The Makita XCU02Z has proven to be an excellent professional quality chainsaw for homeowners and for commercial applications. This is not a typical consumer chainsaw. Makita only makes tools for professionals and it’s reflected in price, but you do get what you pay for.
For example, the Makita XCU02Z features extreme protection Technology (XPT) which basically gives you dust and water resistance when working in harsh conditions. Cheap chainsaws don’t offer you features like this.
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Makita XCU02Z | Review
I always get excited when I’m requested to review a Makita product because I’ve really grown to love the brand. It all started around twenty years ago when a friend asked me to help him put a roof on a new extension to his home.
He had recently bought a Makita drill/driver kit from the local hardware store. At the time, it was the latest and greatest battery drill on the market. The kit consisted of a Makita drill, two batteries (I think they were 8V at that time), a rapid charger and toolbox on wheels that contained every conceivable accessory that you could use with the driver – including a full socket set. Everything packed perfectly into three drawers that neatly stored all the pieces.
I suppose boys will be boys because the next weekend I was at the same store, buying the same kit. Ever since I’ve been hooked on Makita battery tools. While the toolbox is still with me, I’ve moved on to more advanced Makita battery tools – a lot of improvements have been made over the years. The 18V LXT range is certainly one of them.
So this brings me to the point of this article, the Makita XCU02Z chainsaw. We’ll also take a look at the Makita XCU02PT and Makita XCU03Z. So if like me, you’re a big fan of Makita tools, you’ll enjoy reading this. If not, take a look at what you’re missing out on.
Makita XCU02Z — 36V Battery Chainsaw
Features:
- Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency equivalent to 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)
- Front hand guard engineered to actuate chain brake when engaged
- 14″ guide bar for increased capacity
- Low noise level and zero emissions for operator comfort
- “Tool-less” chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
- Weighs only 11.5 lbs. with batteries (batteries not included) for reduced operator fatigue
- Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
- Electric brake for maximum productivity
- Rubberized soft grip top handle is engineered for the user to more easily apply even cutting pressure
- Large oil filling port with view window allows operator to easily add and check bar oil level
- Adjustable automatic chain lubrication with large oil reservoir
- L.E.D. battery indicators show charge level for each 18V LXT battery
- Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
- Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery’s built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life by actively controlling current, voltage and temperature (battery and charger not included)
- Rapid Optimum Charger (Makita DC18RD) has a built-in fan to cool the battery for faster, more efficient charging (battery and charger not included)
- Makita technology delivers category-leading charge time so the battery spends more time working and less time sitting on the charger (battery and charger not included)
- Compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with a Star symbol
- Batteries and charger not included
- 3-year limited warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL or the PARTS LIST or the DATA SHEET for the Makita XCU02Z.
What a beauty. It’s a compact, very light chainsaw weighing only 10.1 lbs. and this includes the two 18V LXT batteries. The total length is 24⅝” – about half this length can be attributed to the 12” guide bar length. Making the Makita XCU02Z one of the easiest 12” chainsaws to use. It could well be the most comfortable chainsaw to work with, made even better by rubberized soft grip handles which are perfectly positioned and ergonomically designed. It’s an absolute pleasure to use.
You’ll need batteries for the Makita XCU02Z 12″ Battery Chainsaw
The chain gauge is 0.043” and pitch is ⅜”, for those of you who are concerned with the smaller details. Cutting with the Makita XCU02Z is super-fast and effortless with a chain speed of 1650 FPM. Despite the mighty power that compares well to gas chainsaws, noise levels are remarkably low – a mere 89 dB.
The power comes from two 18V LXT batteries, giving you 36V. This offers a great benefit, in that you get the extra power and working time from the 36V system using the same 18V battery that is used in a wide range of other Makita tools, it is compatible with any of 18V Makita batteries with star protection. We’ll take a look at these batteries in more detail further down the page. The Makita XCU02Z has two separate battery charge indicators, one for each battery so can monitor battery performance very easily.
Complete Package | Makita XCU02PT | Includes Rapid Charger & Batteries
The chain has adjustable self-lubrication with a large oil reservoir just below the handle. The chain requires no tensioning and a very well-designed tensioning system gives you accurate tensioning with absolutely no effort. Safety is great too, the chain guard is poisoned right in front of the front handle and acts as a chain brake when pushed forward. In the case of an emergency, it’s directly in front of your hand so you can stop the chain almost immediately.
Makita DC18RD — 18V Lithium-Ion Dual Port Rapid Optimum Charger
One of the reasons why I’m so impressed with Makita is their durability. The Makita XCU02Z is engineered using what they call Extreme Protection Technology (XPT). This provides extra protection against dust and moisture, meaning that the machine will endure even the harshest working conditions. This is how Makita describes their innovative XPT technology:
XPT is a series of integrated seals engineered to channel away dust and water for increased durability. Wherever the job takes you, Makita tools equipped with XPT are engineered for increased durability and longer tool life.
It comes with a 3-year warranty. Though, in all my years of using Makita tools, I have never once needed to make use of the warranty. In fact, the only reason I ever replace them is because I want to upgrade to a newer model, not because the old one stopped working.
The Makita XCU02Z does not come with batteries or a charger. For these, you’ll need to go for the Makita XCU02PT (battery & charger included). It’s exactly the same chainsaw, it just comes with two batteries and a charger included in the kit. They could just as well have offered the batteries as an option but, instead, they opted to sell it under a different model code.
Ultra-portable and Comfortable to use | Makita XCU02Z
So if you already own tools that use Makita star rated 18V batteries and have the batteries and charger, all you’ll need to buy is the Makita XCU02Z. If you don’t have a charger and batteries, you’ll need to get the Makita XCU02PT.
