Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower

The Tool Box Buzz Crew seeks to crown the best commercial-grade battery backpack blower in this most recent Head-to-Head comparison test. In 2023 our crew tested and chose the best Handheld Cordless Blower. Building on that success, we are now examining battery backpack blowers. However, this Head-to-Head will primarily be geared towards commercial users. Backpack blowers are synonymous with the landscaping and property maintenance trades. We aim to determine which blowers are ready to keep up with demanding commercial use and provide the best options for pros looking to purchase a battery-powered model.

Are Battery Blowers Ready for Prime-time?

The demand for rugged, commercial-grade, battery-powered OPE is constantly growing. This demand is being fueled by technological improvements as well as legislative requirements. As of June 2024, more than one hundred cities in the United States, and the entire state of California, have banned or restricted the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Contractors are now forced to look for battery-powered options to stay in business. These restrictions have forced OPE companies to step up their game.

Direct Comparison to Gas Powered

One common question with all battery OPE is how the tools perform compared to traditional gas-powered models. While gas vs. battery is not a true even comparison, we elected to include a gas-powered model in some of our testing to provide an additional data point. The gas-powered model will not be included in any of our rankings, but we felt the information collected is of interest.

Echo provided a sample of their model PB-770T X Series backpack blower. This blower features a 63.3 CC professional-grade two-stroke engine. This is Echo’s smallest commercial-grade backpack blower and is a close comparison to our battery-powered options in terms of power and output. Its technical specifications are as follows:

• Max Air Volume: 756 CFM
• Max Air Speed: 234 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 33
• Fuel Capacity: 68.3 Fl./Ozs.
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower  | Test Criteria

We selected eight categories to determine our best commercial battery backpack blower of 2024. The tools were ranked in each category and an overall score was later used to determine our winner. The evaluation categories are:

• Measured Maximum Air Speed (MPH)
• Calculated Maximum Air Volume (CFM)
• Total Run-time on a Battery Charge (Minutes)
• Power Sled Performance Test
• Measured Noise Output (Decibels)
• Assembled Weight
• Features and Ergonomics
• Price

In addition to our overall winner, we selected a tool as our Best Value. This category highlights a single backpack blower that may not be our top-performing tool but offers an excellent overall value based on its features and performance compared to its price.

Battery Backpack Blower Lineup

Once our testing criteria were finalized, we identified the current available pro-grade models. Invitations were sent to the manufacturers to participate in our Head-To-Head. A total of six companies agreed to participate and provided us with samples of their products. Not every company that was invited chose to participate however our sample size is an excellent representation of the pro-user market.

Our participating companies provided us with the backpack blower unit, a battery, and a charger. Additionally, manufacturers were invited to include any accessories or optional parts that improve the overall user experience. Only one company elected to do this. Stihl provided us with an upgraded waist belt to enhance user comfort.

Echo eFORCE

• Model: DPB-5800T
• Battery Platform: eFORCE 56V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Batteries Tested: (3x) 8.0 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 795 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 195 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 25 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Greenworks Commercial Optimus

• Model: BB361
• Battery Platform: 82V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Batteries Tested: (2x) 8.0 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 755 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 225 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 36 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Husqvarna

• Model: 550iBTX
• Battery Platform: 36V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: BLi950X
• Max Air Volume: 551 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 148 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 21 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Kress Commercial

• Model: KC500.9
• Battery Platform: 60V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: KAC810 CyberPack 11 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 900 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 190 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 35 Newtons
• Warranty: 3 Years or 750 Hours of Use Commercial

Milwaukee M18 FUEL

• Model: 3009-24HD
• Battery Platform: 18V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: (4x) M18 FUEL 12.0 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 650 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 155 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 20.5 Newtons
• Warranty: 3 Years Commercial

Stihl

• Model: BGA300
• Battery Platform: 36V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: AR3000L
• Max Air Volume: 571 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 192 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 26 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Backpack Blower Battery Systems

Determining the best battery backpack blower requires testing tools with the largest battery packs available. We requested each manufacturer provide us with the largest battery pack(s) currently available for their platform and the corresponding charger system. As a result, our charging stations look much different than in previous H2H tests! To provide performance and run-time comparable to gas-powered blowers, the battery models we tested rely upon either a large suitcase-style battery or a combination of smaller packs. Here is a breakdown of the batteries and chargers we used.

Echo

The Echo DPB-5800T is powered by any combination of up to three 56V batteries. While the kit version of this tool features two 5.0 Ah eFORCE batteries, we tested the tool with three 8.0 Ah batteries. We have a full review article of the Echo backpack blower available here. Additionally, Echo provided us with an eFORCE Rapid Charger to use during testing. The rapid charger will completely charge an 8.0 Ah battery in about 60 minutes.

Greenworks Commercial

The Greenworks Commercial model accepts two 82V batteries. The tool is capable of operating on a single battery. The tool will draw from both batteries simultaneously when two are inserted. We used two 8.0 Ah batteries, the standard offering in the kit configuration for this tool. The GWC batteries feature Bluetooth connectivity and digital display screens indicating charge levels. The charger tested is the dual port rapid charger. It is capable of charging two 8.0 Ah batteries in about one hour.

Husqvarna

The Husqvarna BLi950X battery is a large suitcase-style battery, as previously mentioned. It is a 36V, 31.1 Ah, behemoth! The 550iBTX backpack blower is only compatible with this style of battery pack. However, the battery is cross-compatible with all Husqvarna handheld 36V tools. The battery includes a standalone backpack frame for carrying when in use with handheld equipment. It also includes an adapter plug which is compatible with all Husqvarna chargers. We used a QC500 charger during testing. A full recharge of the BLi950X is approximately three hours.

Kress

The Kress Commercial Cyber System of batteries offers a variety of solutions. We tested the blower with the larger 60V CyberPack battery which is 11.0 Ahs. However, the Kress blower is also compatible with any 60V CyberPack battery, such as the smaller 4.0 Ah battery pictured above, borrowed from a Kress 16″ chainsaw. The graphene cores of the Kress batteries and the high-output Kress chargers allow a full recharge of the large suitcase-style battery in approximately ten minutes. This is an astoundingly short time compared to the other tools tested.

Milwaukee

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL battery platform is a staple of the tool industry. The kit option of their backpack blower includes a total of four 12.0 Ah M18 FUEL batteries. There are four battery ports on the blower and a minimum of two batteries must be inserted to run the tool. Each pair of batteries is drained simultaneously. It will then automatically switch to the second pair of batteries if all four batteries are inserted. We used the Milwaukee backpack blower with all four batteries inserted during testing. The kit option includes two dual-port Milwaukee Rapid Chargers. These chargers will charge two 12.0 Ah packs in about two hours.

Stihl

The Stihl AR3000L battery is the largest battery we tested. It features 41.20 Ahs on Stihl’s 36V battery platform. This large suitcase-style battery is also compatible with all Stihl handheld equipment with an adapter cable. A backpack-style platform is also available for the battery. We used a Stihl AP Adapter to connect the battery to an AL 500 high-speed battery charger during testing. The total recharge time is about three and a half hours using this combination.  Stihl recently announced their new ADA 1000 battery adapter. It allows two smaller AP series battery packs to power a large output tool like the BGA300 backpack blower—an outstanding accessory for any pro user currently on the Stihl AP battery platform.

Pitot Tube Performance Testing

To flush out generous marketing specifications from true performance for each of our tools, we employed a pitot tube test rig. This test is a specialty of Tool Box Buzz Crew member Jeff Deitz. Jeff, also a helicopter pilot, explained that a pitot tube probe measures the pressure difference of an air stream and can calculate fluid flow velocity. The Pitot Tube was invented by a French engineer, Henri Pitot, in the early 18th century.

Pitot tubes are widely used to determine the airspeed of aircraft, the water speed of boats, and the flow velocity of liquids, air, and gasses in various industries.

When manufacturers test their blowers to come up with the MPH and CFM values they follow an American National Standard (ANSI) procedure to measure the force or thrust. This is effectively an electronic scale that measures the force in Newton’s 5 inches from the blower nozzle. You can read more about the theory behind our pitot tube test rig in our Best Cordless Blower 2023 H2H article.

The Pitot Tube was set up 5 inches from each blower in the center of the air stream. Batteries were fully charged and measurements were taken at max speed setting. The data was collected at a 1 Hz sample rate or once per second for five minutes for the first test. Our second test is another five-minute recording, with the battery depleted to 25% charge.

An ExTech HD350 Pitot Tube Anemometer was used to perform this test.

Max Air Speed Winner – Greenworks Commercial

The Greenworks blower produces airspeeds over 176 MPH. We are unable to determine the exact speed because our testing monitor maxes out at 176 MPH! This is another remarkable performance for the big green machine. In second place is Stihl at 160.7 MPH. An interesting data point is that the Stihl produced slightly higher numbers on the second test run with the battery depleted down to 25%  charge. The BGA300 automatically downshifts its battery system to normalize output and performance regardless of charge charge level.

Measured MPH Results

Third place went to Echo at 150 MPH, fourth place Husqvarna at 137.5 MPH and fifth place went to Kress at 137.3 MPH. Milwaukee was our bottom finisher at 117 MPH.

Max Air Volume Winner – Kress

Using the data collected from our ExTech HD350 meter we were able to calculate the max airflow for each tool in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The Greenworks Commercial blower is the only tool that maxed out our anemometer. Therefore we added a value for Greenworks in our calculations of 200 MPH. This is a close representation of the actual value based on the tool’s performance in all of our testing. Greenworks claims that the max CFM on the tool is 225 MPH.

Calculated CFM Results

Kress is our first-place winner for air volume with a max calculated CFM of 808.44. The Kress has the largest nozzle diameter of all of the tools tested at 3.5″. This allows the Kress to move a massive volume of air. In second place we have Greenworks at 779.70 CFM. Greenworks utilizes a smaller diameter nozzle than Kress but has faster airspeed. This combination of factors still results in an impressive amount of air moved.

In third place is Milwaukee at 548.39 CFM, fourth place is Husqvarna at 545.09 CFM, and fifth place is Stihl at 531.47. Our sixth-place finisher is Echo at 220.48 CFM. This surprised our crew given that Echo performed so well in the airspeed (MPH) test. However, the Echo nozzle chokes down to 1.75″ diameter which is half the size of the Kress. Echo favors speed, but a wider nozzle would likely improve CFM output.

Max Run-time Winner-Stihl

Run-time is one of the most discussed and important categories we evaluated with our backpack blowers. Commercial users require a tool that will accomplish most tasks without constantly switching or recharging batteries. We tracked the total run-time on our blowers by combining our five-minute intervals with the pitot tube along with the time spent depleting the batteries completely. All of this was done at the highest power output setting of each tool. Fall cleanup season is quickly approaching and our entire test crew agreed that we all default to the highest setting on our blowers for tasks like this.

Measured Runtime Results

Our winner here is Stihl with a total run-time of 45:23. The crew expected nothing less from the Stihl, considering the monster 41.20 Ah battery pack that was included with the BGA300. Second place went to Echo with a total run-time of 41:15. The three large 8.0 Ah batteries used with the Echo made this a close race with Stihl.

Third place went to Husqvarna at 39:41, fourth place to Greenworks at 38:36, and fifth place to Milwaukee at 25:45. Kress came in sixth place at 19:51, which is less than half of our top two finishers. However, Kress’ lightning-fast recharge times are somewhat of a redeeming quality compared to the short run-time.

Power Sled Test | Winner-Greenworks Commercial

When life gives you backpack blowers, you build a rocket ship! In our previous handheld blower H2H, the crew used a weighted sled to test the total blowing force of the tools. This time we stepped up the test rig to accommodate our larger and more powerful commercial backpack blowers.

