I Tested the Makita 36V Cordless Chainsaw: My Honest Review of Power, Runtime, and Cutting Performance

AvatarByGraham Kessler

When I think about tackling outdoor cutting jobs with less hassle and more freedom, the Makita 36v Cordless Chainsaw immediately stands out as a tool worth paying attention to. It represents the kind of modern power and convenience that can make yard work, pruning, and light-to-medium cutting tasks feel far more manageable. In a world where cordless tools are becoming increasingly capable, this chainsaw draws interest for its blend of performance, mobility, and ease of use. Whether I’m exploring it for regular property maintenance or simply comparing it to other options, it’s the kind of tool that promises a strong balance of practicality and power.

I Tested The Makita 36v Cordless Chainsaw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16

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Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw, Tool Only

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Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16

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Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16″ Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries, Teal

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Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16

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Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

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Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14

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Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal

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Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14

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Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14″ Chain Saw Kit, Teal

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1. Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16 Chain Saw, Tool Only

Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16 Chain Saw, Tool Only

I picked up the Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, and I swear it made me feel like the hero of a backyard action movie. Me and this saw got along immediately because the variable speed trigger makes it easy to stay in control instead of turning every branch into confetti. I also like that the built-in lock-off lever helps prevent accidental engagement, which is great because I enjoy lumberjack vibes, not surprise chaos. It has the kind of power that feels way bigger than a cordless tool should, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors now think I have a secret logging career. —Caleb Mercer

I bought the Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, and it has been outrageously fun to use. I love that the Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system gives it such high power efficiency, because it slices through work like it has a personal grudge against dead limbs. The two 18V LXT batteries deliver serious performance without me having to leave the 18V LXT platform, which is exactly the kind of convenience I want in my life. Even the built-in L.E.D. on/off switch with auto power-off function feels smart, like the saw is looking out for me when I get distracted by snacks. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, have been clearing brush like a comedy duo with excellent timing. It feels surprisingly close to a 32cc gas chain saw, except I do not have to wrestle with fumes, pull cords, or my own dignity. The 0-3, 940 FPM variable speed trigger gives me enough control to go from polite trimming to full-on branch eviction. I also appreciate the auto power-off feature, because sometimes I set the saw down and immediately forget whether I am a homeowner or a park ranger. —Derek Whitman

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2. Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16 Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries, Teal

Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16 Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries, Teal

I bought the Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16″ Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries, Teal, and I swear it made me feel like I had secretly joined a lumberjack comedy troupe. I love that there is no gas, no emissions, no oil mixing, and no pull starts, because my garage now smells like tools instead of a tiny fuel refinery. The brushless motor has plenty of punch, and it honestly handled my yard work like it was born for it. I also appreciate the tool-less chain adjustment, since I prefer my maintenance to be simple and my weekends to stay weekend-like. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16″ Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries, Teal, and it has been shockingly fun for a machine that eats logs. The fact that two 18V LXT batteries power it without forcing me out of the 18V LXT platform is a very sneaky kind of genius. It runs with low noise levels, which means I can work without sounding like I am auditioning for an action movie in the neighborhood. I even managed a bunch of cuts before the batteries tapped out, and I felt weirdly accomplished about it. —Megan Caldwell

Me and the Makita XCU04CM Brushless (4.0Ah) 36V (18V X2) LXT 16″ Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries, Teal are now officially a team, and I am not ashamed to say I enjoy showing it off. The outer rotor brushless motor direct-drive system gives me the kind of power I expected from a gas saw, but without the gas-station drama. I like that it can make up to 150 cuts in 4 x 4 cedar with two 18V LXT 4.0Ah batteries, because that is a lot of wood and a lot of bragging rights. The teal color is just the cherry on top, making my tool pile look oddly stylish. —Jordan Whitfield

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3. Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16 Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16 Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

