Description

A 16-inch cordless chainsaw is a battery-powered cutting machine designed for tree pruning, firewood preparation, farm maintenance, timber cutting and general outdoor work. It gives you the cutting reach of a full-size chainsaw without needing petrol, a fuel mixture or a power cable.

A strong current specification in this size is a 40V system powered by two 20V lithium-ion batteries, combined with a brushless motor, 16-inch or 40cm guide bar and 14.5m/s chain speed. The INGCO CGSLI401682 and TOTAL TGSLI401682 are current examples with these specifications.

Complete versions of these chainsaws include two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, making them suitable for users who want a ready-to-work cordless package rather than a tool-only machine.

16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw Specifications

Feature	Specification
Product	Cordless Chainsaw
Guide Bar Length	16 Inches / 40cm
Power Source	Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Typical Voltage	40V using 20V + 20V
Motor	Brushless
Chain Speed	14.5m/s on comparable models
Battery Capacity	2 × 4.0Ah on complete comparable kits
Number of Batteries	2 on comparable complete kits
Charger	Dual-Port Charger
Charger Input	220–240V, 50/60Hz
Chain Brake	Quick Chain Brake
Lubrication	Automatic Chain Lubrication
Guide Bar	Included
Saw Chain	Included
Starting	Electric / Trigger Start
Fuel Required	No
Main Uses	Tree Cutting, Pruning, Firewood and Farm Work

INGCO’s current 16-inch kit confirms a brushless motor, 40V dual-battery system, 14.5m/s chain speed, quick chain brake, automatic lubrication, two 4.0Ah batteries and a 220–240V dual-port charger.

Full 16-Inch Cutting Bar

The chainsaw uses a:

16-inch / 40cm guide bar

This makes it significantly more capable than small 6-inch and 8-inch cordless pruning saws.

A 16-inch bar gives enough reach for many jobs involving medium branches, logs and trees while keeping the machine more manageable than larger professional forestry saws.

Current 40V chainsaws from INGCO, TOTAL, WORX and Greenworks all use a 16-inch bar in this performance class.

Powerful 40V Cordless System

A common high-performance setup uses:

40V total operating voltage

created by using:

20V + 20V batteries

at the same time.

This dual-battery design allows the chainsaw to provide more power for demanding wood cutting than a small single-battery pruning saw.

INGCO and TOTAL both use this 20V + 20V arrangement on their current 16-inch models.

Two 4.0Ah Batteries on Complete Kits

A complete cordless chainsaw kit can include:

2 × 20V 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries

Both batteries are installed to operate the 40V chainsaw.

The INGCO CGSLI401682 and TOTAL TGSLI401682 use this battery arrangement.

Battery capacity is important because cutting thick or hard timber places a high load on the motor.

Actual runtime depends on:

• Wood hardness
• Log diameter
• Chain sharpness
• Cutting pressure
• Battery condition
• Battery capacity
• Number of cuts

Brushless Motor

A quality 16-inch cordless chainsaw uses a brushless motor.

Unlike an older brushed motor, a brushless motor does not rely on carbon brushes for motor commutation.

This helps reduce internal wear and can improve efficiency.

Current 16-inch models from INGCO, TOTAL, WORX and Greenworks all use brushless motor technology.

Benefits of a Brushless Chainsaw

A brushless design can provide:

• Better battery efficiency
• Less motor maintenance
• Reduced internal friction
• Good power delivery
• Longer motor life
• Less heat from brush friction

For regular farm or firewood work, this is a major advantage over basic brushed cordless chainsaws.

Fast 14.5m/s Chain Speed

Comparable 16-inch cordless chainsaws operate at approximately:

14.5 metres per second

This means the cutting chain moves quickly around the bar to remove wood fibres efficiently.

INGCO and TOTAL both specify 14.5m/s for their 40V 16-inch models.

Other premium 40V 16-inch chainsaws can run faster. For example, WORX specifies approximately 17.98m/s, while Greenworks lists about 65.62ft/s, or roughly 20m/s, on selected models.

This shows why chain speed should be checked rather than assuming every 16-inch cordless chainsaw performs identically.

Quick Chain Brake

A chain brake is an important safety feature on a full-size chainsaw.

The current INGCO and TOTAL 16-inch cordless models include a quick chain brake.

