Is the Makita XRU23SM1 good for thick weeds?

It handles grass, edging and light weeds well. In tall, dense overgrowth its 18V motor runs out of power sooner than 40V or gas trimmers, so expect slower going.

What comes in the kit?

The trimmer, an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery and a charger. The bump-and-feed head and guard are fitted on the tool.

Does it use the same batteries as other Makita 18V tools?

Yes. It runs on Makita 18V LXT batteries, so packs from drills, saws and blowers work in it.

How long does the 4.0Ah battery last?

Runtime depends on speed setting and grass conditions. On the low setting you get longer sessions; the high setting cuts faster but drains the pack sooner.

Can it be used in wet grass?

XPT gives it dust and water resistance for outdoor conditions, but it is not waterproof. Avoid soaking it or leaving it out in rain.

Is it heavy to hold for long periods?

At 6.6 pounds with the battery it is light for a string trimmer, which helps on long edging jobs.

Makita String Trimmer XRU23SM1 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 13 Inch 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Kit

Q: Where is the Makita String Trimmer XRU23SM1 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 13 Inch 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Kit cheapest?

At 1 Top Tools, for $229.00, as of our latest check.

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$229.00at 1 Top ToolsChecked Nov 10

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What reviewers say

Owners of Makita's 18V LXT trimmers generally rate the brushless models as light, quiet and easy to handle for yard upkeep, with the shared battery platform a common reason to buy. Complaints tend to center on cutting power in tall, thick weeds and on line feed.

What people mention

WeightPraisedOwners like how light it feels for trimming around beds and fences.
Cutting powerMixedFine for grass and light weeds, but thick overgrowth slows it down.
Line feedCriticisedThe bump-and-feed head is described as needing practice and occasional re-threading.
Battery platformPraisedBuyers value running it on the same 18V LXT packs as their other Makita tools.
NoisePraisedQuieter and cleaner than a gas trimmer for neighborhood use.

About the Makita String Trimmer XRU23SM1 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 13 Inch 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Kit

The Makita XRU23SM1 is a cordless 13-inch string trimmer kit on the 18V LXT platform. It is used for edging along sidewalks, driveways and retaining walls, clearing overgrowth around fences and posts, and trimming grass borders near garden beds.

A Makita-built brushless motor drives the trimmer and has two speed settings. A push-button selector switches between high speed for thick brush and low speed, which extends runtime on the 4.0Ah battery to up to 1 hour. The bump-and-feed head takes 0.080-inch line, which reloads in three steps: align, feed and twist.

Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) seals help keep out water droplets, dust and dew. Star Protection computer controls let the tool and battery communicate to guard against over-discharging, overheating and overload. The loop-handle shaft weighs 6.6 lbs with the battery attached.

Model

XRU23SM1

Voltage

18V LXT lithium-ion platform

Motor

Makita-built BL brushless motor

Cutting swath

13 in. (330.2 mm)

No-load speed

0–4,500 RPM (low) / 0–6,000 RPM (high)

Head type

Rapid-load bump-and-feed dual line head