern production plant and was a big advancement for the new company.

The Second World War increased government demand for machinery and DeWalt was one of the companies that rose to this challenge. In 1941, they expanded greatly to meet the increased demand for wartime machinery.

In 1953, DeWalt expanded into Canada and in 1955 the Lancaster plant was extended as the company continued to grow. Over the years DeWalt became a recognized brand worldwide and is seen as one of the leaders in the development of tools and machinery.

For most of its existence, DeWalt specialized in producing machinery for professionals. While they were well known in factories and workshops, DeWalt tools were not made for the domestic DIY user. In 1992, the company introduced a range of smaller tools that was specifically intended for more regular domestic use. Since then, we common folk have also had the opportunity to own DeWalt tools and benefit from their years of development in the professional tool market.

The 1990s saw the development of battery tools and DeWalt was one of the first tool manufacturing companies to embrace this new trend. In 1994 they launched a range of more than 30 cordless power tools. At that time, their 14.4V drill/driver was the most powerful battery powered tool on the market. They continue to dominate the innovation of improved battery tools, culminating in their latest achievement – the Flexvolt battery system.

In recent years there has been a shift in production by most established US and European brands, outsourcing much of their production to other countries, in particular China. For many this has been a disappointment and a lot of people believe that these products are inferior to those that were once made locally.

While DeWalt has also followed this trend in order to remain competitive, they have 7 production facilities in the US. Their more advanced products, including the Flexvolt tool range carry the logo “Made in the USA with global materials”. All products that carry this logo are made locally just as they have been for almost a century.

Whether it’s out of a sense of national pride or a genuine belief that local products are better, you may feel let down when you buy a product that is supposed to be American only to see that it was made in China. If you want to be sure that you’re buying an all-American product, look out for DeWalt’s “Made in America” logo.

Back in March, I posted about my experience with Ego’s 18″ battery saw.  You can read about that HERE.

I knew that Ego also had a 16″ version – their CS1604.  I had not tried that one before, so I recently made the purchase in order to do this write-up.

I purchased the saw from Amazon, and it came with one of the 5 amp-hour batteries, along with a charger.  According to Amazon, over 500 people purchased one of these in the last month.  That compares to about 200 people for the CS1804.  This makes sense, as there is a $100 difference in retail price between the saws.

Ego CS1604 Basics

16-inch bar and chain
6,800 RPM operating speed
IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
Tool-free chain tensioning system
Brushless motor for longer life
35cc gas engine equivalent
3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge chain
5 Ah lithium battery
5 year warranty for the tool
3 year warranty for the battery
18 lb operating weight

If you aren’t familiar with Ego products, one of their claims to fame is that all of their batteries work with all of their products.

This comes in pretty handy.  If you have one of their blowers or string trimmers, you could just buy one of their “naked” chainsaws (one without the battery and charger), and just use the battery and charger you already have.  That can save you in some cases $75 or $100.

The battery clicks into place securely.  It definitely makes up a large percentage of the saw’s weight.  Once installed, the chainsaw is pretty well balanced, but not particularly light.

As I mentioned in the CS1804 review, I think Ego makes a 3Ah battery, which might lighten this thing up by a pound or so.

CS1604 Performance

I was surprised at how different the CS1604 experience is compared to the CS1804.

I was expecting basically the same saw, but with a shorter bar.  But right from the get-go, it was apparent they are two very different saws.

The 1604 is definitely quieter, and feels a bit less powerful.  I am guessing this is all due to operating RPM.  You’ll notice Ego lists the CS1804 at 11,000 rpm, versus 6,800 RPM for the CS1604.

Ego doesn’t list a spec for their motor wattage, but we can assume the 1604 uses a smaller motor than the 1804.

The saw cuts well, with very little vibration and noise.  I noticed straight cuts, and I must have gotten a particularly sharp chain right out of the box, as this thing really made the chips fly for the first few cuts.

Ego claims this thing can make up to 250 cuts on a 4×4 post.  You can compare that to 300 cuts for their CS1804.  I suspect they get about the same battery life unless you are really maxing out the saw length.

Which I did on occasion!  Some of the red oak I was cutting was 20″ plus in diameter, requiring a 2-sided cut.  Burying the bar into the wood didn’t stall this saw out, but I could only apply somewhat light pressure.

Like their other saws, the chain tensioning mechanism works fine, and really is tool-less in its adjustability.

