RYOBI 18V battery Chainsaw | Perfect for campers & caravaners? | Replace petrol saws? |Test & review
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2024
- The Ryobi saw has a lot going for it. Is it the travellers best companion? Today we find out.
I extensively test and review Ryobi’s 18V 12” battery operated chainsaw. It certainly isn’t the most powerful saw on the market, but it sure is one of the most compact. With a brushless motor, huge ONE+ range, compact size and reasonable cost it could be the perfect vehicle based saw, but can it hold up to the tests I have planned for it?
In this video I talk about the chainsaw’s physical dimensions, weights and size, conduct a performance test, speed test, noise test, talk about maintenance schedules, chain sharpening tools and techniques and battery life. We also take a quick look at accessories that will make travelling with this saw that much more convenient.
I also compare this saw to a more traditional 2 stroke powered unit. The Stihl MS181 battles the tests alongside the Ryobi to see just how much more power it produces.
If you are looking at chainsaws before hitting the road, then this review should have you covered!
Thanks for watching and I hope that this video has provided you with useful information to make a decision as to whether this saw, or even a chainsaw in general is right for your setup.
Cheers, Nathan.
Ryobi 18V Chainsaw - (Online - ebay.us/mFldaJ)
(Bunnings - www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one...)
Ryobi Compact Charger - ebay.us/I4xPxO
Ryobi 6Ah HP Battery - ebay.us/JtLx9U
Replacement chain - ebay.us/qJ5LqI
Stihl 2in1 Sharpener - ebay.us/BzgQnp
Ozito Chain Sharpener - ebay.us/ZvvIx6
Chainsaw drip tray - ebay.us/ZsHPua
Kelmatt Chainsaw Bag - ebay.us/NoL7HJ
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Physical Attributes
04:51 - Brushless Motor
05:19 - Tool-less Chain tensioner
06:27 - Maintenance
07:11 - Chain Maintenance
09:52 - Batteries
11:50 - Battery life test
12:59 - Charging
14:25 - Price/Value
15:24 - Performance Test
18:41 - Noise Test
21:21 - Longevity Test
23:37 - Bonus big log test
24:27 - Travelling Accessories
26:10 - Conclusion
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Thanks Nathan. Probably the best review of any device I have seen on UA-cam!! And the accessories top off a really helpful tool to take camping and touring.
Cheers mate, appreciate that 🙏 Glad it was helpful 👍
Thank you for what has become my go to video. When considering a cordless chainsaw UA-cam highlighted your site and this informative review. This Ryobi tool has since been added to my collection.
Awesome, thanks for the feedback 🙏 I'm glad this was able to help 👍
Very good , comprehensive review here . One thing that surprised me was the price which was much more than I expected . I have several petrol chainsaws and last year I bought a very comparable to your Ryobi , DeWalt 12" 18v chainsaw kit for $339 which is the current price , includes a 4ah batt and charger .
You already had heaps of Ryobi gear so sensible seeing as you have plenty of batteries .
I also bought a DeWalt pole saw kit and have an impact driver and 5" angle grinder so they all take the same batteries . Now while I'm happy with my saw , I also got a very good deal on a Makita 18v blower which came with two 5ah batteries so I then lashed out and bought a Makita 10" top handle chainsaw skin which I absolutely love , as I get older I like the ease and lightness of these cordless tools .
The bars and chains are interchangeable with each other as well as my Stihl's ( same pitch , 0.050 drivers etc. so depending on what I'm cutting I could run a 16" bar on the DeWalt or a 12" on the Makita etc.
Now physically the Makita and DeWalt batteries are quite similar , nothing like your Ryobi ones , while it's less than ideal to have more than one platform of tools / batteries , adapters are readily available to make one brand battery fit the other brand tool , they're all the same voltage so having both blue and yellow tools becomes a bit more versatile if needed .
I like the drip tray you showed here , might have to get a couple of those , cheers from sunny Qld 🙂
Edit , have just subscribed too .
by far the most detailed review ive ever seen, outstanding job! i am sold as i have a ton of ryobi tools as well as the same stihl saw with the same sharpener, to be able to use that sharpener is a huge bonus, its fantastic. the noise difference and convenience is hard to beat especially when you bear in mind that a 3 db increase is actually double the noise so a 10 db difference means its 3x quieter. cheers!
Thanks mate, appreciate the comment and glad it was useful.
Thanks for the tips on the dB ratings 😊
PS. I'm still using the saw to this day and its still going strong 💪
Another great video. Very comprehensive as always
I have this saw and I am very happy with it. Best part is the 12 volt ryobi charger you can buy
Glad to hear some positive examples coming from the comments 👍 For sure, a benefit I missed in this episode.
Cheers, Nathan.
