Pruning on your packs
You already own 18 V packs and the wood is shrubs, saplings and short branches at ground level. You can buy a bare pruner and you do not need a battery in the box.
Makita cordless chainsaw comparison 2026
The best Makita cordless chainsaws, compared.
Top pick: KIESBOHR CSX003 Best value: KIESBOHR CSE002 – About £54.99 as a bare tool, 4.5 from 393 ratings, a stated 30 ml oiler and a specified spare chain, when the wood is short and you already own the packs. Updated 22.10.2026.
Charlie White (Charlie DIYte)Expert source
A cordless chainsaw bought for an existing 18 V garden-tool battery is a bare body, a short mini, or a kit that only claims the same rail. In the UK you use it on shrubs, saplings and small branches from the ground, not for a winter of stove logs. Health and Safety Executive leaflet INDG317 says to use the shortest bar that does the job. About 6 inches suits twigs. A stem near 25 to 30 cm needs a longer bar, around 12 inches. Then check whether a battery is in the box and how many packs the saw needs. Many bodies are bare. A few ship their own packs and also claim an 18 V rail. Bar oil is not two-stroke oil, and a full tank left in the case often leaks. A kickback brake is a named part. A trigger lock, goggles or cloth gloves are not. Use both hands. One-handed is not a benefit, and the saw does not belong on a ladder. The [buying guide](/hub/forestry-tools/makita-cordless-chainsaw/sub/makita-cordless-chainsaw-buying-guide) sets those checks before any ranking.
A cordless chainsaw bought for an existing 18 V garden-tool battery is a bare body, a short mini, or a kit that only claims the same rail.
44 products checked · 67 hrs invested · +19,300 readers
12 of 12: Best Makita cordless chainsaws compared
Swipe for more
1-2 of 12Best overall
Best value
9.8/10
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∼ £100
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∼ £47
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∼ £39
∼ £50
∼ £40
∼ £45
4.8(13)
4.8(8)
4.6(850)
4.6(554)
4.6(29)
4.5(393)
4.5(16)
4.4(1,695)
4.4(24)
4.3(104)
4.2(66)
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Personal buying guide
Which cordless chainsaw fits the job?
Question 1 of 2
What are you cutting?
The best Makita cordless chainsaws in detail
Our view
The KIESBOHR CSX003 is a 30 cm bare body at about £99.98 that claims Makita 18 V packs, with G-series excluded, a 70 ml automatic oiler, two chains and tension you can do by hand. The star line is 4.8 from only 13 ratings, and most of the review texts in the file are from Germany. Those texts use the 30 cm bar on garden wood and firewood and mention the oiler and the spare chain as reasons to buy. A chain brake is absent; the bullets name a safety lock and a trigger. A bullet claims a 25 cm hardwood cut in 19 seconds, which is a seller figure, and these reviews do not measure it. You still buy the battery and the charger separately, and a 2-year manufacturer line appears in a bullet.
Pros
- 30 cm bar, two chains and a 70 ml automatic oiler
- Tool-free tension, with a 2-year manufacturer line in a bullet
- Review texts say existing Makita 18 V packs fit
- Two speeds printed at 7 m/s and 10 m/s
Cons
- Only 13 ratings, and most review texts in the file are from outside the UK
- Battery and charger are sold separately
- Chain brake is absent from the bullets
- Seller cut times are unmeasured in these reviews
Best for: A 30 cm compatible bar when you already use Makita 18 V packs and can accept a thin, mostly non-UK review sample.
Less suitable: You want a large UK review count, or a Makita body whose bullets name a kickback brake.
Specifications
- Model
- KIESBOHR CSX003
- Brand
- KIESBOHR
- Price
- ∼£100
- Customer rating
- 4.8/5(13)
- Bar
- 30 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V, not G
- Oiling
- Auto, 70 ml
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Tool-free
- Weight
- 2.69 kg
- Spare chain
- 2 chains
Common questions
Is a Makita battery in the box?
No. The highlight says the battery and charger are not included. The bullets say Makita 18 V, not G-series.
How is the chain oiled?
The bullets describe an automatic pump and a 70 ml reservoir.
How many ratings sit behind 4.8?
The amazon.co.uk line is 4.8 from 13. Most review texts in the file are from Germany.