For convenience, I’ve added a copy of the CS1604 owner’s manual HERE.

Review Verdict

I give the CS1604 a thumbs up.

I liked the saw, but it’s definitely a bit lighter-duty than the CS1804.

I think that stands to reason, given that it’s smaller and $100 cheaper.

Depending on how much and how often you’ll use a saw, as well as what your own personal budget looks like, it may be worth your money to upgrade to the 18″ version.

But as a more entry-level battery saw, I do think it’s an attractive option.

After the big storm (Helene) raged through the southeast, there has been plenty of tree work going on. I might go more into that later.

I recently got my hands on a Dewalt DCCS620 chainsaw. This is from their Max XR series, with the 20V batteries.

I borrowed it from a friend for a weekend, and mixed its use in with a few other saws. I thought I would list a few of my thoughts and findings here, and give it a proper reviews.

Specs

This is one of the smaller chainsaws out there, with only a 12 inch bar. Not as small as some of the loppers (which are pretty popular these days for some homeowners), but maybe one step above.

Dewalt’s 20 volt battery series are designed to be fairly light duty, lighter weight, and lighter on the wallet. They are a step down from the 60 volt product.

It’s listed at 7 pounds, but I believe that weight is without its battery. Weight increases to 9 pounds with the battery.

It has a 550 watt brushless motor.

They claim it can make 90 cuts through a 4×4 pressure treated post on one charge.

It has a tool-free chain tensioning system.

It has fairly soft, grippy, overmolded handles.

I noticed it comes with a 3 year “limited” warranty from Dewalt, which I think is pretty standard for their products.

Review

The first thing I noticed about the saw is of course its size.

It’s very small, and very light. That can be a good thing if you’re trying to get small/easy jobs done. No sense in putting any more strain on your back than you have to.

The battery clicks into place securely. I do think you need to be a bit careful with this saw, as the battery is on the bottom and positioned in the very back. That means it doesn’t have a ton of protection, so just make sure you don’t toss it into your truck bed or drop it on some rocks!

The Dewalt enjoys the benefits of pretty much all battery saws. Plenty of torque, quieter, no fumes, you don’t have to carry fuel and slosh it all over the place trying to refill it. And of course intermittent cutting means you can squeeze the trigger and cut, set it down to do what you need, grab it and go again, all without having to restart it or leave it idling and wasting fuel.

I wouldn’t say it has an abundance of power, but given its size it does great.

I cut off and on with it for a couple of hours at one point. Its battery life is adequate. Of course cutting larger stuff, closer to its 12″ diameter max, puts much more stress on the motor and burns the battery up faster.

I was using this during two fairly cool days. I had no issues with it overheating or shutting down due to overuse. Some battery saws have that issue, but because of the cooler temps in my area I can’t really speak to that with the Dewalt.

It has good balance, and no obvious kickback problems.

As small and light as it is, I wouldn’t have any concerns slinging it across my back, climbing a tree, and using it 1-handed to limb something 40 feet off the ground.

Some users have complained about the saw leaking bar oil. I did notice some of that going on in the bed of my truck the second morning when I arrived at the job site.

When I talked to the owner, he said it was a common problem. Some people have addressed it by adding an o-ring to the oil cap. I checked the owner’s manual (you can download it HERE), and interestingly enough Dewalt recommends users always empty the oil tank when finished cutting. Haha, can you imagine what a messy hassle that would be?

Dewalt has sold thousands of these saws, especially through Amazon where it’s as simple as clicking the button and it shows up on the porch a couple of days later.

There is a reason they are so popular. They are not huge, heavy, feature-laden saws. They are small, dependable, and fairly inexpensive.

I think for a lot of homeowners who cut wood infrequently and don’t want or need a bigger saw, this 12 inch 20 volt saw from Dewalt hits the sweet spot.

Here’s the Dewalt DCCS620 on Amazon.

I ain’t getting any younger.

That’s what I tell myself every time I do something risky.

I are more aware of and take better precautions about safety these days. The older I get, the wiser I get.

Also, it takes longer for me to recover from injuries! I have bills to pay, and I can’t afford to be laid up on the couch with stitches or icepacks. Plus, I can’t stand to be cooped up.

