Makita 18v Chainsaw Review | Makita DUC254 / Makita XCU06

Makita 18v Chainsaw unboxing and review. Does it cut the mustard, and more importantly, does it cut the wood???
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Makita 18v Chainsaw Review | Makita DUC254 / Makita XCU06

[@JustAnotherChippy]

When a YT'er does a better spec rundown than all the tool reps combined. Translating that into a real world application. 👍

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Cheers.

[@bierstadt77]

Yup. Great video.

[@Qspecialman]

I bought one about a year ago, I'm very pleased with it. Light enough to use one handed as I have just had my shoulder repaired!!!!

[@roland985]

That handle tag is still there! Just picked one up today. A little bit anemic but you can easily cut large branches off if you remember your tension and compression and only cut into the tension. I love it. Cash is tight but I must have a decent battery saw and this fit the bill. After every use I clean the bar and chain (dip in degreaser and sharpened if needed) then test run to get oil, then stored. It's the little brother to the larger Sthil petrol and Makita Battery saws I sometimes use with my volunteer groups.

[@courtneykensington8190]

It’s called a chip deflector, it’s purpose is to direct wood chips and cuttings away from the operator when using the saw

[@mixpick138]

I bought the 36V version for around the property. Beats the hell out of mixing up the gas and fighting to get the old girl started. I've only run the two batteries dry once and, 'cause it's just maintaining my own property --I was happy they died as it was time for a beer and calling it "good enough" for the day. Lol Oh yeah, I also don't mind the safety features (some complain about having to push the on button all the time) as I'm used to my chainsaws sputtering and puttering to let me know they where on and ready to cut. With electric, all's quite until you pull the trigger --I'm still not used to that even after using it for a couple of months...

[@JDAfrica]

Haha! Yes! Every Makita battery has the Beer Indicator. That’s what it will be official called

[@Anders_HeymSR30]

That cutting out feature would drive me absolutely bonkers!

[@JDAfrica]

The rubber thing is on the makita pole saw too… it’s the bottom of the exhaust that shavings come out of when cutting. Usually, that mixes with the bar oil, and can be quite sludgy … so, it likely just helps direct it away from the body panel

[@bottomowashington]

I see you guys have the same safety flip flops we have here in Canada. Nice to see someone using the saw in a review and it looks like you know how to run tools. Good video

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

We call them (or at least I do) ISJ's. That's "Industrial Safety Jandals". They are super important when operating dangerous equipment like chainsaws.

[@blindhowlingdrunk]

bottomowashington its all about the Kevlar socks...

[@elonmust7470]

The rubber thing is to cushion a chain derailment as well as direct chips. That's what they're for on bignsaws anyways. The chain will smack the gas tank & eventually break it on a big saw.

[@markpaulin884]

Great chainsaw. Just purchased one and love it.

[@Barbarra63297]

Just bought this today, keeping my gas saw but I wanted this one for those small jobs that firing up the gas saw for is just a pain in the ass. :)

[@ThacMan]

Yep, I have both saws and love them. Bought the 36v first and use it for bigger stuff. I have a bad back and the rear handle saw combined with too much stooping does me in. When Makita came out with the one handed saw I had to have it. Great for disposing of 4" and smaller limbs with no stooping.

[@JDAfrica]

I recently got the DUC301 - the 14foot polesaw by makita, it uses a mini brushless motor, has a 10inch bar and real thin chain. The speed is amazing, I think it’s like 25m/s I’m tempted to get this little DUC254 1 hand saw, purely for the thinning and small trimming. This small saw chain speed is what draws me to it - fast cuts. I almost think - this little unit is the same cutting unit as the polesaw. I have the 36v older makita battery chainsaw (12 or 14inch bar). It’s slower chain speed but works ok (6m/s). But a tad heavy for prolonged use.