Our view
ConBlom's bare kit is about £69.99 and a bullet lists both a 10 inch and a 12 inch bar and chain, plus goggles, gloves and a plastic case. The header is 4.8 from 8 ratings. Five review texts sit in the file, and only one is dated United Kingdom. That UK text calls the saw light and one-handed on a first cut. A chain brake is absent; the bullets name a safety lock and an adjustable guard. Oiling is unclear in the bullets that were read, so the page does not establish an automatic tank. The included-components field says only the chainsaw, which is a shorter list than the bullet, and the gloves and goggles are present as kit items.
Pros
- 10 inch and 12 inch bars and chains listed in a bullet
- Safety lock, tension knob, goggles and gloves named
- Named Makita 18 V pack codes on a bare tool
- Plastic case listed in the bullet
Cons
- 4.8 from only 8 ratings, with almost no UK review text
- Battery excluded from the box
- Oiler unclear in the bullets that were read
- Chain brake absent from the listing
Best for: Two bar lengths in one compatible kit when you already own the Makita 18 V packs the bullets name.
Less suitable: You need a solid UK review sample, or a listing that clearly states how the chain is oiled.
Specifications
- Model
- ConBlom 10/12 inch
- Brand
- ConBlom
- Price
- ∼£70
- Customer rating
- 4.8/5(8)
- Bar
- 25–30 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V claimed
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Knob
- Weight
- 3 kg
- Spare chain
- 2 chains
Common questions
Does ConBlom include a battery?
No. A bullet says bare tool only, and names Makita 18 V pack codes.
What bars are in the bullet?
A 12 inch plate and chain and a 10 inch plate and chain, plus goggles, gloves and a plastic case.
Is a chain brake named?
No. The bullets name a safety lock, an adjustable guard, goggles and gloves.
Our view
The DUC122Z is the top pick in this table for pruning: 4.6 from 850 amazon.co.uk ratings, about £144.39, with 5 m/s and 2.6 kg on the spec line and 42 drive links in a bullet. UK reviews use it on shrubs, saplings, hazel and branches around 4 inches, often with more than one cut when the wood is longer than the bar. Owners call it light next to a large petrol saw and describe the build as the usual Makita quality. Oil leaks when the saw is stored, and several UK orders mention an unexpected import or duty charge. The short bullets do not name a chain brake, and the included line does not include a battery. One pair of buyers wanted more weight and power, and older UK reviews say the model was discontinued, so check the live listing if you are counting on parts. A UK dealer lists a 115 mm bar and 80 ml of oil.
Pros
- 4.6 from 850 ratings, the largest Makita sample here
- 2.6 kg and 5 m/s printed on the amazon.co.uk spec line
- Reviewers prune shrubs, saplings and hazel
- 42 drive links named for the chain
Cons
- Battery is absent from the included line
- Oil leaks in storage, in UK reviews
- Chain brake is absent from the short bullets
- Some UK orders report an import or duty charge
Best for: Ground-level pruning of shrubs and small branches when you already have 18 V Makita packs.
Less suitable: Thick logs, a buyer who needs a battery in the box, or a listing that names a chain brake.
Specifications
- Model
- Makita DUC122Z
- Brand
- Makita
- Price
- ∼£144
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(850)
- Bar
- 11.5 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 1× 18 V
- Oiling
- 80 ml
- Start safety
- Not named
- Weight
- 2.6 kg
Common questions
Does the DUC122Z come with a battery?
The included-components line says the pruning chainsaw. It does not name a battery or a charger.
What chain speed does the listing print?
The amazon.co.uk spec line prints 5 m/s. The horsepower field prints 2300 Watts, which is recorded as printed and not confirmed elsewhere in the file.
Is a chain brake named?
The short bullets do not name a chain brake. UK reviews describe pruning and also oil leaks when the saw is stored.
Our view
Across 554 amazon.co.uk ratings the DUC252Z sits at 4.6 and about £197.62, with a 25 cm bar and a kickback brake named in the bullets, and the included line is the saw only. Reviewers call it lighter and quieter than a petrol saw for the small jobs they bought it for, and they share packs with a Makita drill. One UK review says a 5 Ah pack runs it best, which is that owner's report rather than a timed runtime. A full oil tank weeps in storage, and that complaint comes up more than once. One UK review also calls the left-hand grip awkward and the saw a bit heavy for one hand. The printed mass of 5 g and the horsepower field are not figures you can use beside the rest of the listing. The official sheet lists two 18 V packs, a 250 mm bar, 8.3 m/s and 85 ml of oil.
