Makita Upgrades Cordless Grass Shear
The Makita XMU05 18V LXT Cordless grass shear provides a narrower cutting width to the existing XMU04. It also leaves off the 8-inch hedge trimmer attachment as a separate option to lower the cost of entry. Aside from that, it appears to have similar specifications from blade speed to the tool-less shear blade change mechanism. Overall, this new tool gives users an option for a lower cost, more nimble grass shear.
Makita Cordless Grass Shear: The Big Deal
The Makita XMU05 Cordless Grass Shear features a dual blade cutting action that uses 4-5/16″ wide blades. Makita claims that it delivers faster cutting speeds at 2,500 SPM (we’ll touch on this later). With a 5.0Ah battery attached, the XMU05 delivers up to two hours of continuous runtime per charge. That should let you get quite a bit of work done.
It maintains another design feature from the Makita XMU04 that we haven’t really seen on similar tools. You can adjust your cut height at either 9/16″, 3/4″, or 1″ high. This sort of feature lets you run the tool across the ground for a consistent trim that you don’t have to try to “eyeball.”
To present a more compact tool at a lower price point, Makita makes the 8-inch hedge clipper attachment a separate option. The Makita XMU04 includes both blades (as do models from many other manufacturers). Presumably, leaving it off keeps the price down for users who might not actually need it. If you think this attachment would improve your gardening efforts, you can pick it up for just $28.99.
Additional Features
- Non-slip rubber grip
- Tool-less blade change
- Neo-electrolyzed nickel-plated blades resist staining and rusting
Side by Side
The design of the Makita XMU05 (particularly given the existing XMU04) isn’t new to the market. In fact, we’ve seen quite a few of these tools lately. Two of the most recent models come from Craftsman and Hart Tools.
| Model | Makita XMU05 | Makita XMU04 | Craftsman CMCSS800C1 | Hart HGHT021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushed | Brushed | Brushed | Brushed |
| No-Load Speed | 2,500 SPM | 2,500 SPM | — | 1,200 RPM |
| Shear Length | 4-5/16 in. | 6-5/16 in. | 4 in. | 3 in. |
| Hedge Trimmer Length | 8 in. | 8 in. | 8 in. | 8 in. |
| Runtime | 2 hours (with suggested 5.0Ah battery) | 3 hours (with suggested 5.0Ah battery) | — | Up to an hour (with kitted 2.0Ah battery) |
| Weight with Battery | 3.7 lbs. | 3.8 lbs. | — | 6.62 lbs. |
| Price | $79 (bare tool; hedge trimmer attachment sold separately – $28.99) | $129 (bare tool, includes 8″ hedge trimmer blade) | $79.96 (Kitted with 1.5Ah battery & charger) | $83 (kitted with 2.0Ah battery and charger) |
While it looks like both models keep to a brushed motor that maintains the same speed between each model, the shorter blade width and reduced runtime on the XMU05 point to increased torque to get through thicker grasses and weeds. This would explain the claim of this tool having faster cutting speeds.
Makita XMU05 vs Competitors
As far as the competitive models, the Craftsman V20 grass shear maintains a certain level of coyness about the power, runtime, and weight of their product. We’ve used it and the cutting speed and capacity seem adequate. The Makita XMU04 and XMU05 look a good bit more refined. We’ve also used the Hart cordless grass shear. It can certainly get the job done for less money, but it’s a bit heavier and slower.
Makita Cordless Grass Shear Price
You can pick up the Makita XMU05Z for $79. Right now, at least, it looks like it’s only available as a bare tool. And, though the Makita Cordless Grass Shear does work with a hedge clipper attachment (198408-1), sold separately. You can pick that up for $28.99 which puts the whole package, if you need it, at $107.99. Makita’s Cordless Grass Shear comes with a 3-year warranty.
