Makita’s new 18V X2 LXT cordless chain saw (HCU02ZX2) delivers the power and runtime of a 36V tool, but is instead powered by two 18V li-ion batteries. This avoids the need to have to purchase and maintain multiple battery platforms.
As with Makita’s recent 18V X2 rotary hammer, the X2 chain saw features a 36V-to-18V X2 adapter. If you prefer to use Makita 36V Li-ion batteries or don’t use Makita 18V LXT tools, the same tool is also being released as a 1-battery 36V kit (HCU02C1).
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Features (HCU02ZX2)
- 12″ guide bar
- Chain speed of 1,650 FPM
- 3/8″ chain pitch
- Lower noise than gas-powered chain saws; 89 dB(A)
- Zero emissions
- Little maintenance
- Tool-less chain adjustments
- Front hand guard actuates electric brake when engaged
- Automatic chain lubrication with built-in oil reservoir
- Viewport shows oil level
- LED battery indicators
- 24-5/8″ length
- Weighs 11.2 lbs with batteries
- 30-minute charge time (for each battery)
A new 4-port charger is also coming out soon, which will allow for simultaneous charging of (2) 18V LXT batteries at a time.
Buy Now(18V X2 via Amazon)
Buy Now(36V Kit via Amazon)
The 18V X2 bare tool is priced at about $369-380, and the 36V 1-battery kit is priced at $549-560.
Clarification: Models HCU02ZX2 and HCU02C1 are identical except for how they can be powered out of the box. The bare tool ZX2 version includes a 36V to 18V X2 battery converter adapter, part number BCV02, and the C1 version instead comes with a 36V battery and charger.
If you buy the 18V X2 version, you can remove the BCV02 adapter in order to use 36V batteries. If you buy the 36V kit, you can purchase a BCV02 adapter in order to use (2) 18V batteries.
A HCU02ZX2 plus 36V charger and 36V battery gives you all the same components and accessories as a HCU02C1 kit plus BCV02 battery adapter.
First Impression
The idea to use multiple battery packs to fuel heavier duty cordless power tools is not a new concept, but it’s something we have not yet seen with professional-grade tools.
36V tools deliver far greater power and runtime than 18V models, but a lot of users shy away from them due to the added time, effort, and expense required to maintain multiple battery platforms. The ability to use two 18V battery packs in lieu of a single 36V battery will definitely appeal to such users.
There are great advantages to cordless chain saws – they are lighter, quieter, there’s no need to mess around with gasoline, and they require less maintenance.
I’m hoping for additional X2 products, and can only wonder about what’s coming next. Maybe a cordless miter saw?
Javier says
Jul 25, 2013 at 10:08 pmI thought x2 kits were 36v tools that included an adapter to use 2 x 18v batteries but it seems like these kits dont offer adaptors but instead are special 36v tools modified so that they can only accept 2 x 18v batteries. Im confused. It makes more sense to me to make one separate adapter for use on any 36v tools that accepts 2 x 18v batteries and offer it at a premium. This makes more sense in a business sense in making one adapter rather than making different versions of the same tools decreasing production costs and benefits a buyer because now owning the adapter they can now purchase any 36v tool instead of having to wait for the special x2 version.
Stuart says
Jul 25, 2013 at 11:14 pmIf you look at the 18V X2 chain saw and rotary hammer, the battery dock has a white release lever.
Looking at the parts sheets, there are 3 differences between the bare tool 18V X2 version and 36V kit. (1) a battery converter set, part BCV02; (2) 36V battery charger; (3) 36V battery.
The 18V X2 version includes (1), the 36V version includes (2) and (3).
rob says
Jul 26, 2013 at 1:32 pmWhile this is way out of my price range, I do like the adapter idea. I hope more tool manufacturers jump on board using this concept to double up 18v tools to 36v. Seems to be a great idea in the garden equipment area for a lot of homeowners.
Peter says
Jul 26, 2013 at 1:34 pmCan someone please tell Bosch to offer something like that?
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum) says
Jul 26, 2013 at 10:53 pmSome of this stuff is getting out of hand. I cannot see any pro’s using this.
