Features:

  • Makita-built motor delivers 1,350 SPM for increased cutting speed
  • 22" blade provides increased cutting capacity
  • Anti-vibration structure is engineered with five cushions within the motor housing to help minimize vibration
  • Battery capacity warning system turns on indicator light and automatically stops motor to notify user when it is time to recharge the battery (Battery and charger sold separately)
  • Lower noise level at only 87 dB(A) for improved user comfort (25% quieter than other cordless units)
Surprisingly rugged

So my trimmer came right on time (24 hours) and decided to give it a try. At first glance I wasn't sure if it would cut through some of the thicker branches in my hedges, but this did a great job. I have a lot of Makita tools so for me this was a no brainer as it goes with my current battery collection. You have to hit the trigger, a safety button on the handle, and grab the top handle to operate this. This is good for me because I have kids around and they likely won't be able to operate this, but it could be a problem if you're trying to trim a high hedge. Fortunately for me that is not the case, so I'm good. Overall really happy with it for the bushes in the front of my house. I would imagine that if you have a ton of bushes you would probably have to get the next model up that has 2 batteries, but this is fine for most. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic tool - as expected

This unit is great. I was worried that the 18v version would not he enough, and I didn't want to get the 36v model. After using it, I can say for sure that this unit is plenty for my yard. I used one of the older 3ah batteries and was able to do about 50 feet of hedges and some other plants easily. I am going to start using it with my 2ah slim packs now that I know it won't be an issue. The unit is heavier than my corded black and Decker version, but not too bad. The blade speed is a little slower so there isn't as much vibration (vibration is worse than weight in my opinion). Overall this is a great unit, definitely more convenient than a cord. The blade cover is a nice touch too. Happy to recommend this item.

Perfect DIY trimmer

Good power and balance. I use it to trim my Texas Privet and Boxwood hedges and it does so without breaking a sweat. I've done everything from hard pruning, cutting large branches, to light trimming and the Makita does it all very well. Run time hasn't been an issue at all using a 3 or 5 MAH battery, but of course it depends on how much trimming you need to do. If you already have the LXT system, then this is a no brainer.

I was increasingly pleased- the blades were extremely sharp and for maintenence trimming this is perfect. It's amazing not havin

I'm a makita guy, so it was natural to choose this product when I decided to ditch the 100ft extension cord and second hand hedge trimmer I've been using for years. When I first fired this guy up, I was a bit concerned as it was very light and quiet- I have seven large bushes and 35 feet of 5 foot tall hedge to trim. But as I went, I was increasingly pleased- the blades were extremely sharp and for maintenence trimming this is perfect. It's amazing not having to lug out the extension cord and move it around my property, and when I was finished my fully charged 4a battery was still at 3/4 charge. very happy. I was concerned that I should have gotten the 36v one, but this little guy did the trick. I also bought blade oil, maintaining the sharpness of the cutting surfaces is key. This is as close to my dream of cutting hedges with a lightsaber as I'm probably going to get, and being free from cords is worth the small investment since I already use makita tools. it really is a pleasure not to have to deal with extension cords, and this unit has just enough power to do the job.

Good tool for the job

I did a lot of research before buying this. I have always used cheaper electric models in the past and wondered why they never lasted long. I have had a set of Makita battery powered tools in the past and they have been great, reliable, and excellent quality. Since I already had the batteries, it helped me to make the decision to purchase this hedge trimmer. I was worried that a battery powered hedge trimmer would lack the power needed to get the job done. That is no longer a concern. It has more than enough power, is very quiet compared to the electric trimmers, and best of all no cord to contend with. The battery lasts long enough to tackle most trimming jobs around the house. I would recommend this product.

Another great Makita power tool.

