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Makita
XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)
$379.99
Best Chainsaws · head-to-head
XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) vs CS-400
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) is cheaper at $379.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Echo
CS-400
—
Which is better: the XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) or CS-400?
The XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) | CS-400 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $379.99 | — |
| Brand | Makita | Echo |
| Released | — | — |
| Power source | battery | gas |
| Bar length (in) | 16 | 18 |
| Engine cc or voltage | 36 V (2x18 V) | 40.2 cc |
| Weight (lb) | 8.3 | 10.1 |
| Anti vibration | Yes | Yes |
| Tool less chain tensioning | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic oiler | Yes | Yes |
| Release | — | — |
Sources — XCU04 (18V X2 LXT): makitatools.com (verified 2026-06-19). CS-400: echo-usa.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) and CS-400?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Power source: XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) battery vs CS-400 gas
- Bar length (in): XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 16 vs CS-400 18
- Engine cc or voltage: XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 36 V (2x18 V) vs CS-400 40.2 cc
- Weight (lb): XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 8.3 vs CS-400 10.1
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)
Only one whitelisted outlet, Pro Tool Reviews, covers the exact XCU04, and its piece is a spec-driven first look rather than a lab test, with no measured cut times or noise. It frames the 36V dual-18V saw as a quiet, low-maintenance gas alternative weighing 11.5 lbs. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Positioned as a quiet, emission-free alternative with power rivaling a 32cc gas chainsaw; Manageable 11.5 lb weight even with both 18V batteries attached; Lower maintenance than gas: no spark plug, engine oil, or air filter.
CS-400
Only one whitelisted tester, Pro Tool Reviews, published a genuine hands-on field test of the exact Echo CS-400 18-inch; other coverage (Consumer Reports, enthusiast blogs) fell off-whitelist and was excluded. Two professional tree-trimmers rated performance 9/10, praising the tool's perfect balance, easy two-pull i-30 starting and butter-smooth cutting through a palm stump, decking and small trees. The flags are loud ~107 dB full-throttle operation that demands hearing protection, a Value score of only 7/10 on price, and the tester's own caveat that long-term reliability was not assessed. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Near-perfect balance and ergonomics with the standard 18-inch bar; Very easy starting via i-30 system, typically two quick pulls; Strong cutting power through palm stump, decking and small trees.
Flagged: Very loud at full throttle (~107 dB); hearing protection required; Long-term reliability not assessed by the tester; Priced higher by the numbers than some rivals (Value scored 7/10).