So I “measure twice and cut once” when it comes to felling trees. I outfit myself with PPE – like gloves, pants, boots, eye and ear protection – every time, even if it’s just for a few minutes. And while I’ve never been scared of heights, I’m a lot more careful now when it comes to climbing trees or up on a roof.

I was hired recently to limb some trees.

The homeowner has a 150 yard long gravel driveway. Many years ago, trees were planted or allowed to grow up alongside the driveway. Although they are located well off to the side, over the years they got much bigger and the limbs now overhang the driveway. This has been causing some issues with large delivery trucks. The limbs contact the cab or the box on these big trucks.

In the past, I probably would’ve grabbed a small, lightweight chainsaw, a big ladder or some tree spikes, and taken whatever risks necessary to get this guy’s driveway cleared.

But what about using a pole saw?

I have never owned a pole saw before, but they have a lot of advantages.
1) Safety
You can’t fall off a ladder or fall out of a tree if your feet never leave the ground. This is a big plus as far as injury prevention.
2) Ease of use
Any time you have to climb with equipment, it’s a challenge. Whether you’re going up a ladder or a tree, carrying a chainsaw with you complicates things (even if it’s lightweight).
3) Speed
Whether you’re a weekender or you do this for a living, getting the job done efficiently and not wasting time is a big benefit. If you don’t have to shimmy up a tree or lug a ladder around you can move a lot faster. I’m guessing using this pole saw reduced my job time by 50%!

Once I convinced myself I was ready to make the investment and purchase one, I didn’t screw around. I bought the mother of all pole saws!

The Husqvarna 530i PT5

This pole saw from Husqvarna is battery powered and has a 10″ bar.

Unlike some of the other saws on the market, Husqvarna calls this “weather proof”. You don’t want to go swimming with it, but it is classified as rain resistant.

The telescopic tube uses collars to lock and unlock the telescopic function. At maximum length, this thing is 157.5″ long. To calculate it’s maximum reach, you would usually consider a person who is 6′ tall using it, so it’s close to 20′ of reach!

For convenience, here’s the 530i owner’s manual.

It uses Husqvarna’s usual group of 40 volt batteries. It has an embedded, pass-through battery attachment design that I think is both unique and really cool.

This sort of protects the battery. Having the machine itself wrapped around the battery case minimizes the number of bumps and bruises it takes.

Also, they use a ventilated design so the battery stays cool and won’t need to take a break during hot weather use. This pass-through design reduces the amount of debris, dust, and sawdust that gets sucked into the battery or gums up the battery connector.

Because they’ve made this thing out of aluminum and other lightweight materials, it only weighs 11 lbs.

Now that’s a little deceptive. Just the saw weighs 11 lbs, and once you add a battery it gets heavier. Also, this thing is obviously long, so once it gets fully assembled and extended you have to be careful as it can tend to get away from you.

My Review

There are several pole saws on the market. Why did I pick this one?

I decided I preferred a battery saw. It just made sense.

I’ve talked about some of the advantages and disadvantages of a battery chainsaw versus a petrol chainsaw before.

In this case, trying to reach over my head to get to branches way over the ground with a roaring gas engine was not an attractive option. The lack of heat and noise made me focus on battery for this application.

I’ve reviewed and used many different chainsaw brands. Husqvarna has been in the game a long time. They make really good saws, and have a great reputation in the industry.

I was looking to make an “investment” in my business, my safety, and my capability. I wanted the longest reach, and I didn’t want something that was disposable, that I would have to fix or throw away after just a season or two.

There was basically no learning curve with this thing.

Right out of the box, it was ready to rip. Adjusting the length of the boom with the locking collars is intuitive and easy.

The push button controls are easy to understand and operate.

The battery clicks in with a positive feeling latch, and feels solid.

The thing has more than enough power, especially if you keep the chain sharp.

Run time was excellent. I limbed six trees. The job took close to 4 hours, including cleanup. Of that, I was probably cutting off and on for a total run time of maybe 30 minutes. The battery still had 50% or more capacity left, and I had a spare battery in the truck.

Are there things I don’t like about the 530i?

Hmm…

Like I mentioned above, at maximum extension this thing is like trying to swing a 20′ long axe. You have to really plant your feet and be intentional about keeping the power head under control.

I specifically bought this model because I liked it’s super-long reach. So I wouldn’t change this, just something to keep in mind.

