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
Ryobi 40V RY40530 Review
A cordless chainsaw that is overpriced for its performance that we wouldn't recommend purchasing
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ October 23, 2019
RELATED: The Best Battery Chainsaws
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.
Our Analysis and Test Results
In the category of cordless chainsaws, the Ryobi is not the most impressive model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Ryobi 40V RY40530 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $240 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A cordless chainsaw that is overpriced for its performance that we wouldn't recommend purchasing |
| Pros | Good cutting power, has tabs on oil cap for leverage |
| Cons | Consumes an absurd amount of oil, no chain brake, awkward battery compartment location |
| Rating Categories | Ryobi 40V RY40530 |
| Saw Performance (35%) | |
| Ease of Use (30%) | |
| Battery (25%) | |
| Noise (5%) | |
| Weight (5%) | |
| Specifications | Ryobi 40V RY40530 |
| Model Number | RY40503 |
| Bar Length | 14 inches |
| Measured Average Cutting Time | 10.02 seconds |
| Measured Battery Charge Time | 2.75 hr |
| Measured Weight | 11 lbs, 8 oz |
| Measured Battery Weight | 3 lbs, 2 oz |
| Measured Body Dimesions | 19.5x9x8 inches |
| Included Battery Size | 4 Ah |
| Nominal Voltage | 40V |
| Measured Runtime | 24 minutes |
| Measured Run Time Eco Mode | n/a |
| Measured Wind Up Time | 2 seconds |
| Measured Decibel Reading at 48in | 97.8 dBa |
| Control Type | Thumb safety |
| Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type | Included Tool |
| Metal Bucking Spikes | No |
| Oil Conservation | 2 |
| Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type | Top |
—Ross Patton
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