New Pruning Saw Rounds Out Makita’s 40V max XGT Chainsaw Options for Pro Landscapers
A few years back, Makita introduced a 6-inch pruning saw to the 18V LXT battery system. As the brand continues to expand its 40V max XGT roster, we’re seeing a variety of OPE products get added to the platform. One of the more recent additions is the Makita 40V max XGT 6-inch Pruning Saw. Is it the next tool your landscaping crew needs for cordless trimming and pruning? I’ll compare it against similar saws to see where it stands in the mini chainsaw market.
Makita 40V 6-inch Pruning Saw Performance
- Model: Makita GCU07
- Chain speed: 8.0 m/s (1570 FPM)
- Chain length: 6 inches
- Pitch: 0.325 inches
- Gauge: 0.43 inches
- Runtime: up to 400 cuts in 2-inch cedar (w/ 2.5Ah battery)
- Brushless motor
Makita uses a brushless motor that delivers chain speeds of up to 8.0 m/s (1570 FPM). Notably, this is the same speed as Makita’s 18V LXT model (XCU14). However, the 40V battery on the new model offers a higher power draw, resulting in up to 70% faster cuts in tough applications, according to Makita.
Using a 40V max XGT 2.5Ah battery (sold separately), this pruner can complete around 400 cuts in 2-inch cedar per charge. This is over 2.8X more cuts than we saw in the brand’s aforementioned LXT pruner. It goes without saying that the 40V battery is the biggest contributor to the runtime increase.
While it may not seem fair to compare the GCU07 against an 18V tool, it’s really in a league of its own in the 40V sphere. Echo has a 56V model, and there are several other lower-voltage pruners available, like Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel Hatchet (2527). I’ll compare these models against each other in a table down below.
Makita 40V 6-inch Pruning Saw Design
- Length: 16.5 inches
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
- IPX4 rating
- Oil tank capacity: 1.9 fl oz
- Retractable chain guard
- Tool-free chain adjustment
For design, Makita didn’t hit us with any surprises with the GCU07. It weighs 4.6 pounds when equipped with a 2.5Ah battery, which is about what we expect from a 40V saw of this size.
Like the 18V pruning saw, this model features a retractable chain guard for added safety. However, it does prevent you from undercutting, which could be a downside for oddly-angled branches.
The GCU07 is equipped with a tool-free tensioning system. It also has an automatic oiling mechanism, with a 1.9 fl. oz. oil tank onboard.
Finally, an IPX4 ingress rating protects the saw from water splashes. That’s not a full waterproof rating, though, so don’t leave it on an open-frame trailer when heavy thunderstorms are a threat.
How Does it Compare?
As promised, here’s a look at Makita’s 40V GCU07 against other similarly-sized pruners on the market. Keep in mind, the battery platform can have a huge impact on performance. However, I wanted to show where the 40V max XGT pruner fits into the overall environment.
| Makita GCU07 (this model) | Milwaukee M12 Fuel 2527 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3004 | Echo DHS-3006 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Length: | 6 inches | 6 inches | 8 inches | 6 inches |
| Max Speed: | 1570 FPM | 984 FPM | 984 FPM | 1500 FPM |
| Runtime: | 400 cuts (w/ 2.5Ah battery) | 120 cuts (w/ 4.0Ah battery) | 400 cuts (w/ 8.0Ah battery) | Not Specified |
| Weight: | 4.6 lbs (w/ 2.5Ah battery) | 4.6 lbs (w/ 2.5Ah battery) | 7.3 lbs (w/ 8.0Ah battery) | 5.4 lbs (w/ 2.5Ah battery) |
| Power Source: | 40V Battery | M12 (12V) Battery | M18 (18V) battery | 56V Battery |
| Price: | $269 (bare) | $179 (bare) | $279 (bare) | $179 (bare) |
Makita 40V max XGT 6-inch Pruning Saw Price
This saw retails for $269 as a bare tool. There are currently no kit configurations available, so be sure to pick up a Makita 40V XGT battery and charger if you’re not already on this system.
Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
Makita’s 40V max XGT OPE line caters to lawn care Pros, with high performance and reliable runtime. In the case of the GCU07, it’s the brand’s first go-around with 40V pruners. The design team went with a familiar blueprint, with convenience features to simplify cordless trimming for professional landscapers. If you’ve been waiting for a pruning saw to pop up on Makita’s XGT platform, this tool offers a nice performance boost over the 18V LXT model.
However, for homeowners who only need to complete occasional outdoor trimming jobs, you’re probably safe sticking to a model from a more value-oriented brand, like Ryobi’s 18V One+ Mini Chainsaw.
