I’m taking a look at two DEWALT electric chainsaws here – the 20V MAX XR and the 60v FLEXVOLT.
At the time of writing, the MAX XR is the #1 best-selling chainsaw on Amazon (see the best sellers list here), but the FLEXVOLT is also very popular as well.
Both are battery-powered chainsaws, as opposed to corded-electric or gas-powered. This gives the benefit of an electric saw in that it’s quiet and doesn’t produce fumes, with the portability of a gas saw.
I bought the 20v MAX XR and this is what I think of it!
Best Dewalt Electric Chainsaw
You can see that the saw is quite small compared to a regular gas chainsaw like the Husqvarna 141 or the Stihl 261.
Generally speaking, battery-powered chainsaws tend to be a lot slimmer, lighter, and less bulky than gas saws.
The small weight is one of the best features of an electric chainsaw. It makes them easy to carry around the property or to use up trees.
These Dewalt electric chainsaws and others like them are a favorite of arborists as they are easy to start and maneuver when in a tree.
Before we go any further, watch my video review of the Dewalt 20v MAX XR!
You can also watch this on our YouTube Channel here.
You will see the saws capabilities during this demo as I test it out on a range of things from tree branches to fence posts.
Dewalt is a quality chainsaw brand, and personally, I prefer these saws over other top-selling electric chainsaws, like the WORX WG305.1, for example.
Dewalt is known for manufacturing high-quality tools that are durable and last for the long term. That’s why I also bought the DEWALT hedge trimmer after using this chainsaw.
The trimmer uses the same 5 Ah battery as my chainsaw meaning I could buy it as a bare tool and save money on the battery.
Battery Chainsaw Pros And Cons
Before we get into the Dewalt cordless chainsaw review, here are the pros and cons of battery-powered saws:
- Extremely light
- No smell of fuel
- No pull cords
- Less maintenance
- Very quiet to run
- Great up trees
- Very affordable
- Battery runs out fairly quickly
- Not as powerful as gas saws
- Accusations you’re not a real man
- They are a little bit lame
Now, of course, there are some people who would say those ‘pros’ are actually ‘cons,’ and vice versa.
Some would say ‘no smell of gas’ is a bad thing, while others would say ‘not as powerful’ is a good thing.
Opinions can be varied.
What’s important is that you get the right saw for the type of work you are doing.
If you’re just pruning and trimming trees, electric and battery saws are great.
If you are processing firewood, they are not so good (in my opinion)!
Let’s take a look at the individual Dewalt chainsaws to learn more.
Dewalt 20V MAX XR Chainsaw Review
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
(here on Amazon) is a 20v saw with a 12-inch bar.
This is a less powerful and smaller chainsaw than the Flexvolt listed below.
It can be purchased as a kit that includes a battery and charger, or you can get the ‘tool only’, without a battery or charger, for about half the price.
It’s part of the 20V MAX system of Dewalt tools, so you can use the same batteries across the range.
Pros of this cordless chainsaw include:
- A 12-inch bar is fine for a lot of work
- One of the lightest chainsaws out there
- Reasonably well balanced
- Has a standard chain break
- Scrench free access to chains
- Comes with an Oregon chain and bar
- A lot quieter than a gas chainsaw
- Great for routine transport and use
- Doesn’t leak car and chain oil
- Quick start and stop chainsaw chain
- 6 Amp hour battery lasts a decent length of time
- Consider it a small task chainsaw
- Not great at undercutting
It’s easy to forget to top your bar and chain oil up when using a battery-powered saw. Try to get into the habit of doing it every time you change a battery.
Other features and specs not already mentioned:
- Weighs under 9 pounds (including battery)
- Low-kickback features
- Dimensions are 25 x 9 x 9 inches
Overall this saw is very good for its price – I’m very happy with my purchase. You can also read a review from an arborist here.
The two cons he states are that there are no sightlines and no felling dogs (the spikes at the base of the chain). Otherwise, he’s very impressed.
If you’d like to learn more about the Dewalt MAX XR or if you’re ready to purchase, check out the listing on Amazon here (DCCS620B).
Dewalt 60V Flexvolt MAX Chainsaw Review
The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Chainsaw (kit here on Amazon) is the next level up from the previous model.
This saw comes with a 16-inch bar and uses the 60v side of the battery. It costs a little more than the MAX XR, but you are getting a larger, more powerful chainsaw.
It has a different design from the other model. Look at the battery pack placement.
This one is inserted into the body of the saw, which the other attaches at the tail. This could translate to the Flexvolt being a better-balanced chainsaw.
Many of the standard features are the same. It has an auto lubricating bar and chain, a brushless motor, chain break, and is quiet and light.
The use-time on this saw is less, however.
While it uses the exact same battery (it is dual voltage), it uses power at a fast rate. The shorter run time is one of the major cons of this Dewalt electric chainsaw.
Other features not yet mentioned include:
- Weighs 12.2 pounds
- Dimensions are 10 x 35 x 9 inches
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- 16 inch Oregon bar and chain (low kickback)
- Trigger safety
- Plastic bucking spikes
- Keyhole for hanging
As with the other Dewalt chainsaw, this is really best for pruning and cutting up smaller-width branches for firewood. It’s not great for cutting larger logs of wood, and the run time doesn’t work for it.
The Dewalt Flexvolt is a great little saw to have on hand for small light jobs.
For more info and to buy now, see the listing on Amazon here (DCCS670X1).
Dewalt Cordless Chainsaw Reviews
Overall, these two Dewalt chainsaws are among the best electric or battery-operated models on the market.
The two chainsaws are ‘Brushless,’ but what does this mean?
One of the answers in the Dewalt chainsaw product listing puts it nicely:
Most electric motors use copper brushes for the transmission of electricity. Over time, these brushes wear down and need replacing. With brushless motors, they don’t.
They cost a lot more than the cheapest electric chainsaws (which can be picked up for $50), but they also perform a lot better. You will get more out of them both in performance and in longevity.
The next level up would be the battery-powered Stihl MSA 161 T – another chainsaw that is very popular with tree-climbing arborists.
Personally, I prefer gas chainsaws any day. You can see some of my favorites in our best chainsaw reviews.
Electric and battery have their place, and it’s in the store on the shelf!
If you have any questions about any of the saws we’ve mentioned here today, let us know down below.
You can also find out where DEWALT chainsaws are made here or find out about the DEWALT 2022 chainsaw recall – not of any of the models we’ve listed here.
Would these chainsaws be suitable for a 50 year old woman wanting to cut 2 -3 inch tree branches? I’m reasonably strong but still want something I’ll be able to manage as I get older.
Yes, I’m pretty sure these battery-powered chainsaws would be great for you – it’s hard to say for sure without knowing you or exactly what you’re wanting to do. The DEWALT chainsaw range is lightweight and so they’re easy to maneuver. The push-button start means you’re not having to pull to get an engine to start as with a gas saw, so it is definitely easier. As yes, 2 – 3 inch branches are well under these chainsaw’s capabilities.
Where are they manufacture?
Check out our post on where Dewalt chainsaws are made (China).