The testing site we used for the day provided us with access to some heavy equipment. A twenty-foot-long Hud-Son firewood conveyor was used as a ramp. We set the conveyor at a seven-degree angle with the help of a PTO hitch on a tractor. Then a classic Radio Flyer wagon was used as our test vehicle. We added a large galvanized washtub to the wagon to act as an air collector. This is a textbook example of Swamp Yankee engineering.

With the test rig in position at the bottom of the ramp, our operator held the end of the blower nozzle in line with the edge of the test rig. The operator then activated the tool on the highest output setting and held it for ten seconds. If the sled moved, we recorded the distance traveled using a tape measure on the conveyor belt. Our unloaded sled weighed in at 34.76 pounds.

All of our tools were able to move the unloaded sled. We then added five pounds to the sled (39.76 Pounds) and continued testing. Two of our blowers were completely unphased by the five-pound increase, while the others showed significant struggle. We then worked up to a fifteen-pound weight (49.76 Pounds) with the two strongest performers and repeated the test.

Power Sled Results

Greenworks is our strongest performing tool, driving the fifteen-pound loaded sled to a distance of 13.25 feet and holding steadily. Kress is our second-place finisher driving the same fifteen-pound loaded sled a total distance of 12.17 feet. Both of these blowers greatly impressed our crew during this test. Both had near-instant spooling-up to power and moving the sled. It felt as though the sled began moving as soon as the control was engaged, regardless of the weight.

Power Sled Results

Milwaukee finished in third place driving the five-pound loaded sled a total of 13 feet. Echo and Stihl were also able to drive the five-pound loaded sled. However, Husqvarna was unable to move this sled and maxed out during the unloaded test.

The overall power of a back blower is dependent upon a combination of features like nozzle diameter, maximum airspeed, and the volume of force the tool puts out. Each of our blowers has its own secret sauce approach to creating power. The Power Sled rig is an excellent visual representation of these different approaches. The stats we listed above, such as MPH and CFM, are shown in actual use with the sled. Overall, the tools with larger nozzle diameters and faster airspeeds performed best, such as our top two tools Greenworks and Kress. Conversely, blowers with fast airspeeds and narrow nozzles, such as Echo, struggled to perform well in this test.

Noise Output Winner-Husqvarna

Reduced noise pollution is often cited as one of the primary benefits of battery-powered OPE. Commercial users of backpack blowers also benefit from reduced engine noise while maintaining occupied residences or office buildings, and noise pollution-restricted areas. However, are commercial battery-powered options quiet enough?

We measured the decibel output of each battery-powered blower and our gas-powered sample. Measurements were taken at the ear of the operator and a 15′ offset. The two measurements show what the noise impact would be for both the operator and a possible pedestrian walking by. Readings were recorded at the highest captured decibel level according to our meter while the blowers were set for maximum output. We ranked the tools based on the at-ear decibel level due to the long-term potential impact on the operator.

Measured Decibel Output Results

Husqvarna is the quietest tool tested at 74.7 decibels. This is well below the OSHA threshold for required hearing protection. Furthermore, the Husqvarna has an impressive tone that is almost pleasant to the ear compared to a traditional backpack blower. In addition, Husqvarna is the quietest tool at our 15-foot offset distance.

Our top five finishers are under the OSHA 85-decibel threshold for hearing protection requirements. In contrast, the Greenworks Commercial blower was the only backpack blower over this 85-decibel threshold at the operator’s ear.

Weight Winner-Milwaukee

Weight is a big consideration for commercial users, who will likely be using the tool for eight hours or more daily. Battery-powered backpack blowers are faced with a tough compromise between a large enough battery for commercial use, while not weighing as much as a Volkswagen. We weighed all of our tool samples as a bare tool only and fully assembled with batteries inserted, however we ranked them by the assembled weight.

Our first-place finisher is Milwaukee with the lightest assembled weight of 32.08 pounds. This impressed the entire crew, especially considering that Milwaukee uses four large 12.0 Ah batteries.  A close second-place finish is Kress at 32.12 pounds. This is also impressive given the large suitcase-style CyberPack battery. Third place is Greenworks and Echo in Fourth. Husqvarna finishes in our fifth-place slot at 34.52 pounds and Stihl finishes the category in sixth-place at a hefty 36.16 pounds.

Measured Weight Results

Each of our tools increased by at least fifteen pounds when adding the weight of the necessary batteries. However, our bottom two finishers, Husqvarna and Stihl, saw weight increases of over twenty pounds after inserting batteries.  An interesting comparison to this is our gas-powered model. The gas-powered tool was the heaviest bare (empty fuel tank) tool tested but gained about two pounds when fully fueled. It is still almost six pounds lighter than our lightest battery-powered unit.

Features and Ergonomics Winner-Greenworks Commercial and Stihl

For this category, we focused on six major areas with our tools:

• Controls
• Grip Ergonomics
• Harness Comfort
• Ease of Battery Change
• Tube Adjustment and Storage
• Fit and Finish

Each tool was assigned a point value from 1 to 3 for each category, with 1 point being the most desired. The total score for all six categories was then calculated and the tools ranked based on the lowest total points to the highest.

Features and Ergonomics Results

In this category, Greenworks Commercial and Stihl tied for first place. Echo claimed our second-place slot, Kress in third, Milwaukee fourth, and Husqvarna in fifth.

Controls

Grip Ergonomics

Harness Comfort

Ease of Battery Change

Kress features the easiest battery change system of all of our tools. The large suitcase-style pack slides out easily with an easy-to-reach release button. Echo, Greenworks, and Milwaukee are all very comparable in terms of battery change. The individual packs are slid out or inserted in order to power the tools. Echo has a slight advantage over the other two, due to all the packs being vertically oriented and easy to access. Greenworks has a spring-loaded cover obstructing the batteries, while Milwaukee positions the batteries in different positions on the external frame.

Stihl and Husqvarna utilize more complicated battery change systems due to the size of the battery packs. Stihl features a rotating cam-lock to secure the battery pack once lined up. It is a little tricky to line everything up at first, but it secures the battery completely with no movement once engaged. Husqvarna requires two sliding plastic tabs to secure the battery from the side, which are difficult to align properly. A power cable must then be run from the battery to an adapter plug on the side of the tool housing. Additionally, the battery must be manually turned on before the tool can be turned on. Our entire crew agreed that this is annoying, especially when considering that it is impossible to reach this switch with the backpack on.

Tube Adjustment and Storage

Milwaukee and Stihl both utilize a telescoping tube design that collapses for storage. In addition, the control stick position is easy to adjust using a cam-pock system. This collapsing feature is ideal for shrinking the overall profile of the tool for storage.

All of our tools, except for the Echo, feature a clip or strap system to secure the tube to the tool body for storage. Milwaukee and Stihl feature heavy-duty metal hooks to secure the tube in a proper upright position.  Kress and Husqvarna both secure the tubes across the harness which causes the tube to hang off to the side and is awkward. The Kress hook also does not stay attached and comes off easily, which was frustrating for our crew. Greenworks secures the tube pointing upwards but uses a thin plastic molded clip that pops off easily and likely won’t hold up to long-term commercial use. Echo needs to include some form of attachment to secure the blower tube.

Fit and Finish

All of our tools tested are designed with commercial users in mind. Therefore we expected excellent fit and finish on all of the models that are still rugged enough to survive getting beat up on a job site or in a tool trailer. Overall we were impressed with the majority of the tools.

Echo, Greenworks, and Husqvarna all used heavy-duty fasteners and steel hose clamps in the construction of their tube designs. Milwaukee and Stihl utilized plastic connectors and clamps, however, they are thick and strong enough that they held up well during our testing without issue.

Kress uses a thinner grade of plastic on their tube and connectors than all of the tools we tested. This results in a lighter felt tube in the hand, but our crew expressed concern over this holding up over long-term, commercial use. During testing the plastic connecter that held the control stick in place repeatedly became loose and would not lock in place. We had to repeatedly tighten it with tools during testing to secure it.

Price Winner-Echo/GreenWorks Commercial/Milwaukee

In this category, we ranked all of our blowers based on the total kit price. Kit prices are most applicable as many professional users will be investing in a battery product for the first time. Due to the substitutions in battery packs used for testing, we built our kit pricing to mirror the setups listed above. We used the ACME Tools website to price as many of the tools as possible.

Price Data Results

We ranked our tools based on price and included this category in the overall rankings. Unlike other H2H tests, our entire test sample is made up of commercial-grade tools designed for demanding pro use. This levels the playing field.

First place in this category is a three-way tie between Echo, Greenworks, and Milwaukee. All three options are available as a kit for $1,500.00. However, Greenworks and Milwaukee both include dual port chargers in their kitted options while we priced the Echo out with a single rapid charger, as tested. The Echo is available as a kit with a dual port charger and two smaller battery packs currently. The price point of all three of these blowers is very reasonable when considering the power and performance of each as well as the additional tools available on the battery platform.

Second place goes to Husqvarna at $1,830.00. Stihl is in third at $2,410.00 and finally we have Kress in fourth at $2,680.00. Kress’ innovative battery and charger system comes with a hefty price tag. The Kress charger is almost $800.00 on its own. Husqvarna and Stihl are two of the most well-known brands in the OPE industry. While they represent a high cost of initial investment, they are both of extremely high quality with huge dealer support and other available tools and equipment.

Our pricing breakdown may come as a shock to some of you. Battery-powered options represent a significant price increase compared to traditional gas-powered options. For example, our pro-grade Echo PB-770T bower that was used as a comparison in some of our testing has an MSRP of $550.00. That’s roughly a third of the cost of our cheapest commercial battery-powered option. The initial investment of the Greenworks Commercial model ($1,500.00) would roughly cover the cost of two Echo PB-9010 gas-powered backpack blowers, the current world’s strongest backpack blower.

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower Winner-Greenworks Commercial

Greenworks Commercial emerged as the top performer in several key categories, including max airspeed and power output, making it a powerful choice for high-demand tasks. Stihl impressed with exceptional run-time, ideal for prolonged use, while Kress delivered outstanding air volume performance and record-setting recharge times, perfect for those prioritizing quick battery turnaround.

Milwaukee stood out for its lightweight design, striking a balance between portability and performance. Echo and Husqvarna also had strong showings, though they each faced challenges in categories like weight, ease of battery change, as well as some other comfort and ergonomic-related issues.

Overall Rankings Results

Best Value Winner-Greenworks Commercial

Ordinarily, our best value winner is a tool that offers outstanding performance compared to price. However, in this Head-to-Head our overall winner is also one of our most affordable tools! Greenworks tied for first place in our price category. When comparing the amount of performance the Greenworks is capable of, in addition to its features, our entire crew agreed that the Greenworks is the best all-around value of all of our tools tested.

Final Thoughts

Our comprehensive testing of battery-powered backpack blowers serves as a valuable buyer’s guide for professionals in search of the best tools for their needs.

As professionals evaluate their options, it’s essential to consider not just performance metrics but also the availability of local dealer support. Companies such as Echo, Husqvarna, and Stihl excel in this area thanks to well-established dealer networks and support services as well as box store options.

Choosing a brand with strong local representation can significantly enhance the ownership experience, providing easier access to service and replacement parts. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on specific needs—whether that’s raw power, battery life, or ergonomics.

Speaking of service! Follow the Buy Now links below to purchase some of the blowers featured in this article from our friends at ACME Tools.

Best Battery Backpack Blower | Video Review

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower Head-To-Head 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Echo DPB-5800T Battery Backpack Blower Review

eFORCE Battery Backpack Blower

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Echo
Model number: DPB-5800T
Price: $349.99 Bare Tool
Power source: 56V Battery System
Weight: 15.0 Lbs. Bare Tool

The DPB-5800T first debuted at the Echo Power Up and Power On media Summit at their US headquarters in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Members of our crew attended this event and participated in product demos.

