Makita 18V LXT Blower Review

When it comes to keeping your yard pristine, a reliable and powerful blower is a must-have tool in your arsenal. The Makita 18V LXT Blower (Model XBU03Z) claims to be a top contender in the 18V class, boasting the title of the lightest and most powerful blower in its category. Let’s dive into what makes the Makita 18V LXT Blower stand out and whether it lives up to its claims.

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Specifications of Makita XBU03Z

• Maximum Air Volume: 459 CFM
• Maximum Air Velocity: 116 MPH
• Sound Pressure: 60 dB(A) (per ANSI B175.2 standard)
• Net Weight (without battery): 4.6 lbs.
• Net Weight (with battery): 6 lbs.
• Overall Length: 32-1/2 inches
• Blower Type: Handheld
• Battery: 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
• Power Type: Cordless
• Form Factor: 18V LXT®
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Shipping Weight: 7.72 lbs

Design and Ergonomics

Makita has equipped the XBU03Z with a brushless motor that delivers up to 459 CFM and 116 MPH, making it a potent force against debris and leaves. What’s remarkable about this blower is its lightweight design, weighing in at just 4.6 lbs without the battery, and only 6.5 lbs with the battery. This makes it one of the lightest blowers on the market, which is a significant advantage for prolonged use without fatigue.

The in-line fan design is engineered for better balance and improved ergonomics, ensuring that the blower feels right in your hands, making maneuverability and control a breeze. The soft, rubberized grip adds a layer of comfort that makes prolonged use less strenuous.

Performance and Control

Performance is where the Makita 18V LXT Blower really shines. With zero emissions and lower noise, it’s not only environmentally friendly but also quieter than many gas-powered alternatives, measuring a sound pressure level of just 60 dB(A). The blower is equipped with a variable speed trigger and a cruise control lever, which allows for complete control over the power and runtime, making it versatile for various cleaning tasks.

Makita’s brushless motor is not only powerful but also efficient, optimizing battery energy use to extend run time by up to 50% compared to non-brushless tools. The electronic controls adjust the power and speed as needed, enhancing the blower’s efficiency based on the task at hand.

Innovative Features

One standout feature is the speed lock, which is particularly useful for continuous operation without the need to hold down the trigger. This feature, coupled with the 0-100% cruise control, allows you to set and maintain the desired power level effortlessly.

The blower also features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™), engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions, and Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating.

Testing and Usage

In practical tests, the Makita 18V LXT Blower displayed impressive power, achieving a peak force of 11.3 Newtons, making it slightly more powerful than any other 18V blower tested in similar conditions. This level of power effectively clears typical yard debris like oak leaves and small twigs, especially on hard surfaces.

The noise test further validated its low-operating volume, with readings around 84-85 dB on average, peaking at 87 dB, which is on the lower end for blowers, making it one of the quieter models available.

Pricing and Value

Priced at $129 for the bare tool and $199 for the kit, which includes a 4 amp hour battery and a standard charger, the Makita 18V LXT Blower offers good value, especially considering its performance and design features. While we tested it with a 5 amp hour battery for optimal performance, the kit’s included battery should suffice for most domestic tasks.

Pros and Cons of Makita 18V LXT Blower

Pros

• This blower really pushes the leaves around with an air volume of 459 CFM and a speed of 116 MPH. It’s strong enough to tackle damp leaves and even some of the heavier debris I’ve encountered.
• One of the standout features for me is how quietly this machine operates. At just 60 dB(A), I can clean up the yard early in the morning without waking the neighbors, which is a huge plus.
• I appreciate the ergonomic design; it feels balanced in my hands, making it easy to maneuver without straining my wrist. The rubberized grip is also a nice touch, adding comfort during prolonged use.
• Weighing only 6.5 lbs with the battery, this blower is one of the lightest I’ve used, which makes it particularly easy to handle for anyone not wanting the heft of a gas blower.
• The variable speed trigger combined with the cruise control feature lets me adjust the power output on the fly. It’s super convenient for switching between different types of debris and yard areas.

Cons

• It was a bit of a bummer to find out that I had to purchase the battery and charger separately. It adds an extra cost, especially if you’re not already in the Makita ecosystem.
• While the blower works great, I noticed that the battery runs down fairly quickly on the highest setting. You’ll definitely need a backup battery for larger jobs.
• Another slight letdown was the absence of additional nozzles or extensions, which can limit how you tackle different blowing tasks. I had hoped for a bit more versatility straight out of the box.
• The blower runs on a single battery, which, while keeping it light, does limit the run time compared to models that can accommodate two batteries.