[@vingzman]

Nice review, thanks for sharing! I’ve been using the saw for a while now and I love it: it’s great for smaller tasks, it will not replace your big petrol saw, but it’s still great. Light-weight, quite powerful and of course you can operate it one-handed. The cutting-out thing isn’t really a big deal ( I feared it would be), you just have to use sharp chain and let the saw do the work. I use oregon chain that the saw came with but for “ripping” I have stihl pmm3 chain, it seems better for cutting lengthwise. But yes, battery overheating may be an issue.

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

I like it quite a bit now too. I was using it yesterday to cut up branches in the 2 inch range for firewood and it so easy being able to hold the wood and feed it with one hand, saw in the other.

[@mahmuteyidemir2682]

Kaç lira fiyatlardan aciklayn

[@chercoe5717]

Great review, Kiwi! Just had mine land today - lookin' forward to using it here in the beautiful Hawkes Bay!

[@TonchoTonev]

Love your videos, very informative and entertaining. Keep them coming 😉

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Thanks. Will do.

[@andrewford80]

For anyone considering this saw, understand it's limitations. In my experience, high torque setting is not much good, the saw still cuts out. Speaking of cutting out, you will find it does this quite a bit if you're cutting much larger wood, repeatedly. It needs regular breaks to cool down or something. I was having a lot of problems with mine not being able to start and it was that the chain was gummed up and the saw wasn't able to get the chain moving. A fresh chain and the problem went away. I have soaked my other chain in petrol to clean it off, hopefully it does help. Those things aside, I love the little saw. It's great for campng trips or clealing up smaller branches here and there. Super light weight and feels unintimidating. If you keep all those things in mind and manage your expectations, you'll be good. If you need to cut bigger wood, you may be better off with something else.

[@blueyhanson6253]

Thanks for all your reviews. I'm tossing up which way to go -18v or 36v, the single 18v is in front at the moment. Not sure I would be wearing Japanese safety boots while doing them.

[@reubenmorison8149]

We're about to get one or two for Darwins Barberry control work, for the handsaw sized stuff to run alongside the two petrol grunty saws we have for bigger stuff

[@nedt]

I like my little 18v mikita saw and great for small odd jobs. BUT I maintain that its the most dangerous tool in my shed as its so easy to put your left hand near the bar. Thanks for the vids

[@J0rd4nBr0]

Been looking at one of these. Good timing mate thanks

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Sweet as bro.

[@1d1hamby]

I love how little 1" bullseyes appeared on the end grain.

[@brrymcgolly]

It's a nice little thing that nice what was chainsaw. it was a good video you explain a lot.

[@scootscoot1920]

That rubber thing directs the chips down

[@mikewasowski1411]

Good review as always. Only comment is that using a 3ah to grunt test it isn’t likely fair. A 5ah not only delivers longer run time but will also deliver higher current with less voltage sag. I found the other day my impact didn’t take my lug nuts off. Scratched my head and realised I had a (few and fully charged) 3ah. Put on an old (full charged) 5 ah and it whipped the nuts off in a blink.

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

As you will have seen in the video, I used the 3ah by accident on the 100x100. I used it with the 5ah for everything else in the video (and not in the video) and didn't notice any appreciable difference to the power.

[@brentthailand5742]

also i didnt want the 36V its too heavy for my wife and then if doing a lot need 4 batteries this is perfect i am sure for everything we do and not super heavy and the long bar . I might even look at trying to get a 6" bar and chain for it would be great . any ideas i think they use Orgeon bar and chain so maybe i can find a 6" ?

[@erikahelps5260]

Thanks - v helpful safety demo ❤

[@allaussietraveller9879]

Good to see you're wearing your winter safety boots 😜

[@jasonhuhare]

Is the DUC254 easy to stop suddenly? When I watch your video, it is easy to stop suddenly. Thanks for your share.