Echo provided the Tool Box Buzz crew with a sample of the tool for testing. Additionally, our crew had the opportunity to visit Echo’s manufacturing facility in Lake Zurich, Illinois to see where the DPB-5800T is built. All Echo backpack leafblowers sold worldwide are manufactured in this facility!

Specifications

• Voltage: 56V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Max Airflow Output: 795 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 195 MPH
• Newton Force: 17N (High Mode) / 25N (Turbo Mode)
• Weight: 15.0 Lbs. (Bare Tool)
• Tool Warranty: 5 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial
• Battery Warranty: 2 Year Consumer / 1 Year Commercial

Echo eFORCE Battery Versatility

The eFORCE battery platform is Echo’s 56V powerhouse for cordless outdoor power equipment. We have covered several tools on this platform before in our reviews of the Echo DCS-5000 Chainsaw as well as our recent Best Top Handle Chainsaw Head-to-Head. Their batteries are available in 2.5 Ah, 5.0 Ah, and now 8.0 Ah sizes. The 8.0 Ah battery packs debuted along with the DPB-5800T. These larger packs are ideally suited for high-demand tools like a backpack blower.

The Echo battery backpack blower features three battery ports on the outside of the housing. Any combination of eFORCE batteries will power the tool. Whether it’s a single 2.5 Ah or three big 8.0 Ah batteries!

Controls

Controls on the DPB-5800T are intuitive and very user-friendly. Echo only offers this tool in a tube-mounted throttle configuration chiefly because all the controls are within the thumb’s reach on the control stick. An LED display provides the user with battery information. The number of battery packs inserted as well as the remaining battery life is prominently visible. My favorite feature of this display is that the fuel gauge shows the total available power remaining from all battery packs inserted. The tool draws from all batteries simultaneously and adjusts itself according to the size of the batteries.

The variable speed trigger is large and has an excellent curved shape that is very ergonomic. It is comfortable and easy to use even with thick gloves on.  A throttle lock-out lever keeps the tool at your desired speed. This feature is common on backpack blowers. For high-demand applications, the Turbo mode button is front and center. Pressing this button shifts the tool into its highest possible output mode. Although it must be pressed again each time the tool is shut off. The DPB-5800T will not default to Turbo mode.

Echo Power and Performance

Leaf cleanup still isn’t fun, but the lack of noise is greatly appreciated by my wife and our neighbors!

Echo’s published data on the 56V backpack blower shows a top potential airspeed of 195 MPH and output up to 795 CFM. These specs are comparable to most homeowner backpack blowers and some smaller commercial models. Overall during testing, I found the DPB-5800T to have plenty of power for small to medium cleanup jobs. While in Turbo mode the Echo will easily blast through heavy and wet leaves as well as move large piles. During our last New England Fall cleanup, the 56V Echo was an excellent complement to a larger gas-powered blower. It was wonderful to use a tool so lightweight, quiet, and fume-free compared to my PB-9010T.

Battery Runtime

Due to the large variation in battery pack configurations for the DPB-5800T, it is hard to quantify the run-time for the tool. Echo posted the following specs on their website:

• 3x 8 Ah Batteries: 45 Min. Run-time on Turbo / 80 Min Wide Open Throttle (WOT)
• 2x 8 Ah Batteries: 30 Min Run-time on Turbo / 55 Min WOT
• 3x 5 Ah Batteries: 26 Min Run-time on Turbo / 50 Min WOT
• 2x 5 Ah Batteries: 20 Min Run-time on Turbo / 35 WOT

Overall these numbers matched my experience during use. Where the Echo excels in run-time in my opinion, is in support of other 56V tools for small sporadic cleanups. For example, I work with an arborist who uses multiple Echo 56V products daily. At the completion of the job, or after the chipping is done, we clean the roadway and property. Having the freedom to grab any combination of charged batteries and plug them into the ports of the Echo blower is a huge benefit. Landscapers on the Echo 56V battery platform will benefit similarly. The power of the DPB-5800T is well-suited for cleanups like these.

Currently, Echo offers this tool as a kit option with two 5.0 Ah batteries. This configuration provides 35 minutes of continuous run-time, however sporadic use will be far longer. Two 5.0 Ah batteries allowed for multiple days of sporadic cleanup use during my testing. Echo will be offering the DPB-5800T in different kit configurations in the future. This will include the new larger 8.0 Ah batteries.

Overall Impressions

The first time I saw the DPB-5800T I was blown away by the slim and svelte profile of it. Picking it up and experiencing the lightweight design of it was another  “Wo!” moment. The power and performance this tool provides is outstanding. Combined with the ease of maintenance and elimination of excessive noise and fumes, this tool is a great addition to Echo’s 56V lineup. The shoulder harness is comfortable and the controls are easy to reach. Furthermore, the throttle control position and tube length can be adjusted to an individual user’s preference.

I do not think this is a complete replacement for gas-powered backpack blowers. While the DPB-5800T has impressive performance, it cannot keep up with its large high-output gas-powered cousins for large cleanups and all-day use. It would be a logistical nightmare to maintain that many batteries. However, it excels for small cleanups and is an excellent complement to gas-powered blowers. Furthermore, it fits right in with commercial users already on the 56V eFORCE battery platform. I see the DPB-5800T as a solution for pros who may be hamstrung by gas-powered bans and noise level restrictions. Residential neighborhoods, large office buildings, and even interior work are all possible thanks to the quiet battery performance.

The DPB-5800T is currently available for $349.99 as a bare tool and $699.99 as a kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries. Overall I think this represents a good value, but I would prefer a kit offering with larger battery packs or even three total batteries and an additional charger. This would be a true one-stop solution for a pro user.

Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase an Echo DPB-5800T backpack blower from our friends at ACME Tool!

Echo 56V Battery Backpack Blower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi 40V HP Battery Kinetic Log Splitter Review

Brushless Kinetic Log Splitter

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: RY40740
Price: $999.00
Power source: 40V HP Battery

A battery-powered log splitter is not a tool that was on my radar. However, while browsing the Ryobi website I came across the Model RY40740. At first, I scoffed at the idea of a battery-powered machine being worthwhile. I am somewhat of a purist when it comes to processing firewood. Splitters in my mind need hydraulic systems powered by gas engines with rugged pump valves to be useful. The Ryobi eliminates all of that!

Ryobi Log Splitter Specifications

• Splitting Force: 12 Tons
• Cycle Time: 2 Seconds
• Maximum Log Diameter: 10″
• Maximum Log Length: 20″
• Weight: 177 Lbs.
• Warranty: 5 Year Limited

How Does it Work?

The Ryobi holds the crown of being the first battery-powered kinetic log splitter. Electric log splitters have been commercially available for decades and farmers and mad scientist mechanics have been building them in barns for even longer. However, the 40V HP splitter is the first machine to feature a dedicated battery-powered system. Furthermore, the 40V HP system utilizes Ryobi’s vastly popular 40V lithium-ion batteries as its powerplant.

Yet a robust battery system alone wouldn’t be enough to power a traditional-style log splitter. Traditional splitters rely upon hydraulic fluid to push a ram forward through a cylinder to then split a piece of wood. This is a slower process and requires a great deal of power and a very strong pump to accomplish. If you are interested in learning more about hydraulic splitters, you can read more here. Ryobi took a completely different approach.

The plastic housing was removed for the photo. It is not recommended to run the machine with the housing removed.

The 40V HP splitter features a flywheel system that utilizes kinetic energy to shoot a steel ram forward. The ram travels with such speed and velocity that it will split the piece of wood quickly and look awesome while doing it! As the ram extends, it stretches out coil springs that are attached to the bottom portion. Once the ram fully extends, these springs automatically retract it backward. A typical hydraulic log splitter will have a total cycle time of the ram system that is usually over ten seconds. In contrast, the Ryobi has a two-second cycle time! The kinetic system was the perfect platform that is energy efficient enough to be battery-powered.

The flywheel assembly and ram sit on top of a steel box beam. The ram runs across the top of the beam on roller guides. At the end of the beam is a vertical wedge which is stationary. There are two side rails on the side of the beam that extend down to form handles for transporting the machine. These rails also act as a cradle for the log to sit on.

Kinetic log splitters are not a new concept. They have long been praised for having fast cycle times, being lighter and more portable, and also being durable and reliable. The Ryobi 40V HP builds on that lineage with the added convenience of battery power.

Ryobi RY40740 Splitter Controls

The Ryobi features simple controls that are easy to operate. An oversized power button is located on the top of the machine’s housing. Due to the speed of the machine and the fast cycle time, it is imperative to keep your hands off of the wood that is going to be split. A two-second cycle time does not allow much room for error. To keep all ten fingers attached to your hands, Ryobi included a safety bypass lever in addition to the splitter control lever. The operator must have a hand on each of these control levers to actuate the splitter as an extra level of safety. The operator must also position themselves at the rear of the machine to properly operate the controls. This is a well-thought-out system to enhance user safety.

Occasionally, kinetic log splitters like the Ryobi will stall out. A very dense or knotty piece of wood may cause the ram to bounce off the face of the wood. When this happens, the ram knocks itself out of sync to preserve the drive assembly. To reset it, two reset buttons must be pushed simultaneously on the top of the machine. This gets everything lined up and ready to work again.

Splitting Capability

Ryobi rates the 40V HP splitter for wood with a maximum width of 10″ and a maximum length of 20″. The 10″ diameter rating is ideally suited for smaller trees and logs to make fireplace or firepit-sized pieces. I found the Ryobi splitter to excel when working with pieces this size. However, I also wanted to push the splitter to its limits. I often receive deliveries of “tree service” wood from arborist friends of mine. These loads often contain oversized pieces from takedown work. During the Ryobi testing period, I was working on a large 28″ diameter ash log. I would not expect the Ryobi to split a piece this large, but I quartered the round into more manageable-sized pieces.

The Ryobi is fully capable of splitting pieces larger than 10″. However, it often needs more than one hit from the ram. Think of it like a boxer setting up a punch combo. The first hit cracks and stuns the opponent and the follow-up hits finish it off. I used the Ryobi in a variety of wood species including maple, oak, and hickory. The machine maintained its fast cycle times and power regardless of the species. I would strongly recommend “reading” your pieces of wood while splitting. Examine the grain structure and look for knots. By rotating the piece or working around the knots, the splitter is less likely to stall and the operator will be able to split more efficiently with fewer interruptions.

Ryobi Battery-Powered Log Splitter Run-time

The Ryobi splitter is available as a kit with a single 4.0 Ah battery and charger. During testing I used the 4.0 Ah battery as well as a new 6.0 Ah battery that Ryobi sent. With a fully charged 6.0 Ah battery, I was able to complete a total of 46 minutes of continuous splitting. I staged a large pile of rounds for this and constantly fed the machine with minimal downtime. I was completely blown away by the performance of the machine on a single battery charge! What is even more impressive is the amount of wood I was able to split during that time frame. With a two-second cycle time, I had to hustle to keep the Ryobi fed. Overall I filled the bed of my Polaris Ranger to the point that it was overflowing during this test.

The 4.0 Ah battery was able to split an overflowing 10-yard wheelbarrow load of wood on a single charge. Based upon this, the 4.0 Ah battery would be more than enough power to keep a fire pit fed for a weekend or periodically split in the evening to prepare for the fall/winter burning seasons. I used a Ryobi 40V Dual Port Rapid Charger with both batteries. This charger allowed one battery to completely recharge in the time it took me to deplete the other. This combo of batteries with a rapid charger would allow for a full day of splitting with minimal downtime.

Mobility and Portability

The compact design of the Ryobi makes it easy to transport. The front legs act as handles and there are solid plastic wheels on the rear of the machine. This allows the splitter to be moved like a wheelbarrow. The machine can also be stood up for storage. The 40V HP Splitter weighs a total of 177 Lbs. Two people can easily load the splitter into a pickup truck bed for transport. There is no towing option for the splitter currently.

