Small battery pruning saw.

[Stere]

Im happy with the 18v makita topper

 

Ok its slow on any thing over 3" but still its very useful.

 

 

 

The new 40v makita probably a big step up  i bet but means  a whole new battery platform....

 

Makita UC002GZ 40v Max XGT Top Handle Chainsaw Naked - PowerToolMate

WWW.POWERTOOLMATE.CO.UK

 

 

Edited November 18 by Stere

[Dan Maynard]

From what I could work out the 40v is a little bit bigger than the 18v, and it cuts more like the 36v. Overall more comparable to the Echo saw.

 

Seriously thought about that one, also thinking of a battery hedge trimmer so whether to stick with 18v batteries I've got or move to 40v so ready for saw later.

[Peter 1955]

Another vote for the 36v Makita here, you already have the batteries. Try to use matched batteries ( same age/condition, same size, or you'll get poor performance ) It has its annoying little traits, but you soon get used to pressing the button every time before you cut. With a sharp chain, it's surprising what it will comfortably cut. 

I know it's not the best, but it's by no means the worst. 

[Stere]

Just looked up the spec of the maks on the NZ site as that has the info;

 

[Stere]

The weights compared in more detail of the 18v  36v v the 40v as depends om the batteries fitted

 

 

 

So the 40v is both more powerful and its lighter than the 36v.

 

 

 

But the the smaller 40v batteries don't support  1.5kw output....

 

Makita Launched a New High Output Battery

TOOLGUYD.COM

 

 

Would suit the BL4040f best . Interesting how much better it is than the BL4040 even though it has the same rating in Ah:

 

 

Quote

When tested with an impact driver, the new High Output 4Ah battery lasted up to 39% longer than the standard 4Ah battery

 

 

Not released to UK atm  EU only 🤔

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[flyingjoiner]

I've got the 40v top handle, don't even think about running it on the 2.5ah batts, they overheat for fun.  However with a 5ah it runs all day.

 

Main thing with batt saws is just let them do the work, and don't force them.

[green heart]

I had a dabble with some of the new small cordless 'pruning' saws this year. 

They don't seem to have attracted much attention on here, so far...

 

I got a Milwaukee M18 fuel and 2x 5Ah Red batteries, almost a year ago.

It's great as a value for money small climbing/chipper saw. 

I really rate it 

Although it weighs about the same as our Echo 2511 saws, which are way faster, it's so much nicer to use on sub 6'' cuts. Think it was £480- with charger and 2x batteries 

Mark say 8.5/10 ?

 

The equivalent new and improved Sthil (2-battery) GTA(?) one-hander which will come out in Jan'25, I understand, was noticeably much less torqy, when I tested it at the APF show the other month. 

Not sure of weight/cost etc

Say 7/10

 

The equivalent Makita Duc 150, which we've also had for almost a year, is a kilo lighter, much smaller and so much more comfortable to use than either of the above.

A good value 'garden/occasional ' saw at £350- with 2x 5Ah batteries 

However it's 18v battery gives way less torque than the above. 

Say 6/10 

 

I think I heard that Husqvarna are also bringing out an uprated version of their 18v Aspire saw, but might be my imagination. 

 

Pleny of other brands are available...but non of them really looked worth buying to try out except the much-loved (pricey) Echo DCS 2500 and possibly the 18v Dewalt DCMPS .

 

A couple of Important points to mention with these tiny saws : 

I think Cut resistant gloves with the highest 'cut' rating are essential.

Ditto the ballistic fore-arm/cuff protectors.

2×5Ah batteries and a fast charger seem to manage well enough for all but continual cutting. 

 

Edit: don't forget to keep your cordless batteries inside/away from heavy frost !

Edited December 13 by green heart
Frost kills rechargeable batteries!