Makita 36V LXT Brushless Brush Cutter Kit Review
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A Makita 36V LXT brushless brush cutter kit is a cordless brush cutter that runs on two 18V LXT batteries, which Makita calls its 36V system. The listings in this set are Makita brush cutters on the 18V X2 platform, and the one reviewed here is the DUR368AZ, with the DUR369AZ and XRU16Z as close alternatives. Each of these listings is tool only, so a kit with batteries and a charger needs to be bought separately. This review covers what each listing states, and it does not describe any field use.
Quick answer
- Choose the DUR368AZ if you want a 350mm cutting width with a nylon cutting head and three speeds. Its listing says batteries and charger are not included.
- Choose the DUR369AZ if you want a 430mm cutting diameter with an electric brake, and check the note that it is not compatible with G-Series batteries.
- Choose the XRU16Z if you want a tool-only brush cutter with a bike handle and a variable speed trigger, and you already own 18V LXT batteries.
- Plan for the battery cost. None of the three listings includes batteries or a charger, so budget for two 18V LXT batteries and a charger.
What the 36V LXT system means for this kit
Makita’s 36V brush cutters are built from two 18V LXT lithium ion batteries that combine to power the tool. The DUR368AZ and DUR369AZ listings say “Twin 18V (36V)” in their titles and state that batteries and charger are not included. The XRU16Z and similar XRU and XCU listings use the same 18V X2 platform. If you already own 18V LXT batteries, you can run these tools with what you have. If you do not, the listings do not state a battery bundle, so you will need to buy batteries and a charger separately.
That makes the “kit” in the keyword a matter of planning rather than what is in the box. The listings state the tool, not a kit with batteries. Read the included items line on the listing before you buy, and make sure you have the batteries and charger you need for your run time.
The battery platform is also what makes the brush cutter worth comparing against other cordless tools. Because the same 18V LXT batteries can power other Makita tools, a brush cutter can share batteries with blowers, string trimmers and saws that use the same system. The alternatives below are all Makita tools on the same platform.
Comparison at a glance
The table uses only what each listing states. “Not stated” means the listing does not give that value.
| Model | Cutting width or diameter | Speeds | Handle | Notable features | Batteries and charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DUR368AZ Twin 18V (36V) Brush Cutter | 350mm with nylon cutting head | 3 speeds: low, medium, high | Off-set bike type handle | Brushless motor, constant speed control, reverse rotation, ADT, AFT, two stage safety trigger | Not included |
| Makita DUR369AZ Twin 18V (36V) Brush Cutter | 430mm cutting diameter | 3 speed options | Off-set handle design | AFT, ADT, electronic current limiter, electric brake, reverse rotation switch | Not included |
| Makita XRU16Z 36V LXT Brushless Brush Cutter | Not stated | Variable speed trigger | Bike handle | Brushless motor, listed as equal to a 30cc gas string trimmer | Tool only |
Review: Makita DUR368AZ Twin 18V (36V) Brush Cutter
The DUR368AZ is the main product in this review. Its listing gives a fuller set of features than the other two, which is why it leads the review. The title names it as a Twin 18V (36V) Li-ion LXT brushless brush cutter, and the listing says batteries and charger are not included. The bullets describe an off-set bike type handle, a brushless motor, constant speed control and three speeds from low to high. The cutting width is 350mm with a nylon cutting head, and the spindle is listed as M10 x 125 L.
The handle is the first thing to think about. An off-set bike type handle places the grip in a position the listing describes as a more comfortable working posture. Off-set handles are designed to keep the shaft angle low while you cut, and the listing names the handle type without giving a measurement of reach or weight. Plan to try the handle in person before you buy, and check that the bar height works for your height and the cutting work you plan to do.
The motor and speed control are the core of the design. The listing says the DUR368AZ uses a brushless motor with constant speed control, and it offers three speeds: low, medium and high. Constant speed control keeps the cutting speed steady as the load changes, which the listing presents as a benefit for cutting thicker growth. The listing does not give RPM numbers for the DUR368AZ, so the three speed settings are the best way to judge how it runs.
Safety features are listed in a dedicated part of the bullets. The DUR368AZ has a two stage safety trigger switch, which means the trigger must be pressed in two steps before the tool runs. It also has Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which the Makita listing describes as a system that shuts the motor off if the cutting head suddenly stops, and Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), which the listing describes as a system that adjusts torque under load. The listing also names a reverse rotation system, which lets the head turn in reverse. For cutting in tight spaces, reverse can help free a stuck head, though the listing does not describe the process.
The cutting head is the other key part. The listing gives a 350mm cutting width and says the head is a nylon cutting head. A nylon head is a flexible cutting element, and the listing does not describe the material or the cutting edge in more detail. For brush and light growth, a nylon head is the type the listing names, so it is the right way to read this model. If you need a metal blade, check the listing for an accessory or choose a different model.
