DEWALT 20V Chainsaw Review – Features and a Complete Review!

Portable and super powerful! That’s how we’d like to define this amazing chainsaw by DeWalt.

The brand is very well known for manufacturing high-quality tools that go a long way and that’s why we absolutely love DeWalt!

Well, in this very article, we’re going to be reviewing our very favorite or what you can call the best DeWalt chainsaw. You got it right. It’s the 20 volts cordless chainsaw by DeWalt.

When talking about electric chainsaws, performance, durability and the power are three most demanded things, and this DeWalt 20-volt Max XR chainsaw definitely has it all. The high-quality motor of this tool with its friction resistant brushes ensures quick and efficient operation.

Furthermore, its super-strong built handles large construction works with a great ease and convenience. This chainsaw has definitely proven a game changer for us, and it would be an ideal choice construction works, property managers and even for the homeowners for gardening and stuff.

Being a lightweight chainsaw, weighing around 9 pounds (with battery included), and having a 12 inches length, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a portable as well as a durable chainsaw.

DeWalt 20V Chainsaw Review

The DeWalt 20V chainsaw is also known as the compact chainsaw and has a 20-inch bar on it. For the very first impression, it’s pretty much lightweight. Other than that, it has all the things a normal chainsaw would have. It has the safety deals where it’ll lock the bar.

There’s also another safety where you push the button on it before you can push the button that starts the chainsaw. For most of the tasks out and around, a 12-inch chainsaw like this one would perfectly do the job.

Also, you can actually use DeWalt’s 20 volts battery packs, their 20 volts and 60 volts battery pack combos and you may also use their slim battery packs that you find on their 20-volt drills. And there are more options as well. They’ll all snap right in there just fine!

Here’s what else you need to know about this chainsaw.

Specifications

Performance

Once you get your hands on this chainsaw, you’ll know how well it performs. It’s a perfect choice if you have to deal with medium-sized branches and pine trees that are somewhere between 4 to 8 inches in diameter. Whether you cut through hard or softwood, the DeWalt 20v chainsaw will do it without difficulty!

Also, the perfect weight plays a huge role in the performance of this chainsaw. If you’re somebody who has been using heavy chainsaws, you’ll know by just holding this one that you were missing out on something really nice. Even if you carry it single-handed, it will easily get into tighter spots as well.

This chainsaw also makes the cutting of trees into smaller portions extremely quick and smooth. You’ll easily slice through the branches super smoothly and won’t get tired at all!

Design

For the design, you can tell just by looking at it how much effort and concentration has been put into it to come up with this sturdy and bold design.

The handgrip and the safety part are the two most amazing features of its design. The handgrip comes with a rubber coating that ensures comfort and eases while performing hours of duties.

Also, elevated hand stability is a game-changer. It greatly decreases the vibration (which is something NOT very common in many other chainsaws) which as a result, makes your hands less tired even after you’ve worked on longer projects.

Weight and Balance

A perfect combination of weight and balance is something you must consider while making a purchase for a chainsaw. And this chainsaw, has it maintained extremely well.

Although the overall weight of the chainsaw will depend on the type of battery you’ve used but still, it is nicely balanced in a way that more weight is directed towards the handle. If you’re using a smaller battery, more weight will be directed towards the front of the saw.

Overall, the weight and balance of this chainsaw make dealing with the tasks much easier. You don’t have you make additional efforts to get the chainsaw working in a flow. Just know how to grip it properly, and you’ll be doing a great job.

Brushless Motor

Motors are the parts that control the major functioning of the chainsaws. This 20V chainsaw by DeWalt features a brushless motor.

If you’re wondering what difference does a brushless motor make? Here’s the answer. Brushless motors save energy by reducing the friction and heat produced while cutting with the chainsaw. As a result, they have increased battery lives as compared to the chainsaws having normal motors and work great for years.

Furthermore, when the temperature does not exceed the limit and the internal of the chainsaw remains cool, it automatically protects the internal parts and extends the lifetime of the machine.

Bucking/Bumper Spikes

The bucking spikes on the DeWalt 20V chainsaw are made of plastic. For most of the large and heavy-duty chainsaws, you’ll see their bucking spikes made of metal. That’s because metal is a better option for smoother cutting experiences with larger chainsaw models run by gas.

But for this 12-inch, perfectly weighed chainsaw, the plastic bumper spikes are not a trouble. In fact, they make the dealing convenient for this 20V chainsaw.

Battery Usage

The battery usage and consumption of this chainsaw has to be a very highlighted feature as it has proven an impressive feature for its very user. It won’t be doubtful to call it one of the most amazing features of this chainsaw. It uses a 4AH battery for bigger tasks and gets them all done on a single charge very easily.

In fact, exactly according to what the chainsaw and the brand claims, this chainsaw is capable of giving 90 cuts through 4 x 4 on a single charge. What else is there to demand for a good battery life?

Trigger

The trigger of this chainsaw might be a drawback for some users. But for what we’ve experienced with this saw, it’s no big issue. That’s because, for such a high-quality chainsaw of this size, non-adjustable trigger speed can’t be considered a major drawback.

