Makita mower self propelled. Makita CML01 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Makita CML01 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The battery-powered Makita CML01 21″ self-propelled lawn mower uses the ConnectX system. The ConnectX power supply goes right on top and promises commercial-level runtime. For those looking to take their commercial operation from gas to battery, could this Makita mower present a viable alternative?

Makita CML01 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – The Big Deal

Going directly after runtime with the Makita ConnectX mower, the company pairs it with a 1200Wh backpack battery. To put that into perspective, 1200Wh equates to more than 13 18V LXT 5Ah batteries.

While STIHL, Husqvarna, and the now-defunct Oregon 120V systems beat Makita to the punch on backpack batteries, we still hold out some hope that this provides the runtime many of these tools need to hit commercial levels. With the Makita CML01 lawn mower, the ConnectX battery backpack attaches directly to the top of the mower. So you don’t run any sort of tether. We like that.

Makita addressed runtime and says a single ConnectX battery yields up to 3 continuous hours of runtime. Given how most professional crews use their walk-behind mowers to supplement their ZTs, that could get you through an entire day.

The Makita ConnectX power supply/battery runs at 36V (40V max). You can use it to operate the CML01 mower or Makita’s compatible string trimmer and blower. With one of two adapters, you can also use the ConnectX as a backpack battery and run any of the Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT or 40V Max XGT tools.

If you happen to have the PDC01 LXT Backpack Power Supply, it mounts on and runs the ConnectX mower as well.

The mower itself has a build very similar to the commercial XML08 we reviewed a while back. Here are some of the highlights:

• Rear wheel drive system
• Commercial-grade 22-inch steel deck
• True 21-inch blade
• 2800 RPM top speed with 2300 RPM Quiet Mode
• Mulch, bag, and side-discharge capable (all accessories included)
• Rubberized tires with smooth-rolling wheels
• Weather-resistant construction (IPX4 )

Makita CML01 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Price

As a professional-grade mower, the Makita CML01 runs 949 as a bare tool and the power supply is another 1549. Like Makita’s other lithium-ion tools, the warranty runs 3 years on both the mower and the power supply.

Specifications

• Model: Makita CML01
• Power Source: Makita ConnectX Backpack Power Supply or LXT Backpack Power Supply
• Deck: 22-inch commercial-grade steel (14-gauge)
• Blade: 21-inch
• Blade Speed: 2800 RPM (2300 RPM in Quiet Mode)
• Drive Speed: 1.5 – 3.0 MPH
• Cutting Height: 1 1/4 – 3 15/16-inch
• Weight: 89.1 lbs bare, 108.5 lbs with ConnectX battery
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: 949 bare

Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. RYOBI 80V Mower: Which One Wins?

Landscaping takes on many forms when spring arrives, but it typically involves lawnmowers both gas-powered and electric. Today we’re going to take a look at two collections of mowers designed to make life easy with our Makita self-propelled lawn mower vs. RYOBI 80V mower review.

Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. RYOBI 80V Mower: Side-by-Side Comparison

• Self-propelled mower with speeds from 1.5 MPH to 3 MPH
• Holds four batteries to extend runtime
• Commercial model with steel deck and 21 cutting width
• 3-in-1 feature for mulching, bagging, or side discharge
• Quiet mode setting to reduce noise

Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. RYOBI 80V Mower: What’s the Difference?

Manufacturers have managed to add some interesting tech to cordless mowers, but most have a similar set of features once you dig into the tech specs. That’s the case with RYOBI and Makita mowers, although one company has an advantage with self-propelled mowers.

Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

Makita has more than 20 lawnmowers for sale, which may seem overwhelming if you’re interested in the brand. Well, that’s not the case once you dig into their lineup which consists of bare tools and kits that come with a variety of batteries. There are three types of lawnmowers in their current catalog with XGT, LXT, and ConnectX series mowers between the residential and commercial classes.

Makita Residential Self-Propelled Mowers

At this time, there is only one self–propelled mower listed as a residential model with the Makita LXT XML11Z. This mower has many of the same features as models in the commercial class, but with one key difference.

The Maktia LXT XML11Z has a 22-inch deck with a cutting width of 21-inch and it’s lightweight at only 62.5 pounds with a battery. The mower has a maximum speed of 3,000 RPMs and is an LXT model, so it uses two lithium-ion batteries instead of one. In this case, it’s dual 18V batteries. The cutting height for the Makita LXT XML11Z is 1-1/4 to 4 inches and it has the same basic features as the commercial models.