Pros
- 25 cm bar with a kickback brake named in the bullets
- 4.6 from 554 amazon.co.uk ratings
- Reviewers share 18 V packs with a Makita drill
- EU spare-part line of 3 years
Cons
- Battery and charger are absent from the included line
- Oil weeps if the tank is stored full
- One UK review finds the left-hand grip awkward
- Printed mass of 5 g is not a usable weight
Best for: You already own Makita 18 V packs and want a 25 cm Makita body for smaller cuts, with a kickback brake named on the listing.
Less suitable: You need a battery in the box, a single-pack pruner, or a weight figure you can trust on the Amazon page.
Specifications
- Model
- Makita DUC252Z
- Brand
- Makita
- Price
- ∼£198
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(554)
- Bar
- 25 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 2× 18 V
- Oiling
- 85 ml
- Start safety
- Kickback brake
Common questions
Does the DUC252Z listing include a battery?
The included-components line says 1 x chainsaw. A battery and a charger are not in that line. The official sheet lists two 18 V packs in series.
What bar length is printed?
The bullets and the chain-length line say 25 cm. The title also prints 1 W, and the weight line prints 5 g. Those two figures are stored as printed and are not usable.
Is a kickback brake named?
Yes. The bullets say kickback brake. They do not give a brake time.
Our view
Waitley's 6 inch bare mini is about £47.17, 4.6 from 29 ratings, listed at 1.3 kg, with tool-free tension and an automatic oiler you can see. UK reviews use it on shrubs, fruit trees and conifers, and they say it runs on Makita packs the owner already has. The bullets name BL1820 through to BL1860, and the battery is absent from the box. One review says the chain stayed sharp through a conifer job, and several short texts call the price fair. The saw uses a lot of bar oil, one owner suspects the filler-cap seal, and tension can slip if you overload it. A chain brake is absent. The horsepower field prints 1 Horsepower, which is a listing figure and a wattage you should leave unused.
Pros
- 6 inch bar at 1.3 kg on the spec line
- Automatic oiler with a visible tank
- Makita 18 V codes from BL1820 to BL1860 named
- 4.6 from 29 ratings for light garden work
Cons
- Battery and charger absent from the box
- High bar-oil use, with one suspected filler-cap leak
- Tension can slip if the saw is overloaded
- Chain brake absent, and the sample is 29 ratings
Best for: Light pruning of shrubs and fruit trees when you already own Makita 18 V packs and keep the oil topped up.
Less suitable: Thicker timber, or a saw you intend to push hard without watching the chain tension.
Specifications
- Model
- Waitley 6 inch
- Brand
- Waitley
- Price
- ∼£47
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(29)
- Bar
- 15 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V claimed
- Oiling
- Auto
- Start safety
- Not named
- Tension
- Tool-free
- Weight
- 1.3 kg
Common questions
Does Waitley include a battery?
No. The highlight says the battery and charger are not included.
What model code is printed?
YN-7318. QUPERR uses the same code on a different ASIN.
What do UK reviews say about oil?
They say keep the tank topped up, and one says the saw uses a lot of bar oil.
Our view
The KIESBOHR CSE002 is the best value row if you already own Makita 18 V packs and the wood is short. It is about £54.99, 4.5 from 393 ratings, listed at 1.1 kg, with a 6 inch highlight, a 30 ml automatic oiler and a spare chain stamped 1/4 inch, 1.1 mm and 36 drive links. UK reviews use it on garden branches and storm wood they did not want a full-size saw for, and they say existing packs fit. Auto oiling works in those reviews. One owner says oil leaks if the saw is cased upside down, and a guard bolt and washer broke off for one heavy user. A chain brake is absent, the battery is absent from the box, and a bullet's claim of branches up to 15 cm is a seller figure.
Pros
- 4.5 from 393 ratings at about £54.99 as a bare tool
- 30 ml automatic oiler and a specified spare chain
- 1.1 kg on the item-weight line
- 24-month manufacturer warranty in a bullet
- Reviewers say Makita 18 V packs fit, with G-series excluded
Cons
- Oil leaks when the saw is stored upside down in the case
- Battery absent from the box
- Chain brake absent from the bullets
- A guard fastener failed after hard use in one review
Best for: Short pruning and storm brash when you already have Makita 18 V batteries and will empty the oil before the saw goes in the case.
