Best Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless
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If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries, the best makita xru23z 18v lxt® lithium-ion brushless is a 13-inch cordless string trimmer to check closely. Both the listing and the manufacturer page describe it as tool only, so the battery and charger are not in the box. This page covers that one model: the cutting width, speed and runtime figures each source states, a weight conflict the sources do not settle, and the safety steps that extension guides give for string trimmers.
Quick answer
- It is a battery-powered 13-inch string trimmer with a brushless motor. The listing and the manufacturer both give the 13-inch cutting width.
- It ships as a tool only. The manufacturer says batteries and charger are not included, so you need an 18V LXT battery and charger to run it.
- The stated runtime is up to one hour with an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery, which is sold separately. No other battery size has a stated runtime.
- The weight figures do not agree. The listing record gives 9.2 pounds and the manufacturer gives 5.2 pounds without the battery, so do not choose by weight until you have a confirmed figure.
The product at a glance
The table lists what the listing and the manufacturer state. Each row names its source, and a cell says “not stated” where neither source is silent.
| Feature | What the sources state |
|---|---|
| Brand and model | Makita, model XRU23Z (listing; manufacturer) |
| Product type | 18V LXT brushless 13-inch string trimmer, tool only (listing; manufacturer) |
| Power source | Battery powered (listing); 18V LXT battery, sold separately (manufacturer) |
| Battery and charger | Not included (manufacturer); battery sold separately (listing) |
| Motor | Brushless (listing; manufacturer) |
| Cutting width | 13 inches (listing); cutting swath 13 inches (manufacturer) |
| Speed | Up to 6,000 rpm (listing); no load speed 0 to 4,500 or 0 to 6,000 rpm with two speeds (manufacturer) |
| Runtime | Up to 1 hour with an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery (listing; manufacturer) |
| Weight | Conflict: 9.2 pounds (listing record); 5.2 pounds without battery and 6.6 pounds with battery (manufacturer net weight); 9.46 pounds shipping weight (manufacturer) |
| Overall length | 67 inches (manufacturer); not stated in the listing |
| Trimmer head | One rapid load bump and feed head included (manufacturer); not stated in the listing |
| Dust and water | Extreme Protection Technology seal, described as improving dust and water resistance; no rating (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 3-year limited (listing; manufacturer); terms not stated |
Who it suits
The manufacturer describes this trimmer as ideal for precision trimming and edging. That points to a yard where most of the work is around beds, walkways, fence lines and patio edges, rather than long runs of tall grass. It is a reasonable fit if:
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and a compatible charger, so a tool-only purchase makes sense.
- You want a 13-inch cutting width, which both sources state, for wide edges and paths.
- You prefer a bump-feed head. The manufacturer says the head loads line in three steps: align, feed and twist.
- You want a variable speed trigger and a high/low setting. The listing and the manufacturer both describe them.
Skip it if
- You do not own an 18V LXT battery and charger and do not plan to buy them. Neither comes with the tool.
- You need more than an hour of trimming from one charge. The one-hour figure is the stated maximum with a 4.0Ah battery.
- Your main job is brush or woody growth. Both sources describe a string head, and neither mentions a brush blade.
- You need one confirmed weight before buying. The two weight figures in the sources do not match.
Safety steps from extension guides
Neither the listing nor the manufacturer covers how to run a trimmer safely, so this section draws on three extension guides: an Ohio State factsheet on handheld trimmers, the Virginia Tech powered hand tool guide and an Oklahoma State lawn care safety fact sheet. Each rule is attributed to the guide that gives it. The Ohio State factsheet is written for gas engines, so its fuel and spark plug steps are left out, and its general rules are applied to this battery model.
Before you start
- Read the owner’s manual first. Ohio State says to read and follow the manufacturer’s operator’s manual before using the equipment and any attachments.
- Clear the work area. Ohio State and Virginia Tech both say to remove stones, sticks, wire and other debris before you start.
- Keep people and animals back. Virginia Tech says there should be no bystanders, children or pets within a 50-foot radius, and Oklahoma State says children and pets should not be in the area before you begin.
- Check the battery before use. Oklahoma State says to double-check that a cordless trimmer’s battery is properly charged before using it.
While you trim
- Expect thrown material. Virginia Tech says string trimmers throw stones, sticks and other objects at high speeds, and Oklahoma State names objects launched by the string as a major hazard.
- Wear eye protection. Ohio State recommends safety glasses with side shields or goggles when using cutting attachments.
- Dress for the cut. Oklahoma State says long pants and long sleeves help protect you from injury, and recommends steel-toe boots for a string trimmer.
- Grip firmly and work slowly. Ohio State says to keep a firm grip and work slowly to reduce kickout and the risk of hitting hidden objects.
- Keep your footing and your reach short. Virginia Tech says to maintain balance and firm footing, avoid over-reaching, and keep the string head below waist level.
- Secure long hair above the shoulder. Virginia Tech gives this rule for string trimmers.
- Trim grass and similar weeds only, and leave guards and string guides in place. Virginia Tech says both.
- Give trees and fence posts room. Oklahoma State says getting too close can gouge a post or the bark of a tree.
- Do not run it when tired or impaired. Ohio State and Virginia Tech both say not to operate equipment when fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The bump-feed head
The manufacturer includes a rapid load bump and feed head. Virginia Tech warns that automatic-feed and bump-feed trimmers may release more string than needed, which increases the chance of striking the operator. The guide advises checking the string length periodically. That warning is a general rule for this head type, not a claim about this model.
