Makita Cordless Weed Eater Tool Review

The Makita Cordless Weed Eater Tool Review is sponsored by The Home Depot. I have been compensated for my time and provided with product (tools). All ideas and opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. 

I am all about battery powered yard tools and equipment.  I like the ease of use, no mess, and less weight that battery tools provide. It seems like each year the battery powered tools get even better and better. This Makita 18 volt cordless weed eater (aka string trimmer) is no exception.

Makita Cordless Weed Eater (String Trimmer)

Today, I am reviewing the newest Makita model# XRU12SM1 string trimmer. It is packet with features, but right off the bat, I notice how light weight this weed eater is compared to other weed eaters I’ve used. With the battery, the Makita cordless weed eater comes in at only 8.6 lbs! It is balanced so nicely too. I am on the shorter end, measuring 5′ 5″, and sometimes weed eaters can be awkward for me to use. This model’s handles are in a great spot, my trigger arm doesn’t feel tired from being too high, after trimming my yard.  My husband is 6′, and it comfortable for him to use also.

Let’s check out some of the many features of this Makita model:

 

 

Features

• It is powered by a Makita 18 volt battery, a 4.0 Ah battery and charger are included. I want to note, Makita batteries are one of the fastest batteries to charge in their category (40 min or less).
• The brushless motor provides up to 6,000 RPM.
• It has automatic torque drive technology mode that can automatically shift RPMs for extended run time or added power.
• Or you can control speeds manually, choose between 3-speed control settings (low: 4,000 RPM, medium: 5,000 RPM, high: 6,000 RPM) for power management.
• The control settings also include a Reverse Mode. Reverse rotation system allows you to quickly clear trimmer head of tangled grass and weeds. Press the Reverse button to run it in reverse, release and press the trigger again and it automatically switches back to the Forward rotation.
• It is compatible with 0.08″ or 0.095″ trim line.
• Comes with safety glasses.

How It Works

The Makita weed eater can be stored in 2 pieces. Slide the weed eater shaft into the motor shaft. Then secure the pieces together by rotating the black lever.

Slide a charged 18 volt Makita battery on the end and you’re ready to go.

Then use the control board to turn on the weed eater. Also the on/off button is used to control what speed setting you want the weed eater on, including auto. The reverse button is to the right of the on/off button.

The handle includes two triggers, one is for safety. Both must be pressed to start the motor head spinning.

It has a large easy-loading bump and feed trimmer button, to make it easy to extend the string as you go.

Changing String

Changing the string is easy too. Press the plastic tabs in, on the side of the string holder, and pull off the holder.

The string is looped into one of the center slots in the reel, then wind up the string. At the end, leave one string end 180 deg opposite of the other, and slide back into the holder. See the metal slots in the pic above. Then pop the holder back onto the motor.

The Makita weed eater is made for precision trimming, so it has a small guard. The smaller guard may allow some debris to flip back if you hold it at the wrong angle. Make sure to wear those safety glasses to protect yourself.

Conclusion

Overall this Makita Weed Eater is an excellent battery powered string trimmer. I really like the light weight and ergonomics. All of the features and ease of use and changing the string are all added bonus. I would definitely recommend it to any friend.

Even better, I did notice they are having a Makita yard equipment sale on HomeDepot.com, Purchase 2 items and get $50 off, Purchase 3 items and get $100 off. 

 

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“I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the Tool Review Program. As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.”