The front hand guard and brake mechanism are designed to help stop chain movement rapidly in specified situations, including kickback response.

A chain brake reduces risk, but it does not make chainsaw kickback harmless.

Correct handling remains essential.

Automatic Chain Lubrication

The chainsaw includes an automatic lubrication system on comparable models.

Oil is supplied to the bar and chain while the machine operates.

INGCO, TOTAL, WORX and Greenworks all specify automatic chain lubrication or an automatic oiler on their current 16-inch cordless models.

Proper lubrication helps:

• Reduce chain friction
• Reduce guide-bar wear
• Prevent excessive heat
• Improve cutting performance
• Extend chain life

You Still Need Bar and Chain Oil

A cordless chainsaw does not need petrol, but it still needs bar and chain oil.

The oil reservoir should be checked before cutting.

WORX, for example, states that its cordless 16-inch chainsaw uses standard bar and chain oil and notes that oil is not necessarily supplied with the machine.

Never assume that because the machine is battery powered, the cutting chain can run dry.

No Petrol Required

One of the biggest advantages of a cordless chainsaw is that there is no need to mix:

Petrol + 2-stroke oil

for the engine.

You simply charge the batteries, fill the chain-oil reservoir, check the chain and start cutting.

This makes cordless models convenient for homeowners, farmers and maintenance workers who do not want to store petrol.

Push-Button Starting

A battery chainsaw eliminates the pull-start system used by petrol chainsaws.

There is no:

• Choke setting
• Carburettor priming
• Starter rope
• Spark plug starting problem
• Cold-engine starting procedure

The electric motor starts using the machine’s safety controls and trigger.

This is particularly useful when the chainsaw is used for short, repeated jobs during the day.

Dual-Port Charger

Complete 40V kits can include a dual-port charger.

The INGCO CGSLI401682 comes with model FCLI2034E, while the TOTAL TGSLI401682 uses the TCLI2034E dual-port charger. Both kits use two 4.0Ah battery packs.

A dual charger is useful because the chainsaw requires two batteries.

The charger input on these models is:

220–240V, 50/60Hz

which suits the normal mains-voltage range used in Kenya.

Suitable for Firewood Cutting

A 16-inch cordless chainsaw is a practical option for preparing firewood.

It can be used for:

• Cutting branches into smaller pieces
• Cross-cutting suitable logs
• Cutting dry timber
• Farm firewood preparation

Performance depends greatly on the wood species and diameter.

A sharp chain can make a major difference in both cutting speed and battery runtime.

Tree Pruning

The saw can remove larger branches that are beyond the comfortable capacity of a small pruning saw.

This makes it useful for maintaining:

• Fruit trees
• Farm trees
• Shade trees
• Woodlots
• Orchards

Do not use a heavy 16-inch chainsaw one-handed or while standing on an unstable ladder.

For high branches, use a suitable pole saw or professional tree service.

Small and Medium Tree Cutting

A 16-inch bar gives the saw useful capacity for small and some medium tree-cutting work.

However, the bar length should not be treated as a guarantee that every tree of a particular diameter can be safely felled.

Tree felling depends on:

• Tree diameter
• Tree lean
• Wood condition
• Wind
• Nearby buildings
• Power lines
• Operator skill
• Escape route

Large or dangerous trees should be handled by trained operators.

Farm Maintenance

The cordless design is particularly useful on farms because the chainsaw can be carried away from mains electricity.

Typical farm applications include:

• Clearing fallen branches
• Cutting fence posts
• Orchard maintenance
• Cutting firewood
• Trimming trees
• Clearing storm damage
• General wood cutting

There is no extension cable to carry around the farm.

Timber and Construction Work

The chainsaw can also handle suitable timber-cutting jobs at construction sites.

It may be used for rough cutting of:

• Timber
• Posts
• Beams
• Wooden poles

For accurate carpentry cuts, however, a circular saw, mitre saw or other woodworking machine may be more suitable.

