Review : Dewalt 12-inch Chainsaw / Best 12″ Cordless Chainsaws in 2024

12-inches is often big enough for most homeowners when it comes to chainsaws. It’s important to know what you intend to cut before deciding a chainsaw. The Dewalt 12-inch chainsaw has been one of the best selling chainsaws for years, but is it the best compact model for 2023. What does the competition look like? A 12″ chainsaw has many practical uses, such as prune trees, trim shrubs, and cut firewood. Every homeowner with a yard can benefit from a quality cordless saw. Let’s take a deeper dive so you get all the information you need to decide on what chainsaw is right for you.

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Today, I’m reviewing one such chainsaw from DeWalt. Specifically, the model DCCS620B (bare tool). If you want batteries and a charger, you can get the DCCS670X1 kit which will set you up for several years of lawn maintenance and construction work.

This is a top-handle chainsaw, which makes it ideal for one-handed operation. Like when you’re up on a ladder and need to reach out in order to snip off a tree branch. A top-handle saw can also accommodate longer blade lengths without any significant increase in weight.

However, there are also downsides to such a design. For starters, you don’t get as much leverage as you would with a rear-handle design. This makes chainsaw kickback harder to control (some regions even require a special certificate for top-handle saw operation).

Don’t worry, I shall talk about the merits and demerits of top-handle chainsaws in more detail. If you’re not sure whether you can handle one, I suggest starting out with a conventional design. Such as the BLACK + DECKER LCS1240, which also happens to be one of the cheapest cordless chainsaws you can buy.

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Consider These Facts before Selecting a Chainsaw :

• Is it powerful enough for my needs? The motor and bar length should be sufficient for whatever it is that I am planning to cut. Hardwood branches and trunks require additional torque + chain speed to cut smoothly.
• Cordless chainsaws can easily run out of juice within 20 to 30 minutes of continuous usage. How fast does the battery recharge? Also, I make sure that batteries for my particular chainsaw model are readily available and at a reasonable price.
• A cheaply built motor will burn out if you use it for any serious cutting. If you just want to do some pruning and lawn maintenance, a cheap 10- 12” cordless saw is fine. For firewood and felling, I recommend a premium saw that uses brushless motor technology (DeWalt, Makita, Oregon, and Milwaukee are all great consumer brands).
• Having a powerful chainsaw means nothing if it’s uncomfortable to hold and operate. I always make sure to check the ergonomics. Go as light as you can without compromising build quality, and look for easily accessible controls.
• Let’s face it, there is no such thing as “zero-maintenance”. It’s simply a marketing buzzword. Even electric chainsaws require bar oil and regular cleaning, so get one that is easy to maintain.

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Why DeWalt? Quality vs Price

Maybe you’re not too familiar with chainsaw usage and just want something cheap to cut down a couple of overgrown branches. In that case, you might be wondering “Why get a DeWalt when Harbor Freight offers longer saws at lower prices?” I merely used Harbor Freight as an example- you can replace it with any cheap Chinese brand.

When it comes to chainsaws, you definitely don’t want to cheap out too much. Because these are powerful tools and can endanger your life if something breaks down in the middle of operation. There’s a reason modern chainsaws come with so many safety measures built-in.

Sure, you don’t have to get the most expensive stuff just for pruning fruit trees in your orchard. But at the very least, get a tool that works every time you pull the trigger. It needs to have a solid motor and battery, along with a chain that cuts smoothly without getting snagged.

I’m a huge fan of DeWalt for one primary reason- they offer quality products at reasonable prices. Sure, GreenWorks and BLACK + DECKER are cheaper. But with DeWalt, you get cutting-edge technology and commercial-grade ruggedness.

Not to mention, a warranty service that’s actually pretty awesome. DeWalt puts a “3/1/90” sticker on their chainsaws. This means 3 years limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day money back guarantee.

10-Inch WORX 20V / Ultra-Lightweight / Only 6.2 lbs.

