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Black+Decker 40V MAX Review

This gets small jobs done with ease but lacks power
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Black+Decker 40V MAX Review
Price:  $275 List
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Manufacturer:   BLACK+DECKER
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 25, 2019
49
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#13 of 13
  • Saw Performance - 35% 4.5
  • Ease of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Battery - 25% 3.0
  • Noise - 5% 7.4
  • Weight - 5% 8.7

Our Verdict

The Black+Decker 40V MAX is not a high-performance chainsaw, but that's not what it was designed for. This model would be a good option for someone who is looking to make cuts through smaller diameter branches and rounds every once in a while. If you're used to using a hand saw for small jobs around the backyard, this is a huge step up. It does have a few advantages over the high-performance competition — In the weight category, it is one of the lightest chainsaws on the market. Also, it's very quiet so if you're worried about disturbing neighbors or nature this saw is a good option. The MAX is quite the bargain. If budget is an issue this might be the right saw for you.
REASONS TO BUY
Light
Quiet
Small
Cheap
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacking performance
Weak battery
No chain brake

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
  Top Pick Award
Best 20V Model
Price $275 List
$153.99 at Amazon		$399 List
$395.15 at Amazon		$299 List
$299.00 at Amazon		$250 List
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$89.00 at Amazon
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Bottom Line Overall, this saw is perfectly fine for small jobs and occasional use, but it's lacking features in comparison to the other models in our reviewIf you want an easy-to-use cordless electric chainsaw with a long-lasting battery and a long bar this is the oneA decent battery-powered chainsaw that falls about in the middle of the pack for overall performanceWith a high level of performance, this is not a bad choice for an efficient cordless chainsawIf you're in the market for a 20 volt model, this saw does the trick for quick and small jobs
Rating Categories Black+Decker 40V MAX Ego Power+ CS1800 Ego Power+ CS1613 Ego Power+ CS1400 Worx WG322
Saw Performance (35%)
4.5
8.5
6.5
6.5
5.5
Ease of Use (30%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Battery (25%)
3.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Noise (5%)
7.4
6.6
6.3
7.1
7.9
Weight (5%)
8.7
6.2
6.4
7.4
9.4
Specs Black+Decker 40V MAX Ego Power+ CS1800 Ego Power+ CS1613 Ego Power+ CS1400 Worx WG322
Model Number LCS1240 CS1800 CS1613 CS1400 WG322
Bar Length 12 inches 18 inches 16 inches 14 inches 10 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time 35.53 seconds 5.876 seconds 7.21 seconds 9.452 seconds 38.382 seconds
Measured Battery Charge Time 3.6 hr 1.5 hr .8 hr .75 hr 3 hr
Measured Weight 8 lbs, 6 oz 14 lbs, 11 oz 14 lbs, 3 oz 11 lbs, 10 oz 6 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Battery Weight 1 lb, 5 oz 4 lbs, 13 oz 4 lbs, 12 oz 2lbs, 14 oz 1 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Body Dimesions 15x8.5x7 inches 16x9x8 inches 17 x 8 x 6.5 inches 16x9x8 inches 13x8x7.5 inches
Included Battery Size 2 Ah 5 Ah 4Ah 2 Ah 2 Ah
Nominal Voltage 40V 56V 56V 56V 20V
Measured Runtime 18 minutes 60 minutes 25 minutes 24 minutes 22 minutes
Measured Run Time Eco Mode n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Measured Wind Up Time 1.75 seconds 1.25 seconds .5 seconds 2.5 seconds 2 seconds
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in 83.3 dBa 88.8 dBa 90.6 dBa 85.3 dBa 80.0 dBa
Control Type Thumb safety Side safety w/ chain brake side safety w/ chain brake Side safety w/ chain brake Thumb safety
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type Tool free Tool Free Tool free Tool free Tool free
Metal Bucking Spikes No Yes Yes No No
Oil Conservation 4 8 8 8 8
Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type Top, Screen Side, Screen Side, Screen Side, Screen Top

Our Analysis and Test Results

There are two things about the Black+Decker that make it stand out from the others — it's extremely light and produces minimal noise. This model scores low in our review compared to the others, but only because we are testing products that are designed to operate at the highest of levels. It is still a great addition to your personal collection of yard tools.

Performance Comparison


black+decker 40v max - the black+decker 40v max is cheap, light, and quiet but doesn't...
The Black+Decker 40V MAX is cheap, light, and quiet but doesn't offer the best performance.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Likes


Although it doesn't have much power, the Black+Decker 40V MAX can easily handle light-duty jobs. As long as you aren't in any hurry, it cuts through logs that are smaller than the bar length.

black+decker 40v max - the black+decker takes a long time to make a cut, but it eventually...
The Black+Decker takes a long time to make a cut, but it eventually gets through medium-sized logs.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

One thing that we love about the MAX is that it's light.


The Black+Decker is also incredibly quiet. With a measured volume of only 83.3 decibels, it is one of the friendliest saws to have to listen to. Chainsaws are very loud, it is nice that this model isn't quite so harsh on the ears.


Dislikes


The MAX battles to make cuts through larger rounds of wood. If you find a bigger job that this saw can handle, the battery does not last long, and once the battery is done it takes a ridiculously long time to charge. The run time was one of the very shortest during our tests and it takes more than three hours to get the battery back to full charge.


The Black+Decker has an awkward battery compartment location that throws off its balance.

black+decker 40v max - we aren't fond of the battery action or location of the black+decker...
We aren't fond of the battery action or location of the Black+Decker model
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Despite its weak battery, sub-par performance, and comfort, its worst trait is the lack of a chain brake. Although a kickback is unlikely due to the lack of power, it's still possible. A chainsaw kickback without an inertia-triggered chain brake could potentially cause a very bad situation.

Value


The Black+Decker 40V MAX is very cheap, but with its low cost comes very low performance when set side by side with the other saws in our review. That being said, if you're looking for a cordless chainsaw for light-duty projects, the cost of the MAX is well worth it.

black+decker 40v max - the black+decker hardly emits noise when compared to other models...
The Black+Decker hardly emits noise when compared to other models tested.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


The positive aspects that the MAX has going for it are that it's affordable, it's quiet, and it's light. Other than that, unless you only need a cordless chainsaw for light duties, we recommend that you spend the extra cash to get a tool that does a better job.

— Ross Patton
 
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