Battery, charger and maintenance
- Use only genuine Makita batteries and chargers. The manufacturer says so directly.
- Store batteries indoors where you can, in a dry, climate-controlled area. Oklahoma State gives this rule.
- Remove the battery before any maintenance. Oklahoma State says to take the battery out to prevent any accidental starts.
- Follow the spool instructions for your model when you change the line, because installation can differ between models. Oklahoma State gives this advice.
- Inspect the trimmer before each use, and replace damaged parts and tighten loose ones. Virginia Tech gives this rule. Its wording also mentions fuel leaks, which do not apply to a battery trimmer.
Virginia Tech also recommends lithium-ion batteries for extending the run time of battery-operated trimmers. That matches the battery family this tool uses, and it is a general recommendation rather than a figure for this model.
What the listing does not say
The listing title says tool only, and the manufacturer says batteries and charger are not included. The gaps that matter for buying are these:
- Battery and charger: not included. The listing says the battery is sold separately, and the manufacturer names an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery as the one behind its runtime figure.
- Runtime: “up to 1 hour” is the manufacturer’s figure for the 4.0Ah battery. The sources give no runtime for other battery sizes, and no runtime for a particular grass type or load.
- Weight: the listing record gives 9.2 pounds. The manufacturer gives 5.2 pounds without the battery, 6.6 pounds with it, and 9.46 pounds shipping weight. This post does not choose between them.
- Warranty terms: both sources say 3-year limited, but neither says what is covered or how a claim works.
- Dust and water: the manufacturer says its seal is engineered for improved dust and water resistance. It gives no rating.
For a wider view of corded and battery tools, see our pros and cons of electric mowers page. For a second battery string trimmer to compare the specs against, see our Greenworks and EGO Power+ string trimmer comparison.
Buying checklist
- Confirm that you own an 18V LXT battery and charger, or budget for them as a separate purchase.
- Ask the seller or the manufacturer for a single weight figure before you buy. The two figures in the sources conflict.
- Read the warranty terms, since the sources give only the 3-year limited figure.
- Check the string length on the bump-feed head before the first use.
How we chose
This post covers one product: ASIN B08S3D4PFM, the Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT brushless 13-inch string trimmer, tool only. We did not rank it against other trimmers, and nothing here says it is the best choice for every yard. The listing data was read on 2026-10-23 from the stored scanner record for this ASIN, which holds the title, bullets and specifications only. The manufacturer product page was opened on 2026-10-28 to check the listed figures for this exact model. The three extension sources were opened on 2026-10-22 and are used only for the safety and maintenance steps.
What we could not verify
- Which weight figure is correct. The listing record and the manufacturer page disagree, and no other source we opened gives a figure for this model.
- Runtime with any battery other than the 4.0Ah model the manufacturer names, and runtime under a particular load or grass type.
- How the dust and water protection performs in use. The manufacturer gives no rating, and the sources we opened do not cover this model.
- The warranty terms behind the 3-year limited figure, including coverage and claim steps.
- Cutting performance on thick grass or weeds. No source we opened gives a result for this model.
- The listing’s general claims about reduced maintenance. None of the sources we opened checks them.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting a battery in the box. The listing and the manufacturer both say tool only.
- Choosing by the listing weight alone. The manufacturer’s figure without the battery is 5.2 pounds, and the two sources do not agree.
- Using the trimmer for brush. Both sources describe a string head, not a brush blade.
- Skipping the string-length check on a bump-feed head. Virginia Tech says the head can release more line than needed.
FAQ
Does the Makita XRU23Z come with a battery and charger?
No. The title says tool only, and the manufacturer says batteries and charger are not included. The listing says the battery is sold separately.
How long does it run on one charge?
Both the listing and the manufacturer say up to one hour with an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery, which is sold separately. Neither source gives a runtime for other battery sizes.
What cutting width does it have?
Both sources give a 13-inch cutting width. The manufacturer calls it a cutting swath of 13 inches.
How much does it weigh?
The sources do not agree. The listing record gives 9.2 pounds for the item. The manufacturer gives 5.2 pounds without the battery and 6.6 pounds with it.
What warranty does it carry?
Both sources say 3-year limited. Neither gives the full terms, so read the warranty paperwork before you buy.
Can I use any Makita 18V battery with it?
The manufacturer places the tool in its 18V LXT system and says to use only genuine Makita batteries and chargers. It gives no compatibility table, and its runtime figure is for the 4.0Ah battery.
Bottom line
Buy this Makita only if you already own a compatible 18V LXT battery and charger, and you can plan around the one-hour figure on a 4.0Ah battery. If you need a battery and charger in the box, or a weight you can rely on, compare kit listings before you decide.
Sources
- Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Brushless 13″ String Trimmer, Tool Only, Amazon listing record (opened 2026-10-23): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S3D4PFM
- Makita USA, XRU23Z product details (opened 2026-10-28): https://makitatools.com/products/details/XRU23Z
- Handheld Trimmers and Brush Cutters, AEX-790.37, Ohio State University Extension (opened 2026-10-22): https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79037
- Powered Hand Tools Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide, BSE-50, Virginia Tech (opened 2026-10-22): https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/BSE/BSE-50/BSE-50.html
- Lawn Care Safety and Basic Maintenance Tips for Teens, Oklahoma State University Extension (opened 2026-10-22): https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/lawn-care-safety-and-basic-maintenance-tips-for-teens