Less suitable: A 30 cm bar, or storage with a full tank upside down in the case.
Specifications
- Model
- KIESBOHR CSE002
- Brand
- KIESBOHR
- Price
- ∼£55
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(393)
- Bar
- 15 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V, not G
- Oiling
- Auto, 30 ml
- Start safety
- Not named
- Tension
- Tool-free
- Weight
- 1.1 kg
- Spare chain
- 36 links
Common questions
Will it take a Makita 18 V pack?
The bullets say Makita 18 V and not G-series. The battery is not included.
What spare chain is printed?
1/4 inch, 1.1 mm, 36 drive links.
What do UK reviews say about oil?
They say the auto oiler works, and that oil leaks if the saw is stored upside down in the case.
Our view
QUPERR's YN-7318 is a bare 6 inch and 8 inch mini at about £50.36, 4.5 from 16 ratings, and the highlight says the battery and the oil are sold separately. UK reviews call it useful for heavy pruning of small branches and say the bars swap on packs the owner already has. The case will not close on the 8 inch bar in more than one review, and one owner says the saw clogs. A safety switch and guards are named. A chain brake is absent. The model code matches Waitley's YN-7318 on a different ASIN, so the two listings are separate boxes. The included-components line names a blade and an oil injection pipe, which is narrower than the bullets, and the warranty line says one year.
Pros
- 6 inch and 8 inch bars described, with tool-free tension
- Automatic lubrication claimed, and a 1-year warranty line
- Reviewers say Makita 18 V packs fit, with G-series excluded
- Short UK reviews call it more solid than a cheaper mini
Cons
- Only 16 ratings
- Battery and oil absent from the box
- Case will not close on the 8 inch bar
- Chain brake absent, and one review reports clogging
Best for: Both short bars when you already own Makita 18 V packs and a bottle of bar oil.
Less suitable: You need the case to hold the 8 inch bar, or a review sample larger than 16.
Specifications
- Model
- QUPERR YN-7318
- Brand
- QUPERR
- Price
- ∼£50
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(16)
- Bar
- 15–20 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V, not G
- Oiling
- Auto, oil extra
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Tool-free
- Weight
- 2.87 kg
- Spare chain
- Both bars
Common questions
Is this the same listing as the Waitley YN-7318?
No. Both files print model YN-7318, but the ASIN, brand and price differ.
What is missing from the box?
The highlight says the battery and oil are not included.
What do reviews say about the case?
More than one UK review says the case will not close on the 8 inch bar.
Our view
The Seesii M8 Boost is about £59.99 with an 8 inch bar fitted, a spare 6 inch bar and chain, two 4,000 mAh batteries and a charger, and the highlight also claims Makita 18 V packs. Across 1,695 amazon.co.uk ratings it sits at 4.4, the largest sample in this set. UK reviews use it on hedges, young sycamore, ivy and small to medium logs, and battery life is praised for pruning sessions. At least one UK review says a Makita pack works. Several reviewers say the chain comes off or will not hold tension, a spare chain arrived twisted, and the safety button is hard in gloves. Oil leaks if you overfill the reservoir or put the saw away full, and case fasteners snap. A chain brake is absent from the bullets. OPSS report 2403-0234 is a different mini saw, not this model.
Pros
- Two batteries, a charger and a spare 6 inch bar in the box
- 4.4 from 1,695 amazon.co.uk ratings
- Oiler named, with tool-free tension in the highlight
- 3-year warranty line on the listing
Cons
- Chain throw-off and tension that will not hold, in UK reviews
- Safety button hard to press in gloves
- Oil leaks if the saw is overfilled or cased full
- Chain brake absent; Makita fit is a claim plus at least one review
Best for: A complete 8 inch mini kit for light pruning when you want batteries in the box and can live with tension complaints.
Less suitable: You need a chain that stays on under load, or a body whose brand line is Makita.
Specifications
- Model
- Seesii M8 Boost
- Brand
- Seesii
- Price
- ∼£60
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(1,695)
- Bar
- 15–20 cm
- Battery
- 2 packs
- Platform
- Own + 18 V
- Oiling
- Named
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Tool-free
- Weight
- 1.76 kg
- Spare chain
- 6 in spare
Common questions
Are batteries included?
The included line lists two batteries and a charger. The highlight also says the saw is compatible with Makita 18 V.
What do UK reviews repeat?
