Best Makita String Trimmers: 8 Models Compared
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You are looking at the best makita string trimmers in this guide. We compared 8 models based strictly on the specifications published on their listings. Makita offers brushless string trimmers, brush cutters, and couple shaft power heads in various voltages and cutting widths. The Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer leads the list. It is the top pick for existing Makita 18V users who need a lightweight tool for smaller yards.
Quick picks
Our 8 picks
Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer
Best for: existing Makita 18V users
- Voltage
- 18V
- Cutting Swath
- 13 in
- Power Source
- battery
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Cutting Width
- 13-Inch
- Included Battery
- Tool Only
This Makita model is a 13-inch cutting string trimmer powered by an 18V LXT battery system. It uses a brushless motor to reach 6,000 RPM. The tool weighs 9.23 pounds and offers variable speed control. You can manage power and run time with a high/low button. It is designed for users who want reduced maintenance and lower noise levels compared to gas models.
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers up to 6,000 RPM
- Variable speed trigger for controlled cutting
- High/low button manages power and run time
- No gas, oil mixing, or pull starts needed
Cons
- Tool only; battery and charger sold separately
- 13-inch cutting swath is narrower than larger models
- Single battery voltage limits runtime compared to dual-battery systems
Good fit if
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
- You need a lightweight tool for smaller yards
- You prefer variable speed control for precision work
Skip if
- You require a battery and charger included in the box
- You need a wider cutting swath for heavy brush
- You want the longest possible run time on a single charge
Verdict: Makita 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer fits homeowners with existing 18V LXT batteries who need a lightweight tool for smaller yards. It offers precise control through its variable speed trigger and high/low power settings.
Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer
Best for: Small lawns needing precise speed control
- Voltage
- 18V
- Cutting Swath
- 13 in
- Power Source
- battery
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0 Ah
- Cutting Width
- 13-Inch
This Makita model uses an 18V LXT battery and a 4.0 Ah capacity to deliver up to one hour of run time. The brushless motor reaches 6,000 RPM. You get a 13-inch cutting swath. The tool includes a variable speed trigger and a high/low power button. It suits users who want manageable runtime and precise speed control for smaller yards.
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers up to 6,000 RPM
- 13-inch cutting swath
- Variable speed trigger for control
- High/low power management button
- Up to 1 hour run time with 4.0 Ah battery
Cons
- 18V platform offers less power than 36V or 40V max competitors
- 13-inch cutting width is narrower than 15-inch models
- 4.0 Ah battery capacity is smaller than 5.0 Ah options
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight tool for small lawns
- You prefer variable speed control over fixed settings
- You already own 18V LXT batteries
Skip if
- You require maximum power for thick brush
- You need a cutting width wider than 13 inches
- You want extended runtime without swapping batteries
Verdict: Makita 13" Brushless String Trimmer fits users with small yards who value speed control and lighter weight. It is not ideal for large properties requiring high power or wider cuts.
Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit
Best for: Medium to large yards
- Voltage
- 36V (18V X2)
- Cutting Swath
- 15"
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Line Feed System
- bump and feed
- Battery Capacity
- 5.0Ah
- Dimensions
- 7.09 × 72.8 × 8.78 inches
This Makita model delivers a 15-inch cutting swath and uses a brushless motor for efficient power. It runs on two 18V batteries for 36V output. The kit includes two 5.0Ah batteries and a bump-and-feed head. You get three speed settings to manage torque and runtime. It suits users who want a complete setup with included batteries and a wide cut width.
Pros
- 15-inch cutting swath
- Brushless motor for efficiency
- Includes two 5.0Ah batteries
- Three adjustable speed settings
- Bump and feed trimmer head
Cons
- Requires two batteries for operation
- Heavier than single-battery models
- No variable speed trigger
Good fit if
- You want a wide 15-inch cut
- You need batteries included in the kit
- You prefer three speed options
Skip if
- You only have one battery
- You prefer a lighter tool
- You need variable speed control
Verdict: Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit fits users who need a wide cut and included batteries. It offers solid power for medium to large yards.
Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head
Best for: Makita LXT users needing versatile power
- Voltage
- 18V
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Power Source
- Cordless
- 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
This is a tool-only power head for Makita's couple shaft system. It uses an 18V LXT battery and features a brushless motor that reaches 9,700 RPM. You get a variable speed trigger and a high/low speed button to manage power. The lever-style lock allows quick attachment changes. It weighs 8.55 pounds and measures 41.3 inches in length. This unit suits users who already own Makita batteries and attachments.