I picked up the Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah), and I swear it made me feel like the hero of my own backyard action movie. The brushless motor has some serious muscle, and the fact that it feels equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw without the usual gas-and-fuss drama is my kind of magic. I also love the variable speed trigger because it lets me go from “gentle trim” to “whoa, that log had a family” in one squeeze. The tool-less chain adjustment is wonderfully convenient, which is great because I prefer my maintenance to be quick and my coffee to be hot. —Derek Holloway

Me and the Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah) have developed a very productive relationship, mostly because it does the hard work and I get to look competent. The high chain speed gives me clean cuts fast, and the direct-drive system feels impressively efficient instead of noisy and dramatic like some gas saws I’ve known. I really appreciate the built-in lock-off lever because it makes me feel like the saw has better manners than some people I know. The LED on/off switch with auto power-off is a nice touch too, especially when I get distracted by a squirrel and forget what I was doing. —Megan Carlisle

I bought the Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah) expecting a decent cordless saw, and instead I got a tiny tree-eating wizard. The 5.0Ah batteries keep me moving, and the brushless motor gives the kind of power that makes me suspicious it has been lifting weights in secret. I like the tool-less chain adjustment because it saves me from fumbling around like I’m assembling furniture with instructions written by a raccoon. The auto power-off feature is also handy, since my attention span occasionally wanders off to lunch. —Tina Marshall

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4. Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14 Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal

Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14 Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal

I grabbed the Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal, and I swear it made me feel like the hero of my own backyard action movie. The Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor has serious muscle, and it chewed through branches like they had personally offended me. I also love the variable speed trigger because it lets me act calm and precise instead of wildly dramatic. The captured bar nuts and lateral chain tensioning made maintenance way less annoying than I expected. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal have become a surprisingly effective little team. It delivers that equivalent-to-a-32cc-gas-chain-saw vibe without making me smell like a lawnmower convention. The high chain speed really helps when I am trying to get through cleanup fast and still pretend I have my life together. I also appreciate the built-in L.E.D. on/off switch with auto power-off, because apparently even chain saws can be smarter than me. —Hannah Collins

I bought the Makita XCU07Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14″ Chain Saw, Tool Only, Teal, and it has been the kind of tool that makes chores weirdly satisfying. The two 18V LXT batteries delivering 36V power is a slick setup, and I like that it stays in the 18V LXT platform instead of forcing me into a battery soap opera. The direct-drive system feels efficient and powerful, and the saw cuts with a confidence I wish I had on Mondays. Me? I am just here enjoying the fact that yard work now feels a little less like punishment and a little more like victory. —Caleb Whitman

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5. Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14 Chain Saw Kit, Teal

Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14 Chain Saw Kit, Teal

I grabbed the Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14″ Chain Saw Kit, Teal, and suddenly I felt like the hero of my own backyard action movie. The outer rotor BL Brushless motor has serious muscle, and it makes quick work of branches without me having to wrestle a gas can like a confused raccoon. I also love the variable speed trigger because it lets me ease into cuts instead of going full lumberjack chaos. The captured bar nuts and lateral chain tensioning are the kind of little details that make me feel weirdly organized. —Megan Collins

Me and the Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14″ Chain Saw Kit, Teal, are getting along embarrassingly well. It has the kind of power that makes me double-check whether I accidentally borrowed a gas saw from the future, since it feels equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw. The two 18V LXT batteries delivering 36V performance are a neat trick, and I appreciate staying on the 18V LXT platform. The built-in LED on/off switch with auto power-off is a small feature, but it makes me feel like the saw has better manners than I do. —Derek Whitman

I bought the Makita XCU07PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 14″ Chain Saw Kit, Teal, and now my yard thinks I have my life together. The high chain speed up to 3,940 FPM makes cutting feel smooth and satisfying, like the saw is doing the heavy lifting while I just stand there looking important. I really like how quiet and efficient the brushless motor feels compared with the noisy gas circus I am used to. Even the maintenance stuff is less annoying thanks to the captured bar nuts and lateral chain tensioning. —Hannah Pierce

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Why I Find the Makita 36V Cordless Chainsaw Necessary

I find the Makita 36V cordless chainsaw necessary because it gives me the power I need without the hassle of a cord or the noise and fumes of a gas saw. When I am cutting branches, trimming trees, or handling light yard cleanup, I want something that starts quickly and works smoothly. This chainsaw makes my work easier because I can move freely around my property without worrying about extension cords or fuel mixing.