They praise pruning, and they also report a chain that comes off, a safety button that is stiff in gloves, and oil in the case if the tank is left full.
Is a chain brake named?
The highlight names tool-free tension and an oiler. It does not name a chain brake.
Our view
GARTOL's DJ086-UK is about £38.52, the lowest price in this set, with 8 inch and 6 inch in the title and 4.4 from 24 ratings. Bullets say the Makita 18 V battery is sold separately and name a safety lock, guards, automatic oiling and a tool-free tension knob. The included-components line says only Chain, which is thinner than the title. UK reviews find it handy for fuchsia, pallets, kindling and awkward branches. Several say a Makita pack fits, and one drill battery did not, so a separate pack had to be bought. One chain came off after about 10 minutes. Oil is absent from the box, and bar-change instructions are called unclear. At 2.56 kg it is a light two-bar claim on a small sample.
Pros
- Lowest shelf price in the set at about £38.52
- 6 inch and 8 inch named in the title
- Tool-free tension knob and a rubberised grip in the bullets
- Several UK reviews say a Makita pack fits
Cons
- Only 24 ratings, and the included line says Chain
- One drill battery did not fit
- A chain came off after about 10 minutes in one review
- Oil absent from the box, and a chain brake is absent
Best for: Light garden cutting and kindling when you already have a Makita 18 V pack you have checked for fit.
Less suitable: You need both bars confirmed on the included line, or a larger review sample.
Specifications
- Model
- GARTOL DJ086-UK
- Brand
- GARTOL
- Price
- ∼£39
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(24)
- Bar
- 15–20 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V claimed
- Oiling
- Auto, oil extra
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Knob
- Weight
- 2.56 kg
- Spare chain
- 1 chain
Common questions
Is a battery included?
A bullet says the battery and charger are sold separately.
Did every Makita pack fit, in the reviews?
Several UK reviews say a Makita pack fits. One says a drill battery did not fit and a separate pack had to be bought.
Is chain oil in the box?
A note in the file says chain oil is not included, and a review says you must add bar oil.
Our view
VIWKO's 8 inch mini is about £49.99 with 4.3 from 104 ratings. A bullet lists two 4,000 mAh batteries, three chains, a carrying case and glasses, and the same listing claims Makita 18 V packs. UK reviews use it on hedges, branches around 4 inches and small logs for a wood burner. One review says a Makita pack worked when the supplied packs felt weak. A bullet claims 80 to 100 minutes on two batteries, and the reviews do not measure that figure. One motor failed after a handful of uses, a charger pin arrived bent, and batteries get warm. Oiling is described both as automatic and as pressing the pump, so the method is mixed on the page. A chain brake is absent, and one reviewer could not see where to buy a replacement chain and bar.
Pros
- Two batteries, three chains, a case and glasses in a bullet
- 4.3 from 104 ratings
- Safety lock and a baffle named
- One UK review says a Makita pack worked when the included packs felt weak
Cons
- Supplied batteries called weak next to Makita packs
- One early motor failure and a bent charger pin
- 80 to 100 minutes is a seller claim, unmeasured in the reviews
- Chain brake absent, and the oil wording mixes an auto pump with pressing the pump
Best for: An 8 inch kit with its own batteries for hedges and small logs, if you can accept uneven pack quality.
Less suitable: You want only Makita cells, or a single clear oiling method on the listing.
Specifications
- Model
- VIWKO 8 inch
- Brand
- VIWKO
- Price
- ∼£50
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(104)
- Bar
- 20 cm
- Battery
- 2 packs
- Platform
- Own + 18 V
- Oiling
- Unclear
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Auto
- Weight
- 3.5 kg
- Spare chain
- 3 chains
Common questions
Are Makita batteries required?
A bullet says the saw can use named Makita 18 V packs, and the same bullet lists two 4,000 mAh batteries in the kit.
What runtime is printed?
A bullet says 80 to 100 minutes on two batteries. That is a seller claim, not a measurement in the reviews.
What do UK reviews say about the supplied packs?
One reviewer says those packs were weak and a Makita pack worked. Another reports the motor failing after a few uses.