[@epposcrap]

I like the safety socks, fairdinkum. Good vid, pity about the 3amp

[@fishfaraonu]

I've had it for 3 months and I didn't know that if I hold on to the button more it comes in turbo mode

[@dokinap-su9jz]

Howmuchtheprice

[@Fedoratip79]

My old shindawa topping saw had a rubber chip deflector like that

[@brentthailand5742]

Great review thanks for all the info. I live in Thailand and just bought one and 2, 6.0 AH batteries waiting for it to come. I have a 4' china one and had 2 big batteries and my wife uses it a lot. BUT the batteries are breaking and with Makita i know this will last a life time all my Makita tools still run great. We can use the $20 china one for somethings but will count on the new one. should be here in a few days. thanks again . NOw to find the right size file for it even though i have an extra chain coming. IF anyone knows the right file size?

[@TheUnlocking]

I'm torn between getting the 18v or the 36v one. Your video shed a better light on me so I can further weigh in on the both options. I live in a farm, I will need a chainsaw that will also cut thick trees, and some of them are dry. I wonder if the 18v will still do. What do you recommend? Thank you for sharing, much appreciated.

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

If you live on a farm then I wouldn't buy this tool, the torque is no good. I would go with this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIXRgYiOjZmUjZI

[@dennissirvent8811]

What's the difference between the XCU and DUC models?

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Nothing. Xcu are American model numbers Duc are the model numbers for the rest of the world.

[@TakamiWoodshop]

It reminds me of my pink Hello Kitty flush trim saw - both Japanese and both little rippers! (well trimmers to be precise)

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Is there anything you can't get with a Hello Kitty on it.

[@jons6125]

My brain can’t comprehend if those are growth rings in that wood? 🤯

[@user-ju7ee5vd2f]

Very cool

[@TakamiWoodshop]

I like that little thing! Would be super useful in one-handed mode ... for branches, and opening beer bottles! 🍻 Um, rule of thumb I use is to fill up the bar oil when filling up the petrol - how about on this little cutie?

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Well I hope I don't need to top it up every time I change batteries.

[@TakamiWoodshop]

@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL yeah that would be a pain in the Hello Kitty!

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

I haven't tried opening a beer with it yet. That could end up rather painful too.

[@johnjgilchrist]

I just love your chainsaw trousers, where can I buy them, they look just like Jean's And those boots, what can I say. Nice video all the same.

[@appleztooranges]

Should I replace my stihl farm boss with this?

[@SammyInnit]

The limitation of the batteries is really starting to become more noticable and obvious with newer tools they have coming out. Even with 5 and 6ah batteries I find they stop working sooner due to overheat protection rather than being flat. They just aren't up to task for heavy use so much it seems to me.

[@TheMelbournelad]

Sam T true, but also a case of C.Y.A by the manufacturer due to Li ion tendencies to you know EXPLODE when over heated.

[@SammyInnit]

@@TheMelbournelad the issue of course if they're not producing up to date replacements like Metabo, Milwaukee, DeWalt etc are. People who have invested heavily into Makita are left wanting. 18650 cells have hit their wall and there is better available but Makita seem to be doing very little about it.

[@AaBB-ks6oc]

@@SammyInnit Makita's kicking the can because they're going to have some compatibility problems with 21700s not fitting on a bunch of different tools. (many of them being 36V and not having enough space between the two batteries) I wish they'd bite the bullet and just get it over with. Yeah, they'll have to deal with all the idiots who're going to inevitably complain about a physical limitation that nobody could have realistically planned for way back in 2013.

[@geraldmoore6257]

It's seems to me that the 6Ah Makita batteries don't get as hot as the 3's and 4's after continuous high discharge. That's seems counter intuitive because twice as much power is extracted. Anyone know why this is? I cut the equivalent of 20 cords of firewood from large 12 to 25 inch logs with a 16 inch bar last winter and didn't experience over temperature cut-out conditions even with this severe continuous duty use. I also have their leaf blower and use it continuous on maximum flow until complete discharge. The batteries sometimes have to cool for a minute or two before the charger will begin, but the tool doesn't cut out. I also have a 36V weed eater. It will not let you overload it on high setting in high weeds, but I've not seen a high temperature shut down condition. This saw in the video may be asking a bit too much of 10 18650's. However, what I saw was overload shut off not over heat shut down.

