Sodo
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2012
- Messages
- 3,300
- Location
- Cascade Mtns of WA state
- Tractor
- Kubota B-series & Mini Excavator
Here's my current program.
The Makita 36v XCU02 has worked so well over the 3 years I've had it that I bought a 2nd one.
I've used the first one so hard (14" bar) that I can't believe it has much life remaining.....although it shows no sign of giving up.
But I thought Makita might discontinue the XCU02 (which doesn't have that infuriating safety time-out like the XCU03).

It ran a 14" bar on it for most of its life.
Then I bought a new saw, and kept the 10" on it, but put an 18" on the old saw.
The way I use the pair: I bury the 10" bar, and then if I need more reach I use the other saw that goes 18".
It doesn't have enough power to pull the whole 18" of chain, I only use it for the 8 inches more "reach".
But I have a lot of other Makita LXT battery tools so it works out well for me.
I have 12 batteries.
The Makita 36v XCU02 has worked so well over the 3 years I've had it that I bought a 2nd one.
I've used the first one so hard (14" bar) that I can't believe it has much life remaining.....although it shows no sign of giving up.
But I thought Makita might discontinue the XCU02 (which doesn't have that infuriating safety time-out like the XCU03).

It ran a 14" bar on it for most of its life.
Then I bought a new saw, and kept the 10" on it, but put an 18" on the old saw.
The way I use the pair: I bury the 10" bar, and then if I need more reach I use the other saw that goes 18".
It doesn't have enough power to pull the whole 18" of chain, I only use it for the 8 inches more "reach".
But I have a lot of other Makita LXT battery tools so it works out well for me.
I have 12 batteries.