Makita Chainsaw Chain Compatibility — Complete Guide (2026)

Makita‘s chainsaw range runs on their 18V LXT and 36V (twin 18V) battery platforms for cordless models, with electric and petrol options rounding out the lineup. The good news is that chain compatibility across the Makita range is straightforward — most models use industry-standard 3/8″ LP pitch chains with .043″ gauge, making replacements readily available from multiple suppliers. If you own a Makita chainsaw, getting the right chain for your model is simpler than you might think.

Makita Chainsaw Model & Chain Compatibility Chart

The table above covers Makita’s current and recent chainsaw lineup. If your model number doesn’t appear here, check your user manual for the exact bar length and pitch — this will help identify the correct replacement chain.

Makita 18V LXT Chainsaw Chains

Makita’s DUC254Z (single 18V battery) and DUC256Z (two 18V batteries) are its compact cordless saws. Both use a 25 cm (10″) bar with a 3/8″ LP chain.

Both use the same chain spec on the standard bar: 3/8″ LP, .043″ (1.1 mm) gauge and 40 drive links (Makita chain 199075-5).

Makita OEM chain part numbers

Makita does not use one chain across the range — the part number follows the bar length. 10″/25 cm is 199075-5 (40 DL). For 14″/35 cm, Makita’s EU parts drawings list 196741-5 (52 DL, shown as discontinued on makita.at) and Makita UK’s in-box lists show 713099-3; for 16″/40 cm the EU parts drawing lists 196208-3 (56 DL). The UC3551A uses a different 1.3 mm chain (see below). It’s a solid mid-range option — typically around 24–28 pounds. We could not find a published Makita warranty term for replacement chains.

Pros: guaranteed fit, OEM quality, widely available online. Cons: slightly pricier than discount alternatives, and if you buy locally through a Makita dealer you may pay a premium for convenience.

Oregon R40 Chain for 10″ Makita Chainsaws

Oregon R40 (90PX, 3/8″ LP, .043″, 40 drive links) matches the 25 cm (10″) bar on the DUC254Z and DUC256Z. Oregon’s R45 is a 45-drive-link loop for 12″ bars, so it does not fit these saws.

Oregon chain search on Amazon

36V Twin 18V Chainsaws (DUC353, DUC355, DUC405)

Stepping up to 14″ and 16″ bar lengths, the DUC353Z, DUC355Z, and DUC405Z use two 18V LXT batteries in series to deliver 36V power. Chain specifications remain the same 3/8″ LP pitch, but bar length determines drive link count:

• 14″ bars (DUC353, DUC355): 52 drive links
• 16″ bars (DUC405): 56 drive links

Each bar length has its own chain: Makita’s EU parts drawings list 196741-5 for the 35 cm bar and 196208-3 for the 40 cm bar. When ordering a replacement, always specify bar length to get the right drive link count — a 52-link chain is too short for a 16″ bar, and a 56-link chain is too long for a 14″ bar.

Oregon R52 and R56 for Makita Cordless

Oregon R52 is the cross-reference for 14″ bars. Oregon R56 is for 16″ bars. Both follow the same 3/8″ LP, .043″ gauge spec as the smaller chainsaws.

UC3551A Electric Chainsaw — Corded Option

Makita’s UC3551A is a corded electric 14″ chainsaw. It uses a different chain spec from the cordless DUC saws: the UC3551A is 3/8″ pitch with a .050″ (1.3mm) gauge and 52 drive links. Makita UK lists the in-box chain as 713073-1, and its 14″ 1.3 mm chain 958492652 has the same spec. Do not fit a .043″ cordless chain to it.

EA3201S Petrol Chainsaw — Check the Gauge

Makita’s EU manual for the EA3200S–EA3203S petrol saws (which covers the EA3201S) lists 3/8″ chains: a 1.3 mm version (Oregon 91VG or 91PX) on 30, 35 and 40 cm bars with 46, 52 or 56 drive links, and a 1.1 mm version (Oregon 90SG or 90PX) on 30 and 35 cm bars with 46 or 52 drive links. It does not list a .325″ chain, and it does not say which bar length the EA3201S is sold with.

The cordless saws use 1.1 mm (.043″) chains, so a cordless chain suits an EA3201S only if its bar is the 1.1 mm version with the same drive-link count. Check the gauge stamped on your bar and the manual before ordering.

OEM vs Aftermarket Chainsaw Chains — Which Should You Choose?

When your Makita chain gets dull or damaged, you’ve got three main options:

Option 1: the OEM Makita chain

Direct from Makita or through authorized dealers. Made for the saw’s bar. Best for: weekend users who value certainty and don’t mind paying a small premium.