Unfortunately, the high center of gravity on the splitter makes it prone to tipping over while moving. The small plastic wheels are unstable in off road conditions and the splitter fell over more than once while I was transporting it to my different splitting areas.

Another downfall of such a compact design is the work height. The beam of the splitter is less than a foot off the ground, which is convenient for lifting heavy pieces of wood, but forces the operator to crouch down or work on one knee. Using the machine for extended periods of time may result in back and leg fatigue. To alleviate this, I would suggest positioning the splitter on a raised platform or possibly a cart. I plan to mill a large log in half to act as a pedestal for the splitter to sit on and my back is already thanking me.

Overall Impressions

A battery-powered log splitter is not a tool that I saw coming, but I am very glad that it is here. The Ryobi 40V HP kinetic log splitter is an outstanding option for homeowners and hobbyists who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use machine without the hassle of gas-powered engine maintenance and bulky hydraulic systems. More importantly, it is fun to use! As the ram shoots forward to split a piece of wood it makes an incredible POW! and then immediately retracts, just as fast as it started. Like a professional boxer or mixed martial artist throwing jabs and punches.

The compact size makes it easy to store and move around and did I mention less maintenance? The only maintenance I would suggest is keeping the box beam clear of built-up debris and also spraying lubricant on the ram rollers. Less resistance on these parts will enhance the lifespan.

The Ryobi is well-suited for homeowners who need to split smaller quantities of firewood for fire pits, fireplaces, small wood stoves, or for cooking. It makes a great travel companion too for remote campsites or cabins to help process campfire wood. Additionally, I would strongly suggest the Ryobi 40V HP splitter to anyone who receives wood deliveries for heating that need to be re-split. Firewood pieces produced by commercial splitters are often too large for small fireplaces or stoves. Homeowners will often need to re-split these pieces down to size with a maul or other tools. The Ryobi can be operated inside a garage or basement to do these re-splits with no hazardous fumes or excessive engine noise.

Price and Availability

The Ryobi battery-powered log splitter is currently available exclusively from the Home Depot. The kit option includes the splitter with charger and one 4.0 Ah battery for $999.00. A bare tool option will be available soon for $899.00. Overall I think is a good value on a very versatile machine. The Ryobi is faster and more rugged than any other commercially available electric homeowner machine I have seen. The kinetic system offers power and performance above almost anything else on the market. Combine this with the 40V HP battery system and it is a great option for a variety of users. I recommend this option to anyone who doesn’t want to deal with a gas splitter. It is also faster and more potentially productive than any hydraulic splitter in the same price range.

The Buy Now link below is available to order the Ryobi RY40740 directly from Home Depot!

#HomeDepotPartner

#MyHomeDepot

Ryobi 40V HP Battery Log Splitter Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Hud-Son Forest Equipment Log Splitters Preview

This article is a preview of some of the professional-grade log splitters offered by Hud-Son Forest Equipment. Hud-Son is a family-owned business based out of Barneveld, New York, and has been manufacturing equipment for the forestry industry since 1946. The company was started by Daniel J. Hudon, who was a logger in the foothills of the Adirondack mountains.

Today, Hud-Son manufactures a large variety of sawmills, firewood processors, log splitters, and other equipment to serve demanding pros and homeowners alike. Their products are rugged and proudly manufactured here in the United States. I had the opportunity to learn more about Hud-Son from my friend Marc Deslauries of Halcyon Hill Wood Products located in Oxford, Connecticut. Furthermore, Marc is a dealer for Hud-Son and had equipment available at his property to demo.

Hud-Son Log Splitters

While Hud-Son is best known for sawmills, I was excited to learn more about the capabilities of some of their professional-grade log splitters. Firewood for home heating is a large industry in the Northeastern United States as well as other parts of the country. Like many homeowners, I process firewood to reduce my heating costs. However, I only have experience with traditional box-beam construction splitters. Box-beam machines are the types of splitters commonly found at home centers and outdoor power equipment shops.

Luckily, we were able to demo two of Hud-Son’s top-of-the-line professional grade log splitters. The Model HDH-5 and Model HDH-6. The HDH in both names stands for “Heavy Duty Hud-Son”.

Hud-Son HDH-5

Specifications

• Hydraulic Pump Size: 22 GPM
• Cycle Time: 8 Seconds
• Max Log Diameter: 20″
• Fuel Tank Size: 15 Gallon
• Wedge: 2 & 4 Way Manual Adjustable (6 Way Available)
• Cylinder Size: 24″ x 4″
• Engine: 14 HP Electric Start Briggs & Stratton
• Log Lift: Hydraulic (Standard Feature)

The HDH-5 features a welded square tubing frame and a V-Trough style splitting area. The body of the trough is built from 1/4″ bent sheet steel. The trough centers the log naturally as it moves forward with the push-block. In addition to this, the HDH-5 features a manually adjustable log lift with options for 4 and 6-way wedges. A hydraulic log lift is a standard feature of this model. The HDH-5 is the core of the Badger Firewood Processor design.

The Badger is one of Hud-Son’s best-selling firewood processors. The splitter portion of the machine is a Hud-Son HDH-5 splitter.

Hud-Son HDH-6

Specifications

• Hydraulic Pump Size: 22 GPM
• Cycle Time: 12 Seconds
• Capacity: Open Design for Large Blocks
• Fuel Tank Size: 15 Gallon
• Wedge: 2 & 4 Way Hydraulic Adjustable (6 Way Available)
• Cylinder Size: 24″ x 5″
• Engine: 23 HP Electric Start Briggs & Stratton
• Log Lift: Hydraulic (Standard Feature)

The HDH-6 is Hud-Son’s largest machine and is outfitted with a 5″ hydraulic cylinder for increased tonnage output. Additionally, the open station design allows for a much larger round of wood to be split. A larger feed table is included for sorting pieces and re-splits. Unlike its little brother, the HDH-6 is built from 3/8″ thick sheet steel. This machine is large and in charge!

The HDH-6 features a fully hydraulic adjustable 6-way wedge. This allows the wedge to be centered on the firewood round for more uniform splits. The 6-way wedge pictured here allows one round of wood to be cut into six pieces in one pass. Also, get a load of the size of that red push-block!

Hud-Son Quality

Hud-Son by and large is a proud American manufacturing company. With that pride in manufacturing comes quality components. The hydraulic system components, frame and body construction, and all other aspects are selected with durability and user serviceability in mind. Conversely, consumer-built log splitters will not stand up to heavy use as well as machines like the HDH-5 and HDH-6. On the contrary, an overbuilt machine like the Hud-Sons mentioned here will withstand daily use and high production work. Moreover, they can be rebuilt and serviced over time to provide generations of service.

Hud-Son Log Splitters Overall Impression

Ultimately this product preview is an overview of two of the professional-grade wood splitter options from Hud-Son Forest Equipment. In the future, Tool Box Buzz will perform an in-depth review of these machines. As well as feature some of the other forestry products that Hud-Son is known for. Overall I was thoroughly impressed with both machines. The HDH-5 represents a feature-rich machine for demanding homeowners or small firewood producers. Whereas the HDH-6 is best suited for full-time commercial production of firewood.

I discussed the quality of both machines throughout the article. With that in mind, quality, capability, and durability do come at a price. An HDH-5 splitter as of March 2024 retails for approximately $11,295.00. While an HDH-6 retails for $19,995.00. Ultimately this is a large sum of money, but is comparable with similarly capable machines from other manufacturers. However, Hud-Son offers other machines for lower price points. If you are interested in a Hud-Son based on the quality discussed here, the Model HDH-4 and Model HW3:16 offer the same quality in smaller and more affordable designs. In contrast, the HW3:16 is a box-beam design that is more comparable to most residential or homeowner machines.

All things considered, Hud-Son offers outstanding options for wood splitters and other forestry products. As a result, if you are interested in purchasing a Hud-Son product visit the Find a Dealer section on their website. Furthermore, if you are in Connecticut or Northeastern United States my friend Marc would be happy to help you find the right Hud-Son for you.

Hud-Son Log Splitters Preview is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Stihl MS 400 C-M Professional Chainsaw Review

MS 400 C-M Chainsaw

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Stihl
Model number: MS 400 C-M
Price: $1,079.99
Power source: Gas Engine
Motor size: 66.8 CC
Weight: 13.44 Lbs. Powerhead

The ToolBoxBuzz Crew has recently focused on primarily battery-powered OPE due to the market push towards those products. However, gas-powered tools still have their place. The chainsaw world is a perfect example of there is no replacement for displacement. I am glad to see Stihl continuing to innovate in the gas-powered world.

Featured and Specifications

• Powerhead Weight: 12.8 Lbs.
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″
• Chain Gauge:  0.050″
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 16″-25″
• Engine Size: 66.8 CC
• Fuel Capacity: 20.3 Oz.
• Bar Oil Capacity: 11 Oz.
• Oiler: Adjustable

Stihl MS 400 C-M Chainsaw Weigth and Balance

Stihl recommends a 20″ bar with this saw, but it can accept anywhere from 16″ up to 25″. I received the saw from Stihl with a 25″ factory ES Light bar. This combination felt balanced and excellent for working from an upright standing position. A longer bar can save your back when cutting wood that is at roughly ground level. During testing, I used a variety of bars and chains, including a 20″ GB Pro titanium bar.

I recorded the weights of the saw as a bare powerhead and with the 25″ and 20″ bars. Due to the variety of configurations available as well as the large degree of user preferences, it is impossible to pick a true do-all configuration. Hopefully, this information helps qualify the manufacturer’s specifications.

Overall the bare powerhead weight of the MS 400 is astounding. It is a very agile and balanced tool in the hand. The magnesium piston creates a mid-sized professional-grade saw that balances better than any other I have used. Additionally, the extra almost 8 CCs of engine displacement makes it more capable with a variety of longer bars than other saws in this class.

Stihl Professional Grade

What separates professional-grade chainsaws from homeowner models? A professional saw is designed with demanding daily use in mind. Furthermore, its internal components can be rebuilt instead of replacing entire units. A Stihl pro-grade saw is rugged enough to be used daily and typically requires very little maintenance. The M-Tronic electronic self-adjusting carburetor compensates for every variable from altitude to chain speed. When an issue does arise, the saw can be plugged into a diagnostic program by a dealer to figure out the problem.

Don’t let all this “pro-grade” talk discourage you if you aren’t a full-time tree care pro. Buying a professional-grade chainsaw as a homeowner or hobbyist is a smart investment. They outlast most consumer saws and offer better performance.

MS 400 C-M Run-time

A chainsaw typically requires several tanks worth of fuel to get broken in. Users will often see a slight increase in cutting power and performance once the saw has a chance to run when brand new from the factory. With electronic carburetor saws like the MS 400 C-M the break-in period allows the saw to compile data for better adjustments and performance.

The 20″ GB Pro Titanium Bar with a factory Stihl chisel chain was used for this test.

After running through about ten tanks of fuel in my sample, I outfitted the MS 400 with a factory sharp chain and fresh fuel. I was able to perform a total of approximately thirty-seven cross cuts, plus some additional trim cuts, through a green sugar maple tree that I had dropped recently. The diameters ranged from 8″ up to 25″. This was performed at one time with minimal breaks or downtime between cuts. Overall I was extremely happy with the amount of production capable on a single tank of fuel.

The capability of the MS 400 is extremely beneficial to professional users. It offers less downtime and better production with a saw that is lighter to carry and consumes less fuel.

Stihl Cutting Performance

As mentioned previously, the MS 400 C-M is lightweight and powerful. The lighter magnesium piston allows the engine to spin up to full chain speed extremely fast. Additionally, the controls on the saw are fast and responsive. I left the adjustable oiler in the full open position during testing and this provided more than adequate lubrication regardless of what length bar I was using. The saw consumes roughly 80% of the bar oil reservoir per tank of fuel.

