Greenworks 40V vs 80V: 80V wins for heavy cutting; 40V excels at light jobs.
I live in the US, just outside Asheville, NC. Storm branches hit my yard every spring. I needed a cordless chainsaw that starts instantly and doesn’t smell like gas. If you’re deciding between greenworks 40v vs 80v, I’ve tested both styles for yard cleanup and small felling. My goal is to help you quickly see which one is right for your trees, your time, and your budget. By the end, you’ll know exactly how greenworks 40v vs 80v compares for power, runtime, weight, and value—so you buy once and cut with confidence.
Contents
Is Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw Good?
Yes. It’s a great pick if you cut thicker limbs, fell small-to-medium trees, or process firewood. If your jobs are heavy or you want room to grow, the 80V system makes the greenworks 40v vs 80v choice easy.
I used it after a hard windstorm to buck downed oak. It sliced steady and didn’t stall on 14-inch cuts. I also trimmed several pine trunks on a friend’s farm. The brushless motor felt strong, and the 18-inch bar saved time by reducing repositioning.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- High-voltage 80V brushless motor for strong torque and cutting speed
- 18-inch bar for larger limbs, log bucking, and small felling
- 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger included for quick turnarounds
- Part of a large 80V tool ecosystem with broad compatibility
- Electronic chain brake and metal bucking spikes for control
- Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
- Automatic oiler to keep the chain lubricated during long cuts
What I Like
- Serious cutting capability for hardwood and thicker logs
- Longer bar reduces repositioning and speeds up bigger jobs
- Rapid charger shortens downtime during long work sessions
- Brushless motor runs efficiently and feels smooth
- Safety brake engages confidently, which boosts control
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than smaller-voltage saws, which can tire arms
- Higher upfront cost compared to 40V options
- Overkill for simple light pruning and camping tasks
My Recommendation
If you often compare greenworks 40v vs 80v for yard cleanup and firewood, pick this 80V model for thicker limbs, frequent storms, or rural properties. It offers strong value if you’ll grow into the 80V platform.
Is Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless Compact Chainsaw Good?
It depends. It’s excellent for light cutting, pruning, storm cleanup of small branches, and camping. If your greenworks 40v vs 80v decision is about portability and ease, this is the easier everyday choice.
I used it to prune a crepe myrtle and limb a fallen maple after a storm. It’s agile and easy to maneuver in tight spots. I tossed it in my SUV for a trail cleanup day, and the compact size made it simple to carry and start instantly.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 40V brushless performance tuned for light-to-medium yard tasks
- 12-inch bar ideal for pruning, limbing, and storm debris
- 2.0Ah battery and charger included to get started fast
- Lightweight design that’s easy to hold overhead
- Tool-less chain tensioning and automatic oiler for simple upkeep
- Quiet operation compared to gas saws for neighborhood use
What I Like
- Very easy to handle, even for newer users
- Great for quick cuts without hauling heavy gear
- Lower cost of entry than many higher-voltage options
- Less fatigue during long pruning sessions
- Starts instantly and needs minimal maintenance
What Could Be Better
- Not meant for thicker hardwood logs
- Shorter bar limits max cut diameter
- Standard charger can be slower than rapid chargers
My Recommendation
If your greenworks 40v vs 80v choice focuses on pruning, small limbs, and portability, this 40V model delivers simple, reliable performance and strong value for suburban yards.
greenworks 40v vs 80v: Side-by-Side Test
I compared the two in real yard scenarios: pruning, limbing, and bucking small logs. This greenworks 40v vs 80v head-to-head shows where each shines.
Power And Torque: How Hard Do They Push?
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Motor class | 80V brushless | 40V brushless |
| Torque feel | High, resists stall | Moderate, can stall on thick hardwood |
| Best use | Firewood, felling small trees | Pruning, limbing, light cleanup |
Rating: 80V – 9/10 | 40V – 7/10
Summary: 80V wins for raw power in the greenworks 40v vs 80v debate.
