Every gardener has to trim branches when the time comes.
Maybe it’s time for some pruning, or maybe the branches have disease, or maybe you’re making compost out of dead wood.
A pruning saw is very handy if you want to prune a few branches here and there. But if there are a lot of trees that need pruning, you’re better off with a small chainsaw that can cut faster without using a lot of effort.
That’s where the Makita XU02PT cordless chainsaw can help you. So let’s take a look at the features of this chainsaw.
- Makita-built motor delivers 1,650 FPM chain speed for faster cutting
- Tool-less chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
- Cordless for reduced maintenance; no need to change engine oil or spark plug, clean air filter or drain fuel for storage
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
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Review:
There are some important factors you should consider when buying a chainsaw. So let’s take a look at them and how the Makita XCU02PT stacks up.
Portability
The Makita XCU02PT is a cordless chainsaw which means it’s a bit heavier than a corded one. Including the two 18V batteries, the weight of this chainsaw is about 10.1 pounds.
It’s pretty lightweight for a chainsaw and you won’t have problems carrying it around the yard while trimming branches and trees.
The two batteries should be sufficient to give you cutting power for some time before they run out. he charger that comes with this chainsaw is a dual charger so you can charge both the batteries at the same time. And being a fast charger it will save you some charging time.
Build quality
The Makita XCU02PT has excellent build quality because of its Extreme Protection Technology. This means that you can even use the chainsaw in extreme environments because it has increased protection from dust and water.
This chainsaw also comes with Star Protection Computer Controls that protect the battery from overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.
The bar and chain are also of high-quality and should last you a long time even with frequent cutting.
Cutting capacity
The Makita XCU02PT comes with two 18V batteries which gives the chainsaw pretty good cutting power.
If you are looking for a small chainsaw for cutting a lot of branches and trees in your garden then the Makita XCU02PT can easily get the job done.
The guide bar is 12 inches which means you should be able to cut any branch up to 10 inches thick with ease.
Safety
The Makita XCU02PT comes with a front hand guard that will activate the chain brake in case of a kickback.
Ease of use
The Makita XCU02PT comes with an automatic oiling system that will keep the bar and chain well oiled during the cutting. Just make sure to keep the oil reservoir filled before you start the work.
It also comes with a tool-less chain tension adjustment system which means you can adjust the chain tension with a simple knob. You don’t need to mess around with screwdrivers before using the chainsaw.
The rubberized grip is on the top of the chainsaw which will help you put even pressure during the cutting. Do note that top handles do take a little getting used to.
It’s very easy to start the chainsaw. Just load the two batteries into the provided compartment and turn the switch on.
Maintenance
One of the features of a cordless chainsaw like the Makita XCU02PT is that the maintenance is quite low.
With a gas chainsaw you need to worry about things like air filters, spark plugs, and the gas tank maintenance. But none of those are needed with a cordless chainsaw.
There is no need to worry about gas fumes or noise pollution either with such a cordless chainsaw.
The only thing that needs maintenance is that the chain should be sharp and well oiled before using it. The chain should be sharp before use otherwise it will damage the chainsaw. This can be done with the help of a chainsaw sharpener either yourself or with the help of a professional. And you should take care to keep the oil reservoir filled before using the chainsaw.
Before using the chainsaw make sure that the chain tension is optimal so that it is not too tight nor too loose.
After the cutting, make sure that there is no debris and sawdust in the chain. You can keep it clean using some oil and a cleaning cloth.
Price
The Makita XCU02PT is expensive when you compare it to other small chainsaws that are available.
However, this price is worth paying for considering the high-quality and good performance that you get from this chainsaw.
If you’re looking for a budget chainsaw then this is not for you. But if you want a professional quality cordless chainsaw that will last you for a long time then the Makita XCU02PT is the right tool for you.
Warranty
The Makita XCU02PT comes with a full three-year warranty on the tool, batteries, and charger which is pretty good.