Comparative Analysis: Makita 18V LXT Blower (XBU03Z) vs. DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Blower (DCBL722P1)

Air Volume	459 CFM	450 CFM
Air Speed	116 MPH	125 MPH
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Weight (with battery)	6.5 lbs	5.43 lbs (without battery)
Noise Level	60 dB(A)	66 dB(A)
Battery System	18V LXT®	20V MAX XR
Ergonomic Design	In-line fan, rubberized grip	Axial fan, ergonomic handle
Price (tool only)	$129	$139
Warranty	3 years limited	3 years limited

Summary

Both the Makita 18V LXT Blower and the DeWalt 20V MAX XR Blower offer high performance with brushless motors, but each has its unique strengths:

• Power and Efficiency: The Makita blower provides slightly higher air volume, making it potentially better for clearing large areas quickly. The DeWalt blower, however, delivers higher air speed, which might be more effective for dislodging more stubborn debris.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: The Makita features an in-line fan design for improved balance and a rubberized grip for comfort, making it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. The DeWalt blower is lighter and features an axial fan that maximizes air output and run time, possibly offering longer operation periods between charges.
• Noise Level: The Makita is notably quieter than the DeWalt, which could be a deciding factor for work in residential areas or noise-sensitive environments.
• Value and Price: Price-wise, the Makita is slightly more affordable and offers a similar warranty, making it a slightly better value proposition for those on a budget.

Both blowers are excellent choices within their class, each with features that cater to different user needs. The decision between the two will depend on specific preferences regarding power, ergonomic design, noise level, and price.

Conclusion

The Makita 18V LXT Blower is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a lightweight, powerful, and quiet blower for regular yard maintenance. Its user-friendly design, combined with powerful output and efficient battery usage, positions it as a top contender in the cordless blower market. Whether you’re clearing leaves after a windy day or maintaining a professional landscape, the Makita 18V LXT Blower meets a broad range of needs with efficiency and ease.

FAQs

1. What is the air volume and velocity that the Makita 18V LXT Blower can produce?
   The Makita 18V LXT Blower delivers a maximum air volume of 459 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a top air speed of 116 miles per hour (MPH).
2. Does the Makita 18V LXT Blower come with a battery and charger?
   No, the XBU03Z model is sold as a tool-only option, which means batteries and chargers are sold separately. However, there is a kit version available that includes a battery and charger.
3. What type of battery does the Makita 18V LXT Blower use?
   This blower is compatible with the Makita 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion battery series. It is part of the LXT system which allows the same batteries to be used across a wide range of tools.
4. How long does the battery last on a single charge?
   Battery life depends on the type of battery used and the speed settings during operation. However, Makita’s brushless motor technology optimizes battery use to extend run time.
5. Is the Makita 18V LXT Blower suitable for commercial use?
   Yes, it is suitable for both residential and commercial use. Its lightweight design, combined with powerful output and low noise, makes it ideal for prolonged use in various settings.
6. What are the ergonomic features of this blower?
   The blower features an in-line fan design for better balance, a rubberized soft grip for increased comfort, and an overall compact form factor that improves the tool’s ergonomics during use.
7. How quiet is the Makita 18V LXT Blower?
   The blower has a sound pressure rating of 60 dB(A) per ANSI B 175.2 standard, which is relatively quiet for a powerful blower, minimizing disruption in noise-sensitive areas.
8. Can I attach additional nozzles or accessories to the Makita 18V LXT Blower?
   Yes, the blower’s nozzle is designed to accommodate attachments such as extenders to enhance its versatility and reach.
9. What protective features does the Makita 18V LXT Blower have?
   It includes Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for increased resistance to dust and water in tough job site conditions, and Star Protection Computer Controls to protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.
10. What is the warranty for the Makita 18V LXT Blower?
    Makita offers a 3-year limited warranty on the blower, covering repair due to defects in materials or workmanship.

We’d love to hear from you! Got questions about the Makita 18V LXT Blower or have experiences to share? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss! Whether you’re eyeing it as your next purchase or you’ve already put it to the test, your insights are invaluable. Happy blowing!

Edward Smith

Forestry Author

Woodworking is about more than crafting; it's a harmonious connection with nature, mastering tools, and preserving our environment. I'm here to share my knowledge and experiences with you, forging a future where we can embrace wood's beauty and utility while safeguarding our forests' health and diversity.