Noodle cuts were performed to break down these large rounds of white ash wood.

My test cutting was performed on hardwood species native to the Northeastern United States. This included ash, oak, maple, and some other hardwood trees. One of the performance tests I ran was making “noodle” cuts. This is when a saw is used to make a parallel to the grain cut on a large round of wood that is often close in length to the bar on the saw. It is a very demanding cut due to the cutting teeth on the chain having to pull through a full 16″+ of parallel-grained material.

While the MS 400 C-M was capable of doing this with the 25″ bar, it struggled at times. The 20″ bar was the optimal length and there was less resistance when cutting, it also threw beautiful, long, “noodle” chips with ease. While many West Coast users prefer the longer 25″ or even 28″ bars on a saw this size, the 20″ was ideal for my application relative to our native tree species.

Room For Improvement

I am a huge fan of the power and performance that the Stihl MS 400 C-M chainsaw provides. However, during testing, I encountered an issue with the factory OEM felling spikes, or “Dogs” as they are referred to. While processing a large-diameter tree, I made multiple cross-cuts with the 25″ bar and chain where the saw was buried to the nose. A cut like this is where pronounced and aggressive dogs are an important feature. Because the factory OEM dogs are short, the front of the muffler repeatedly came into contact with the wood. I didn’t realize it at first, which caused the muffler to burn the wood and also get debris baked onto the muffler.

Stihl offers longer factory spikes as well as a dual set, but they must be purchased and installed by the user or at a service center. These longer spikes would be a welcomed feature on this saw as a factory option.

Finally, the front handlebar of the MS 400 C-M is made out of plastic. It is nice reinforced plastic, but it is still plastic. I firmly believe that Stihl has tested the compound and found it to be as strong or possibly stronger than metal. However, it just doesn’t feel right and can be flexed when leaned into during cutting. A professional-grade Stihl chainsaw doesn’t feel proper without a metal handlebar.

Overall Impression

The Stihl MS 400 C-M is an impressive professional-grade chainsaw. Overall it packs outstanding power and technology into a lighter-weight and easy-to-use package. I was thoroughly impressed with it during the review process as were all of the tree-care pros that used it with me. It’s not too big, not too small, just right. The Goldilocks of chainsaws if you will. I can’t imagine many lumberjacks wanting to refer to their chainsaw as Goldilocks, but it’s an accurate analogy!

The MS 400 C-M is an excellent option for pro users who want a tool to perform most tasks while reducing operator fatigue and potential injuries. This saw would be right at home in a bucket or attached to a climbing rig. Additionally, it would make a great one-saw solution for serious firewood cutters or landowners. The MS 400 has been overshadowed by its brother the MS 500i and because of that it is often overlooked by pro users.

If you are in the market for a lightweight and dependable chainsaw that will pull a 20-25″ bar all day and ask for seconds, then consider the Stihl MS 400 C-M. As with all Stihl saws, they are only available from your local Stihl dealer. As of February 2024, the MS 400 is available for $1,079.99 with 25″ bar and chain. The price will differ depending on your desired bar and chain length. While more expensive than any saw at a big box store, this is a true professional-grade option that is designed with longevity and an enhanced user experience in mind.

Stihl MS 400 C-M Chainsaw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee New M18 FUEL Tools 2024 Released at World of Concrete

The ToolBoxBuzz Crew has been given early access to the new releases from Milwaukee for the World of Concrete 2024 expo. This article will feature the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL tools debuting this week in Las Vegas. Milwaukee continues to expand the M18 FUEL line with four new tools that cater to professional contractors and skilled tradesmen.

M18 FUEL Duplex Nailer and Nails

The new M18 FUEL Duplex Nailer is tailor-made for demanding professional users in the concrete trades. The M18 Duplex Nailer is as much as seven times more efficient than a traditional hammer and nails. More importantly, it reduces the potential for fatigue or injury to the user. The Duplex Nailer will drive up to four nails per second. Additionally, it has a tool-free jam clearance mechanism and depth adjustment.

The M18 FUEL Duplex Nailer is supported by Milwaukee’s new line of duplex nails. These nails are available in two sizes; 8D, 2 1/4″ driveable length, and 16D, 3″ driveable length. The individual nail strips feature increased spacing between nail heads for easier prying. Both of these products will be available in Q3 2024.

M18 FUEL 6 1/2″ Circular Saw

Milwaukee has updated its circular saw lineup with the new M18 FUEL 6 1/2″ model. The newest version of this saw features a “new to world” depth detent system and positive bevel detents. These two upgrades are a great improvement over the previous generation of the saw which was featured in our Best Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw Head-to-Head.

Additionally, the new saw features 20% more power and 40% faster cut speeds, thanks to Milwaukee’s POWERSTATE brushless motor. When paired with a M18 High Output 6.0 Ah battery the saw is capable of up to 300 cuts per charge. An electric brake, LED work light, rafter hook, belt hook, and magnesium shoe plate are all standard features. The new 6 1/2″ circular saw will be available Q2 of 2024.

M18 FUEL Overhead Rotary Hammer With Integrated Dust Extraction

This tool is the first of its kind and provides enhanced ergonomics and dust collection for overhead drilling applications. Overhead work is often extremely fatiguing and difficult to do. Milwaukee’s new rotary hammer simplifies this task with new features and trusted technologies. A side handle provides better control and posture while working. By integrating the dust collection, Milwaukee reduced the overall weight of the tool and eliminated the need for additional accessories. The AUTOSTOP technology has been proven across the full line of Milwaukee drills. The Overhead Rotary Hammer also utilizes this technology to prevent bind-up and over-rotation. This new hammer is a purpose-built solution for small ceiling anchors and holes up to 5/8″ in diameter. Available May 2024.

M18 FUEL PACKOUT 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor

Our final addition to the M18 line for World of Concrete combines some of the best technologies Milwaukee offers. A handy cordless, rolling, dust extractor that uses two M18 FUEL batteries and is PACKOUT compatible? Sign me up. The new 9-gallon extractor is compatible with the Milwaukee VACLINK for remote activation of the vacuum when paired with a compatible tool. Furthermore, the vacuum features a low airflow alarm system to alert the user when the vacuum is no longer achieving effective dust extraction. The described features and technology, combined with a mobile 9-gallon vacuum will provide an excellent solution for contractors on the move who don’t want to be attached to a traditional cord. Available Q4 2024.

World of Concrete 2024

This is a brief overview of Milwaukee’s newest M18 FUEL tools that will be unveiled at World of Concrete 2024. ToolBoxBuzz will be covering these tools in more depth and detail once they are available. Make sure to follow our website and YouTube channel for more updates. Also, check out our coverage of Milwaukee’s other new tool announcements for the expo.

Below is a link to our friends at ACME Tools where you can order any of the new tools announced at World of Concrete 2024.

Milwaukee New M18 FUEL Tools 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kress Model KC300.9 60V Battery Chainsaw

This tool review will feature the impressive new Kress 60V battery chainsaw. The Model KC300.9 combines professional-grade features and durable construction to produce a genuinely commercial-level tool. The Kress chainsaw includes a 16″ bar with 0.325″ Low Profile pitch and 0.043″ gauge chain. This smaller chain produces fast cuts with minimal chatter. However, the most impressive feature is the power plant that brings this beast to life. The Kress 60V CyberSystem battery platform provides the most incredible recharge times ever seen in cordless OPE.

Who is Kress?

Kress is a German company that originated in 1928 making electronics for the automotive industry and later electric motors. In the early 1960s, Kress launched their first lines of professional portable power tools. Fast forward to 2017 and Kress went all-in on developing cordless OPE for professional landscapers and demanding homeowners.

In 2023 Kress completed developing and released their new CyberSystem battery technology. This technology boasts the “world’s fastest-charging times”. While not as common in the United States, Kress is a top brand amongst landscaping professionals in Europe.

60V Battery Chainsaw Specifications

Specifications

• Bar Length: 16″
• OEM Bar: Oregon Solid Tip
• Oil Reservoir: 6.4 Ozs.
• Oiler Type: Automatic
• Chain Pitch: 0.325″ Low Profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.043″
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Size: 4 AH/240 WH
• Battery Weight: 6.80 Lbs.
• Powerhead Weight: 7.82 Lbs.
• Assembled Weight: 16.56 Lbs.
• Noise Output: 94.5 dBs.
• Chain Speed: 78.7 Ft/S
• Construction: IPX4 Dust and Water Resistant
• Warranty: 3 Year Tool / 2 Year Batteries and Chargers

Kress KC300.9 Cutting Performance

Battery chainsaws are almost universally accepted at this point in time. They are easy to maintain, great for occasional or casual users, and also eliminate the use of gas. But what good are they if they can’t cut? The Kress 60V battery chainsaw has excellent cutting performance. The brushless motor is fast to rev up to full power, but also sounds smoother than most saws I have used. There is a noticeable difference in the tone the motor makes. It sounds smooth and refined. Almost like it isn’t working hard at all.

During the testing process, I used the Kress saw on a variety of hardwood trees with different diameters. The largest piece of wood I cut was an approximately 24″ diameter ash log that required a cut from each side to completely sever. The Kress handled this task without any issues. Ash is a tough wood to make cross cuts on but has a very linear grain structure, which makes it easy to split. While making length of bar cuts, the Kress was smooth and comfortable with very little felt vibration. The saw is also difficult to bog down.

In our recent Best Top-Handle Chainsaw H2H, we discussed proper cutting techniques with a battery chainsaw. Allowing the saw to cut at its own pace and not lean into it too much. I was able to bog the saw down when aggressively leaning on it, but otherwise, it cut smoothly and consistently through all species of wood. The smaller pitch and gauge of the OEM chain are big factors in this. Many users scoff at a small (low) profile chain, but my experience has shown that low-profile chains really shine with battery saws. The automatic oiler on the Kress 60V battery chainsaw also provides a generous amount of oil while cutting. I did not experience any issues with the bar overheating due to insufficient oil.

Battery Run-time

I mentioned the 60V CyberSystem power plant that Kress has created in the article. CyberSystem gives you an absolute, genuine, no BS, twelve-minute charge time. Yes, that is correct. A completely drained 4.0 Ah 60V battery will fully charge in twelve minutes regardless of condition. This is thanks to the Kress 30Amp AC Dual Port Charger.

The charger is a total battery management station that optimizes the battery’s performance and extends its lifespan. The charger also features air-cooling fans to lower the temperature of the batteries during charging. I ran through a battery making full-length crosscuts and it was very warm to the touch when I took it out of the saw. I slapped it in the charger and had a fully charged battery in less time than it took to field sharpen the chain. Unfortunately, all this technology makes the charger about the size of a hotel room refrigerator.

The batteries themselves are large too. A 4.0 Ah battery weighs in close to seven pounds and is about as ergonomic as a Belgian Block Paver. As a result of this, the saw must have a large body to accommodate the bulky battery. The Kress chainsaw body feels longer and wider than most other “commercial” or professional-grade battery chainsaws. That extra saw body is a fair trade-off though for the battery performance and recharge speeds. We will discuss the Kress 60V CyberSystem further in a later article.

I performed a run-time test on some fresh sugar maple tree-service wood that I received. The piece I selected was approximately 14″ in diameter and would be challenging, but not impossible, for the Kress. The chain was field sharpened before testing and the battery was fully charged. The saw was able to complete a total of sixteen full cross-cuts as well as achieve a partial cut depth of about 8″ on the seventeenth. This is an outstanding runtime for a battery saw. The maple was cut down the day before and had a very high moisture content. I paused for thirty seconds after every third cut to ensure the saw would not overheat or overload the system.

I would not recommend using this saw daily for cutting logs this size. There was a slowdown in performance once the saw was in the bottom 25% of the battery. However, this test showed that the Kress is an extremely capable saw and would provide even greater run-time in smaller-diameter logs and trees.