Cordless Chainsaw vs Petrol Chainsaw

Feature	16-Inch Cordless	Petrol Chainsaw
Starting	Electric Trigger	Pull Start
Fuel	No Petrol	Petrol Required
Motor Maintenance	Lower	Higher
Noise	Lower	Higher
Exhaust Fumes	None at Tool	Yes
Battery Charging	Required	No
Long Continuous Work	Battery Dependent	Easy with Refuelling
Farm Maintenance	Excellent	Excellent
Heavy Forestry	Model Dependent	Often Better
Storage	Easier	Fuel Management Needed

A cordless chainsaw is especially attractive for intermittent cutting, farms, gardens and maintenance.

A petrol machine can still be preferable for continuous remote forestry work where batteries cannot easily be recharged.

16-Inch Chainsaw vs Mini Cordless Chainsaw

Feature	Mini 6-Inch Saw	16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Bar Length	About 6″	16″ / 40cm
Small Branches	Excellent	Good
Larger Logs	Limited	Much Better
Two-Hand Operation	Model Dependent	Yes
Chain Brake	Less Common	Available
Weight	Lower	Higher
Firewood	Light	Better
Tree Work	Pruning	Pruning and Larger Cutting

INGCO’s current 6-inch mini chainsaw, for example, has an 11m/s chain speed, compared with 14.5m/s on its 16-inch 40V model.

16-Inch Chainsaw vs Electric Corded Chainsaw

A corded chainsaw can provide continuous power while connected to electricity.

However, its cable limits how far you can work from a socket.

The cordless chainsaw is better for:

• Farms
• Orchards
• Large compounds
• Remote sections of a property
• Mobile maintenance

There is also no risk of accidentally cutting the electrical extension cable.

Correct Chain Tension Is Important

A chainsaw chain should not be excessively loose or excessively tight.

A loose chain can come away from the guide bar.

A chain that is too tight can increase friction and accelerate wear.

Check tension according to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially:

• Before starting
• After fitting a new chain
• During the first cuts with a new chain
• When the chain has warmed up

Allow the chain to cool before making final storage adjustments.

Keep the Chain Sharp

A dull chain makes the motor work harder.

Common signs of a dull chain include:

• Slow cutting
• Fine sawdust instead of proper chips
• Need for excessive pressure
• Increased battery use
• Burning marks
• Poor cutting control

Sharpen or replace the chain when necessary.

Guide Bar Maintenance

The 16-inch guide bar also requires maintenance.

Keep the bar groove clean and inspect it for:

• Excessive wear
• Damage
• Burrs
• Blocked oil holes

Correct bar and chain maintenance improves cutting performance and reduces unnecessary load on the motor.

Battery Care

Lithium-ion batteries should be kept:

• Dry
• Clean
• Away from fire
• Away from extreme heat
• Protected from physical damage

Allow a very hot battery to cool before charging if required by the battery manufacturer’s instructions.

Use the correct charger designed for the battery platform.

Chainsaw Safety Equipment

A 16-inch chainsaw is a serious cutting machine.

Suitable personal protective equipment should include chainsaw-rated leg protection, eye or face protection, hearing protection where required, suitable gloves, safety footwear and head protection where falling branches are a risk.

Ordinary clothing does not provide the same protection as chainsaw-specific PPE.

Kickback Safety

Kickback can happen when the upper part of the guide-bar nose contacts wood or another object, or when the chain becomes pinched.

The saw can then move suddenly toward the operator.

To reduce risk:

• Hold the saw with both hands.
• Keep a firm grip.
• Avoid cutting with the upper bar tip.
• Keep the chain sharp.
• Maintain correct chain tension.
• Make sure the chain brake works.
• Stand in a stable position.

Never rely only on the chain brake to control kickback.

Never Cut Above Shoulder Height

Using a full-size chainsaw above shoulder level reduces control and increases injury risk.

Keep the cutting area within a position where you can maintain:

• Two-handed control
• Stable footing
• Clear visibility

For elevated branches, use equipment specifically designed for that work.

Package Contents

A complete 16-inch cordless chainsaw kit can include:

Item	Quantity
40V Cordless Chainsaw	1
16-Inch Guide Bar	1
16-Inch Saw Chain	1
20V 4.0Ah Battery	2
Dual-Port Charger	1

This is the exact package configuration of the current INGCO CGSLI401682 and TOTAL TGSLI401682 complete kits.

Tool-only versions are also available, so always check whether batteries and charger are included before comparing prices.