The oil/lube tank on this saw is listed as 0.32 pints. That seems pretty small. You have to keep an eye on it to keep from running it dry. Not a big deal, and I’m not sure it would be worth the extra weight to have a bigger tank.

One other thing, you are going to want a helmet. Working overhead, you have to be strategic how much of the limb you are cutting, which direction it is going to fall, and where you are standing.

If you save yourself from falling out of a tree but end up giving yourself a concussion or a broken collar bone from a branch falling on you, that might not be a good trade after all!

I like the visor on the Husqvarna helmet, which in this case keeps all of that sawdust and bark from dropping down into your eyes.

So overall, I’m really happy with my purchase. I give it two thumbs up, and I’m ready to use it for the next job!

If you’re a regular reader of ChainsawsToday, you know I love getting my hands on various chainsaws and trying them out.

In this case, one of my buddies bought a brand new Ego Power+ CS1804 battery chainsaw. Before he even pulled it out of the box, he let me use it for a weekend!

Ego CS1804 Chainsaw Basics

18-inch bar and chain
LED work lights
11,000 RPM operating speed
IPX4-rated weather-resistant design
Tool-free chain tensioning system (tighten the chain by simply twisting the dial)
Brushless motor for longer life
3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge chain, 62 drive links
5 Ah battery
5-year warranty for the tool
3-year warranty for the battery
14.5 lb operating weight

Pulling this thing out of the box, assembly was pretty quick and painless.

I put bar oil in it, and double-checked the chain tension.

The knobs for both the oil fill and the chain tensioning mechanism are almost comically large. They look in some ways like they belong on a toy, especially in the neon-green color. But there is a method to this madness.

Ego designed these intentionally, so they could be used even when using gloves.

The chain brake is where it needs to be and functions as expected. Clicking the battery in place is simple, and starting the saw (just like any battery saw) is as easy as pushing the button rather than priming a bulb and cranking your arm off on a pull cord.

This thing has plenty of power for its size. It is not super-light, mainly because of the beefy 5 Ah battery. I think they offer a 4 Ah battery too, which might reduce the weight by a pound or two if that’s an issue.

CS1804 Performance

Rather than runtime, which would obviously vary according to how hard you’re pushing the saw, Ego advertises 300 cuts per charge. They standardize that to mean cuts on a 4×4 post, which they presumably test in their lab.

I don’t know how many cuts I got, but I worked the crap out of it and it did fine.

My buddy actually supplied me with two of Ego’s 5 Ah batteries, one came with the saw and one he already had. A cool thing about most of Ego’s products is they can all run off the same battery. Now keep in mind that Ego has different sizes of batteries. This saw comes with the big one (5 Ah), but they are smaller capacity batteries too. Regardless, they all click into place and work fine, whether you’re running the Ego chainsaw, blower, string trimmer, etc.

I ran the saw all day Friday and most of the day Saturday. I didn’t use it continuously, just like a gas saw I would set it down to move wood, haul it to the trailer, pull branches and debris out of the way, or move logs with my peavey.

For the most part, one battery kept up with me just fine. I suspect I could’ve put it on a charger whenever I took a break or hauled stuff to the landfill, and that would’ve been plenty. Having two batteries was icing on the cake, as I was able to keep one on the charger and one on the saw all the time.

Maybe it doesn’t make a difference to you, but after sawing for two days, I had used $0 is gas and 2-cycle oil. I’m guessing that would’ve cost me at least $25 or $35 with a conventional saw. Now, I charged the homeowner over $1,000 for this work, some of which I spent renting trailer and on gasoline driving back and forth to the worksite and the landfill. I’m just saying that the saw itself (just like any battery saw) is cheaper to operate than a gas saw.

I found the chain tensioning mechanism worked fine. Slightly more convenient to use since it’s tool-less, some kudos there.

The saw is pretty quiet, but I still wore hearing protection.

Although I saved on gas and engine oil, of course I still ran through a fair amount of bar and chain oil. The oversized knob makes it easy to check and fill.

I gave the chain a quick file and sharpen a couple of times on Friday, and solid 10 minute refresh Friday night, and just gave it a bit of a tweak once on Saturday. It seems to wear well, and does a good job making the chips fly.

I cut some really thick stuff, and the CS1804 never complained. It has good torque, low kickback, and cuts straight.

It was fairly cool out both days when I was cutting, maybe 50 or 60 degrees F. I can’t really say whether it would have a problem overheating the electric motor on hotter days during long cuts. Just something to watch out for if you think you might use it for hours at a time in a hot climate.

