As cordless landscaping equipment become more powerful there have been many professionals who are very interested in ditching the gas engines and going cordless. Businesses and affluent customers want less noise and less emissions when the lawn care service is being performed. Operators also want less hassle and maintenance, just slapping the battery in and go. Of course the tools need to perform at professional level and until recently the battery landscaper tools were consumer grade at best.
Makita feels they have really gotten to the next level with their 18V X2 LST (36V) platform combined with their brushless motor technology. The Makita platform is a terrific option as they are so widely available and compatible with other power tools they may need. The 36V brushless trimmer ZRU07Z ($279) is truly a professional grade tool and the first of its kind with a 13-3/4” capacity and 60 minute runtime (with 5.0Ah batteries). The 36V brushless blower XBU02Z ($279) puts out 473 CFM of force to really move some debris but thanks to the brushless motor can outlast other blowers in its class.
For questions on any Makita 18V Tool talk to the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 and they will be more than happy to help you out. For more info on these new tools check out the full Makita press release below.
La Mirada, CA – Makita® has released two new cordless solutions for landscapers with the 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower, model XBU02Z, and the 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, model XRU07Z. Both tools are the first in their categories to be powered by two 18V lithium-ion batteries. With Makita’s exclusive 18V X2 technology users get class-leading performance with 36V power and run-time – without leaving the strongly-preferred 18V battery platform.
No Cord, No Emissions
“Landscapers are seeking cordless options to corded and gas-powered outdoor power equipment,” said Adam Livingston, Product Manager, Cordless Products, Makita USA. “Makita is a pioneer in brushless motor technology in cordless tools and a leader in the category. The new blower and string trimmer combine the efficiency of brushless with the extended run time of 18V X2 technology, giving landscapers two more opportunities to unplug the cord. They also get less noise, less maintenance, zero emissions, and none of the hassle and expense of gas powered equipment.”
World’s Largest Cordless Tool Line-Up
These two new cordless solutions are part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion series, which offers 100+ tools and is the world’s largest cordless tool line-up powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style battery. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.
18V X2 LXT (36V) String Trimmer
The new XRU07Z gives landscapers instant start-up and zero hassle with fuel, oil changes, or power cords. The efficient brushless motor has a direct-drive system that provides high power and increased torque, with Constant Speed Control to minimize reductions in rotation speed under load. The XRU07Z will run up to 60 minutes on a single charge of two Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0 Ah batteries (sold separately). The XRU07Z can also be run with two 18V 2.0Ah, 3.0Ah, or 4.0Ah batteries. It has a full 13-3/4″ diameter of cutting capacity. For added versatility, the XRU07Z has two speed options (0-5,000 to 0-6,500), allowing the user to match the speed to the application.
Additional features include an easy-loading bump-and-feed trimmer head which rotates clockwise to help direct grass clippings away from the operator, and a reverse rotation system that allows operators to quickly clear the trimmer head. The XRU07Z weighs only 9.9 lbs. (with batteries), and includes a 3-stage L.E.D. battery indicator that monitors the battery charge status.
18V X2 LXT (36V) Blower
The XBU02Z also provides instant start-up for quick clean-up applications. The efficient brushless motor delivers up to 120 MPG air velocity and 473 CFM air volume. It has a 6-stage air velocity/volume selection dial with variable speed control trigger, with up to 29 minutes of run time on dial setting 3 using two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries (sold separately). The XBU02Z can also be run with two 18V 2.0Ah, 3.0Ah, or 4.0Ah batteries. The in-line fan design provides better tool balance and improved ergonomics, with a compact design at only 38-3/4” long.
Additional features include a lock-on button for continuous operation and a 3-stage telescoping long nozzle for user convenience. The XBU02Z weighs only 9.9 lbs. (with batteries), and includes a 3-stage L.E.D. battery indicator that monitors the battery charge status.
Brushless Motor Technology and XPT
Both tools feature an efficient BL™ Brushless motor that is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge than similar non-brushless tools. Electronic controls efficiently use battery energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application for increased power and speed when needed. And since there are no carbon brushes, the BL™ Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life. For increased durability, both tools are equipped with Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), a protective seal inside the tool engineered for improved dust and moisture resistance by channeling debris away from the tool’s key internal components.
Star Protection Computer Controls™
For improved tool performance and extended battery life, the XBU02Z and XRU07Z feature Star Protection Computer Controls™. Star Protection is communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions during use to protect against overloading, overdischarging and overheating. For increased versatility, the XBU02Z and XRU07Z can also be powered by Makita 18V LXT® and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol on the battery indicating Star Protection inside.
XBU02Z – 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless
Cordless Blower (Tool only)
Max Air Velocity 120 MPH
Max Air Volume 473 CPM
No Load Speed (variable speed) 11,400 – 21,500 RPM
Overall Length 38-3/4”
Sound Pressure 96dB(A)
Net Weight 9.9 lbs., with batteries (sold separately)
Includes Tool, 3-Stage Telescoping Nozzle
XRU07Z – 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless
Cordless String Trimmer (tool only)
2 speeds 0-5,000 & 0-6,500
13-3/4″ cutting capacity
Net Weight 9.9 lbs., with batteries (sold separately)
Includes String trimmer, goggles, hex wrench, accessory bag, bump & feed trimmer head
