We Tested Ryobi’s Most Powerful 40V Chainsaw to See if it’s Worth Upgrading
Battery-powered chainsaws have come a long way over the last few years, boasting improved chain speed, cutting power, and ergonomics. Today, I’m taking a closer look at Ryobi’s most powerful model ever—the 40V HP Brushless 20-inch Chainsaw (RYHPCW03). I’ll share what I’ve learned from using it and compare it to similar models, so you can decide if it’s the right tool for you!
Pros
- Excellent cutting power
- Onboard tool storage
- Fast chain speed
- Rapid electric brake
- Zero ramp up
- Simple grip and trigger design
- Well-balanced
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Chainsaw Performance
- Gas Equivalent: 52cc
- Chain Speed: 25 m/s
- Motor: Brushless
- Chain Pitch: 3/8 in.
- Chain Gauge: 0.50 in.
Bar and Chain
Let’s start at the business end. This chainsaw features a 20-inch bar that holds a 0.50 gauge 3/8-inch pitch chain, just like most gas saws. Ryobi even notes the number of links, so finding a replacement is a little easier if your’e searching online.
The side cover features a pair of captured nuts and a traditional chain tensioner. While that might not seem as convenient as a tool-free option for quick tensioning, when you’re getting into chainsaws this size and power level, the dual stud design tends to be more secure.
Cutting Power
This saw is powered by a brushless motor that spins the chain up to 25 m/s with the power equivalent to a 52cc gas-powered saw. This is an improvement over the previous model, which topped out at 19 m/s and a 50cc power level. To put that in perspective, this second-generation chainsaw is Ryobi’s most powerful chainsaw ever, even surpassing their 20-inch gas-powered model (RY5020).
In fact, this chainsaw’s specs are close to EGO’s 20-Inch Farm and Ranch Chainsaw (CS2005), which came out in early 2024.
While bumping up the equivalent power level by 2cc isn’t that big of a deal, the chain speed improvement is. You’ll notice faster cutting, especially with larger diameters. While you might not be able to lean into the cut as hard, you’ll feel how much quicker the chain melts through the wood.
Hands-On Testing
To test this saw, I set up an 8-inch-wide oak log and made a few test cuts. Unsurprisingly, the RY40HPCW03 easily powered through the log like a hot knife through butter. The motor displayed an impressive amount of raw power compared to Ryobi’s previous models, and the higher chain speed made quick work of my cuts.
It’s certainly possible to stall the motor, and I did manage to while pushing the saw to find its limits. However, as long as you keep the chain sharp, there’s no species I would hesitate to tackle. The big thing to keep in mind is to let the motor and chain do the work without pushing too hard into the cut.
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Chainsaw Design Notes
- Model: Ryobi RY40HPCW03
- Power Source: Ryobi 40V battery
- Weight: 13.1 lbs (bare tool), 17.2 lbs (with 8.0Ah battery)
- Total Length: 39.75 in.
Size, Weight, and Ergonomics
The Ryobi RY40HPCW03 weighs 13.1 pounds as a bare tool, 17.2 pounds with an 8.0Ah battery, and measures 39.75 inches from tip to tail. Even though that’s heavier than using a 16 or 18-inch saw, it’s very well balanced and easy to maneuver.
The grip and motor housing remain mostly unchanged from the previous model, featuring a grooved rubber overmold on the grip and a two-finger trigger and thumb safety.
One change is that they moved the onboard scrench storage to another spot on the underside of the tool body.
One key improvement on this saw is that Ryobi swapped the plastic top handle out for a metal alternative that’s coated with a smooth rubber overmold for added comfort. This change gives the saw a more robust build and elevates it above other entry-level residential battery-powered chainsaws.
Additional Features
- Metal bucking spikes
- Translucent oil reservoir
- Compatible with all Ryobi 40V batteries
Quick Model Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how this chainsaw compares to the previous model and EGO’s 20-inch chainsaw. Notice that while Ryobi’s power is slightly lower, the chain speed is the same, and Ryobi comes in with a lower price tag.
| RY40HPCW03 (new) | RY405011 (old) | EGO CS2005 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Speed | 25 m/s | 19 m/s | 25 m/s |
| Gas Equivalent | 52cc | 50cc | 55cc |
| Bar Length | 20 in. | 20 in. | 20 in. |
| Chain Gauge | 0.050 in. | 0.050 in. | 0.050 in. |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. |
| Kit Price | $459 | $479 | $499 |
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Chainsaw Price
This 20-inch Ryobi chainsaw retails for $349 as a bare tool and $459 as a kit that includes an 8.0Ah battery and charger. Ryobi backs this chainsaw with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
What’s interesting is that at the time of writing this article, the Gen II model is actually cheaper than the Gen I model. I’m sure we’ll see a shift in the pricing at some point, but for now, you can get the newer model and save a few bucks!
The Bottom Line
After getting some hands-on time with the Ryobi RYHPCW03, it’s clear that we are no longer dealing with the battery-powered chainsaws of yesteryear. This saw delivers excellent cutting power that eclipses most residential-level gas-powered chainsaws, and even pushes into the lower limits of the Farm and Ranch category. The overall design is easy to use and familiar enough to make a seamless transition away from gas-powered equipment.
So, where does the Ryobi RYHPCW03 fit in? For us, we believe this is a great fit for homeowners who are serious about tackling tree felling and maintenance projects on their own. You get a much higher cut capacity than you would with a smaller, lighter 16 or 18-inch saw, plus, it has more power for tackling denser wood species. It is a bit more expensive than smaller options, but in this case, I think the benefits outweigh the higher price tag.
