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Makita has come out with a new 18V X2 cordless lawn mower, XML03, which features a heavy duty steel deck with 18″ cutting capacity.
The new Makita cordless mower is described as a welcome solution for efficient grass cuttings, and as with other battery-powered outdoor power tools, there are zero emissions, lower noise, and reduced maintenance compared to gas-engine models.
Features include 18″ cutting capacity, folding handles, weather-resistant construction, and a “quiet mode” that sets the speed to a lower setting.
- Heavy duty steel deck
- Brushless motor
- 3300 RPM no-load speed
- Quiet mode sets speed control to 2500 RPM
- Single lever cutting height adjustment
- 10 height settings, from 13/16″ to 2-5/16″
- Folding handles
- 16 gallon capacity grass bag
- Plug for mulching operation
- Wet Guard weather resistance, IPx4 rating
- Weighs 60.46 lbs with batteries, 57.76 lbs without
Makita says that the XML03 cordless mower is recommended for yards of up to 1/3 acre.
The mower is available as a bare tool, XML03Z, or as part of a kit, XML03PT1. The kit comes with a dual port charger and (4) 5.0Ah batteries. Both come with the mulching plug.
Compared to Makita’s previous model, XML02, the XML03 looks to have a wider cutting capacity, 18″ vs. 17″, but fewer height settings, 10 vs. 13. The new XML03 is also heavier, at 60.46 lbs vs. 40.8 lbs for the XML02, which would be attributed to the newer model’s steel deck.
Price: $449 for the bare tool, $599 for the kit
Buy Now(XML03Z Bare Tool via Tool Nut)
Buy Now(XML03PT1 Kit via Tool Nut)
Compare(XML02Z Bare Tool via Amazon)
Compare(XML02PTX1 Kit + Angle Grinder via Amazon)
Note: Bundling the older model in kit format with an angle grinder is an unusual promo, but I suppose it makes sense.
First Thoughts
On paper, the new Makita cordless lawn mower (XML03) has similar specs and features to the previous model (XML02), but if you take a closer look, it’s a completely different tool. It has a steel deck vs. plastic, a different height adjustment mechanism, a different motor housing, a bigger grass collection bag, the introduction of a lower RPM “Quiet Mode,” and IPX4 weather-resistant construction.
I can’t be certain, but it also looks like the front wheels are larger on the new model. The XML03 parts diagram says the new mower has 8″ rear wheels, and 7″ front wheels. According to an online product listing pace, the XML02 is said to have 6-5/16″ rear wheels, and 5.5″ front wheels.
Aside from maybe the general design of the handles, the new Makita cordless mower looks to have been completely redesigned. The downsides are that it weighs more and costs more, and I would guess that with a slightly larger cutting capacity, it could potentially have shorter running time. Perhaps that is why the kit comes with (4) 5.0Ah batteries.
As a reminder, with this being a Makita 18V X2 cordless power tool, it requires (2) batteries at a time to operate.
See Also: Dewalt 2x20V Max Cordless Mower Review
See Also: EGO 21″ Cordless Push Mower Review
Note to Makita: *Thumbs up* on advertising the mower according to its cutting width (18″), rather than by its “deck size.”