Our view
NANWEI's NW-WMD72 is about £39.70 with 4.2 from 66 ratings, and the title says a 12 inch saw for Makita 18 V packs. The included line lists a 12 inch saw, guide bar, cover and two chains, and it does not name batteries. UK reviews often describe a different kit, including 6 inch and 8 inch bars and packs in the box, so the included line is the box list to trust. Some reviewers prepared stove wood and thicker branches. One owner returned the saw because it barely cut stumps. Chain oil leaks, a chain arrived kinked, and one review says no working instructions or safety guide arrived. A chain brake is unconfirmed in the spec lines that were read. The item weight prints 3.4 kg.
Pros
- About £39.70 with two chains on the included line
- 12 inch bar stated in the title and the box list
- Some reviewers cut thicker branches and stove wood
- 66 ratings, more than several dearer compatible rows
Cons
- Review texts often describe a different kit from the included line
- Oil leaks, and one chain arrived kinked
- One owner returned it after it failed on stumps
- Instructions missing in one review, and a chain brake is unconfirmed
Best for: A low outlay on a 12 inch compatible body when you read the included line before you order.
Less suitable: You need the box to match the review stories, or a documented chain brake.
Specifications
- Model
- NANWEI NW-WMD72
- Brand
- NANWEI
- Price
- ∼£40
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(66)
- Bar
- 30 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V claimed
- Start safety
- Not named
- Weight
- 3.4 kg
- Spare chain
- 2 chains
Common questions
Do the UK reviews match the included line?
No. Reviews mention 6 inch and 8 inch bars and batteries in the box. The included line does not. Use the included line for the spec.
What does the included line list?
A 12 inch chain saw, guide bar, protective cover, two chains and a manual.
What complaints recur?
Oil leaks, a kinked chain, and one review that says no instructions arrived.
Our view
The Roadtime STL573 is a 12 inch bare saw at about £44.87 that claims Makita 18 V packs, and the title says there is no battery. The file has no customer-review line and no review text, so you are reading bullets alone and the comparison score stays at zero. Those bullets claim 1,100 W brushless, 10 m/s, an automatic oiler with a side window, a safety lock, a tension knob and an LED power display. A spare chain is named in the highlight and is absent from the included-components line, which says the chainsaw. A chain brake is absent. At 3.2 kg on the item line it is a longer bar than the 6 inch minis, and nothing in the file shows whether the oiler or the lock behaves as printed.
Pros
- 12 inch bar at about £44.87 as a bare tool
- Automatic oiler with a sight window claimed, plus 10 m/s in a bullet
- Safety lock, auxiliary grip and a tension knob named
- Makita 18 V pack family named in a bullet
Cons
- No amazon.co.uk review line in the file
- Battery absent from the title and the included line
- Spare chain sits in the highlight, not on the included line
- Chain brake absent, and the watt and speed figures are seller claims
Best for: A low shelf price on a 12 inch compatible body when you already own Makita packs and can return a saw that does not match the bullets.
Less suitable: Anyone who wants review evidence before paying, or a listing that names a chain brake.
Specifications
- Model
- Roadtime STL573
- Brand
- Roadtime
- Price
- ∼£45
- Bar
- 30 cm
- Battery
- No
- Platform
- 18 V claimed
- Oiling
- Auto
- Start safety
- Lock only
- Tension
- Knob
- Weight
- 3.2 kg
- Spare chain
- Highlight
Common questions
Are there amazon.co.uk reviews in the file?
No. The saved listing has no customer-review line and no review texts.
Is a battery included?
The title says no battery.
What safety part is named?
A safety lock. A chain brake is not named.
How we compared
Twelve listings were taken from a wider amazon.co.uk look at cordless saws that claim an 18 V garden-tool rail, and scored from the listing text, the review count and the public UK sources below. There is no lab cut. Bar length comes first, then whether a battery is in the box and how many packs the saw needs. Oil, the chain code and a named kickback brake outrank title watts. A safety lock is not a brake. Prices are GBP shelf figures from the product files and they move.
1
Bar length
25%INDG317 says use the shortest bar that does the job. About 6 inches suits twigs from the ground. A stem near 25 to 30 cm needs a longer bar, around 12 inches or 25 cm.
2
Batteries in the box
20%Most compatible bodies are bare, so the shelf price is not a saw you can start. The 25 cm genuine body needs two 18 V packs in series on the official sheet. Two minis ship their own packs.
3
Platform
20%Bullets name an 18 V rail. Some exclude G-series packs. A 40 V Max platform is a different battery. Amp-hours change runtime, not the rail. A compatible claim is not the same as the maker's own body.