That was fantastic mate. Thank you for taking the time for such a comprehensive review. I will buy this model and the 6amp battery+charger.
Awesome, thanks mate 🙏
We are still using ours and it's performing just as well 👍 Batteries are definitely the limiting factor, but all in all a very good solution.
I own lots of Ryobi tools and have seen many reviews of them. I must say, yours has been the best review of their 18+ chain saw that I've seen to date. Great job, mate!. A new buyer should know exactly what to expect from the tool after watching a review video and I'm sure they would after watching yours.your's
Thanks mate, I really appreciate that and it's very encouraging. Thanks 🙏
Awesome video with great detail and something most serious 4x4/caravaners need while travelling. Thanks mate!
No problems mate, cheers 👍 Yes certainly a piece of equipment I would recommend if people had the room.
Thanks again for a great video Nathan! You've convinced me to go the battery powered way!
Keep up the great work.....always look forward to your new videos.
Thanks mate 👍 Glad this could share some insight, I have been very impressed.
Cheers.
Best review I've seen on this saw. Really puts the useability of the saw into persepective, knowing the battery to wood ratio. Maybe a good option for backyard tree pruning and cutting a small amount of camping wood. I have a Husqvarna 130 as a small saw for camping and light use as a partner to my 565 Auto tune firewood saw, and the amount of wood it can cut to a tank is outstanding. I had been looking at one of these Ryobi battery saws but the battery to cut ratio is just not good enough for what I'd want it for.
I can't believe you only have 31K subscribers. Perfect reviews, thank you.
Thanks Barry, appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed the review 👍
Great video Nathan and full of info. I have the exact chainsaw that I carry around with me travelling Australia. As you have concluded, it is perfect for what I want although I haven’t come across a tree in my path yet. 😊 thanks again for your efforts
Thanks Jim 🙏 Glad to hear that this saw is doing well in your travels! They certainly are more powerful and useful than I first expected. At least you know that it will be able to cut through a 18" Jarrah log if you ever need to 😆
Thanks for the great video. All good points.
Another well presented video, I’m impressed with the ryobi unit and would get one if I didn’t have two chainsaws already!
Most don’t realise decibel readings are not a linear scale
Going from 100 to 110 is almost double the noise level!
Haha, you can never have enough chainsaws 😆
Yes, this is very correct. The Stihl is a very loud saw! Very noticeable difference when compared side by side with the Ryobi 👍
Thank you. Very helpful.
Great in depth review mate. 👌
Cheers mate 👍
Love your videos
Great video. Really appreciate the way you compared and presented the information. I'm sold for the camping we do.
Thanks Mitchell 👍 I appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed the video 🙏
What a great in-depth review Nathan . I have had a makita which iam very happy with but at a higher cost .simular to you having already the one tool brand I have the makita so just stayed with it .. very impressed with your saw for the cost .. Tom
Thanks Tom. Yes, I think we pigeon hole ourselves when we start buying a particular brand of tool. Once you have a few tools and a few batteries, we are locked into that brand. At least Makita is a great brand too 👍
Very handy little tool for the tracks though and very impressed with the performance of this unit.
Very good and thorough review. I have the same Ryobi chainsaw shown here to use when 4WD overlanding. I've had it now for a little over 12 months and it has been a great performer and extremely reliable. I wanted a batt powered saw to minimise weight & not needing to bring 2-Stroke fuel. But prior to getting the Ryobi, I was worried its short bar & being only 18V were limiting factors to its performance. Unlike Makita's 36V version (which uses 2 x 18V batts) or Ryobi's own 36V version, with both saws having longer bars. But since I already have invested in Ryobi's 18V One+ System, I bit the bullet and got it. And so far it has exceeded my expectations. Thanks for the tip on the drip tray. I'll be getting one. It's better than wrapping wash cloths around the main body.
Hey mate, glad you enjoyed the video and glad to hear that you have been enjoying the use of your saw too.
My reasoning for getting this particular model was very similar and I had similar concerns too, however upon testing and use it definitely is enough for an overloading type function.
No problems for the drip tray idea, certainly makes it cleaner when storing in the vehicle 👍
Yes his reviews are very good and, very informative.
Awesome video. Thanks for the info. This video made up my mind finally to take the step to an electric saw.
No problems mate, glad this could help. I'm sure you will be impressed by the battery saw just as I was 👍
Great review as always. I am aiming for one of these in the near future and 2x of the high performance batteries. Should be enough for a half trailer load every couple of weeks. Cheers 🍻
Thanks mate 🙏
Yeah, would definitely be enough to get a fair chuck of supply on a frequent basis!
Definitely enough for the nightly camp fire though!
Cheers.
