If you’re looking for a capable and affordable chainsaw for yard work, you’ve likely come across the Worx WG509. This review will give you a straight-talking, in-depth performance analysis of this electric model. We’ll look at how it handles real-world tasks, from pruning to cutting firewood, so you can decide if it’s the right tool for your garden.
Worx WG509 Review – In-depth performance analysis
As a gardener, I know you need tools that work without fuss. The Worx WG509 is a 14.5-inch 40V cordless chainsaw that promises just that. It’s part of the Power Share battery system, which means if you own other Worx tools, you might already have a compatible battery. Let’s see if its performance lives up to the promise.
What’s In The Box?
When you open the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started. The assembly is minimal, which is a big plus.
* The chainsaw unit itself (without the battery or charger)
* A 14.5-inch Oregon bar and chain
* A small bottle of bar and chain oil
* A combination wrench for adjustments
* The manual and safety guide
Remember, the battery and charger are sold separately. This is common for cordless tools, but it’s an important cost to factor in.
Key Features and Specifications
Before we get into the cutting tests, let’s cover the basics. Knowing the specs helps you understand what to expect.
* Power Source: 40V Lithium-ion battery (2.0Ah or 4.0Ah options)
* Bar Length: 14.5 inches
* Chain Speed: Up to 11.5 m/s
* Weight: About 7.3 lbs without the battery
* Automatic Oiling: Yes, with a manual override button
* Tool-less Chain Tensioning: This is a major convenience feature
* Safety Features: Chain brake, hand guard, and safety switch
The weight is a highlight. It’s light enough to use for extended periods without causing fatigue, which is great for overhead pruning.
Real-World Cutting Performance
This is where the rubber meets the road. I put the WG509 through a series of common garden jobs. Here’s how it performed.
Pruning and Limbing
For cutting branches up to about 6 inches thick, this saw excels. The instant electric power means no pulling a cord. It starts everytime with a trigger pull. The chain speed is good for clean cuts in green wood. The light weight makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots between tree limbs.
Felling Small Trees
I used it to take down a few dead pine trees around 10 inches in diameter. With a sharp chain and a full 4.0Ah battery, it handled the job well. The cut was smooth and controlled. For small to medium tree felling, it’s perfectly adequate for a homeowner.
Cutting Firewood
This is a tougher test. Cutting seasoned oak logs at 12 inches thick pushed the saw. It gets through the wood, but the speed slows noticeably under heavy load. The battery life is the main factor here. You’ll get about 20-25 cuts on a full 4.0Ah battery with hardwoods before needing a recharge.
Overall Power Impression
It’s not a gas-powered monster, and it doesn’t try to be. For 90% of typical yard work, the power is sufficient. The trade-off for quiet, emission-free operation and low maintenance is aceptable for most users.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is crucial for any cordless tool. Your experience will vary drastically based on the wood you’re cutting.
* With a 2.0Ah Battery: Best for light duty. Expect 15-20 minutes of runtime, ideal for quick pruning jobs.
* With a 4.0Ah Battery: The recommended choice. I got about 35-45 minutes of mixed cutting. Having a second battery is a smart idea for larger projects.
* Charging Time: A fully depleted 4.0Ah battery takes roughly 2 hours to charge. Plan your work in stages if you have a big job.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
This is a major strength of the WG509. Worx has designed it with the casual user in mind.
Setup and Daily Use
The tool-less chain tensioning system is fantastic. You simply turn a dial to tighten or loosen the chain—no tools needed. This makes adjusting the chain a 30-second task, which you should do frequently for safety and performance.
The Auto-Oiler
The automatic oiling system works well. It dispenses bar oil as you cut. There’s also a manual override button if you need extra oil for particularly dry or hard wood. Remember to check and fill the oil reservoir before each use. A dry chain is a fast way to ruin your bar.
Sharpening the Chain
Like any chainsaw, keeping the chain sharp is your responsability. You can use a simple round file and guide. A dull chain makes the saw work harder and drains the battery faster. I recommend sharpening it after every couple of hours of use.
Safety Features Overview
Safety should always come first. The WG509 includes standard but vital features.
* Chain Brake: Stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs or if you activate it with your hand.
* Safety Switch: Prevents accidental starting. You must press this before pulling the trigger.
* Hand Guard: Protects your front hand from debris.
* Low-Kickback Bar and Chain: Helps reduce the risk of dangerous kickback.
Always, always wear proper safety gear: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy boots.
Pros and Cons Summary
After extensive testing, here’s my balanced take.
Pros:
* Very lightweight and easy to handle.
* No fumes, very quiet operation compared to gas.
* Tool-less chain tensioning is a huge time-saver.
* Good value for money, especially if you’re already in the Worx battery ecosystem.
* Virtually no maintenance beyond sharpening and oiling.
Cons:
* Battery life can be limiting for large, continuous jobs.
* Power can bog down in very hard or thick wood.
* Bar and chain oil reservoir is a bit small for prolonged use.
* Not suitable for professional, all-day use.
Who Is The Worx WG509 Best For?
This saw isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for a specific user.
* The Homeowner: With a typical suburban yard, it’s ideal for seasonal cleanup, storm damage, and pruning.
* The Eco-Conscious Gardener: If you want to avoid gas and oil mixes, this is a clean alternative.
* The Occasional User: If you need a saw a few times a year, the low maintenance is a major benefit.
* Existing Worx Tool Owners: Sharing batteries makes this an incredibly cost-effective addition.
It is not the best choice for someone cutting several cords of firewood annually or felling large trees regularly. For those jobs, a gas saw or a more powerful pro-grade electric is better.
Final Verdict
The Worx WG509 is a highly capable tool for its intended audience. It makes chainsaw tasks approachable and less intimidating for the average person. The in-depth performance analysis shows it’s a reliable partner for general yard maintenance. While it has limits in battery life and peak power, its convenience, light weight, and low upkeep make it a standout option in the cordless market. If your needs align with its strengths, it’s an excellent investment that will make your garden chores much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Worx WG509 powerful enough to cut down a tree?
Yes, it can fell small to medium-sized trees, up to about 12-14 inches in diameter. For anything larger, a more powerful saw is recommended.
How long does the battery last on the WG509 chainsaw?
With the 4.0Ah battery, you can expect 35-45 minutes of actual cutting time, depending on the wood density. The 2.0Ah battery provides about half that.
Can you use other Worx batteries on the WG509?
Yes, any Worx 40V Power Share battery will work. Using a higher Ah battery (like a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah) will give you longer runtime.
How do you tighten the chain on a Worx WG509?
Use the tool-less tensioning dial located near the base of the bar. Turn it clockwise to tighten until the chain snaps back when pulled from the bar. It’s very simple and quick.
Is the Worx chainsaw good for cutting firewood?
It is good for occasional firewood cutting of smaller logs. For processing large amounts of dense hardwood, its battery life and power may be frustrating. It’s perfecly fine for cutting up fallen limbs and smaller logs.