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers up to 9,700 RPM
- Lever style lock for tool-less attachment changes
- High/low speed button for runtime management
- Variable speed trigger for control
Cons
- Sold as tool only without a battery
- Requires separate attachment purchases
- Heavier than single-shaft trimmers
Good fit if
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
- You need a versatile power source for multiple attachments
- You want quick tool-less attachment changes
Skip if
- You need a complete kit with battery and charger
- You prefer a dedicated single-shaft string trimmer
- You want a lighter weight tool for extended overhead use
Verdict: Makita Couple Shaft Power Head is ideal for Makita LXT users who need a versatile power source for various attachments. It offers robust performance for those who already own the necessary batteries and heads.
Makita 36V Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer
Best for: users with existing 18V batteries
- Voltage
- 36V (18V X2)
- Cutting Swath
- 17 in
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Included Battery
- Tool Only
- Dimensions
- 8.66 × 75 × 9.76 inches
- Weight
- 19 pounds
This Makita tool delivers power equivalent to a 30cc gas trimmer using two 18V batteries. It features a 17-inch cutting swath and a brushless motor for high torque. The variable speed trigger allows for controlled cutting. You get a 19-pound unit that requires no gas or oil mixing. It is a tool-only option, meaning you must supply your own batteries.
Pros
- 17-inch cutting swath
- Brushless motor for high torque
- Variable speed trigger switch
- Power equivalent to 30cc gas
Cons
- Tool only, no battery included
- Heavier at 19 pounds
- Single speed setting without variable control beyond trigger
Good fit if
- You already own Makita 18V batteries
- You need a 17-inch cutting width
- You want gas-equivalent power without emissions
Skip if
- You need a complete kit with batteries
- You prefer a lighter tool under 15 pounds
- You want a 15-inch cutting swath
Verdict: Makita 17 Inch Brushless String Trimmer suits users with existing 18V batteries who need a wide 17-inch cut. It offers gas-equivalent power in a durable brushless design.
Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft String Trimmer
Best for: modular yard work with one battery
- Voltage
- 36V (18V X2)
- 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
This Makita kit includes a 36V brushless power head and a string trimmer attachment. It features a 5.0Ah battery and offers three speed settings up to 7,100 RPM. The couple shaft design lets you swap tools quickly. You get controlled cutting with a variable speed trigger. This setup suits users who want one power source for multiple yard tasks.
Pros
- Brushless motor reaches 7,100 RPM
- Three speed options for power management
- Variable speed trigger for control
- Quick tool-less attachment changes
Cons
- Couple shaft system requires separate attachments
- No dedicated display for battery status
- Heavier than single-battery models
Good fit if
- You want to use one battery for multiple tools
- You need variable speed control
- You prefer quick attachment swaps
Skip if
- You only need a string trimmer
- You want a lighter single-battery tool
- You prefer a fixed shaft design
Verdict: Makita 36V Couple Shaft Power Head Kit fits users who need versatility across yard tasks. You get reliable power and easy tool changes for a modular approach to lawn care.
Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer
Best for: heavy-duty trimming with existing 40V XGT batteries
- Voltage
- 40V max
- Cutting Swath
- 15 in
- Power Source
- Battery
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0Ah
- Cutting Width
- 15-Inch
The Makita GRU01Z is a 40V max XGT brushless string trimmer with a 15-inch cutting swath. It features automatic torque drive technology that shifts between 3,500 and 6,500 RPM. This tool only provides up to one hour of run time with a 4.0Ah battery. It suits users needing high power for heavy loads and a wider cutting path for efficiency.
Pros
- 40V max XGT platform for sustained power
- 15-inch cutting swath increases productivity
- Brushless motor with automatic torque drive
- Optimized digital communication for heavy loads
Cons
- Sold as tool only without battery
- Heavier build due to 40V XGT system
- No variable speed trigger listed in specs
Good fit if
- You already own 40V XGT batteries
- You need a wider 15-inch cutting path
- You require high torque for thick vegetation
Skip if
- You prefer the lighter 18V LXT platform
- You want a complete kit with battery included
- You need a compact couple-shaft design
Verdict: Makita 15-Inch 40V String Trimmer fits users who already own 40V XGT batteries and need a wider 15-inch cutting path for heavy-duty trimming tasks.
Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter
Best for: users with existing Makita battery systems
- Voltage
- 36V (Twin 18V)
- Cutting Swath
- 430 mm
- Motor Type
- brushless
- Dimensions
- 72.7 × 24.7 × 5 inches
- Weight
- 14.3 pounds
This Makita DUR369AZ is a twin 18V brushless brush cutter. It runs on 36V power and features a 430 mm cutting swath. The tool includes three speed options, an electric brake, and reverse rotation. It weighs 14.3 pounds and measures 72.7 inches long. You should choose this model if you need a versatile cutting tool with multiple speed settings and safety features like automatic torque drive.
Pros
- Brushless motor for efficient 36V performance
- Three speed options for different tasks
- Electric brake stops the blade quickly
- Active Feedback Sensing Technology reduces kickback
Cons
- Batteries and charger are not included
- Heavier than some lighter string trimmers
- Requires two batteries to operate
Good fit if
- You need multiple speed settings for various debris
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
- You want a brushless motor for durability
Skip if
- You prefer a lightweight tool under 10 pounds
- You do not own compatible Makita batteries
- You only need a simple string trimmer head
Verdict: Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter is a robust option for users who already have Makita batteries and need adjustable speeds for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer | Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer | Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit | Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head | Makita 36V Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer | Makita 36V Brushless Couple Shaft String Trimmer | Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer | Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V | 18V | 36V (18V X2) | 18V | 36V (18V X2) | 36V (18V X2) | 40V max | 36V (Twin 18V) |
| Cutting Swath | 13 in | 13 in | 15" | not specified | 17 in | not specified | 15 in | 430 mm |
| Power Source | battery | battery | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Battery | not specified |
| Motor Type | brushless | brushless | brushless | brushless | brushless | brushless | Brushless | brushless |
| Shaft Type | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | couple shaft | not specified | not specified |
| Line Feed System | not specified | not specified | bump and feed | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Battery Capacity | not specified | 4.0 Ah | 5.0Ah | not specified | not specified | 5.0Ah | 4.0Ah | not specified |
| Cutting Width | 13-Inch | 13-Inch | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 15-Inch | not specified |
| Included Battery | Tool Only | not specified | not specified | Tool Only | Tool Only | not specified | Tool Only | not specified |
| Dimensions | 8.07 × 40.3 × 8.39 inches | 8.07 × 40.3 × 8.39 inches | 7.09 × 72.8 × 8.78 inches | 5.91 × 41.3 × 7.56 inches | 8.66 × 75 × 9.76 inches | 15.3 × 42 × 10.5 inches | 7.09 × 72.4 × 8.9 inches | 72.7 × 24.7 × 5 inches |
| Weight | 9.23 pounds | not specified | 9.1 pounds | 8.55 pounds | 19 pounds | not specified | not specified | 14.3 pounds |
| Size | 13 inches | 13 inches | Kit with two 5.0Ah batteries | not specified | 17" | not specified | 15" | 60 x 450 mm |
| Color | Teal | Teal | Teal | Teal | Teal | Teal | Teal | Black |
| Model | XRU23Z | XRU23SM1 | XRU15PT | XUX02Z | XRU18Z | XUX01M5PT | GRU01Z | DUR369AZ |
Makita String Trimmers Compared
Makita offers trimmers across 18V, 36V, and 40V platforms. The 18V XRU23Z provides a lightweight 13-inch cut for small yards. The 40V GRU01Z delivers heavy-duty power with a 15-inch path for users with existing XGT batteries. The 36V XRU18Z features a wide 17-inch cut for larger properties. These models suit shoppers prioritizing voltage compatibility and cutting width.
Some units are tool-only, while kits include batteries. The 36V XRU15PT kit comes with two 5.0 Ah batteries. The 18V XRU23SM1 includes a 4.0 Ah battery. You can also choose the versatile XUX02Z power head for multiple attachments. All models use brushless motors for efficiency. Check your existing battery inventory before buying.
Where Makita Fits Your Needs
Makita’s range spans from compact 13-inch trimmers to heavy-duty 17-inch brush cutters. You can choose between 18V, 36V, and 40V platforms. Smaller models like the XRU23Z weigh under 10 pounds for easy handling. Larger options like the XRU18Z reach 19 pounds for wider cuts. All listed products use brushless motors. You will not find gas-powered or electric corded options here. The lineup focuses on modular tools for users already invested in Makita batteries. Choose based on your existing battery system and yard size.
If you share batteries across workshop tools, compare motor specs for the best makita angle grinders.
