Features:

  • Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency Equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw
  • Variable speed trigger (0-3, 940 fpm) for easy operation
  • Built-in lock-off lever helps prevent the chain from accidentally engaging
  • Built-in L.E.D. On/off switch with auto power-off function; automatically shuts the saw off when operation is delayed for extended Battery life
  • Two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries deliver power and performance without leaving the 18V LXT platform (batteries not included)
Excellent chain saw. Good value

Excellent power and very good battery life. I just used this saw to take down a half dozen trees ranging from 8" to 13" in diameter. Saw cut effectively and quickly. My gas powered chain saw is now idle and I do not see me using it again when the Makita is quieter, less messy, and performs very well. Highly recommended.

So far, so good.

I bought this saw based on reviews and youtube demonstrations. So far, I'm happy with it. It's nice to have a saw that starts up with a push of a button every time, without mixing 2-stroke fuel, dealing with a flooded carb, etc. This saw is quiet and easy to handle. Battery life has been fine. By the time it needs to be recharged, it's time to take a break anyway. Batteries charge back to 100% in about 45 minutes. Would I want this for all day, every day professional use? No. But for occasional homeowner tree trimming it's a good alternative to a gas saw.

Great Chainsaw.

Surprisingly powerful. It made fast work of a fallen red oak. No problem with a 14-16 inch diameter trunk

Perfect tool to keep a woodstove burning

The local repair shop told me that as a COG (Certified Old Goat) my problems starting and maintaining my Stihl is lack of strength to pull the rope and get the blasted thing started. Probably so, but the continuing litany of aggravations with it left me dreading my too often failed attempts to get it going and keep it going. I hedged on buying the Makita both on price and the feeling it might not be rugged enough to provide the cords of fuel for our woodstove, our main source of heat. After a month of use, I've never been more completely won over by any tool I've owned. I've had none of the complaints I've read here; maybe Makita had already addressed these by the time I bought. To start with the "positive negatives: • no gas. So no stink, chance of fire, slop in the workshop, trips to the gas station, or worry about oil mix. • no starting delay. I press the button, pull the trigger and it goes. Without fail. • no air filter to clean • no annoying tool to adjust tension. • no stalling. The button stays active for at least a minute and the trigger, again, just goes. • no kickback. I've cut logs up to 12 inches without a single instance of kickback. The thin Oregon chain chatters and stalls if it starts to bind, instead of trying to drag the saw (and you) into the log; lift the saw and it goes again. • no overheating (so far). Again, likely from not binding; almost never have to adjust tension. • no idling. Some of you may find this a problem, though I can't see why. Take your finger off the trigger and the saw stops dead. Hit the trigger again and it goes. On our rocky hillside, the Stihl would take a short walk downhill during idle; the live idling also, to me, represented a danger wherever I put it down. Clear positives: • lighter weight for my tired carcass. • near perfect balance. I make much straighter cuts; too often with the Stihl I ended up with a cut that angled down to the left because of the constant strain to keep it balanced. • I'd only out the Stihl for an all-day project. With the Makita, I can hop out and grab it to remove a fresh fall or small obstruction without delay or dread. • The batteries last me for 10-15 major (10") cuts or a good half hour of trimming; I haven't felt the need for a second set of batteries yet. Just go inside and get a snack during recharge. • I'm still on my first chain, without sharpening. The balance leaves me less apt to hit rock or earth; the two times I did nick light metal, it had little or no effect. One passing negative: Initially I couldn't get the thumb-controlled tension wheel to move easily; however a couple sprays with WD-40 seems to have stopped that. If you're a lumberjack or plan to spend the whole day decimating the landscape, this won't meet all your needs, even with the (wildly expensive) second set of batteries. But if you want to enjoy your time in the woods, it's a beautifully designed and executed piece of work.

Bettrer than a gas saw any day!

Love this saw! I just cut up two juniper trees, and one scrub oak tree in Arizona. All on two 5 Ah batteries, which did not die! I'm impressed! The auto off thing some people complain about isn't really a big deal. I got used to it pretty quick. Then I figured out a way around it entirely (without modifying the saw). Good torque, I can't really slow it down. Just think of not having to deal with gas and oil mixtures, the smell, and the noise. This thing is very quiet. I would highly recommend this saw!

Definitely a chainsaw

I cut up a fallen black willow branch, which was 2 feet in diameter in some places, into 9 large pieces with this saw. When used correctly, it seems pretty unstoppable. Be sure and cut properly and use wedges / props to keep the cut from pinching the blade. Any pinching has a tendency to cause the tool to shut down for a moment due to overheating, even though the motor gleefully defies the pinch. It's hard to tell when it's under a lot of load because it doesn't slow down that much, the first real indication is the batteries dying quickly or overheat protection kicking in. You'll definitely want a pair of 5Ah batteries with this, and I find myself wishing for a dual charger. The 4-second auto shutoff is annoying, but easy to get used to. The auto shutoff only begins counting when you release the safety trigger, which seems intuitive.

Have spare batteries handy

Quiet, efficient, cuts like a small gas saw. Obviously not like my huge McCullough, but well worth it. No gas to mix, no carb to adjust. Beware that this thing EATS batteries, so be sure to have at least one extra set on hand if running for long. The narrow Oregon chain is easier on the battery than the standard wide chain.

The heck with fighting with gas powered chainsaws. This thing is awesome!

Love it! I have been a professional power tool salesman for 25 years and can honestly say that this is the best tool I own.

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