It is a high quality cordless electric chainsaw that is suitable for small and medium projects at home. Black & Decker Outdoor is the manufacturer of this chainsaw. They use some Oregon products to make it. It is suitable for use at your home for projects such as bookshelves and carving of logs into different desired shapes. There is no limit to what this little powered tool can do, but to ensure durability, it is advisable to only use in for minor tasks. In this article, I will discuss the reasons.
Key Features of Black Decker 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
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20V Lithium-Ion battery
Nobody wants to run out of power in the middle of their work. This electric chainsaw uses a 20V lithium battery that is quite powerful for your small tasks. It can manage up to 150 cuts per charge, but this depends on the size of the branches you are cutting. It can manage this number of cuts for scales that are no more than 6 inches thick. For anything broader than that, this chainsaw takes longer on a single piece; hence the charge runs out. This battery has a long life and is capable of maintaining this charge for up to one year when not in use.
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Low kickback and chain
It has a low kick bar and chain, which reduces the amount of vibration produced when operating. It makes it easy to handle and manage the chainsaw. You are also able to complete your tasks from home without getting complaints from your neighbors about noise. It also has an Oregon bar and chain. Oregon is well known for producing high-quality items. It enables this little machine to make clean cuts very fast.
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Automatic oiling system
This chainsaw has an integrated automated oiling system, which makes it quite easy to operate instead of oiling it manually. This system is supposed to feed oil to the chain in gradual spurts. It also has a bulb indicator that shows a warning sign when the chain is dried out. The oil tank is 50ml and has a translucent window that helps you see the oil level.
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10-inch bar length
This length may seem small for any cordless chainsaw, but there are advantages to it. It enables this chainsaw to fit in tight spaces and make smooth cuts where saws with a more extended bar cannot fit. It is also the perfect length when you are trying to shape logs into a small unique shape or for trimming branches of trees.
Specifications
The following are the exact specifications of the Black Decker 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw:
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16.7*8.81*9.63 inches
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7.2 pounds
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Bar length: 10 inches
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1 Lithium-ion battery type
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Tool-less chain tensioning
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3/8 inch distance between chain links
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0.043-inch link thickness
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Cuts per charge: up to 150
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Has an automatic oiler
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Push start switch
Packaging
As it is with most electric chainsaws, it is packed well in a cardboard box that includes the chainsaw, charger, battery, and a user’s manual. The manual may be tiring to go through, but it is essential. It is because it contains warnings and precautions that you should take to minimize kickbacks. It also includes a safety measure and how to operate this chainsaw.
Warranty
Black & Decker show that they have confidence in their products by providing a warranty lasting 2 years. This warranty covers manufacturing faults and some common chainsaw issues.. This warranty covers both the tool and the battery.
Replacement Parts
As expected, after some years of service, all powered product parts tend to wear out and need some parts to be replaced for them to continue operating effectively.
In case of the need to change the battery, this cordless chainsaw is only compatible with a 20V Lithium-Ion battery. However, this battery tends to last longer when the saw undertakes minor tasks only. The charger is also replaceable in case of damage, maybe through a power surge or accidentally damaging the cord. These replacements are all available on Amazon.
However, there are several chain options you can buy with this chainsaw or choose to upgrade. The first chain is the Oregon 9040 Chain that is perfect for hardy jobs. Another option is the RC100 Replacement Chain that is for slightly harder tasks than the one that comes with the model. The Standard Replacement Chain, which is readily available at most hardware stores, is almost similar to the original model chain for small tasks around your home. These can also easily be found on Amazon or in other online stores.
The chain tends to become dull the moment you hit something metallic like a nail when cutting. You can take care of the chain by sharpening it using a 4.5mm file. It keeps the chain in good condition and makes your cutting easier.
Performance
The first thing that will attract you to this chainsaw is how well the design looks for it to fit your hands comfortably. It is vital and will always determines how much work you can complete with this tool.
It is an electric chainsaw that is limited to only using the 20V Lithium rechargeable battery, the power it produces is enough to handle medium tasks. If you feel like you need more power than this, the next model is at 40V and also more expensive.
When you use it to cut branches of up to 6 inches thick, the saw is comfortably quick. When you exceed that diameter, the saw tends to struggle a bit and can drain the power if your branch is too thick. It does not mean it cannot do the task. All you need is a spare battery and some patience, and you will cut through a 10-inch thick tree without any trouble.
It is also small and very light, weighing only 8 pounds when fitted with the battery. It means that you do not tire quickly, and you can even carry it over long distances. The light weight can also be an issue if you do not have a firm grip, and the saw may keep bouncing off whatever you are cutting.
The fact that it is a cordless chainsaw also contributes to its performance. It does not require a cord, making it easy to get into tight, awkward situations for small cutting tasks.
Pros
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Chain adjustment is easy with the integrated tool-less tensioning system
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It is very light reducing fatigue
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Produces minimal sound when operating.
Cons
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Limited to only 20V battery
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The 10-inch bar is limited to some tasks
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It is not the best saw for heavy tasks.
Safety Measures
Black & Decker have put in place some safety to help reduce accidents that are caused by chainsaws. First of all, this chainsaw has a good design that is easy to handle, and it works for longer than other chainsaws in the market.
Secondly, it has a low kickback bar and chain that helps reduce the risk of a kickback, which is the unexpected upward motion by the guide bar. It is the most common cause of chainsaw accidents. It rarely happens, but if one does not use the chainsaw as instructed in the users’ manual, the risk is high.
The third safety measure is the plastic bar in front of the handle, which reduces the damage that would be caused by a kickback. This bar also prevents some dirt from getting inti the operators face.
Other safety measures are upon the operator to implement. They include wearing boots, pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and, if possible, a face mask. You can supplement a face mask by tying a cloth around your mouth and nose and wearing some safety goggles to protect your eyes.
Consumer Ratings
This chainsaw is one of the most purchased products online. It is receiving a lot of praise when compared to its previous model, which did not have an automated oiling system. The power produced by the 20V Lithium battery has also surprised many people.
However, there have been several complaints about the oil leaking after a few months of use. It has only affected people who have used such a small electric chainsaw for cutting big logs and branches. It is therefore advisable to use it for small to medium tasks. The manufacturer always deals with the problems complain about.
Final Thoughts on Black Decker 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
From my perspective, the Black Decker 20V MAX Cordless Electric Chainsaw is a tool that should stick to minor tasks around your compound, such as trimming branches or fetching firewood. It is due to the complaints about the chainsaw automatic oil system failing when the machine is overworked for just a few months. However, it is the best chainsaw that you can carry almost anywhere without getting tired. It makes it available for use when fetching wood in a nearby forest or when going camping. This chainsaw is so silent that it produces the same sound like that produced by a vacuum cleaner.
