Makita XRU11M1 18V LXT String Trimmer Review

Makita XRU11M1 is a cordless string trimmer with brushless 18V motor. It comes with “M8 X 1.25 LH (Model: 198386-5)” head that’s equipped with 20 feet of 0.080″ dual line, however it’s also compatible with 18 feet of 0.095″, 16 feet of 0.105″ and 13 feet of 0.110″ string lines.

Makita XRU11M1 has cutting swath of 11.75 inches – less than almost all other string trimmers. Smaller cutting swath means it takes longer to complete same jobs than with a larger one.

Cutting performance of Makita XRU11M1 is mediocre. It does the job when it comes to light stuff but there are models in its class that cut better for sure.

Whereas most string trimmers (excluding those with variable speed trigger where speed depends on how hard you push the trigger) have only 1 or 2 speed options this one has 3: Low: 4,000 RPM, Medium: 5,000 RPM & High: 6,000 RPM. Or instead you can use its Automatic Torque Drive Technology which automatically shifts between speeds depending on how much power is necessary at the moment.

Features

Head can rotate in reverse in case you get stuck in thick weeds. It has bump feed line which works well.

Battery

Comes with 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 4.0Ah (Model: BL1840B) battery which lasts about 20-30 minutes.

Ergonomics

Weighs 7.4 pounds with battery – not the lightest cordless string trimmer but it’s not heavy. However due to angle you have to hold it it can cause too much muscle fatigue for some, it’s also rather large in its dimensions which can cause discomfort to some. It’s fairly quiet (for a string trimmer that is!).

Makita XRU11M1 does come with a shoulder strap which helps to deal with the weight.

─── Related Article: Best Electric String Trimmers ───

Miscellaneous

Unit is not well packaged and instruction manual is almost useless.

Conclusions

Makita XRU11M1 isn’t a bad string trimmer but it’s not among the very best in its class. It does offer some unique features but other units are more powerful, have larger cutting swath and are lighter making them more comfortable to use.

Makita XRU11M1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Details:

• Type: Electric (battery powered)
• Cutting swath: 11.75”
• Line diameter: 0.080”
• Speed modes: 3
  • Low: 4,000 RPM
  • Medium: 5,000 RPM
  • High: 6,000 RPM
• Weight: 7.4 lbs (with battery)
• Package contents:
  • 1 x 18V LXT® Brushless String Trimmer (XRU11Z)
  • 1 x 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 4.0Ah Battery (BL1840B)
  • 1 x 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC)
  • 1 x Bump & Feed Trimmer Head, M8 X 1.25 LH (198386-5)
  • 1 x Shoulder Strap
  • 1 x Safety Goggles
  • 1 x Hex Wrench