Kobalt KCS 120-07 40 Volt Cordless Electric Chainsaw review

The Kobalt KCS 120-07 is a lightweight cordless electric chainsaw that is portable, easy to use and reasonably priced. While this chainsaw is not as powerful as comparable gas versions, the combination of weight, ease of use and quiet running makes it a good light-duty chainsaw. A fully charged battery allows for up to 90 cuts of 4x4 treated lumber, and can easily be started with the push of a button. 

If you need to do some light pruning around the garden and value flexibility over power and size, then the Kobalt KCS 120-07 40 Volt Cordless Electric Chainsaw is one of the best chainsaws (opens in new tab) you could hope to find.

Kobalt KCS 120-07 review: Price

This model is very reasonably priced (RRP $99) compared to similar cordless electric chainsaws with Lowes including a charger and battery for $169.00, all in. Greenworks has a similar model, for a similar price, but at over 1lb heavier. Overall this model is placed in the light-duty, budget category.

Kobalt KCS 120-07 review: Features

At 8.83lbs the Kobalt KCS 120-07 electric chainsaw is one of the lightest in its category, making it great for light duty pruning and cutting small logs. The weight and its cordless design make it easy to carry around, reducing fatigue on arms, especially for users of more advanced ages.

While the 12” bar is quite short, making for limited versatility, when combined with a 40-volt motor there is plenty of power and battery longevity available.

This chainsaw has many standard features, that users will expect with a modern electric chainsaw, such as a self-oiling chain and keyless adjustment. However, the Kobalt KCS 120-07 chainsaw also possesses a few not so common safety features, such as metal bucking spikes for pivoting bigger cuts and a low kick-back chain.

Overall, it’s the ease of use that separates this chainsaw away from similar gas chainsaws. The electric motor is quiet when compared to gas chainsaws, has a push-button start, doesn’t need to be filled with gas and doesn’t produce fumes.

Kobalt KCS 120-07 review: Performance

Our testing crew had several things to say about Kobalt while testing. One commented that “If I was to get just a nifty little household trimmer, I would prefer this." Another agreed, stating “If you're going to get something battery powered, this would be it”.

It performs well on small trees and shrubbery in an overgrown back yard, and is even good for light stump work.

Because it’s battery powered, it’s much easier to start than gas-powered saws. Every time we pulled the trigger, it started with no problems. This is far more convenient -  and less aggravating - than pulling on a coil starter multiple times. 

Kobalt KCS 120-07 review: User reviews

The Kobalt KCS 120-07 cordless electric chainsaw scored an average of 4.5 / 5 from the user reviews on sites such as Lowes, Google and Amazon, with Lowes saying that 90% of users would recommend the chainsaw, based on 444 responses.

Typically, users were surprised with the staying power of the chainsaw, saying that it lasted a lot longer than they expected a cordless electric chainsaw to last and that it had plenty of power to cut through 8 - 12” branches.

Users also mentioned the weight of the chainsaw, saying how light it was, and when combined with its low noise, which was less intimidating, and push button start, recommended it for first time users who may not have the upper body strength for a gas-powered saw.

Should you buy the Kobalt KCS 120-07 Cordless Electric Chainsaw?

This Kobalt chainsaw has a great mix of power, portability and safety features which has resulted in many excellent reviews. It is both easy to start and easy to hold up while cutting. It won’t annoy the neighbors and you wont have to pop out for more gas. While there are many other chainsaws in the same price bracket, they don’t have the same all-round features.