Over the years, Kobalt has operated in a group of OPE that performs reliably for a reasonable price. This is, generally speaking, the ideal combination for homeowners with light to medium yard work. The question remains whether you think the 40V Kobalt 14 inch chainsaw (KCS 1040A-03) is among those tools that measure up.
We certainly think it does, which is why it made our Best Chainsaw Reviews list. Let’s explore what influenced our decision.
Kobalt 14 Inch Chainsaw Features & Performance
Driving the KCS 1040A-03 is a brushless motor. We’ve said it numerous times–and we don’t ever mind repeating it–brushless motors should be an industry standard. And, happily, we do see them more often.
Powering this unit is a 40V (4.0Ah) battery that provides a chain speed of 52 feet per second. While that’s not in the ballpark of the 80 fps we normally like to see, we think it’s solid enough for residential users.
Specs
- Model: Kobalt KCS 1040A-03
- Battery: 40V (4.0Ah)
- Brushless motor
- Bar length: 14 in
- Chains speed: 50 fps
So, that begs the question: How did the Kobalt 14 inch cordless chainsaw fair in the field? In our opinion, pretty darned well. In fact, it surprised us in certain respects.
For example, in terms of cutting, the KCS 1040A-03 held its own. We tried it out on a few 7-inch (give-or-take) cherry tree limbs and encountered no problems. If you’re not familiar with this variety, the wood is dense, and it’s usually moist. As such, we certainly gave this 40V chainsaw both a challenge and a workout.
We made about 25 consecutive cuts, using an estimated quarter of a fully charged battery. Again, we were attacking dense wood. To put this into context, Kobalt says you’ll get 145 cuts of soft 4 x 4 fir.
Kobalt 14 Inch Cordless Chainsaw Design
We liked the KCS 1040A-03’s design, too.
First, it has a number of features aimed at functional convenience. For instance, it comes with toolless tensioning and automatic oiling, each of which helps simplify chainsaw maintenance.
Moreover, the Kobalt 14 inch chainsaw’s ergonomics pleased us as well. The handle was comfortable, and the control helped facilitate long work sessions and assisted with managing awkward cuts.
But, as always, there’s room for improvement. For instance, it might endear Kobalt to the customer if they’d include a bottle of chain oil in the package. While we have plenty sitting around, the average homeowner buying his/her first saw probably doesn’t. We chose the KCS 1040A-03 as the best chainsaw for the money, and this touch would only enhance that.
Small gestures often go a long way.
KCS 1040A-03 Price
Kobalt’s 14 inch cordless chainsaw sells for $199 and comes with a battery and charger. Furthermore, they back it with 5-year limited tool and 3-year limited battery warranties.
Stay safe with your new gear. Check out our guide to Chainsaw Safety for Beginners and Pros!
