As others have said, it's the battery universe you live in. I live in the 20v DeWalt universe, so that's what I buy.

quote:

Originally posted by orion5:
I have the dewalt. If people would read the owners manual, it states to drain the bar oil after each use. Thus the leak. It is powerful and does the job well.

o5

I've toyed with the idea of a battery chain saw for the slightly bigger stuff that falls in the yard or larger trimming. Since I have several DeWalt batteries and tools, I take this as good news.

I'm not familiar with either (I do have a battery Stihl but that was not in the question) but the DeWalt's seemingly excessive bar oil leak would really bother me and Makita makes good products so I'd lean that way.
But if there is a chance that you may be interested in other battery yard tools in the future I'd factor that in. I know your current small battery brand of drills, etc. won't enter in your decision but this battery tool purchase will probably dictate what brand yard tools you may buy in the future, say leaf blower, edger, hedge trimmer, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by orion5:
I have the dewalt. If people would read the owners manual, it states to drain the bar oil after each use. Thus the leak. It is powerful and does the job well.

o5

Good comment.
It got me thinking that I could probably check the manuals for both saws online.
It looks like if I want the PDF of the DeWalt, I have to buy it.
So I will take your word that it says to drain the oil tank for storage.
I did download the Makita manual. It says the same thing!

I will see if I can find some product reviews of the Mikita online, then buy one or the other.