What should I do if the chain came off my Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT Cordless Chain Saw?

If the chain has come off your Makita XCU11Z, it is typically due to incorrect chain tension or a worn guide bar/chain. Follow these steps to reinstall and secure it: Safety First: Ensure the...

Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT Cordless 14-inch Chain Saw User Manual

Important Safety Information

Always read and understand all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye protection, hearing protection, head protection, gloves, and safety footwear.
Ensure the work area is clear of bystanders, especially children and pets.
Do not operate the chain saw in wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
Always maintain a firm grip with both hands on the chain saw handles.
Be aware of kickback and how to avoid it.
Disconnect the battery pack before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool.

Product Overview

The Makita XCU11Z is an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14-inch Chain Saw designed for cutting and trimming applications. It features a compact design and a powerful brushless motor.

Figure 1: Overall view of the Makita XCU11Z 14-inch Cordless Chain Saw, showing the main body, guide bar, and chain.

Key Components:

Guide Bar: Supports and guides the saw chain.
Saw Chain: The cutting element of the chain saw.
Front Hand Guard/Chain Brake: Protects the operator's hand and stops the chain in case of kickback.
Rear Handle: Main grip for operating the saw.
Trigger Switch: Activates the motor.
Lock-off Button: Prevents accidental starting.
Oil Filling Port: For adding chain lubricant.
Tool-less Chain Adjustment Knob: For tensioning the chain without additional tools.
Battery Compartment: Houses the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery (sold separately).

Setup

1. Battery Installation

Ensure the battery is fully charged before use. The chain saw operates with one 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery.

Align the battery pack with the battery housing on the tool.
Slide the battery into the housing until it locks into place with a click.
To remove, press the release button on the battery and pull it out.

Figure 2: Proper insertion of the 18V LXT battery into the chain saw's battery compartment.

2. Guide Bar and Chain Installation

Refer to the included components: 14" Saw Chain (E-00228) and 14" Guide Bar (E-00072).

Ensure the battery is removed.
Remove the chain cover by loosening the adjustment knob.
Place the chain around the sprocket and guide bar, ensuring the cutting edges face forward on the top side of the bar.
Fit the guide bar onto the mounting studs and align the chain with the groove in the guide bar.
Replace the chain cover and hand-tighten the adjustment knob.

3. Chain Tension Adjustment

Correct chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient operation. The XCU11Z features tool-less chain adjustment.

With the chain cover hand-tightened, rotate the adjustment knob clockwise to increase tension or counter-clockwise to decrease tension.
The chain should be snug against the guide bar, but still able to be pulled freely by hand. There should be no slack on the underside of the guide bar.
Once tension is set, fully tighten the adjustment knob.

Tool-less Chain Adjustment on Makita Chain Saw

Figure 3: Adjusting chain tension using the tool-less adjustment knob.

4. Filling Chain Oil

Proper lubrication is essential for chain and bar longevity and cutting performance. Use only high-quality chain saw bar oil.

Ensure the chain saw is on a level surface and the battery is removed.
Unscrew the oil tank cap located on the side of the chain saw.
Carefully pour chain saw bar oil into the tank, monitoring the oil level through the viewing window.
Do not overfill. Replace the cap securely.

Figure 4: The oil filling port with a clear viewing window for monitoring lubricant levels.

Operating Instructions

1. Starting the Chain Saw

Before starting, ensure all safety checks are complete, including chain tension and oil level.

Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.
Engage the lock-off button with your thumb.
Squeeze the trigger switch to start the motor. Release the lock-off button once the motor starts.
To stop, release the trigger switch.

Makita Chain Saw Trigger and Lock-off Button

Figure 5: Location of the trigger switch and lock-off button for starting the chain saw.

2. Chain Brake Operation

The chain brake is a critical safety feature designed to stop the chain rapidly in case of kickback.

Engaging: Push the front hand guard forward until it clicks into place. The chain will stop immediately.
Disengaging: Pull the front hand guard back towards the handle until it clicks. The chain is now ready to operate.
Always check the chain brake function before each use.

Makita Chain Saw Front Hand Guard and Chain Brake

Figure 6: The front hand guard, which also functions as the chain brake, shown in the operating position.

3. Cutting Techniques

Always plan your cut, ensure a stable stance, and be aware of falling debris.

Limbing: Remove smaller branches from a fallen tree. Work from the bottom up, cutting branches that are not under tension.
Bucking: Cutting a fallen log into shorter sections. Use wedges if necessary to prevent pinching the guide bar.
Avoid cutting with the tip of the guide bar to prevent kickback.
Maintain a clear work area and escape path.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your chain saw. Always disconnect the battery before performing any maintenance.

1. Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Dull chains can cause the saw to bind and increase the risk of kickback.

Sharpen the chain regularly using a round file of the correct diameter (refer to chain specifications).
Maintain consistent angles for all cutters.
If unsure, have the chain professionally sharpened.

2. Guide Bar Maintenance

Inspect the guide bar for wear, burrs, and damage.

Clean the guide bar groove regularly to remove sawdust and debris.
Remove any burrs from the guide bar rails with a flat file.
Periodically flip the guide bar to ensure even wear.

3. Cleaning and Storage

After each use, clean the chain saw and store it properly.

Remove the battery.
Clean the entire chain saw, especially the chain, guide bar, and air vents, with a brush or compressed air.
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth.
Apply the chain saw bar cover (413G23-5) to the guide bar for protection during storage.
Store the chain saw in a dry, secure location out of reach of children.
Do not store with a battery inserted.

Figure 7: The chain saw bar cover installed for safe storage and transport.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Makita XCU11Z chain saw.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Chain saw does not start	Battery not inserted correctly or discharged; Lock-off button not engaged; Chain brake engaged.	Ensure battery is fully charged and properly inserted. Engage lock-off button before pressing trigger. Disengage chain brake.
Chain stops during operation	Chain brake engaged; Battery low; Overload protection activated.	Disengage chain brake. Replace or recharge battery. Reduce cutting pressure.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain; Incorrect chain tension; Insufficient chain oil.	Sharpen or replace chain. Adjust chain tension. Refill chain oil reservoir.
Chain jumps off guide bar	Incorrect chain tension; Worn guide bar or chain.	Adjust chain tension. Inspect guide bar and chain for wear and replace if necessary.

Specifications

Technical specifications for the Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT Cordless 14-inch Chain Saw.

Model: XCU11Z
Power Source: Battery Powered
Voltage: 18 Volts
Guide Bar Length: 14 inches
Chain Type: 3/8” LP, .043” (E-00228)
Chain Speed: 0-1,520 FPM (Feet Per Minute)
Item Weight: Approximately 9.98 pounds (without battery)
Product Dimensions: 21.61 x 9.06 x 13.78 inches
Batteries Included: No (Tool Only)
Compatible Batteries: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries with Star Protection
Included Components: 14" Saw Chain, 14" Guide Bar, Chain Saw Bar Cover

Warranty and Support

Makita products are manufactured under strict quality control. For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the official Makita website or contact customer service.

Warranty: Consult your purchase documentation or the official Makita website for specific warranty terms and conditions.
Service and Repair: For service or repair, contact a Makita Factory Service Center or an Authorized Service Center.
Customer Support: For questions regarding your Makita product, including battery compatibility or performance issues, you may call (800)4-MAKITA.

Important Battery Information:

Using non-genuine ("knock-off") Makita Lithium-Ion batteries may cause the battery to burst, resulting in fires, personal injuries, or property damage. Makita U.S.A., Inc. notifies tool users of these hazards and risks. Always use genuine Makita batteries.