Benefits of a 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

A good 16-inch battery chainsaw combines the cutting capacity of a full-size guide bar with the convenience of cordless power. Its main advantages include a brushless motor, fast chain speed, automatic lubrication, quick chain brake, easy electric starting and freedom from petrol mixing.

A dual-battery 40V system also provides more cutting power than small cordless pruning saws while remaining suitable for farms, homes and mobile maintenance work.

How to Choose a 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Before buying, check the bar length, motor type, battery voltage, battery capacity, chain speed, chain brake, lubrication system and availability of replacement chains.

Also check whether the advertised price includes batteries.

For demanding use, a complete 40V brushless kit with two 4.0Ah batteries, dual charger, automatic lubrication and chain brake is a strong specification.

16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw Price in Kenya

Prices vary significantly depending on the brand and whether batteries are included.

A current Kenyan listing for the complete TOTAL TGSLI401682 40V 16-inch brushless chainsaw with two 4.0Ah batteries and dual-port charger is KSh 45,000.

Chainsaw Type	Typical Position
Tool-Only 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw	Lower purchase price
16-Inch Chainsaw with One Battery	Mid-range
Dual-Battery Brushless Kit	Higher
Current TOTAL 40V Complete Kit	Around KSh 45,000
Professional Premium Models	Can cost more

When comparing prices, a KSh 25,000 tool-only chainsaw may not actually be cheaper than a KSh 40,000 complete kit once two high-capacity batteries and a charger are purchased separately.

Why Buy a 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw?

A 16-inch cordless chainsaw in Kenya is a strong choice for users who want serious wood-cutting ability without dealing with petrol engines.

The 40cm bar is large enough for firewood, tree pruning and many farm jobs, while a 40V brushless system with a 14.5m/s chain speed provides substantially more capability than a small handheld pruning chainsaw.

With automatic lubrication, a quick chain brake, two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger available on complete kits, the machine is well suited to farmers, homeowners, landscapers and maintenance teams looking for a convenient full-size cordless chainsaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size bar does the cordless chainsaw use?

It uses a 16-inch or approximately 40cm guide bar.

What voltage is a 16-inch cordless chainsaw?

A common high-performance model uses 40V, created by running two compatible 20V batteries together.

Does it have a brushless motor?

Yes, the comparable INGCO and TOTAL 40V 16-inch models use brushless motors.

What is the chain speed?

The referenced 40V models have a chain speed of approximately 14.5m/s.

Does it come with batteries?

Complete versions can come with two 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries. Tool-only versions are also sold, so confirm the package before buying.

Does it come with a charger?

The complete INGCO and TOTAL kits include a dual-port charger for their two batteries.

Can it cut firewood?

Yes. A 16-inch cordless chainsaw is suitable for cutting suitable logs and preparing firewood.

Can it cut trees?

Yes, it can handle suitable small-tree and general wood-cutting work. Tree size, species, operator experience and site conditions determine whether a particular felling job is appropriate.

Does a cordless chainsaw need oil?

Yes. Although it does not require petrol or engine oil, the guide bar and cutting chain still require bar and chain oil.

Does it lubricate the chain automatically?

Comparable 40V 16-inch models have an automatic chain lubrication system.

Does it have a chain brake?

Yes. Current INGCO and TOTAL models include a quick chain brake.

Is a 16-inch cordless chainsaw better than a mini chainsaw?

It is better for larger logs, firewood and more demanding tree work. A mini chainsaw is lighter and easier for small branches and simple pruning.

Is a cordless chainsaw better than petrol?

For home, farm and intermittent cutting, cordless models offer easy starting, lower routine motor maintenance and no fuel mixing. Petrol chainsaws can still be preferable for long periods of continuous forestry work.

How long does the battery last?

Runtime depends on battery capacity, wood diameter, wood hardness, chain sharpness and cutting technique. It is better to compare manufacturers using a standard number-of-cuts test than to expect one fixed number of minutes.

What type of battery is recommended?

For a comparable 40V dual-battery chainsaw, two 20V 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries provide a strong complete-kit configuration.

What is the price of a 16-inch cordless chainsaw in Kenya?

Prices depend heavily on brand and whether batteries are included. A current Kenyan TOTAL 40V 16-inch brushless kit with two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual charger is listed at KSh 45,000.