I’ve used the Makita DLM431Z lawnmower for a few years now and have been very impressed with its performance. With a powerful 190cc 4-stroke engine, this mower makes light work of even longer grass and thicker patches. The variable speed self-propelled function allows me to control the pace and takes the hard work out of mowing. Makita’s signature quiet technology keeps the noise down to a pleasant level. The large grass box means I don’t have to empty it too often. Overall, the Makita DLM431Z has proven to be a reliable and user-friendly mower that gets the job done efficiently without complaint. It’s lived up to my expectations season after season and been worth every penny.
Let’s take a look at some of the key features and then I will go into more detail on the important points to note.
Main Features
Covers areas reaching 950m² in size
2 x 18V Lithium-ion 5 Ah batteries (not included) creating a combined 36 V motor
Blade length: 43cm
Weight: 18.3 kg (including batteries)
13 Cutting height options from 20mm-75mm that are easy to adjust
Grass box capacity: 50 L
3 Year Warranty
Charge time: 45 minutes
Free run time: 30 minutes
Power System
The Makita DLM431Z uses 2 x 18 V Lithium-ion batteries. These are connected in series to deliver a powerful 36 V to the motor that gives you up to 36,000 RPM. This gives you sufficient power for most situations and conditions in a medium to large garden.
The 5 Ah batteries will give you approximately 30 minutes of operation and they recharge very quickly in just 45 minutes and yes with a dual charger that’s for both batteries.
A great feature not found on other cordless mowers is the dual battery gauge on the upper part of the bars, making is easy and convenient to see the power left in each of the two batteries, nice touch Makita!
Makita sells this lawnmower as a “body only” machine. This means that you will have to purchase the batteries as well as the charger separately.
What’s great about this system is that the batteries for this mower will fit over 200 other Makita power tools so are interchangeable. Yes you do have to purchase the batteries and charger separately if you don’t already have any Makita tools, however the Makita batteries are not overpriced like some brands of lawnmower.
Assembly
While some minor assembly is required, this is quick and easy. This statement is backed up by feedback from customers that have bought this lawnmower and found it simple to assemble.
Makita supply a socket wrench to assist with assembly. This is the only tool required for assembly.
Features In Detail
Blades
The Makita DLM431Z uses a 43cm rotary 2 tooth cutting blade. This is somewhat larger than average for lawnmowers in this category. It will allow you to cut the grass faster with few passes and less effort. There may be a marginal compromise on accuracy when compared to smaller blades so it is all a question of garden size and your priorities. If you have a lawn that has lots of narrow strips of lawn around flower beds, for example a smaller deck size may be better suited. This Makita mower will get the job done more quickly due the the power and large deck size.
If you wanted a smaller deck size than the 43cm on this mower, you could take a look at the Bosch Rotak 37 LI Ergoflex.
The metal blades are sharp and efficient. They will need to be sharpened from time to time and eventually need replacing but this is easy and not expensive.
Height Adjustment
Definitely one of the outstanding features of this lawnmower is that you get an amazing 13 options to adjust your cutting height. This is more than average and allows for precision height cutting. This is an important aspect of creating the perfect lawn so for those that want flexibility and precision, this mower is a great option.
The lever is super simple to adjust and will let you move from 20mm to 75mm. Numerous factors will determine the ideal height to cut your grass but the Makita DLM431Z will cater to all your requirements. What’s more, is that it does it in seconds with no effort required.
The perfectionist and the average person will appreciate the wide range of options. If you want a perfect lawn all year round, this is a great option.
As discussed above, the Makita DLM431Z has a large deck and a relatively large 43cm cutting width. Although designed for medium to large gardens, this advantage will make fast work of your lawn maintenance. Unless you have many intricate curves and bends, you will be grateful for the generous cutting diameter.
Roller (Stripes)
As with many cordless models and lawnmowers designed for small to medium gardens, this lawnmower does not have a rear roller for stripes. While a great feature in certain circumstances, it does require regular mowing and acute operation. It is not ideal for all gardens.
Grass Box Capacity
Another outstanding feature of this model is that is has a good sized 50-Litre grass collector. This will also add to the speed to which you can mow the lawn as it means fewer trips to empty it out. Better still, it is really easy to remove or replace and has a level indicator so you know when to empty it out.
