Review : DEWALT 60V FLEXVOLT Chainsaw — Pure Power

The DEWALT 60V Flexvolt chainsaw is one of the best chainsaws for homeowners thanks to its ergonomic design and balance between power and cutting efficiency. Most homeowners don’t need a heavy-duty gas chainsaw but people still want a fast cutting chainsaw and this is where the Husqvarna Flexvolt shines. This is one of the fastest cutting battery-powered chainsaws on the market.

Hard to Find during the Pandemic Due to Supply Chain Problems

This chainsaw was in short supply during the pandemic due to supply chain disruptions. It’s only now, in September 2023, that stock for the 60V Flexvolt is becoming available. It’s funny how some products were hit hard by the problems of the supply chain while others were not. Nowadays almost everything uses microchips and that includes chainsaws and the batteries they use. Without microchips the batteries couldn’t communicate with the chainsaw and indicate battery life, or charge correctly.

Hopefully stock will continue to flow as we move into another uncertain winter. With increasing storms ahead a chainsaw like this powerful Dewalt is an excellent choice for storm cleanup. Removing fallen trees are one of the primary reasons that homeowners buy a chainsaw. These tools are invaluable in these cases, alongside a good generator to keep the lights and fridge running.

This article covers a wide range of topics, including a breakdown of the Dewalt Flexvolt system, which we’ve covered in our comprehensive Flexvolt article . In addition, we give you a few other alternative chainsaws to consider because I feel it’s good to know what your options are before you make your final decision.

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DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V Tools

The DeWalt 60V Flexvolt battery system is taking the world of power tools to a new level. It seems logical that as battery power tools become more common, the technology will improve. The guys at DeWalt have gone to new extremes to bring us a battery that really gives you the power that you want, with a battery that gives you exceptional working time.

We’re going to take an in-depth look at the DeWalt DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V chainsaw. We’ll also compare it to a few other battery powered chainsaws and give you the opportunity to compare them. After reading this, you will know a lot more about chainsaws in general and the new battery technology that is revolutionizing the way we use battery operated tools. We’ll also throw in a whole host of other facts that may find useful.

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Review: DEWALT Flexvolt Chainsaw / DCCS670X1

A compliment to your Dewalt tool collection — Dewalt FLEXVOLT 60V

Features:

• Low Kick Back 16″ Oregon Bar and Chain for construction and outdoor cutting applications
• Tool-Free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force
• Auto-Oiling for continuous lubrication. Quarter-turn oil cap for quick oil re-fills
• Chain brake for kick back protection
• Up to 70 cuts per charge* *on a 6″ x 6″ pressure treated pine wood

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DEWALT DCCS670.

Overview | DEWALT 60V Flexvolt Chainsaw

The familiar yellow and black brand coloring of the DeWalt immediately gives me a sense of ease. It’s a brand that has delivered quality and cutting edge technology for almost a century. This, in itself, goes a long way toward selling it to anyone who’s familiar with DeWalt tools.

From the moment you take hold of the DEWALT DCCS670X1 60V Flexvolt Chainsaw (wow, that’s a mouthful to say), it’s apparent that it’s going to be a pleasure to use. The ergonomically designed soft-grip handles make handling the DeWalt super easy and comfortable. You can forget about those pains that you get from using a gas chainsaw, with constant vibrations that run all the way up your forearms. The large trigger switch gives you excellent control over the ample power provided by the brushless motor. A weight of only 12.2 LBS, makes it even easier to use.

Video | How DeWalt Flexvolt works?

The size is really great, a 16” Oregon bar gives you a good length to cut through most logs or tree trunks with a single stroke. The chain is self-lubricating, so maintenance is virtually done away with. Filling the chain oil reservoir is no problem, there’s a well-marked filler cap on the side that opens with a quarter turn and locks tightly into position when you’re done filling it with oil. It’s a chainsaw that you can pick up, start with a touch and get to work in seconds. Even the chain tensioning and bar tightening is made really easy. There’s no need to use any tools for this, as it has a handy tightening knob.

Safety is a big concern with chainsaws and the DeWalt DCCS670X1 60V Flexvolt chainsaw has got this well covered. The large well-designed chain guard makes one feel very confident operating the saw. In addition to this, the chain and bar are designed for low kickback and it also has a chain brake to protect you in the event that you do experience a kickback.

