Best Makita Cordless String Trimmers: 6 Spec-Based Picks
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Finding the best makita cordless string trimmers requires looking at the specs that matter for your yard. We compared 6 models based on the specifications published on the listings. The top pick is the Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer because its 9.23-pound weight makes it easy to maneuver in small yards. This guide helps you decide which tool matches your battery ecosystem and cutting width needs. You will see how motor type and voltage affect performance. Use this data to pick the right trimmer for your space.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer Best overall | small yards with existing 18V LXT batteries | Check price of Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer on Amazon |
| 2 | Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer Also great | Small yards needing precise control | Check price of Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer on Amazon |
| 3 | Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head Also great | existing Makita battery owners | Check price of Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head on Amazon |
| 4 | Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head Best premium | Users wanting a versatile attachment system | Check price of Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head on Amazon |
| 5 | Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer Best budget | Heavy-duty trimming with existing XGT batteries | Check price of Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer on Amazon |
| 6 | Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit Also great | Large yards with music needs | Check price of Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You have existing 18V LXT batteries and need a lightweight trimmer Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer It weighs 9.23 pounds and includes no battery, fitting your existing 18V system.
- You need a complete kit with a 4.0 Ah battery included Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer This model comes with a 4.0 Ah battery, unlike the tool-only option above.
- You want the lightest power head for attaching multiple tools Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head It weighs 8.55 pounds, making it the lightest power head in this list.
- You require maximum cutting width for heavy-duty trimming tasks Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer Its 15-inch cutting width is the widest option available on this list.
Our 6 picks
Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer
Best for: small yards with existing 18V LXT batteries
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Voltage
- 18V
- Cutting Swath
- 13 in
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Cutting Width
- 13-Inch
- Included Battery
- Tool Only
View on Amazon: Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer Affiliate link
This Makita XRU23Z is a 13-inch cutting swath string trimmer powered by an 18V LXT battery. It uses a brushless motor that reaches up to 6,000 RPM. You get variable speed control via the trigger and a high/low power button. The tool weighs 9.23 pounds. It is designed for users who want a lightweight, cordless option for small to medium yards without gas maintenance.
Pros
- 13-inch cutting width for manageable coverage
- Brushless motor delivers up to 6,000 RPM
- Variable speed trigger for precise control
- High/low button manages power and run time
- Lightweight at 9.23 pounds
Cons
- Tool only; battery and charger are sold separately
- 13-inch swath is narrower than larger models
- 18V system may have less runtime than 36V or 40V alternatives
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight tool for easy handling
- You already own 18V LXT batteries
- You have a small yard with light to medium weeds
Skip if
- You require a battery and charger included in the box
- You need a wider cutting swath for heavy brush
- You prefer a higher voltage system for extended runtime
Verdict: Makita 13-Inch Brushless String Trimmer suits owners of existing 18V LXT batteries who prioritize maneuverability and low weight over raw power. It is ideal for maintaining small, tidy lawns where a narrower cut is sufficient.
Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer
Best for: Small yards needing precise control
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Voltage
- 18V
- Cutting Swath
- 13 in
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0 Ah
- Cutting Width
- 13-Inch
View on Amazon: Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer Affiliate link
This Makita model features a 13-inch cutting swath and an 18V brushless motor. It delivers up to 6,000 RPM for efficient trimming. The kit includes a 4.0 Ah battery, offering about one hour of runtime. You get a variable speed trigger and a high/low power button for control. It suits users who want reliable performance without gas maintenance.
Pros
- 13-inch cutting width
- Brushless motor for 6,000 RPM
- Variable speed trigger
- High/low power button
- 4.0 Ah battery included
Cons
- 13-inch swath is narrower than competitors
- 4.0 Ah battery has less capacity than 5.0 Ah options
- 18V system has less power than 40V or 36V models
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight, easy-to-manage trimmer
- You prefer 18V LXT batteries
- You want precise speed control
Skip if
- You require a wider cutting swath
- You need maximum runtime
- You want higher cutting power
Verdict: Makita 13-Inch Brushless Trimmer fits users who value precise control and compatibility with existing 18V batteries. It is a solid choice for small to medium yards where maneuverability matters more than raw power.
Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head
Best for: existing Makita battery owners
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Voltage
- 18V
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Included Battery
- Tool Only
- Dimensions
- 5.91 × 41.3 × 7.56 inches
- Weight
- 8.55 pounds
View on Amazon: Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head Affiliate link
This is a tool-only power head for Makita's couple shaft system. It features an 18V brushless motor that reaches 9,700 RPM. You get a high/low speed button and a variable speed trigger for control. The lever lock allows quick attachment changes. It weighs 8.55 pounds. This unit suits users who already own Makita batteries and attachments.
