Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Cordless Battery OPE - Corded Electric => Topic started by: Cut4fun . on April 18, 2014, 01:35:27 pm

Title: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Cut4fun . on April 18, 2014, 01:35:27 pm
Kobalt 40v chainsaw and other OPE. Wonder who is making this stuff for them.

(http://gearpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/kobalt-lowes-40-volt-max-outdoor-power-equipment-gear-patrol-lead-full-.jpg)


http://youtu.be/un7_2923W_o

http://youtu.be/MX1vFH4PvNI
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on April 18, 2014, 02:07:32 pm
First time I have seen those, and I was recently in a Lowes, prowling around the chainsaws (found one chain on backwards).  Might want to start a cordless/battery OPE section of the forum for these types of tools?  They seem to be expanding quite a bit and it makes sense to keep them together.

I have been using and am familiar with the Oregon 'PowerNow' tools (chainsaw, pole saw, string trimmer, hedge trimmer).  STIHL, Husqvarna, Bosch, Makita, and Ryobi all have at least some of these products in the 36-40 volt range.  Some also have mowers.  HD also introduced a 56 volt line ('EGO') that is now in their stores.

Quality of construction is always a point to consider, along with features, ease of use, availability of parts, selling price (with or without the batteries), etc.  I was told that there are only a limited number of manufacturers for the lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, but they are not inter-changable between different brands of OPE. 

Most of these battery powered OPE I have seen have been manufactured overseas.  A rep at a local tool show pointed out that most (all?) don't have UL listings, like their corded electric counterparts, even by the same manufacturer - they do have other approvals (IEL. CSA, etc.), so I think that we have a whole industry still developing.

Philbert
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on April 18, 2014, 03:03:10 pm
Looking on line, the pricing on these Kobalt/Lowes tools is significantly less than the Oregon and STIHL versions.  Chainsaw is $179 and trimmers $149, including a 2.0 Amp-hour battery (listed at $99).  That places the trimmers in the same range as the Ryobi, and Black&Decker products, which makes sense (I have not seen chainsaws from these other guys, yet).

I would LOVE to try them all side-by-side (at least the saws)!

Philbert 

Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Cut4fun . on April 18, 2014, 07:02:16 pm
Good idea on a cordless and maybe add corded electric to the same board area. 

Will work on it when have more time to do so.
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Reddog on April 18, 2014, 08:32:57 pm
Looks like re branded Ryobi chainsaw.
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on April 18, 2014, 10:46:16 pm
Quote
Looks like re branded Ryobi chainsaw.

'Ryobi' is what I meant, instead of 'Poulan' on posts above.  Thanks.  Fixed my posts.

As I understand it, Home Depot owns, or has exclusive rights to the 'Ryobi' name.  Could be the same factory making both, but designed/engineered by different companies?  Could be contract manufactured?

I did a search for 36 volt and 40 volt battery powered chainsaws (or OPE), and found the information below! This number has really jumped in the last 2 years.  I did not include smaller (e.g. 18 volt) saws, as they are really in a separate class.

Organized alphabetically for reference.  Some are brand names you know.  Some are not available (yet?) in the US, so I listed UK sites. Some appear to be off-shore manufacturers. A few look similar enough that they are probably re-branded clones.  Many are part of a 'system' with other outdoor power tools (string trimmers, hedge trimmers, etc.) that use the same batteries and chargers.  As with anything else: caveat emptor!

Philbert

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Black & Decker     http://www.blackanddecker.com/recharge/

Bosch (UK)     http://www.bosch-garden.com/gb/en/garden-tools/garden-tools/cordless-chainsaws-199952.jsp

Core Outdoor Power     http://coreoutdoorpower.com/

Craftsman     http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07198946000P?sid=I0084400010000100675&aff=Y&PID=361116&AID=11042411

EcoproTools Inc     http://www.ecoprotoolsusa.com/

EGO (56 volt!)     http://egopowerplus.com/

Greenworks / Sunrise Tools     http://www.greenworkstools.com/products/category/chainsaws

Greysen (off shore manufacturer?)     http://greysenproducts.com/40-Volt-Chain-Saw-Powered-by-LG-Chem-Lithium-Battery-GP-CS.htm

Husqvarna (UK - Homeowner)        http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/outthere-news/husqvarna-battery-series-professional-products-for-home-owners/

Husqvarna (UK - Professional)       http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/battery-series/t536li-xp/

Kobalt     http://www.kobalttools.com/products/outdoor/outdoor-power-equipment.html
              http://www.lowes.com/Kobalt-40-Volt-Outdoor-Power-Equipment/Chainsaws-Pole-Saws/_/N-1z0weyrZ1z0wgez/pl?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1#!

