Makita recently added the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Curved Shaft String Trimmer to their cordless OPE lineup. The XRU08Z delivers performance without the noise, emissions, expense, and maintenance associated with gas-powered trimmers. Weighing in at 7.9 pounds, the trimmer features a telescoping, curved shaft that adjusts from 60-1/2 inches to 64-1/2 inches.
Makita’s BL brushless motor offers an adjustable speed dial and delivers up to 6,000 RPM. Electronic controls match torque and RPM to the application while optimizing battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge than similar brushed models. Like all brushless motors, it will run cooler and and enjoy a longer life.
On paper, the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Curved Shaft String Trimmer promises 37 minutes of run time on the high setting and 44 minutes on low under load on a single charge. That’s going to vary with the density of the grass you’re cutting, but is going to be plenty for most users tackling a 1/2 acre or less.
“Landscapers are seeking more cordless solutions, especially in residential areas where there is resistance to the noise and emissions of gas powered equipment. Makita 18V LXT gives landscapers one battery platform with a vast amount of room to expand. The fast-charging 18 volt batteries that power Makita cordless string trimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers and chain saws are the same batteries that power Makita drills, impact drivers, grinders, and over 125 other cordless tools.”
– Rene Montes, OPE Cordless Product Manager, Makita USA
Our Take
Makita lists a ton of features with this trimmer (see below), but some stand out to us more than others. Reversible rotation is a big deal when cutting wiry grass that can get caught up around the trimmer head. It’s also helpful if you simply want to walk the opposite direction while trimmer. We’re also fans of the telescoping shaft. The guys around the shop range from 5’8″ to 6’5″ and some of the trimmers from our shootout weren’t kind to one end or the other. You can see the entire list of features on Makita’s website.
18V string trimmers like the Makita XRU08Z tend to fill a niche that covers both homeowners and professional contractors. For the homeowner, you’re getting a quality built string trimmer to handle your normal lawn maintenance task – but it won’t take an edging blade. For the contractor, you have a light to medium-duty trimmer that works on your battery platform to clear growth around the jobsite.
This definitely isn’t a tool for the professional lawn crew, though the 7.9-pound weight makes it extremely light compared to other options. Lacking the ability to make it up to 0.095″ line (its listed range is 0.080″ – 0.090″) and sub-12-inch cutting swath clearly puts it in the homeowner category.
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Curved Shaft String Trimmer Specifications
- Model: Makita XRU08Z
- Cutting Capacity: 11-3/4″
- Power Source: Makita 18V LXT battery pack
- No Load Speed (2 spd): 5,000/6,000 RPM
- Line Diameter: 2.0 – 2.3 mm (0.080″ – 0.090″)
- Cutting Swath: 11-3/4″
- Net Weight (with battery): 7.9 lbs.
- Run Time: 37 minutes (high), 44 minutes (low)
- Includes: Trimmer Head, Shoulder Strap, Goggles, Hex Wrench, Hex Wrench, Accessory Bag
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- Price: $239.99
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