Makita Chainsaws
Makita chainsaw options make quick work of site timber, pruning, and breakdowns without petrol hassle, with 18V and 36V cordless models to match the graft.
When you're cutting down stud packs, trimming branches on a maintenance job, or breaking down sleepers for disposal, a Makita chainsaw is a solid bit of kit. Go 18V Makita chainsaw for lighter, one-handed work, or step up to a Makita 36V chainsaw for longer cuts and thicker timber. Pick bare or Makita chainsaw with battery based on what's already on your Makita LXT platform, and you'll stay cutting without dragging leads or mixing fuel.
What Are Makita Chainsaws Used For?
- Breaking down timber on site, like stud offcuts, joists, and shuttering, so it fits the skip without wasting time on a handsaw.
- Property and facilities maintenance, trimming back branches and cutting up fallen limbs where you want a clean cut without the noise and fumes of petrol.
- Yard and workshop prep, cutting sleepers, posts, and rough timber to length when you need repeatable cuts and quick turnaround.
- Working at height with the right kit, where a Makita top handle chainsaw suits controlled pruning and sectioning, not heavy felling.
- Remote jobs and awkward access, using a Makita cordless chainsaw so you are not hunting for power or dragging extension leads through mud.
Choosing the Right Makita Chainsaw
Sort the right Makita chainsaw by matching the power system and saw style to what you are actually cutting, not what looks biggest on the page.
1. 18V vs 36V (Two Batteries)
If you are doing lighter pruning and occasional breakdowns, a Makita chainsaw 18V is the easy grab-and-go option. If you are regularly cutting thicker timber or want it to hold chain speed through longer cuts, go Makita chainsaw 36V, because the extra power and runtime are noticeable on real jobs.
2. Top Handle vs Rear Handle
If you need controlled positioning for pruning work, a Makita top handle chainsaw is built for that style of handling, but it is not a general-purpose ground saw. For most site and garden jobs on the deck, a rear-handle Makita chain saw is the safer, more natural choice for two-handed cutting.
3. Bare Unit vs Makita Chainsaw With Battery
If you are already on Makita LXT, buying a Makita 18V chainsaw bare keeps cost down and lets you rotate batteries across tools. If it is your first cordless saw or it is for a separate team, a Makita chainsaw with battery means it turns up ready to work, instead of borrowing packs off someone else.
4. Bar Length and Chain Type
Do not oversize it for the sake of it, because longer bars are heavier and punish batteries quicker. Pick a bar length that matches the timber you actually cut day to day, and keep an eye on chain spec so your spare chains and files match what is on the saw.
Makita Chainsaw FAQs
Did Makita stop making chainsaws?
No, Makita still makes chainsaws, including Makita cordless chainsaw models on the LXT platform and higher power options using twin 18V batteries. What changes over time is the specific model numbers as ranges get updated.
Who makes Makita chain saws?
Makita chainsaws are Makita products, built for their tool range and battery systems. Like most major manufacturers, components and assembly can be across different Makita facilities depending on the model, but it is still Makita kit designed to work with Makita batteries and parts support.
Is Makita still Japanese owned?
Yes, Makita is a Japanese company. For trade buyers, the main thing is you are buying into a long-running platform with proper spares, batteries, and support across the Makita LXT system.
Is a Makita battery chainsaw actually strong enough for real work?
Yes, for the right jobs. An 18V Makita chainsaw is spot on for pruning and light breakdowns, while a Makita 36V chainsaw is the better shout for thicker timber and longer cuts where you need it to hold speed without bogging down.
Do Makita chainsaws come with a battery and charger?
Some do and some do not. Many listings are bare unit, especially a Makita 18V chainsaw bare, because most trades already have LXT batteries. Always check the box contents on the product page so you do not end up with a saw and nothing to run it.
What is the main reason a cordless Makita chain saw feels weak?
Nine times out of ten it is a blunt chain or poor tension, not the motor. Keep the chain sharp, oiled, and correctly tensioned, and use decent capacity batteries if you are cutting for more than quick snips.
Who Are Makita Chainsaws For on Site?
- Groundworkers and landscapers cutting sleepers, stakes, and site timber all day, who want cordless power that does not quit halfway through a run.
- Maintenance teams and housing contractors doing regular pruning and clear-ups, where a Makita battery chainsaw keeps noise down and starts first time.
- Joiners and site carpenters breaking down packs and offcuts fast, especially when a Makita 18V chainsaw bare makes sense because the batteries are already in the van.
- Arb and tree teams using a Makita top handle chainsaw for controlled work, with the right training and PPE, when access and balance matter more than outright bar length.
The Basics: Understanding Makita Cordless Chainsaws
A Makita cordless chainsaw is all about chain speed, battery platform, and keeping the cut clean and safe. Get these basics right and the saw feels effortless instead of hard work.
1. 18V LXT vs 36V (Twin 18V)
A Makita 18V chainsaw runs on one LXT battery for lighter work and quick jobs. A Makita 36V chainsaw uses two 18V batteries together, giving more power under load and longer cutting time before you are swapping packs.
2. Chain Sharpness Matters More Than People Think
If the chain is blunt, any battery chainsaw Makita or otherwise will feel weak and chew batteries. A sharp chain throws proper chips, cuts straight, and keeps the motor from labouring, which is what you want on site when time is tight.
3. Oil and Tension Are Your Daily Checks
Cordless does not mean maintenance-free, so keep chain oil topped up and tension set correctly. Too loose and it can derail, too tight and it drags power and heats up, especially on longer cuts.
Makita Chainsaw Accessories That Keep You Cutting
The right spares stop a simple chain issue turning into a wasted trip back to the van or a downed tool mid job.
1. Spare Chains (Correct Pitch and Gauge)
A spare chain saves the day when you hit grit, nails, or dirty timber and the cut turns to dust. Match the chain spec to your saw so it runs right and does not derail or cut wonky.
2. Chain Oil
Do not run it dry, because that is how bars and chains get cooked. Keep a bottle in the van so you can top up on site without bodging it.
3. Replacement Guide Bar
If the bar rails are worn or you have had a derail that chews the nose, a new bar brings the saw back to clean, straight cutting. It is cheaper than fighting a saw that will not track.
4. Extra Makita LXT Batteries and a Fast Charger
If you are running a Makita battery chainsaw hard, you will burn through packs quicker than with drills. A couple of spare batteries and a proper charger stops downtime when you are halfway through a cut list.
Shop Makita Chainsaws at ITS.co.uk
Whether you need a Makita chainsaw 18V bare unit to match your LXT kit, or a Makita 36V chainsaw for heavier cutting, we stock the full spread of Makita chainsaws and essentials to keep them running. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the cut list without waiting around.