Pros
- 18V LXT brushless motor delivers up to 9,700 RPM
- Lever style lock system for tool-less attachment changes
- High/low speed button manages power and run time
- Variable speed trigger for controlled operation
Cons
- Sold as tool only with no included battery
- Requires separate purchase of compatible attachments
- Heavier at 8.55 pounds than single-handle trimmers
Good fit if
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
- You need a versatile power head for multiple attachments
- You want variable speed control for different tasks
Skip if
- You need a complete trimmer kit with battery
- You prefer a lightweight single-unit design
- You do not have existing Makita attachments
Verdict: Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head is a solid choice for Makita ecosystem users who need a reliable power source for various attachments. It fits those who already have batteries and want quick, tool-less changes.
Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head
Best for: Users wanting a versatile attachment system
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Voltage
- 18V X2 (36V)
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Shaft Type
- steel drive shaft
- Battery Capacity
- 5.0Ah
View on Amazon: Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head Affiliate link
This Makita kit pairs an 18V X2 brushless power head with a string trimmer attachment. The motor offers three speed settings, reaching up to 7,100 RPM. It uses a steel drive shaft to reduce vibration and includes Extreme Protection Technology for better dust and water resistance. The 5.0 Ah battery provides runtime. It suits users who want a versatile system with multiple attachment options.
Pros
- Brushless motor reaches 7,100 RPM
- Three speed options for power management
- Steel drive shaft reduces vibration
- Extreme Protection Technology for durability
Cons
- Heavier than single-voltage models
- Requires two batteries for operation
- No dedicated display for battery level
Good fit if
- You need a multi-tool power head
- You want to switch between attachments
- You prefer brushless motor efficiency
Skip if
- You only need a single tool
- You want a lighter single-handle design
- You prefer a simpler single-voltage system
Verdict: Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft Kit delivers high RPM and versatility for users who plan to use multiple attachments. It is best for those who value system flexibility over single-tool simplicity.
Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer
Best for: Heavy-duty trimming with existing XGT batteries
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Voltage
- 40V max
- Cutting Swath
- 15 in
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0Ah
- Cutting Width
- 15-Inch
View on Amazon: Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer Affiliate link
This Makita tool uses the 40V max XGT platform for high torque and sustained power. It features a 15-inch cutting swath and an automatic torque drive that shifts between 3,500 and 6,500 RPM. The brushless motor optimizes performance for heavy loads. You get up to one hour of run time with a 4.0Ah battery. It is designed for users who need a powerful, tool-only unit for larger yards.
Pros
- 15-inch cutting width for wider coverage
- 40V max XGT voltage for high torque
- Automatic torque drive adjusts RPM automatically
- Brushless motor for increased efficiency
Cons
- Sold as a tool only without a battery
- Heavier build due to 40V XGT system
- Single speed mode lacks manual RPM control
Good fit if
- You want a powerful 40V XGT system
- You prefer a wider 15-inch cutting path
- You already own compatible XGT batteries
Skip if
- You need a complete kit with a battery
- You prefer the lighter 18V LXT platform
- You want manual control over RPM settings
Verdict: Makita 15-Inch 40V XGT String Trimmer fits professionals or serious homeowners who already use the 40V XGT ecosystem and need maximum power for thick vegetation. It is not for beginners who need a starter kit.
Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit
Best for: Large yards with music needs
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Voltage
- 36V (18V X2)
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 5.0Ah
View on Amazon: Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit Affiliate link
This Makita XRU15PT is a 36V brushless string trimmer kit. It uses two 18V batteries for power and includes a 5.0Ah battery. The trimmer features a brushless motor and three speed settings. It also comes with a Bluetooth speaker kit. This setup suits users who want extended runtime and entertainment while working. The tool-only version is available if you already have batteries.
