Makita Brush Cutter Tackles Heavy Overgrowth Without the Noise or Emissions
Not many battery-powered brushcutters exist on the market. The Makita XRU16 Cordless 36V Brush Cutter claims the power equivalent of a 30cc gas engine. Given that Makita also makes gas brush cutters—this claim should hols some weight. Like most battery-powered OPE tools, however, it works with less noise, zero emissions, reduced maintenance, and instant startup. If true, Makita has just made brush cutting a whole lot less of a hassle without sacrificing power.
10-Second Summary
- Model: Makita XRU16PT
- Brushless motor generates up to 7,000 RPM
- Bike-handle design
- Variable speed trigger
- Steel drive shaft
- Three speed options with Automatic Torque Drive
- Reverse Rotation function
- Includes 9″ star blade
- Warranty: 3 years
- Kit Price: $599.99
Brushcutting Like a Pro
The Makita cordless Brush Cutter uses a 36V brushless motor that generates up to 7,000 RPM to shred through the worst of your grass, weeds, and heavy brush. For comparison, that’s a bit less than the 9,500 RPM you get from the Makita EM2650UH MM4 25.4cc brush cutter. Still, the brushless motor should be able to hold the power to the cutting head.
Unlike most gas-powered brush cutters and trimmers. The Makita XRU16 has three different speed settings. Low speed gets you up to 4,600 RPM and extends your runtime for basic trimming. Medium speed goes up to 5,500 RPM, balancing power and runtime. High speed throws caution to the wind and turns the 9″ metal brush cutter blade at its maximum 7,000 RPM.
If you don’t want to think about managing your own power and runtime, you can set the Makita Brush Cutter to its Automatic Torque Drive setting. This automatically shifts the XRU16’s speed settings to maximize your runtime, adding extra power only when you need it.
Of course, you can always make speed adjustments on the fly by riding the variable speed trigger also. In case you get tangled up, the Makita cordless Brush Cutter has a reverse rotation function as well. Engaging this feature spins the blade in reverse for a few seconds, unwinding any tangles from the cutting head.
Lastly, and our favorite, a bike-handle design gives you full control over the 9″ steel brush cutter blade. Makita also claims the steel drive shaft reduces vibrations and adds additional durability to the tool.
Because Makita intends the Cordless Brush Cutter primarily for Pro use in a variety of weather conditions, they’ve included Extreme Protection Technology (XPT). XPT consists of a series of integrated seals that channel both water and dust away from important internal components. This sort of protection increases the durability of the tool as well.
Pricing
You can pick up the Makita XRU16 36V Cordless Brush Cutter kitted with two 18V 5.0Ah batteries and charger for $599. It comes with a 3 year warranty on the tool, battery, and charger.
Makita Cordless Brush Cutter Specs
- Model: Makita XRU16
- Blade Diameter: 9 in.
- No Load Speed: 0-4,600/0-5,500/0-7,000 RPM
- Arbor Shaft: M10 x 1.25LH
- Overall Length: 72-1/2 in.
- Net Weight: 16.8 lbs. with battery
- Kit Includes: Tool, two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries, 18V LXT dual port charger, 9 in. star blade, harness, blade cover
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $599.99
