Pint-Sized Upgrade: Stihl GTA 40 Battery-Powered Pruning Saw

Stihl Makes Major Changes in its Second-Generation Battery Pruning Saw

Cordless pruners (AKA mini chainsaws) have come a long way over the last few years, featuring increased power and becoming more convenient than manual hand tools. Stihl made waves in this realm when it launched the GTA 26, but now they’re upping the ante with the new and improved Stihl GTA 40 pruning saw. I’m going to highlight the key features and design elements so you can decide if this saw will make the cut.

Check our best battery-powered chainsaw recommendations for the year!

Stihl GTA 40 Pruning Saw Performance

• Chain Gauge: 0.043 in.
• Chain Pitch: 1/4 in.
• Bar Length: 6 in.
• Chain Length: 38 links

Cutting Power

If you’re familiar with the GTA 26, one of the first things you’ll notice is that the new model requires two batteries to operate. That’s something no one else has done in this chainsaw class so far, and it would be tough to pull off on anything other than a lightweight 12V platform.

This style of chainsaw is ideal for pruning branches from 1 to 3 inches in diameter, but they can also tackle branches up to 5 inches if need be. Stihl outfits this model a brushless motor that produces up to 520 watts of cutting power, which Stihl claims is 90% more powerful than the previous model. That’s the benefit of doubling up on the power supply.

Unfortunately, Stihl doesn’t specify an exact chain speed, so it’s a bit difficult to compare this saw to others in its class. With that said, the GTA 40 did display confident cutting power while we made a few test cuts here at our shop. It even managed to sail through our 5-inch oak test log. Granted, we did have to slow down a little to allow the chain to work through the cut, but it did make the cut in the end.

Bar and Chain

Like many saws in this class, Stihl paired the GTA 40 with a 6-inch Light 01 bar and a 38-link chain. The chain itself is a thin OEM 1/4-inch pitch, 0.043 gauge chain, and Stihl prints the model number, so finding replacements is easy.

Stihl GTA 40 Pruning Saw Design Notes

• Model: Stihl GTA 40
• Power Source: Stihl AS 2 battery (x2)
• Weight: 3.5 lbs (bare tool), 4.4 lbs (with batteries)

Size and Weight

As far as handheld pruners go, the Stihl GTA 40 is exceptionally lightweight. It clocks in at 3.5 pounds as a bare tool and only 4.4 pounds with the two kitted AS 2 batteries.

Grip and Trigger

The grip and trigger are very similar to the GTA 26, but with some small changes. Stihl’s GTA 40 features a generous amount of rubber overmolding, a single-finger trigger, and an ambidextrous thumb safety switch. The main difference is that Stihl equipped this model with a finger guard for added protection against impact and the shield your hand from ejecting wood chips.

Chain Tensioning

Many times, manufacturers will opt for a tool-free chain tensioner on these smaller pruning saws. It works, but Pros don’t have as much confidence in that design. Instead, Stihl equipped this saw with a more traditional chain tensioning system that mirrors what we see on their full-size chainsaws. It features a single captured bar nut and a slotted tensioner screw. This style is effective, proven, and familiar for arborists.

Automatic Oiler

One of the biggest upgrades for the GTA 40 over the GTA 26 is the automatic bar oiling system. The previous model required you to manually oil the chain as you work. The GTA 40 features an onboard oil reservoir, just like a full-size chainsaw. Just make sure you’re topped off before each use, and you’re good to go.

Integrated Safety Features

It should go without saying that chainsaws are inherently dangerous, and you should always exercise caution while you work. That said, Stihl incorporated a few safety features that make the experience a bit better.

First, Stihl added what I’m going to refer to as the “no-go” zone. There is a row of small spikes right on top of the motor housing, designed to deter you from sliding your hand towards the chain. This is done in place of an upper blade guard like we’ve seen on other models. The benefit is that it allows you to make quick undercuts, but the downside is that the chain is more exposed. There’s an argument for both styles, but I’m more fond of Stihl’s design, especially since it’s a Pro-focused saw.

Looking towards the grip, you’ll find a small metal tether point on both sides. Stihl includes a robust split ring so you can tether the saw to a tool belt or harness if you’re working at height. There’s also a loop molded into the scabbard so you can tie it off to prevent it from dropping.

Quick Model Comparison

Stihl GTA 40 Pruning Saw Price

The Stihl GTA 40 retails for $269.99 as a bare tool and $399.99 as a kit. The kit includes two AS 2 batteries, an AL 2 charger, and a hard plastic storage case. Stihl backs this saw with a 2-year limited warranty.

This is more expensive than some of the purely residential models, like the Greenworks 24V CS24L02. However, the price does align with more Pro-focused saws. Considering that it comes with two batteries and jumps to a higher performance tier, it’s priced where we expect it for a Stihl product.

The Bottom Line

After getting some hands-on time with the Stihl GTA 40, it’s easy to understand why this would be an attractive option for Professional arborists and landscapers. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, tethers easily to a safety harness, and has plenty of cutting power for small pruning jobs or supplementing your trusty top-handle and full-size saws.

While the price is on the upper end of the premium residential market, the number of times you reach for this instead of a heavier saw makes it worth the cost. Regardless of whether you’re a professional arborist or a tradesman who sometimes has to do some bushwhacking to the get the job done, the Stihl GTA 40 is a solid improvement over the previous model and an excellent replacement for your hand tools.