Features :

• Cordless 20V powershare chain saw for fast, clean cuts.
• Automatic, tool-free chain tension system.
• Automatic chain lubrication with oil level indicator.
• Includes battery indicator for quick battery life review.
• FAST, CLEAN CUTS :  20V powershare chain saw is as fast and powerful as anything in its class.  
• AUTO-CHAIN TENSION : The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand
• DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY : Worx Power Share is compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools, outdoor power and lifestyle products
• AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION : The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand
• COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT : It weighs 6.2 lbs., about as much as a 2-Liter bottle of soda. You’ll work longer, with less strain

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DeWalt Warranty / 3 Years

 First is the 3-year limited warranty, which means you get free repairs on any parts breakage caused by faulty manufacturing or workmanship. Natural wear and tear, or damages caused by operator error won’t be covered.

Then, there’s the 1-year of free service. Basically, this covers stuff that is worn out through normal usage. Think chains, bearings, sprockets, etc.

Finally, you have the 90-day money back guarantee that lets you return your chainsaw for a full refund if you have your receipt. Of course, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be disappointed with the chainsaw’s performance. Since these DeWalt models pack some impressive motors and are equipped with high-capacity lithium ion batteries for extended runtimes.

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DeWalt’s History and Legacy

DeWalt is a brand that has been around for quite some time. Nearly a century since they were initially founded in 1924 as a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker. And ever since then, these guys have been innovating in various fields to make their tools stand out from the competition.

These days, DeWalt is marketed towards DIY enthusiasts, arborists, construction workers, etc. It’s a premium brand, but you’ll often find DeWalt tools to be slightly cheaper than other premium brands such as Makita. Sure, in the end, all of these companies offload their manufacturing to China.

But Apple devices are also made in China, and those are considered premium products. Good designs and proper quality control guarantee trustworthy products that will last a long time. DeWalt, much like Makita and Bosch maintains proper QC and testing to ensure that its products don’t disappoint.

I can wholeheartedly recommend DeWalt cordless chainsaws. They are some of the best value-for-money tools that you’ll ever purchase. It’s better to get one chainsaw now and use it for a decade than buy a new cheap saw every 2 to 3 years.

DeWalt has also stuck with its battery platforms for a long time. Unlike some other companies who come up with new battery designs every 4 years, rendering old models obsolete. Forcing you to buy new chargers and chainsaws to use their new batteries while simultaneously ending support for older platforms.

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Review | DeWalt 12-inch Chainsaw / 20V Cordless

A lot of homeowners love this saw, but you should know that top handle chainsaws are designed to cut branches while elevated above the ground. Arborists generally use top handle saws. If you’re cutting wood while your feet are on the ground I personally recommend a rear-handle chainsaw. It’s a safer way to work, and chainsaw safety should be your top priority.

Features :

• Cordless 20V powershare chain saw for fast, clean cuts.
• Automatic, tool-free chain tension system.
• Automatic chain lubrication with oil level indicator.
• Includes battery indicator for quick battery life review.
• AUTO-CHAIN TENSION : The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand
• DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY : Worx Power Share is compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools, outdoor power and lifestyle products
• AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION : The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand
• COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT : It weighs 6.2 lbs., about as much as a 2-Liter bottle of soda. You’ll work longer, with less strain

OVERVIEW

There are plenty of things I like about this DeWalt chainsaw. But first, let me tell you who it’s targeted at. The primary user base for this chainsaw consists of homeowners and construction workers who are dealing with tree trunks and beams under 12 inches in thickness. It’s also an excellent option for arborists and other tree care professionals.

But since you’re reading this article, I’m assuming you’re just a regular Joe looking to buy a chainsaw that’s easy to use and maintain. Well, in that case the DeWalt DCCS620B is a great choice. It’s smaller than a 16” or 18” chainsaw, and light enough for everyday use by someone who isn’t experienced with this sort of work.

And unlike a gas chainsaw, this little guy produces zero fumes. You don’t have to mess around with 2-stroke oil and gas mixes either. Meaning, you won’t smell like an oil rig worker every weekend when you walk back into the house after doing some light pruning.

The brushless electric motor produces next to no vibrations, especially when compared with a gas engine. Even a tiny 32cc gas chainsaw requires significant vibration dampening to be held for more than 10 minutes without numbing the palms of its operator. You don’t need to wear work gloves every time you use this chainsaw, thanks to the low-vibration design.

And it has rubberized grips, so your hands don’t slip even when they are sweaty. The 5Ah battery is rated for 90 cuts on a 4×4 pressure treated piece of lumber. Usually, the manufacturers use pressure treated pine for these battery runtime tests.

