Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Cordless Battery OPE - Corded Electric => Topic started by: Philbert on June 08, 2017, 09:15:06 pm

Title: Redback 18", 120V Lithium, Cordless (Battery) Chainsaw
Post by: Philbert on June 08, 2017, 09:15:06 pm
I recently received a Redback 120 volt, battery powered chainsaw to evaluate. This saw can be seen in this YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeFUUUL0Bfo

Redback shares the same parent company as Dirty Hand Tools, better known for their log splitters in these forums, and also has a line of 40V O*P*E.

Manufacturer specs
Power: Brushless motor
Battery: 120V Li-ion - 2 amp hour (240 watt hrs) or 3 amp hour (360 watt hours)
Bar: 18"
Chain: 3/8" low profile, .050 gauge, 61 drive links, semi-chisel, low kickback
Chain Speed: 12 m/s (39 feet/second)
Weight: 16.3 pounds with bar, chain, oil, etc.
MSRP: $299
Warranty: 5 years

Philbert
Title: Re: Redback 18", 120V Lithium, Cordless (Battery) Chainsaw
Post by: Philbert on June 08, 2017, 09:18:36 pm
Initial Impressions

The saw is well finished, and appears to be well made.  It came packed in a box, along with a 2Ah battery, rapid charger, guide bar, and chain. The manuals that came with it are fairly brief, but clear to read.

Like many other saws in this product category, the saw features a tool-less chain tensioner, although, this one is a bit different, with a 'shaft drive' design (see next post). I like the rubberized handles.  Sound level was about the same as a large, electric drill. No noticeable vibration.

The saw has a lot of power: It cut through everything I asked it to, ranging from 2", mixed, dry hardwoods, up to 12" freshly cut ash, in a pile set aside for this evaluation. I tried to intentionally bog it down, but had to lean on it hard to get it to slow down even a little bit - even gas saws would do this.

All the wood in the attached photos were cut with about 1/2 of the 2.0Ah battery (based on LED indicators)

Philbert
Title: Re: Redback 18", 120V Lithium, Cordless (Battery) Chainsaw
Post by: Philbert on June 08, 2017, 09:21:32 pm
Some Details

This saw weighs in at 16+ pounds; the 120V, 2Ah battery is 4 pounds of that by itself. Not an issue when bucking, where the weight is your friend, but will have to see if it is noticeable when felling or limbing.

The seal around the oil discharge hole protrudes a bit, and at first, makes it seem like the bar is not seating properly.  But once the cover is placed and tightened with the hand screw, the bar sungs securely in place, with no leakage of oil.

I like the idea of a rapid charger; these typically incorporate some type of fan to avoid overheating. This charger can also be wall mounted, and the battery latches in place to park securely.  Large indicator light on the charger is easy to see.

The chain brake is described as being both electric and mechanical. I was a little concerned at first, because I could move the chain by hand (power off) with the chain brake engaged - what I call a 'static test'.  But engaging the brake at full speed ('dynamic test') brought the chain to an immediate stop.

I like the metal bucking dogs, but had to tilt the nose of the saw down considerably for them to engage at first. Eventually, I learned to engage just the lowest spike, which would allow me to rock the bar into the cut, if desired.

Cordless saws have progressed by leaps over the past few years; this 120V saw appears to set a bar above the 36/40V saws.  Can't wait to see where it goes!

Philbert
Title: Re: Redback 18", 120V Lithium, Cordless (Battery) Chainsaw
Post by: Cut4fun . on June 09, 2017, 09:23:02 am
Nice write up.   

Never even seen or heard of this brand before.
Title: Re: Redback 18", 120V Lithium, Cordless (Battery) Chainsaw
Post by: Philbert on June 15, 2017, 05:37:00 pm
Bigger Test

Neighbor had a large, sliver maple limb fall into their yard. Gave me a good test to try the saw some more.

Cut up to 18" diameter green wood - was able to bog the saw down a bit if I really leaned on it, but it kept cutting if I let the saw do the work.  Cut all of the wood in the photo, about a face cord (1/3 full cord) with one, 2 Amp-hour battery.  I only have one battery for this saw, so I had to do the last few cuts with my 40V saw. The 120V saw clearly has more power.

Philbert
Title: Re: Redback 18", 120V Lithium, Cordless (Battery) Chainsaw
Post by: Philbert on June 15, 2017, 05:42:50 pm
Sharpening

Sharpening should not be any different from any other saw, but my other battery saws (Oregon) have built-in PowerSharp chain, so I was not expecting this.  There is a bit of resistance from the motor to pulling the chain around the bar, even with the chain brake released (battery removed for safety).  Had to release tension quite a bit, then re-tighten after filing.

Philbert