2 Best 18V Battery Chainsaws Australia – Makita DUC254 vs DeWalt DCM565 Compared

Branches overhanging the driveway after a southerly, a mango limb that needs tidying before cyclone season, or weekend pruning on lilly pillies—this is where compact 18V saws shine. Below is a straight, real‑world comparison to help you decide between Makita’s DUC254 (top‑handle) and DeWalt’s DCM565 (rear‑handle) for Australian yards and tradies.

Want broader picks? See our Battery Chainsaws Buyer’s Guide or step up in bar size with Makita 40V vs DeWalt 54V.

Quick Picks

• Best Overall: Makita DUC254 18V – Lighter, highly controllable top‑handle that rips through pruning and lopping fast.
• Best Value: DeWalt DCM565 18V – Rear‑handle ergonomics, 12” capacity and typically sharper kit pricing for homeowners.
• Best for Beginners: DeWalt DCM565 18V – Familiar rear‑handle layout and straightforward chain tensioning.

Makita DUC254Z 18V Brushless Top Handle Chainsaw 10inch. Tool Skin Only, No Battery, No Charger

$345 on Amazon

DeWalt 18V XR Li-Ion Chainsaw

$234.95 on Amazon

Makita DUC254 vs DeWalt DCM565: Key Differences

Makita DUC254 18V – Real‑World Review

Why it stands out

The DUC254 feels purpose‑built for fast, accurate pruning. The top‑handle layout keeps your grip close to the cut for excellent control when you’re shaping hedges, reducing branches, or cutting fruit‑tree water shoots. It’s compact in the palm, spins up quickly, and rewards confident, clean technique—exactly what you want when you’re moving cut‑to‑cut along a hedge line.

Real‑world use case

On a Saturday tidy‑up of a mature lilly pilly screen, the Makita makes short work of thumb‑to‑wrist‑thick branches, leaving tidy faces that heal well. It’s also very handy for ladder work (trained users only) and clearing storm‑snapped limbs where you need to be precise rather than brute‑force.

Pros

• Top‑handle balance for close, controlled pruning in tight spots
• Fast cutting feel that helps reduce time on the ladder
• Compact body suits all‑day trimming without wrist fatigue
• Great upgrade if you’re already on Makita 18V LXT batteries

Cons

• Shorter bar limits cross‑cutting on thicker logs
• Top‑handle format is best for experienced users; beginners may prefer rear‑handle

Best for

Homeowners who do regular pruning, landscapers maintaining formal hedges, and tradies who value speed and accuracy over outright capacity.

Who should avoid

If most of your work is ground‑level cleanup, cutting small firewood, or you’re newer to chainsaws, a rear‑handle like the DeWalt DCM565 will feel more natural and forgiving.

DeWalt DCM565 18V – Real‑World Review

Why it stands out

The DCM565 is the friendly all‑rounder. The rear‑handle layout is intuitive if you’ve used petrol homeowner saws before. The 12” capacity gives you a little extra reach for storm debris and light firewood, and it pairs well with DeWalt’s widespread 18V XR platform many Aussies already own.

Real‑world use case

After a windy night, the DeWalt is the one you grab to buck branches for the green bin, trim palm fronds, and slice up a small jacaranda limb. It’s also a comfortable choice for an hour of backyard work without feeling fiddly.

Pros

• Approachable rear‑handle ergonomics for most users
• 12” capacity suits general yard cleanup and light firewood
• Good value in kit form if you’re starting from scratch
• Plays nicely if you already run DeWalt 18V XR batteries

Cons

• Less nimble in tight canopy work than a top‑handle
• Not the fastest cutter for rapid‑fire pruning passes

Best for

DIYers and homeowners who want one saw to cover pruning, storm cleanup, and occasional firewood cuts without stepping up to 40/54V.

Who should avoid

If your work is mostly precision pruning or you regularly cut at awkward angles, the Makita DUC254’s top‑handle control will save time and faff.

