Ryobi’s Newest 16-inch Chainsaw Targets Value and Medium-Duty Performance
Ryobi’s chainsaw lineup is vast, containing over a dozen models at a wide range of performance levels. In recent years, the brand has really amped up its battery-powered chainsaw roster, with cordless chainsaws on both the 18V and 40V platforms. If you’re part of the latter system and you’re looking for a new medium-duty chainsaw to round out your 40V lawn care arsenal, Ryobi may have the solution for you. I’m walking through the Ryobi 40V 16-inch chainsaw (RY40HPCW02) to see what it offers and how it compares to the brand’s other 40V models.
Note: Want more chainsaw content? Check out our list of the Best Battery-Powered Chainsaws!
Ryobi 40V 16-inch Chainsaw Performance
- Model: Ryobi RY40HPCW02
- Brushless motor
- Gas equivalence: 40cc
- Max speed: 14.2 mps
- Variable speed trigger
- Pitch: 3/8-inch
- Gauge: .050
- Runtime: 130 cuts w/ 8.0Ah battery
- Cut capacity: 14 inches / 28 inches
- Bar length: 16 inches
The Ryobi RY40HPCW02 chainsaw features a brushless motor that drives speeds of up to 14.2 MPS. Ryobi tells us it delivers more power than a 40cc gas chainsaw.
What types of jobs is it best for? Like most chainsaws in the 16-inch bar class, Ryobi rates it for felling, bucking, and limbing. Its 16-inch bar and chain let you cut through trees and limbs up to 14 inches in diameter, or up to 28 inches in diameter when cutting from both sides.
For runtimes, this chainsaw is capable of up to 60 cuts using the kitted 40V 4.0Ah battery. If you’d like longer runtimes, you can also step it up to a larger-capacity battery (sold separately). For example, Ryobi claims up to 130 cuts per charge with an 8.0Ah battery. However, keep in mind that larger batteries make the tool heavier and can shift the balance, so stick to what’s most comfortable for you.
Ryobi 40V 16-inch Chainsaw Design
- Weight: 12.8 lbs (bare)
- Auto oiler
- Tooled chain tensioning
- Onboard tool storage
- Clear oil tank
- Chain brake
As far as design, there aren’t many surprises with this model compared to the rest of the lineup. It weighs slightly more than the previous iteration (RY40505BTL), at 12.8 pounds for the bare tool, compared to the RY40505BTL’s 11 pounds even.
It also carries over the bar nut chain tensioning function, with onboard storage for the scrench. While this isn’t as convenient as a tool-free system, a lot of seasoned chainsaw users appreciate the security of manual chain adjustments.
Other convenience features include a translucent oil tank to visualize your fluid level, as well as an automatic oiling system. As expected, a chain brake also helps protect against injury and damage in the event of kickback.
Ryobi 40V 16-inch Chainsaw Price
This chainsaw retails for $199 as a bare tool and $269 as a kit, including a 40V 4.0Ah battery and charger. You can find it exclusively at The Home Depot. Ryobi backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
Ryobi has quite a few chainsaws to sort through, even if you narrow your search down to just the 40V platform. For 16-inch models, it looks like Ryobi is planning to phase out the previous model in favor of the RY40HPCW02. What does this mean for those looking for a 40V 16-inch chainsaw? Well, for starters, you’ll only have one model to choose from. On the upside, the RY40HPCW02 knocks around $30 off the price of both the bare tool and the kit.
If you’re after a medium-duty chainsaw that can handle most trimming and felling tasks, this model is up for the job. However, for those needing a larger cutting capacity, consider stepping up to Ryobi’s 40V 18-inch or 20-inch models.
