Makita XGT Chainsaw - good deal?

[wavinwayne]

I can get the Makita XGT chainsaw kit shown below for 50% off on clearance at my local Home Depot. Do you guys think this is a good deal for this saw, which would only see light/moderate homeowner use?

 

[97prizm]

The problem with battery powered anything is First- Do you have any Makita tools that can use that battery? If not and you don't use the battery year round they tend to go bad, similar to if you let a car sit for a long time. The batteries are really expensive to replace.

 

[wavinwayne]

The problem with battery powered anything is First- Do you have any Makita tools that can use that battery? If not and you don't use the battery year round they tend to go bad, similar to if you let a car sit for a long time. The batteries are really expensive to replace.

I'm only in the Makita LXT line currently, but if I buy the saw I'll likely invest in another XGT tool in the near future.

 

[Brian123]

I can get the Makita XGT chainsaw kit shown below for 50% off on clearance at my local Home Depot. Do you guys think this is a good deal for this saw, which would only see light/moderate homeowner use?

View attachment 293830

If this Chainsaw is as good as the Drills they sold in the 1980's, I say, go 4 it.

 

[wavinwayne]

If this Chainsaw is as good as the Drills they sold in the 1980's, I say, go 4 it.

Far as I can tell this saw is made in China so probably not an apples to apples comparison.

 

[nwjones18]

I've used the Miluakee 18v chainsaw and it is impressive. Its also quite a bit cheaper than this Makita even on clearance so I'd go with that...

That said if you're going to be doing a high volume of work you are going to be better off with gas and for that money you can have a nice Echo..

 

[thastinger]

There is a HUGE difference between "lite" and "moderate" use in chainsaws.
It would be fine for lite use, my FIL has a battery powered Stihl for around the house and he loves it.
It would suck at moderate use, moderate use in chainsaws means you cut at least 2 cords of wood a year with it...need gas for that.

 

[nwjones18]

There is a HUGE difference between "lite" and "moderate" use in chainsaws.
It would be fine for lite use, my FIL has a battery powered Stihl for around the house and he loves it.
It would suck at moderate use, moderate use in chainsaws means you cut at least 2 cords of wood a year with it...need gas for that.

Yeah I just noticed that this thing has an 18in bar.. IMO if you need an 18in bar you need a gas saw. 12-14in electric can be useful. I like that they are quiet and don't have to put muffs on the kids if they're around.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

For that much money I'd get a small Stihl Pro saw that would like last your life time.

 

[wavinwayne]

Yeah I just noticed that this thing has an 18in bar.. IMO if you need an 18in bar you need a gas saw.

I'm only interested because I really like my other Makita tools, albeit a different battery platform, and this saw is 50% off on clearance. I have an old Craftsman 42cc 16" gas saw but I don't like using it due to its weight. It wears me out.

Edit: Just checked and the Makita looks to be as heavy as my Craftsman. Hmmm...

 

[nwjones18]

Check out the weight (under 6lbs) and the reviews on this saw on youtube.. I've got one but haven't tried it out yet. Lot of saw for $99 (according to reviews)

https://www.farmertec.com/US-STOCK-...ipping-For-US-Customers-Only-pd513128848.html

 

[wavinwayne]

..It would suck at moderate use, moderate use in chainsaws means you cut at least 2 cords of wood a year with it...need gas for that.

I might have used a better word. For me, "light" use would be pruning limbs and "moderate" use would mean I need to fell an occasional smallish tree and cut up a fallen tree now and then.

 

[UncleDave]

It's going to be more than fine for that type of work.

This saw is awesome I used one at the Makita truck event a month ago.
I have a 36V saw as it's a little easier for the wife to use and still a nice saw.
There is Australian guy that reviews it pretty thoroughly.

Id go to acme and price the component to see if it's a deal though.

Is the craftsman tool-less just curious as being able to tighten the chain without tools is nice.
I cant ever see me leaving makita, but if i did it wouldn't be for anything from craftsman.

 

[UncleDave]

On a sep note the 40V powerhead is a marked step up in power from the twin 18.

 

[wavinwayne]

...Id go to acme and price the component to see if it's a deal though.

Is the craftsman tool-less just curious as being able to tighten the chain without tools is nice.
I cant ever see me leaving makita, but if i did it wouldn't be for anything from craftsman.

$539 after $100 off at Acme tools. $315 at my local HD on clearance.

My Craftsman is from the late 90s and not tool-less. Have to loosen the 2 side bolts and turn the screw to adjust chain tightness.

 

[UncleDave]

My Craftsman is from the late 90s and not tool-less. Have to loosen the 2 side bolts and turn the screw to adjust chain tightness.

You'll love the thing.

I have a stihl 151TC and 250C to grab at any given time, and the Makita 36 is what I grab 90% of the time and the % i grab it is going up.

 

[wavinwayne]

I bought it. Couldn't resist 50% off.

 

[D60]

I cut more than two cords a year with my Milwaukee with 16" bar. Usually fill a 6' pickup bed trailer per cutting session -- this is about all my back can take and all my time allows

I think more important is diameter. Most of what I cut is 14" max and most much smaller.