If you work with lumber on a regular basis, that number might be of value. For people who cut random branches and tree trunks lying in their yards, it doesn’t provide a solid frame of reference. But worry not, this DeWalt lasts long enough on a single charge for most light cutting tasks.

If you’re working with pine, maple, spruce, etc., this DeWalt will rapidly slice through any branch you put in front of it. With harder woods such as oak and birch, you’ll need to be patient. The DCCS620B will cut through 12” thick oak trunks (even larger ones), but you have to use proper technique.

This is not a gas saw, nor does it have the power of one. Sure, it will outpace a small 25 or 32cc gas saw. And you have that instantaneous torque characteristic of electric motors.

But compare it to a 40cc Husqvarna, and you’ll quickly realize the difference in performance. You can extract some more performance out of this DeWalt by installing a longer bar and chain. From what research I did, it seems to be capable of running a 14” Oregon bar.

That additional bar length will come in handy if you want to cut some thicker tree trunks. This instructional video below. It teaches you how to install a longer bar on your DeWalt 20V 12” chainsaw. I recommend you give it a watch.

VIDEO | How to Install a longer bar on your Dewalt 12″ chainsaw

The video also mentions some issues with oil leaks, but it doesn’t seem to be a widespread problem. Hey, with DeWalt’s excellent warranty and 90-day return policy you have no reason to worry. Besides, a simple O-ring on the oil cap solves this issue if it does occur with your particular unit.

Powerful brushless motor and XR battery

XR stands for extended range, and is a family of products that combines high-amperage batteries with efficient brushless motors. Initially, DeWalt created the XR line of products to serve their more “professional” user base. But gradually, they started rolling out this technology into homeowner-class products.

The DCCS620B is plenty for small to medium-sized softwood trees in your property. It will handle twigs, branches, and trunks. Thanks to the compact nature of this chainsaw, you can use it with quite a bit of finesse.

Excellent ergonomics

The top-mounted handle already makes this DeWalt so easy to move around. You can use it one-handed, but I recommend you get the required training before doing so. Until then, refrain from one-handing this chainsaw while standing on a ladder or any other elevated position.

Experienced chainsaw operators will truly be able to take advantage of the DCCS620B’s lightweight design and compact form factor. After all, it was designed with arborists and line workers in mind.

It actually has an inertial chain brake

You see, most electric or cordless chainsaws at this price range don’t include a proper chain brake. Since battery or wired saws usually have this safety button next to the trigger, manufacturers don’t feel the need to include an additional safety feature. After all, every dollar saved in manufacturing counts as additional profit.

But DeWalt is no ordinary company. They make premium products, even in the low-budget segment. So you get an actual chain brake that will immediately stop the chain when moved forward.

You have to disengage it by pulling it back before you switch on the chainsaw. And just depressing the trigger won’t move the chain. You need to press down and hold the safety button at the same time.

With all these safety measures in place, it’s the kind of chainsaw you can comfortably store in your home. Just disconnect the battery, and it’s nothing more than a paperweight. DeWalt also includes a hard cover for the bar and chain.

Low kickback chain + bar

Chainsaw kickback is no joke, it has taken many a limb over the past several decades. Hence, you should always get a low-kickback bar + chain. Besides, it’s standard practice these days by every decent manufacturer.

The DeWalt DCCS620B also includes one such bar + chain combo. Combined with the relatively moderate chain speed of this saw, you don’t have to be scared of kickback. That’s why I recommend this specific DeWalt to new users, it’s both safe and easy to operate.

Tool-free chain tensioning and bar adjustment

Operating your chainsaw is cool, but the real annoyance comes after you’re done cutting wood. Cleaning off all that sawdust and oil is already a tedious task. Which is why you don’t want to spend ages removing your chainsaw bar and adjusting its chain.

DeWalt includes a tool-free adjustment system for both the bar and chain. Just twist a couple of knobs, and you’re good to go. These adjustments can be made on the field, in the middle of cutting- no need to bring a scrench with you.

Oil level gauge

A transparent gauge in the front tells you how much bar oil is left with just one glance. And refilling oil barely takes a few seconds, thanks to the giant oil cap. It has a simple flip-up and twist lock/ unlock tab.

