Product Review: SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 12" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit Including 2.0Ah Battery and Charger-TH1200C-11
Compact power for pruning, limbing and light tree work. If you’re looking to buy SKIL PWR CORE 40 chainsaw or find a SKIL chainsaw kit for sale, this review breaks down what makes the SKIL TH1200C-11 a strong contender in the cordless 40V chainsaw category.
Introduction
The SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 12" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit (TH1200C-11) is a lightweight, compact brushless chainsaw aimed at arborists, landscapers and homeowners who need a portable 12 inch chainsaw for pruning and trimming. This review covers the core features, real-world use, pros and cons, and whether you should purchase 40V chainsaw with battery in this kit.
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What is this product?
The SKIL TH1200C-11 is a SKIL PWR CORE 40 40V brushless top handle chainsaw designed to deliver the equivalent power of a 27cc gas engine while eliminating fumes, mixing and maintenance hassles. It’s sold as a chainsaw kit, including the PWR CORE 40 2.0Ah battery and 40V 60W charger, making it ready to use out of the box — a convenient choice if you want to order cordless 12 inch chainsaw kit and get to work quickly.
Who it’s for
- Arborists and climbing professionals who need a top handle chainsaw for ladder and tree work.
- Homeowners who want a lightweight, battery powered chainsaw kit with charger for backyard pruning and light clearing.
- Landscapers seeking a compact, reliable tool for line clearing and landscaping tasks.
Key Features
About this item
- 40V CHAIN SAW KIT INCLUDES – The cordless top handle chain saw, PWR CORE 40 2.0Ah lithium battery, and 40V 60W charger
- DELIVERS 27CC GAS EQUIVALENT – Ditch the gas, keep the power
- 1/4-INCH PITCH CHAIN – For smooth, precise cuts
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT – For easy maneuverability and reduced fatigue
- AUTO-LUBRICATING CHAIN – For longer chain life
- TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING – Fast and easy with a convenient dial on the side
- IPX4 WEATHER RESISTANCE – For added durability
- LONGER RUNTIME & BATTERY LIFE – PWRCORE 40 technology wraps each cell with cooling material to keep it powering on for 25% longer runtime and 2X battery life
Detailed Description
The SKIL PWR CORE 40 12" top handle chainsaw kit with 2.0Ah battery and charger is built around the PWR CORE 40™ 40V lithium platform. The manufacturer claims gas-equivalent performance (27cc) from a brushless motor that runs cleaner, quieter and with less vibration than gas alternatives. The lightweight design makes it ideal for overhead cutting and ladder work where managing weight and balance matters.
The 1/4-inch pitch chain provides smooth, precise cuts ideal for pruning and trimming. The chain is self-lubricating and the tool features a side-mounted, tool-free tensioning dial for quick adjustments. IPX4 weather resistance adds resilience during damp conditions. The included 2.0Ah battery and 60W charger let you purchase a ready-to-run SKIL chainsaw kit for sale without hunting for compatible batteries.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight & compact: Easy to handle for extended pruning sessions.
- Brushless motor: Efficient power delivery and longer motor life.
- PWR CORE 40 battery tech: Improved runtime and cell cooling for longer life.
- Tool-free tensioning: Fast adjustments on the job.
- Ready-to-go kit: Includes battery and charger for immediate use — ideal if you want to purchase 40V chainsaw with battery.
Cons
- Battery size: 2.0Ah is fine for light-to-moderate tasks but heavy, continuous cutting may require an additional battery.
- Bar length: 12" limits cutting capacity compared with larger 16–18" saws.
- Top-handle design: Best for trained arborists; casual users may prefer a rear-handle for ground work.
Who Should Buy This Product
If you need a lightweight 12 inch cordless chainsaw for pruning and trimming or a compact top handle chainsaw for ladder work, this SKIL PWR CORE 40 model is a practical option. Choose this kit if you want to order cordless 12 inch chainsaw kit that arrives ready to use, or if you want to buy SKIL PWR CORE 40 chainsaw as a quieter, cleaner replacement for a small gas saw.
Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to small gas 27cc chainsaws, the SKIL TH1200C-11 is easier to maintain, has no fuel mixing, and is quieter — making it a better choice for residential neighborhoods. Against other battery chainsaws, the SKIL PWR CORE 40 platform offers competitive runtime and battery longevity because of its cooling-wrapped cells.
Compared to larger battery platforms (higher Ah or higher voltage), the included 2.0Ah battery is more compact but provides shorter runtimes for heavy-duty cutting. If you need extended runtime, look for bundles with larger PWR CORE 40 batteries or consider buying an extra battery. If you’re shopping for the SKIL chainsaw best price, watch for bundled deals that include higher-capacity batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chainsaw good for arborist use?
Yes — the top handle design and compact form make it suitable for arborists and tree climbers doing pruning and light limbing. For extensive felling or large-diameter work, a larger bar and more powerful battery may be preferred.
Can I use other SKIL PWR CORE 40 batteries?
Yes. The PWR CORE 40 batteries are cross-compatible across SKIL PWR CORE 40 tools. If you plan to work longer, purchase an additional 4.0Ah or higher battery for extended runtime.
Where can I buy this kit?
You can purchase this SKIL chainsaw kit online. To find the latest price and stock, visit the Amazon product page linked in the CTAs above.
Final Verdict Best Cordless Chainsaw
Overall, the SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 12" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit (SKIL TH1200C-11) delivers a compelling mix of portability, power and convenience. It’s especially well-suited as a cordless 40V chainsaw kit for arborists and tree work and a battery powered chainsaw kit with charger for homeowners who want a dependable, low-maintenance tool for pruning and trimming. If you want to shop top handle chainsaw options and are ready to buy SKIL PWR CORE 40 chainsaw, this kit is a practical first choice — and ordering it online is straightforward via the links below.