Best 36V String Trimmers: 4 Spec-Based Picks

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want a complete battery kit Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit It includes two 5.0 Ah batteries and a brushless motor for immediate use.
• You have existing Makita batteries Makita 36V Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer This tool-only model features a brushless motor and a 17-inch cut width.
• You want versatile yard tool system Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft String Trimmer Its couple shaft design allows for quick changes to various attachments.
• You want adjustable speed settings Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter This brush cutter offers adjustable speeds and an ergonomic off-set handle.

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit

Best for: users wanting a complete battery kit

Voltage

36V (what this guide is about)

Cutting Swath

15"

Power Source

battery

Motor Type

brushless

Line Feed System

bump feed

Battery Capacity

5.0Ah

View on Amazon: Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit Affiliate link

This Makita kit delivers 36V power through two 5.0Ah batteries and a brushless motor. It features a 15-inch cutting swath and three speed settings ranging from 3,500 to 6,500 RPM. The automatic torque drive shifts speeds for better efficiency. You get a bump and feed head with line included. This setup suits users who want a complete, ready-to-use tool for standard yard maintenance tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor for increased torque and efficiency
• 15-inch cutting swath for wider coverage
• Three speed options for power management
• Includes two 5.0Ah batteries and trimmer head

Cons

• 72.8-inch total length may feel bulky for tight spaces
• 9.1-pound weight is heavier than tool-only versions
• No variable speed trigger for fine control

Good fit if

• You need a complete kit with batteries included
• You prefer a 15-inch cutting width for efficiency
• You want automatic speed adjustment for extended run time

Skip if

• You already own compatible 18V batteries
• You need a lightweight tool for overhead work
• You require a variable speed trigger for precision

Verdict: Makita XRU15PT 36V Brushless Trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners who want a ready-to-run kit with automatic torque adjustment and included batteries for consistent performance.

2 Best budget

Makita 36V Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer

Best for: Makita battery users needing gas replacement

Voltage

36V (what this guide is about)

Cutting Swath

17"

Motor Type

brushless

Included Battery

Tool Only

Dimensions

8.66 × 75 × 9.76 inches

Weight

10.8 pounds

View on Amazon: Makita 36V Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer Affiliate link

This Makita XRU18Z is a 36V tool-only string trimmer with a brushless motor. It offers a 17-inch cutting swath and variable speed control. The design matches the power of a 30cc gas unit without the maintenance. You get high torque and efficient operation. It suits users who already own Makita 18V batteries and want a reliable, gas-free alternative for yard work.

Pros

• Brushless motor for high power and torque
• 17-inch cutting swath for productivity
• Variable speed trigger for control
• Power equivalent to a 30cc gas trimmer

Cons

• Sold as tool only, no battery included
• Heavier at 19 pounds
• No variable speed dial, only trigger control

Good fit if

• You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
• You want a gas-free trimmer with high power
• You need a 17-inch cutting width

Skip if

• You need a complete kit with battery and charger
• You prefer a lighter tool under 15 pounds
• You want a variable speed dial instead of trigger control

Verdict: Makita 36V Brushless String Trimmer fits users with existing Makita batteries who want gas-like power. It delivers a 17-inch cut and brushless efficiency. You get a robust tool for serious yard work.

3 Also great

Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft String Trimmer

Best for: users wanting versatile yard tool system

Voltage

36V (what this guide is about)

Motor Type

brushless

Shaft Type

couple shaft

Battery Capacity

5.0Ah

Dimensions

15.3 × 42 × 10.5 inches

View on Amazon: Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft String Trimmer Affiliate link

This Makita XUX01M5PT is a 36V couple shaft power head kit. It features a brushless motor with three speed settings. You get 4,200 RPM on low, 6,000 RPM on medium, and 7,100 RPM on high. The variable speed trigger gives you control. It includes a 5.0Ah battery and a string trimmer attachment. This setup suits users who want a versatile tool for multiple yard tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor reaches up to 7,100 RPM
• Three speed options for power management
• Compatible with various couple shaft attachments
• Quick tool-less attachment installation