Incidentally, if you need them, here’s a link to the owner’s manual->> HERE, as well as the parts list->> HERE.

Review Verdict

I was surprised by how much I liked this saw.

It is one of the more impressive battery chainsaws I’ve used.

I don’t like the looks of it, like I mentioned it looks sort of toy-like and plastic-y. But I definitely like it’s performance.

I am thinking about buying one of my own!

Sometimes, bigger is better. And sometimes you need a giant saw to do a giant job.

Neotec claims their NS8105 chainsaw is a professional grade saw made for heavy-duty work like logging, felling massive trees, or cutting large diameter wood.

Over the last few years, they have gotten a pretty good reputation in the saw industry, and I have been wanting to try out one of their saws.

I was hired by a guy about an hour’s drive from me to cut up a huge 48″ plus thick tree that blew down on this property. I knew I was going to need a beast of a saw, and I saw this as an opportunity to order one of these Neotec 36-inchers and put it to the test.

NeoTec NS8105 – My Review

Right out of the box, this thing started right up and gave me no issues cutting.

It was always easy to start, whether hot or cold. And very easy to assemble.

The weight is a bit unwieldy, but that can be said of any saw that is sporting a 36″ bar and screaming to 6.5 Hp.

You definitely do not want to use something this big just for fun. I had to cut a very large diameter tree, and that fully justified a monster chainsaw.

The little support rod that braces the rubber-gripped handle to the bucking spikes was interesting. I think they added this just to stiffen the saw up, and it seems to work well. I wonder why more manufacturers don’t do this?

It has a 680 ml (23 oz) fuel tank. I hope you like buying fuel, because running this thing hard sure uses it. Again, this isn’t the saw’s fault – any big saw is going to be a gas hog. It seemed like I was constantly refueling it.

Despite a few of those drawbacks (the weight and the fuel usage), the power is addictive. Cranking on that trigger and bearing down on the handle means this thing slices through hardwood like some kind of nuclear powered buzzsaw.

The chain, right from the factory, seems to be set up just right, not too aggressive and not too lazy.

Same goes for the bar oil tank. It holds 360 ml (12 oz) and I ran through several tanks. It really has to crank out the oil to keep a chain/bar this long oiled.

I put this thing through it’s paces through a long, hard weekend, and it never missed a beat. It really is a good bargain, and I’m interested in trying out some more of Neotec’s saws.

This one has been a long time coming.

I actually ordered one of these almost eight weeks ago, but it took nearly six weeks to arrive.

The first shipment was apparently lost, and the second shipment landed while I was out of town on a work/cutting trip.

After using it for a couple of weeks and maybe 30+ hours of cutting, I’m eager to tell you my thoughts. First, the basics…

SupMix 20″ 62cc Chainsaw Specs

• • 4.2 Hp
  • 62cc
  • 2-stroke engine
  • front and rear anti-vibration handles
  • electronic ignition
  • 8500 rpm max
  • low kickback chain
  • chainsaw weight 14 lbs

Contents include:
chainsaw
chain
guide bar
spark plug
tool kit
2L fuel mixing bottle
oil hopper
instruction manual

Setup

This SupMix comes in a box somewhat unassembled just like any other brand new saw. You have to install the bar and the chain, then set the tension.

There are a few other things you have to do before you use it the first time, but unless it’s your first saw, you won’t have any surprises. And if it is your first saw, no worries, they have enough documentation that you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Of course you will want to premix the oil and gas. And don’t forget to fill up the bar/chain oil.

My Review

This thing starts easily. I have heard some folks complaining about getting it started, but I often wonder if those are people that complain about starting all saws. I had no trouble hot or cold, a few pulls of the cord and it was rip-roaring.

It cuts really well. Plenty of power, nice and straight, no stumbles.

It does seem to like full-throttle, and doesn’t like being run hard at lower rpm. But most gas saws are like that.

One of the few complaints I have is about the noise. Wow, this thing is loud!

Maybe the Supmix guys spent their money on a good engine and chain and carb and scimped on their muffler?

I always wear hearing protection, and you should too. But this saw is very loud, and your neighbors (if they are close) are going to know it.

The other thing is replacement parts. There is a certain amount of confusion about what chain the saw needs. For clarification, it takes a 0.325″ pitch, 76 link, 0.058″ gauge. They are not hard to find.

