After Raising the Bar to New Lengths, EGO’s Newest Chainsaw Shifts To a Compact Gear
EGO makes excellent battery-powered outdoor power equipment, and the brand has earned our recommendations for quite some time. So far, we’ve primarily seen their chainsaws grow in power and bar length, but the newest model focuses on lighter-duty cutting and trimming. I’ve had the chance to look more closely at the EGO 56V 12-inch Compact Chainsaw (CS1201) and I’ll help you determine if you should add it to your lawn care roster this season.
Note: Check out our top picks by visiting our Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw Reviews article!
EGO 56V 12-inch Compact Chainsaw Performance
- Model: EGO CS1201
- Bar length: 12 inches
- Max cutting diameter: 10 inches
- Gas equivalence: 30cc
- Max speed: 20 m/s
- Runtime: up to 130 cuts in 4×4 (with 2.5Ah battery)
- Pitch: 3/8-inch
- Chain gauge: 0.043-inch
The EGO CS1201 has a bar length of 12 inches, letting you cut trees and branches up to 10 inches in diameter. Its brushless motor achieves speeds of up to 20 m/s, and EGO tells us it has the same power as a 30cc gas chainsaw.
Using the kitted 2.5Ah battery, this chainsaw can make up to 130 cuts in 4×4 lumber per charge. If you’re already on EGO’s 56V platform, you can also use a larger-capacity battery for added runtime. That said, EGO’s 56V high-capacity batteries are heavy, so the recommendation is to work with 5.0Ah batteries or lower. Not only will that help keep the weight down, but it will also prevent the balance from shifting too far back.
EGO pairs this model with a 3/8-inch pitch and a 0.043-inch chain gauge with 45 drive links. It’s a standard configuration for cordless chainsaws in this class.
Don’t get caught up in the “compact” name—this is a top-handle chainsaw. Typically a design that professional arborists use for limbing and topping at height, this class of saw is appealing because of its lighter design. However, since the handle shifts from the rear of the saw to the top, your hand position is very different. In our experience, it doesn’t take long to get used to, especially if you’ve used chainsaws much. Just make a few practice cuts to get a feel for it before going full bore on your trimming duties.
EGO 56V 12-inch Compact Chainsaw Design
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 21.5 x 7.7 x 8.9 inches
- Weight: 8.4 pounds w/ battery
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- IPX4 rating
- Reversible bar
As a compact model, this chainsaw has the benefit of being relatively lightweight. With the 2.5Ah battery installed, it weighs around 8.4 pounds, which is reasonable for all-day use without breaking much of a sweat.
For reference, EGO’s 20-inch farm and ranch chainsaw weighs almost 20 pounds with the battery, so if you’re looking for something more compact and lightweight, the CS1201 is a good model to consider.
The 12-inch model also features tool-free tensioning, a detail that’s certainly convenient since you won’t need a scrench for quick adjustments.
Finally, this tool employs a reversible bar, letting you double the bar’s lifespan. This is a feature we’ve seen on some of EGO’s larger chainsaw bars, so I’m glad they decided to include it in the design of this smaller model.
Additional Highlights
- Metal bucking spikes
- IPX4 ingress rating
EGO 56V 12-inch Chainsaw Price
This chainsaw retails for $249 as a kit, including a 2.5Ah 56V battery and charger. At this time, there are no bare tool options. EGO backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a lighter or more compact battery-powered chainsaw that doesn’t compromise on performance, EGO’s 12-inch Compact Chainsaw is compelling. While it doesn’t have the same cut capacity as its larger counterparts, it’s ideal for cutting branches or trees less than 10 inches in diameter.
However, the top-handle design is a change for many people. If it’s lower weight you’re after in a traditional rear-handle design, EGO’s 14-inch CS1400 has similar power and is slightly lighter.
What’s interesting is the Pro angle. Locally, we’re seeing electric lawn crews turn to EGO residential handheld tools rather than going with traditional Pro brands like Stihl and Husqvarna. With EGO’s battery technology and performance being what it is, it wouldn’t surprise us at all to see arborists turning to this model as a more affordable alternative to pricier options.
