DeWalt Cordless Chainsaw Review: Is It Worth It
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A DeWalt cordless chainsaw is a battery-powered saw that runs on DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, usually two of them at once. The saw most people searching this phrase want is a 16-inch, brushless model that fits the battery packs they already own. The best-documented option in this group is a 16-inch 40V brushless chainsaw from the brand pyrcruax. Its listing says it is built for DeWALT 20V MAX batteries, ships as a bare tool, and includes a bar, two chains and a sheath. It is not a DeWalt-branded saw, so the decision rests on the listing details below rather than on the DeWalt name.
Quick answer
- The listing describes a 16-inch bar and chain, a brushless motor, and 2 hp, running on two DeWalt 20V MAX packs for 40V.
- Batteries and charger are not included. The listing recommends 4.0Ah packs or higher and says 2.0Ah is not recommended.
- It has an automatic oiler, tool-free chain tensioning, an instant-stop chain brake and a trigger safety lock.
- Buy it if you already own two DeWalt 20V MAX packs and want a 16-inch saw for firewood, storm cleanup and yard work. Look elsewhere if you need a DeWalt-branded tool or a saw that ships with batteries.
What this review covers
This review looks at one saw in depth: the 16-inch 40V brushless cordless chainsaw listed under the brand pyrcruax, with the listing title “for DeWALT 20V MAX (Bare Tool)”. Every spec below comes from that listing’s bullet points or its specification table. Where the listing is silent, this review says so. Two close alternatives from the same search are covered near the end, along with a DeWalt-branded 20V saw with a much shorter listing.
Power and battery setup
The listing states that the saw runs on two DeWalt 20V MAX batteries together to make a 40V system. It describes a 2 hp brushless motor, a maximum output power of 1500W, and a chain speed of 52 FT/S. The listing says the saw can handle logs from 12 to 16 inches, which matches the 16-inch maximum cut diameter in its specs.
Battery choice matters more than most buyers expect. The listing says that for best runtime and cutting power, use 4.0Ah or higher, and it says 2.0Ah packs are not recommended. It also gives a runtime figure: up to 64 cuts on 6 by 6 lumber per charge with a 20V x 2 4.0Ah setup. That number comes from the seller, not from an independent test, so treat it as a listing claim. If your packs are 2.0Ah, expect a shorter working session, and plan on a second set of 4.0Ah or larger packs before heavy use.
The battery type in the specs is lithium ion, and the listing lists the batteries and charger as not included. Check that your existing DeWalt packs are 20V MAX before you order, because the listing does not cover older or other battery lines.
Bar, chain and cutting capacity
The package includes a 16-inch guide bar, two 16-inch chains and a bar sheath cover. The chain is listed as 3/8 inch low profile pitch with a .043 inch gauge and 56 or 57 drive links. The listing says the saw suits wood up to 16 inches in diameter. The guide bar and chain are the parts you will replace most often, so having a spare chain in the box is useful.
The listing also states that the bar mount is reinforced and that the chain is premium. It does not name a chain brand, and it does not give a sharpening interval or a bar length beyond 16 inches. If you plan to cut larger timber, check the maximum cut diameter in the specs before you commit.
Oiling, tensioning and bar care
The automatic oiler is one of the listing’s main selling points. The bullet points say the enlarged reservoir supports up to 20 minutes of operation per fill. That is a useful figure for judging how often you will stop to refill. Keep the oil reservoir topped up before each session, and check the chain for oil flow during the first cuts of the day.
Chain tensioning is tool-free according to the listing. A loose chain is a common cause of poor cuts and early wear, so check tension before each use and adjust it as the chain warms up. The listing says the tensioning is quick, which matters most if you move between cuts often.
Safety features
The listing names three safety features: an instant-stop chain brake, a trigger safety lock and low-kickback chain geometry. It says these together give stable and controlled cutting, and it specifically mentions homeowners. Those features reduce some risks, but they do not replace good habits. Wear eye and hearing protection, cut with both hands on the saw, keep the bar tip clear of the ground, and never cut above shoulder height. If you are unsure how to fell or limb a tree, hire a certified arborist, because the listing does not cover those techniques.
Keep the battery off the saw while you clean the bar and chain, and remove the battery before changing a chain. These steps are standard practice for any battery chainsaw.
Who this saw suits
The listing points to yard maintenance, property cleanup and heavy-duty cutting. It describes storm-fallen trees, firewood and general cleanup. Those are sensible uses for a 16-inch 2 hp battery saw, and they match the cut diameter in the specs. The saw is not described as a professional or commercial tool. If you cut all day, every day, check whether the battery count and runtime fit your work.
