Makita DUR181Z 18V Review – Body Only Cordless Li-ion Line Trimmer
Summary
While slightly more expensive than other 18V cordless grass trimmers, the Makita DUR181Z 18V cordless trimmer has a few unique features that make it a good investment. It allows for a wide range of batteries that will give you multiple run time options. They are interchangeable with other compatible Makita power, home and garden tools.
Key Features
- Compatible with a wide range of batteries
- Metal cap reinforced spool for strength and durability
- Battery capacity warning lamp
- 5 position pivoting head
- Ergonomic design
Practicalities
There are many practical features on the Makita DUR181Z. The option to use a range of batteries (interchangeable with other Makita products) is a useful benefit. The spool end has metal reinforcement to make this often vulnerable area more durable. It uses a bump feed that works effectively.
The battery warning lamp is another practical feature that will give you advance warning when charging is needed. The head position can be adjusted and has a range of 5 positions for precision trimming and edging with reduced effort.
Weight
The additional features and sturdy design make this trimmer marginally heavier at 2.5 Kg. This is still relatively light and the adjustable height, pivoting head and adjustable spool handles make it comfortable to operate.
Power
The Makita DUR181Z is an 18V trimmer. It works off a range of batteries – 1.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries. The 3.0 battery, for example, will give you a good run time of 45 minutes. This makes the trimmer highly versatile.
Charge time
This will depend on which of the batteries you elect to use but they are all relatively fast to charge. The 3.0Ah Lithium-ion battery will charge in an hour.
String type
The Makita DUR181Z 18V Review trimmer uses a nylon cord.
Feed type
The bump feed feature is used. Despite many people not liking this mechanism, Makita has designed it in such a way that it is highly effective and effortless. Assembly of the spool is quick and easy and the metal bump feed gives it strength. There are no complaints in this regard.
Edge trimming
The design offers a range of positions including edge trimming.
Features
The 5 head positions on the Makita DUR181Z 18V Review make this trimmer highly versatile and the fact that you can use a range of interchangeable batteries gives you more freedom. Despite being an 18V trimmer you could effectively work on larger lawns with one of the larger batteries.
It is well designed for comfort and ease of use. You can use a wide range of batteries to increase run time and as you would expect, the batteries are interchangeable with compatible Makita equipment.
Makita DUR181Z 18V Cordless Trimmer User Manual Download
Click here to download the Makita DUR181Z 18V Cordless Trimmer User Manual
Pros & Cons
- The Makita DUR181Z model (lithium ion battery edge trimmer with 18V body only) is not supplied with battery or battery charger
- Bump and feed single line head
- Adjustable loop-handle and cutting head , battery capacity warning lamp
- Well balanced tool design to minimise user fatigue
- Easy to change spool assembly
- Five position pivoting head enables user to adjust cutting angle, allowing for trimming in tight spaces
Last update on 2025-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not the cordless grass trimmer for you? Check out my other Best Cordless Grass Trimmers here.
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.
I do not understand that the machine here gets 5 stars for durability. I used my machine about 10 times before it broke.
Because I bought it through amazon and I don’t live in Germany I have no warranty. I was a big Makita fan but this machine is no better than the much cheaper Chinese one.
Hi Patrick, if the trimmer has broken, you can for sure return it to Amazon. Just contact them and they will either refund you or replace the unit. Kind regards
Can it be used with a 6 inch or 8 inch wire brush for cleaning moss and weeds off of concrete ? If not what models of battery powered strimmers might you recommend?
Hi Janet
No, I don’t believe so. You would be looking at a Brush Cutter to to allow the attachment of the wire brush.
Do you already have Makita tools (batteries). It so you could look at the Makita DUR368AZ Brush Cutter, 36 V, however the cost is significantly more than the DUR181Z – link below
https://amzn.to/3rWauCc
Kind regards
Mark