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Ryobi 40V RY40530 Review

A cordless chainsaw that is overpriced for its performance that we wouldn't recommend purchasing
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Ryobi 40V RY40530 Review
Price:  $240 List
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Manufacturer:   Ryobi
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 23, 2019
50
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 13
  • Saw Performance - 35% 4.5
  • Ease of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Battery - 25% 4.0
  • Noise - 5% 5.2
  • Weight - 5% 7.5

Our Verdict

The Ryobi 40V RY40530 does a good job of cutting, but it doesn't keep up in other aspects. The noise that this saw produces is difficult to endure for the operator as well as anyone who may be in the immediate vicinity. It lacks a chain brake, which we see as a serious design flaw. The biggest issue that we found with the Ryobi is that it dumps oil out at a ludicrous rate.
REASONS TO BUY
Good cutting power
Has tabs on oil cap for leverage
REASONS TO AVOID
Consumes an absurd amount of oil
No chain brake
Awkward battery compartment location

Compare to Similar Products

 
ryobi 40v ry40530
This Product
Ryobi 40V RY40530
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Best Bang for the Buck
  Top Pick Award
Best 20V Model
Price $240 List$399 List
$399.00 at Amazon
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line We don't suggest that you buy this cordless chainsaw due to some glaring flawsIf 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 Ryobi 40V RY40530 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%)
4.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Noise (5%)
5.2
6.6
6.3
7.1
7.9
Weight (5%)
7.5
6.2
6.4
7.4
9.4
Specs Ryobi 40V RY40530 Ego Power+ CS1800 Ego Power+ CS1613 Ego Power+ CS1400 Worx WG322
Model Number RY40503 CS1800 CS1613 CS1400 WG322
Bar Length 14 inches 18 inches 16 inches 14 inches 10 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time 10.02 seconds 5.876 seconds 7.21 seconds 9.452 seconds 38.382 seconds
Measured Battery Charge Time 2.75 hr 1.5 hr .8 hr .75 hr 3 hr
Measured Weight 11 lbs, 8 oz 14 lbs, 11 oz 14 lbs, 3 oz 11 lbs, 10 oz 6 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Battery Weight 3 lbs, 2 oz 4 lbs, 13 oz 4 lbs, 12 oz 2lbs, 14 oz 1 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Body Dimesions 19.5x9x8 inches 16x9x8 inches 17 x 8 x 6.5 inches 16x9x8 inches 13x8x7.5 inches
Included Battery Size 4 Ah 5 Ah 4Ah 2 Ah 2 Ah
Nominal Voltage 40V 56V 56V 56V 20V
Measured Runtime 24 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 2 seconds 1.25 seconds .5 seconds 2.5 seconds 2 seconds
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in 97.8 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 Included Tool Tool Free Tool free Tool free Tool free
Metal Bucking Spikes No Yes Yes No No
Oil Conservation 2 8 8 8 8
Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type Top Side, Screen Side, Screen Side, Screen Top

Our Analysis and Test Results

In the category of cordless chainsaws, the Ryobi is not the most impressive model.

Performance Comparison


ryobi 40v ry40530 - the ryobi 40v ry40530 is not our favorite saw.
The Ryobi 40V RY40530 is not our favorite saw.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Likes


It might make sense to buy this saw if you already own a Ryobi 40V battery in order to save some money. It did ok in our dimensional woodcutting test where we made several timed cuts through a set amount of wood.

ryobi 40v ry40530 - the aspect of our review where the ryobi did the best was during our...
The aspect of our review where the Ryobi did the best was during our dimension woodcutting time trials.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman


Dislikes


Our main gripe with this saw is that it consumes oil at a rate that we have never seen. The Ryobi is a total pain because you have to stop and check the oil all of the time.

The Ryobi uses a wrench/screwdriver combo which we are a fan of, but the tool for this model is so small that it's difficult to use. The tool is also unusually challenging to remove from the handle.

ryobi 40v ry40530 - the "scrench" that is included with the ryobi is unusually small.
The “scrench” that is included with the Ryobi is unusually small.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The RY40530 has a less than average battery life, and it takes hours to charge. This can really hinder getting your project done in a timely manner. This saw has a very slow wind-up time, which further complicates issues regarding timeliness and efficiency.


During our sound meter testing the Ryobi put emitted a painful reading of 97.8 decibels at a distance of 48 inches. Although you should be wearing ear protection while using power tools, this is still a high level of noise for you while you're working.


Value


The Ryobi is very expensive for the performance that it offers. We recommend investing your money into a saw that does a better job.

ryobi 40v ry40530 - the ryobi 40v ry 40530 does an ok job of cutting, but it runs out of...
The Ryobi 40V RY 40530 does an ok job of cutting, but it runs out of oil in a very short amount of time when compared to other models.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


This saw offers some decent cutting power, but it falls short in many other aspects. It doesn't have a chain brake, it does not have the best battery life, and its charge time is laughable. Worst of all it dumps bar and chain oil as fast as can be which makes it a very inefficient tool.

Ross Patton
 

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