I don’t think I need convince people who are used to using Makita tools why the Makita XCU02Z is so great. It’s a fantastically designed, incredibly durable piece of machinery. Their battery technology is among the best in the world and I still believe they have the best chargers, offering the fastest charging time and excellent battery protection. The rapid charger is fantastic when you’re using the tools for longer periods on a regular basis.
Makita XCU03Z | 36V Chainsaw Kit
Requires two 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries and charger (sold separately) or can be purchased in this Makita XCU03PTX1 Grinder Package.
Features:
- Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency equivalent to 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)
- Front hand guard engineered to actuate chain brake when engaged
- 14″ guide bar for increased capacity
- Low noise level and zero emissions for operator comfort
- “Tool-less” chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
- Weighs only 11.5 lbs. with batteries (batteries not included) for reduced operator fatigue
- Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
- Electric brake for maximum productivity
- Rubberized soft grip top handle is engineered for the user to more easily apply even cutting pressure
- Large oil filling port with view window allows operator to easily add and check bar oil level
- Adjustable automatic chain lubrication with large oil reservoir
- L.E.D. battery indicators show charge level for each 18V LXT battery
- Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
- Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery’s built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life by actively controlling current, voltage and temperature (battery and charger not included)
- Rapid Optimum Charger has a built-in fan to cool the battery for faster, more efficient charging (battery and charger not included)
- Makita technology delivers category-leading charge time so the battery spends more time working and less time sitting on the charger (battery and charger not included)
- Compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with a Star symbol
- Batteries and charger not included
- 3-year limited warranty
If you want something bigger and more powerful and are prepared to pay more, the Makita XCU03Z is probably what you’re looking for. Like the Makita XCU02Z, it uses the same 36V, twin 18V LXT battery system. It’s just a bit larger with a 14” chain and guard. It’s also more powerful – 3940 FPM.
Learn More by Watching this Video on the Makita XCU03Z
Being a bigger chainsaw, it’s inevitably a bit heavier (though only slightly), weighing 11.5 LBS and the total length is 30½”. To make the bigger saw just as easy to use, it has a bigger front handle that wraps around the entire front end of the saw, the chain guard is also larger to protect the full length of the larger handle. Like the Makita XCU02Z, the chain guard also functions as a chain brake when pushed forward and is just as accessible, given its larger size.
Overall, the excellent design of the larger chainsaw means that you’ll hardly notice any difference between using the two.
All the same features can be found on the Makita XCU03Z as on the Makita XCU02Z like a self-lubricating chain and easy tool-free chain tensioning. This model has the added safety benefit of a lock-off lever that prevents the chain from being engaged accidently. Another added benefit is a trigger control that allows you to vary the speed from 0 – 3940 FPM.
The Makita XCU03Z is larger and has a number of more advanced features compared to the Makita XCU02Z. This makes it an ideal choice for landscapers and other professional users, as well as providing a solution for domestic users who require something a bit bigger.
Documents for the Makita XCU03Z:
- View or Download the MANUAL.
- View or Download the BROCHURE.
- View or Download the PARTS BREAKDOWN.
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-ion Batteries
Makita started building battery powered tools back in 1978, long before most other tool manufacturers even considered the idea. So, by the time the others caught up with this technology in the early to mid-nineties, Makita was already streaks ahead it terms of R&D and product development. While many other tool companies have made some great strides in battery technology, Makita still hold some aces up their sleeve.
The 18V LXT battery is a 6AH battery that has the same dimensions and weight as their previous 3, 4 and 5AH batteries, making them great for use in tools – more working time without any extra weight. Despite their incredibly lightweight design, Makita LXT batteries are about as tough as one could possibly expect a battery to be.
The design utilizes an impact-resistant outer casing and a shock absorbing inner lining. I’ve dropped mine from a height of more than 10 FT and continued to work with them immediately afterward, both the tools and batteries are almost indestructible. The battery also has 16 contact terminals which ensure optimum power delivery even as the voltage fluctuates.
There are some pretty good batteries out there and the new DeWalt Flexvolt batteries may well give Makita a run for their money, but I still feel that Makita are the winners when it comes to chargers. Battery charging and monitoring are as important as the battery itself. The Makita 18V LXT 6AH battery reaches full charge in only 55 minutes, I don’t think there’s any battery in this class that can compare to this.
The rapid charger is very convenient but the Star Protection Computer Controls go beyond just convenience. This system offers extra protection that extends the life of the battery by protecting it from damage. The system allows for computerized communication between the battery and the tool. Giving it protection against over-discharging, overloading and overheating. All this means that the battery will continue to deliver optimum power long after others have been sent off for recycling.
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to battery powered tools. By using the same battery in many different tools, you can stick with one battery system for all your needs. Using either one 18V battery for smaller tools or two batteries for larger 36V motors, the 18V LXT batteries are able to power over 150 different tools in the Makita range.
One battery for this many tools means you only need one charger and with a few extra batteries, you’ll have limitless working time for every tool that you could possibly want to use. Add to this the rapid charge system and you really can’t go wrong. This is ideal for contractors, for whom downtime is money lost. You’ll never be without power if you have the right amount of batteries. Each battery has its own onboard LED charge indicator so you can see how much charge a battery has at a glance.
Which Makita Cordless Chainsaw is Right for You?
With battery powered chainsaws becoming more advanced, we may see gas chainsaws relegated to museums, an interesting look at how we used to work. As battery technology improves, we are seeing longer working times, lighter weight batteries and technology that improves the lifetime of the battery.
Why would anyone want the noise, weight and continuous maintenance of a gas chainsaw when a battery powered one will give you the same level of performance. With Makita XCU02Z and XCU03Z, you are not only getting a high powered durable machine but also one of the most advanced battery systems that are compatible with over 150 other tools.
Learn more about the expansive line of Makita tools by visiting the Makita Online
