trail clearing technique and tools

[ArlyA]

Assembled this Makita XCU06Z 18V 10" top handle saw when I got home from work and really like how this unit is set up. Its about 90% same as a regular saw, just lighter and smaller. Has stainless shields under the cover to protect it from the chain and steel teeth to grab into wood. Oil tank has a sight glass (really plastic) and cap like most saws do. Chain tension again, like most saws do with a flat screw through the cover.

 

[airbiscuit]

It looks like the design and balance are good. From watching videos, I'm wondering if it's going to be a little short on power (limited by the 18v battery?). Apparently it is supposed to be equivalent to a 22cc gas gas chainsaw. I'm hoping that there will be a next generation of cordless saws that do a better power/weight ratio.

That said, I think you will find that Makita handy for your trail work.

 

[airbiscuit]

if you need a spare chain, I have a slightly used Echo chain I can sell cheap

 

[2manyrocks]

I've been thinking about a small cordless chainsaw to carry on my L2501 because there isn't much room for a saw like on a larger tractor.

There's a YT video of a guy demonstrating another brand of 20v chainsaw that scared me. He was limbing a hackberry tree, and the saw was jumping around. He didn't recommend the saw in the end, but now it has me wondering.

How stable are these electric saws compared to a normal 16" gas chain saw?

 

[airbiscuit]

My friend has a couple of 40V Walmart chainsaws and they work better than I expected - just heavier than a similar power gas chainsaw. Here is some good info.

 

[kenmbz]

Assembled this Makita XCU06Z 18V 10" top handle saw when I got home from work and really like how this unit is set up. Its about 90% same as a regular saw, just lighter and smaller. Has stainless shields under the cover to protect it from the chain and steel teeth to grab into wood. Oil tank has a sight glass (really plastic) and cap like most saws do. Chain tension again, like most saws do with a flat screw through the cover. View attachment 755010View attachment 755011

The Makita only has one nut to hold down the cover for the bar. Let us know if this loosens up.
This is a problem over time in a long cut on my Milwaukee pole saw.

 

[ArlyA]

My friend has a couple of 40V Walmart chainsaws and they work better than I expected - just heavier than a similar power gas chainsaw. Here is some good info.

In general, we can't use battery powered tools in the field since we have no electric power source and normally use tools for many hours. In some case days at a time, so having gasoline fuel along is a know energy volume. The mini I just got, was a special situation since there is a building there with power..

 

[ArlyA]

The Makita only has one nut to hold down the cover for the bar. Let us know if this loosens up.
This is a problem over time in a long cut on my Milwaukee pole saw.

The echo polesaw's we use have single nut bars and we've not had any problem with them. So I'd guess the makita's will be fine but I will give a report on there general quality after it goes into service.

 

[ArlyA]

I'll write more later but it was a joy to be limbing with just one hand as I crawl among and on the junk.

 

[airbiscuit]

You had e at Bullard.

 

[ArlyA]

I am very impressed with with the Makita, except for its short duty cycle.

After this many cuts, the "I'm warm and shutting down" light comes on. So I got the loppers to fill my time.

Nonetheless, I found if I let its motor run fast and at low stress, it will run longer. This is the crap, I need to clear out. Steel I hit! May have touched it 4 times today and Mr file comes out.

Why do I want to use a small, low power saw here? This tree grew in a notch in some 1" plate,

 

[ArlyA]

So I like it but hate its short duty cycle. I ordered another, thinking its overheat circuit might be bad so this unit will be returned. I love that I can saw with one hand and use me other holding back weeds for some visibility. It is really handy and light in weight.

 

[ultrarunner]

No overheat ever yet with my Stihl... used it to clear trails where the cut was more than twice bar length.

It just runs until battery peters out and then stops... with battery blinking on one bar...

 

[airbiscuit]

What the heck is that area you are cutting? What will happen to all the heavy metal? Sounds like you need a bag full of batteries.

 

[ArlyA]

What the heck is that area you are cutting? What will happen to all the heavy metal? Sounds like you need a bag full of batteries.

Here is a retired weld shop I'm clearing out.

 

[ArlyA]

I'm really liking this silly little saw. Here is the conditions I'm working in. The stump is not being removed, just cut off.

 

[airbiscuit]

Is the duty cycle better?

 

[ArlyA]

Is the duty cycle better?

Its the same saw, so no, but I've learned to work around it. New saw did show up today. I also ordered much larger amp-hour batteries. The saw will shut down in they overheat.

 

[ArlyA]

I do have the 2nd saw in the field with me today. Will report on it's performance tonight. Also a new roll of .155 string in use with me today. So far I like I!!

 

[ArlyA]

Was running my spool of .155 string out so I picked up another and this time got some Oregon made or sold stuff.

Had some old orange string left over so i could test them side by side. Not much difference but the new green stuff does look longer, in fact after using various strings for 20 some years, just not much difference in it.

This is how the back of a truck looks when clearing brush.. Big lineman pliers is for cutting string. Ya, we buy it in bulk!