[@geraldmoore6257]

@@AaBB-ks6oc If Makita wanted to make big heavy battery tools that output over 2000 watts they could just add another battery and call it X3 @ 54V. Right now the output for an 18650 is limited to about 70 watts, so 20 of them (X2) is 1400 watts. Three of them would compete with the biggest heaviest batteries out there. They would output 3 x 10 x 70 or 2100 watts continuous output. That's 2.8 horsepower, equivalent to a 46 cc gas saw. I personally wouldn't buy a battery saw that weighs in at 18 to 20 pounds just to cut faster or take an 18 or 20 inch bar. My old back couldn't handle it. If I were to guess, if Makita made an X3 it wouldn't weigh 18 pounds like the competition. Probably more like 15 pounds. They typically go for light and compact. Their X2 saw is about 11 pounds with batteries, among the lightest with the equivalent output power.

[@mobboj7338]

Just got this today. The chain came loose a few times during first use and it seems like the plastic chain cover is supposed to be left loose or it obstructs the chain operation. Also too much oil even when turned on low. Hopefully this is all user error because other than all that the saw was great.

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Chains stretch a lot when new. Oil can be adjusted.

[@mobboj7338]

@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL Thanks. I didn’t know about new chains stretching.

[@TheMelbournelad]

5:25 missing a few stones on a glove there for that click to work.

[@andreasbaglamopektis3584]

Great review. Just purchased this and noticed they recommend “botanical” grade oil to prevent poisoning tree. Is regular bar chain oil really an issue?

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

I used to cut trees for a living and never noticed a problem with standard oil. You would have to have an excessive amount of oil coming onto the chain to be an issue I would think. The species of tree also plays a factor.

[@theojudd1319]

Hi, I've been an arborist for the past few years in the UK. The main issue with standard chain oil is when it comes to water as it covers the surface of ponds etc causing damage roots of plants and animals that may drink it. Hope this helps.

[@warped2875]

Two words: Canola Oil. Works good in these small saws, plus it's organic and biodegradable.

[@eranmizrahi7948]

hi, ty for your detailed review. a question if i may, i m sorry if i missed it but did you get to see a red mode?' the heat is rising or any other reason?. just got it and was pretty surprise to see that red light so fast. i was cutting a pretty wide olive branch.

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Were you using a 6Ah battery by any chance?

[@eranmizrahi7948]

@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL yesssss, i thought its might be a reason.

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

6Ah batteries suck on this tool. I never use it with 6s because of this very problem. Try using a 5Ah if you have one. The 5Ah batteries are far better.

[@eranmizrahi7948]

@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL really appreciate it. Will do. Take care

[@TheMelbournelad]

Also did Makita have a cordless table saw at the roadshow 😉

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

No. The managing Director told me that they weren't going to bother with one yet due to potential lawsuits in America.

[@allanwells4886]

That cut-out feature has just convinced me this is not the saw I want/need. I'll stick with the 2-stroke for now; good little saw though. Does the 36v saw have the cut-out feature?

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Yes it does

[@landcruiser801]

Cut out feature is not a problem...sharp chain and tool do the work i.e don't force it into the wood.

[@SuperTreemendus]

Hi im a tree surgeon and I'm always getting sawdust on my fip flops. Any tips?

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

I take Taylor Swift's advice and Shake it off.

[@woodpecked3D]

@6:22 we find out why you need the rubber peice 😊

[@iCandyFlip]

that rubber on 3:20 is the best thing ive seen lol, it stops the dust from coming to you. Especialy when u cut above ur head height all the dust coming in ur face aint pretty

[@robertkaszonyi3611]

This is a climbing saw ! I use this same saw for work ...awesome 17 cuts is the crown of small tree gone ... but you would never do 17 cuts thru 6 inches of dry timber one after the other.Climbing saw is its intended purpose ...!!!!!

