Makita has launched a twin 18V brushless motor chainsaw it reckons will comfortably match the logging performance of similar-sized petrol-powered saws. 

Rated output is 1,100W – the equivalent of a 32cc petrol version – and it comes fitted with the same 35cm length bar and a chain speed of 20m/s.

The company has also conducted trials suggesting two fully charged 5.0Ah batteries will deliver more than 60 cuts through 5in diameter timber, which adds up to at least seven linear metres of cutting per charge.

See also: Electric chainsaws on test

At the same time, the DUC353Z brings zero emissions, super-quiet operation and weighs 5.2kg, which is less than the 5.6kg of a fully fuelled petrol.

Other spec details include a soft-grip handle, variable speed trigger and constant speed control, automatic electric-chain brake on trigger release, kickback brake protection and a lock-off lever.

The 200ml chain oil tank has adjustable flow through the pump with metal gears to the automatic chain lube system and Makita’s tool-free tensioning system is also part of the package.