Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 10" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 10" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit, model XCU06T, has quickly become one of my favorite tools for tackling yard work and light cutting projects. Designed for convenience and efficiency, this compact chainsaw has proven to be an invaluable addition to my tool collection.

Build and Design

One of the first things that struck me about this Makita chainsaw is its lightweight design. Weighing approximately 7.4 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to handle, especially for overhead tasks and pruning jobs. The top handle design offers excellent maneuverability, making it suitable for precision work, such as trimming small branches or dealing with tree canopies.

The build quality is what you would expect from Makita—robust and reliable. The brushless motor is a standout feature, providing increased efficiency and durability compared to traditional motors. This means fewer maintenance issues and a longer lifespan for the tool. It’s clear that Makita has put significant thought into the design and functionality of this chainsaw.

Performance

Despite its compact size, this chainsaw packs a punch. The 10-inch guide bar is versatile enough to handle a variety of cutting applications, from pruning and limbing to tackling small trees. I found it particularly effective for reducing brush and cutting through branches up to 8 inches in diameter. The saw performs admirably with softer woods and cuts through them like butter.

However, the chainsaw does have its limits. Harder woods can cause the chain to stall occasionally. The LED indicator blinks to alert you when this happens, and you simply have to cycle the power to get back to cutting. This minor inconvenience doesn’t detract much from the overall performance, but it’s something to be aware of if you plan to use the saw on denser materials frequently.

Battery Life and Convenience

The cordless operation is a significant advantage, providing the freedom to move around without being tethered to a power source. The kit comes with an 18V 5.0Ah battery, which offers a decent runtime. In my experience, I was able to use the chainsaw for about two hours on a single charge, which is more than sufficient for most small to medium-sized projects.

For extended tasks, I recommend having a second battery on hand. This allows you to charge one while using the other, minimizing downtime. The battery life is generally good, but it can drain faster when cutting through thicker or harder materials. A quick swap of batteries ensures that your workflow remains uninterrupted.

Ease of Use

One of the most user-friendly aspects of this chainsaw is the tool-less chain tensioning system. Making adjustments to the chain tension is straightforward and can be done quickly in the field. However, it’s worth noting that the chain does require frequent adjustments, especially when it’s new. This should stabilize as the chain breaks in over time.

The chainsaw is easy to assemble and comes ready to use out of the box. The ergonomic design and well-balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to operate for extended periods without causing significant fatigue. Even for someone like me, who isn’t particularly strong, the chainsaw feels manageable and safe to use.

Noise Level

Another benefit of this cordless chainsaw is its relatively quiet operation compared to gas-powered alternatives. This is particularly advantageous for early morning tasks or working in residential areas where noise restrictions might be a concern. The reduced noise level doesn’t compromise the tool’s cutting power, making it a win-win for users who value both performance and peace.

Areas for Improvement

While the Makita chainsaw excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. Firstly, the lack of onboard storage for the chain adjusting tool is a minor inconvenience. Having a dedicated slot or attachment point would save time and reduce the risk of misplacing the tool.

Secondly, the chainsaw can be a bit challenging to clean. The design doesn’t allow for easy access to all areas, making it somewhat cumbersome to maintain. Regular cleaning is essential to keep the chainsaw in optimal working condition, so a more user-friendly design in this regard would be appreciated.

Lastly, while the chainsaw is generally sturdy, I did encounter a minor issue with a piece of paint chipping off. This seems to be a cosmetic flaw rather than a functional one, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re concerned about the tool’s appearance.

Customer Service Experience

Unfortunately, my experience with customer service was less than satisfactory. When I received the chainsaw, it came with a 4Ah battery instead of the advertised 5Ah. Reaching out to customer service was frustrating, as I had to send multiple pictures and follow up several times without receiving a timely response. This experience was a blemish on an otherwise positive impression of the Makita brand.

Final Thoughts

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 10" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit is an excellent tool for light to medium-duty cutting tasks. Its lightweight design, efficient brushless motor, and cordless convenience make it a versatile and user-friendly option for both professional arborists and DIY enthusiasts.

I highly recommend this chainsaw for anyone looking to perform pruning, limbing, and small tree cutting with ease. Its performance, combined with the quality and reliability of the Makita brand, makes it a worthwhile investment. Just be prepared to manage the occasional chain adjustment and consider having an extra battery on hand for uninterrupted use.