[@TheMelbournelad]

How Aussie was that disclaimer. HAHAHAHAHA. Let me translate: Mate quit ya whinging, I don’t f$&king care. 😜

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Nail on the head mate.

[@DiscoFang]

Aussie? With a Kiwi accent?

[@scarletspidernz]

Would you recommend having one around incase of zombies?

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

It would be quite good I feel as it is so light and can be operated with one hand... so you could have one in each hand so you can attack and defend from multiple angles. The 36v leaves you more vulnerable to attack from behind while you bury your chainsaw into a zombie.

[@scarletspidernz]

@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL Ok now I want to see someone with 2 baby saws spinning in a circle as zombies rush them :D

[@taunokekkonen5733]

It's a one-handed tool, so I'd recommend having two!

[@brrymcgolly]

So does the battery come with it

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

You can buy it in a kit with a battery and charger, or as a bare tool, as with most Makita tools.

[@levipankey28]

You have to let me know if you catch this on sale anywhere, I've been looking for months still nothing just reg price everywhere

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Where do you live?

[@levipankey28]

@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL u.s. and I can never find any online deals for any

[@atlatl65]

ราคาเท่ารัยครับ....02.10.2022

[@bidders77]

Mine cuts out when it's being used regular... so annoying. Had it back to Makita but has come back and is still the same

[@MrFuxtor]

Hallo räume mahl den Tisch auf dann kommen deine Vorstellungen auch an, "wie der Herr sos gescherr"

[@1d1hamby]

Wish you had shown the sprocket. I believe they're using a rim sprocket and not a tooth sprocket. I would probably switch it to a quarter inch pitch sprocket, bar and chain when the stock one wears out. Does that stock sprocket work with a 0.050" gauge bar and chain?

[@joycehegarty1309]

The stock sprocket is 6 point for use with a 3/8" pitch chain. It will work with either .043 (1.1mm) or .050 (1.3mm) gauge bar. The chain drive link sizing relates to the guide bar and does not affect the sprocket. A 9 point sprocket Makita part 198259-2 is available for conversion to 1/4" pitch chain.

[@alexlawncare783]

They don’t come with the batteries no charger? In Home Depot

[@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL]

Then go somewhere else if you want it with a battery and charger.

[@omarcalderon3889]

Por favor ttaducciom al español.(Colombia).

[@AGRIMOVIEemi]

👍👍👍

[@KeesFluitman]

jeez. would you really advise anyone starting to go for the one handed with a couple of kids running around the garden?

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

The drive cutout makes this a chainsaw a failure. Next!

[@jamiem5364]

I guess u would rather burn out motors than just let it do the cutting instead of forcing it. They only cutout due to overloading.

[@gphilipc2031]

TTSO and anyone else who has a credit card.

[@chrstphrdyer]

Don’t hold the log while you cut it......mate. Jeez😳

[@CockatielCompanion]

Why not?

[@djsantiago3904]

Cockatiel Companion and The Pheasantasiam because some oh&s dickhead who’s never had dirt on his hands, wrote a fairly lengthy safe work method statement containing chainsaw operational & safety procedures, one of which states that you must have both hands on the saw at all times while operating a chainsaw. Needless to say, in the real world nobody gives a shit

[@DiscoFang]

Log?? Those were branches. But nice expert input.

[@TheCariboucanuck]

Arborist saws like this are designed to be used one handed so the other hand is free to hold the branch. Would be a great piece of kit fora

[@nehnehnehbatman]

Funny video:)

[@BOSS_805]

No thanks

[@peteratherton1792]

Wow, love yer observation of safety standards. Just hope the younger audience dont emulate this :(