DeWalt 20V Chainsaw Review: Max XR DCCS620 Tested for 2024

After Hurricane Milton left my yard littered with downed branches and small trees, I knew I needed a reliable tool to make cleanup quick and easy. I chose the DeWalt 20V Max XR DCCS620 Chainsaw, a DeWalt cordless chainsaw designed for light to medium yard work. This compact cordless chainsaw turned out to be exactly what I needed to tackle the job effectively, and here’s why it stood out.

Dewalt Max XR DCCS620 Specs

The Dewalt 20V Max XR DCCS620 Chainsaw is a battery-powered tool built to handle smaller jobs. Here’s a quick look at its main features:

• 12-inch bar: Perfect for cutting small to medium-sized branches and logs.
• Weight: 8.8 pounds with the battery, making it lightweight and portable.
• 550W brushless motor: Delivers the power needed for light-duty tasks.
• Tool-free chain tensioning: Allows for quick and easy chain adjustments without needing extra tools.
• Low kickback bar and chain: Designed to minimize the risk of kickback.
• Battery-powered: Compatible with Dewalt’s 20V Max batteries, offering cordless convenience.
• 3-year limited warranty: Covers you in case of issues.

If you’re looking for a Dewalt cordless chainsaw for light yard work, this saw ticks a lot of the right boxes. It’s much quieter and easier to maintain than gas chainsaws, and it’s the perfect size for smaller cutting tasks around the yard.

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Performance & Review

Size & Weight

One of the standout features of the DeWalt 20V Max XR DCCS620 Chainsaw is its lightweight design. At just 8.8 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to handle and maneuver, even during extended use. Having used heavier gas-powered chainsaws in the past, this compact cordless chainsaw felt like a game changer. Whether you’re trimming branches or cutting up fallen limbs, the manageable size makes it ideal for smaller jobs where a bulkier saw would be overkill.

Battery/Power Details & Tips

This DeWalt cordless chainsaw runs on the versatile DeWalt 20V Max batteries, which are compatible with a wide range of their tools. I paired it with a 5.0 Ah battery, which delivered a solid 30–45 minutes of cutting time before needing a recharge. For more demanding jobs, I swapped in a 60V FlexVolt battery, which enhanced both runtime and power, making the chainsaw capable of handling thicker branches and tougher tasks.

What I found most impressive is that the chainsaw can even run on smaller 1.5 Ah batteries. While they’re fine for quick, light cuts, I wouldn’t recommend them for prolonged use. The larger batteries, especially the 60V, significantly boost performance and versatility, ensuring you can tackle a range of projects without interruption.

Pro Tip: If you’re tackling larger projects, like storm debris cleanup, always keep a spare battery on hand. Smaller batteries drain quickly when cutting thicker wood, so having a backup ensures you won’t have to stop mid-task.

What I Liked

• No fuel hassle: One of my favorite features is that this saw is battery-powered. That means no more mixing gas and oil, no fuel spills, and less maintenance overall. Just charge the battery, fill the chain oil reservoir, and get to work.
• Super quiet: Compared to gas-powered chainsaws, this saw is much quieter. You can use it around the yard without worrying about waking up the neighbors.
• Easy chain adjustment: The tool-free chain tensioning system is a game-changer. I’ve used saws where you need a wrench to adjust the chain, but with this model, it’s as easy as turning a knob. No more fumbling with extra tools.
• Perfect for smaller tasks: This saw excels at trimming branches, cutting smaller logs, and even tackling some light carpentry work. It’s not meant for felling large trees, but it’s more than capable for most yard tasks.

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Power & Performance

Equipped with a 550W brushless motor, the DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw delivers plenty of power for light to medium tasks. During my cleanup, it easily sliced through branches up to 6–8 inches in diameter without hesitation. For typical yard work like trimming limbs and clearing storm debris, this brushless cordless chainsaw gets the job done efficiently.

