Makita 18V LXT Brushless String Trimmer

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer is a notable entry in the crowded market of battery-powered lawn care tools. Known for its signature teal branding and extensive battery ecosystem, Makita offers this trimmer as a lightweight solution for homeowners. This review synthesizes user experiences to determine if this trimmer delivers the performance and convenience expected from a professional-grade brand.

Key Features

This string trimmer is built around the 18V LXT battery platform, which is compatible with hundreds of other Makita products. It typically comes as a kit including a 4.0 Ah battery and a charger that can fully replenish the power cell in approximately 40 minutes.

The tool features a brushless motor designed for efficiency and longevity. The control interface includes a power button and a speed selector that cycles through four distinct settings. One of these settings is an automatic mode that adjusts the head speed based on the thickness of the material being cut. Additionally, a reverse button is included to help clear the trimmer head if it becomes tangled with grass or debris.

Performance and Handling

One of the most praised aspects of this trimmer is its weight. At only seven and a half pounds, users describe it as feeling feather-light and exceptionally easy to maneuver. This low weight makes it an excellent choice for edging along walkways and maintaining control during extended use.

In terms of raw power, the trimmer is described as having smooth and quiet operation. While it provides enough strength for standard grass trimming on smaller properties, it may struggle with very thick brush or heavy-duty clearing. The 13-inch cutting swath is standard for its class, providing a decent balance between coverage and precision.

The User Experience

While the lightweight design is a major win, the user experience is a mix of convenience and frustration. The assembly is generally straightforward, though some users have noted that the included hex wrench for the trimmer head can be difficult to use without modification.

The control scheme has also drawn some criticism. The trigger functions primarily as an on-off switch rather than a variable speed controller. Users must use a separate button to cycle through speeds, which can be less intuitive than controlling the RPM with finger pressure. Furthermore, some models include a safety power switch that resets every time the safety lever is released, requiring the user to press the power button again before restarting.

Maintenance also presents a hurdle. The process of loading new trimmer line is frequently described as tedious and outdated. Unlike modern systems that feature "power loading" buttons, this spool requires manual winding and careful slotting that some users find frustrating.

Pros

• The exceptionally low weight makes the tool easy to handle for all users.
• The 40-minute battery charge time is impressively fast for a 4.0 Ah battery.
• The brushless motor provides quiet and smooth performance.
• Compatibility with the massive Makita 18V LXT battery line is a major benefit for existing fans of the brand.
• The automatic speed mode helps conserve battery life by only using high power when necessary.

Cons

• The manual string loading process is cumbersome and feels behind the times compared to competitors.
• The lack of a true variable speed trigger limits on-the-fly control.
• The power switch behavior can be annoying as it frequently requires manual reactivation.
• The debris guard is relatively small, which can lead to more grass clippings hitting the operator.
• The power levels may not be sufficient for large properties or heavy overgrowth.

Target Audience

This string trimmer is best suited for owners of small to medium-sized residential properties who value tool weight and maneuverability over raw power. It is an ideal choice for individuals who already own Makita LXT power tools and want to utilize their existing battery collection. It is also a strong candidate for those who find heavier gas or dual-battery trimmers too fatiguing to use.