4
Oiling and chain
20%Bar oil is not two-stroke oil. Compare a stated tank, such as 30 ml or 70 ml, and the chain code of pitch, gauge and drive links. A full tank stored in the case is a leak complaint in reviews.
5
Safety words
15%Only one set of bullets here says kickback brake. A lock, goggles or cloth gloves are not a brake. Use both hands. One-handed is not a benefit, and the saw does not belong on a ladder.
Independent review
Last updated: 22.10.2026
11 sources checked
Makita cordless chainsaw buying guide
Choose the bar and the box before the star rating. A bare body, a mini with its own packs, and a kit that only claims the rail are three different purchases. The notes below follow the amazon.co.uk listings in this set and the public UK sources at the end of the page.
What is in this Makita cordless chainsaw comparison?
A search for this kind of cordless chainsaw on amazon.co.uk returns two genuine bodies and ten other brands that claim an 18 V battery. The twelve listings here are not a lab test, and they are not the whole current index. DUC256 and DUC258 sit on the Makita UK index and are not listings in this table. Judge the bar, whether a battery is in the box, whether the text says kickback brake or only a lock, and whether the brand line is actually the maker of the tool.
Best for
- Ground-level pruning on 18 V packs you already own
- A short bare mini when the wood is brash and the tank will be emptied
- A complete mini kit when you need batteries in the box
Not ideal for
- Ladder or crown work, a hung-up stem, or a protected tree
- Buyers who treat a compatible claim as a genuine body
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Ranking by watts or a 5 g mass
Title watts, a 19-second cut and an 80 to 100 minute runtime are seller claims. The 1 W, 450 horsepower and 5 g fields on the 25 cm listing are not usable. Rank the bar and the box instead.
- 2
One battery, or a compatible body read as genuine
The 25 cm genuine body needs two 18 V packs in series on the official sheet. A bullet that says compatible is not the maker's own saw. G-series packs are excluded on some listings, and a 40 V Max platform is a different rail.
- 3
A full tank in the case, or a chain ordered by inches
Reviews describe leaks when a full saw goes into the case. Empty the tank first. Order a chain by pitch, gauge and drive links. The 6 inch best-value row prints 1/4 inch, 1.1 mm and 36 links. An inch length alone is not that code.
What to weigh up
Bar and the job
HighBar length follows the wood, not the star rating. INDG317 says use the shortest bar that does the job. About 6 inches, or the 115 mm pruning bar a UK dealer lists for the short genuine body, suits twigs and shrubs from the ground. A stem near 25 to 30 cm needs a 12 inch row or the 25 cm bar. The useful cut sits a little under the bar, because the nose can kick back. Two minis offer 6 and 8 inches together. A 10 and 12 inch kit and a 30 cm compatible body are the longer compatible rows.
Batteries, oil and the brake line
HighCount the packs before you compare shelf prices. Most compatible bodies are bare. The official sheet for the 25 cm body lists two 18 V packs. The short pruner is one pack, and the battery is still absent from the included line. Seesii and VIWKO ship their own packs and also claim the rail. Some bullets exclude G-series packs. A 40 V Max platform is not this claim. Amp-hours change runtime, not the fit.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Short cuts, lower price
The branches are short, you already have 18 V packs, and you want a bare 6 inch body with a stated oiler. You will empty the tank before the saw goes in the case.
Batteries in the box
You do not own 18 V packs yet. You want a short mini that ships its own batteries and a charger, and you can live with tension complaints in the reviews.
Common questions about Makita cordless chainsaws
Which Makita cordless chainsaw is the top pick for 2026?
The top pick for ground-level pruning is the Makita DUC122Z at about £144.39, with 4.6 from 850 amazon.co.uk ratings, 5 m/s and 2.6 kg on the listing. A UK dealer lists a 115 mm bar. The battery is not in the included line, and the short bullets do not name a chain brake. UK reviews mention oil leaks in storage. For short cuts on packs you already own, the KIESBOHR CSE002 is the best value at about £54.99. Neither row is a lab result.
How much does a Makita cordless chainsaw cost on amazon.co.uk?
Shelf figures in these files, not a live re-check, sit in three bands. Entry is about £39 to £50. The mid band is about £55 to £70. The upper band is about £100 to £198, where the two genuine bodies and a 30 cm compatible saw sit. A bare listing still needs a battery and a charger if you do not already own 18 V packs. Bar oil and proper chainsaw clothing are extra. The prices move.
