Last Updated on May 6, 2026
The Einhell Electric Chainsaw GH-EC 2040 is a powerful and easy to use tool designed for homeowners who need reliable cutting performance for firewood, pruning, and small tree cutting. Built by Einhell, this electric chainsaw combines strong power with user-friendly features, making it suitable for regular garden and outdoor tasks.
Powered by a 2000W motor, the GH-EC 2040 delivers consistent cutting performance and features a 40 cm guide bar with a 37.5 cm cutting length, allowing efficient handling of logs and branches. It also includes tool-free chain tensioning, making adjustments quick and simple during use.
For safety and durability, the chainsaw is equipped with kickback protection, an instant chain brake and a metal gearbox, ensuring reliable operation and longer lifespan. An automatic chain lubrication system with a 160 ml oil tank helps maintain smooth cutting and extends the life of the chain.
Overall, the Einhell GH-EC 2040 is a powerful, practical, and affordable electric chainsaw, ideal for homeowners looking for efficient cutting without the maintenance of petrol models.
Einhell 2000W 16" Electric Chainsaw
A robust and reliable electric chainsaw that balances raw cutting power with practical safety and maintenance features. It suits homeowners who need a low-maintenance, high-value tool for firewood, pruning and small tree work.
Overview
You’re looking at a purpose-built electric chainsaw designed for homeowners and light professional tasks: a 2000W motor driving a 16″ (40 cm) Oregon-supplied bar and chain, with an emphasis on safety and minimal upkeep. The tool is engineered to give you the cutting power you’d expect from a mid-range saw while avoiding the noise, smell and routine servicing of petrol models. It’s best used where mains power is readily available and you need consistent performance for sessions like log splitting, limb removal and general garden clearing.
Key specifications snapshot
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor power | 2000 W |
| Bar length | 16 inch / 40 cm |
| Chain speed | Up to 13.5 m/s |
| Oil tank capacity | 160 ml (sight glass) |
| Weight | Approx. 5.13 kg |
| Included components | Chainsaw, protective cover |
| Notable features | Metal gearing, mechanical chain brake, tool-free tensioning |
What the design means for your use
You’ll notice the saw’s weight offers a reassuring feel in the hand — it’s not featherlight, but that mass helps steady long cuts and reduces perceived vibration. The metal gearing contributes to durability under load: when you push the saw through denser timber, the gearing resists wear better than cheaper plastic alternatives.
The 16″ bar is a pragmatic choice: long enough to tackle mid-sized trunks and sizeable logs, but compact enough for pruning and working in tighter spaces. The chain speed of 13.5 m/s is where power translates into real-world cutting efficiency you’ll make quicker, cleaner passes through seasoned and green wood compared to lower-speed electric models.
Safety systems: what protects you and how they work
Safety is central to the unit’s engineering. The key protections you benefit from are:
These systems mean that, in typical backyard cutting scenarios, the saw responds very quickly to dangerous events. You still need safe technique and PPE, but the chainsaw’s mechanisms are designed to reduce the window for accidents.
Maintenance and day to day care you’ll appreciate
A large part of the appeal is the low barrier to routine upkeep. You’ll manage most tasks without specialist tools and with minimal time investment. Key maintenance notes to keep the saw performing well:
If you maintain oiling and tension habits, the saw will deliver consistent cutting life and reduce the need for frequent part replacement.
Performance scenarios: how it performs in common tasks
You’ll find that the saw performs best in these scenarios:
Factors that limit performance include continuous heavy-duty work greater than a few hours at a stretch — for truly professional forestry work, a petrol unit still has the edge in run time and raw portability.
Practical ergonomics and user tips
The saw includes thoughtful features that improve usability:
Useful tips for longevity and performance:
Durability and long-term ownership expectations
The saw’s construction and supplied Oregon chain and bar indicate that the manufacturer aimed to give you a serviceable product rather than a throwaway toy. In regular domestic use you can expect multiple seasons of work if you follow basic maintenance. Common wear items are the chain, sprocket and occasionally the bar groove all replaceable at reasonable cost.
Warranty and spare part availability will affect long-term value. The unit is manufactured with repairable components in mind (metal gearing, replaceable chain), so if you keep a small inventory of consumables, you’ll extend useful life considerably.
Who should buy this saw?
You should consider this saw if you:
Avoid this model if you require full cordless mobility, extended multi-day professional use away from mains power, or ultra-lightweight handheld operation for overhead cutting.
Final practical notes
When you unpack the saw, spend a few minutes assembling and checking chain direction and tension. Stock up on bar oil and a spare chain if you expect to cut heavily. With proper care and sensible expectations about workload, this machine gives excellent cutting power and well-integrated safety for its price point.
FAQ
Yes, for medium trees (roughly up to 12″–14″ diameter) the 2000W motor and 16″ bar perform well for felling and bucking. For larger trunks you’ll need to make multiple cuts or consider a longer bar or a professional petrol unit. Always follow safe felling practices and use wedges or an escape route.
Check tension after the first 5–10 minutes of cutting (the chain stretches as it heats), then periodically throughout a session and after the saw cools. You want the drive links to sit in the bar groove while the cutters still have a small amount of movement when pulled by hand.
Use genuine chainsaw bar and chain oil (biodegradable options are available). The reservoir is 160 ml, and consumption varies with cutting type expect to top up for every 30–60 minutes of continuous cutting depending on workload.
Many users convert to electric for convenience, cleaner operation and lower noise. If you’re used to petrol power you may find the mains-powered motor slightly different in torque response, but the saw provides competitive cutting performance for domestic and light professional tasks.
Sharpen the cutters with a round file sized to the chain (commonly 4.0–5.5 mm depending on pitch) and ensure all cutters are filed to the same angle and depth. Alternatively, have chains sharpened professionally or replace the chain when wear or damage occurs.
At minimum wear chainsaw-rated gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy boots. For extended cutting or overhead work, add chainsaw chaps or trousers and a helmet with face and hearing protection.
