Comparison: Best Makita Top Handle Battery Chainsaw (Updated | Oct 14th)
When selecting the best Makita top-handle battery chainsaw for your needs, it’s essential to compare key factors like battery life, bar length, weight, and cutting performance. This guide offers a balanced overview of popular models, highlighting their strengths and ideal use cases—whether for arborist work, pruning, or light-duty tasks. By focusing on specs, user feedback, and versatility, we aim to help you make an informed decision without bias or promotional claims. Explore the differences to find the tool that aligns with your efficiency, comfort, and environmental requirements.
(98 words)
-
Best for premium build:
Makita XCU06Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 10" Top Handle Chain Saw -
Best for best overall:
Makita XCU08PT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 18V X2 (36V) LXT 14" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit -
Best for longer bar:
Makita XCU09Z Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 18V X2 (36V) LXT 16" Top Handle Chain Saw -
Best for best value:
Makita XCU10Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 12" Top Handle Chain Saw -
Best for eco-friendly design:
Makita ADCU10Z Outdoor Adventure™ 18V LXT® 12" Top Handle Chain Saw -
Best for compact efficiency:
Makita XCU06Z-R 18V LXT Brushless Lithium-Ion 10 in. Cordless Top Handle Chain Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed) -
Best for pro-grade kit:
Makita XCU06SM1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (4.0Ah) 18V LXT 10" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit -
Best for lightweight power:
Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14" Chain Saw -
Best for budget pick:
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 12" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit Including 2.0Ah Battery and Charger-TH1200C-11 -
Best for high-end performance:
Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 14 TOP Handle Chainsaw KIT
Product Comparison: Best Makita Top Handle Battery Chainsaw
Makita XCU06Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 10" Top Handle Chain Saw, Tool Only
- 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
Makita XCU08PT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 18V X2 (36V) LXT 14" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit, Teal
- Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides power equivalent to a 30cc gas chain saw
- Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3, 940 FPM) For improved cutting performance
- Torque boost mode powers through thick or hard branches
- Two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries deliver 36V power and performance without leaving the 18V LXT platform
- Includes 14" Sprocket nose guide bar and 3/8 pitch, . 043" Gauge Chain
Makita XCU09Z Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 18V X2 (36V) LXT 16" Top Handle Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal
- Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides power equivalent to a 30cc gas chain saw
- Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3, 940 FPM) For improved cutting performance
- Torque boost mode powers through thick or hard branches
- Two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries deliver 36V power and performance without leaving the 18V LXT platform (batteries and charger not included)
- Includes 16" Sprocket nose guide bar and 3/8 pitch, . 043" Gauge Chain
- Power Source Type: Battery Powered
Makita XCU10Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 12" Top Handle Chain Saw, Tool Only
- Compact top handle design ideal for pruning, trimming and limbing
- Makita-built Outer Rotor Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides power equivalent to a 22cc gas chain saw
- Up to 150 cuts in 2×2 cedar with 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery (battery not included)
- Torque boost mode for cutting dense material
- Captured bar nut and lateral chain tensioning for convenient operation and maintenance
Makita ADCU10Z Outdoor Adventure™ 18V LXT® 12" Top Handle Chain Saw, Tool Only
- Clear the trail ahead with a powerful top handle chain saw
- Power equivalent to a 22cc gas chain saw with Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor
- Up to 150 cuts in 2×2 cedar with 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery (battery not included)
- Low noise level and zero emissions for a greener outdoors
- Torque boost mode for added power in thick material
Makita XCU06Z-R 18V LXT Brushless Lithium-Ion 10 in. Cordless Top Handle Chain Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)
- Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency
- Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-4,720 FPM) for improved cutting performance
- Torque boost mode for cutting dense material
- Guide bar nut chain tensioning with captured nut
- Adjustable automatic chain lubrication with large oil reservoir
Makita XCU06SM1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (4.0Ah) 18V LXT 10" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit, Teal (Renewed)
- Compact top handle design built for the professional tree care industry
- Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency
- Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-4,720 FPM) for improved cutting performance
- Torque boost mode for cutting dense material
- Captured bar nut and lateral chain tensioning for convenient operation and maintenance
Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14" Chain Saw, Tool Only
- No gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts
- High performance with low noise levels
- Compact body rear handle design for easy maneuverability
- Makita-built brushless motor delivers high power and increased torque
- High torque (1,520 FPM) powers through demanding applications
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 12" Top Handle Chain Saw Kit Including 2.0Ah Battery and Charger-TH1200C-11
- 40V CHAIN SAW KIT INCLUDES – The cordless top handle chain saw, PWR CORE 40 2.0Ah lithium battery, and 40V 60W charger
- DELIVERS 27CC GAS EQUIVALENT – Ditch the gas, keep the power
- 1/4-INCH PITCH CHAIN – For smooth, precise cuts
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT – For easy maneuverability and reduced fatigue
- AUTO-LUBRICATING CHAIN – For longer chain life
- TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING – For fast and easy chain tensioning with a convenient dial on the side of the tool
- IPX4 WEATHER RESISTANCE – For added durability
- LONGER RUNTIME & BATTERY LIFE – Industry-leading PWRCORE 40 lithium battery technology wraps each cell with cooling material to keep it powering on for 25% longer runtime and 2X battery life
Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 14 TOP Handle Chainsaw KIT
- Milwaukee 2826-21T M18 FUEL 14" Top Handle Chainsaw Kit
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which Makita top handle chainsaw is best for light trimming?
The XCU06Z (10") or XCU10Z (12") are ideal for light trimming due to their compact size.
Which model has the longest bar length for heavy-duty cutting?
The XCU09Z offers a 16"bar length for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Do all models require two 18V batteries for maximum power?
Models with X2 (36V) in the title, like XCU08PT and XCU09Z, require two 18V batteries.
Which models include a battery and charger?
The XCU08PT and XCU06SM1 come with batteries and chargers, while others are tool-only.
Is there a model designed for outdoor adventures?
The ADCU10Z is part of the Outdoor Adventure™ series, built for portability.
Which Makita model has a 14"bar for balanced performance?
The XCU08PT and XCU11Z both feature 14"bar lengths.
Are there non-Makita options in this comparison?
Yes, the SKIL PWR CORE 40 and Milwaukee M18 Fuel are included as alternatives.