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Introducing the DeWalt 20 Volt XR 8-Inch Pruner
DeWalt has recently released a new pruning saw, the 20 volt XR 8-inch pruner, with the model number DCCS623. This kit comes complete with a 3 Amp hour battery and a charger that ends in L1. The design of DeWalt’s 8-inch pruner is very similar to other models in the market, but it brings some unique features that make it stand out from the rest.
Key Features of the DeWalt 8-Inch Pruner
The 8-inch pruning saw from DeWalt comes with a guard up front that allows the user to put their hand through for a comfortable and secure grip. It also has a variable speed trigger, a convenient location for the battery at the back, and an oil container on the left. There is a tensioner bolt on the right side, with the tensioner screw situated up front.
One distinctive element of this pruner is the additional guard on the top, which serves two purposes. Firstly, it prevents the user from accidentally hitting the end of the chain on another branch during the trimming process, thus reducing the risk of kickback. Secondly, it helps keep the chain out of the dirt when cutting near the ground, prolonging its sharpness.
Chain Speed and Performance
The DeWalt 8-inch pruner has an impressive chain speed of around 516 meters per minute, which translates to approximately 1692 feet per minute. This speed is quicker than many other pruning saws available on the market, and it allows for smooth cutting without the need for metal bucking spikes.
While using the pruning saw on birch and poplar, the performance remains consistently impressive, even without hard woods. However, the user may experience some issues with chips binding up inside the guard. This may lead to the saw stopping in the middle of a cut or facing difficulty starting up again. Clearing out the chips periodically should resolve this problem.
Battery Life and Run Time
The DeWalt 8-inch pruner comes with a 3 Amp hour battery, which provides an unexpectedly long run time. Users should not notice any difference in power even when switching to a 6 Amp hour battery. A 5 Amp hour battery might be the perfect fit for this tool, providing a good balance between run time and power output.
DeWalt claims that users can make around 70 cuts with the 3 Amp hour battery on a standard treated 4×4. Of course, this number will vary depending on what is being cut and the usage conditions. Overall, the battery life for this pruning saw is quite impressive.
Design and Ergonomics
The DeWalt 8-inch pruner has a comfortable grip and is easy to hold on to with either hand. It weighs 4.6 pounds as a bare tool, making it quite manageable to handle for extended periods. The rubber overmold on the handle ensures a secure grip even when wearing gloves. However, using gloves may pose some difficulty in accessing the safety button to activate the trigger.
One downside to this saw is the location of the tool for adjusting the chain tension. It is stored inside the shield covering the chain, meaning users may not have it readily available when needed. To access the tool, the shield needs to be unfolded, which is not ideal when out in the field.
General Impressions and User Experience
As a pruning saw, the DeWalt 8-inch model performs incredibly well. The fast chain speed allows for effortless cutting, while the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable user experience. The additional guard on the end of the saw may initially seem cumbersome, but it proves to be quite useful in practice.
For those planning to use this saw for pruning branches up to six inches in diameter, the DeWalt 8-inch pruner is an effective and reliable choice. However, more extensive cutting tasks may result in some issues with torque and the effectiveness of the guard at the end of the saw.
In conclusion, the DeWalt 8-inch pruning saw is a fantastic addition to any landscaping or gardening toolkit. Its unique design features, such as the additional guard on the end, may take some getting used to, but ultimately provide a safer and more efficient cutting experience. With impressive chain speed and battery life, this pruning saw is definitely worth considering for both experienced and novice users alike.
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I am only sorry that in my country it is not for sale and neither is it around
I use this almost every day. A quite, easy to use chainsaw- electric. After we use large saws to take down or prune we use this to remove limb sections and reduce wastes to fit in the truck. Easier to use for a quick saw rather than pull out the gas top handle model. It does a good job. Great for firewood processing also. 9/10 Rated.
I use my 6" and 8" "pruning" saws to cut fairly large branches and wood in my remote areas. They cut well. There is no need for that new guard.
Just used this saw for pruning and loved the way it performed. The guard can easily be removed and being able to cut with the tip of the saw is a need for me when trimming. No problem with kickback but this could be a problem for some. I did not have the right bit to remove the screws for the guard, but pliers worked just fine.
Definitely looks faster cutting than the m18
I bought one of these chainsaw and I feel that it is not oiling enough. I used the chainsaw 2x and never added bar oil, is this normal?
How do you change out the chain if you need a new one with that guard on the end? Do you have to get a whole new bar, chain, and guard piece?
I have one, got it right at release. Happy with it, it's light, fast, and been reliable. It's a single purpose saw for me, I use it to prune while chipping and being able to use it 1 handed is super valuable to me. It works well that way, feels controlled and gets the "Ys" and other crazy stuff that won't feed in the chipper down to size quickly. I actually cut some branches while they feed, certainly not something Dewalt would recommend, but that works well too. 😉
Must have tool.
I'm too lazy. I use my pole saw for stuff like this as I don't want to bend over.
Am I the only one that saw the black bear walk up and take a sniff??
I need something like this in my camper, ive also been viewing Milwaukee 12v pruning saw.
Very good review. Thank you for always being detailed. How would you compare it to the Milwaukee M12 6" pruning saw? Also have you tried the new Ryobi brushless 6" pruning saw?
where can i buy it?
I have this saw the pole saw and both chainsaws first time I used it loved it but as time went on the safety tip on that bar really hinders you!! So I bought another bar intended for the pole saw and it works on the pruning saw perfectly problem solved
Curious how the Dewalt compares to the new M18 8" pruning chainsaw. Thanks.
A 6 amp/hr battery does not give increased power, it extends the length of running time.
The safety stinks for left handed users
I have one ordered to carry in my SXS to clear the trail if needed. I also carry a Dewalt impact so that gives me two batteries. As far as the guard goes, I will remove it as soon as I get it- the guard is for the city-idiots..
Try a flexvolt it helps a lil
Dewalt saws are junk stupid people rule 🙄
Lose the tip guard. Junk n in the way. For noobs.
I mostly use small saws for cutting saplings off at ground level. The guard looks like it would help prevent catching a rock at the blade tip. Also if you are pruning, less chance of nicking the trunk or good branch. I have the 12" but this model intrigues me.
That tip has another purpose, it can clip onto your purse