Room For Improvement

While the Kress battery and charger system is truly impressive, this article is intended to focus on the merits of the chainsaw itself. During my test cutting, I encountered a couple of issues with the saw that are worth mentioning. The first of which is the automatic oiler system. The oiler on the Kress keeps the bar generously oiled during use but seems to continuously seep out when not in use. When storing the saw, oil pooled up underneath it. Typically this issue can be overcome by opening the bar oil fill cap to release the pressure in the system. The Kress saw continued leaking even after releasing the pressure. To the extent that I now completely drain the saw of bar oil before storing it.

Bar oil can be seen seeping out of the oiler port with the bar removed.The second issue is related to the chain cover of the saw. Kress touts on their website that their cover is constructed from solid magnesium. A metal chain (clutch) cover is an outstanding feature and the fins on the inside of the cover do a great job of throwing chips. However, the saw’s bar nuts are not captive on the chain cover. Given that this is a commercial-grade tool, captive bar nuts are a must if not the standard. There is no worse fate than losing a bar nut during the middle of a project or cleanup job without a replacement easily available.

Overall Impressions

The Kress family of tools is an impressive lineup and is a true complete replacement for gas-powered OPE. In their almost one-hundred-year history, they have never made an internal combustion engine. Their battery platform and charger system are designed for demanding commercial landscapers and eliminate downtime. However, that technology comes at a cost.

The Kress KC300.9 60V chainsaw retails for $349.99 as a bare tool. This is a competitive market price for a true commercial-grade tool. The 4.0 Ah 60V battery used during testing has an MSRP of $549.99 and the 30 Amp charger has an MSRP of $779.99. Based upon this, the Kress chainsaw would make an excellent addition to any contractor’s arsenal who is already invested or planning on investing in the Kress 60V platform. As a stand-alone tool, the overall cost of the initial investment would be far too great for most users. Where it would excel though is with heavy industrial crews that may be doing emergency storm cleanups and benefit the most from such fast recharge times. Or landscaping contractors that would primarily use the batteries and chargers for their string trimmers and blowers and occasionally use the chainsaw as well.

Overall the Kress 60V battery chainsaw is an impressive tool. It is a smooth, fast, and consistent cutter with minimal felt vibration. The Buy-Now link below brings you to the Kress website to order directly or access their large network of dealers.

Kress Commercial 60V 16″ Battery Chainsaw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Battery-Powered Top Handle Chainsaw Testing

This Head-2-Head will take a look at the best battery top-handle chainsaw for 2023.  Battery technology has evolved to become arguably the king of outdoor power equipment. But does it measure up to what dedicated Pros need? In 2020 the ToolBoxBuzz crew hosted our first Best Cordless Chainsaw Head-2-Head where we evaluated twelve traditional rear handle saws. During that testing it was clear that a battery saw was an excellent option for a homeowner or DIYer, but not for full-time use in the forestry and tree care industry.

Fast forward to 2023 and the battery tool industry has continued to evolve. Additionally, the pro arborist and landscaping trades have seen an increased demand for pro-grade battery offerings. Many communities and even some states, like California, are moving to ban gas-powered OPE altogether. Bearing all this in mind, the TBB Crew set out to find out who makes the best battery top-handle chainsaw.

Top-handle chainsaws are often commonly referred to as climbing saws or bucket saws. They are designed for in-tree use by trained climbers or when working from a bucket truck in the air. These environments require the user to make cuts at adverse angles or from overhead or unsupported positions. They are often hung from the belt harnesses worn by arborists when climbing trees for takedown work. These unique demands require a saw to be compact and robust and move the handle location to the top of the saw to scale down the overall length.

Pro User Feedback

Scott Angelovic of Angelovic Tree Service, LLC.

Pro-user feedback is something we pride ourselves on at ToolBoxBuzz. In order to ensure that our testing protocols catered to tree care pros, we enlisted some local help. Our tests were conducted in Oxford, Connecticut by crew member Wes Bartosik. Additionally, Wes reached out to his friend Scott Angelovic of Angelovic Tree Sevice LLC. Scott is a long-time friend of Wes and a local business owner. Scott provided invaluable feedback on how each of our saws stacked up for pro use.

Jake Pollak better known as @DudeRanchDIY

ToolBoxBuzz was also fortunate enough to work with Jake Pollak of @DudeRanchDIY  for the first time on this project. Jake is an arborist by trade but also sells firewood and operates his own Youtube channel showcasing his firewood operation and equipment as well as arborist and chainsaw-related content. Jake is another Connecticut native and was able to provide us with some excellent feedback on the saws. Check out Jake’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts where he cross-posted a lot of the content we worked on together.

Testing Criteria

In order to keep the sample pool as consistent as possible, we developed a set of selection criteria. First and foremost, the saw must be a purpose-built arborist saw designed for professional tree work. There are several saws on the market that happen to have a handle on top but are not tailored to professionals in any other way. Next, we limited the bar length to between 12″and 14″. Some models that were sent by manufacturers had their OEM bars swapped out to the proper length for testing. While we could not narrow down the pitch or gauge any further amongst samples, the bar lengths were kept consistent. Finally, we limited the battery pack Ah size to the kitted offerings from each manufacturer. Some of our manufacturers offer their saws as an a la carte system with multiple chargers and battery offerings (such as Husqvarna and Stihl). For these manufacturers, we selected the recommended battery offering for the tool.

The above-mentioned criteria provided us with a sample size of eight saws from six manufacturers. Makita and Stihl both had two models included in the testing. Makita with their legacy 36V 18V LXT X2 saw as well as the new 40V Max XGT and Stihl with their legacy pruning saw as well as their newest offering.

Saw Lineup

Echo

• Model: DCS-2500T
• Bare Tool Weight: 3.84 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: 56V eFORCE
• Battery Tested: 2.5 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 12″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″ Low Profile
• Chain Gauge:  0.050″
• Tool Warranty: 5 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial
• Battery Warranty: 2 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial

Greenworks Commercial

• Model: 48TH12
• Bare Tool Weight: 6.10 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: 48V DualVolt
• Battery Tested: 4.0 Ah
• Automatic Oiler
• Bar Length: 12″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″
• Chain Gauge: 0.050″
• Tool Warranty: 2 Year Limited
• Battery Warranty: 2 Year Limited

Husqvarna

• Model: T540i XP
• Bare Tool Weight: 5.66 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: 40V
• Battery Tested: Bi200X 5.2 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 12″, 14″,16″
• Chain Pitch: 0.325″ Mini
• Chain Gauge: 0.043″
• Tool Warranty: 3 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial
• Battery Warranty: 3 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial

Makita 36V LXT

• Model: XCU08
• Bare Tool Weight: 6.28 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: (2x) 18V LXT
• Battery Tested: (2X) 5.0 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 14″, 16″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″ Low Profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.043″
• Tool Warranty: 3 Year Limited
• Battery Warranty: 3 Year Limited

Makita 40V XGT

• Model: GCU03Z
• Bare Tool Weight: 5.74 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: 40V Max XGT
• Battery Tested: 4.0 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 12″, 14″, 16″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″ Low Profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.043″
• Tool Warranty: 3 Year Limited
• Battery Warranty: 3 Year Limited

Milwaukee M18 FUEL

• Model: 2826-22T
• Bare Tool Weight: 7.30 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: M18 FUEL
• Battery Tested: 8.0 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 12″, 14″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″ Low Profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.043″
• Tool Warranty: 5 Year Limited
• Battery Warranty: 3 Year Limited

Stihl MSA 161T

• Model: MSA 161T
• Bare Tool Weight: 4.86 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: 36V AP Series
• Battery Tested: AP 300S 7.2 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 12″
• Chain Pitch: 1/4″ PICCO Micro 3
• Chain Gauge: 0.043″
• Tool Warranty: 3 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial
• Battery Warranty: 3 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial

Stihl MSA 220TC-O

• Model: MSA 220TC-O
• Bare Tool Weight: 6.10 Lbs.
• Battery Platform: 36V AP Series
• Battery Tested: AP 500S 9.4 Ah
• Manual Adjustable Oiler
• Bar Length: 14″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″ PICCO
• Chain Gauge: 0.050″
• Tool Warranty: 2 Year Commercial Only
• Battery Warranty: 3 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial

Testing Criteria

Our saws were evaluated and ranked based on the following categories;

• Ability to Stall Out
• Small Diameter Speed Cut Testing
• Large Diameter Speed Cut Testing
• Weight
• Decibel Output
• Price
• Features
• Ergonomics

Based upon this information we named a best overall winner as well as a best value winner.

Safety Considerations

Chainsaws are an inherently dangerous tool by design. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 28,859 chainsaw-related accidents in 2020. The majority of those accidents (11,630) were to users’ legs. Bearing this in mind proper safety gear was mandatory for our testing crew. Each test cutter was required to wear safety toe boots, leg protection, as well as eye protection.

The ToolBoxBuzz crew strongly recommends any user interested in purchasing or working with a chainsaw invest in some quality protective gear. It is a simple initial investment that can save your life.

Ability to Stall Out

Before beginning our performance testing, we wanted to measure the ability of the user to stall out the saw during a cut. Traditionally a pro-grade gas saw can be “leaned into” when cutting to push through tough material, pinching forces of the wood,  or overcome a slightly dull chain. Battery-powered saws are far more temperamental and less forgiving of the user levering them during use. Many manufacturers include overload protections in their battery tools to shut the saw down if the motor or the battery is being overworked. While this is a great idea in theory to protect the tool, it can be problematic for pros in the field.

An arborist may be suspended in the air making an intricate hinge cut on a limb. At that moment, the user needs the saw to be able to power through and not bog down or stall out completely and need to be reset. Based upon this we set up a testing rig using a section of maple log. The test cutter was then instructed to make a crosscut while burying the saw to the nose and leaning into the cut. The test cutter was also instructed to apply the same amount of force each time in order to cause the saws to stall out.

The Two best performers in this test were the Milwaukee and the Stihl MSA220TC. Our test cutter described both as “Beastly” and was unable to stall them out in the test log. Both saws provided outstanding consistent power throughout the cut. In second place was the Greenworks saw, which slowed during the test but continued cutting while being pushed through the cut. All three of these saws demonstrated an excellent low-end torque band that is ideal for demanding cutting tasks.

The Husqvarna and smaller Stihl MSA161T were our next best performers, stalling out only once the bar was at a depth consistent with the full width of the bar. Both Makita saws stalled out once the saw bar reached approximately half the width of the bar into the cut. Once this occurred, both saws had to be lifted up and then re-engaged to begin cutting again. The Makita XGT then stalled a second time before completing the cut. It seemed to our test crew that the Makitas were stalling in order to preserve the electronics, but this additional stop/start represents wasted time and productivity for professional users.

The Echo struggled the most in this test. The saw stopped multiple times and struggled to perform when being leaned on by our cutter. The Echo is also the smallest saw we tested and appears to be ideally suited for cutting smaller-diameter limbs or pruning work. Our test crew all agreed that the saws with larger full-size chains were preferable for commercial work and that reset buttons belong in video games and not on chainsaws.

Speed Cut Testing

In order to determine our fastest cutter amongst the sample group, we designed two speed-cutting tests. The first was a smaller diameter cut to simulate a limbing or pruning job and the second was a larger diameter cut to simulate a full takedown job. For both tests, we used a green hardwood log from a tree species native to New England. We focused on green wood with this H2H in order to simulate the conditions that pros would encounter in the field. To keep it as green as possible, we dropped some trees on the day of testing!

Scott using a Stihl MS400 to drop our test log tree.

