Makita… lawn mower… what? These were my exact thoughts when I first heard about this new lineup of mowers.
If you're like me, when you think of Makita you probably think of power tools. They have been a powerhouse in this category for many years. Only recently have they began making outdoor power equipment.
The Makita lawn mower is one of the newest additions to the 18V LXT lineup. Makita's LXT category has one of the largest offerings in the world. It is actually crazy how many different tools (over 275) they have for these 18V batteries.
In this article, I will give all the details and my overall review of the Makita lawn mowers.
About Makita
Makita lawn mowers have really broken into the market and made a name for themselves over the past few years. This is because, well, they know batteries. They actually developed the first-ever brushless motor (the type every electric mower manufacture uses) in 2004.
The Makita lawn mower has the ability to step in where gas mowers have historically been used and provide as good, if not better, of a job. But just because a company knows batteries, doesn't necessarily mean they can make a great lawn mower…
Below we are going to look at some of the best Makita lawn mowers.
Makita 18V LXT Battery Review
The Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion is the battery that powers every mower in their lineup. This is also the battery used to power all of their outdoor power equipment. This includes string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and much more.
This may not be much different from other competitors but Makita has an insanely vast selection of tools. It is over 275 tools that these 18V LXT batteries can power. It is very similar to Dewalt's handtools.
So how do Makita's LXT battery stand up to the rest? We were incredibly impressed with the overall performance. They lasted a long time and had plenty of power. These batteries were also very fast to charge.
I would put them up against DeWalt or Milwaukee Tool any day. These batteries are top of the line and definitely deserve to be in the discussion for the best battery powered equipment.
Push Mowers
When it comes to push mowers, Makita has a lot to offer. There is no denial in the fact that people are looking for an alternative to gas-powered outdoor power equipment.
The only downside to a push mower is obvious… you have to actually push the mower. This can make the effort to mow your lawn much more intense. However, this is the case for any push mower no matter the brand… okay, I'll stop being lazy.
One positive of a push mower is they usually last a bit longer than a self propelled mower. Less moving parts means less things to break. Makita's push mower are about as simple and straightforward as you can get. I like this about their mowers.
Makita XML02Z
The Makita XML02Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower was built for the homeowner with a small yard. The design of the lawn mower is very good and it is very easy to operate. The XML02Z model is a simple mower that has everything you need to cut your lawn.
Height of Cut Adjustment – the single lever deck adjustment is a very nice design and makes it extremely easy to adjust the height of cut.
Ease of Use – The mower is very easy to use, you don’t have to do anything fancy to operate it. The controls are very straightforward and intuitive.
Durability – The XML02Z model is built well for a residential push mower. It will last any homeowner a long time.
Lightweight – Most people find their mowers bulky and heavy but that’s not the problem with Makita XML02Z. It is very lightweight and easy for almost anyone to manuever. This is especially important for this mower since it isn't self-propelled.
Makita XML03PT1
The Makita XML03PT1 offers 18V Lithium-ion 5.0AH batteries which have an outstanding battery run time of about one hour. It really stands out from the crowd because of its commercially inspired steel deck. This mower is for you if your lawn is 1/2 acre or less and never really overgrown.
Compact – The mower is lightweight and can be stored very easily. The folding handle makes this very easy.
Quiet Mode – This keeps the motor at 2500 RPMs to keep the noise of the mower down.
Weather-resistant – The product is weather-resistant, can withstand any type of climatic conditions.
Extreme Protection Technology – The Makita ensures extreme protection technology which extends the life the the mower.
Self-Propelled Mower
Coming to our next category is Makita's self-propelled mower which is different from the traditional mower in so many ways. I would say they are one step up since you basically just have to walk behind these mowers instead of push.
Makita XML06PT1
Makita XML06PT1 mower is well-built and has a commercial-grade steel deck. It is packed with features like
Long-Lasting – It is long-lasting because IPX4 weather resistant design along with a commercial steel deck and XPT system.
Better Run time – The Makita XML06PT1 has a 4 bay battery system that will increase the run time of the mower.
Variable Speed – This mower has a variable speed design that allows you to go 1.5 – 3 mph.
Sleek design – This mower has a modern design and many useful aspects that went into their engineering.
Commercial Self-Propelled Mower
As the name speaks volumes, the commercial self-propelled mower is the top of the line for Makita. This mower will be best for the homeowner with a yard up to 3/4 acres. You may be fine up to 1 acre but it will depend on some other variables like terrain and slopes. With battery lawn mowers it all comes down to how much can you mow on a single charge.
This mower can be used in a commercial environment as long as you can keep the batteries charged. As far as the mower is concerned, I think it would be perfect for getting backyard and very tight areas your other mowers can't reach.
Makita XML08PT1
The Makita XML08PT1 is a 21″ self-propelled mower that comes with 4 18V batteries. It features a commercial steel deck that is very durable. This mower can mow up to 2/3 or 1-hour on a single charge.
4 bay battery system – The battery of this mower can last for quite a long time. It offers innovative technology that enhances the run times by 2 times.
Rubberized soft grip – If you mow your lawn for quite a time then a hard grip can be a problem. But Makita takes care of that by providing a rubberized soft grip that offers comfort to your hand.
3-in-1 Capabilities – The Makita XML08PT1 has a 3-in-1 design allowing you to side discharge, mulch, or bag.
Single lever – Using its single lever, you can easily adjust the cutting height.
Star Protection Computer Controls – this protects the batteries and motor from overloading or overheating.
Makita XML09Z
Makita XML09Z is much like the XML08 except it has a commercial aluminum deck that prevents the deck from rust and corrosion. This is their top-of-the-line mower. It is built to hold up to tough conditions and last a very long time.
Commercial Aluminum Deck – this is a rust free deck and the best mower deck Makita has available.
Variable speed – The mower offers a variable speed of 1.5 MPH – 3 MPH.
3-in-1 design – Whether you’re mulching, bagging, or collecting grass, it takes care of all that.
Grass catcher bag – It comes up with a grass catcher bag to collect residual grass.
Frequently Asked Question
Do Makita lawn mowers come with batteries?
This is something very important to pay attention to. There are several different packages for each mower. Most of the part numbers ending in “Z” are the tool only. Part numbers ending in “PT” come with 2 batteries. Finally, part numbers ending in “PT1” or “CM1” come with 4 batteries and have the ability to hold 4 batteries. Below is an example of a Makita mower that comes with 4 batteries.
While looking at these lawn mowers online it will usually say in most of the descriptions if it comes with batteries and how many. If it doesn't come with batteries it will usually say “Tool Only”. Below is an example.
Are Makita lawn mowers any good?
Yes, it is better than any other lawnmower. The reason for saying that is it is very easy to use and the results are way much better.
Is there any guarantee period for Makita lawn mowers?
Yes, Makita lawn mowers come up with a guarantee. Makita warrants all the goods against faulty workmanship and defective materials.
What does LXT mean on Makita tools?
Most people asked for the meaning of LXT in Makita equipment. And the answer is it implies Lithium-Ion Xtreme technology which offers a longer work time. It is well known for its increased efficiency and productivity.
Wrapping It Up
That’s it! This is my take on the Makita lawn mowers. I spent several days using these mowers and can honestly say they are good quality. They are perfect for the average homeowner's needs. The best part about Makita is the amount of other tools they offer that use the same 18V battery.
In a nutshell, the Makita lawn mowers have a lot more to offer. These high-quality mowers can do a great job mowing grass and are built to last a long time. For more information, check out Makita's website or buy on Amazon.
What do you think?
Do you own a Makita lawn mower? If so, do you like it? Let us know in the comments below.
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