DeWalt vs Makita Chainsaws for heavy-duty yard work - which would you pick?

Hey all, I'm in the market for a new gas chainsaw and narrowing it down between DeWalt DCCS620B and Makita XCU03PT. Both are 16" bar models. I've measured my typical cutting needs - mostly 12-18" diameter hardwoods (oak, maple) about 20 times per season. DeWalt claims 0.325" pitch chain with better kickback reduction, while Makita specs show slightly higher chain speed (3,940 FPM vs 3,900). Anyone have experience with the actual cutting precision? I'm talking millimeter-level consistency in cuts, not just power.

Felix, I've restored about a dozen vintage properties with both brands! For your described use, I'd lean Makita. Their ergonomics feel more balanced when you're doing sustained cuts on mature trees. The anti-vibration system is smoother - crucial when you're trying to preserve surrounding wood during selective trimming. That said, if you're dealing with really gnarly, twisted grain, DeWalt's chain tensioning system is faster to adjust mid-job. Have you considered the environmental factors? Makita's oiler is more consistent in cold weather restoration work.

Contractor perspective: We run 8 DeWalt saws daily for 3 years now. Zero major failures. Makita's great too but their service network is thinner in rural areas where I work. The real question is your maintenance discipline - DeWalt's air filter access is 30 seconds faster to clean, which matters when you're cutting dusty, dry wood all day. Both will handle your diameter needs, but if precision is your thing Felix, get the DeWalt and upgrade to Oregon chain immediately. Stock chains on both are just okay.

Thanks Hank! The cold weather point is actually relevant - my garage isn't heated. Pete, that Oregon chain tip is gold. Follow-up: anyone measured the actual bar deflection under load? I'm seeing conflicting forum posts about 0.5-1.2mm difference at full throttle. Also, Makita's battery compatibility with my existing tools is tempting, but I'm committed to gas for the torque consistency.

For deflection testing, I documented my 2018 comparison on my restoration blog (link in profile). Short version: DeWalt showed 0.8mm less deflection at 15" depth in white oak, BUT Makita recovered faster when the cut was completed. That recovery matters for finish cuts on live-edge slabs. If you go gas, definitely get the heated handles option whichever you choose - your hands will thank you during fall cleanup!