However, it’s worth noting that this chainsaw is best suited for smaller tasks. Cutting logs close to the 12-inch limit can strain the saw, especially if the wood is dense or particularly hard. For larger or more demanding jobs, a gas-powered chainsaw might be a better option. That said, for everyday yard work and light cleanup, the DeWalt 12-inch chainsaw performs admirably and offers the convenience of being cordless.

Battery Life & Durability

With the 5.0 Ah battery, the DeWalt cordless chainsaw provided about 45 minutes of intermittent cutting before needing a recharge. For more intensive jobs, the 60V FlexVolt battery was a game-changer, offering not only extended runtime but also a noticeable boost in power, making it ideal for tackling tougher branches and larger projects. Over several hours of use, the chainsaw proved durable and reliable. However, one minor issue stood out—oil leakage when the saw was not in use. While this isn’t uncommon for chainsaws, it’s something to plan for.

Tip: To prevent messes, either drain the oil after use or store the chainsaw on a surface where leaks won’t cause any damage.

Handling & Balance

The DeWalt 12-inch chainsaw excels in handling and balance, making it user-friendly even during extended tasks. Its lightweight design and ergonomic build minimize fatigue, allowing you to work comfortably for longer periods. The low kickback bar and chain enhance safety, though I did notice occasional kickback, particularly when starting cuts on denser, thicker wood. With careful handling, it’s a manageable issue and doesn’t detract significantly from the saw’s overall usability.

Drawbacks

• Oil Leakage: The chainsaw tends to leak oil when stored. Be sure to drain the oil after use or store it in a place where any spills won’t be an issue.
• Kickback: While the low kickback bar helps, the saw may experience kickback when beginning cuts on tougher wood. It’s a minor concern that requires some caution but isn’t a dealbreaker.

Popularity & Use Case

The Dewalt 20V chainsaw is popular with homeowners and DIY enthusiasts because of its lightweight design, battery-powered convenience, and versatility. It’s available from major retailers like Amazon for $159 and Home Depot, and it’s a go-to choice for people who want a reliable saw for small yard tasks without dealing with the hassle of gas-powered models.

Conclusion

The DeWalt 20V Max XR DCCS620 12-inch Chainsaw is an outstanding choice for anyone in need of a lightweight, user-friendly chainsaw for small to medium jobs. While it’s not designed for heavy-duty logging, it’s perfect for tasks like trimming branches, cutting small logs, or tackling light carpentry projects. The battery-powered convenience, combined with its compact cordless chainsaw design and tool-free adjustments, makes it an excellent tool for yard work and cleanup.

For jobs like pruning branches or clearing storm debris such as what I faced after Hurricane Milton this DeWalt cordless chainsaw proved its worth. It’s portable, easy to handle, and doesn’t demand the maintenance of a gas-powered alternative. If your needs are light to moderate, the DeWalt 12-inch chainsaw is a reliable and practical solution that gets the job done efficiently.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between DeWalt 20V Max and 20V Max XR?
   XR tools have longer runtime and better efficiency than standard 20V Max.
2. Can you use a 20 volt battery in a DeWalt chainsaw?
   Yes, DeWalt 20V batteries are compatible with 20V Max chainsaws.
3. What does XR mean on DeWalt 20 volt tools?
   XR stands for “eXtreme Runtime,” offering longer battery life and efficiency.
4. Can I use a DeWalt 20V Max in XR?
   Yes, 20V Max batteries can be used in XR tools, providing strong performance.
5. Is DeWalt XR better than brushless?
   DeWalt XR combines brushless motors with extended runtime for superior performance.
6. Which DeWalt 20V battery lasts the longest?
   The DeWalt 20V 10.0 Ah battery offers the longest runtime in their 20V line.

David Murray

Forestry Author

I'm David Murry, a forestry equipment specialist with a focus on chainsaw operation. With over 13 years of experience, I've honed my skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of machinery, from chainsaws to log splitters. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainable forestry drive my work, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and staying updated with industry advancements. Additionally, I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and promoting environmental awareness within the forestry community.