It seems like battery operated chainsaws are already becoming a favorite tool of homeowners as compared to gas-powered chainsaws.
Why?
Well, some of the major reasons that I experienced include a much powerful performance, quiet working operation, instant start-up, and compactness.
In this aspect, I’ve got the latest Makita 36v chainsaw to review this time.
This brushless battery operated chainsaw has the model name, “XCU04PT” and it uses two 18v batteries (one on each side) to operate ideally.
More importantly, it comes with a 16” bar along with a super sharp chain to get the smaller DIY and firewood cutting job done within minutes.
While talking about Makita 16 chainsaw review, I’ll keep the Milwaukee M18 in mind and see whether it outshines M18 or not.
Without any further ado, let’s get into the detailed discussion of Makita 36v chainsaw review:
What Makes Makita 36v Chainsaw a Standout in 2024?
The fact that this battery operated chainsaw can use two 18v batteries at once already makes it a standout among other chainsaw brands.
Other than that, its durable brushless motors deliver an exceptional performance of around 0 to 3,940 RPM. It enables the chainsaw to cut right through small and large wood limbs without any hassle.
On top of that, options like an automatic oiler and a durable stainless bar construction could easily enhance the lifespan of the chainsaw.
Plus, What I loved about Makita XCU04PT are its compactness and portability. You can literally hang it around yourself and it won’t even touch the ground.
I recently purchased the Makita cordless chainsaw to see whether it competes with other battery operated chainsaws I have.
So, take a look at my first hand impressions of this chainsaw as follows:
Our Review of Makita XCU04PT Brushless Chainsaw [2024]
The chainsaw, first of all, arrived all assembled in a fine storage box. So, I didn’t face any issue while taking it out from the case. 
Furthermore, I was quite surprised to see that the brand included a complete battery kit with two 5.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries and a charger. This was something that I really missed in the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw.
Anyways, the first impressions were quite smooth. I held the chainsaw in my hand and loved how ergonomically it was designed. Everything was just perfect.
It took me some time to charge the batteries and as soon as they were fully charged, I adjusted them on both sides of the chainsaw.
One flaw that I experienced, however, was the exposure of battery clips. I mean, the manufacturer could have done a little more to add plastic housing to keep that area protected. In case it falls, you’ll have to face the consequences for sure.
So, the 18v+18v batteries gave me enough power to keep the chainsaw operational at an exceptional speed.
I started with cutting some random tree limbs and it sliced them like a piece of cake.
Furthermore, it was time to cut a medium wood log and yet again there wasn’t any kickback or jamming issue.
I also tried something new this time. Attached it around my body, climbed a tree, and started cutting a large enough branch with the chainsaw.
I thought that I would not be able to control the chainsaw, but Makita proved me wrong. It cut the branch without causing any fatigue in my arms.
Overall, a solid 9.5/10 performance from the brushless chainsaw. Would absolutely recommend it to the homeowners looking for a cordless model to finish small and medium cutting jobs.
Major Technical Features Makita Electric Chainsaw Offers in 2024
Cutting right to the chase, let’s have a look at what technical features Makita XCU04PT offers as follows:
Ergonomic Design:
A compact yet ergonomic rear handle will make everything quite comfortable and convenient for you.
That said, you can enjoy cutting wood limbs or firewood materials all day long without actually fatiguing your arms.
The grip is superb, the handle is properly padded and speed trigger is placed ergonomically to ensure elite performance without any hassle.
Tool-Less Chain Adjustment:
In case the chain gets loose while you are in the middle of the cutting process, you can easily tighten it.
Makita 36v brushless chainsaw features a special tool-less chain management option. Just move it clockwise or anti-clockwise as per your preferences and enjoy cutting without any hurdles.
However, I’d recommend you to use it with care and precaution. That’s because this maintenance tool is made up of plastic that didn’t look much sturdy as far as I was concerned.
Power Dynamics:
The 36v battery operated chainsaw is quite powerful and there’s no doubt denying this fact.
Thanks to the power of two batteries at once, you could expect the chainsaw to match the caliber of Poulan Pro 18” chainsaw without any hassle.
On top of that, we have the latest brushless rotary motor installed in the saw. It works on a direct-drive system and offers improved efficiency over time.
You could, therefore, easily cut shrubs, limbs, medium wood logs, and clean large trees with the chainsaw without facing any issue.