Are there things that can be improved on this chainsaw? Sure, there’s always room for improvement in every product. Some actual metal bucking teeth (dog spikes) on the front would be nice.

Variable speed on the trigger would give an operator more control over how much power they want to use depending on the task. But all these are minor nitpicks. Remember- despite using an XR battery and brushless motor, this is still a very affordable cordless chainsaw.

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Alternatives to DeWalt

Guys, DeWalt is my top choice when it comes to compact cordless chainsaws. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only game in town. Brands such as BLACK + DECKER, Greenworks, etc. provide even cheaper alternatives.

Maybe you already own a cordless tool from one of the aforementioned alternative companies. If so, it makes perfect sense to also buy a chainsaw from them since the batteries will be interchangeable.

I have divided the various options into two segments- top handle and rear handle. Rear handle is the traditional chainsaw layout, and it provides the most leverage. I recommend it for new users and people who don’t need a super compact chainsaw for one-handed operation.

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Rear Handle Chainsaw

Review : BLACK + DECKER 40V LCS1240 Chainsaw | Budget King

Features :

• 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
• ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES – Front hand guard and lock-off button for increased safety
• 40V MAX INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY – Part of the 40V MAX outdoor system

OVERVIEW —

In terms of runtime, this Black + Decker falls behind the DeWalt by nearly 33%. It makes 60 cuts in 4×4 pressure treated lumber, as opposed to 90. Remember, you’re also paying less for this chainsaw compared to DeWalt’s DCCS620B.

While the DeWalt uses a 5Ah 20V battery, this Black + Decker is powered by a 40V 2Ah battery. You can get it as the bare tool (model LCS1240B) if you already have batteries. There’s also the LCS1240 kit which includes a 40V battery and charger.

The LCS1240 has a lower chain speed compared to the DeWalt DCCS620. This means it can’t cut as fast despite having the same bar length. Both the DeWalt and this Black + Decker are equipped with low-kickback chains.

In terms of safety and ease of operation, it’s pretty decent. There is no inertial chain brake, which is to be expected from a cordless chainsaw at this price range. But don’t worry, you don’t exactly need one on an electric saw since it immediately stops as soon as you let go of the trigger.

A gas saw requires a chain brake since the motor keeps idling. And the clutch doesn’t immediately disengage when you let go of the throttle. Gas engines don’t have the immediate response of an electric motor, and require extra time to rev down.

With an electric chainsaw, letting go of the trigger immediately stops the chain. And there is a handguard up front to prevent the chainsaw from swinging into your face in case of kickback. Not that it’s very likely, thanks to the slow chain speed and rear-handle design.

With a rear-handle chainsaw you have that additional leverage. You can yank the rear handle up if the front of the chainsaw swings at you, using your front arm as a pivot. The LCS1240 has a rubber molded grip with an easily accessible thumb safety.

Even though most of this chainsaw’s weight is on the left, it feels pretty well-balanced in your hands. You can easily get a firm grip thanks to the wide gap between both handles. Your hands never feel cramped, and you don’t have to bend down very far while cutting branches laying on the ground.

The bar oil reservoir is easily accessed by removing a top-mounted oil cap. You also see a transparent view window below the cap, giving you an indication of oil levels. A full wrap-around front handlebar means you can angle the chainsaw on its side while cutting.

Both vertical and horizontal cuts are quite easy to make. Charging the 40V 2.0Ah battery takes a couple of hours, and you should get around 20 minutes of runtime per charge. Provided you’re cutting a small tree with branches that are between 2 to 4 inches thick.

The LCS1240 has tool-free chain tensioning. Once you tighten the chain, you should be good to go for at least a few hours. When it does come loose, just twist the adjustment knob for a few seconds.

Read our full review of this Black & Decker chainsaw.

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Top Handle Chainsaw

Review : CRAFTSMAN V20 12” Chainsaw / CMCCS620M1 | Power + Compact

Features :

• Part of the V20 cordless system
• Part of the versa-track wall organization system. Chain Pitch-3/8 inch
• High capacity 4. 0Ah Battery pack – for extended runtime
• Bubble Level – For precise and level cutting Auto Oiling – With tool free tensioning for minimal maintenance
• 12 inch bar and chain. Compact design
• Includes battery and charger
• Replacement parts available: chain CMZCSC12, bar CMZCSB12

OVERVIEW —

Craftsman products are generally quite well-built, and the brand is known for excellent value. The V20 has been one of their most popular chainsaw models for quite some time now. And it’s often recommended to homeowners who want a low-maintenance option for cutting some firewood or lumber.

