EGO CS1800/CS2005 Chainsaw Problems | Repair Guide
EGO’s CS1800 and CS2005 battery chainsaws deliver impressive cutting power without gas engine hassles. Their brushless motors and 56V batteries handle serious homeowner tasks. When problems occur, this guide helps diagnose and resolve common issues.
Table of Contents
Model Comparison
| Feature | CS1800 | CS2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Length | 18” | 20” |
| Chain Speed | 6300 FPM | 6800 FPM |
| Weight | 14.4 lbs | 15.2 lbs |
| Best For | General use | Larger cuts |
[NEED REAL IMAGE: EGO CS2005 showing bar and controls]
Both use EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. Higher capacity batteries extend cutting time.
Battery Issues
Saw Won’t Turn On
Check:
- Battery clicked fully into place
- Battery LED shows charge
- Trigger pressed with lockout released
- Chain brake disengaged
If no power:
- Remove battery, wait 30 seconds, reinstall
- Clean contacts with dry cloth
- Try different 56V battery
- Inspect for damage
Short Cutting Time
Expected runtime (5.0Ah battery):
- Light cutting: 150-200 cuts (6” logs)
- Heavy cutting: 70-100 cuts
Reduced runtime causes:
- Large diameter cuts use more power
- Dull chain increases load dramatically
- Battery age/degradation
- Cold temperature
Battery Won’t Charge
EGO charger troubleshooting:
- Outlet has power
- LED responds when battery inserted
- Contacts clean
- Battery at room temperature
Flash patterns indicate errors - consult EGO documentation.
Motor Problems
Motor Won’t Engage
Trigger pressed, nothing:
- Verify battery charged and seated
- Release chain brake first
- Trigger lockout must be pressed
- Check for damage
If click but no spin:
- Chain brake still engaged
- Motor overload protection
- Chain may be binding
Motor Stalls Under Load
Stops during cuts:
- Chain dull (sharpen immediately)
- Chain too tight
- Battery charge low
- Motor overheating
Overload protection - wait 30 seconds, retry with less pressure.
Reduced Cutting Power
Motor seems weak:
- Dull chain (most common cause)
- Low battery charge
- Chain tension too tight
- Bar rail packed with debris
Motor Overheating
Thermal shutdown:
- Extended heavy cutting
- Dull chain forcing motor
- High ambient temperature
Allow 10-15 minutes cooling before resuming.
Chain and Bar
Chain Won’t Move
Motor runs but chain stationary:
- Chain brake engaged
- Chain derailed
- Chain too tight
- Bar packed with debris
Chain Comes Off
Derailing causes:
- Chain tension too loose
- Bar rails worn
- Chain worn out
- Guide bar damage
Proper tensioning:
- Loosen bar mounting
- Use tool-free tensioner
- Chain should have slight sag but pull tight when lifted
- Tighten mounting
Chain Won’t Cut
Dull chain signs:
- Fine sawdust instead of chips
- Must push hard
- Saw wanders in cut
EGO uses low-kickback chains - sharpen or replace when dull.
Chain Brake Issues
Brake won’t engage:
- Mechanism dirty
- Spring weak
- Linkage damaged
Brake won’t release:
- Pull handlebar guard back
- Mechanism may be stuck
- Check for debris
Oiling System
Chain Not Getting Oil
EGO uses automatic oiling:
Check:
- Oil tank full (use bar chain oil)
- Oil visible on chain after running
- Check oil delivery hole for blockage
To test:
- Remove bar and chain
- Run saw briefly
- Watch for oil at delivery port
- No oil = pump issue
Oil Level Window
Monitor oil level through window. Refill when low - never run dry.
Choosing Bar Oil
Use quality bar and chain oil:
- Not motor oil
- Proper viscosity for temperature
- EGO recommends bar oil, not vegetable oil
Safety Features
Chain Brake
The chain brake is critical safety feature:
- Engage before starting
- Release to cut
- Activates on kickback
- Test regularly
Trigger Lockout
Two-step activation:
- Press lockout button
- Then squeeze trigger
- Prevents accidental starts
Low Kickback Chain
EGO supplies low-kickback chain meeting ANSI safety standards. Use only approved replacement chains.
Maintenance
Before Each Use
- Check chain tension
- Verify oil level
- Inspect chain sharpness
- Test chain brake
- Check battery charge
Every 5 Uses
- Clean bar groove
- Clean around sprocket
- Flip bar for even wear
- Check chain for damage
Monthly (During Use Season)
- Deep clean saw body
- Inspect all safety features
- Check bar condition
- Sharpen or replace chain
Storage
- Remove battery
- Clean thoroughly
- Oil chain lightly
- Store in dry location
- Charge battery to 40-50%
Common Parts
| Part | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chain (18”) | Oregon S62 | $15-25 |
| Chain (20”) | Oregon S68 | $18-28 |
| Bar oil | Various brands | $10-15/qt |
| 5.0Ah Battery | BA2800T | $199-249 |
Warranty
EGO warranty:
- 5 years - tool
- 3 years - battery
Register at egopowerplus.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does EGO compare to gas chainsaws?
For homeowner use, very comparable. EGO handles 8-12” limbs easily. Professional felling work still favors gas.
Can I use any 56V battery?
Yes, any EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery works. Higher capacity = more cuts per charge.
How long does the chain last?
Depends on use. Sharpen every 2-3 uses. Replace when too worn to sharpen effectively.
Is kickback still a concern with battery saws?
Yes. Kickback physics are the same regardless of power source. Always use proper technique.
EGO chainsaws bring gas-like performance without fuel hassles. Keep the chain sharp, oil flowing and battery charged for reliable cutting.