Choosing the Right Makita String Trimmer
-
Check Your Battery Platform
Start by identifying which Makita battery system you already own. The 18V LXT, 36V X2, and 40V XGT platforms are not interchangeable. If you have existing 18V batteries, the 18V XRU23Z is a logical fit. Users with 40V XGT batteries should look at the 40V GRU01Z. Choosing a tool that matches your current power source saves money on new batteries and ensures immediate compatibility. Verify your voltage before purchasing to avoid buying unused power packs.
-
Match Cutting Width to Yard Size
Select a cutting width that matches your lawn area. Smaller yards benefit from narrower cuts. The 13-inch models like the XRU23Z offer precise control for tight spaces. Larger properties require wider paths to reduce time. The 17-inch XRU18Z and 15-inch GRU01Z cover more ground per pass. A wider deck means fewer passes, but it also increases weight and maneuverability challenges. Choose a width that allows you to finish your job efficiently without excessive fatigue.
-
Consider Weight for Handling
Weight significantly affects comfort during extended use. Lighter tools reduce arm strain. The 18V XRU23Z weighs 9.23 pounds, making it easy to maneuver. Heavier models like the 17-inch XRU18Z weigh 19 pounds. This extra mass provides stability and power but requires more strength to hold. If you have back issues or prefer light handling, stick to the under-10-pound options. Heavier units are better for users who prioritize raw cutting power over lightweight agility.
-
Verify Included Battery Capacity
Check if the listing includes batteries and their capacity. Some kits, like the 36V XRU15PT, include two 5.0 Ah batteries. Other models are sold as tool-only units. Buying a tool-only option requires purchasing batteries separately. Higher amp-hour ratings like 5.0 Ah provide longer runtime than smaller packs. If you need continuous operation, prioritize kits with included high-capacity batteries. Otherwise, ensure you have compatible chargers and spare batteries ready for your chosen tool.
-
Evaluate Motor Type for Efficiency
All listed Makita models feature brushless motors. This design offers longer life and better efficiency than brushed alternatives. Brushless motors generate less heat and require less maintenance. They also provide consistent power output as the battery drains. This means you get more work done per charge. Since every option here uses this technology, you can expect reliable performance across the board. Focus your comparison on other specs like voltage and cutting width instead of motor type.
Frequently asked questions
Which Makita string trimmer is best for existing 18V users?
The Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer (XRU23Z) is the top choice. It weighs just 9.23 pounds and features a 13-inch cutting width. The tool-only design lets you use your existing 18V LXT batteries. Variable speed control helps you manage precise trimming tasks efficiently.
What is the widest cutting path available in this lineup?
The Makita 36V Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer (XRU18Z) offers the widest 17-inch cut. It weighs 19 pounds and delivers gas-equivalent power. This model is ideal for users needing a broad clearing path. It operates on the 36V X2 platform for robust performance.
Are there Makita options that include batteries in the kit?
Yes, the Makita 36V 15" Brushless Trimmer Kit (XRU15PT) includes two 5.0 Ah batteries. It provides a 15-inch cutting width for medium to large yards. The kit weighs 9.1 pounds. This setup is convenient if you do not already own compatible Makita batteries.
Which model is best for heavy-duty trimming with 40V batteries?
The Makita 40V max Brushless 15" String Trimmer (GRU01Z) is designed for this purpose. It features a 15-inch cutting path and runs on the 40V XGT platform. The tool-only design requires existing 40V batteries. It is suited for heavy-duty trimming tasks.
Can I use a Makita power head with multiple attachments?
The Makita 18V Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head (XUX02Z) allows for versatile use. It weighs 8.55 pounds and accepts various attachments. The 36V Couple Shaft Power Head Kit (XUX01M5PT) also offers modular yard work. These tools let you switch heads easily for different tasks.
How does the 36V brush cutter differ from standard trimmers?
The Makita DUR369AZ 36V Brushless Brush Cutter (DUR369AZ) is built for heavy-duty cutting. It weighs 14.3 pounds and features adjustable speeds. The cutting size is 60 x 450 mm. This model suits users needing more power than a standard string trimmer provides.
Is there a lightweight option for small lawns?
The Makita 18V Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer (XRU23Z) is ideal for small yards. It weighs only 9.23 pounds and has a 13-inch cutting width. The high/low power settings offer precise control. Its compact design makes it easy to handle for smaller trimming jobs.
What voltage platforms does Makita offer for string trimmers?
Makita offers 18V, 36V, and 40V platforms. The 18V XRU23Z is lightweight for small yards. The 36V XRU18Z provides a 17-inch cut for larger areas. The 40V GRU01Z delivers heavy-duty power. Choose the platform that matches your existing battery inventory.