The grass collector on this Makita is semi rigid construction, meaning it has a hard plastic top and bottom but a cloth central surround. The advantage of this type of collector is when it comes to storage as the grass collector will fold flat nicely. The disadvantage of this design is the cloth surround can get damaged and torn more easily than a completely solid construction. Having said that the cloth webbing material used is what you would expect from Makita, good quality that should last well if looked after.
Practicalities
Makita has designed the DLM431Z to be extremely practical. Despite a larger deck and slightly heavier build, it is extremely easy to manoeuvre. The power, deck and blade size, as well as the large grass box, make it a fast way to get a good job done. The built-in ball bearings and aerodynamic design make it whip effortlessly around your garden for fast and quality results. It also has a deck cover that sits underneath the deck making it easier to push.
The soft grip rubberised handles make it comfortable to operate and they fold back for easy storage. The electric brake is also a great convenience when mowing on a slope or bank.
Starting could not be easier thanks to the soft-start feature and it operates with minimal noise and vibrations. It is a pleasure to use.
If you are looking for something a bit lighter and smaller, the Makita DLM380Z Manual 36V LawnMower is also a great option. It is still a 36V motor and has a smaller deck with a 38cm cutting width. The grass collector is smaller at 40-litres. For smaller lawns (around 540m²) where speed is not critical, this is one to consider.
Storage
The Makita DLM431Z has a largish footprint due to the width of the mower. The 2 screw clips on the side of the handles allows for the top handle to be folded down to reduce storage space. A further 2 larger screws near the base of the mower allow the upper and lower bars to be folder down, again reducing storage.
The Makita DLM431Z uses a safety button so cannot be started accidentally. The overall design makes for safe and easy movement. The electric brake further adds to the safety features of this model. There is no separate safety key with this mower.
The Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) also improves safety and increases the durability of the lawnmower. It is ideal for damp grass and even dusty areas.
An additional element is a current limiter that will reduce noise and vibration while preventing any overload.
Mulching
This model, like most cordless lawnmowers in this category, does not have a specific mulching feature. That is not to say you cannot add grass clippings to other organic material to create great compost. If you cut regularly, you could get away with leaving the grass collector off and let the clippings remain on the cut grass. Only do this if it is a minor trim.
It is important to remember, especially when comparing prices, that this model is sold as a lawnmower body only. That means that you will have to purchase the batteries and charger separately unless you already have them.
Pros and Cons
As with any equipment, there are advantages and disadvantages. It is good to be aware of these so you know what you are paying for. Here are the pros and cons for the Makita DLM431Z Cordless Lawnmower:
Pros
Easy to operate and move
Good power
Large 43 cm blade for fast cutting
Decently sized 50 Litre grass collector with level indicator
Grass collector easy to remove and replace
Soft-start function
Electric brake
Excellent 13 height adjustments (easy to adjust)
Low vibration and relatively silent operation
Good safety features
Ergonomic and comfortable design
Cons
Batteries and charger not included in the purchase price
Limited operational time of 30 minutes is not suitable for larger lawns
No mulching feature
No rear rollers
Conclusion
The features of this Makita DLM431Z mower speak for themselves. It is fast, robust and easy to move. The 43cm cutting width and a big grass collection box will save you time and effort.
The brand is well established and trusted and this popular lawnmower is well received by customers. It has proved to be reliable, durable and perfectly suited to medium and large sized lawns.
Makita has found a good balance between speed, power and ease of use. This is a great choice for medium and large size lawns.
Should You Buy This Model?
If you want a powerful and fast lawnmower without the hassle of cables or petrol then this is an ideal choice. It is an easy to use lawnmower that gets the work done quickly and efficiently.
Prior to purchase you should give some thought to your lawn cutting needs and the size and shape of your lawn.
This model is perfect for:
People with large gardens up to 950m² in size.
People who want large cutting width of 43cm so mowing the lawn is fast with fewer passes.
Those who want 13 height adjustments ranging from 20mm to 75mm.
Those that want precision when it comes to cutting height.
Customers looking for a powerful yet quiet lawn mower.
Of course this is open to interpretation so if you don’t fall under every single category then don’t worry I’m sure you’ll still find the Makita DLM431Z Cordless Rotary Lawnmower make mowing your lawn that much easier and more enjoyable. It has loads of great features that I’m sure you will make use of even if you’re not its perfect customer.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
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