Unraveling the New Ryobi 18V 10-inch Chainsaw: Is it a Worthwhile Upgrade?
Ryobi’s selection of battery-powered chainsaws spans both its 18V One+ and 40V systems while covering a range of needs. Today, I’m focused on the compact class and the new Ryobi 18V 10-inch chainsaw PBLCW01. Should you add it to your landscaping roster this season? I’ll show you what’s new and updated to help you decide.
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Best Battery-Powered Chainsaws for Pros and Homeowners
Ryobi 10-inch Chainsaw Performance
- Model: Ryobi PBLCW01
- Motor: Brushless
- Bar length: 10 in
- Chain speed: 9 m/s (29.5 ft/s)
- Cut capacity: 8 in
- Runtime: 70 cuts (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Chain pitch: 3/8 in
- Chain gauge: .043 in
This chainsaw features a 10-inch bar that holds a 0.043-inch gauge, 3/8-inch pitch chain, which is typical for a saw of this size. A brushless motor drives the chain at up to 9 m/s (29.5 ft/s)—a notable improvement over the 7.9 m/s speed of the previous iteration.
While that’s about a 14% increase in chain speed, Ryobi tells us it translates into cutting speeds up to 30% faster compared to its predecessor.
In terms of capacity, the 10-inch bar and chain lets you cut through trees and branches up to 8 inches in diameter. Larger saws can often fell larger trees than their bar can handle in one pass by approaching the cut from two sides. However, these smaller compact chainsaws aren’t designed for that level of cutting, so this model really should be tasked with limbing and felling only smaller trees.
Using the kitted 4.0Ah battery, you can expect up to 70 cuts per charge. While this is the same runtime estimated for the last iteration, the PBLCW01’s faster cutting speeds will let you complete those cuts at a faster pace. If you’re after more runtime, you can equip a larger battery. If you step up to an 8.0Ah pack, Ryobi estimates you can get up to 126 cuts.
That said, a saw this size is going to feel the most balanced and maneuverable with the 4.0Ah battery, so that’s what I’d primarily stick with.
Ryobi 10-inch Chainsaw Design
- Weight: 8.4 lbs (bare)
- Tooled chain tensioning
- Onboard tool storange
- Transparent oil reservoir
- Automatic oiler
- Chain brake
- Metal bucking spikes
This chainsaw weighs 8.4 pounds as a bare tool, which is two pounds more than the previous model. This can probably be attributed to the addition of metal bucking spikes and a chain brake mechanism, both of which were absent in the P2502. Presumably, the motor has been beefed up as well, which adds more weight.
Like the last model, the PBLCW01 sticks with a tooled tensioning system, and like we normally expect, there’s a storage location on the handle for the included scrench.
Additionally, the oiling system is automatic, with a clear reservoir to keep track of your lubrication levels.
How Does it Compare?
The PBLCW01 is the third iteration 10-inch chainsaw on the 18V One+ system, with the first-gen P546 now discontinued. It’s also the second HP Brushless 10-inch model on this platform.
For context, Ryobi also has an older 40V 10-inch brushed model, which is outpaced in speed by both available 18V chainsaws.
Let’s take a look at all three available Ryobi 10-inch chainsaws side-by-side.
| Ryobi PBLCW01 (this model) | Ryobi 18V P2502 | Ryobi 40V RY40507 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Speed | 9.0 m/s | 7.9 m/s | 5.3 m/s |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushed |
| Bar Length | 10 in | 10 in | 10 in |
| Estimated Runtime | 70 cuts (4.0Ah battery) | 70 cuts (4.0Ah battery) | Not specified |
| Weight | 8.4 lb (bare) | 6.4 lb (bare) | 6.7 lb (bare) |
| Price | $179 bare, $229 kit | $179 bare | $145 bare, $209 kit |
Ryobi 10-inch Chainsaw Price
This chainsaw retails for $179 as a bare tool and $229 for the kit, which includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
With the battery and charger coming at just a $50 upcharge, it’s a high-value way to cycle in a fresh battery to your 18V One+ tool collection.
Should You Buy It?
Compact chainsaws like this one do their best work for felling small trees and limbing. If that’s the kind of work you envision for your property, the PBLCW01 is a good fit. It’s also a solid bet if you’re new to chainsaws and larger models are a bit intimidating for you.
But when it comes to bigger jobs, like storm cleanup, most properties really need a larger saw on hand. We recommend a 16-inch model as a nice middle ground between size, performance, and price.
If you’re already set on a 10-inch model and are deciding between both available 18V One+ chainsaws, with the price being the exact same at the time of writing, go with the newest model. You’ll get more power and better cutting speed, plus upgrades to the design and safety features.
