The Hyundai HY2190 is a compact 10-inch cordless chainsaw powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery system.

Upon unboxing, you’ll notice the build quality feels solid and professional, despite its lightweight design at just 3.26kg. The package includes the main chainsaw unit, a 10-inch Oregon bar and chain, blade cover, 4.0Ah battery, and 2.3A charger.

Power system and performance

At the heart of this chainsaw is a brushless motor, which is a significant advantage over cheaper brushed alternatives. Brushless motors offer better efficiency, longer lifespan, and more power for their size. The motor drives the chain at an impressive 10 metres per second, which proves more than adequate for most domestic cutting tasks.

Battery performance

The 4.0Ah battery provides good runtime for typical garden jobs. You can expect around 45-60 minutes of actual cutting time, though this varies depending on the type of wood and how aggressively you’re working. The battery features a useful charge indicator with 4 LEDs showing remaining capacity, so you’re never caught out mid-job.

Cutting capability and practical use

With its 10-inch Oregon bar and chain, this saw sits in the lighter-duty category of chainsaws. However, don’t let that fool you – it’s perfectly capable of handling:

• Branch pruning up to 8 inches
• Small tree felling (up to about 8-9 inches diameter)
• Cutting firewood
• Garden maintenance and cleanup
• Hedge removal

Performance characteristics

The saw performs particularly well on smaller diameter wood (2-6 inches), where its lightweight nature becomes a real advantage for prolonged use. The chain speed of 10m/s ensures clean, efficient cuts when used within its capabilities.

Safety features

Safety has clearly been a priority in the design. Key features include:

• Chain brake/hand guard that activates instantly if kickback occurs
• Power safety switch requiring two-handed operation
• Rear hand guard protecting your grip
• Low kickback Oregon chain design
• Clear blade cover for storage

The chain brake is particularly responsive, and the two-stage power activation (requiring both the safety switch and trigger) prevents accidental starts.

Ergonomics and handling

The ergonomic design makes this saw comfortable to use for extended periods. The front and rear handles are well-positioned for balance, and the lightweight nature means less fatigue during overhead cuts or when working at awkward angles. The rubber grip surfaces provide good control even with gloved hands.

Maintenance and practical features

Several user-friendly features make maintenance straightforward:

• Tool-free chain tensioning system
• Automatic chain lubrication
• Clear oil level window
• Easy access for chain replacement
• Simple battery removal/installation

The tool-free tensioning is particularly welcome, allowing quick adjustment without hunting for tools. The automatic oiling system works effectively, though you’ll need to remember to check the oil level regularly through the convenient window.

Battery system compatibility

One of the strongest selling points is that this chainsaw uses Hyundai’s 20V MAX battery platform. This means you can share batteries with other tools in their cordless range, potentially saving money if you’re already invested in their system. The 4.0Ah battery provided offers good runtime, but you might want to consider a spare if tackling bigger jobs.

Professional vs DIY use

Professional applications

For professional tree surgeons and arborists, this wouldn’t replace a main saw for heavy work. However, it could serve well as a secondary tool for:

• Light pruning work
• Detailed cuts in tight spaces
• Quick cleanup jobs
• Situations where noise needs to be minimised

DIY and homeowner benefits

For DIY users and homeowners, this saw hits a sweet spot. It offers enough power for typical garden maintenance while being much easier to handle and maintain than a petrol equivalent. The battery system eliminates common headaches like fuel mixing, starting issues, and winter storage concerns.

Advantages and limitations

Pros

• Lightweight and well-balanced
• Quality Oregon bar and chain
• Brushless motor technology
• Good safety features
• Tool-free chain tensioning
• Part of wider 20V battery system
• Low maintenance requirements
• Quiet operation compared to petrol
• 3-year warranty for home use

Cons

• 10-inch bar limits maximum cutting capacity
• Battery life might be insufficient for longer sessions
• Not suitable for heavy-duty professional use
• Oil can leak slightly during storage
• Chain tension needs frequent checking

Cost considerations

At £169.99 (including VAT), this saw represents good value when you consider:

• Included 4.0Ah battery and charger
• Professional-grade Oregon bar and chain
• Brushless motor technology
• 3-year warranty

The initial investment might be higher than basic corded electric models, but the convenience and capability make it worthwhile for regular users.

Maintenance requirements

Regular maintenance is straightforward but essential:

• Check chain tension before each use
• Keep oil reservoir topped up
• Clean bar groove and lubrication holes
• Sharpen chain when needed
• Clean air vents regularly
• Store battery at partial charge

The user manual provides clear guidance on these tasks, though less experienced users might want to have a professional handle chain sharpening.

Compare with alternatives

Vs other cordless saws

Against similar cordless saws, the HY2190 stands out for its:

• Brushless motor (many competitors use brushed)
• Professional-grade Oregon bar and chain
• Generous 4.0Ah battery capacity
• Comprehensive safety features

Vs petrol saws

Compared to petrol saws, you sacrifice some power and continuous runtime but gain:

• Much lighter weight
• No fuel mixing or starting issues
• Quieter operation
• Lower maintenance needs
• Zero direct emissions

Final thoughts and recommendations

The Hyundai HY2190 cordless chainsaw proves itself a capable and well-designed tool for its intended market. For homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, it offers an excellent balance of performance, convenience, and value. The quality components and thoughtful design features show Hyundai’s commitment to producing serious tools rather than just entry-level products.

Who should buy it

• Homeowners with regular garden maintenance needs
• DIY enthusiasts handling occasional tree work
• Professional gardeners needing a lightweight secondary saw
• Anyone wanting to move away from petrol tools
• Users already invested in Hyundai’s 20V system

Who should look elsewhere

• Professional arborists needing a primary saw
• Users regularly cutting wood over 8 inches diameter
• Those requiring all-day continuous use
• Budget buyers who rarely need a chainsaw

The 3-year warranty for home use (1 year for commercial) provides good peace of mind, and Hyundai’s customer service has a solid reputation. While this saw won’t replace a professional-grade petrol model for heavy work, it excels in its intended role as a convenient, capable tool for regular garden maintenance and lighter tree work.

Further reading

• Hyundai product page

• Product manual

FAQs

Hyundai HY2190 any good?

Yes, it’s an excellent cordless chainsaw for DIY users. Well-built with quality Oregon bar/chain, brushless motor, and good safety features.

Hyundai HY2190 for thick branches?

It can handle branches up to 8 inches, so it’s suited for light to medium work. Consider a petrol saw for regular thick cutting.