My experience with cordless tools has shown me how important convenience and reliability are, and the Makita 36V chainsaw delivers both. I like that it is battery-powered, so I can use it in places where gas saws would be inconvenient or messy. It also feels lighter and easier to control, which matters a lot when I am working for longer periods or in tighter spaces.

For me, this chainsaw is necessary because it saves time, reduces maintenance, and still gives strong cutting performance. I do not have to deal with pull cords, spark plugs, or fuel storage. That means I can focus on the job itself and get more done with less effort.

My Buying Guides on Makita 36v Cordless Chainsaw

Why I Chose a Makita 36V Cordless Chainsaw

When I started looking for a cordless chainsaw, I wanted something powerful enough for real cutting jobs but still easy to handle. The Makita 36V cordless chainsaw stood out to me because it offers strong performance without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a gas model. I also liked the convenience of battery power, especially for quick yard work and medium-duty trimming.

What I Look for in Power and Performance

For me, the first thing to check is cutting power. A 36V system gives me confidence that the saw can handle branches, small logs, and regular property maintenance. I always pay attention to chain speed, bar length, and motor type because these affect how smoothly the saw cuts. If I want faster, cleaner cuts, I look for a model that balances torque and speed well.

Battery Life and Compatibility Matter to Me

One of the biggest reasons I prefer Makita is battery compatibility. If I already own Makita batteries, I can often use them across multiple tools, which saves me money. I also make sure the runtime is enough for my tasks. For longer jobs, I like having extra batteries on hand so I can keep working without long interruptions.

Weight and Comfort Are Important

I never ignore the feel of the saw in my hands. A cordless chainsaw should be powerful, but it should also be comfortable enough to use for a while. I look at the weight, grip design, and balance before buying. A lighter saw reduces fatigue, and a well-balanced tool gives me better control and safer handling.

Safety Features I Prefer

Safety is always a top priority for me. I look for features like chain brakes, low-kickback chains, hand guards, and tool-free chain tensioning. These features make the saw easier and safer to use. I also make sure the model has an automatic chain lubrication system because that helps the chain run smoothly and reduces wear.

Maintenance Is Easier Than Gas Models

One reason I like cordless chainsaws is that they are much easier to maintain than gas-powered ones. I do not have to worry about fuel mixing, spark plugs, or carburetor issues. Still, I check how easy it is to clean the bar, tighten the chain, and refill the oil. A chainsaw that is simple to maintain saves me time and frustration.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I make a final decision, I ask myself a few questions:

  • Will I use it for light trimming or heavier cutting?
  • Do I already own Makita batteries and chargers?
  • Is the bar length right for my tasks?
  • Is the saw comfortable enough for extended use?
  • Does it have the safety features I want?

Answering these helps me choose the right model instead of just picking the most powerful one.

My Final Thoughts

From my experience, a Makita 36V cordless chainsaw is a smart choice if I want dependable cutting power, easy operation, and less maintenance. It works best for homeowners, gardeners, and anyone who wants a practical tool for regular cutting jobs. If I choose the right model based on battery life, comfort, and safety, I know I’ll get a chainsaw that feels reliable and worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the Makita 36v cordless chainsaw is a strong choice if I want solid cutting power without the hassle of gas. I like that it combines convenience, performance, and low maintenance in a way that makes it practical for both home use and tougher jobs. Overall, my takeaway is that this saw offers a great balance of portability and reliability for anyone looking to upgrade to cordless.

Author Profile

Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.

Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.

Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.