Like I said at the beginning of the article, I put probably 30 or more hours on this saw. If you went on a 30 hour long date, you’d know that lady/guy pretty well, right?

This thing is thirsty for fuel, but it is 4.2 HP, and I ran it hard.

It has good balance, and the ergonomics are decent. I mentioned earlier in the specs that they list it as 14 lbs. It’s no lightweight, but these days with big honking batteries for battery chainsaw versions, the gas versions can feel lighter and even sporty in comparison.

The saw cuts fast, and the chain seemed both sharp and durable. Over the course of several days and the 30 hours, I did some basic sharpening, just hitting it with a quick file. Check my post about sharpening if you need the help.

I did not have any problems with tensioning, or kickback.

I’m always careful to keep bar oil filled. Running one dry is a great way to wreck the bar, the chain, and even stress the motor. I did notice once that the bar oil usage seemed to slow down compared to the fuel usage and run time. It made me think I had a clog in the bar, or maybe the pickup in the tank isn’t positioned well.

That isn’t necessarily a complaint, just something I noticed that made me suspicious. So if you buy one of these, keep a careful eye on it and top it off frequently.

So that’s my review. It’s a good saw, and an incredible bargain for the money. If you want to check latest pricing, you can click here.

My neighbor recently bought a Black & Decker LCS1020 chainsaw. I don’t know why he didn’t just borrow one of my saws, but I digress.

I thought I would take the opportunity to try it out and let you know what I thought.

Specs

This saw has a 10″ bar. It is powered by a 20v lithium ion battery.

The battery is fairly small (as is the rest of the saw) at only 2Ah. The charger is pretty basic, and a little on the slow side. I think they call out an 8 hour charge time, which is kind of crazy. I left it plugged in overnight, but if you’re planning to do a lot of cutting, you may need two batteries, or two chargers, or both.

Specs from B&D:
Height: 9.6 IN
Length: 16.4 IN
Weight: 9.3 LB
Width: 8.8 IN
Voltage: 20 V
Watt Hours: 40

Here’s the LCS1020 owner’s manual/IPL.

Photos

Here are a few photos of what I was working with…

Features

Other than the battery system, charger, and 10″ bar, this saw has
tool-free chain tensioning system
oiling system to keep the bar and chain lubed
egonomic handles well-positioned for power and balance

What I Thought

There are a few things that I like, and some that I don’t.

First of all, addressing the elephant in the room, this thing is a small, light-duty saw. Don’t buy this if you are wanting to mow down the north forty, or make a career out of logging.

A 10″ bar is really only good for about an 8″ cut. Anything larger than that and you are out of luck.

Also, even if the bar was bigger, you do not have enough power here to attack the big stuff. Not only is the electric motor starting to struggle when you get the bar fully engaged, but the battery exhausts quickly at those higher stress levels.

Having said that, this is a nice and light saw. That means less fatigue in your arms and your back. It’s easier to manhandle, and in some cases even extend/reach stuff you wouldn’t otherwise try with a larger, heavier saw.

I like that it uses the same 20 volt battery pack as some of the other Black & Decker equipment. If you already have a few pieces of B&D goodies – like their drill, circular saw, blower, hedge trimmer, sander, sawzall, etc. – you can just buy the naked saw and use the battery and charger you already have. That will save a bunch of money.

The saw itself feels reasonably rugged and high quality. If you don’t throw it around and bang it up, I think it will endure just fine.

The battery on the other hand is probably a little fragile. It’s reasonably well-protected when installed on the saw, but things still happen, and when you have it on the bench charging, or when you’re installing it or uninstalling it you’ll want to be careful.

As with any electric saw, I like the fact that it’s so quiet. You totally eliminate the hassle of mixing fuel, sloshing it all over the place, breathing in the exhaust.

There’s zero hassle in starting it. Pull the button and go.

I was polite enough not to ask my neighbor what he paid for it, but I checked online and Amazon is selling them for just under $99 right now. I’ll post a link below if you want to check it out.

All in all, this is not my favorite saw, but for the money I think it’s a reasonable deal, and I can understand why they are so popular. B&D seems to be selling a lot of these, and I’m not surprised.

