DeWalt Cordless Chainsaw Kit

As an avid tool enthusiast and someone who spends a significant amount of time maintaining my property, I was excited to get my hands on the DeWalt Cordless Chainsaw Kit, model DCCS620P1. This compact, lightweight chainsaw promises to deliver the power and efficiency needed for various outdoor tasks without the hassle of gas and its associated maintenance.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the chainsaw’s weight. At just 9 lbs with the battery, it’s impressively light, making it easy to handle for extended periods without causing fatigue. The compact 12-inch bar and chain design is ideal for construction and outdoor cutting applications, such as trimming tree limbs and cutting smaller trees.

The build quality is what you would expect from DeWalt. The materials feel robust and durable, and the high-efficiency brushless motor is a significant upgrade from traditional brushed motors. This motor not only maximizes runtime but also enhances the tool's overall longevity.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its user-friendly design. The tool-free chain tensioning system and bar tightening knob make adjustments a breeze. This is particularly useful when you need to make quick adjustments in the field without hunting for tools.

Starting the saw is as simple as pulling the trigger, a welcome change from the often finicky startup process of gas-powered chainsaws. This ease of use is further enhanced by the chainsaw's quiet operation, which is a pleasant surprise for a tool of this kind.

Performance

In terms of performance, the DeWalt cordless chainsaw does not disappoint. It offers up to 90 cuts per charge on 4x4 pressure-treated wood using the included 20V MAX 5Ah battery. In my experience, this translates to more than enough power for a full day of yard work. The chainsaw cuts through wood efficiently, though it is a bit slower than its gas-powered counterparts. However, this slight decrease in speed is a small price to pay for the convenience and ease of use.

I used the chainsaw to cut through branches up to 8 inches in diameter, and it handled them without any issues. The low kickback bar and chain provide a smooth cutting experience, and the chainsaw feels balanced and easy to control, even when working on more challenging cuts.

Battery Life

The battery life is commendable. The 20V MAX 5Ah battery included in the kit provides ample runtime for most tasks. I found that I could perform 20+ cuts through branches up to 4 inches without needing to recharge. For those with larger properties or more extensive cutting needs, having an extra battery on hand can ensure continuous operation.

One minor inconvenience is that the battery tends to add a bit of weight to the bottom of the chainsaw, making it slightly bottom-heavy. This is not a deal-breaker, but it does require a bit of getting used to, especially if you are accustomed to more evenly balanced tools.

Maintenance

Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to the tool-free chain tensioning system and the sight glass for bar and chain oil. However, one recurring issue I encountered is the chainsaw’s tendency to leak oil when stored. This can be quite messy and is something that DeWalt should address in future iterations. The workaround is to store the chainsaw with the oil reservoir facing up or to empty the oil tank before storage.

Versatility

This chainsaw is part of the 20V MAX system of tools, which means the batteries are compatible with other DeWalt tools in the same range. This compatibility is a significant advantage for those who already own other DeWalt tools, as it allows for battery interchangeability and reduces the overall cost of ownership.

Conclusion

Overall, the DeWalt cordless chainsaw is a highly capable tool that excels in its intended use case. It’s perfect for homeowners who need a reliable, easy-to-use chainsaw for light to medium-duty tasks. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and impressive battery life make it a strong contender in the cordless chainsaw market.

Would I recommend the DeWalt cordless chainsaw? Absolutely, with a few caveats. If you’re looking for a chainsaw for heavy-duty or professional use, you might find the slower cutting speed and potential oil leakage to be drawbacks. However, for general yard maintenance, trimming trees, and cutting smaller trees, this chainsaw is an excellent choice. Its convenience, reliability, and compatibility with other DeWalt 20V MAX tools make it a worthwhile investment.