Powered by two 18V LXT® batteries (sold separately) for maximum power, speed and run-time, the XCU08Z is easy to start by simply loading the 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Batteries and powering on. The XCU08Z has a variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3,940 FPM) for increased cutting speed, with torque boost mode for cutting dense material. Thankfully, this is no longer the case. The cordless chainsaws of today are now more powerful and efficient than ever. In some cases, their performance even rivals that of the best petrol chainsaws. For branches and trunks up to 60 cm in diameter, you’ll need a cutting bar of at least 30 cm and 36 V of power. Of course, cordless chainsaws will vary in their capabilities, even with the same specifications, so that’s why we found it so useful to test out six different models. On top of that, the exceptional power that comes with the combination of two lithium-ion batteries can also help you cut firewood materials easily.

Assembly Ease: I assessed assembly ease on how long it took to put the chainsaw together and the clarity of the instructions provided. I deemed any chainsaws that took more than 20 minutes too long, as this may take significantly longer for someone who is unfamiliar with this tool. I also marked down chainsaws that didn’t provide clear instructions, those that took longer than specified, or models where the parts didn’t seamlessly fit together. Chainsaws that required no assembly were given top marks, as these designs made the tool more accessible for less experienced users. On top of that, we have the latest brushless rotary motor installed in the saw. It works on a direct-drive system and offers improved efficiency over time.As we found when we reviewed six of the top cordless chainsaw models available, battery runtime greatly varies between models, even if you’re using the same sized battery. The difference can be pretty significant – a 5aH battery could give you 15 minutes of runtime with one model, yet 45 minutes with another. That said, each battery comes with an 18v voltage so you’ll get a combined 36V power from the chainsaw. The fact that this machine is so small and lightweight (just 3kg , even with the battery in), makes it very easy to manoeuvre and cut in a controlled manner. I used it with a 4aH battery, which enabled me to cut on and off for about two hours. I was impressed with the battery life, but not so much with the machine’s chain speed – at 4.5m/s , it was much slower than some of the other chainsaws that I tested (I would recommend the Makita, at 20m/s, if you’re looking for something faster).

It took me some time to charge the batteries and as soon as they were fully charged, I adjusted them on both sides of the chainsaw. Less noise – one of the biggest advantages of a battery-powered chainsaw is that it’s far quieter than its petrol alternatives. There’s usually less vibration too, making it more comfortable to operate But how does this machine compare to the others when it comes to price? The Ryobi sits somewhere in the middle. Yes, you could buy yourself a more powerful petrol chainsaw for less, but you’d end up with a much heavier and more cumbersome machine. Plus, with its powerful motor and fast cutting speed, this one will do just about anything that a similar-sized petrol chainsaw will do – it really does function so well. Once assembled, it was clear to see that this chainsaw really lives up to its name in terms of being compact. Although it does have a sturdy 25cm bar , the unit itself looks smaller and feels less bulky than many of the other cordless chainsaws out there. On the downside, it seems a little flimsier too – even the bumper spikes at the front of the machine are made from plastic, rather than metal, which does give the chainsaw a slightly cheaper finish. However, there are some thoughtful design touches here as well, from the oil level window to the way in which the battery is positioned underneath the rear handle to save it from bumps and scratches. Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor direct-drive system delivers power of a 32cc gas chain saw

Plus, What I loved about Makita XCU04PT are its compactness and portability. You can literally hang it around yourself and it won’t even touch the ground.