Makita is a well-known brand that has been making power tools since 1915. So you can be assured of high-quality and performance from their products.
How Does it Compare?
- 12-INCH CORDLESS ELECTRIC CHAINSAW - 40V MAX battery-powered chainsaw with extended runtime
- SMOOTH, FAST CUTS - OREGON low-kickback bar and chain for easy and efficient cutting
- TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING - Quickly and easily adjust chain tension
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Black+Decker LCS1240 is a cordless chainsaw that comes with a 40V Lithium-Ion battery which is larger than the 36V Makita XCU02PT. So it does have comparable cutting power and performance.
This chainsaw has a 12 inch Oregon bar and chain that is high-quality and should last you a long time.
It also has a tool-free chain tensioning system that makes it easy to adjust the chain tension without the need for a screwdriver.
The auto-oiling system is good because it keeps the bar and chain oiled during the cutting and increases the life of the chainsaw.
Like the Makita XCU02PT, this chainsaw comes with a full three-year warranty which is a good thing.
The weight of the Black+Decker LCS1240 is about 10.4 pounds which is quite similar to the Makita XCU02PT. Considering this is a cordless chainsaw it’s decently lightweight to carry around the yard.
It does lack the Extreme Protection Technology and the fast charging that is available in the Makita chainsaw. But the Black+Decker LCS1240 is cheaper compared to the Makita XCU02PT.
So if you’re on a budget and are looking for a great performing chainsaw then you should consider the Black+Decker LCS1240. Just be aware of the slow battery charging times.
- 40V COMPACT CHAINSAW – perfect for homeowners and occasional users.power: Cordless
- 12" BAR AND CHAIN – Low kickback safety chain with hand guard for added protection
- AUTOMATIC OILER - applies oil to bar and chain when needed to ensure durability and optimal use
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Greenworks 20262 cordless chainsaw comes with a 40V battery that is of greater capacity than the Makita XCU02PT. So it will give you some good cutting performance.
The bar and chain are 12 inches which should give you good cutting for branches up to 10 inches thick.
This chainsaw does have a tool-free chain tensioning system so you can adjust the chain tension without struggling for a screwdriver.
It also has an automatic oiling system to keep the bar and chain well oiled during the cutting which improves the life of the chainsaw.
The Greenworks 20262 chainsaw weighs just 6 pounds making it very lightweight compared to the Makita XCU02PT chainsaw.
The chainsaw comes with a limited four-year warranty while the battery and charger come with a one year warranty.
The price is quite low when compared to the Makita XCU02PT chainsaw.
You can consider buying the Greenworks 20262 if you struggle with lifting a heavier chainsaw or you are on a limited budget.
Earthwise LCS32412 Cordless Chainsaw
The Earthwise LCS32412 cordless chainsaw comes with a 24V Lithium-Ion battery which is quite low in power compared to the 36V Makita XCU02PT chainsaw. So it’s not for you if you are looking for a professional power chainsaw.
The bar and chain is 12 inch which is comfortable enough to cut branches that are up to 10 inches thick.
This chainsaw comes with an automatic oiling system that ensures the bar and chain remain oiled during the cutting. This will improve the cutting performance as well as increase the life of the chainsaw.
The chain tension adjustment system is tool-free which means you don’t need to use a screwdriver to adjust the chain tension. It can be done with the simple knob provided.
The charger that is provided with the Earthwise LCS32412 supports fast charging similar to the Makita chainsaw. You should be able to fully charge the battery in about 2 hours.
This chainsaw weighs about 8 pounds which makes it lighter than the Makita XCU02PT chainsaw.
It comes with a limited two-year warranty on the chainsaw as well as the charger and battery.
The Earthwise LCS32412 is very cheap compared to the Makita XCU02PT chainsaw.
So if you just want a chainsaw for some occasional trimming and don’t need heavy cutting power, then the Earthwise LCS32412 is exactly what you need.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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