It also suits someone who wants to avoid mixing fuel and oil. The listing emphasizes zero fumes and no gas, and an electric saw is quieter and simpler to start. Keep in mind that this saw still needs a bar and chain cared for, and the battery charge is the limit on how long you can cut.
Close alternatives from the same search
Two other 16-inch saws in the pack are worth a look. The first is listed under the brand Paxwrenx. Its title says it is a 16-inch 40V cordless chainsaw for DeWalt 20V Max, bare tool only. Its bullets describe a 2 hp brushless motor, an Oregon 16-inch bar and chain, tool-free tensioning, an automatic oiling system with up to 20 minutes per fill, two speed settings, and an instant-stop chain brake with a dual-trigger safety lockout. The listing states 1-year replacement, a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.
The second alternative is listed under the brand ReliaRoads. Its listing gives a chain speed of 54 FT/S, a 2 hp brushless motor, tool-free tensioning and auto-oiling. It includes two 16-inch chains and a compact oil bottle, and it names a 2-year warranty. Its batteries and charger are not included. Like the pyrcruax saw, it needs two 20V MAX packs for the 40V system.
If you want a DeWalt-branded saw, the pack includes a DEWALT 20V MAX 12-inch cordless chainsaw, model DCCS621B, sold as a tool only. Its listing is short. It states a 12-inch chain length, 0.7 hp, and an included sheath, and it gives the manufacturer warranty in general terms. It does not describe the bar, oiler or safety features in detail, so compare it with the larger saws above before buying.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying without checking your battery size. A 2.0Ah pack is not recommended by the listing.
- Assuming the saw is DeWalt-branded. The listing brand is pyrcruax.
- Skipping the oil check. The automatic oiler helps, but the reservoir still needs filling.
- Letting the chain run loose. Adjust tension when the chain is cold and check it again after the first cuts.
- Cutting wood larger than the listing states. The maximum cut diameter in the specs is 16 inches.
Specs at a glance
| Feature | What the listing states |
|---|---|
| Bar length | 16 inches |
| Motor | Brushless, 2 hp, maximum output 1500W |
| Voltage | 40V (two 20V MAX batteries) |
| Chain speed | 52 FT/S |
| Chain pitch and gauge | 3/8 in. pitch, .043 gauge |
| Maximum cut diameter | 16 in. |
| Oiler | Automatic, up to 20 minutes per fill |
| Weight | 4.77 kg |
| Batteries and charger | Not included |
FAQ
Does this chainsaw come with batteries?
No. The listing says the battery and charger are not included. It names DeWalt 20V MAX packs as the compatible battery type and recommends 4.0Ah or higher. Plan to use two packs you already own, or buy them separately.
Is this a DeWalt chainsaw?
The listing brand is pyrcruax. The title says it is for DeWALT 20V MAX batteries, which describes the battery platform, not the manufacturer. If you want a DeWalt-branded saw, the pack includes a 12-inch DCCS621B model, which has a much shorter listing.
How big a tree can it cut?
The listing gives a maximum cut diameter of 16 inches and says the saw handles logs from 12 to 16 inches. That is a guideline from the listing. Cut only what you can control, and never cut above shoulder height.
How long does a charge last?
The listing says up to 64 cuts on 6 by 6 lumber per charge with a 20V x 2 4.0Ah setup. That is a seller figure, and results will vary with wood type, bar condition and battery age.
What is the difference between this saw and the Paxwrenx and ReliaRoads options?
All three are 16-inch, 2 hp, bare-tool saws that run on two DeWalt 20V MAX packs. The pyrcruax listing gives 52 FT/S chain speed and a 1500W maximum output. The Paxwrenx listing adds two speed settings and an Oregon bar and chain. The ReliaRoads listing gives 54 FT/S and includes two chains. Compare warranty and included parts before choosing.
Bottom line
If you already own two DeWalt 20V MAX batteries of 4.0Ah or larger and need a 16-inch saw for firewood, storm cleanup and yard work, this 40V brushless pyrcruax saw is a sensible match on paper. Its listing gives you the bar, chains, oiler, tensioning and safety features you need. If you need a battery and charger in the box, or a DeWalt-branded tool, choose a different listing.
For more on keeping a chainsaw in good shape, see Best Electric Chainsaw Sharpener: Nine Bench, Kit and Cordless Models Compared and Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers for DeWalt 20V Batteries.