Fantastic Review. You should be a presenter on a TV lifestyle show. You have a real knack for this that not many youtubers can do well. I have liked and subscribed based off this one video.
Thanks mate, appreciate that. Just try and provide the most accurate and subjective content for people who would look to spend their money on products like this 👍
Great review Nathan Thanks
Thanks mate, appreciate it 👍
Ryobi is a BOSS!!
Hi Nathan another comprehensive test, your summary is correct travelling the electric is the only way to go no smell of 2stroke in LC or caravan & no need to carry fuel. I have a cheap Ozito saw and have cut plenty fire wood on the road did a test cut 6 logs 300 mm no worries I was surprised, I leave my Sthil at home for bigger jobs.
Thanks mate 👍 For sure, electric is the future, particular for travel!
The petrol's still have their advantages, however for the average camper or the hobbyists, the battery sure have their advantage.
Great clip mate ,Ryobi gear awesome value for money👍👌
Cheers mate 👍 Absolutely agree with you there.
Cheers, Nathan.
Great video very helpful thanks
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Brilliant saw. My first one lasted 2 years after heaps of use. Chain break failed. Took it back to Bunnings and it was replaced under warranty.
Just amazed what it cuts through and how long it lasts.
Awesome, great to hear positive experiences 👍 Even better that you had great customer service and easy warranty claims.
Great vid Nathan. I went out and bought this saw off the back of your video. I’m very impressed with it so far. Thanks mate for the comprehensive review. One question. The oil catch tray accessory. Did you get the small (180mm width) or large (230mm width) for this chainsaw? The link shows the large but your vid shows that the tray and saw (190mm )fit almost perfectly? Once again. Great job mate.
Great vid thanks
Cheers mate 👍
Great review
Thanks mate 👍
I bought primarily for home defence, as a tool and doing my trees its secondary.
Great review Nathan 👌🏽. I’ve been looking at the Stihl and Milwaukee electric chainsaws, but this certainly is a cheaper option and food for thought 👍🏽
Cheers mate. For sure, the Ryobi is definitely a more budget friendly option. I also looked at her Stihl unit, however it also came back to the issue of having to carry another set of batteries and chargers that would be specific to that tool in addition to my Ryobi gear. I'm sure they're all great performing units though 👍
Great video, thanks. Not sure you are using the correct file size for the chain though. The manual indicates that a 4mm file should be used. Maybe I am missing something.
the first thing I put in my car when I go camping 2 batteries +charger +chainsaw no petrol starts straight away ideal for camping well explained
Thanks mate 👍
For sure, I believe a saw like this is absolutely perfect for the overlanding type function.
Great video!! I was thinking on getting one for small trees and this will do the job for sure, thank you for this video!
Has anyone noticed that in 23:40 you can see a cut on his hand that it wasn't before? haha
Thanks mate, glad this video was helpful! I still use mine regularly and it's still going strong 💪
Haha, I con confirm this was just some dirt, luckily not a cut 😆 😅
I’m wondering who you consider the market leaders for battery powered tools. Big thumbs up for the great video
Thanks mate, so probably not qualified to speak on the market as a whole, for the average consumer I've found the Ryobi range to be adequate, but they are many other brands out there who sell for a high price, but claim better performance and longevity.
Nice review. I wouldn't give up my Ryobi chainsaw for a petrol, using aftermarket 4Ah and two 5Ah batteries, one of the 5Ah is a bit weak and has to be taken out and put back in when it stops. But I was getting more cuts than you on larger diameter trunks, again hardwood...
Good review.
Thanks mate, appreciate that 👍 It's been a good unit for us as we travel around Aus too, lasting the test of time 👍
What an awesome video. It made my mind up to what I will buy. Very informative and professionally put together.
Thanks mate, appreciate that. Glad it could be of help 🙏
Thanks for such a great review! What size bag did you get for the Ryobi?
Thanks mate, appreciate that 👍 Hmm, I've had a look for my receipt but can't seem to find it. From memory I think it was the small "Lil Chopper" one. Fits nicely 👍
I have the old Ryobi, with the10" bar. Also prior to the brushless motor.That cut way faster than mine. Might be time for an upgrade.
Yeah, the brushless motor certainly has given this unit an upgrade. In addition to the speed, brushless motors are also better as resisting failure when bogging down. This means we can put a little more downwards pressure on the bar and really get those teeth biting in 👍
For camping firewood the other option is reciprocating saw. 100-125mm is about it but perfect for branches to feed fire. Could deal with fallen tree blocking track but its going take awhile. Big plus over chainsaw is lot more compact with blade removed and clean, no chain oil. My experience has been brushless only lesser motors won't last. If going down Ryobi path can recommend portable vacuum and compressor.