You can also use it for DIY projects or construction work thanks to the compact design and top-handle configuration. It is extremely lightweight and features a rear-mounted battery pack, resulting in some excellent weight balance. With a top-handle chainsaw you have to be more concerned about weight distribution since both of your arms are so close together.

Uneven weight or too much vibration is particularly uncomfortable with a top-handle design. Thankfully, the Craftsman V20 is a delight to use with its ergonomic rubber-molded grips and low-kickback chain. One unique feature of this chainsaw is its bubble level on top, next to the rear handle.

Thanks to this level, you can make precise vertical and horizontal cuts. This comes in handy if you’re rigging up some parts for a door frame or table. You could use the Craftsman V20 in place of a miter saw for some quick handy work around the yard.

I feel like the V20 is a great tool for teaching basic concepts to first-time chainsaw owners. If you’re an experienced user, you can buy this as a gift for one of your friends or family members. Thanks to the low kickback chain and anemic chain speed, there is very little chance of this saw swinging back or slipping away from your grip.

It doesn’t have an inertial chain brake, but the combination of an electric motor and cutoff switch should be plenty in terms of safety. Craftsman even provides a 3-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about parts breakage due to manufacturing defects. The V20 is available in various configurations, ranging from tool-only to 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah kits.

What I’m reviewing here is the CMCCS620M1, which contains the chainsaw along with a 20V 4.0Ah battery and charger. If you want, you can even buy the monstrous CMCB209 9Ah battery. This won’t increase peak performance since voltage is the same, but it will generate better average performance and increase runtime by more than 2X.

Monitoring charge levels is super easy since all you have to do is look at the 3 LEDs. These are present on both the battery pack and charger. They give you an idea of the remaining charge level (low, medium, high).

Tool-free chain tensioning works wonders. Tighten the chain once, and it should be good to go for at least the next 10 to 20 hours. For most homeowners who don’t use their chainsaw regularly, this means weeks or even months of cutting without having to worry about chain tension.

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Review : Greenworks 24V 12” Chainsaw | Extremely Versatile

Features :

• Greenworks 24V Lithium-Ion battery provides 20% more power and 35% more run-time, and delivers fade-free power with no memory loss after charging
• Efficient 24V brushless motor provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
• 12 in. bar and chain (low kickback) is perfect for homeowners and occasional users
• Auto-oiler mechanism ensures the chain stays lubricated, and the oil level indicator window allows you to gauge oil usage
• Electric start – No gas or fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, and no starter rope

OVERALL —

Hey, ever wondered what it would be like to have a chainsaw battery that doubles as a portable power station for your phone? Well, here it is- the Greenworks Model 2016602. It’s a kit that contains a 12” brushless chainsaw along with a 4.0Ah 24V lithium ion battery pack and charger.

The battery has a USB outlet that lets you charge devices such as phones and tablets. It’s basically a 96Wh portable power bank that you can take with you into the woods and use to power your GPS/ phone. The chainsaw itself is pretty amazing too, since it uses a brushless DC motor.

For comparison, both the Black + Decker LCS1240 and Craftsman V20 use standard brushed motors. Brushed motors are cheaper, but less efficient. They waste more energy on heat and friction, resulting in lower battery life.

Plus, brushless motors last longer. Meaning, your Greenworks 24V chainsaw will easily go a decade with basic maintenance. It’s cheaper than the DeWalt and comes with a battery that doubles as a portable USB power station, while also packing a more advanced motor than its rivals.

Greenworks have really outdone themselves with this one. It may not be as cheap as the Black + Decker, but it’s clearly better value for money. Goes to show you that cheap doesn’t necessarily mean best value.

There is a 5.0Ah battery pack if you want even more capacity. And you can use these batteries with any Greenworks power tool. Their lawnmowers, snowblowers, drills, leaf blowers, etc. 

Greenworks only do electric tools, and they aren’t a very old company. However, the amount of innovation they have done in their brief period of existence is truly commendable. Their chainsaws aren’t very popular in the professional sphere, but homeowners love them.