The biggest difference is the motor, which is brushed on this residential mower, and brushless on commercial mowers. That’s important for longevity, and something to consider if you have a large yard and plan to use the mower frequently. This mower is available as a bare tool without batteries, while the Makita XML11CT1 comes with four 5.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger.

Makita Commercial Self-Propelled Mowers

If you have an eco-friendly mowing business or want something with a bit more oomph for property, Makita’s commercial class mowers are an interesting alternative. There are five models to choose from, all of which are available as bare tools or in kit configurations.

The Makita GML01Z is from the XGT line, which uses one 40V lithium-ion battery. It has the same size deck and cutting width as their residential model, but won’t break your back at 72.5 pounds with the battery installed. It has a brushless motor like the rest of their commercial mowers and a steel deck for increased durability.

This GML01PL kit comes with a massive 8.0Ah battery while the GML01SM has a 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery and charger. The other 40-volt mower in this lineup is the Makita CML01Z. It has the same base specifications as the rest of their cordless commercial mowers, but with slightly less cutting height and ConnectX compatibility.

There are also three LXT commercial mowers, all with a 36-volt battery system that uses two 18v batteries. Two of these mowers have 22-inch decks, but the Makita XML06Z is smaller. This mower has a 19-inch deck and 18-inch cutting width. The types of batteries that come with these mowers vary depending on whether you want the mower itself or a complete package.

Makita Self-Propelled Lawnmower Pricing

Self-propelled mowers are always more expensive than traditional push mowers regardless of the brand or how it’s powered. That’s the case with Makita mowers, and the most affordable option is the Makita LXT XML11Z. As a bare tool, it’s around 450 but only 100 more with four batteries. That’s more than enough power to keep the mower going until most yards are finished.

Commercial models with steel decks are more expensive. The dual-battery powered Makita XML08Z is priced at 750 for the mower while the smaller XML06PT1 is slightly more expensive with four batteries at 850. Pricing is subject to change as new models arrive each season, and Makita cordless mowers are easy to acquire online through Amazon or locally at Home Depot.

RYOBI 80V Self-Propelled Mowers

RYOBI is no stranger to cordless tools whether it’s a drill, saw, leaf blower, or lawn mower. The company has an impressive array of cordless mowers that start at 18V and top out at 40 volts. Their lineup is easy to digest, but if you want to go over 40 volts, there’s only one option that isn’t a riding mower.

The RYOBI RYPM8010 is a new 80V mower from the company with some unique features. It’s a Whisper mower, which is said to be 70% quieter than gas. That’s due in part to the efficient brushless motor, and the company claims it delivers more cutting power than a 233cc gas-powered lawnmower.

With a rating of 90 minutes, the 80V battery is capable of mowing an acre. It will recharge in less than an hour with the 80V Hyper Charger and has a Smart Trek variable speed system. What got our attention is the deck, and the two sets of lawnmower blades that spin beneath the mower to crosscut your grass.

Beneath the RYOBI RYPM8010 is a 30-inch extended diagonal deck with two blade systems and four blades. The mower has a 10-position single-point height adjustment with a range of 1 to 4” and a bright LED headlight that allows homeowners to finish up when it starts to get dark. The mower, battery, and charger are all backed by a 5-year warranty.

RYOBI Self-Propelled Mower Pricing

While we expect RYOBI’s new 80V walk-behind mower to be popular, it was shown off earlier this year with a launch date of spring 2023. The company hasn’t released details on pricing, although you can get a rough idea of what to expect based on similar models from RYOBI.

The 18-inch RYOBI PP1100 is self-propelled and from the Whisper series, just like the upcoming 80V RYOBI RYPM8010. With four batteries, it’s priced at 579, and while it has dual blades, it’s only an 18V mower. By comparison, the 40V brushless RYOBI RY401180 is 479 as a bare tool with no batteries or chargers included.

You can find RYOBI mowers through online retailers including Amazon, but options are limited. Unless you purchase a mower directly from the company’s site, Home Depot is where you’ll find the best selection locally or online. We also expect that’s where the company’s 80V mower will make its debut.

Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers vs. RYOBI 80V Mower: Which One Wins?

Cutting a lawn is seasonal in some regions, but a year-round activity in others. Both of these mowers fold up for easy storage and have battery systems that can deal with yards of any size. They are also eco-friendly options to gas-powered mowers with comparable price points.

