Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Chainsaw Kit Review: A Battery-Powered Beast for Storm Cleanup

Introduction

After a run of nasty storms brought several trees down, this 20-inch, 40-volt chainsaw from Ryobi had a chance to prove itself on real cleanup work, not just a staged log or two. The short version: it performed fantastically, with plenty of power, a chain that stayed sharp, and an 8Ah battery that lasted an entire session of cutting without needing a swap.

It is a large, heavy-duty saw aimed at genuinely big jobs. Priced at $379 for the tool only and $479 for the full kit, it sits above many battery saws, but it is comparable to a 50cc two-cycle gas chainsaw in capability, without the fumes or the annual spring starting struggle.

Who This Chainsaw Is For

This is the saw for people who do not want to deal with gas: no fumes, no pull-cord frustration, and very quiet operation compared to a traditional chainsaw. It also has real torque and can cut down very large trees, so it is not just a light-duty trimmer.

Notably, a wide range of users handled it comfortably. At 16 pounds without the battery, an 11-year-old used it under supervision with full protective gear, and so did family members in their late 70s and 80s, all without issues.

Cutting Performance

The biggest concern going in was that a saw at this price might ship with a cheap, dull chain. That was not the case. The chain sliced through wood without needing to force the saw down at all; the weight of the saw and the chain did the work, and it kicked out chips cleanly the whole time.

The soft start is a nice touch, and the saw features a 20-inch bar with a 36-inch cut capacity. Cutting through multiple logs at once, the chain rarely came loose, and when an adjustment was needed, it was simple to do from the back, with an on-board tool holder right there for the job.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout results: the same 8Ah battery powered the entire cutting session with no swap. The kit includes a rapid charger, so topping up between jobs is straightforward.

For anyone with a lot of cutting to do, being able to carry a couple of spare batteries in the included heavy-duty case adds practical flexibility for longer days.

Maintenance and Ease of Use

The automatic oiler uses standard bar and chain oil, and the oiling system worked perfectly with no leaks. When mud got into the guard during cleanup, the guard came off easily for cleaning and chain adjustment.

The aggressive kickback paws deserve a mention as well, offering protection against the saw kicking back toward the user. Starting the saw is a simple sequence: loosen, adjust or tighten the chain, press the button, pull back on the handle, and squeeze the trigger.

Kit Contents and Buying Advice

The kit includes the 20-inch chainsaw, an 8Ah 40V battery, and a rapid charger, plus a heavy-duty case with room for spare batteries and a bar sheath. All you need to add is bar and chain oil.

If you prefer gas tools, this will not change your mind, and that is fine. But if you want to skip the fumes and spring starting hassles while still getting a large, beastly saw with serious torque, this one is well worth a look. Just budget for the higher price point.

Conclusion

Ryobi has really stepped it up here. A powerful, quiet, easy-to-handle 40V saw with a 20-inch bar, reliable oiling, strong battery endurance, and thoughtful touches like the tool holder and kickback protection. For storm cleanup and serious yard work without the gas Hassle, it is easy to recommend.