I've owned one for a couple of years and it really is a terrible design - the chain comes off as another reviewer has said and it's a real pain to put back together. The tensioner design is a disaster and it really is poorly constructed. I would never touch one again.

I've owned and used one of these for about 3 years now, it has successfully cut down and logged numerous trees (mostly conifers to a height of about 40') with no real problems. Tensioning the chain can be and is a pain to get right, but it does cut well once done. You must make sure that the oil level is always toped up as the last bit does seem to get used quickly (shape of resevoir). It is light and easy to use but you have to remember to make sure that you keep the cable free IF it snags around a branch you could have big problems - this is true of all electric saws obviously. After use you should remove the tensioner cover and remove impacted sawdust. Good price and has been (touch wood) reliable enough for me.

I have 5 chainsaws, including one of these. I actually think it's pretty good. My Stihl 023 is the daddy of the pack, but the electric Bosch is always there for backup. They are about equivalent in terms of torque. I did have to buy a new tensioner for it at one point, but I don't believe that will happen again now that I'm used to how it works properly. All in all, this really does trump the JCB/McCulloch petrol chainsaw that I've got, which is powerless, and a pain to maintain, and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want or need a petrol saw.

Great tool. Mine doesn't have the plastic gears that one reviewer mentions. Yes the chain will come off if you don't read the instuctions. The chain tension has to be checked and tightened at frequent intervals as with any chain, even on a bike, they stretch with use. I found it would cut soft or hard wood to about 6" diameter quite easily. Of course it won't have the performance of a good quality petrol saw but its only supposed to be for light gardening work not lumbering. Much lighter than a petrol saw.
One draw back - spare chains are expensive (about £20) so don't force the cut or let the saw dig into soil or it will blunt more quickly

Dont buy this product,is only a toy compared with a petrol one.You have to be as careful with an electric saw as a petrol,each can be as dangerous.The fault i had with mine which was only nine months old was it went on fire when cutting a two inch branch.Through it in the bin and bought a petrol one which for me i find safer.

The Bosch AKE 40-17 S Chainsaw is inexpensive,feels safer than a petrol saw. Construction is not really up to anything other than small softwood branches. The internal plastic drive gear is very poor design, mine has stripped twice when cutting only 150mm logs. I am surprised that such a basic design fault has not been rectified.
It was not possible to buy replacement parts direct from Bosch Service Dept,but were only obtainable through an independant dealer.
With hindsight I would certainly not have bought this saw.

The Bosch AKE 40-17 S was a good choice for small domestic jobs. Doesn't feel as dangerous as a petrol saw. Used to cut old fence posts for firewood, and it has handled 6 inch posts with ease. A bit lightweight in conctrcution, but treat it with respect and it should last.

I am having terrible problems with the chain coming off my Bosch AKE 40-17 S, despite it being tensioned to the required level. Every time the chain comes off it takes small chunks of the plastic cover with it. The location lugs for the chain bar are too small and it is a fiddly job putting the thing back together every time the chain comes off. I would definitely not recommend this product and having borrowed a McCulloch petrol chainsaw to finish the job I bought the Bosch for I truelly regret not having spent the few pounds more to buy the McCulloch.

Ive used many petrol chain saws and recently had trouble starting my Makita 103 saw which I have been using to cut up firewood. Since I live in a built up area I decided to get something that would be more quiet and read about electric saws. Hence I went out and got one and was amazed how well it worked!!