Review: Makita 40V max XGT 20-inch Chainsaw GCU08

Battery-powered chainsaws have officially moved beyond light-duty trimming and storm cleanup. The Makita GCU08 is a perfect example of that shift, stepping into the Pro-level cordless category with a 20-inch bar, a claimed 50cc gas equivalent power level, and enough chain speed to make even some gas saws nervous.

The question isn’t whether it can cut—it absolutely can. The real question is whether Makita struck the right balance between power, runtime, and weight for serious work.

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Makita 40V max XGT Chainsaw Performance

Cutting Power

At its heart, the GCU08 houses a brushless motor capable of producing power equivalent to a 50cc gas chainsaw. Makita pairs that power with a top chain speed of 5,700 FPM (29 m/s), which is extremely fast for a cordless chainsaw.

Makita gives you three selectable speed modes to choose from:

• 3,937 FPM (65.6 ft/s)
• 4,823 FPM (80.4 ft/s)
• 5,700 FPM (95 ft/s)

That flexibility is a smart move because it allows you to prioritize runtime for lighter cutting, or you can unleash maximum speed when you’re bucking larger logs.

In practical terms, this saw seems very capable and competitive in the battery-powered space. The high chain speed feels like a major asset and should help pull chips quickly through the side cover and help the chain maintain momentum through demanding cuts. This really had us looking forward to our hands-on testing (more on this later).

Runtime

Runtime is always one of the biggest conversations surrounding cordless chainsaws, especially in the Pro class. Makita designed this saw around its newer XGT platform and specifically optimized it around their massive High Power 8.0Ah battery.

That larger battery clearly helps the saw maintain peak performance, but it also adds noticeable weight. If you want to lighten the load, you can always drop in one of Makita’s smaller XGT batteries, but you will lose out on some runtime.

This isn’t the type of saw you buy for occasional limbing around the yard—it’s designed for sustained cutting performance.

Chain and Cutting Feel

Makita equips the GCU08 with a 20-inch Oregon bar and a .325-inch low-profile chain. The chain setup strikes a nice middle ground between cutting speed and overall control. It feels fast and efficient without becoming overly aggressive, and it remains very manageable.

One thing worth noting is that Makita moved away from a tool-free tensioning system here and returned to a more traditional dual-stud bar setup with captured bar nuts. Based on our experience, that’s the right choice for a saw in this performance class because it offers a more secure bar setup under heavy loads.

Makita 40V max XGT Chainsaw Design Notes

Size and Weight

The GCU08Z definitely falls into the “serious saw” category in terms of overall size and feel. It weighs 12.9 pounds as a bare tool, 17.0 pounds with the kitted battery, and measures 37.5 inches from tip to tail.

With the 8.0Ah battery installed, this is not a lightweight saw. However, the weight distribution feels balanced, and the rear-handle design gives it a familiar gas-like feel while cutting.

The rubberized top handle is comfortable, and the overall ergonomics feel very refined—something Makita generally does well across the XGT platform.

Controls and Interface

One area where Makita clearly spent time refining is the control layout. We’re happy to see that they moved away from their traditional blister buttons in favor of a more raised, tactile button setup.

Makita equipped this saw with a 3-speed selector button, an LED battery status indicator, a chain brake alert, and an electronic power button. The controls are clean, responsive, and easy to understand without feeling gimmicky.

Weather Resistance

Makita built this saw with XPT and IPX4M protection, meaning it’ll handle wet conditions and dusty environments better than many cordless competitors. For Pros and large property owners who need the flexibility to work year-round, that extra durability matters.

Additional Features

• Metal Bucking Spikes: Securely engage with your work piece while bucking logs
• Translucent Oil Reservoir: Easily track oil levels while you’re working

Hands-On Cutting

What stands out most about the GCU08 is how complete the overall design feels when you first pick it up.

A lot of cordless chainsaws still feel like compromises in one way or another—either underpowered, awkwardly balanced, or limited to light-duty work. The Makita feels much closer to a true gas replacement than many of the models we’ve tested.

The chain speed is especially impressive. Once the trigger is buried, the saw cuts confidently and throws chips with authority. Combined with the low noise level and lack of engine vibration, it creates a much more refined cutting experience than a comparable gas saw.

For our hands-on testing, we set up a seasoned oak log and made a series of three cuts and timed the results. We do this so we can gauge its overall cutting speed against competing models. In this case, the Makita GCU08 completed our test in 39.07 seconds.

This is a bit higher than some of its competitors, especially since the Milwaukee 2827 completed it in 32.16 seconds while boasting half the chain speed of the Makita GCU08. Keep in mind that Milwaukee also claims 70 cc equivalent power, so we expected Makita to be a little slower.

That said, there is a significant power difference between Milwaukee and Makita. Stihl’s MSA 300 C-O, however, falls much closer with an estimated gas-equivalence of 55 to 60 cc’s. In real-life testing, these two saws feel very similar in both looks and performance.

Although there is a stark difference, I won’t count Makita out of the running in terms of Pro-grade saws. Yes, the cutting speed was noticeably slower, but through my testing, I found the GCU08 was remarkably easy to handle and very well balanced. I appreciated the familiar profile, and that if you simply allowed the chain to do the hard work, the results were right on par with what I expect from a premium saw.

Makita 40V max XGT Chainsaw Price

The Makita GCU08 retails for $799 as a bare tool and $1,349 as a kit. The kit includes an 8.0Ah battery and a single-port charger. Makita backs this saw with a 3-year limited warranty.

Should You Buy It?

The Makita GCU08Z feels like a major step forward for Makita’s cordless chainsaw line, and XGT’s battery advancements help it get there.

It combines high chain speed, refined ergonomics, and Pro-grade durability into a package that genuinely challenges mid-sized gas saws. The cutting performance is excellent, the controls are thoughtfully designed, and the overall user experience feels polished from top to bottom.

While remaining a well-balanced saw, the biggest drawback is the overall working weight with the recommended battery. Still, the tradeoff makes sense considering the level of performance Makita is chasing.

So, who’s this saw for?

While this saw is very capable, it is a little pricey, especially if you’re someone who tackles the occasional felling project. For this, I’d suggest looking into a more homeowner-focused brand rather than jumping straight to the Pro level.

However, if you’re a Pro who’s already invested in the XGT platform—or you’re looking for a serious cordless alternative to a 50cc gas saw—the GCU08 is a compelling option on the market right now.

Specs

• Model: Makita GCU08
• Power Source: Makita 40V max XGT battery
• No-Load Chain Speed: 3,937 / 4,823 / 5,700 FPM
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 in.
• Chain Pitch: 0.325 in.
• Bar Length: 20 in.
• Weight: 12.9 lbs (bare tool), 17.0 lbs (with 8.0Ah battery)
• Tool Length: 37.5 in.
• Warranty: 3-year limited
• Price: $799 (bare tool), $1,349 (kit)