Bar Length And Cut Capacity
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Bar size | 18 inches | 12 inches |
| Max practical cuts | 14–16 inch logs | 6–10 inch limbs |
| Efficiency on big wood | High | Low |
Rating: 80V – 9/10 | 40V – 6/10
Summary: 80V handles larger material; 40V is best for small diameter limbs.
Runtime And Charging
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Included battery | 2.0Ah | 2.0Ah |
| Charger | Rapid charger | Standard charger |
| Practical runtime | Longer per cut on big jobs | Good for short sessions |
Rating: 80V – 8/10 | 40V – 7/10
Summary: The 80V’s rapid charger and efficiency on large cuts give it an edge in greenworks 40v vs 80v runtime balance.
Weight And Handling
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight feel | Heavier | Lighter |
| Overhead work | More tiring | Easier |
| Maneuverability | Moderate | High |
Rating: 80V – 7/10 | 40V – 9/10
Summary: 40V wins for comfort and maneuvering.
Noise And Vibration
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Noise level | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Vibration | Noticeable under load | Lighter vibration overall |
| Neighborhood friendly | Yes, but louder | Very friendly |
Rating: 80V – 7/10 | 40V – 8/10
Summary: 40V is the quieter, smoother option in greenworks 40v vs 80v.
Safety And Controls
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Chain brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Tensioning | Tool-less | Tool-less |
| Bucking spikes | Metal spikes for leverage | Smaller profile |
Rating: 80V – 8/10 | 40V – 7/10
Summary: 80V’s larger spikes and heft aid control on big cuts.
Maintenance And Upkeep
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Oiling | Automatic | Automatic |
| Chain care | Standard bar/chain upkeep | Standard bar/chain upkeep |
| Parts wear | Faster under heavy loads | Lower under light duty |
Rating: 80V – 8/10 | 40V – 8/10
Summary: Tie. Both keep maintenance simple; task choice drives wear.
Ecosystem And Tool Compatibility
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Platform breadth | Wide, pro-leaning 80V tools | Broad, homeowner-focused 40V tools |
| Expansion | Strong for heavy-duty yard tools | Great for everyday lawn care |
| Cross-usage value | High for large properties | High for typical yards |
Rating: 80V – 9/10 | 40V – 8/10
Summary: In greenworks 40v vs 80v, 80V favors bigger properties and pro-style jobs; 40V suits most home needs.
Price And Value
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Value on heavy tasks | Excellent | Limited |
| Budget fit | Best if needs are big | Best for tight budgets |
Rating: 80V – 8/10 | 40V – 9/10
Summary: 40V wins for price; 80V wins for heavy-duty value.
Who It’s Best For
| User type | Greenworks 80V 18″ | Greenworks 40V 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Rural/wooded lots | Ideal | Adequate |
| Suburban pruning | Capable | Ideal |
| Camping/trail crews | Bulky to pack | Easy to carry |
Rating: 80V – 8/10 | 40V – 9/10
Summary: For greenworks 40v vs 80v, choose 80V for big wood, 40V for nimble tasks.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If your jobs involve thicker hardwood, frequent storms, or firewood, go 80V. It makes greenworks 40v vs 80v a clear choice for power, bar length, and control.
If your tasks are pruning, limbing, and quick cleanup, the 40V is lighter, cheaper, and easier to handle. It’s the smarter daily tool for most yards.
FAQs Of greenworks 40v vs 80v
Which cuts faster in hardwood, greenworks 40v vs 80v?
The 80V cuts faster and stalls less on thicker hardwood. The 40V is best for smaller limbs.
For a first chainsaw, should I pick greenworks 40v vs 80v?
If you’re new and mainly pruning, 40V is easier. If you expect big cuts soon, start with 80V.
How does battery life compare in greenworks 40v vs 80v?
Both include 2.0Ah batteries, but the 80V has a rapid charger and better efficiency on big cuts. The 40V works well for shorter sessions.
Is the 80V too heavy compared to 40V in greenworks 40v vs 80v?
It’s heavier. For overhead work or long pruning, the 40V feels much lighter.
Which is the better long-term platform in greenworks 40v vs 80v?
For large properties and tougher tools, 80V. For typical yard care and portability, 40V.