Makita     http://www.makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/X2/HCU02ZX2Features.aspx

Oregon PowerNow Tools        https://oregoncordless.com/US

Ryobi     http://www.ryobitools.com/

STIHL     http://www.stihlusa.com/products/battery/

Yardworks (*can only find reviews - negative ones; not a manufacturer’s website)  http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0545703P/yardworks-yardworks-electric-chainsaw-12-a-16-in-reviews/reviews.htm
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Al Smith on April 20, 2014, 10:07:22 pm
Kobalt as I see it is Lowes "house brand " .I've not seen one thing yet that wasn't made in China .Then again I just learned today that ABB robots originally from Sweden is now made in China .So much for the Vikings .

I suppose now of days when even Lincolns are made in Mexico you can't expect too much --mumble grumble --- >:(
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on August 09, 2014, 12:07:03 pm
UPDATE: The Husqvarna cordless saws are now available in the US (as of August 1, 2014).

Philbert
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on August 29, 2014, 06:01:38 pm
Saw the STIHL cordless, telescoping pole saw at the MN State Fair today. Shaft appears heavy duty. Motor appears to be at the saw end (unlike shaft drive pole saws). Around $550 + battery and charger?

Also saw a Toro 48V battery powered string trimmer. Rep said a chainsaw and other OPE will flow.

Philbert

Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on September 12, 2014, 09:12:46 pm
Add hitachi to the list!

This one looks like it can work with a battery or a corded adaptor?
(No comments on technique!)

Philbert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aze-fqht6Q#t=50
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on September 15, 2014, 09:07:34 pm
Chance to win an Oregon cordless hedge trimmer  on FB - part of the OPE 'family'

Philbert

Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on October 24, 2014, 04:23:01 pm
OK - STIHL just announced their cordless pole saw.  No pricing info yet.  Don't see what size chain it runs.

Philbert

http://www.stihlusa.com/products/pole-pruners/professional-pole-pruners/hta85/
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Cut4fun on October 24, 2014, 10:56:27 pm
My bad just caught this was pole saw thread. Will fix later to right thread.
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on November 29, 2014, 12:22:40 am
Still have not seen these Kobalt saws in any Lowes. Have only seen their 40V hedge trimmer

Philbert
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Cut4fun on November 29, 2014, 08:50:37 am
To be honest I havent looked for them when in Lowe's stores. Down south or up at home north. 
Always on a mission when I go to one it seems.
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on November 29, 2014, 11:16:23 am
Same thing with the Ryobi 40 volt cordless OPE system.  Several items listed on the Home Depot and Ryobi web pages, but very few in any store that I have visited, including a few in upscale, suburban neighborhoods.

Maybe 40 V unicorns? If they are catalog only now, it makes me wonder how they might be supported down the proverbial road.

Philbert

https://www.ryobitools.com/outdoor/products/list/family/40v

http://www.homedepot.com/s/ryobi+40+volt+battery?NCNI-5
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: 660magnum on November 29, 2014, 11:31:56 am
Throw away devices?

Those big box stores never supported anything to my knowledge? They might replace it but no parts or adjustments.
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on November 29, 2014, 12:31:05 pm
Throw away devices? Those big box stores never supported anything to my knowledge? They might replace it but no parts or adjustments.
That is part of the question.  Maybe a $150, 18 Volt tool is a 'throwaway' device.  These 36 - 40 Volt tools cost a bit more, and should last a bit longer?

Maybe it is similar to buying a homeowner quality saw versus a more 'pro' model.  Can't just compare by displacement and bar length.

Philbert
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: 660magnum on November 29, 2014, 12:52:53 pm
If you bought a $2000 riding lawn mower at one of those stores, the story is the same - Home Depot might give you your money back that day or the next or even exchange it for another but they do not have any parts and do not work on anything. You will have to find some place else to warranty repair anything or even buy parts for it to fix yourself.

And also I bought a Sears riding mower 8 years ago and 5 min after I started mowing, the deck belt got caught and broke. I sure wasn't going to call Sears service and wait a couple weeks. I went up town, got a new belt, and used the replacement belt for 6 years before it wore out. I don't want them touching my lawn mower. Other than the initial belt breakage and blades every few years and flat tires from thorns, oil changes and gas, I've never had any trouble with it.
Title: Re: Kobalt 40v chainsaw polesaw etc
Post by: Philbert on December 20, 2014, 12:48:09 pm
Just saw ads for DeWalt 40 volt string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers.

Due out in 2015. No chainsaws listed (yet?).

If the 40 V batteries are compatible with their other tools, this could be a real competitive advantage for contractors.  For an average homeowner, it probably does not matter as much if their cordless drill and weed wacker are different brands, voltages, etc. - they likely see them as separate tools, and not as part of a system.

http://www.dewalt.com/tool-categories/outdoorpe.aspx

Philbert