Ryobi 18V Brushless 12" Chainsaw review - Just another TOY? ~ Todd Reviews

My honest review of this battery powered chainsaw. I have owned and used it for about 13 months and recieved many messages and comments asking about how it was going. I found it hard to put into words how I felt about it overall, so I made a Todd Reviews video to tell you all about it!
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
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[@bobbystewart2605]

I have the newer (US) Hp saw (non whisper) with a 14” bar and I love it so far. Used it for bucking a couple decent sized trees and only used a 6 amp and half a 4 amp throughout. Also got the 8” pruner (pole and top handle) and the whisper series saw (haven’t had the chance to use them yet). Also planning on getting another top handle pruning saw and putting a 12” on it and trying it out for climbing jobs eventually.

[@MichaelSmith-pd5pt]

Tod this is a great review and after I watched you I went out and bought it. I think being new to chainsaws I would like to know more about chain longevity supplied v titanium as part of the product review. Maybe you might consider doing another KZbin on chains and sharpening. I hope #ryobi see your review as you are just the right type of engaging person the way you produced your footage is perfect for someone looking at buying tools. Keep reviewing things and posting you definitely are good at it

[@offroadcrusader]

Thanks Michael, thats amazing and I really appreciate it! The titanium chain I would estimate would last twice as long as the standard chain, but I couldn't really put a metric to it since there are so many variables. In terms of chain sharpening and maintenance, I would feel hugely overshadowed by the many professionals who aleady have videos up! I can do it and maintain my own chainsaw, which itself is a fairly simple job and I'm happy to share my own knowledge. I'll put it on the to-do list. Got a few more reviews up my sleeve to go so keep an eye out, and thanks for watching mate!

[@NGMonocrom]

$275.oo?? Wow! That's Milwaukee price here in America. You guys are getting ripped-off down there.

[@offroadcrusader]

In Australia the equivalent Milwaukee 18V chainsaw is over $500 AUD.

[@NGMonocrom]

@@offroadcrusader Wow! That's insane! 😧

[@stuartpowell5473]

Ironbark here in QLD

[@gtxtx3]

I have the same model as well mate. not a bad unit at all for small bits for the fire, if like me though and you are clearing larger fallen trees off trails it struggles a little. I am looking at upgrading to a 36v version for a little more power or just larger 8ah batteries so it can run longer. swapping the chain out to the titanium version is worth it as it takes a bit more of a beating before going blunt. I have the 12vdc charger for charging batteries which I find does it rather quickly considering, if you are driving while charging them you don't really notice the time it takes.

[@offroadcrusader]

Hey mate, cheers for the comment! Yeah I completely agree, if you need to clear bigger trees then this does struggle. It will get there, but it really labours and it chews the batteries much quicker. I've moved to the 6Ah batteries now which do give it some extra punch. I know you can get 9Ah batteries but I haven't seen them locally. The titanium chain is definitely a good idea!

[@nickeckhardt1168]

Good Review. I like the feature set of the Ryobi saw you are using. Wat is the model number of the saw? Thanks.

[@offroadcrusader]

Thanks mate! Its a OCS1830BL 18V 12" Ryobi One+ Chainsaw

[@mrhalfstep]

I've seen (and even owned) some corded AC electric chain saws, that are also mostly plastic, that had no trouble including metal teeth on the saw housing, as you suggested. I agree, they should make that design change. With all that energy stored in your solar, battery, inverter power system, how do you think a corded saw would function in an off road setting. Not quite as mobile, for sure, but maybe more power and cut time to increase the efficiency while still being quiet and not requiring the storage of volatile fuel?

[@offroadcrusader]

Hey mate, thanks for your insight there. Most 240V AC chainsaws I have seen are rated at 2000-2500w, which you're looking at pulling over 200A through an inverter. While not impossible, its a pretty huge load and would require multiple batteries or one larger 200A+ size battery with a beefy BMS, so definitely cost isn't ideal. Then there is the need to run an extension cord for the saw. For my own use, I would need probably a 20-30m extension cord to reach into the bush to find the wood I want, which is pretty impractical for my setup. I would much rather bring extra batteries for my cordless chainsaw, even a charger for them, rather than all the inconvenience of a 240V saw. Also, in my eyes both options are safer and more erganomic than a petrol chainsaw.

[@mrhalfstep]

I live in the USA and we run on 120 volt AC. My 9 amp 14 inch saw would require less than 1100 watts from an inverter and that would equate to about 90 amps at a 12 volt Lead acid battery or less than that at a LiFePO4 13.8 volt battery. That would be under it's 100 amp BMS limit. I guess that the direction water spins as it goes down the drain isn't the only thing that's different down there. LOL@@offroadcrusader

[@djnmv]

Great comprehensive review Todd! 👍🏼 Those little electric saws seem perfect for taking on a 4wd trip to collect firewood and clear tracks. I wonder though if you came across a big log across a track, is it still possible to work your way through it with a little saw like that, attacking it from both sides etc?

[@offroadcrusader]

Thanks mate, really appreciate it! Thats exactly what this chainsaw excels at, but it is surprisingly good at collecting firewood for the home too! I have done exactly that with a log across the crack. I cut the log in certain spots, usually getting half way through the trunk, then using the winch to pull the log apart and break it away off the track. It was also super handy to cut the limbs off the trunk, so that way we could clear the track even better.

[@johnqualmann]

Hey Ryobi. I agree with his comment on metal teeth. I have a full range of Ryobi battery tools(with which I am well satisfied) and was considering to add this chainsaw when my old gas one finally died. I ultimately did not because the plastic teeth looked useless.

[@offroadcrusader]

Very true mate, hopefully they take this feedback on board!