Option 2: Aftermarket Brand Chains (e.g. Oregon)

Oregon makes 90PX loops in the Makita cordless lengths (R40, R52 and R56). Check the pitch, gauge and drive-link count of any other brand’s chain against your bar before buying.

Best for: users who want a widely sold aftermarket chain in the right size. We have not tested edge life against the OEM chain.

Option 3: Budget Aftermarket (No-Name Brands, Amazon Own-Label)

Generic 3/8″ LP, .043″ chains from unbranded or budget suppliers. Usually the cheapest option; we have not tested how they compare for edge life or fit.

Best for: one-off jobs where cost matters more than edge longevity.

Whichever you choose, match the pitch, gauge and drive-link count to your bar.

Cross-Reference Guide: Makita 3/8″ LP Chains to Oregon

When ordering a replacement chain, always confirm your exact bar length in inches and specify the drive link count. Many online sellers let you filter by these specs, which reduces the risk of ordering the wrong size.

Popular Makita Chainsaw Chain Replacements on Amazon

Buy the Makita OEM chain on Amazon — the original OEM option, available from multiple sellers.

Buy Oregon Chainsaw Chains on Amazon — R40, R52 and R56 match the 25, 35 and 40 cm Makita cordless bars.

Buy Opuladuo Chainsaw Chains on Amazon — an aftermarket alternative; check the pitch, gauge and drive links against your bar.

Which Makita Chainsaw Should You Choose?

Makita’s range is tiered by battery power and bar length, so your choice depends on the cutting task:

18V LXT Compact (DUC254Z, DUC256Z)

Best for: light-duty work — branch trimming and general maintenance. The DUC254Z runs on one 18V battery and the DUC256Z on two; both use a 25 cm (10″) bar.

36V Twin 18V (DUC353Z, DUC355Z, DUC405Z)

Best for: larger cutting jobs that need a 35 or 40 cm bar. Two 18V batteries in series give you 36V power. The DUC405Z takes a 40 cm (16″) bar.

Corded Electric (UC3551A)

Best for: on-site work where a power supply is available, quiet operation required (no petrol emissions or noise), and zero fuel hassle. Runtime unlimited — plug and go. No engine maintenance.

Petrol (EA3201SZ)

Best for: remote sites, portable operation without power access. Trade-off: higher noise, vibration, fuel mixing, and maintenance vs cordless convenience.

Watch: Video Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 3/8″ full-pitch chain on my Makita DUC chainsaw?

No. Makita’s cordless DUC saws use 3/8″ low-profile (LP) chains, and standard 3/8″ chain is a different type. Use the chain type listed in your manual. Always specify “3/8 LP” when ordering.

Is Oregon chain better than the OEM Makita chain?

We have not tested them side by side. Try both and see which suits your workflow.

What’s the difference between 40, 46, 52 and 56 drive links?

Drive link count matches bar length. On Makita’s 3/8″ LP 1.1 mm bars, Makita’s manuals give 40 links for 25 cm (10″), 46 for 30 cm (12″), 52 for 35 cm (14″) and 56 for 40 cm (16″). Installing the wrong count will cause the chain to either slip off the bar or bind. Always confirm your exact bar length before ordering.

Can I use an 18V and a 36V battery on my 36V chainsaws?

No. 36V Makita chainsaws require two 18V batteries in series. The DUC353, DUC355 and DUC405 take two 18V LXT batteries (36V).

How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

It depends on how often and what you cut; we have not tested chain life. Signs it’s time: difficulty cutting straight, excessive vibration, or visible tooth wear or damage. A sharp chain is a safe chain.

Can I sharpen my Makita chainsaw chain instead of replacing it?

Yes. A sharp chain lasts much longer and cuts faster. You can hand-file using a round file matching your pitch (use the round file size given for your chain) or take it to a dealer for professional sharpening.

Where can I check my exact Makita chainsaw model and bar size?

Check the user manual (usually in the box or downloadable from Makita’s website), or look at the label on the chainsaw body near the motor. The model number (e.g. DUC254Z) and bar length in inches or millimetres are clearly printed. Your manual also lists the chain and bar specifications.

Is the Makita 18V LXT chainsaw any good compared to DeWalt or Milwaukee?

We have not tested Makita’s saws against DeWalt or Milwaukee models. Head over to our chainsaw chain compatibility hub for a full brand comparison.

What’s the warranty on my Makita chainsaw chain?

We could not find a published Makita or Oregon warranty term for replacement chains. Always check the seller’s terms — some online retailers offer their own replacement guarantees.

For more information on chainsaw compatibility across all major brands, visit our chainsaw chain and bar compatibility hub. Looking for details on your Makita 18V LXT battery compatibility? We’ve got you covered.