Responsive Speed Trigger:
The variable speed trigger works like a charm and is quite responsive. Press it slowly and the chainsaw will start rotating steadily.
You can easily increase or decrease the speed depending upon the type of work you’ve got at the moment.
Not to forget, Makita electric chainsaw offers a speed of 0 to 3,940 FPM (Feet per minute), which is somewhat similar to what Milwaukee M18 offered.
Improved Durability:
Mind you, Makita has stressed over making its chainsaw resistant to harsh weather conditions.
For this purpose, it has introduced the special Extreme Protection Technology in XCU04PT. It enables the chainsaw to avoid dust, debris, water splashes, and rainfall at all costs.
The motor, bar, and chain remain protected and safe enough thanks to the durable stainless steel alloy construction.
Hence, you’d enjoy a long lifespan while cutting firewood or tough wood logs with the chainsaw over the years.
Some Insights about the Batteries and Battery Charging Kit:
Last but not the least, I’d want to talk a little bit about the batteries that come with the Makita 36v chainsaw.
Getting right to the point, you’ll receive 4 batteries with the package along with a complete battery kit.
That said, each battery comes with an 18v voltage so you’ll get a combined 36V power from the chainsaw.
Talking of the battery kit, it can charge two batteries at once. The good thing is that it can prevent the battery from overload, overheating, and over-discharge issues.
So, if you’ve got the Makita 36v chainsaw, I’d definitely recommend you to charge its batteries with the battery kit included within the box.
Some of the positives and negatives that this brushless chainsaw offers are as follows:
Pros
- Durable and sturdy. (Extreme Protection technology)
- Stainless steel 16” bar with sharp chain.
- Tool-less chain adjustment maintenance.
- Cuts firewood and helpful in removing long branches of trees.
- Ergonomically designed handle and chain brake.
- Produces exceptional power with two 18v batteries.
- Battery kit keeps the battery away from overloading.
- Preassembled from the brand.
- Resistance to splashes, dust, and debris.
- Powerful brushless motor delivers high speed.
Cons
- Quite expensive. (Compared to Milwaukee M18)
- Not recommended for heavy-duty cutting.
- Bar’s length is a little bit smaller. (Doesn’t penetrate deep)
- Exposed battery placement areas.
What Do You Get with the Makita XCU04PT Battery Operated Chainsaw in 2024?
The whole package includes a preassembled chainsaw that you can use right out of the box.
Plus, the box also contains 4 lithium-ion batteries with a battery kit to take care of power issues.
A user manual along with some extra tools are also present.
Customer Ratings: (Out of 10)
The customer ratings for Makita XCU04PT brushless chainsaw are as follows:
Maneuverability: 9.9/10 (WOW!)
Safety and Protection Features: 9.8/10 (Not Bad!)
Lightweight: 9.6/10 (Justified!)
Easy to use: 9.6/10 (Exceptional!)
Overall Ratings: 9.7/10 (Highly-Rated)
Expert Opinions:
Tyler’s a Tree Maintenance Employee at Ahlum & Arbor Tree Maintenance Company. He has got his opinion about the Makita chainsaw in the following words, “I normally use my gas-powered Stihl Chainsaw for normal routine maintenance, but recently I got my hands on Makita. Much Lighter and Compact as compared to Stihl. I didn’t even face any problem climbing to the tree and cutting down some large branches with it.”
Brian, a Mechanical Geek from Ahlum & Arbor Tree Maintenance has also got a say on the chainsaw. “It didn’t take me long to disassemble the chainsaw fully. What I loved about it was the durable and premium quality materials used by the manufacturer. This will definitely increase the lifespan of the chainsaw. However, I didn’t like the battery placement area as it was too much exposed. A rubber or plastic housing could’ve done the job. An absolutely powerful chainsaw, nevertheless!”
Why Purchase Makita Battery Operated Chainsaw in 2024?
From Makita 36v Chainsaw Review, one thing is confirmed you’ll have no issues while carrying it around from one place to another.
On top of that, the exceptional power that comes with the combination of two lithium-ion batteries can also help you cut firewood materials easily.
Plus, the low-maintenance working interface along with a sturdy enough construction are some other reasons to choose this chainsaw at all costs.
his personal experience and loves to share their nitty gritty details with his audience.
Although Richard does focus on other home improvement tools, his focus remains on cutting fallen trees or maintaining his backyard via chainsaw tools. He pledges to come up with new knowledge about chainsaws every once in a while.
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