Stuart says
Jul 27, 2013 at 6:16 pmI know of another 36V-class compact chainsaw coming out this year. There’s definitely a market for these compact and lightweight models. I don’t see them taking the place of 16″+ saws, but they aren’t easily dismissible.
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum) says
Jul 31, 2013 at 12:24 amI’m sure they have a place, but it’s the dual battery i’m not digging. I own a 36v dewalt kit and it’s great. It’s only one battery and it’s 36 volt.
matt says
Jul 29, 2013 at 8:44 pmI could see it. cords are a pain, and becoming a OSHA issue.. And some locations a gas saw is not a option. If your doing barn style or heavy timber work this might be a nice option..
Its gonna be a special nitch tool but sometimes that is what makes the decision on the tool line for a person/company
Hang Fire says
Jul 30, 2013 at 3:06 pmElectric chain saws are a necessity when pruning in noise sensitive areas- schools in session, government offices and courthouses, cemeteries, etc. For the noise reason alone many, many pros will be looking at this.
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum) says
Jul 31, 2013 at 12:29 amA few years back, i was moving a house on the street at 3am. I had to climb up the roof of the house and use my 36volt sawsall to cut some pretty damn big tree branches off to get the house moving again. Not a single light from any of the houses came on while i was doing it.
I should have fired up the chainsaw. lol
Martin says
Jul 12, 2016 at 1:03 amActually this definitely has a place for a professional remodeler. I can’t use my gas chainsaw inside when doing some structural work. For example it’s perfect for cutting floor joists for flush beams, where walls are removed.
BCTrees says
Nov 7, 2016 at 3:06 pmI’ve been a tree surgeon for twenty something years and been looking forward to the advent of battery saws. I have used Stihls battery saw, very impressed, they can take the place of a hand saw for pruning work with less physical effort, they can sit next to a chipper for sporadic use on demand; no having to pull start a saw to make one cut before turning off, useful in noise sensitive areas and as we are not legally allowed to make a racket before 8 a.m we can start work even earlier! I have makita cordless grinder, drill and impact driver and am considering this saw.
Jason says
Jul 28, 2013 at 1:36 amIt seems like Makita is the only professional power tool company that offers lawn and garden tools for sale in the US Bosch offers some in other markets with their green line of power tools. Dewalt Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Bosch don’t offer anything at the moment. I wonder if it’s because people would rate them as home owner quality tools if they ended up releasing lawn tools. The only one that does is Ryobi It really has to hurt Lowes tool sales without having that huge line of tools like Home Depot has with Ryobi. I would say to use the Kobalt line of power tools as a base to start with but lately it seems like its not even being marketed at the moment. I would say Porter Cable would be the best bet and Stanley Black and Decker have tools they could modify for the PC battery packs. Man Lowes really messed up when they didn’t step up to the plate and try win over at least Makita in their stores. Milwaukee was going to be a tougher one to work with once TTI bought out the brand. Home Depot has to be TTI’s biggest customer in the USA. Sorry I kind of rambled off their for abit.
Stuart says
Jul 31, 2013 at 8:15 amI think that’s exactly why you don’t see the major professional power tool brands come out with lawn and garden products, because it would create a “DIY” vs. “Pro” user conflict. That doesn’t stop the pro brands from going after consumers every major tool gift-giving holiday season with cheapened drill/driver kits.
TTI can market such tools through Ryobi, Stanley Black & Decker can do it through Black & Decker, and Bosch can do it through Skil.
Fin3 says
Jul 30, 2013 at 7:28 pmA cordless electric 36v chainsaw is an extremely versatile tool when restoring old houses,summer homes,buildings etc. Clean,quiet and always ready to work.
18v x 2 is great system because it’s powered by 18 V Makita li-ion batteries.
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum) says
Jul 31, 2013 at 12:31 amI’ve restored a lot of old houses/buildings and i’ve never had to use a chainsaw of any type.
Greg says
Feb 4, 2015 at 1:58 pmIn your article you said,”…what’s coming next. Maybe a cordless miter saw?…” Makita already made a cordless miter saw (http://www.amazon.com/Makita-LXSL01Z-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Compound/dp/B004OEDVNG). Been on the market for years
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