Makita LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower Review

By Phil Benevides on Makita, Tool Reviews

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower Review

The cordless revolution continues! From Lithium-Ion batteries, to Brushless motors, and High-Capacity Amp Hour Batteries, advances in battery and cordless technology has expanded the scope of what cordless tools can do.  This Makita LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower Review will showcases how Makita has taken advantage of these technologies to bring gas and corded performance to this Cordless 18-Volt X2 (36V) Blower.

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower Review_2

 

Whether you make a living cutting grass or cutting lumber; clippings, saw dust, or autumn leaves need to be moved and nobody has time to sweep or rake these days. A convenient, reliable blower is a solution so many landscapers and contractors rely on to save them time and ensure neat and professional results.

This Makita LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower Review highlights the performance and features of this versatile tool on one of the most expansive 18-Volt cordless platforms!

Features

  • Up to 29 minutes of run time at 15,800 RPM using two 5.0Ah batteries
  • 6-stage air velocity/volume selection dial with variable speed control trigger
  • Zero emissions and reduced maintenance; no need for gas or oil
  • In-line fan design provides better tool balance and improved ergonomics
  • Instant start-up with two 18V LXT® batteries and the blower is ready to use
  • Dual L.E.D. battery indicators show charge level for each 18V LXT® battery
  • 3-stage telescoping long nozzle for user convenience
  • Conveniently located hole on housing bottom for easy storage

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Specifications

  • Max Air Volume: 473 CFM
  • Max. Air Velocity: 120 MPH
  • No Load Speed (variable speed): 11,400 – 21,500 RPM
  • Battery: 2X 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion
  • Overall Length: 38-3/4″
  • Sound Pressure: 96 dB(A)
  • Net Weight (with battery): 9.9 lbs
  • Shipping Weight: 7.5 lbs
  • UPC Code: 088381-693158

Out of the Box

Makita’s LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Blower out of the box is quite the upgrade from the legacy 18-Volt cordless blower from Makita. Although I will say the 18V X2 (36V) is not nearly as portable or convenient as the original blower.

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Out of the box the tool itself is really impressive, adequately sized, well balanced, and features a well designed adjustable 3-stage telescoping nozzle. The start up and speed adjustments on the tool are super convenient, but the intake being so large on the rear of the tool I found myself blocking the intake with my leg, or my clothes getting drawn to the intake.

I feel like the nozzle was designed for additional tips to enhance the function of the blower, but none were included in the box. Doing a quick search online there doesn’t seem to be accessories for the tool, but I’d love to see a SKU with a few specialty tips for task specific performance.

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Performance

First and foremost startup on this tool is instantaneous, an extremely welcoming feature compared to the filling and priming of a gas powered blower, not to mention the pull to start struggle after the tool sits over the winter. Additionally, after startup you are greeted with a modest hum and whistle of the motor and tool, clocking in at only 96 decibels this tool is easy on the ears.

Not many leaves to move this time of year, but a blower like this is perfect for cleaning up clippings after a mowing or trimmer use. The variable trigger and 6-Stage Air Velocity Selector allows you to really control the air flow and therefore control what you’re moving. And best of all when you don’t need air, the tool is off, and silent, but even when it is working, there is no noticeable vibration! Finally, when the tools gets moving and you really start to cycle air through the intake and propel it out the nozzle the balance and control you feel makes one handed operation a breeze. The design and operation of this tool has made me turn to this blower as a primary clean up tool for saw dust clean up and for landscaping it is an exceptional tool that makes the work go quickly and painlessly.

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Overall Impression

The tool itself is about $250, plus the cost of 2 18-Volt batteries, looking at the mid range battery from Makita, a two-pack of 4.0 Ah batteries would be about $190. The total cost to own and operate this system is $440. So overall the performance is great, but the price is not as competitive as other brands in this market, with comparable performance.

That aside if you are already a heavy Makita 18-Volt user and have the batteries, this is a must have  for a professional homeowner. If you are a landscaper and are looking for a quiet and emission free way to supplement your gas blowers, this tool is perfect for smaller jobs where discretion and attention to detail are in high demand. Bottom line this is a professional quality tool that can be a perfect home maintenance gift for a professional Makita user or an ultra convenient blower for smaller landscaping tasks where the noise and smell of a gas engine may not be desirable.

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This is a great cordless blower and is ACC approved!

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About the author

Phil Benevides

Carpenter / Assistant Editor

Phil is a 28-year old Air Force Veteran who decided to transform his passion for construction and home improvement into a career. Inspired by his Grandfather who built his home from the ground up with his bare hands in Portugal, he received his formal training in Carpentry at the North Bennett Street School in Boston, MA.Phil continues to grow his skills as a carpenter and leader, while exploring new products, methods, and tools!

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