What really sets the DEWALT DCCS670X1 apart from other comparable chainsaws is the 60V Flexvolt battery. The Flexvolt range has not been around very long, it’s the latest and greatest battery technology from DeWalt. The 60V FlexVolt battery provides the best working time out of all their batteries (up to 70 cuts on pressure treated pine 6” X 6”) but is also backward compatible with other Dewalt 20V MAX and 120V FlexVolt MAX tools. This versatility makes it highly desirable to invest in the Dewalt FlexVolt line of tools. The standard 3AH lithium-ion battery will give about the best battery life for a battery of this size and if you need more, you have an option of 9AH battery.

One thing I really like about DeWalt is their excellent warranty and service agreement. Not only do you get a 3-year limited warranty with very few limitations, but you also get a 90-day money back guarantee and a 1-year free service plan. This is a chainsaw that you can buy with confidence and be sure that you’re going to get many years of hard work from it. Congratulations to DeWalt for this.

Tech Specs (DEWALT DCCS670X1):

• Amp Hour : 3.0 Ah
• Bar Length : 16″
• Bar Type : Oregon
• Power Source : Lithium Ion
• Weight : 12.2 lbs

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How does the DeWalt DCCS670X1 Flexvolt 60V compare to other battery chainsaws?

There are many other fantastic battery chainsaws out there that compare quite favorably to the DeWalt. To give you a good indication as to what your choices are when looking for a quality battery chainsaw, let’s take a look at the alternatives.

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Review: Snapper XD SXDCS82 — 82V Cordless 

18″ bar and chain

The Snapper is a good deal cheaper than the DeWalt Flexvolt. Though I must say the look and feel does not give one the same sense of the sturdy, rugged build quality that you’ll get with the DeWalt. It is a great chainsaw for those of you who need to cut back some trees around the garden once or twice a year.

It has the advantage of a longer, 18”, Oregon chain and bar. The handles are well placed and rubberized grips seem quite comfortable but again, this does not compare to the handles on the DeWalt that make working for longer periods much easier. At 15 LBS it will be a little tougher to work with.

The Briggs and Stratton 2AH 82V battery is quite common and is a good battery with a very reasonable working time. Maintenance is made really easy with a self-lubricating chain and there’s a view window, so you can keep an eye on the oil level without any effort. Chain tensioning is still done the old-fashioned way using a small wrench, though, it’s really not a complicated task and the tightening bolts are well placed and easy to access.

Safety on the Snapper is pretty basic, it has a well-positioned chain guard and, at the risk of repeating myself too often, it doesn’t compare that well to the DeWalt. It has a regular chain and bar setup and I see no mention of a chain brake. It does have a safety lockout handle that will disable the blade when not in use by pushing the handle forward.

Video | Watch this Snapper 82V Chainsaw in Action

To be quite frank, it’s not really a good match to the DeWalt but is, nonetheless, an adequate chainsaw. You have the advantage of 2” extra chain and bar length which means that you can cut through thicker wood without going around or making a second cut. It offers great value for money and for those who don’t want to spend too much and probably won’t be using the saw that much, it’s a really good deal.

Tech Specs:

• Battery: Briggs & Stratton 82V Max* Lithium-Ion 2Ah (sold separately)
• Charge Time (min) : 2Ah: 13 (50%), 30 (100%)
• Run Time (min)** : Up to 160+ Cuts (with full 2Ah battery charge)
• Motor: Brushless, 1200-watts
• Chain : 18-inch Oregon® w/ Micro Chisel Tooth
• Chain Gauge (in): 0.05
• Chain Pitch (in) : 0.375
• Bar : Steel, 18-inch Oregon® w/ Plastic Cover
• Chain Oil Capacity (mL)  : 200.0
• Product Warranty : 5-Year Limited
• Battery Warranty : 2-Year Limited

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Oregon Cordless 40V CS300-A6 

Features :

• PowerSharp System – Sharpens on the saw, on the job, in seconds. From dull to sharp in as little as three seconds
• Brushless Motor – High performance; high torque and power for fast cutting with a 16″ (40cm) bar
• Includes Tool-less tension system
• Instant Start – No gas-oil mixing, No pull cords, No warm-up & No emissions
• 40V Max Lithium Ion power for 66% more run time over the CS300-E6 Chainsaw
• Premium cell technology means constant no-fade power and holds a charge in storage for month
• Run Time – Cuts approximately 400 branches 2-3 Inch in diameter on a single battery charge
• Tool Weight with Guide Bar and Chain: 12.0 lb (5.4kg) with battery

OVERVIEW :

This is in very much the same price range as the DeWalt. It is an Oregon, so no one would expect it to be cheap. This is a highly respected chainsaw brand and you can be sure of outstanding quality with some great and innovative features.