Both tests were performed on sugar maple logs. Maple was selected as a medium-grade hardwood to offer a compromise between some harder species like oak which is plentiful in the Northeast and some of the pine species that are common on the West Coast. The Janka scale, which is the industry standard for hardness, lists sugar maple at approximately 1,450 Lb./Ft. The smaller diameter piece had an average measured diameter of 4.87″ and the larger diameter piece averaged at 7.75″.

Moving our test log into position with a Vermeer mini-skid machine with a hydraulic grapple.

The test cut pieces were strapped securely to a log stand and the same test cutter performed the cuts with all eight saws. The instructions for the crew member were to guide the saw through the cut without leaning into it and allow gravity and the weight of the saw to do the work. For the smaller diameter test (T1), the cutter performed a down, up, and down cut to make a total of three cookies. The larger diameter test (T2) was limited to a down and up only in order to prevent stall out or thermal overload. This was the first test performed; all eight saws had fresh factory sharp chains.

Small Diameter Speed Cut T1

The winner of T1 was the Stihl MSA220 at 8.47 seconds, finishing almost three seconds faster than the runner-up. Milwaukee came in second at 11.10 seconds and Husqvarna in third at 11.56 seconds. The slowest cutter for T1 was the Echo at 23.35 seconds.

Larger Diameter Speed Cut T2

The Makita XGT saw powering through our larger diameter speed cut test.

The winner of T2 was the Stihl MSA 220 at 10.97 seconds. T2 showed the Makita XGT rising to second place at 11.59 seconds and Husqvarna beating out Milwaukee for the number three spot by 0.01 seconds. The slowest cutter for T2 was the Echo again at 39.29 seconds.

The Stihl was absolutely unstoppable. The saw’s heavier weight and powerful battery system allowed the saw to rip through both tests. This test also demonstrated the capabilities of the new Makita XGT platform compared to the legacy Makita 36V saw. The XGT platform provided constant speed and power throughout the trial.

The Echo was the smallest saw we tested and lagged behind in both tests by a substantial margin.

Weight

Weight is a huge factor to consider when selecting a top-handle saw. By design, these tools are meant to be used at adverse angles and uncomfortable positions. A tree care pro may use one of these saws at shoulder height or above for hours at a time. Therefore in order to paint the complete picture of what each of these saws weighs, we took two measurements.

The first was the bare power-head weight. We weighed each saw with an empty bar oil reservoir and removed the bar and battery. Then we attached the bar and chain, filled the oil reservoir, and inserted a battery. We ranked the tools based on the fully assembled weight but thought that the bare powerhead weight and subsequent increase in weight was a good data point to collect.

The lightest assembled saw was the Echo at 7.46 Lbs. Second place went to the Stihl MSA161T at 9.84 Lbs. and third place to Husqvarna at 10.16 Lbs. The heaviest assembled saw was the Stihl MSA220TC at 12.38 Lbs.

The Echo is an incredibly light saw in the hand at under four pounds as a powerhead. Even fully assembled the Echo is almost as light as the Milwaukee powerhead. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Stihl MSA2210TC powerhead is about one pound heavier than its gas counterpart the MS201T.

Decibel Output

The level of received noise at the ear is a concern for the longevity of all professionals. According to OSHA standards, any exposure for eight hours of 85 decibels or higher requires hearing protection. In order to measure the noise output of each saw, we placed them on a jig with a decibel meter placed in a designated location to measure noise output. We then ran each saw for ten seconds at full speed, while not under load, and recorded the decibel range.

The quietest saw was the Stihl MSA161T at 80.8 decibels. This was the only saw that was under the 85-decibel threshold as well. Second place was Milwaukee at 91.3 decibels and third place went to Husqvarna at 92.4 decibels. The loudest saw tested was the Makita XGT at 100.9 decibels.

An interesting field note from our pro-user testers was that decibel ratings were really not a concern to them. They all wear helmets with built-in hearing protection and radio capabilities for communicating with their ground guys. However, the lower decibel output of all of our battery saws, compared to their gas counterparts, can be beneficial when working in areas with noise-based work hour restrictions, such as residential neighborhoods.

Price

For this H2H we chose to rank the tools based on a kit price. While carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, are likely loyal to a battery platform and heavily invested, the same cannot be said of most tree care pros. A tree care pro is likely buying a battery top handle saw for the first time and has no other tool that runs on that platform. Therefore we chose to select a kit option for the price ranking that includes the battery we used during testing.

The winner of the price rankings is a tie between Greenworks Commercial and Milwaukee. As of July of 2023, both companies are offering a kit with battery and charger for $499.99. In second place is Echo at $549.99 and third place is the Makita 36V at $579.00. Our most expensive saws are the Husqvarna at $1,049.00 and Stihl MSA220TC at $1,169.97 as kits.

While price is important to all users, we chose to not include it when determining our final rankings.

Features

Our entire saw lineup featured outstanding professional-grade features. For instance, all eight saws included manual chain tension adjustment systems. This traditional, tooled, style of adjustment is our preferred method due to its robustness. In order to determine which saw had the best set of features, we outlined nine total evaluation criteria. We then ranked each saw’s feature on a scale of one to three, with three being the best. The saw’s total overall score was used to determine rank. Our evaluation criteria are as follows;

1. Felling Spikes
2. Chain Brake Contour/Response
3. Lanyard Ring(s)
4. Electronic Chain Brake
5. Automatic Oiler
6. Manual Chain Tensioner
7. Additional Modes
8. Standout Features
9. Safety Auto Shut-Off

The saw with the best features is the Milwaukee. The M18 saw has outstanding aggressive felling spikes as well as a large manual chain brake lever that is responsive and has a very positive click action. The steel lanyard ring is in a great position and locks in the open position. It has a very responsive electric chain brake and the chain tensioner features an extra bar stud to lock the mechanism in securely. Our crew agreed that an automatic oiler system is their preferred option, but Milwaukee’s manual adjusting oiler performed well in the highest output setting. The Milwaukee is also the only saw with an onboard saw wrench or “scrench”. While not an absolutely mandatory feature, it is a nice bonus.

Second place went to the Stihl MSA22oTC-O, which has an outstanding billet of professional-grade features. In fact, the “O” designation in the Stihl’s name refers to their electronic bar oil monitoring system. The saw will monitor the flow of bar oil via an internal laser. The system also monitors for dirt and contaminants. When the oil is low or full of debris, a light will activate on the saw’s main control panel to alert the user. This feature was unlike anything our testing crew had seen before.

Where Milwaukee excelled over the Stihl to our crew was with the different safety auto shut-off systems. The Stihl has a push-button activation switch to turn the saw on and off. There is also a warning light to alert the user when the chain brake is turned off as well as a tang safety in the top of the grip that must be depressed. Once the user releases that tang safety, with the chain brake off, the saw shuts off in about five seconds. This was a real annoyance to our crew during testing and our pro users agreed that this was too fast. Conversely, the Milwaukee uses a spring-loaded tang safety in the grip with no additional on/off switches. It is intuitive to use and ruggedly simple. Our pro-user crew agreed that Milwaukee’s system would be more user-friendly and productive for them.

Third place resulted in a tie between the Echo and Husqvarna saws. The Echo is an extremely lean-built saw and doesn’t have many extra bells and whistles. It lost points due to the shorter felling spikes but has a simple and excellent push-button activation switch. The Husqvarna features an excellent digital battery display at the activation switch to show power consumption in real time as well as an Eco mode for battery conservation. However, the Husqvarna chain tensioning mechanism makes it difficult to get seated properly when removing the clutch cover and changing bars and chains. Twice the Husqvarna saw chain completely slacked out during our test cutting. We experienced the same issues in our 2020 Head-2-Head testing.

Rounding out the category, the Makita 36V saw has an impressive feature set, including a high-performance “Turbo” cutting mode. But the mode is difficult to switch back and forth from. The Makita XGT lacks some of the additional features of the legacy 36V saw, but both offerings have excellent felling spikes and chain brake designs. The Greenworks Commercial and Stihl MSA-161T had very basic features compared to the rest of the test sample. The Greenworks saw lost points due to having rounded felling spikes that did not grab into our cutting materials during testing as well as a confusing power activation button.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is one of our most subjective categories, but is one of our favorite and most discussed evaluations. If a tool is not comfortable or works against the user in any way, it is almost worthless. Similar to our Features section, we chose a total of six evaluation criteria to rank our battery top-handle chainsaws. The ergonomics of a top-handle saw are critical to a pro user in the field when working in the air, wearing gloves, or working in inclement weather. That is why we selected the following categories for evaluation;

1. Grip Comfort
2. Grip Contour
3. Forward Handlebar Angle
4. Bar Oil Fillcaps
5. Weight and Balance
6. Ease of Battery Change

The winner of this section is a three-way tie between Echo, Makita XGT, and the Stihl MSA-220TC. All three saws featured well-contoured and comfortable grips. The texture on all of them is excellent and all of the controls are easy to reach with one hand. The forward handlebars are also out of the way but easy to reach with an off-hand. Weight and balance were interesting with these models because they represent the best of our small, medium, and large offerings. The Echo is lighter and more compact, but both the Makita XGT and Stihl are compact in their overall design with no wasted space.

Although all three saws received the same overall score, the Echo had the best and most comfortable grip of the three as well as the nicest bar oil reservoir caps. However, the Makita XGT and Stihl have superior battery-changing mechanisms. The Stihl is the easiest to change batteries thanks to the battery being spring-loaded and inserted from the top of the saw.

Husqvarna took second place in ergonomics for battery top-handle chainsaws with excellent weight and balance as well as very comfortable grip material and handlebar angles. The criticisms of the Husqvarna were that the chain brake lever is too close and can be cramped on the user’s hands. Additionally, the sliding tang safety on the top of the grip was awkward to all of our test cutters. The Milwaukee came in third place with excellent grip materials as well as the most room for your hands of all of the saws test. The Milwaukee is a very big saw though. It sacrificed compact size for more room and feels bulky compared to most of the other saws. The side handlebar of the Milwaukee also bows out further than any other saw and gives it a Beachcomber bicycle feel.

Finally the Makita 36V saw was bulky and more off-balance than its counterparts due to the two-battery system. While they are easy to change, managing two batteries was not something our test crew viewed as desirable. The triple manual grip safeties of the Stihl MSA-161T were our least favorite and seemed almost impossible to use, safely, for lefties. The Greenworks saw felt off-balance and the controls were cramped and on top of each other.

Best Value Battery Top-Handle Chainsaw

One of our favorite categories to name is the Best Value, especially when we are talking about a battery top-handle chainsaw. These are expensive tools and present pro-users with a large financial investment. So which saw gives the best performance while still remaining reasonably priced? It is hands down the Milwaukee M18 Fuel.

The Milwaukee battery top-handle chainsaw finished in the top three of every category except for weight. Additionally, it achieved a first-place finish in the features category while tying for first place in the Stall Out test. Furthermore, Milwaukee also tied the Greenworks saw as our most affordable saw tested.

Overall Best Battery Top-Handle Chainsaw

At the completion of our testing, all of the data we gathered on the saws was compiled. When then used this to create rank structures for every category and finally used those ranks to create an overall final rank structure. The saw with the lowest number of points in this final ranking structure was our overall winner.

With a final overall score of nineteen points, our best battery top-handle chainsaw is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. The Milwaukee is ergonomic and powerful with well-thought-out features. The safety system on the M18 saw was also one of the most preferred designs by our test crew due to its simplicity and similarity to their traditional gas-powered saws. The Milwaukee is a large saw though and is heavy. Because of that, our pro users weren’t sure if it would be suitable for full-time climbing work. The fact that the Milwaukee battery platform is so widespread and commercially available is a nice bonus but was not a determining factor for our tree care pros.