With that in mind, if you’re already in need of a battery-powered lawn mower for your home, the best option is a self-propelled Makita cordless mower. These mowers have already been put to work and you can check out Makita self-propelled mower reviews to see what others think about their current lineup.

You can’t do that with the RYOBI 80V RYPM8010, and there’s always a chance for issues when a new product is released. RYOBI has a better warranty, however, at 5 years on the charger, mower, and battery, whereas Makita only provides a 3-year guarantee.

If you can wait, the RYOBI may be the better option, otherwise, consider Makita’s mowers or comparable options from companies like DeWALT and Ego.

• Self-propelled mower with speeds from 1.5 MPH to 3 MPH
• Holds four batteries to extend runtime
• Commercial model with steel deck and 21 cutting width
• 3-in-1 feature for mulching, bagging, or side discharge
• Quiet mode setting to reduce noise

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Makita’s 19-inch cordless electric mower with four 5Ah batteries hits low of 499 in New Green Deals

If you’re not ready to drop thousands on a cordless electric riding mower yet, then consider ditching gas and oil this year by picking up a Makita 19-inch self-propelled cordless electric mower. It might not be riding, but the 19-inch cutting path will handle most yards pretty easily. Plus, it comes with four 5Ah batteries that deliver up to 55 minutes of cutting time before it’s time to charge. Plus, no gas or oil is required, helping reduce your reliance on fossil fuels in 2023. You won’t want to miss this deal though, as it drops the mower and battery kit to 499 which is at least 70 in savings and marks a new all-time low that we’ve tracked. We also have a wide selection of Tesla and e-bike discounts in today’s New Green Deals, so you won’t want to miss that either.

Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Ditch gas and oil with this Makita 19-inch self-propelled electric mower

Amazon is offering the Makita 36V LTS 19-inch Self-propelled Cordless Electric Lawn Mower (XML14CT1) for 499 shipped. Matched for the same price at Home Depot. Down from 569 at Home Depot and around 585 on Amazon, today’s deal comes in at a new all-time low that we’ve tracked. In fact, it’s the first major discount that we’ve tracked at Amazon since release. Powered by Makita’s 36V platform, you’ll need two 18V batteries to run this mower. However, you won’t have to worry about buying them as this kit comes with four 5Ah batteries in the package, giving you up to 55 minutes of runtime before it’s time to charge. There’s a pair of self-propelled wheels at the back that allow the mower to go from 1.5 to 3 MPH under its own power, making yard chores that much easier this spring and summer. Plus, zero gas or oil is required and this mower starts with a push of a button instead of the pull of a string, making lawn chores simpler.

Jackery’s Explorer 2000 PRO power station hits 1,784 (Reg. 2,099), plus 900 off solar panel kit

Amazon is now offering the Jackery Explorer 2000 PRO Power Station for 1,784 shipped after clipping the on-page coupon. Normally fetching 2,099, today’s offer is landing at the second-best price to date at 315 off. It’s 15 under our previous mention from back in January and comes within 85 of the all-time low from the Black Friday holiday shopping season last fall. Jackery’s Explorer 2000 Pro arrives as one of the brand’s most capable portable power stations yet with a 2160Wh output. Its three AC outlets come backed by dual USB-A as well as a pair of 100W USB-C ports for topping off smartphones, MacBooks, and other gadgets. So whether you’re looking for a tailgate companion through the end of the year to power heaters and the like, or just want some extra power on-hand in case of emergencies, this power station has you covered.

If you’re in need of some completely off-grid power, there’s also a bundle on sale today that takes even more cash off the MSRP. The Solar Generator 2000 PRO from Jackery comes centered around the same power station as above, but also is outfitted with a pair of 200W SolarSaga panels. Normally fetching 3,599, you’re now looking at a discounted price of 2,699. This is matching the second-best discount to date at 900 off while marking the lowest we’ve seen this year.

Juiced’s RipCurrent S e-bike goes over 70 miles per charge

Juiced Bikes is currently offering its RipCurrent S E-Bike on sale for 1,849 shipped with the code RIDE50. Down 550 from its normal rate of 2,399, today’s deal comes in at 23% off and delivers a new all-time low that we’ve tracked. In fact, this discount is 250 below the previous sale that we tracked mid-March during Juiced’s previous best sale of the year yet. This e-bike was upgraded about a year ago to have some improved specs and performance. Featuring a new G2 52V 19.2Ah battery, you’ll find that the Juiced RipCurrent S e-bike packs a 1,000W motor which can propel it up to 28 MPH with relative ease. On top of that, the new battery allows for over 70 miles of range which lets you to get to or from work without having to plug in mid-day.

Opting for the Juiced RipCurrent S e-bike instead of traditional transportation this spring is a great way to help cut down on your carbon footprint. It doesn’t require trips to the gas station to fill up and if you have off-grid power at home, like solar panels, then the e-bike can even be charged completely green as well. That’s a pretty big benefit for those trying to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Not only that, but with the pedal assist functionality, you can get some exercise on the way to work but ensure you don’t arrive wore out from a hard ride as the bike can do a majority of the heavy lifting on hills and the like as well. Learn more about the Juiced RipCurrent S e-bike in our previous coverage.

New Tesla deals

After checking out the Makita electric mower on sale above, if you keep read, you’ll find a selection of new green deals that will make your Tesla experience better in multiple areas. From storage to keep recordings on to phone mounts, car chargers, and anything else we can find, it’ll be listed below. Each day we’ll do our best to find new and exciting deals and ways for you to save on fun accessories for your Tesla, making each trip unique. For more gift ideas and deals, check out the best Tesla shop. Keep reading on for e-bike, Greenworks, and other great deals.

• Spigen All-in-One Cable Holder Wall Mount for Tesla Model 3/Y/X/S: 24 (Reg. 30) | Amazon
• SimpleTire offers up to 20% off thousands of tires
• Discount Tire offers up to 100 off or more on Cooper, Bridgestone, and other tires
• Model 3 CupHolderHero: 12 (Reg. 14)
• Spigen OneTap MagSafe car mounts now up to 38% off starting at 27 via Amazon
• Bring MagSafe to your ride with iOttie’s premium Velox car mount at 42.50

New e-bike deals electric scooter discounts

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the sunshine still after using your new electric mower, than we recommend you experience it than on another e-bike or electric scooter you just got at a fantastic price through one of our deals and sale below. You can use it for fun, exercise, or even transportation to and from work or the coffee shop. We have several people here that will regularly commute to coffee shops or offices on their e-bike, as it cuts down on fossil fuel usage as well as allows them to enjoy some time outdoors on nice sunny days. Below, you’ll find a wide selection of new e-bike deals and electric scooter deal in all price ranges, so give it a look if that’s something you’d be interested in picking up. As always, the newest e-bike deal and electric scooter discounts and sales will be at the top, so shop quick as the discounts are bound to go away soon.

• Hover-1’s new Night Owl Electric Folding Scooter with 37-mile range at 1,352 (Reg. 1,800)
• Jetson Haze Electric Bike: 550 (Reg. 650) | Costco
• Get a Segway Electric KickScooter for 400 ahead of spring joyrides
• Juiced e-bikes 0% APR financing available
• Micah Toll’s favorite low-cost folding electric bike, the Lectric XP 2.0: 999 (Reg. 1,099)
• Kent Electric Pedal Assist Mountain Bike: 698 (Reg. 998)
• Gotrax’s just-released G MAX electric scooter sees first discount at 100 off, more

Additional New Green Deals

After shopping the Makita electric mower on sale above, be sure to check out the other discounts we found today. These new green deals are wide-ranging from outdoor lawn equipment to anything else we find that could save you money in various ways, be that cutting gas and oil out of your life or just enjoying other amenities that energy-saving gear can bring. As always, the newest deals will be at the top, so shop quick as the discounts are bound to go away soon.

• Sun Joe’s 14-inch corded electric mower ditches gas and oil falls to all-time low of 85
• Install Wiser’s Smart Home Energy Monitor in your electrical panel to save this spring at 199

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Can a battery-powered mower make the cut? I tested Makita’s eco-friendly 18-inch lawn mower and was impressed by the power of this whisper-quiet lawn tool.

By Glenda Taylor | Updated May 22, 2023 8:34 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Maintaining a regular mowing schedule is vital to achieving lush and healthy turfgrass. However, a battery-powered lawn mower is worth considering if you prefer a quieter and eco-friendly option to loud gas-powered mowers. I have plenty of experience with lawn mowers, but until now, they’ve all been gas-powered models. I put off buying a battery-powered electric lawn mower because many models are pricey, plus I had my doubts that the batteries would last long enough to mow my entire yard. I was wrong.

Thanks to constant improvements in rechargeable batteries, manufacturers like Makita—an industry leader in battery-operated tools and appliances—are producing some of today’s best battery-powered lawn mowers. I’ve used dozens of Makita cordless tools over the years, and I’ve come to know the brand for its high-quality workmanship and cutting-edge technology. Recently, I got the chance to test a Makita lawn mower—the XML03, an 18-inch model—in my own yard. Over 3 weeks, I mowed a large section of my yard (about ⅓ acre) six times—twice per week—with the XML03. Keep reading to find out how the Makita mower fared in my hands-on testing and learn the features I liked best, plus a couple I wish Makita would consider changing.

The Makita XML03 Brushless Cordless 18-Inch Lawn Mower: At a Glance

Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Rating: 9.5/10

• Eco-friendly battery power eliminates the need for carbon-producing gas and oil
• Quieter than fuel-powered mowers—early morning mowing won’t bother neighbors
• 4 batteries included with purchase; when 1 set runs down, swap in a charged set
• Handle located in front of mower for easy (and safe) lifting
• Simple push-button start—no cords to pull or pumps to prime
• Fold-down handles reduce storage-space requirements in a garage or shed
• Relatively narrow 18-inch swath width can make it time-consuming to mow large yards
• The Makita XML03 is not self-propelled and can be challenging to push on inclines
• Grass-clipping bag is on the small side and may require frequent dumping

Get the XML03 Makita electric lawn mower at:

What is the Makita lawn mower?

The Makita XML03 is a battery-powered lawn mower with an 18-inch-wide cutting swath. The mower’s relatively narrow swath width puts it in the category of a small-to-medium yard mower. Makita claims the four batteries, which are included, will mow up to ⅓ acre on a single charge. However, the XML03 is not a self-propelled mower, so the actual area it will mow will depend on how quickly you push the mower and how thick the grass is. The Makita lawn mower has a detachable grass-catching bag and an optional mulching attachment. The bag holds up to 1.7 bushels (16 gallons) of grass clippings, and I emptied the bag an average of six times every time I mowed the test area.

The XML03 features a single mowing blade that spins at up to 3,300 revolutions per minute (rpm). That’s right in-line with gas-powered mowers that typically range between 2,800 and 3,600 rpm. But rpm also depends on resistance—because the thicker or higher the grass, the more resistance the blade will run into, which can slow down the spinning speed. This is also a factor with gas-powered mowers but to a lesser extent. The best mowing practice for any lawn is to cut no more than ⅓ of the grass blade. This will require mowing more frequently during spring and early summer when grass grows the quickest. Cutting ⅓ of the grass blade or less puts less strain on a mower, and it’s better for the health of the grass.

Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

How long do the batteries last when mowing with the Makita lawn mower?

One of my goals when testing the Makita lawn mower was to see if it would meet the manufacturer’s claim of mowing ⅓ acre without stopping for recharging of the batteries. The XML03 runs on two 18-volt batteries simultaneously, giving it the equivalent of 36 volts of power. The batteries that come with the mower are 4.0 amp hours (Ah), which are considered mid-to-high capacity batteries.

Before each mowing test, I fully charged all four batteries. In all but one of the six times I mowed, the batteries not only lasted long enough for me to finish cutting the test area, but I also still had some leftover charge according to the battery indicator on the handle. The only time I could not mow the entire test area—a 130-feet-long by 112-feet-wide section—was when the grass was still damp from an overnight rain shower. Even the best cordless lawn mowers are typically a bit less powerful than gas-powered mowers.

Mowing when the grass is damp increases the resistance on the cutting blade, plus it’s not a good idea to mow wet grass for the health of the turf—but I wanted to conduct a thorough test. I had just two strips of lawn left to go when the second set of batteries ran down. But when the grass was dry, I had no problem cutting the entire test area.

The XML03 has a brushless motor, which helps with both power and battery runtime, but remember that lithium-ion batteries lose power over time. For the best battery life, always charge the batteries completely before use. In addition, remove batteries from the charger when they’re fully charged, which is better for battery health.

Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Is the grass-cutting height on the Makita lawn mower adjustable?

Nearly nothing could be simpler than adjusting the mowing height on the XML03. It features a universal adjustment lever on the back right wheel. I found it easy to use the height-adjustment lever to raise or lower the mower’s deck height as needed. While adjusting the height is easy, however, this is also where I feel Makita could have done a little better. The XML03 cuts as low as 13/16 inch and as high as 3 inches. The lowest height adjustment works well for the buffalo grass I have planted in the front of my yard, but I also have tall fescue growing in another area, and I like to keep it mowed at 3½ inches. Still, 2½ to 3 inches is a typical height for many types of grass, so not being able to raise the deck height to 3½ inches wasn’t a deal breaker for me.