The first thing that becomes apparent is the very impressive looking 16” chain and bar which is tough and solid with their double guard logo proudly displayed on the bar. The chain is self-sharpening which is unique to Oregon. The PowerSharp system allows you to sharpen the blade with a pull of a lever while you’re working. It is able to self-sharpen the blade in a matter of seconds. This is a really great advantage and many will find it to be incredibly useful.  Like the DeWalt, there’s no need to use any tools to tension the chain – a large and very easy to use tensioning knob on the side of the saw makes this very easy.

The handles are very well placed and almost as comfortable as the DeWalt. At a weight of 12 LBS, it should compare well to the DeWalt when using the saw for longer periods of time. The chain guard is large and sturdy, it’s solid so it may obstruct your view slightly but does offer a high level of safety.

The new premium cell battery technology means that the 40V 4AH battery will last up to 60% better than their older batteries. These batteries are a close contender to DeWalt’s Flexvolt system and may be just good. As both are new technology, we’ll have to wait a while for them to be used for a reasonable period of time before we can know for sure which actually performs better. They offer the option of 6AH battery that will give you 30% more working time than the standard 4AH battery.

Like the other chainsaws we’ve reviewed here, it has a self-lubricating chain and is very low maintenance.

A 3-year warranty and Oregon’s reputation in the industry, make it an easy decision to purchase one. Choosing between the Oregon and the DeWalt can be a tough choice, though. They are both among the best you’ll find. While the DeWalt’s safety features seem a little better (if only marginally), the Oregon has the PowerSharp system which could be its greatest selling point. Either one of them will offer you great quality and outstanding technology.

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Review : EGO Power+ : 56V Chainsaw

Features :

• Compatible with all EGO POWER+ ARC Lithium batteries
• High-efficiency brushless motor offers longer run time per charge and prolonged motor life
• Equipped with chain kickback brake for added safety and control
• Chain tensioning knob dials in optimal tautness for smooth operation
• Oil inspection window lets users know when to refill reservoir
• Automatic lubrication system keeps components adequately oiled
• Front hand guard protects user from flying debris
• Safety button prevents accidental starting
• Included sheath protects bar and chain when not in use
• Battery and charger sold separately
• Backed by a 5-year limited warranty

✓  View or download the MANUAL for the EGO Power+ Chainsaw.

Overview —

I’ve had the opportunity to review a number of EGO tools and am, in general, quite impressed. From the look of it, though, they don’t seem to be as tough as DeWalt or some other premium brands. However, there’s no need to doubt the quality and people seem to be very impressed with the EGO+ CS1403 56V.

It’s smaller than the others we’ve looked at here with a 14” bar and chain. Yet it weighs 13.4 LBS which heavier than some of the larger saws. It’s still very easy to use and heard of a 56-year lady who absolutely loves to work with it, so I’m sure most able-bodied men won’t have any problem. The well-positioned soft grip handles seem to be very well designed for user comfort and ease. Though I would say that none of the chainsaws in this review compare with the DeWalt in that department.

The EGO Power+ ARC 56V 2AH battery performs well but may be a little small for people who want to work a little longer. I’ve heard that EGO 4AH battery also fits this model but I haven’t had the opportunity to test this claim. The battery opening is large enough for the 4AH battery so for those of you who need extra battery time, this seems like a good alternative.

The chain is self-lubricating and it has a very clear linear window to check the oil level with an easy to open oil filler cap just above it. The brushless motor has really good power (6300 RPM) and the saw fares well in the safety department. You’ll get a low kickback chain design and a chain brake for emergency stopping. The chain guard seems well designed and it also has a double guard bar with a narrow-kerf sprocket nose.

