Makita is a valued brand name you can trust. Let’s find out why.

If I told you that you could power a lawn mower with the same battery packs that you use for your power drill, would you believe me? Here’s the proof, shiny and new, with Makita’s XML02Z 17-inch Cordless Lawn Mower, a battery-powered electric yard tool that makes maintaining a beautiful lawn quick, simple, and easy. With a three-year warranty and special Star Protection against damage for both battery packs and the tool itself, Makita is a brand name worthy of your attention, especially if you’re looking to trade out your old gas-powered mower for something a little more eco-friendly and convenient.

Going electric is a choice that’s beneficial to both you and your corner of the environment, so let’s take a closer look at Makita’s 17-inch offering and see what it’s got going on.

Contents

DESIGN & BUILD | Simple, Elegant, Clean

The Makita XML02Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower was designed with simple colors and elegant design in mind. There is nothing excessive or fancy about this piece of machinery. It is made to work, and work well. With a smaller cutting deck, 17 inches gives enough width to cover a residential lot with change to spare. The batteries are able to be swapped out between the mower and an everyday power drill or similar power tool, which is a convenience found in other battery-operated lawn mowers, but others will swap their battery packs with larger yard maintenance tools, like chainsaws and string trimmers. If you’re managing a smaller residential imprint, you might not need such a heavy-duty toolbox. Swapping between your mower and your power drill should serve you well.

“…nothing excessive or fancy about this piece of machinery. It is made to work, and work well.”

While the included grass collector holds up to 13 gallons of clippings, the unit itself weighs barely more than 40 pounds, with batteries included, so you’re pushing less weight overall. At full charge, you’re getting a full 30 minutes of cutting power, zero emissions, a much quieter machine, and a comfortable handle design that will make a normally grueling task simple, quick, and clean. Adjustable height and the optimized 17-inch cutting deck ensure that you’re going to get the perfect height on your lawn, every time.

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower full view

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower full view

SAFETY & DURABILITY | Technologically Advanced and Built to Last

The Makita XML02Z features all the standard safety measures you should expect any mower to have, including the quick-off safety release bar. If your hands slip off the bar, your mower stops instantly, and it’s as easy to get going again as the press of a button mounted right up near your handlebar. Another great safety feature by Makita lies within the batteries and battery interface. Just above the push-start button are diagrams to let you know what your power level is. Built in the batteries and the interface is Star Protection Computer Controls, a system in place to prevent overloading, over-discharge, and overheating to ensure your safety and an extended life for your tools.

“…you don’t have to worry about pull-starts or emissions…”

Because you don’t have to worry about pull-starts or harmful emissions, you’re a step ahead with your health. The engine itself doesn’t require any of the nickel-and-dime maintenance a small gas engine requires. Because a gas engine should not sit for an extended period of time with gas in the tank, you’re avoiding having to perform engine flushes, gas fills, oil changes, filter exchanges, or worrying about the head gasket or carburetor. Plus, with the three-year limited warranty, you’re guaranteed a product that will earn its space among your tools.

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower gears

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower gears

PERFORMANCE | As Simple as Point and Click

Ease of Use

Because of its small size and lightness, the Makita XML02Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower is a great choice for the quick and easy maintenance of a small residential footprint. Its 17-inch cutting deck has a whopping thirteen different options for cutting height, everything from 13/16ths of an inch to 2 and 5/16th inches. The lever is as easy as anything to adjust; just push, adjust, and lock. Maintaining this mower is just as simple because it is so light. Thanks to Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology, a protective seal ensures that dust and grit aren’t able to cause internal damage during routine use and cleaning. Just don’t spray a hose directly into the electrical components.

“The lever is as easy as anything to adjust; just push, adjust, and lock. “

Turning on the lights in your house is as simple as flicking a switch. Shouldn’t it be that simple to mow your lawn as well? All you have to do to get started on your mowing task is click in the charged batteries, hold down the safety bar, and push the button to turn it on. It’s just that easy, so you can get started and get finished that much more quickly.

Best Features

Makita is a lesser known name around big box stores, but they have a great product here that embraces awesome protective technology. The Star Protection Computer Controls system built into both tool and battery is a great way to guarantee a long life for every component in your toolshed and garage. Because the battery and tool are exchanging information in real time, you’re going to see immediate benefit from the safety features preventing overcharging, excessive discharge, and overheating. Innovation doesn’t stop at the gadgets and gizmos we see floating around school, work, and in the media. Technological advances should and do apply to every corner of our lives, making things a little safer every day.

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower handle grip

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower handle grip

LONGEVITY & PRICE | Serious Protection

Special attention was given towards the lifespan of this mower, particularly to the stress put on the gears and the startup process. With a soft start, the mower’s initial jerking start-up process is suppressed and smoothed out to prevent excessive wear and tear on the gears and mechanical systems. Makita also posts their three-year limited warranty loud and clear on their product listings, ensuring transparency wherever they can. Power tools, batteries, and chargers are all covered under this warranty. The warranty itself is limited, however, meaning that normal wear and tear or damage caused by non-Makita warranty technicians likely won’t be covered. The warranty stipulations make for a short and quick read, and the explanations are pretty thorough.

Be sure to check the current Makita XML02Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower – Amazon price here.

When it comes to price, the Makita XML02Z is up there as far as the high cost of entry is concerned, but if you’re ready and willing to make the jump, Makita will be there to usher you into the eco-friendly realms that are electric lawn mowers. The bare tool itself has an MSRP of $349.00, and if you already have a battery and charger kit from Makita, the blow is softened a little. If not, you’re looking at another investment of $100 or more. That said, considering the cost of gas, oil, and upkeep demanded by a gas motor, it’s worth considering the big picture in your decision.

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower batteries

Makita XML02Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 17 Cordless Lawn Mower batteries

PROS

  • Trusted and well-known brand name.
  • Great warranty.
  • Lightweight.

CONS

THE BOTTOM LINE | Pricey, but Swift and Convenient

We are used to paying a little extra for convenience. Even so, it is no surprise that a price tag like the XML02Z’s might put people a little off until they consider the long run. With such low maintenance and high convenience, the Makita 17-inch Cordless Lawn Mower can make taking care of your corner of the world super simple. An electric mower benefits the environment and assists the upkeep of your own health at the same time. Users don’t have to worry about breathing in exhaust, smelling like gas and oil when they finish, or the muscle cramps and pains traditionally connected to pull-start, walk-behind mowers. And if you’re looking for more options to choose from, check out our Best Lawn Mowers right here.