Second place was a tie between the Stihl MSA-22TCO and the Husqvarna. The two biggest names in the chainsaw world and both companies make an incredible battery-powered top-handle chainsaw. The Husqvarna has been on the market for several years now and has remained mostly unchanged. After testing it we realized that this is because Husqvarna got it right with the first generation. It is a fast, light, powerful, and nimble saw. The Stihl is brand new to the market and focuses more on raw power. We described the saw as “Beastly” earlier and that really is the best word for it. The Stihl is hands-down our top choice for demanding take-down work. Our test crew all greed that the Husqvarna and Stihl would be their top choices as tree care professionals and likely the only choices that would earn a coveted spot in their tree trucks due to the commercial warranties, dealer support networks, and overall reputation of both brands in the industry.

Third place went to the Stihl MSA-161T which shares many of the same perks as its younger, but bigger, brother. However, the MSA-161T has a proprietary bar design and uncommon chain size that make it less desirable. Stihl also does not do online sales, even for parts, making it more difficult to source these bars and chains.

All smiles!

The Makita XGT took fourth place overall. Showing that it is a product-improved version of the legacy Makita 36V saw. The improved battery technology and electronics of the XGT platform make for a saw that is really enjoyable to cut with. The legacy Makita and Echo tied for fifth place. The Echo struggled in our performance cutting tests but was a crew favorite thanks to its lightweight, great ergonomics, and professional-grade features. For smaller-diameter cutting tasks, the Echo is definitely worth a look. The Greenworks Commercial came in sixth place overall. While powerful, our crew agreed that it lacked some of the features and ergonomics they want in a saw.

Final Thoughts

Overall our test crew was impressed by the evolution and capabilities of all of the battery top-handle chainsaws tested. The saws discussed above are true professional-grade tools and are capable of performing a variety of tasks common with the Arborist and tree care industries. We would strongly encourage any user out there considering a battery-powered option to give it a chance. The ease of battery-powered electric motors versus traditional gas-powered engines is well discussed and documented. They make for an exceptional user experience and will only get better with time.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the saws mentioned in this article, please check out our Buy Now links listed below. These links will bring you to some of our preferred industry partners such as ACME Tools. Additionally, you can find Echo, Husqvarna, and Stihl battery-powered OPE at your local outdoor power equipment dealerships.

Best Battery Top Handle Chainsaw Head-To-Head Video

Best Top Handle Chainsaw | Head-to-Head | 2023 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Makita 40V Max XGT 18″ Chainsaw Review

40V Max XGT 18" Chainsaw

4/5

Manufacturer: Makita
Model number: GCU04Z
Price: $459.00
Power source: 40V Max XGT Battery
Weight: 14.6 Lbs.

In September 2020, ToolBoxBuzz published our first Best Cordless Chainsaw Head-2-Head. Makita’s 36V (18V X2) saw was a crew favorite and a top performer during our testing. The XGT saw builds upon that legacy as a high-performance tool for demanding homeowners and professionals alike.

Makita GCU04Z Specs

• Chain Pitch: 3/8″ Low-Profile (LP)
• Bar Gauge: 0.050″
• Chain Speed: 5,020 FPM
• Bare Tool Weight: 11.7 Lbs.
• Weight W/ 5.0 Ah Battery: 14.6 Lbs.
• Oiler Type: Adjustable
• OEM Bar Type: Fixed Sprocket Nose

Professional Grade Features

Makita’s battery chainsaws have always catered to professional users and the GCU04Z continues this tradition with well-thought-out and replaceable safety features. One of the main differences between a professional and consumer-grade chainsaw is the use of replaceable and user-serviceable components. Sometimes things get broken when working in the field. The ability to easily replace key parts is an absolute plus for demanding users.

The Makita XGT saw features a replaceable aluminum chain catch as well as an easy-to-remove forward handlebar. The sprocket assembly is also easy to access. The felling spikes are single-sided, but made of steel and easy to remove and replace. Although no dual spikes are available from Makita, the aftermarket may take care of this for us.

One of my favorite features of the XGT chainsaw is the two stout bar mount studs and mechanical chain tensioner. The two studs provide a rock-solid mounting platform for the bar. The steel conical chain tensioner is also an improvement from previous Makita saws like the XCU08Z.

Power and Performance

The XGT chainsaw offers powerful performance for a variety of cutting tasks. I criticized its 36v predecessor for bouncing and skipping while cutting due to a high chain speed and less low-end torque. The 40V XGT chainsaw resolves those issues with a superior torque band that bites into wood. The XGT feels like it has far more “grunt”.

The new Makita 40v XGT battery platform is likely the cause for this substantial increase in cutting performance. The XGT batteries offer more available power that is produced more efficiently. The uninterrupted power means that the XGT saw is fully capable of felling smaller trees. That is a task that I ordinarily would prefer not to do with a battery saw because of the safety risks of not having enough power during the cut. I dropped some approximately 10-12 inch diameter trees without issue using the XGT.

The 5.0 Ah XGT battery that is included with the saw provides enough runtime to limb and buck a smaller-diameter tree. The 5.0 Ah will provide excellent run-time for making horizontal cross-cuts for firewood rounds. However, the large battery port is sized to accommodate an 8.0 Ah battery and in my opinion, should be included with this saw. The larger battery pack would increase the run-time and performance capabilities of an already impressive saw.

Overall Impressions

Makita has always impressed me with their saws. Whether it’s a circular, reciprocating, or in this case chainsaw, you can expect a smooth and powerful tool when using a Makita product. The new 40v Max XGT chainsaw upholds this lineage. The GCU04 is powerful and robustly constructed. The XGT batteries offer outstanding power and performance, although an 8.0 Ah would be the best pairing for this saw. A larger heavier battery would be a concern for a top-handle style saw, but not with a traditional rear handle.

Additionally, I would like to see the auto-shutoff feature timed differently. Currently, if the user releases the tang safety on the handle with the chain -brake off, the saw will shut off within five seconds. It will stay on as long as the tang safety is depressed. While this is obviously designed to protect the user, a longer window before the shut-off would make the saw more user-friendly.

The Makita 40V XGT chainsaw is currently available as a bare tool for $459.00. This is a good value for anyone currently on the XGT platform because it is priced lower than other professional arborist brands while still providing comparable power and performance. The kitted option currently retails for $639.00 and is an excellent option for anyone interested in getting on the XGT platform. Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase either the bare tool or the kit from our friends at ACME Tool.

Makita 40V XGT Chainsaw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Makita 40V MAX XGT 1/2″ Mid and 3/4″ High Torque Impact Wrench Review

The 40V MAX XGT  tools are Makita‘s flagship professional-grade cordless tools. This tool review will examine the 1/2″ Mid-Torque Model GWT07Z and 3/4″ High-Torque Model GWT01Z impact wrenches. The Makita XGT impact wrenches are powerful but refined and comfortable to use. They build upon the already excellent Makita 18V LXT impact wrenches.

During the ToolBoxBuzz Best Cordless Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Head-2-Head, the XGT was not included due to its specs exceeding the selection criteria. The high-torque model is also only currently available in a 3/4″ anvil version, making it difficult to include in future comparisons. That is why these tools are being featured in their own standalone article.

Makita XGT Impact Wrench Specs

GWT07Z Mid-Torque

• Max Breaking Torque: 810 Ft./Lbs.
• Max Fastening Torque: 560 Ft./Lbs.
• Anvil Size: 1/2″
• Anvil Type: Friction Ring or Detent
• Modes: 3 Forward / 3 Reverse Auto-Stop Modes
• Speed Settings: 4
• RPM Range: 600-2300 RPM
• IPM Range: 1200-2900 IPM
• Weight (Bare Tool): 4.98 Lbs.

GWT01Z High Torque

• Max Breaking Torque: 1510 Ft./Lbs.
• Max Fastening Torque: 1330 Ft./Lbs.
• Anvil Size: 3/4″
• Anvil Type: Friction Ring Only
• Modes: 3 Forward / 3 Reverse Auto-Stop Modes
• Speed Settings: 4
• RPM Range: 950-1800 RPM
• IPM Range: 1900-2500 IPM
• Weight (Bare Tool): 8.53 Lbs.

Controls and Ergonimics

Makita’s switching system is intuitive and fast to use. It offers a degree of speed settings and options that is unmatched. The speed modes feature an auto stop to prevent the tool from throwing fasteners once they break loose. Additionally, there is a Full Speed mode which will bring the tool to max RPMs and impacts as soon as the trigger is pushed.

The grip of both the Mid and High torque versions of the XGT are comfortable with generous rubber over-molding. The variable speed trigger on both models is also very responsive. There are zero delays when activating the trigger switch. This makes feathering with the tool or carefully breaking hardware loose with the tools very easy to do without snapping. For when you need some, but not all of the Ugga-Duggas.

Weight and Balance

The Mid-Torque GWT07Z pairs very well with a 2.5 Ah 40V MAX XGT battery. This smaller pack creates a more comfortable and lightweight package that is more than capable of handling the majority of tasks with no loss in performance. With the bigger brother, the GWT01Z, a larger battery pack is recommended. I found a 4.0 or 5.0 Ah battery pack provided better balance and kept the tool upright easier. The extra power also better supports the output and performance of the tool.

Tested Torque Performance

To quantify the breaking torque force of both XGT models, I used a B-RAD Select BL cordless torque system. This is a highly calibrated cordless torque applier that allows the user to dial a fastener to a computer-controlled torque value. This tool was featured in our Head-2-Head and I used a similar testing protocol.

The bolts in our testing rig were torqued to a specific value and then each impact wrench was set to its highest speed and power setting. The tools are used for ten seconds to attempt to break the bolts loose. If unsuccessful, the bolts are lowered by ten pounds and the process is repeated.

The Mid-Torque’s max breaking force is published as 810 Ft./Lbs. However, during testing, the XGT was only able to break loose a bolt at 510 Ft./Lbs. The High-Torque, while published at 1510 Ft./Lbs., was capable of breaking loose at 1450 Ft./Lbs. Our testing rig requires the use of very large 1 1/4″ diameter Grade 8 bolts with a 1 7/8″ head. Adapting the 1/2″ Mid-Torque tool to a 1 7/8″ impact socket results in a loss in applied torque. However, the bigger brother High-Torque model with a 3/4″ anvil is far better suited to a task like this. As a result, the High-Torque’ tested value was far more consistent with the published value.

Makita XGT Battery Protection

Batteries are not getting any less expensive. Correspondingly, Makita included some excellent design features to protect the 40V MAX XGT batteries from the abuse that a tool like an impact wrench is susceptible to. Both models of XGT impact wrenches feature a flexible joint at the base of the tool’s grip. This joint absorbs felt vibration for the user as well as prevents it from reaching the battery pack.

In addition to this, Makita maintains its practice of including two white silicone buffers in the construction of its tools. These buffers keep the battery packs snug when inserted and prevent movement. Less movement results in less wear on the battery contacts, which results in a longer lifespan for the tool and the batteries.

Overall Impressions of the Makita XGT Impact Wrenches

My first summer working on an underground construction crew was a huge learning experience. One of my first responsibilities was to set up the trench shoring jacks using the right spacers. The only tools available were a breaker bar and a mismatched socket set. I would have traded anything for the XGT impact wrenches back then!

The Makita XGT impact wrenches are very impressive. They feature outstanding power and performance with exceptional ergonomics and technology. Equally as impressive are the professional-grade features that both tools tout. The battery protection features and vibration and impact reduction technologies are intended for all-day professional use.

The Makita GWT07Z Mid-Torque is currently retailing for $369.00 and the GWT01Z High-Torque retails for $439.00 as bare tools. Overall this is a heavy price tag for a bare tool, but you always get what you pay for. I would recommend either model to professional users who need a high-performing tool that will last. Whether you need a Mid-Torque or a High-Torque will depend on your daily needs. Follow the Buy Now links below to purchase either model from our friends at ACME Tool and Ohio Power Tool.

Makita 40V MAX XGT Impact Wrenches Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz