A chainsaw is a type of power tool used to cut down trees, logs, branches, and other types of wood. They are powered by electricity, gas, or batteries. Chainsaws are designed to be operated by hand.
Some models also include a trigger mechanism that allows the operator to start the saw without having to use a key.
The EGO 18″ corded chainsaw has been around since 2010, and it’s now got some competition. This year, the company introduced the EGO 18″ cordless chainsaw, which boasts higher performance, a couple of new to world features, plus a price tag that won’t break the bank.
While there are plenty of good reasons to go cordless, one reason you might want to stick with the old school is because of the power. The EGO 18″ saw offers up to 2.5 times more power than the previous generation, according to the manufacturer.
And while you’re getting more bang for your buck, the chainsaw still weighs about half what the previous version weighed.
Quick Start System
One feature that sets the EGO apart from most other models out there is the Quick Start system. With this technology, you don’t even need to turn the key to start the chain spinning. All you do is pull down on the trigger guard and the motor fires up.
There’s no need to wait for the battery to charge or warm up. Another cool feature is the ability to use both hands to cut wood.
When you’re cutting a log, you’ll notice that you can hold onto the handlebar with one hand while holding the chain with the other. You can easily switch hands without having to stop the blade from moving forward.
In addition to the new features, the EGO 18″ is priced competitively. At $249.99, it’s cheaper than many comparable cordless options.
Outstanding Performance
The EGO 18″ corded chainsaw turns up to almost 12,000 RPM with the 56V brushless motor, compared to the 6800 RPM spin of the 16″ model. This means you’ll see much better performance from the EGO 18″ chainsaw. In addition, you won’t have to worry about overloading the saw.
You’re probably wondering how does the EGO 18 ” compare to the Milwaukee M18 FUGEL chainsaws. The Milwaukee M18 FUEGL weighs less than half of what the EGO 18″ does, at just under 3 pounds.
The Milwaukee M18 uses a carburetor-fueled 4.5 cc per stroke engine, while the EGO 18″ uses a fuel injected 2.8 cc per stroke engine.
Both engines are rated at 30 amps continuous. The Milwaukee M18 runs out of juice quickly because it doesn’t have a battery pack like the EGO 18″.
Cutting
Despite being able to handle cutting well enough, there are a couple things that could be improved upon. One of those improvements is the power output of the chain itself. When the chain hits the wood, the teeth grab hold of the material and start spinning rapidly.
This creates friction and heat, making the process of cutting harder.At the same time, the chain needs to run smoothly and efficiently. If it doesn’t, you’re left with a lot of wasted energy and loud noises.
When it comes to cutting, the Ego can easily cut oak branches ranging from 3″ up to 15″. And while there are many variables involved in making a good cut, one thing remains consistent: the chainsaw keeps its RPMs high (see also ‘How Tight Should A Chainsaw Chain Be?‘).
The reason for this is simple: without the overwhelming noise of a gas engine you can clearly hear each revolution of the cutting head. This means that you can tell exactly where the chain is, and when it was getting close to hitting something.
And the best part? Once you get used to hearing the chain run, you don’t even need to let the chain come to rest. Simply push down on the trigger and the chain will accelerate again.
This translates into the cut as well. As the chain speeds up, the wood quickly disappears beneath the blade. With this method you can easily cut through the entire length of the branch in less than 30 seconds. So although the cutter seems harder it certainly does the job faster.
Features
The EGO 18″ has some pretty impressive features. Let’s take a look at the ones you might want to know about.
Dial
One of the most important features of this saw is the chain tensioning dial. This allows you to quickly adjust the tension of the blade without having to open up the case.
Simply turn the dial clockwise to increase the tension, and leave it to decrease it. You don’t even need to readjust the tension once you’ve done so.
Auto Tensioning System
This feature automatically tightens the chain whenever you start cutting wood. Just keep turning the dial clockwise to tighten the blade, and counterclockwise to loosen it.
Bar Removal
To remove the bar, simply pull out the end cap located near the handle.
Battery Pack
If you’re going to use your chainsaw often, then you may want to invest in a battery pack. These packs can last anywhere between five and ten years depending on how hard you use them. They also make it easier to transport your chainsaw around town.
Brushless Motor
The EGO 18 has a brushless motor which makes it quieter than its gas powered counterpart. It also means that you won’t have to worry about replacing brushes or cleaning oil from the motor.
Stainless Steel Blade
You won’t find any rust on this blade. That’s because it’s made from stainless steel. This type of metal is resistant to corrosion and will never wear away over time.
Adjustable Handlebar
The adjustable handlebars allow you to change the height of the handle according to your preference. You can raise or lower the bars by loosening the bolts and moving them forward or backward.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomics of this saw are designed to provide comfort when using it. For example, the trigger guard is positioned low on the handle to reduce strain on your wrist. There are also rubber grips on the handle which help prevent slipping.
LED Lighting
Ego’s other world’s first product, as mentioned at the beginning, is the LED light. This is the ultimate solution for people who want to cut trees and branches without having to worry about fading daylight.
The LED lights are powerful enough to work well even after dark and they’re small enough to fit into tight spaces. They’re perfect for use during hurricane season because they won’t blow over or break.
Bucking Spikes
The plastic bucking spike has been around since the 1980s. They are designed to hold the chain tight against the teeth of the saw blade.
Plastic bucking spikes tend to wear out quickly because they aren’t strong enough to withstand the force of cutting through hard materials like trees and branches.
Metal bucking spikes are stronger and won’t break off under pressure. But they do take longer to cut through soft material like grass and brush.
Chain Brake Guide
The most notable feature in the EGO chainsaw is the visual chain brake aid. In the brake position, you’ll see a red light illuminate when you look down at the chainsaw. You’ll know exactly where the chain is in relation to the blade guard, and you can adjust the tension accordingly.
Price
The EGO Power Tool Bundle is priced at $349.99, just $50 more expensive than the entry-level version of the same product. It includes a 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery pack and charger, plus a 10.8-inch cordless motor with variable speed control.
As far as power goes, the bundle is comparable to the Milwaukee M1813HX 18v Cordless Chainsaw Kit ($399), which features a 5.0Ah LiPo battery pack and charger.
However, the Milwaukee battery packs are rated at 216 watt-hours while the EGO battery packs are rated at 280 watt-hours. So, even though the Milwaukee battery packs are slightly smaller and cheaper, the EGO battery packs offer better runtime.
In addition to the price difference, the Milwaukee chainsaws run about $100 more than the EGO models. Milwaukee sells the M1813HX for $449.00, while EGO sells the EGO 56V for $299.99.
In Summary
There are lots of reasons why people buy chainsaws, including convenience, portability, versatility, safety, and cost.
And there are many different types of chainsaws out there, ranging from small portable models perfect for trimming trees around the house to larger professional models capable of cutting down entire forests.
What about those times when you just want something easy to use, quick to charge, and powerful enough to handle most jobs?
The EGO 18″ Cordless Chainsaw is a little gem that packs a ton of power into a relatively compact package, making it ideal for tasks like clearing brush, pruning branches, and even stump removal.
Plus, it boasts an impressive runtime of over 25 minutes, allowing you to tackle multiple projects without having to recharge the batteries too often.
So whether you’re looking for a simple, convenient tool for home maintenance, or a rugged, reliable option for commercial applications, the EGo 18 is a great choice that is affordable and user friendly.
