Key Features
Long Reach, Less Ladder TimeThe shaft adjusts from 6 ft. to 9 ft. for up to 14 ft. of total reach, so you can trim high branches from the ground instead of dragging a ladder around the yard. Articulating Pole Saw ControlNine angle settings across a 120b0 working range make it easier to line up cleaner cuts on awkward limbs without fighting the tool. Brushless LXT ConvenienceThe brushless motor gives you fast cutting speed, while the 18V LXT cordless platform means no gas mixing, less maintenance, and quick startup when you need to make a few cuts and move on.
Overview
The Makita XAU03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 8 Inch Extendable Articulating Pole Saw is built for trimming overhead branches without the noise, maintenance, and fuel hassle of a gas unit. This is a pole saw designed for pruning and branch cutting in hard-to-reach areas. Model Number: XAU03Z. If you already run Makita 18V LXT batteries, this bare tool gives you a practical way to handle tree maintenance, cleanup, and property work while staying on the same battery platform.
What matters most here is reach and cutting control. The split shaft adjusts from 6 ft. to 9 ft., giving the tool up to 14 ft. of total reach for overhead work. That means you can stay on the ground for a lot of trimming jobs that would otherwise push you toward a ladder. On top of that, the articulating head has 9 angle settings with 120b0 of working range, which helps when you need to cut limbs growing at odd angles or tucked over fences, hedges, and rooflines.
The cutting setup is sized right for limb work, not overbuilt and not underpowered. Makita includes an 8 inch sprocket nose guide bar along with a .325 inch low profile pitch, .043 inch gauge chain. The brushless motor drives chain speed up to 1,320 feet per minute, which is what gives this cordless pole saw its quick, clean cutting feel on typical pruning material. Makita also states it can deliver up to 500 cuts in 2×2 cedar with a fully charged 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery, so it is a realistic option for longer cleanup sessions, not just a couple quick snips.
Makita also got the day-to-day details right. Tool-free chain adjustment makes it easier to dial chain tension back in without hunting for extra tools. The automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated during use, and the translucent oil tank with a large opening makes refill checks simpler. There is also a branch hook built in, which is genuinely useful when you need to pull down cut limbs that hang up instead of falling clear.
For outdoor equipment, durability matters as much as cutting speed. This pole saw uses Makita Extreme Protection Technology, which is designed to improve operation in dusty and damp conditions by helping keep water and dust away from key internal components. The soft grip handle also helps when you are reaching out at different heights and angles, especially during repeated trimming passes around a yard or jobsite.
From a system standpoint, this tool fits directly into the Makita 18V LXT platform and works with Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, including batteries with the Star Protection system. That is a big deal for current Makita users because you can add dedicated tree-trimming capability without buying into another cordless platform. Batteries and charger are not included, so this version makes the most sense for users who already own compatible Makita 18V LXT packs and chargers.
Who is it for? Homeowners with mature trees, landscapers handling light pruning, maintenance crews, and contractors who need a cordless pruning saw for occasional site cleanup will get the most out of it. If you need a light, battery-powered pole saw for routine branch cutting and overhead trimming, the Makita XAU03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 8 Inch Extendable Articulating Pole Saw hits a sweet spot between reach, control, and low-maintenance convenience.
Reach Higher Without Fighting the Cut
This Makita pole saw is set up for the real headache in tree work: getting clean access to overhead limbs without dragging out a bigger gas tool or climbing for every cut.
- Adjustable shaft extends from 6 ft. to 9 ft. for up to 14 ft. of reach
- 9 head positions across a 120b0 range help line up better cuts on awkward branches
- Branch hook helps pull down trimmed limbs that catch in the canopy
What’s in the Box
- (1) Makita XAU03Z pole saw power head and shaft assembly
- (1) 8 in. sprocket nose guide bar
- (1) .325 in. low profile pitch, .043 in. gauge chain
Battery and charger are not included.
Key Specifications
| Voltage (V) | 18V |
|---|---|
| Battery Platform | Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Guide Bar Length | 8 in. |
| Chain Pitch | .325 in. low profile |
| Chain Gauge | .043 in. |
| Chain Speed | 1,320 FPM |
| Adjustable Length | 6 ft. to 9 ft. |
| Total Reach | Up to 14 ft. |
| Head Positions | 9 angle settings |
| Working Range | 120b0 |
| Power Source | Cordless |
Compatibility
Battery Platform Works on the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery system. Battery Protection System Can be powered by Makita 18V LXT batteries with the star symbol indicating Star Protection. Cutting Components Uses an 8 in. guide bar with a .325 in. low profile pitch, .043 in. gauge chain.
Built For
Tree TrimmingProperty MaintenanceLandscapingStorm CleanupOverhead Branch PruningHomeowner Yard CareMaintenance CrewsLight Arbor Work
Pro Tip
Before you fully extend the shaft, set the head angle for the branch you are targeting. It is easier to balance the tool and make a cleaner cut when you dial in the angle first, then extend only as much length as the job actually needs.
Warranty & Support
3-year limited warranty.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
Makita XAU03Z 18V LXT Pole Saw That Actually Solves the Awkward-Cut Problem
This is the kind of cordless pole saw that makes a lot of sense for anyone already on Makita LXT and tired of wrestling with gas for routine trimming.
- Who it’s for: Makita users doing regular property maintenance, light landscaping, and overhead pruning where reach and control matter more than brute-force tree removal.
- Why it stands out: The adjustable shaft, articulating head, brushless motor, and tool-free chain adjustment make it easier to get into weird branch angles without turning a simple trimming job into a project.
- Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so you need your own 18V LXT battery and charger. It is a smart buy if you already own them, less so if you are starting from scratch.
Common Questions
- Is this a gas or battery-powered pole saw? It is a cordless battery-powered pole saw that runs on the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion platform.
- What is the maximum reach? The shaft adjusts from 6 ft. to 9 ft. and provides up to 14 ft. of total reach.
- How much head adjustment does it have? It has 9 angle settings with a 120b0 working range for precision cutting.
- What chain setup does it use? It uses an 8 in. guide bar with a .325 in. low profile pitch and .043 in. gauge chain.
- Does it include a battery and charger? No. This is the tool-only version.
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