For sure mate, another great option for grabbing some firewood or getting out of a sticking situation. Much more compact too.
Cheers
Thank you Nathan very useful video on chainsaw was looking at stihl msa 140 c battery chainsaw what sort of spare wheel carrier is that on your 200 series land cruiser ?
No problems mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍
The rear wheel carrier is a Kaymar Swing away spare carrier. I had mine supplied by an ARB Store in Perth, WA.
Cheers
Thanks
Thanks Tom 🙏
Another great video Nathan.
Ive neve used or owned a chain saw one question tho in your battery running test why was there oil all over the place ?
Cheers
Chain saws need oil on the chain as lubrication to minimise friction when cutting (as well as reduces chain temps). The Ryobi has a self-lubrication system which releases oil at regular but miniscule amounts when the saw is running. This is usually not noticeable at normal operations. But as per Nathan's battery test, he mentioned the test took over 40 mins (w/no cutting) and the saw sitting at the one spot for the entirety. Making the oil pool at the one spot. Again, during normal operations, you will not notice it.
Hey mate, I see someone has beaten me to the answer @Fatman Overlanding. Thanks for that. Yes, as mentioned the bar oil is just used for lubrication and isn't an issue when using the saw to cut timber 👍
👍. Cheers. What is that electrical plug gadget u have used to measure the charge rate & time please?
No problems mate. Is this the one you were referring to?
ebay.us/b1LKb1
hollow is lighter and stronger so hollow lumber .. make pulp mash and stuff inside a hollow beam and you can use wood foam inside wood edge but better to use plastic logs outside and wood pulp foam core .. super light and 3x wider screws .. 4x wider etc
Maybe they've since improved them, but I've always hated tool-less bar clamps(especially when plastic)f, as they usually don't work properly &/or break. I also wonder what the lifespan of the batteries will be, as a chainsaw drains them very quickly.
Hmm, interesting. Something I haven't struggled with at this time. It still seems to be working as designed.
Yes, I do agree with you regarding battery life. There is no doubt this would shorten the overall life, however I'm sure many of the high powered tools would have this effect.
Great video, thanks. I have the same unit and am very interested in the accessories but could not find the links. Can you advise please.
Hey mate, which accessories were you interested in? I can try and send the links in this reply field 👍
@@XploringOz thank you for the reply ... I was interested in the tray and the carry bag. I have since discovered a number of trays on EBay of various sizes so would probably look at those ... what size did you choose ?
@@steveconaghan5546 I generally find the smallest trays will work with these saws. I don't have the exact dimensions with me at the moment.
First up will acknowledge my bias towards petrol saws.
That’s quiet impressive, I was not expecting it to perform that closely to an ms 181. I will admit though the ms 181 is poor value for money compared to the ms 170 or ms 180. Stratified charge or “2 mix” doesn’t seem to be worth it imo, an ms 170 can be had for $250.
I hear you there and was also very impressed with the performance. They have their own advantages/disadvantages, however the battery will be perfect for the camper 👍
It is even better with a 14 inch Oregon bar and chain with a 9ah battery.
I could imagine, do you have a part list for this setup?
Since the big advantage of a battery saw is the instant start, it would seem fair to include the start and warmup time of the petrol saw in the timed comparison. Especially as most of us occasionally have a saw that won’t bl**dy start at all.
Haha, yes mate. This is another awesome advantage for sure.
Sometime later and this unit is still going strong 👍
I thought that chainsaws were meant to be stored in their side, chain side down so that the auto-oiler doesn't mean?
I'm not overly experienced, but have never seen a chainsaw leak when stored like this.
You can do this, and no doubt this would assist. The saw aren't natural on their side and generally move around onto the base again. If it was being stored in a stationary location it would be great, bit harder in a vehicle 👍 Also I should mention that some oil filler caps have breathers that could also leak too.
seems the lower voltage saws batterys overheat and need to cool before you can charge
Yeah, likely considering how much power you demand from a smaller voltage battery.
At no point during my testing did any of the batteries physically heat up to any extreme temperature, or to a temperature that caused them to fail. I guess the only negative is that waiting time before you can recharge again.
new thing wood plates not wood logsz .. add wood plate sto a fire ;/
Sorry you lost me at the metric system
Haha, it's the reverse for me. Metric is so straight forward and simple compared to others on the market 🤷♂️
great review mate im thinking of getting one i have ryobi stuff so would a 9 amp hp battery be good i have 3 4 amp batterys also i think the tray and bag good idea not sure if they sell in the u.k worth looking into
Thanks mate, hopefully this has helped. Ours is still performing well with relatively regular use 👍
Thanks
Thanks Dennis 🙏 Your support is much appreciated I'm glad you are enjoying the videos on the channel.
Cheers, Nathan.