Is a battery included with a Makita cordless chainsaw?
On most rows, no. The two genuine listings do not name a battery in the included line, and the official sheet for the 25 cm body lists two 18 V packs in series. Seesii and VIWKO ship their own packs and also claim the 18 V rail. A claim is not a pack you have already tried in the saw. Some bullets exclude G-series packs. A 40 V Max platform is a different rail, so those packs sit outside this comparison.
Is a safety lock the same as a chain brake?
No. A lock and a trigger only reduce the chance of an accidental start. A kickback brake is a part the listing has to name. In this set, only the 25 cm genuine body's bullets say kickback brake. Goggles, cloth gloves and a case are not a brake. Use both hands. One-handed is not a benefit. INDG317 also says a chainsaw does not belong on a ladder, and a top-handled saw is for trained arborists off the ground.
What bar length should you buy?
Use the shortest bar that does the job. About 6 inches suits twigs and shrubs cut from the ground. A stem near 25 to 30 cm needs a longer bar, around 12 inches or 25 cm. The useful cut is a little under the bar, because the nose can kick back. If you order a spare chain, match the pitch, the gauge and the drive-link count. An inch length on its own is not a chain code. The 6 inch best-value row prints 1/4 inch, 1.1 mm and 36 links.
Do you need a felling licence for garden pruning in England?
Forestry Act 1967 section 9 exempts topping, lopping, fruit trees and gardens from a felling licence. Outside those exemptions in England, the published limit is 5 cubic metres a quarter, of which 2 cubic metres may be sold. A tree preservation order still applies, and a tree in a conservation area can need a section 211 notice. An exemption does not cancel a tree preservation order. Check the tree before you treat a garden as automatically exempt.
When should you call a professional instead of using the saw?
Call a professional for ladder or crown work, a hung-up stem, a protected tree, or paid work without a certificate. At work, the Health and Safety Executive expects a certificate for chainsaw work on or in a tree unless the person is under supervision. Kit gloves are not chainsaw PPE. Bar oil is a separate buy on the bare listings, and the chainsaw oil comparison is the page for that choice.
Our verdict
For ground-level pruning when you already own 18 V packs, the Makita DUC122Z is the top pick. It is about £144.39 with 4.6 from 850 amazon.co.uk ratings, 5 m/s and 2.6 kg on the spec line, and a UK dealer lists a 115 mm bar. The battery is not in the included line, the short bullets do not name a chain brake, and UK reviews mention oil leaks in storage. For short cuts at a lower shelf price, the KIESBOHR CSE002 is the best value at about £54.99, with 4.5 from 393 ratings, a 6 inch bar, 1.1 kg and a 30 ml automatic oiler. It is a bare tool, and it does not name a chain brake.
Best value
View offer
KIESBOHR CSE002
About £54.99 as a bare tool, 4.5 from 393 ratings, a stated 30 ml oiler and a specified spare chain, when the wood is short and you already own the packs.
Editorial
Editor
DIY & toolsamazon.co.uk listingsPublic UK sources
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: 22.10.2026
11 sources checked
Guides to Makita cordless chainsaws
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Makita cordless chainsaw buying guideBar, battery count, oil and brake wording before any ranking.Best Makita cordless chainsawsWhich listing fits a prune, a short cut or a longer bar.How to use a Makita cordless chainsawOil, tension with the battery out, two hands, and when to stop.Makita cordless chainsaw 18 V batteryWhat is in the box, one pack or two, and which codes are named.Makita body vs compatibleWhen the genuine body is the purchase, and when a compatible body is enough.
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources from the research digest, last checked on 22 October 2026.
- HSE, INDG317: chainsaws at work (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE, AFAG308: top-handled chainsaws (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE: chainsaw PPE (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: when a felling licence is needed (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Forestry Act 1967 section 9 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: tree preservation orders (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- OPSS product safety report 2403-0234 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Makita DUC252Z product sheet (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- DVS Power Tools: Makita DUC122Z (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Makita UK: DUC256 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Data Power Tools: Makita DUC252Z (retrieved 22 October 2026)
Expert source (DIY & tools): Charlie White (Charlie DIYte) (external profile) – public expert commentary used as a research source, not as a contributor to our pages.
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The order follows amazon.co.uk listings, review counts and the public sources below. The commission does not set the scores. The amazon.co.uk tag is pcuk26-21.