RYOBI ONE+ 18-Volt Brushless 12" Chainsaw Review P548

It's a Limber! RYOBI has been rapidly expanding the ONE+ 18V platform of cordless tools and including more outdoor power equipment, like the new 18V Brushless 12" Chain Saw.  This saw is made for a homeowner who wants to trim branches and limbs.  Many would probably use this to clean up small storm debris.  As we show in our video, it is capable of cutting down a 15" tree, but we would not recommend this saw for felling.  If this is your first chain saw, it is easy to use with a tool-less chain tensioning system and an automatic oiler that keeps your chain lubricated.

Brushless motors can be great for saving power and extending runtime, but they also can cut out when put under stress.  Ths RYOBI chain saw did not cut out even under major stress.  The speed the chain travels is good for small limbing and brush cleanup, but it is slow for bucking 10" and larger logs.  The saw lacks a chain brake, so if you are a beginner, please watch our video and be safe while using this saw.  A chain brake is a very nice feature to ensure that a major accident is less likely to happen if you get a kickback or slip while walking.



Ryobi P548 Features
Works with all Ryobi ONE+ Tools and Batteries
Brushless Motor for Increased Performance and Runtime
12 in. Bar and Chain with Tool-Free Adjustment
Trigger Safety Switch
Automatic Chain Oiler Holds 6.8 Ounces of Oil
3-year Limited Warranty
Small Saw
While we did use this saw to cut down a tree, most people would get frustrated with the process because the saw cuts larger wood slowly.  If this saw is used for what it was built for, 6" wood and smaller, it actually performs well and has a good battery life.  We went through one and a half 4.0Ah batteries to cut down and limb the Austrian Pine in the video.  If you push the saw above that it is meant for, frustration with slow cuts will happen.

If you are in the market for a small saw that has little to no maintenance and will fire up with a charged battery at any time, this is a pretty good saw for you.  In comparison to other 18-20 volt saws, this is probably the least powerful, but also the least expensive.  Use it for limbing and you will be happy.