The listing does not state a warranty term, a noise level or a weight for the DUR368AZ. Those values are the first things to check on the listing before you buy, along with the batteries you plan to use. Because the listing says batteries and charger are not included, the total cost depends on which batteries you already own.
Who the DUR368AZ suits
This model suits a buyer who already owns 18V LXT batteries and wants a brush cutter with a bike handle, three speeds and a nylon cutting head. Its safety features are listed in detail, which helps a buyer who wants to check the trigger and shutoff system before buying. It is a poor match for a buyer who wants a metal blade, a batteries-included bundle or a stated warranty term, because the listing does not give those values.
Alternative: Makita DUR369AZ Twin 18V (36V) Brush Cutter
The DUR369AZ is the closest alternative. The title and the listing name the same Twin 18V (36V) platform, and the batteries and charger are not included. Its cutting diameter is listed as 430mm, which is wider than the DUR368AZ’s 350mm cutting width. The listing also describes an electric brake, an electronic current limiter for overload protection, and three speed options. The spindle is listed as M10 x 1.25 left. The listing notes that the model is not compatible with G-Series batteries, so check your battery series before you buy.
Choose the DUR369AZ over the DUR368AZ if you want a wider cut and the electric brake and overload protection listed in its bullets. Choose the DUR368AZ if you want the bike type handle and the nylon cutting head with a two stage trigger, which the DUR368AZ listing describes in its own bullets.
Alternative: Makita XRU16Z 36V LXT Brushless Brush Cutter, Tool Only
The XRU16Z is the tool-only option in this set. The title states that it is a brushless brush cutter with a tool only configuration. Its bullets say the tool delivers power equivalent to a 30cc gas string trimmer, which is the listing’s comparison. It has a bike handle for a better grip and a more ergonomic working position, and a variable speed trigger for controlled cutting. The listing states no gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts, which are the main differences from a gas brush cutter. It does not state a cutting width or a speed setting, so compare the listing directly with the DUR368AZ before choosing.
The XRU16Z is the best match if you want a brush cutter that uses the variable speed trigger in place of a speed selector. It is also a good choice if you already own the batteries and charger and want the lowest total cost for a tool-only purchase.
Mistakes to avoid when buying this brush cutter
- Assuming the batteries are included. All three listings say batteries and charger are not included or are tool only.
- Mixing battery series. The DUR369AZ listing says it is not compatible with G-Series batteries.
- Comparing cutting width across models without checking. The DUR368AZ lists 350mm, the DUR369AZ 430mm, and the XRU16Z does not state a width.
- Expecting a kit from the keyword. The keyword includes “kit,” but none of these listings is a kit with batteries.
- Skipping your manual. Check the operator’s manual for safety shutdown, trigger use and blade handling before you run any model.
FAQ
Does the Makita 36V brush cutter come with batteries?
No. The DUR368AZ and DUR369AZ listings say batteries and charger are not included, and the XRU16Z is listed as tool only. You need two 18V LXT batteries and a charger, or you can use batteries you already own.
Which battery series does this brush cutter use?
The listings name the 18V LXT platform, which Makita describes as 18V X2 or 36V. The DUR369AZ listing says it is not compatible with G-Series batteries, so check your battery series before buying.
What is the cutting width of the DUR368AZ?
The listing states a 350mm cutting width with a nylon cutting head. The DUR369AZ is listed at 430mm.
Does the DUR368AZ have a safety trigger?
Yes. The listing describes a two stage safety trigger switch, along with AFT and ADT systems. Read the operator’s manual for the full startup and shutdown steps.
Is the XRU16Z as strong as a gas brush cutter?
The XRU16Z listing says its power is equivalent to a 30cc gas string trimmer. That is the manufacturer’s comparison, and this review has not measured it.
Can I run this brush cutter on a shared battery?
The listings say the tools run on the 18V LXT platform. Other Makita 18V LXT tools can share batteries, but check each tool’s listing and manual for compatibility before relying on a shared pack.
Bottom line
For a Makita 36V LXT brushless brush cutter, the DUR368AZ is the main listing in this set, with a 350mm nylon head, three speeds, a bike handle and a two stage trigger. Choose the DUR369AZ if you want a 430mm cutting diameter and an electric brake, and choose the XRU16Z if you want a tool-only option with a variable speed trigger. In each case, plan for two 18V LXT batteries and a charger, because none of these listings includes them.
Related reading on this site: Brush Cutter vs String Trimmer: Which Does What explains when a brush cutter is the better tool, and Brushless vs Brushed Motors on Yard Tools covers what the brushless motor changes.