Which One Should You Buy in Australia?

• Choose Makita DUC254 if you prioritise fast, controlled pruning, work in tight canopies, or already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and a rapid charger.
• Choose DeWalt DCM565 if you want a familiar rear‑handle feel, slightly larger capacity, and strong value as a starter kit.

For tougher Aussie hardwood branches, both benefit from a sharp, low‑kickback chain and letting the saw cut at its own pace rather than muscling it. If you routinely tackle thicker logs or want longer bars, step up to higher‑voltage platforms: see our Makita 40V vs DeWalt 54V chainsaws.

Runtime, Batteries and Smart Upgrades

Battery capacity is your runtime. A single 5.0Ah pack is fine for quick jobs; a pair of 5.0–6.0Ah packs and a rapid charger keep you moving—cut, swap, charge, repeat. That’s the easiest way to increase productivity without changing saws.

Makita BL1850B 18V LXT 5.0Ah Li-ion Battery (Genuine, Plain Packaging)

$134 on Amazon

DeWalt DCB184-XE 18V XR 5.0Ah Li-ion Battery

$95 on Amazon

Makita DC18RD 18V Lithium-Ion Dual Port Rapid Optimum Charger

$139 on Amazon

Need reach for overhead limbs? Pair your 18V chainsaw with a purpose‑built pole saw instead of stretching: see our Battery Pole Saws Guide. For compact cuts at arm’s length, check Cordless Pruning Saws or Mini Chainsaws.

Set‑Up and Maintenance for Aussie Conditions

• Bar/chain oil: Keep the reservoir topped before each session—summer heat dries fast.
• Chain tension: Re‑check after the first few cuts; a new chain will bed‑in quickly in warm weather.
• Sharpness: Touch up often if you’re cutting coastal hardwoods or gritty storm debris.
• Safety: Gloves, eye protection, chaps if appropriate; avoid overhead cutting without a pole saw.
• Storage: Wipe down and store batteries cool and dry—don’t leave the saw baking in the ute.

FAQs

Is a top‑handle chainsaw like the Makita DUC254 okay for beginners?

Top‑handles are designed for trained users who value compact control in tight spaces. If you’re new, a rear‑handle like the DeWalt DCM565 is easier to learn safely.

Which has better runtime, Makita DUC254 or DeWalt DCM565?

Runtime depends more on your battery capacity, wood type, and chain sharpness than the saw alone. Two 5.0–6.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger are the best upgrade.

Will either saw handle Australian hardwood branches?

Yes within their size range. Use a sharp, appropriate chain and let the saw cut without forcing it. For frequent thicker hardwood, consider stepping up to 40V/54V systems.

Can I use my existing Makita or DeWalt 18V batteries?

Stick to the same brand platform—Makita 18V LXT batteries for the DUC254 and DeWalt 18V XR batteries for the DCM565. They are not cross‑compatible.

Do I need a pole saw as well?

If you often cut overhead or beyond comfortable reach, yes. It’s safer and more effective than stretching with a compact chainsaw.

What bar length should I choose?

Makita DUC254 is tuned for precise pruning with a compact bar; DeWalt DCM565 offers a bit more reach. Choose based on the typical branch diameter you cut.

How do these compare to 40V/54V chainsaws?

Higher‑voltage saws add bar length and torque for heavier work but cost more and weigh more. See our comparison of Makita 40V vs DeWalt 54V.

Do they need special chains for green wood?

A low‑kickback, correctly sized chain works well for green pruning. Keep it sharp and clean—grit from storm debris will dull any chain quickly.

Bottom Line

Pick the Makita DUC254 if you value nimble, accurate pruning and already run Makita 18V. Choose the DeWalt DCM565 if you want an easygoing rear‑handle all‑rounder with solid value. To cover more tasks without changing saws, add spare batteries and a rapid charger. If your jobs are getting bigger each season, step up confidently to 40/54V—our higher‑voltage guide explains where the extra spend pays off.