When it comes to price it’s a bit cheaper than the DeWalt or Oregon but can’t beat the Snapper which is the cheapest of the lot. A 5-year warranty is quite pleasing to see and this will give many people peace of mind. This is a good value for money option for a chainsaw that falls in the middle of the range that we’re reviewing here.

EGO Power+ 56V Lithium-ion Rapid Charger

Tech Specs (EGO Power+ Chainsaw CS1403):

• Speed: 6300 RPM
• Chain Kickback Brake
• Chain Tension Adjustment
• Water Resistant Construction (ipx4)
• Chain size: 14 in.
• Maximum Cut Diameter: 12.5 in
• Double Guard Bar and Narrow-Kerf Sprocket Nose
• Low Kickback Chain Design (complies with ANSIB175.1)
• .043 in. Gauge Chain with 3/8 in. Low Pro Pitch
• Reversible Bar
• Battery Included: 2.0. Ah
• Charger Included : 56 V Charger
• CUL Listed
• 5 Year Warranty

Learn more by reading our dedicated article to the EGO Power+ 56V Chainsaw.

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Greenworks 80V Chainsaw — GCS80420

Features :

• 80V Li-Ion System. Most powerful gas-free cordless chainsaw.
• 18-inch bar and chain.
• Capable of 150+ cuts with fully charged 2.0 Ah battery.
• DigiPro digital controlled brushless motor: 30% more torque and 70% less vibration.
• Equivalent power to 45cc gas engine.
• Large steel bucking spikes and ergonomic metal wrap handle.
• Electronic chain brake for increased user safety.
• On board chain tensioning tool.
• Automatic chain oiling system.
• Multiple battery capacity available.
  • 4.0 Ah GreenWorks GBA80400
  • 2.0 Ah GreenWorks GBA80200
• Battery and charger sold separately.
  • GreenWorks GCH8040 Rapid Charger
• Chainsaw Warranty: 4 years
• Brushless Motor Warranty: 10 years
• One battery system works with a variety of yard tools.
• Professional grade build.
• Translucent Oil Tank.
• Less maintenance, light weight and easy electric start.
• No winterization to worry about.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw.

Overview :

If you’re a fan of the Greenworks range of garden tools, this chainsaw will impress you. The 80V 2AH battery is good for a reasonably long working time and it’s the lightest of all chainsaws on this list at 10LBS. With a nicely positioned steel handles that have a rubberized grip, it should be very manageable for anyone.

Many will also appreciate the 18” bar chain which gives you the ability to cut through thicker pieces of wood. Like all the others, the chain is self-lubricating. The large steel bucking spikes make it very easy to work with thicker logs.

The chain guard is well positioned and it has an electronic chain brake, so safety is pretty well taken care of.

This is a powerful chainsaw that can hold its own against 45cc gas models and is an all-around good deal.

Read our in-depth review of the GreenWorks 80V Chainsaw.

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Battery vs Gas Chainsaws

For a long time, it has been widely accepted that Gas chainsaws are the real deal if you want something that is powerful enough and is able to work anywhere. It’s true that traditional cord electric chainsaws aren’t the best solution. Simply because you are limited by the length of the cord and you have to work within a reasonable distance from a power socket. A cord can also be a nuisance when it becomes tangled, especially when working in and around trees.

The problem with gas chainsaws is that they have very high noise levels can be pretty heavy and bulky. Of course, you also have to worry about gas and oil mixtures and they can be quite tough to start, particularly in cold weather.

Then there’s all that maintenance. A gas engine needs to be serviced regularly to be reliable. While you’re working sawdust and wood chips will collect on the air intake filter and you have to keep it clean, which means removing, cleaning and replacing the filter regularly which takes time.

As battery-powered tools have become more advanced, they have entered the realm of more powerful tools like chainsaws. They’re quieter, lighter and require very little maintenance. This has made them very popular with a wide range of users.

The only disadvantage to these chainsaws is the limited battery life. Battery technology has improved vastly since lithium-ion batteries first appeared in the early 1990s. Tool manufacturers have realized the need to improve working time and have made some incredible advances in this regard – The DeWalt Flexvolt system being the latest technology which has drastically improved the practicality of battery powered tools.

Today almost everyone who uses tools have come to rely on batteries and the versatility that they provide. With our dependence on these tools, we’ve learned how to overcome the limitations of using batteries. Most of us have several batteries so that we can keep working by simply exchanging the battery as it runs flat. This has also made us aware of the value in buying many tools that use the same battery, as this eliminates the need to have a wide range of batteries for all our different tools.