I know we all want to think of ourselves as indestructible. I’d sure love to tell you I can sling a 40 lb chainsaw around all day and not be exhausted. But the truth is, I’m getting older. And unless you’re a professional arborist you probably don’t need the biggest (heaviest) chainsaw out there.

In fact, it’s quite frequent that folks come to me asking advice not about the biggest or most powerful chainsaw, but the lightest.

Yes, some of these are women. Single women are homeowners too, and ya’ll know that I’m a staunch advocate for everyone that owns a home also owning some kind of chainsaw. But regardless of man vs woman, nobody likes for their back to hurt at night, and it makes sense to get a chainsaw that will get the job done, rather than focusing on one that will impress you neighbors.

In fact… you may not need an actual chainsaw at all. What if I told you that a certain portion of you could get by with a “chainsaw alternative”? No, I’m not talking about a bow saw! I’m looking to decrease the amount of backache you have, decrease the amount of work you have to do, not increase it.

Intrigued? Well, here are some of my recommendations.

Worx WG320 Jawsaw

This is by far my favorite back saving chainsaw device. No, it is not for everyone. If you have giant trees to cut down, this is not what you want to buy. It only cuts stuff up to 4″ in diameter.

There is a ton of stuff that I like here.

Most importantly, given the topic at hand, it only weighs 11 lbs. And it’s unique ergonomics make that 11 lbs very easy to manage. The way the Worx guys have basically strapped this chainsaw to a pole make it ideal for cutting branches on the ground without even bending over! It’s hard to overstate this, or to explain just how awesome it is. So much of the casual chainsaw user’s time is spent bent over sawing up small (less than 4″) branches. You know how that goes, it’s a constant battle to keep the chain from dinging the ground and getting dulled immediately. The way this Worx unit works, you just thrust the jaws straight down at the branch and the blade cuts it with no real risk of hitting the ground. Plus, you’re just standing straight up rather than bending over. And really the weight of the saw (all 11 lbs of it) is taken up by the jaws resting on the branch below, so it’s like a double-whammy of goodness.

This unit uses the same 20V battery that you’ll find in a lot of Worx product. You may already have one laying around if you’re using a Worx string trimmer. If so, you can save yourself some money since Worx does offer the unit on it’s own, without a battery and charger.

There are plenty of benefits of going battery/electric in this case. You don’t have to mess with pre-mixed fuel. You don’t have to start and stop the saw as you rearrange the branches and wood to be cut. It’s fairly quiet, so you won’t drive your neighbors crazy. And it has plenty of torque/power given its size.

This thing has literally thousands of reviews on Amazon, with a rating of I think 4.5 out of 5. So it’s not like I’m climbing out on a limb (pun intended) by myself, or promoting something that’s not mainstream. This is a great piece of equipment, and as long as you’re not expecting to use it like a lumberjack, I’m betting you’re going to love it.

You can check the reviews and the latest pricing for the Worx product >> HERE.

Sun Joe 24V-HCS-LTE-P1

This Sun Joe is not as capable as the Worx, but I’m putting it on the list for two reasons.

First of all, the weight. At 5.3 lbs, you can’t have a discussion about lightweight chainsaws without throwing this in the hat. You will not be Paul Bunyan reincarnated when you power this thing on, but you also won’t be crying to your chiropractor either!

Second of all, the price. At around $50 including the device, the battery, a charger, and a little bottle of chain oil, you are not going to find a cheaper way to save your back. I mean, I guess you really could run down to the hardware store and buy an old-school wood saw, but good luck with your back flexing that thing.

This is only a 5″ blade, so like the Worx unit it is limited in its capacity. If you find yourself doing a lot of clean-up on the ground with branches no thicker than your forearm, that’s where this type of saw will do fine.

As you can see, this is a different form factor than the Worx. It is handheld as opposed to pole mounted. So you may be bent over more, depending on what you’re trying to cut.

This does use the standard Sun Joe 24 volt battery. And like I mentioned before, there are lots of great benefits going electric rather than petrol. This thing is very quiet, and you won’t spend your hard earned cash down at the gas station sloshing gasoline and 2-cycle oil into a can.

So that’s it, for now. Two recommendations for lightweight alternatives to the big boys I sometimes review. These two won’t break your budget, and won’t break your back. If you can afford it, I would actually recommend buying something small like one of these in addition to a larger (more traditional chainsaw).

If you want to read over the reviews and see what the latest prices are for the Sun Joe, click HERE.