The world of outdoor power equipment revolves around the seasons. In most parts of the country, there’s not much year-round use for zero-turns and string trimmers. However, certain tools have a myriad of applications and stay up and running in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. Chainsaws are perhaps the best examples, particularly if your property has a lot of trees. Many year-round cleanup and maintenance tasks don’t require large or even mid-sized saws. Indeed, “mini” models like the 18V Ryobi 6 inch pruning chainsaw (PCLCW01) are assets when you have frequent light-duty needs.
Here’s a rundown of what this unit has and what it can do.
Explore the compact saw universe! Check out our Best Mini Chainsaw Reviews list.
Ryobi 6 Inch Pruning Chainsaw Performance
At the heart of the PCLCW01 is a brushless motor and an 18V (2.0Ah) One+ battery, giving you chain speeds of up to 4 meters per second (13 f/s). While this saw isn’t the fastest gun in the West, it will still chew through relatively dense wood.
We say this based on experience, as we’ve put comparably powerful 6- to 8-inch Ryobi pruning and pole chainsaws to work on heavy varieties like cherry. Ryobi tells us that the PCLCW01 is good for cuts up to 4 inches. But, again, we’ve used comparable models on limbs that were a tad thicker and encountered no difficulties.
They also say you’ll get about 50 cuts per charge. However, most brands typically make these estimates based on performance tests that use woods like soft pine. So, results will almost certainly vary.
Specifications
- Model: Ryobi PCLCW01
- Battery: 18V (2.0Ah)
- Brushless motor
- Bar: 6 in
- Chain speed: 4 m/s
- Cut capacity: 4 in
- Oil-free design
- Weight: 3.9 lbs (w/ battery)
Overall, compact saws have many advantages over their larger relatives, but their weight tops the list. This is especially the case with Ryobi’s 6 inch pruning chainsaw, which is just 3.9 pounds with the battery attached. That’ll mean less stress on your hands, wrists, and forearms, reducing fatigue and enhancing control.
Ryobi 6 Inch Pruning Chainsaw Design Features
Finally, we have a few design notes to pass along. For one, the PCLCW01 has a variable speed trigger, which makes it easier to manage cuts, particularly on stubborn wood varieties.
Furthermore, Ryobi included tool-free chain tensioning, and, for safety, a chain and handle guard. What’s more, everything is oil-free.
Pros
- Tool-free tensioning
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Chain speed is a bit less than competing models
Ryobi PCLCW01 Price
The 18V 6-inch pruning chainsaw sells for $99 bare and as a kit for $189 and comes with Ryobi’s 3-year warranty.