Manufacturers have also come to this realization and most produce a good variety of tools that use the same battery. DeWalt has taken this a step further with the Flexvolt battery that can be used in high-power 60V tools and smaller 20V tools. This is the first battery to offer such versatility and is a remarkable feat.

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60V MAX Flexvolt battery

Batteries have been around for a very long time but until now, they have always been limited to a single voltage rating. This means that you have to use a battery of a voltage that corresponds to the motor that it runs. Now that battery powered tools are so common, this has become quite a problem. This is especially true when we look at the rapid development of these tools. Every few years a new model comes out, often at a higher voltage. This makes the older tools (and their batteries) obsolete.

DeWalt is the first company to offer a solution with the Flexvolt battery that can be used either as a 20V or 60V power source. This is fantastic news for those of us who have a wide selection of tools.

The concept behind the Flexvolt is so simple, it seems strange that no one has thought of it until now. The battery has twelve 5V cells that have two switching modes. To obtain 60V from the battery, all 12 cells are connected in series. This multiplies the voltage of the cells – 12 X 5 = 60. When the battery is switched to 20V, the battery rearranges the cell configuration so that you get 3 banks of cells. Each bank consists of 4 cells connected in series (4 X 5 = 20). The end result can be seen as three 20V batteries connected in parallel. You end up with a 20V battery with three times the amount of current – your amp hours are, therefore tripled in 20V mode.

It’s pure, simple genius. While the theory is so logical and simple, it must take some pretty advanced microelectronics to achieve this in something as small as a battery. It really is a work of clever engineering.

A series of tools : String Trimmer — DEWALT DCST970X1

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The DeWalt Legacy

So often technology seems to be developed by engineers, for engineers. New products boast new and amazing feats of modern science that look great on paper but don’t actually have any real benefit to us as users. Well, DeWalt started out with a very different approach.

The company’s founder, Raymond DeWalt worked at Seabrook Farms as a superintendent. He sought to develop machinery that would increase productivity and offer the user good versatility. In 1922 he developed his first woodworking machine. Because of his background, he’s machine was developed from the standpoint of the user and not an engineer sitting behind a drawing board.

His ideas were so good that in 1924, the DeWalt Product Company was established at a site in Leola, Pennsylvania.  The company grew fast and in 1929 they opened a new facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For its time, this was an ultramodern production plant and was a big advancement for the new company.

The Second World War increased government demand for machinery and DeWalt was one of the companies that rose to this challenge. In 1941, they expanded greatly to meet the increased demand for wartime machinery.

In 1953, DeWalt expanded into Canada and in 1955 the Lancaster plant was extended as the company continued to grow. Over the years DeWalt became a recognized brand worldwide and is seen as one of the leaders in the development of tools and machinery.

For most of its existence, DeWalt specialized in producing machinery for professionals. While they were well known in factories and workshops, DeWalt tools were not made for the domestic DIY user. In 1992, the company introduced a range of smaller tools that was specifically intended for more regular domestic use. Since then, we common folk have also had the opportunity to own DeWalt tools and benefit from their years of development in the professional tool market.

The 1990s saw the development of battery tools and DeWalt was one of the first tool manufacturing companies to embrace this new trend. In 1994 they launched a range of more than 30 cordless power tools. At that time, their 14.4V drill/driver was the most powerful battery powered tool on the market. They continue to dominate the innovation of improved battery tools, culminating in their latest achievement – the Flexvolt battery system.

In recent years there has been a shift in production by most established US and European brands, outsourcing much of their production to other countries, in particular China. For many this has been a disappointment and a lot of people believe that these products are inferior to those that were once made locally.

While DeWalt has also followed this trend in order to remain competitive, they have 7 production facilities in the US. Their more advanced products, including the Flexvolt tool range carry the logo “Made in the USA with global materials”. All products that carry this logo are made locally just as they have been for almost a century.

Whether it’s out of a sense of national pride or a genuine belief that local products are better, you may feel let down when you buy a product that is supposed to be American only to see that it was made in China. If you want to be sure that you’re buying an all-American product, look out for DeWalt’s “Made in America” logo.