This chainsaw has a one-speed trigger which means you cannot adjust the trigger speed. Instead, you can only have it on or off. Squeezing or loosening the trigger, which adjusts the speed in the heavy-duty chainsaws, won’t change the speed here with this DeWalt 20v chainsaw.

Also, if you’re left-handed, you might end up complaining like one of our team members did. The trigger unlock button is located ONLY on the right side of the trigger. And this could be a pain for lefties.

Price

This chainsaw will cost you somewhere around $180 if you purchase it without a battery and charger. While with the battery and charger kit included, it would cost somewhere around $250. However, prices may vary according to the region.

Pros & Cons

Alternate Options for 20v DeWalt Chainsaw

DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V chainsaw is one of our top favorite chainsaws. But in case you think it won’t exactly suit your needs, here are some equally amazing alternatives for this chainsaw.

1. Husqvarna 455 rancher review
2. Poulan pro PR5020 review
3. Greenworks 40v chainsaw review
4. Husqvarna 120 Mark II review

1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Review

Husqvarna 455 Rancher is an all-rounder chainsaw and is currently the best-selling saw by the brand. This saw is simply the best farm and rancher saw. You might not want to consider it as a logging chainsaw but it’s definitely a worthy option for home and farm saw.

This tool comes with a great chain brake that prevents any type of injury from kickback. Along with that, it’s super easy to start and convenient to use even for long hours.

2. Poulan Pro PR5020 Review

Poulan Pro PR5020 is a gas-powered chainsaw that comes under a pretty much affordable budget and would be a great option for beginners. Although Poulan is owned by Husqvarna but is a slightly different manufacturer.

It is not recommended if you’re looking for a heavy-duty chainsaw. But we totally love this saw for amazingly doing the smaller to medium suburban jobs. Furthermore, its 50CC DuraLife engine has chromium-plated cylinders which add a great value to its worth. Also, starting up is pretty much easy.

3. Greenworks 40v Chainsaw Review

Although cordless chainsaws are not usually preferred by many professionals, but this particular 40V chainsaw by Greenworks is an exception. It is a brushless chainsaw that is super convenient to use for -in-the-air works. Also, right at the moment you release the trigger, the saw immediately stops and the engine ceases. So, it’s a quick response saw!

The best part is – It uses a steel bar that is 16 inches long. You’ll see most chainsaws having a 14 inches long bar but this 16-inch-long bar does an exceptional job.

4. Husqvarna 120 Mark II Review

For the homeowners who mostly carry out not-so-heavy duty work, this Husqvarna 120 Mark ii is the best preference. For 2 x 4 projects, this is surely the best gas-powered chainsaw you’ll find.

Furthermore, the improved flywheels and new clutch systems have made them great tools for limbing branches off a fallen tree and also for dealing with thick or tangled-up branches.

How to Start DeWalt 20V Chainsaw?

DeWalt 20V chainsaw is super light and easily maneuverable.

In order to start the DeWalt 20V chainsaw, first of all, insert the battery in it, and afterward, make sure that there’s oil for the bar and chain. There are two controls on it; one is the trigger and another is the kickback guard.

In the kickback guard, you will find an electronic switch. Just go ahead and pull it back for it to work just like you do it on the real gas chainsaw. You can also push the kickback guard in the forward direction which will turn off the motors. On the front behind the blade of the chainsaw, you will see the chain tensioning mechanism which is actually tool-free. Just unscrew the nut and pop it out.

You can also tighten or loosen the chain on the bar with the help of the lever which is right beneath this nut. Now just hold the handle of the chainsaw and press the lock with your thumb to unlock it and pull the trigger which is in front of it and you are ready to start cutting.

DeWalt Chainsaw 20V Vs 60V – Which One’s Better?

20V and 60V are two unique and different models which are offered by DeWalt.

If you don’t require much power and are dealing with smaller jobs like trimming and cutting logs around the house into smaller pieces, then 20V will do your work as it is best for domestic use.

Whereas if the case is the opposite and your required job is bigger like felling trees then 60V would be an excellent choice.

But the capacity of these two chainsaw batteries is quite different from one another. The 20V chainsaw has a battery capacity as high as 5Ah while the 60V chainsaw has a capacity of 2Ah. So according to your job, you can determine which one of them fits your need.

What do Users Say About DeWalt 20V Chainsaw?

Most users of the DeWalt 20V chainsaw are quite pleased with its performance and are impressed that how easy it is to operate as it has quite a lightweight build. Besides this, users also love it because there are no loud motors, no exhaust fumes, no mixing of gas and oils.

Some users are so satisfied with it that according to them, now they don’t plan on buying another gasoline saw again because the best results with little effort can be easily provided by the DeWalt 20V chainsaw.

DeWalt 20V Chainsaw – FAQs

Our Verdict

For great woodwork, choosing just the right chainsaw is a total win. We totally recommend the DeWalt chainsaws for normal to moderate duty loads, as it might not be the best choice for people who are looking for extremely high functional chainsaws for extremely heavy-duty works in harsh conditions.

But for most homeowners and professionals with small projects, DeWalt is the best option you’ll find on the market!