#1 Makita XRU16PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless Cordless Brush Cutter Kit Best Overall Brush Cutter
Editor's take
A powerful, low-vibration cordless brush cutter that rivals small pro gas units while delivering quieter, low-maintenance operation.
Place as top overall due to strong performance, pro-style layout, and cordless convenience; detailed factory specs were limited so specs here are high-level.
Makita's XRU16PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless Cordless Brush Cutter Kit is a standout choice if you want serious clearing power without the fumes, noise, and ongoing maintenance of a gas engine. Running on two 18V LXT batteries to deliver 36V to a high-efficiency brushless motor, it offers performance in line with smaller professional gas units while remaining much smoother and quieter. The brushless design not only improves run time and torque delivery under load, it also cuts down on wear components, making this kit a smart long-term investment for regular users. As a true brush cutter rather than a light-duty trimmer, the XRU16PT is built around a solid shaft and a bike-handle layout that gives you excellent leverage and lateral control when sweeping through dense grass and saplings. It is particularly well suited to clearing fence lines, pathways, and neglected corners of a property where vegetation has gone beyond what a string trimmer can handle. Paired with Makita's fast-charging LXT battery platform, you can keep packs cycling on a charger to work nearly continuously on larger jobs. Where this kit really shines is its overall user experience. Instant electric starting means no pull cords or warm-up routines; you simply squeeze the trigger and start cutting. Vibration is significantly lower than on comparable gas machines, which, combined with the balanced bike handles and harness-ready design, helps reduce fatigue over longer sessions. Noise levels are noticeably more neighbor-friendly while still delivering enough bite to slice through stubborn growth. For homeowners with a lot of land, landowners maintaining trails, or pros who already own Makita LXT tools, the XRU16PT offers an ideal blend of power, refinement, and low maintenance. You avoid fuel mixing, carburetor issues, and most seasonal storage headaches, yet still get a tool that can confidently take on serious brush-clearing tasks.
Makita's XRU16PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless Cordless Brush Cutter Kit is a standout choice if you want serious clearing power without the fumes, noise, and ongoing maintenance of a gas engine. Running on two 18V LXT batteries to deliver 36V to a high-efficiency brushless motor, it offers performance in line with smaller professional gas units while remaining much smoother and quieter. The brushless design not only improves run time and torque delivery under load, it also cuts down on wear components, making this kit a smart long-term investment for regular users. As a true brush cutter rather than a light-duty trimmer, the XRU16PT is built around a solid shaft and a bike-handle layout that gives you excellent leverage and lateral control when sweeping through dense grass and saplings. It is particularly well suited to clearing fence lines, pathways, and neglected corners of a property where vegetation has gone beyond what a string trimmer can handle. Paired with Makita's fast-charging LXT battery platform, you can keep packs cycling on a charger to work nearly continuously on larger jobs. Where this kit really shines is its overall user experience. Instant electric starting means no pull cords or warm-up routines; you simply squeeze the trigger and start cutting. Vibration is significantly lower than on comparable gas machines, which, combined with the balanced bike handles and harness-ready design, helps reduce fatigue over longer sessions. Noise levels are noticeably more neighbor-friendly while still delivering enough bite to slice through stubborn growth. For homeowners with a lot of land, landowners maintaining trails, or pros who already own Makita LXT tools, the XRU16PT offers an ideal blend of power, refinement, and low maintenance. You avoid fuel mixing, carburetor issues, and most seasonal storage headaches, yet still get a tool that can confidently take on serious brush-clearing tasks.
Key specs
- Power system: Dual 18V batteries delivering 36V output
- Motor type: Brushless cordless motor
- Handle configuration: Bike-handle design for improved control
- Power source: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (Makita LXT platform)
Pros
- Cordless brushless system delivers strong cutting power with low vibration
- Bike-handle layout offers excellent leverage for sweeping through dense brush
- Instant electric start eliminates pull cords and warm-up hassles
- Runs on Makita's LXT battery platform for cross-compatibility with other tools
- Quieter and zero direct emissions compared with gas alternatives
Cons
- Battery run time limits very long continuous clearing sessions
- Requires investment in compatible batteries and charger
- Heavier than light-duty cordless trimmers once large batteries are installed
Brand: Makita · Model: XRU16PT · Release: 2025