We recently got our hands on a competitor to this unit, the EGO String Trimmer and made some pretty bold statements. First was that that it was the best battery powered string trimmer we had ever used and second that there was no reason for a home owner to ever go back to a gas string trimmer. Both of those statements are still true but that may just be because we have yet to get our hands on the new Makita XRU04Z unit.
We are pretty excited to see what the performance of this unit is and there are a couple of reasons we are confident they can deliver on the performance, even with an 18V platform vs others using 36V, 40V or 56V. Since Makita has had great success with their duel 18V battery to 36V platform the fact that they didn’t go that route with this unit probably means they didn’t need to. Also since they will be launching an 18V Brushless Hammer Drill XPH07M with 1090 in lbs of torque in the very near future it would seem they may have cracked the code for delivering on a lot of power from a small 18V brushless motor. If this unit can deliver the power we hope it can it would most certainly be the lightest unit to do so at only 8.6lbs.
We will follow up when we know more! In the meantime the full Makita press release is below. If you have any questions on Makita Tools corded or cordless, contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424. They will be more than happy to help you find the right tool for the job.
La Mirada, CA – Makita has released a new cordless solution for landscapers with the 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer (XRU04Z, tool only). It’s the latest addition to the expanding 18V LXT® line-up, the world’s largest cordless tool series powered by an 18V lithium-ion slide-style battery. Makita offers 80+ 18V cordless tools powered by the fast-charging 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion battery.
Makita created the first brushless motor impact driver for contractors in 2009, and the new 18V String Trimmer packs all the advantages of efficient brushless motor technology. The XRU04Z is part of Makita’s expanding line of cordless tools for landscapers which includes string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, a grass shear, and blowers.
“Landscapers are demanding more cordless alternatives to corded and gas-powered outdoor power equipment,” said Mario Lopez, Product Manager, Makita. “With zero emissions, lower noise, and considerably less maintenance, as well as category-leading battery charge time and unmatched breadth-of-line, this new 18 volt cordless trimmer is a welcome solution for landscapers. And with the efficient brushless motor, they’ll get up to 50% longer run time, more power and speed, and longer tool life.”
Convenience and Performance
The new XRU04Z gives landscapers instant start-up, up to 6,000 RPM for faster cutting, and zero hassle with fuel, oil changes, or power cords. With the efficient brushless motor, the XRU04Z will run up to 90 minutes on a single charge of a Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0 Ah battery (sold separately). It has a full 11-3/4″ diameter of cutting capacity. For added versatility, the XRU04Z has an adjustable speed dial (0-3,500 to 0-6,000).
Additional features include an easy-loading bump-and-feed trimmer head for increased user convenience, and a reverse rotation system that allows operators to quickly clear the trimmer head. The XRU04Z features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), engineered for improved dust and water resistance for operation in harsh conditions. The trimmer weighs only 8.6 lbs. (with battery), and includes an L.E.D. battery indicator that monitors the battery charge status.
Specifications for XRU04Z
Cutting Capacity (diameter): 11-3/4″
No Load Speed (2 spd): 0-3,500, 0-6,000
Battery: 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
Overall Length: 72-1/2″
Net Weight (lbs. with battery): 8.6
Includes: Tool only