Cons

• Couple shaft design requires separate attachments for other tools
• Only includes the string trimmer attachment in this kit
• Fixed shaft length limits maneuverability in tight spaces

Good fit if

• You want a single power head for multiple attachments
• You need variable speed control for different tasks
• You already own or plan to buy Makita couple shaft tools

Skip if

• You prefer a dedicated, single-purpose string trimmer
• You want a compact, fixed-shaft design for small yards
• You do not need additional attachments like blowers or cultivators

Verdict: Makita 36V Couple Shaft Power Head fits users who value versatility and want to expand their tool collection with various attachments over time. Its adjustable speeds and quick-change system make it a flexible choice for diverse yard work.

4 Best premium

Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter

Best for: users wanting adjustable speed settings

Voltage

36V (what this guide is about)

Cutting Swath

430 mm

Motor Type

brushless

Dimensions

72.7 × 24.7 × 5 inches

Weight

14.3 pounds

View on Amazon: Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter Affiliate link

This Makita DUR369AZ is a 36V brushless brush cutter designed for precision work. It features a 430 mm cutting swath and an off-set handle for better maneuverability. The tool includes three speed options and an electric brake for safety. It weighs 14.3 pounds and measures 72.7 inches in length. Batteries and charger are not included.

Pros

• Brushless motor for efficiency
• 3 speed options for control
• Electric brake for safety
• Off-set handle design

Cons

• Batteries and charger not included
• No variable speed trigger mentioned
• Heavier than some compact trimmers

Good fit if

• You need precise control over cutting speed
• You prefer an off-set handle for comfort
• You already own Makita 18V batteries

Skip if

• You want a complete kit with batteries
• You need a wider cutting swath
• You prefer a lighter tool under 10 pounds

Verdict: Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Trimmer fits users who want adjustable speed settings and an ergonomic off-set handle for detailed brush cutting tasks.

Specifications side by side

Key Specs to Check Before Buying

1. Check Battery Inclusion

   You must verify if the package includes batteries. The top-ranked Makita XRU15PT comes with two 5.0 Ah cells, making it a complete kit. In contrast, the second pick, the XRU18Z, is sold as a tool-only unit. If you already own compatible Makita batteries, the tool-only option saves you from buying redundant power sources. Always check the product description for included accessories to avoid unexpected additional purchases.

2. Compare Cut Widths

   Cut width determines how much grass you trim in a single pass. The XRU18Z offers a 17-inch cut, which covers more ground per swing than the 15-inch XRU15PT. A wider deck reduces the time needed for large lawns. However, wider tools can be heavier and harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Choose a narrower width for detailed edging or complex yard layouts. Match the width to your yard size for optimal efficiency.

3. Consider Drive Types

   Drive type affects versatility. The XUX01M5PT uses a couple shaft design, allowing you to attach various tools to a single power head. This system suits users who want to expand their yard tool collection over time. Standard string trimmers like the XRU15PT are dedicated to one task. If you value flexibility and plan to use attachments like edgers or blowers, the couple shaft system offers greater long-term utility for diverse yard work needs.

4. Review Motor Efficiency

   All listed models feature brushless motors. This technology provides better efficiency and longer runtime compared to brushed alternatives. Brushless motors generate less heat and require less maintenance. You get consistent power delivery across the entire battery charge. This spec is standard across the top picks, ensuring reliable performance. It means you spend less time maintaining the motor and more time trimming your lawn effectively without frequent interruptions for upkeep.

5. Check Adjustable Speeds

   Some models offer adjustable speed settings for precision control. The DUR369AZ brush cutter includes this feature, allowing you to match power to the task. Lower speeds help with detailed brush cutting, while higher speeds handle tougher vegetation. This adaptability makes it suitable for varied yard conditions. If you frequently switch between light grass and thick weeds, a variable speed control provides the flexibility needed to handle different materials efficiently without damaging the tool or your lawn.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best lawn mowers under 150
• best lawn mowers under 200
• best greenworks string trimmers
• best electric bikes with 36V