And why wouldn’t they? Silent, lightweight, low-maintenance chainsaws that get the job done at a cheap price are worthy of appreciation.  And don’t think this Greenworks is just a pruning tool.

If you’re looking to cut firewood or chop up a tree blown down by a storm, this chainsaw can absolutely handle it. It is actually comparable in power to the DeWalt DCCS620. And while the DeWalt has a longer runtime, GreenWorks has a faster charging battery.

With the basic charger you get in the box, you can take the 24V 4.0Ah battery from zero to full in 2 hours. And the charger also acts as a diagnostic tool, telling you about issues with battery health. Greenworks also claims that their 24V lithium ion battery is immune to memory loss.

Memory effect is when you recharge a battery before it’s entirely depleted. It then “memorizes” the reduced charge cycle causing a loss in capacity. This is a long term effect and takes quite a while to manifest.

Besides, most modern lithium ion batteries are already pretty well shielded against memory effect. So it isn’t something unique to Greenworks. Either way, their battery tech is pretty good.

This chainsaw also has tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiler. Like many of its rivals in this price segment. Instead of giving you a tiny transparent view window, Greenworks made the entire bar oil reservoir transparent.

Well, in reality it’s more of a translucent effect. But you get the point, monitoring oil levels is extremely convenient. Even more convenient is actually refilling oil, thanks to the gigantic side-mounted oil filler cap.

The handle at the front isn’t a chain brake, which is understandable given the price point of this tool. Meaning the DeWalt is your only option if you really need a chain brake on your cordless chainsaw.

Of all the alternative options, Greenworks comes the closest to matching DeWalt’s runtime. With 85 cuts on a 4×4 piece of lumber. It also has a faster charging battery, which means you’ll have less downtime overall.

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Top Handle vs Rear Handle Chainsaw

Which Chainsaw Type Should you Get?

Since 3 out of the 4 chainsaws I reviewed in my article are top-handle models, it’s time to talk about the merits and demerits of this particular design. Let’s start with the obvious- they are lighter and smaller. If you take a 12” top-handle chainsaw and a 12” rear-handle chainsaw, the latter will be longer and heavier even though it features the exact same motor and bar length.

Even within top-handle models, there is quite a bit of variety. Some are “true” top-handle models, like the Makita XCU06Z whose rear handle is pretty much attached to the front handle. Then you have chainsaws like the DeWalt DCCS620.

It is a compact saw with a top-handle layout. But you’ll notice that there’s a larger gap between the front and rear handle of this saw when compared to the Makita XCU06Z. Generally speaking true top-handle models are generally designed exclusively for professional arborists and electric line workers.

Ultra-Compact Makita XCU06Z / 10-inch Cordless Chainsaw

Features :

• Compact top handle design ideal for pruning, trimming and limbing
• Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides power equivalent to a 22cc gas chain saw
• Up to 175 cuts in 2×2 cedar with 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery (battery not included)
• Torque boost mode for cutting dense material
• Captured bar nut and lateral chain tensioning for convenient operation and maintenance
• Adjustable automatic chain lubrication with large oil reservoir
• Large oil filling port with view window allows operator to easily add and check bar oil level
• Built-in L.E.D. on/off switch with auto power-off function; automatically shuts the saw off after 60 seconds for extended battery life
• Low noise level and zero emissions for operator comfort
• Rubberized soft grip top handle is engineered for the user to more easily apply even cutting pressure
• Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
• Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions

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Why are top-handle saws better for arborists and people working on poles? Simple- they can be used with one hand, while your other hand is stabilizing your body. Top handle saws are easier to wield in cramped spaces, and you can weave them between tree branches.

With consumer-grade cordless chainsaws, the risk of kickback is lower. They have slower chain speeds and not enough torque to really slingshot the bar at your face. But with gas-powered saws or high-end cordless models you have to be very careful.

Top-handle saws don’t give you much leverage, so you can’t use your rear arm as effectively to reign in a chainsaw that’s swinging at you. Hence, kickback is way harder to manage on a top-handle saw. It’s also easier to mess up if you use the chainsaw one-handed.

In this article, I have reviewed low-power 12” cordless saws that are primarily intended for cutting thin branches and small logs. These are easy to manage, even with the top-handle design. But you should still be careful, and operate your chainsaw with both hands at all times.