You just can't beat quality, Japanese engineered Makita power tools. I own maybe a dozen cordless Makita tools and all of them are fantastic. This trimmer cuts better than the corded Black and Decker model it replaced, though to be fair I must add that that tool is 10 years old and probably needs a good sharpening. I'm sure trimmer technology has improved a little in that time too. Still, the Makita trimmer is very impressive for a cordless tool. I do think it cuts better than the other one did even when new. And the battery last a very long time. My batteries are old 3.0's and it ran for a good 25 minutes on a battery. It is also a very safe tool. If either hand comes of it's respective grip the tool shuts down instantly, so there is no way I can see to injure a hand or fingers. It is also comparable to the old corded one in weight, maybe even a little lighter. At least it seems so without having to drag a heavy cord around. UPDATE - Buy this trimmer without hesitation. It has been several months since I got mine and I like it more and more with every use. If a boxwood twig will fit in it's jaws this tool will cut it. It might take a second or two on the maximum sized ones (average man's pinky finger and down?) but they will be cut.

Surprisingly effective

Out of the box I didn't have high hopes, the oscillation rate of the trimmers is far slower than a gas trimmer. Surprisingly, this thing really cuts. I think I must have cut down 200 lbs of blackberry bushes. My hands look like hand-burger from the thorns but this thing does not stutter and the battery lasts as long as I do. The teeth are designed that you rarely can fit anything in there big enough to jam it. I'm glad I got this one and not Makita's heavier more expensive 36V one, this has plenty of power for home use. Whoever designed this knew what they were doing. I didn't get any free stuff or discounts for this review. I bought a 20v lithium black and decker pole hedge trimmer to get the high hedges. Comparing one lithium trimmer against another, I like my Makita even more. You get what you pay for. 2 year update: still works, but a couple screws shook out of the bottom. If you've had it for a year, check the screws.

Great Design, Quality, Value

This trimmer is well balanced, easy to operate and manipulate, and cuts cleanly and efficiently, with sufficient power and cutting ability for applications around most yards. I get everything done with a single 3-amp battery with power to spare. Although well-built, it is relatively light compared to the same-sized Craftsman than it replaced, and performs better than that trimmer ever did. Comes with a blade cover. Be aware this is not designed as a heavy-duty trimmer. It's not made for thick, woody hedges.

Greaqt tool!!!!

Great tool even with the dinky 1.5ah battery! If you utilize the more more powerful batteries this will perform much longer! I love Makita and the new 5.0ah XLT rechargeable lithium ion batteries. As I need new power tools I will be buying all Makita as to take advantage of the battery system. Hey Makita....start making "brushless" everything. I have been an engineer/ quasi contractor who has many contractor acquaintances; they and I seem to feel that the Makita system is more rugged and durable with far less down time and much easier customer service IF a problem occurs! Don't get me wrong,...Makita tools are rarely on "sale," so to speak, unless they are introducing a new model of an older style tool (then I usually grab it if its deep discounted) but the older models are often a better deal. The newer stuff that all the makers (but give credit to Makita) are making all have brushless motors so no more carbonizing of the copper wire bundles surrounding the motors. UPDATE: 6/6/17.....still working strong and such a good, well made, quality tool. If all these tools atre maintained well and you don't abuse them you can pass them down to your kids. I kid thee not fellow travelers! Speaking of which, I spend a ton of time , energy and money on stuff that I buy here on Amazon and other places so, if the review helped, please click?! Thanks folks!

No regrets! Go for it!

I just dread using my old fashioned corded hedge trimmer! I've sliced the cord a couple times, but mostly I hate the ritual of finding a few cords to tether together, carefully knotting them so they don't pull apart, unwinding them so they're not tangled, then trying desperately to make them stay plugged in while I hack the hedges. When I'm done, I still have to wind up all the cords in some orderly manner and put them away. I already had purchased a Makita drill and impact driver set, so I had a couple Li-Ion batteries available. I didn't like the price of the Makita hedge trimmer WITH additional batteries that I won't need for a couple years, so I bought the bare hedge trimmer. My wife and I used it for the first time last weekend. It was such a treat to just plug in a battery and hack away at some bushes that were eye-level. It was kinda easy to gracefully trim the bush, absent the stupid cord! It was also nice to lift the battery powered device WITHOUT a cord. It was also nice to be unconcerned about cutting the cord. As other reviewers have noted, the trimmer is sharp and cut through some woody sections, approximately 5/16" to 3/8" without incident. I did clog the blade one time, but after removing the battery I was able to clear it with a pair of pliers and a little effort. I've only used the unit one time, but so far, it's a big winner in the solution to my admittedly first-world problem with power cords. No regrets - I'd do it again!

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