Pros
- 36V brushless motor provides high torque
- Automatic Torque Drive shifts RPM as needed
- Includes 5.0Ah battery and Bluetooth speaker
- Three speed options for power management
Cons
- Heavier than single-battery 18V models
- Requires two batteries to operate
- Speaker adds bulk to the handle
Good fit if
- You need extra runtime for large yards
- You want to listen to music while trimming
- You already own Makita 18V batteries
Skip if
- You prefer a lightweight single-battery tool
- You do not want extra weight on the shaft
- You only have small trimming tasks
Verdict: Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit is ideal for users who prioritize runtime and entertainment. It fits those with large areas to trim who already own compatible batteries.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer | Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer | Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head | Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head | Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer | Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V | 18V | 18V | 18V X2 (36V) | 40V max | 36V (18V X2) |
| Cutting Swath | 13 in | 13 in | not stated | not stated | 15 in | not stated |
| Power Source | battery | battery | not stated | not stated | Battery | not stated |
| Motor Type | brushless | brushless | brushless | brushless | Brushless | brushless |
| Shaft Type | not stated | not stated | not stated | steel drive shaft | not stated | not stated |
| Battery Capacity | not stated | 4.0 Ah | not stated | 5.0Ah | 4.0Ah | 5.0Ah |
| Cutting Width | 13-Inch | 13-Inch | not stated | not stated | 15-Inch | not stated |
| Included Battery | Tool Only | not stated | Tool Only | not stated | Tool Only | not stated |
| Dimensions | 8.07 × 40.3 × 8.39 inches | 8.07 × 40.3 × 8.39 inches | 5.91 × 41.3 × 7.56 inches | not stated | 7.09 × 72.4 × 8.9 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 9.23 pounds | not stated | 8.55 pounds | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Size | 13 inches | 13 inches | not stated | not stated | 15" | not stated |
| Color | Teal | Teal | Teal | not stated | Teal | not stated |
| Model | XRU23Z | XRU23SM1 | XUX02Z | not stated | GRU01Z | not stated |
How to choose the right makita trimmer
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Check voltage for power
Voltage determines the motor's potential output. Higher voltage usually means more torque for thick weeds. The 18V models suit small yards and light trimming tasks. They are lighter and easier to maneuver. The 36V and 40V options provide extra power for tougher vegetation. Choose 40V if you have existing XGT batteries. Select 18V if you want a lighter tool for precise control. Match the voltage to your yard size and vegetation density.
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Compare cutting widths
Cutting width affects how many passes you need. A 13-inch cut is standard for residential use. It offers good maneuverability around obstacles. The 15-inch width on the 40V model covers more ground per pass. This reduces the time needed for larger areas. Narrower cuts are better for tight spaces. Wider cuts are efficient for open lawns. Check the spec sheet for the exact inch measurement. Ensure the width fits your typical trimming needs.
-
Verify battery compatibility
Makita uses different battery ecosystems. The 18V LXT batteries fit most 18V tools. The 40V XGT batteries are for the high-voltage lineup. You cannot use 40V batteries in 18V tools. Check if you already own compatible batteries. Several models are sold as tool-only. This saves money if you have spare batteries. Others include batteries. Verify the voltage rating before buying. Using the wrong battery type is impossible and wasteful.
-
Look at motor type
All listed models feature brushless motors. This design offers better efficiency and longer life. Brushless motors generate less heat. They also provide more power for the same battery size. You do not need to replace carbon brushes. This reduces maintenance over time. Every option in this guide uses this technology. It ensures consistent performance. You get more runtime per charge. This is a standard feature across the Makita cordless range.
-
Consider weight and balance
Weight impacts comfort during use. Lighter tools reduce arm fatigue. The 18V models weigh around 9 pounds. They are easy to handle for extended periods. The 36V power head weighs 8.55 pounds. Heavier tools may cause strain. Check the weight spec for the tool only. Add battery weight for total weight. A lighter trimmer is better for small yards. Heavier models may offer more power but less comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Which Makita string trimmer is best for small yards?
The Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer is the top choice for small yards. It weighs just 9.23 pounds, making it highly maneuverable. The 13-inch cutting width is sufficient for tidy lawns. It works best if you already own 18V LXT batteries, as the tool only includes the trimmer itself.
Does the Makita 18V trimmer come with a battery?
No, the Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer is sold as a tool-only unit. You must purchase a compatible 18V LXT battery separately. This design keeps the initial cost lower for users who already have Makita batteries in their ecosystem. The trimmer itself weighs 9.23 pounds without a battery attached.
What is the cutting width of the Makita 40V model?
The Makita 40V max Brushless String Trimmer features a 15-inch cutting width. This wider deck allows you to clear more vegetation in a single pass. It is designed for heavy-duty trimming and thick weeds. The model is ideal for professionals or serious homeowners who need maximum power from the XGT ecosystem.
Is there a Makita trimmer with Bluetooth or music features?
The Makita 36V Brushless Trimmer Kit is designed for users who prioritize entertainment. It includes a 5.0 Ah battery and supports Bluetooth connectivity for music playback. This feature helps make large trimming jobs more enjoyable. It is suitable for users with large areas to cover who already own compatible 36V batteries.
Can I use different attachments with the Makita power head?
Yes, the Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head allows for quick, tool-less changes to various attachments. It serves as a reliable power source for multiple tools within the Makita ecosystem. This system is best for users who want versatility rather than a single dedicated trimmer. It weighs 8.55 pounds and includes no battery.
Which model offers the best balance of power and weight?
The Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer offers an excellent balance for most users. It weighs 9.23 pounds and provides a 13-inch cut. This makes it easy to handle in tight spaces. It is ideal for small yards where maneuverability matters more than raw power. It requires an existing 18V battery to operate.