Makita XML08Z 36V Brushless 21″ Self Propelled Battery Lawn Mower Review
Makita is one of the more well-known power tool brands and has extended its presence confidently into the world of lawn mowers and yard equipment. Within their popular LXT line, you will find the Makita XML08Z brushless self-propelled cordless electric lawn mower.
It has a 36-volt brushless electric motor that runs on dual 18-Volt batteries. It also has two additional battery ports, which extends the overall runtime. Just keep in mind that this particular package doesn’t come with any batteries. Though it can be a great money saver for someone who is loyal to the Makita brand and already has their popular 18-Volt batteries on hand.
With two 18-Volt batteries installed the Makita XML08Z can cut around a quarter acre of lawn on a single charge. If you install four total batteries it can cut up to half an acre of lawn on a single charge.
The Makita LXT system uses state-of-the-art Star Protection Computer Controls. This is a sophisticated monitoring system that maximizes battery performance and prevents problems with overcharging as well as over-discharging.
At the maximum performance, the 21-inch cutting blade can operate at up to 2,800 RPM. There is also a special “Quiet Mode” that slows the RPMs down to a modest 2,300 and makes the most of the already low-noise brushless electric motor.
This is handy for the 3-in-1 versatility of the Makita XML08Z. As it can be used as side discharge, mulching, or bagging mower.
The self-propulsion system has five variable speeds between 1.5 to 3 miles per hour. This lets you set it close to your walking pace for a more comfortable lawn mowing experience. It also means you can dial the speed down for times when you want to work carefully around trees or other landscaping features.
The Makita XML08Z was engineered with their Extreme Protection Technology XPT which is a protective seal in the internal housing. It’s designed to channel water and dust away from sensitive components to help it run even in harsh conditions.
Key Features
- 36-Volt brushless electric motor
- Self-propelled
- 21-inch cutting deck
- Runs on 2 18-Volt 5.0 Ah Lithium-ion batteries
- Slots for two more batteries for extended runtime
- Star Protection Computer Controls to maximize performance
- 5 Variable speeds from 1.5 to 3 MPH
- Extreme Protection Technology for internal components
- Quiet mode
Performance
The 36-volt brushless electric motor of the Makita XML08Z can power the 21-inch cutting blade up to 2,800 RPMs. This is more than enough to let the mulching accessory make quick work of even thick blades of grass like St. Augustine. When you engage the Quiet Mode
With two 18-Volt 5.0 Ah batteries installed it has enough runtime to cut around a quarter acre of grass on a single charge. If you opt to put a total of four lithium-ion batteries in the Makita XML08Z you can cut up to half an acre on a single charge.
The self-propulsion system has 5 variable speeds from as low as 1.5 miles per hour up to 3 miles per hour. Not only does this let you set up a comfortable walking speed, but it also means you can slow it down as needed to carefully work around trees and other landscaping features.
Ease of Use
As a battery-powered electric lawnmower, the Makita XML08Z is much easier to use than an equivalent gas-powered lawnmower. The LXT Star Protection Computer Controls maximize performance and XPT engineering also helps protects internal components from accidental water and dust damage.
Beyond the engineering specs, you also have to like the variable speed controls of the self-propulsion system. Being able to adjust the speed of the system to your natural pace certainly makes for a more comfortable and nimble lawn mowing experience
Cut Quality & Options
The ability to install four lithium-ion batteries for extended runtime gives you the ability to cut up to half and acre of grass on a single charge. In normal mode, the 36-Volt brushless electric motor propels the 21-inch cutting blade up to 2,800 RPMs, which makes the mulcher mode viable.
Though if you have neighbors, or you just like to cut the grass while the kids are taking a nap, you can also engage Quiet Mode. This slows the RPMs down to 2,300 and maximizes the already low-noise production of the brushless motor.
Maintenance
The Makita XML08Z was designed to be a low-maintenance battery-powered lawnmower. You don’t have to do much beyond take care of the batteries and keep the deck free from grass clipping clogs.
Safety Features
The Makita XML08Z comes with the standard hand control safety features you find on most self-propelled lawnmowers. The internal XPT engineering also helps protect sensitive components from dust as well as water damage.
Special Features
Quiet mode slows the brushes electric motor down from 2,800 RPMs to 2,300 RPMs, this further reduces the already low noise level of the mower. It’s a handy feature if you live close to neighbors.
The ability to install two additional 18-Volt batteries to extend the runtime is also something people with a larger yard will appreciate.
The variable speed controls might not be the sort of thing that impresses on paper, but if you’ve ever felt pulled around or slowed down by a single-speed self-propulsion system, you’ll appreciate the customizable comfort of the Makita XML08Z.
Cost-Effectiveness
Right off the bat, you don’t have to worry about oil, gasoline, and sparkplug replacement. The XPT internal engineering also protects your investment against the chronic dust and pollen problems of summer and the occasional cloudburst rainstorm.
This particular package of the Makita XML08Z doesn’t come with any batteries. If you are already a fan of Makita’s 18-Volt battery-powered tool line, then it’s a real money saver, as you can just multi-purpose the batteries between the mower and your other tools.
