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 tool that could get the cleanup done quickly and easily. I went with the Dewalt 20 Volt Max XR DCCS620 12-inch Chainsaw a Dewalt cordless chainsaw that’s great for handling light to medium yard work. This saw was exactly what I needed for the task, and here’s why.

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 best things about this chainsaw is its lightweight design. At just 8.8 pounds, it’s easy to handle and maneuver, even for extended periods. I’ve used heavier gas-powered chainsaws in the past, and this one felt like a breath of fresh air in comparison. Whether you’re trimming branches or cutting up fallen limbs, the size makes it ideal for smaller jobs where a larger saw would feel cumbersome.

Battery/Power Details & Tips

The saw runs on Dewalt’s 20V Max batteries, which are compatible across many of their tools. I used a 5.0 Ah battery, which gave me a solid 30-45 minutes of cutting before needing a recharge. For longer, tougher jobs, I swapped in a 60V FlexVolt battery, which provided more cutting power and a longer runtime.

What’s interesting is that the chainsaw will even work with smaller 1.5 Ah batteries, though I wouldn’t recommend them for anything beyond quick, light cuts. Using a bigger battery, like the 60V, definitely improves the saw’s power and longevity, making it more versatile for various tasks.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare battery handy if you’re working on larger projects or cleaning up storm debris like I was. The smaller batteries can run out quickly, especially if you’re cutting thicker wood.

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

The 550W brushless motor provides plenty of power for light to medium tasks. I used it to cut through branches as thick as 6-8 inches in diameter, and it handled them well. Anything larger than that might be too much for the saw, but for yard work, it performed just fine.

While the chainsaw is great for most small tasks, I wouldn’t recommend it for cutting logs close to the 12-inch limit. For bigger or harder wood, you’ll find it struggles a bit, which is expected from a cordless saw of this size. If you’re regularly cutting larger logs, you may want a gas-powered option, but for typical yard work, this saw performs admirably.

Battery Life & Durability

With the 5.0 Ah battery, I got about 45 minutes of intermittent cutting before needing to recharge. The 60V FlexVolt battery improved that runtime and gave the motor a little more kick, making it my go-to for bigger jobs. The chainsaw held up well during several hours of work, though it did tend to leak oil when not in use. That’s not unusual for chainsaws, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Tip: Either drain the oil after you’re done or store the saw on a surface where the leaks won’t cause any damage.

Handling & Balance

This saw is very easy to control. Its well-balanced design ensures that you can work for long periods without feeling fatigued. The low kickback bar and chain help make it safer to use, though I did notice that the saw can still be a little prone to kickback when starting a cut, especially on tougher, thicker wood. It’s something to be mindful of, but it’s not a dealbreaker if you’re careful.

Drawbacks

• Oil leakage: The chainsaw tends to leak oil when stored, so you’ll need to either drain the oil after use or store it in a place where any spills won’t be a problem.
• Kickback: The chainsaw can sometimes experience kickback, especially when starting a cut on thicker wood. It’s manageable but worth noting.

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 20 Volt Max XR DCCS620 12-inch Chainsaw is an excellent option for anyone looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use chainsaw for small to medium jobs. It’s not built for heavy-duty logging, but for tasks like trimming branches, cutting small logs, or tackling light carpentry, it performs beautifully. With battery-powered convenience, lightweight design, and tool-free adjustments, it’s a great choice for yard work.

If you need a saw for pruning branches or removing storm debris after something like Hurricane Milton, this Dewalt cordless chainsaw is up to the task. It’s easy to handle, portable, and doesn’t require the maintenance of gas chainsaws. For light to moderate jobs, the Dewalt 12 inch chainsaw is definitely worth considering.

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.