With its batteries, DeWalt shares that the 20V Max XR Cordless Chainsaw weighs a little under 9 lbs. With its 3.5 hp, the power tool manufacturer claims that its 12″ chain could do 90 cuts for every full battery on pressure-treated wood. Alternatively, the 60V MAX Cordless Chainsaw model runs on a slightly lower 2.85 hp with an 18″ chain. Despite measuring 10.9″ L x 10.8″ W x 39.5″ H, it is incredibly light at 1.52 lbs. Designed for heavy-duty use, the DeWalt shares that its 60V cordless chainsaw has a professional-grade brushless motor and has more than a quarter of power and twice the torque that you would expect from a 40.9 cc gas alternative.

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In terms of reliability, both models score above average, so you’re in good hands either way. As of writing, the 12″ DeWalt 20V Max XR has generated an average of 4.6 stars from over 13,000+ Amazon buyers. However, it did score lower on the official DeWalt website and only net 3.6 stars on average from 176 people with many citing issues with oil leakage. While not as popular, the 18″ DeWalt 60V MAX does have a good rating on Amazon as well, with an average of 4.3 stars from around 300 people. 

Because we all have different lifestyles and lawn sizes, which affect how much work we expect to do with our chainsaws, it’s important to do an inventory of what kind of things you plan to cut and how frequently you plan to do so. One of the best outdoor DeWalt tools, the 20V MAX 12″ brushless chainsaw is cheaper, designed with tool-free adjustments, and made specifically to cut beams and tree limbs. While the 20V can be sufficient for regular people, professionals might benefit more from the extra oompfh and safety features that the 60V option can provide. While they’re both compact, the weight difference between the two is also pretty significant, so you can opt for the 60V Max if you prefer something on the lighter side. On its website, DeWalt recommends its 18″ 60V MAX for things like felling, limbing, cleanup, and bucking for trees and firewood.

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That said, if you’re willing to wait, the soon-to-be-released 60V MAX 12″ Top Handle Chainsaw includes a slew of other accessories. Apart from the chainsaw, battery, and charger, it also comes with a bar, chain, sheath, sharpening file, and scrench. Not to mention, the 60V Max has a kit bag that you can use to give your set a home, and the added benefit of the Tool Connect system. So, if you’re already using the system for asset management, you can buy the Tool Connect Chip and have it hooked up easily.