Makita DUC302Z cordless topper

[Andrew McEwan]

Anybody got one or had a go with one?

 

Looks quite handy and low-ish cost especially as it'll take lxt18v batteries, but on paper has slow chainspeed and high vibes compared to the big two cordless saws. Also the rear mounted batteries look easy to whack, and likely to channel water straight into connector area?

 

Be good to know if anyone's taken a punt on one?

thanks

Andrew

[Andrew McEwan]

Makita UK

 

link to spec and photo

[Treespotter]

I have the same machine. Mine is the 36 volt Dolmar version. This is not. I repeat NOT the saw you want to use these days.

At the time it got on the market it was their successor of the 18 volts machine with a 12cm bar and 5 meters per second chain speed. At that time there was no saw coming close to the 8.5 meters per second chain speed. The torque of the machine is phenomenal.

But... Other companies caught up Stihl with their 16 meters per second chain speed backhandle, Husqvarna with their 20 meters per second 536LiXP tophandle and later on Stihl arrived with a tophandle too.

That Makita with two 18 volts batteries on the back is already for 3 years outdated by quicker machines. You don't hear me saying better machines! The Dolmar saw I have never broke down. That's something you have to give the Makita corp all the credit for.

 

Wolter

[Andrew McEwan]

Thanks Wolter, good review. Sounds like it was a good if not fast runner, was the vibration on your Dolmar noticeably bad? Only considering it as a part time saw (if it's useable) as it takes batteries in common with their drills etc. Expected the husky and stihl to be a fair way ahead.

[Treespotter]

Makita/Dolmar was ahead of the pack untill Husqvarna took over the lead.

The vibration isn't a problem. It's the speed (or the lack of it) that makes the saw 'jumpy'.

 

Wolter

[Andrew McEwan]

Interesting, certainly is a slow chainspeed, maybe shorter bar and larger sprocket if available might help.

[Atilla]

I have one and find it quite suitable for my needs, but I'm not up top on ropes.

If you already have makita 18v lxt tools then it complements them quite well.

[shavey]

Makita/Dolmar was ahead of the pack untill Husqvarna took over the lead.

The vibration isn't a problem. It's the speed (or the lack of it) that makes the saw 'jumpy'.

 

Wolter

 

Hello Wolter

 

Great review I was hoping somebody had tried them out before I looked into promoting this battery version it looks like they need a revamp too catch up:thumbup:

[Treespotter]

I think they do. Knowing Makita from their other stuff, they could be a serious competitor for Husqvarna if they set their mind to it.

 

Wolter

[shavey]

Hopefully they will sooner rather than later they have so many products running on one type of battery :thumbup: