Makita XBU02PT 18v Cordless Leaf Blower Review

The Review

Although there are different types of leaf blowers currently available, cordless models are renowned for their convenience and ease of use. Such leaf blowers allow freedom of movement, and the ability to work from any area without the restrictions commonly associated with corded or gas blowers. Makita has been a leading tool manufacturer for many years and their Makita XBU02PT 18v Cordless Leaf Blower is another promising offering from this renowned company.

This Makita blower is powered by two rechargeable lithium batteries that are quite durable and create strong wind velocity to move debris quickly and efficiently. The blower is versatile and allows for use in a variety of situations due to its compact and maneuverable nature. There are no emissions produced when the device is working, and it operates at low noise levels to avoid being a nuisance to neighbors and family members alike.

Note that the leaf blower is powered by two batteries to ensure maximum functionality. The battery is electronically controlled to improve its durability to up to 50 percent more than similar models. It comes with a charger for refilling the batteries. The motor is equipped with a cooling mechanism to prevent it from overheating when in use.

Batteries and Performance

This cordless leaf blower comes with two batteries to maximize its functionality. This enables it to work faster, more efficiently and much longer than other models at high speeds. The batteries take less time to charge due to the fast charger. Charging time takes approximately 45 mins to fully recharge. The use of two 18V batteries allows the motor to put out impressive wind speeds without greatly affecting the run time compared to similar models. Additionally, the Makita blower has a total of six-speed variations to select from depending on the debris you are blowing. Obviously, the battery will use more power and need charging faster at the higher speed settings. Furthermore, if you already have other Makita products that use the same voltage, you can easily switch out the batteries between tools for maximum compatibility.

The inbuilt brushless motor delivers excellent air speeds of 120mph without the noise or vibrations that some other blowers of lower quality may produce. Many similar models make this claim, but if anything, the Makita blower seems to undersell the power it puts out. It can easily blow debris and accomplish jobs that are commonly reserved for the more powerful corded or gas blowers. While it can’t compete with the expensive, industrial-strength gas blowers, it outclasses every other cordless leaf blower in its class with an exceptionally high CFM (see what is a good CFM for a leaf blower). Don’t be surprised if it easily handles blowing huge piles of leaves from 20’ away! The engine also features a cooling mechanism that prevents it from overheating when working at high speed or for prolonged projects. The “Star Protection” further enhances battery power and blowing capacity by providing more efficient power management and protecting your investment.

Comfort and Power Control

The Makita XBU02PT1 also features an ergonomic handle that provides a firm grip. The trigger and speed selection controls are easily reached and allow for seamless switching between wind speed settings. The trigger is responsive and allows for subtly controlling the amount of blowing power. If you don’t need maximum power, you can easily throttle it down to a very light breeze to clear more delicate areas, such as flower beds. This flexibility allows you to further extend your battery life as you only use as much power as necessary for the job at hand. The wide spectrum of control in this regard is rather amazing.

Warranty and Customer Service

Makita is one of the most renowned brands in the tools industry for their ability to make high-quality products that perform better than the competition. To back up their quality workmanship, Makita offers a 30-day return/replacement guarantee to go along with the 3-year limited warranty. If you are not satisfied with the product (for any reason), during the first 30 days you can return it for a replacement or refund. Additionally, the 3-year warranty protects the leaf blower from any manufacturer defects or problems that may occur due to the fault of Makita. Customer service is responsive and quickly addresses any issues that you may have. Have a question about the leaf blower? Feel free to reach out to Makita for quick assistance and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the depth and quality of service you receive.

Things We Don’t Like

Finding the perfect tool is an impossibility as there is always something that could be done better. For the Makita XBU02PT 18V leaf blower, these problems are minor. First, the air intake is placed on the back of the blower. This causes loose clothing to be sucked up into the intake if you are not careful when operating the blower at awkward angles. While it isn’t dangerous or harm the tool, it would be better if the intake was on the bottom and out of the way. The Makita blower is also a bit heavier than the smaller sweeper/blowers. It weighs approximately 8 lbs., which makes it easy to maneuver and use for most people, but those of slight builds or children may experience issues with the weight. Finally, as this is a very durable product with the backing of the Makita name, the cost is more than some other leaf blowers. Considering the quality of construction, warranty, and performance, the additional cost is more than justified.

Final Verdict

The Makita XBU02PT 18v Cordless Leaf Blower is a versatile cleaning device that can be used in a variety of situations (see Best Battery Powered Leaf Blower). It has enough power and wind speed to do even moderately heavy jobs and is one of the only cordless blowers that can truly compete with a gas-powered leaf blower. Contractors, lawn crews, or just regular homeowners can easily use this tool quickly and efficiently. The battery life is fairly impressive considering the amount of power that is put out by the leaf blower. Purchasing an extra set of batteries is a good option if you have a lot of blowing to do so they can be easily switched out to continue working when the first set of batteries is drained. Comfort, features, and durability are at the top of the class. While you may pay more than for other models, the quality of construction and convenience of a cordless blower help this model to compare favorably for similarly priced gas or corded blowers. If you are in search of a strong blower that will last a long time with few problems, the Makita XBU02PT 18V cordless leaf blower is one of the best options you’ll find anywhere.