Greenworks Commercial 82V Optimus Carbon Fiber Pole Saw Review

Battery-powered OPE has come a long way over the years, particularly when it comes to chainsaws. The Greenworks Commercial 82V Optimus series is a Pro-focused line that has been steadily expanding over the last few years to include most core tools. Today, we’re focused on the new 82V Optimus Telescoping Carbon Fiber Pole Saw. We set out to discover how well it performs and what sets it apart from the competition so you can decide if it’s the right saw for your landscaping business.

Pros

• Excellent cutting power
• Pro-grade bar and chain
• Standard chain tensioning mechanism
• Large oil reservoir
• Replacement parts are readily accessible
• Shoulder strap for increased comfort and maneuverability

Cons

• A little pricy for the average landscape crew
• Grip and trigger cater to right-handed users only

Greenworks Commercial 82V Optimus Carbon Fiber Pole Saw Performance

• No-Load Speed: 82 ft/s
• Power Output: 1.0 kW
• Gas Equivalent: 30cc
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 in.
• Chain Pitch: 1/4 in. LP
• Bar Length: 10 in.
• Chain Length: 58 links
• Oil Capacity: 6 oz.

Speed and Cutting Power

At its heart, the Greenworks Optimus carbon fiber pole saw houses a powerful brushless motor that churns out 1.0kW of power with a 30cc gas equivalent rating. The chain quickly reaches a top speed of 82 ft/s in less than 2 seconds, clearly competing in the top tier alongside saws like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw.

During our testing, this saw powered through the Oak branches with ease. The nearly instantaneous chain speed really impressed us, and the lack of ramp-up time far outpaces what we’ve experienced with gas-powered models. On top of that, when you consider the reduced maintenance that goes along with battery-powered saws, this is an incredibly compelling option.

Bar and Chain

Greenworks opted for a 10-inch Oregon bar and a 58 link Oregon chain. The reason this is important because it means replacements are widely available should you want to have a spare on hand. Greenworks has busy Pros in mind who don’t have time to wait around for parts in the case of a breakdown.

Fortunately, chain tension adjustments mirror the standard Pro-level design—a single bar stud with a captured nut to secure the cover. To adjust the tension, simply loosen that nut with the included scrench and then flip it around to use the slotted screwdriver side to adjust the tension up or down.

Unfortunately, there is no onboard tool storage for the scrench, so be sure to keep it somewhere safe between uses.

As we expect from a premium pole saw, this model features an automatic chain oiler with a translucent 6-ounce oil reservoir to help you keep an eye on your oil levels. There’s no need to stop and manually oil the bar and chain or guess-and-check the reservoir, allowing you to maintain a steady workflow.

Greenworks Commercial 82V Optimus Carbon Fiber Pole Saw Design Notes

• Model: Greenworks Optimus OPS300
• Power Source: Greenworks 82V battery
• Weight: 10.2 lbs (bare tool), 14.1 lbs (with
• Total Length: 12.3 ft.

Size and Weight

The Greenworks OPS300 weighs in at 10.2 pounds as a bare tool, 14.1 pounds with the kitted 4.0Ah battery, and has a total length of 12.3 feet. When the telescoping shaft is collapsed, the pole saw measures 9.75 feet, saving you a little space when it comes time for storage.

While it may come across as heavy compared to other consumer-level battery-powered pole saws, this model targets Professional users. The working weight of this saw is right on par with what you get from models such as the Stihl HT 135 gas pole saw or the Husqvarna HTA 135 on the battery side.

To help take some of the weight off your arms, Greenworks included a removable shoulder sling. This sling also creates a natural pivot point to help you maneuver the saw as you cut.

Grip and Trigger

You won’t find too many surprises when looking down at the grip, but there are a few notable features. First, you have a beaver-tail safety on the top side and a single-finger trigger underneath.

There is a small area of smooth rubber overmolding on the underside of the grip, but it doesn’t extend over the entire grip.

Here you’ll also find the power button that you activate with your thumb.

It seems that Greenworks catered this grip design to right-handed users, which I believe is a slight misstep. Instead, I wish they had put the power button on top of the grip so that it’s easily accessible for both right and left-handed folks. It’s a minor inconvenience, but something to know before you buy if you are a lefty.

On top of the grip, Greenworks incorporated a simple condition indicator light. If it shows a green light, they you’re good to go. If it shows a red light, this indicates that you have an error and need to inspect your bar and chain for debris.

Carbon Fiber Telescoping Shaft

On the topic of weight, the OPS300 features a carbon fiber shaft, which helps shave off a little weight compared to more traditional metal shafts. Better still, it does a much better job of absorbing vibration than steel.

This saw has a maximum length of just over 12 feet which gives you a total reach of about 14 feet depending on your height.

To extend the shaft, all you need to do is loosen the adjustment collar and set it to your desired length. The collar is textured and easy to adjust even while wearing work gloves.

Greenworks Commercial 82V Optimus Carbon Fiber Pole Saw Price

The Greenworks Optimus OPS300 retails for $749.99 as a bare tool and $1,099.99. This is a bit more expensive than comparable gas-powered models, but you also don’t have to contend with regular maintenance costs and fuel. Plus, the lower noise and emissions make the job that much easier and more enjoyable.

Greenworks backs this pole saw with a 2-year warranty.

Should You Buy It?

Unsurprisingly, the Greenworks Commercial Optimus OPS300 positions itself squarely in premium Professional territory as a legit gas replacement for landscapers and arborists. It delivers competitive cutting power, a lightweight, vibration-absorbing design, and widely available replacement parts for the items you’re most likely to need. While there are a couple of areas that could be improved, they’re relatively minor tradeoffs in an otherwise well-executed design.

While this truly is a compelling option, the price may jump out at you. At nearly $1,100 for the kit, this is a big investment for Pros who are considering the switch to battery-powered equipment. But do the math and consider how much you’re not going to spend on fuel and maintenance costs. Over the life of the tool, you should come out ahead by a solid margin.