How does the Makita lawn mower compare to a traditional gas mower?

A gas-powered mower will run as long as you have gasoline to dump in the tank. The Makita XML03 will run as long as the batteries retain a charge. Buying an extra set of Makita batteries will increase overall runtime, so if you need to mow more than ⅓ acre at one time, consider investing in another set or two of Makita 18-volt rechargeable batteries.

The last couple of gas mowers I owned came with start buttons, but they stopped working after a few months, and I had to pull the starter cord to get the engines to fire. The Makita lawn mower has the easiest start of all—I just turned on the mower from the control panel on the handle, pushed the button, and the motor started right up. There’s no need to repeatedly pull a start cord, and no smoke or fumes.

The most significant differences between the Makita lawn mower and traditional gas mowers are noise and pollution. A conventional gas mower can generate up to 95 decibels of noise—anything over 85 decibels may damage hearing. Many electric mowers top out around 75 decibels, but according to my decibel tester, the Makita XML03 generated even less noise—about 71 decibels. For comparison, a typical vacuum cleaner generates about 70 decibels.

There’s no question that a battery-powered lawn mower is more eco-friendly. There’s no gasoline to buy or store (a fire hazard), plus there are no toxic fumes emitted as you mow. The sustainability value alone is reason enough for me to consider switching to a more eco-friendly way to mow.

How easy is the Makita lawn mower to maneuver?

The Makita XML03 is not a self-propelled mower, so I had to push it along physically. That said, I didn’t find it too difficult to push. The wheels roll smoothly, but it’s strictly a mower for a flat yard. I tried pushing it up and down slopes as well as horizontally along the sides of slopes. Mowing down a slope was super easy, but pushing the mower up an incline was challenging, to say the least.

Mowing horizontally on an incline was less demanding, but like most mowers, the XML03 tended to slip downward as I mowed. Although the XML03 isn’t self-propelled, some battery-powered lawn mowers are, such as the DeWALT 2X20V MAX that another Bob Vila product-testing team member recently tested.

Making uniform back-and-forth turns was easy, but I discovered something as I was mowing the test area—the Makita lawn mower doesn’t leave noticeable wheel stripes in the lawn. I guessed this was due to its relatively light weight—63.3 pounds with batteries—compared to my gas-powered mowers, which weigh closer to 100 pounds. Less weight on the tires leaves less of a track behind in the grass.

Maneuvering isn’t only about pushing and turning a mower; it’s also about how easy it is to clean out from under the mowing deck and sharpen the blade. It was nice to tip the Makita lawn mower over on its side to access the underside without oil draining out of a tank (like a gas mower). I was cautious about removing the batteries before tipping it over. Included with the mower, Makita sent along a T wrench that fits the nut that holds the blade in place. That’s a nice perk that I’ll appreciate when sharpening or replacing the blade.

Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Should you buy a battery-powered Makita lawn mower?

Before buying the Makita lawn mower, or any battery-powered mower, consider a few things. While the XML03 sells for a reasonable 399 at a handful of retailers, many battery-powered mowers are significantly more expensive than comparable gas-powered ones. Makita can keep the price down on the XML03 by offering a narrow (18-inch) swatch width and omitting a self-propulsion feature. This is an excellent option for when I need to mow early in the morning without waking up the rest of the family and for reducing my carbon footprint.

It takes a little bit more energy and strength to push a nonpropelled mower, but I found that by mowing frequently—so the grass wasn’t too high between mowings—and by cutting only when the grass was dry, the mowing process was pretty enjoyable. However, if you’re not thrilled about pushing a mower, this might not be the best lawn mower for you. The XML03 is among the smaller electric mowers available. However, it’s perfect for those who are serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions while still having a perfectly manicured lawn.

Where to Buy the Battery-powered Makita Lawn Mower

Get the XML03 Makita electric lawn mower at:

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a seasoned product tester and writer focusing on construction, remodeling, and DIY home improvement. As a general contracting company co-owner with experience in residential and commercial building applications, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reviews. She tests and reviews a wide range of products, including power tools, household appliances, and lawn-and-garden products to help consumers make informed decisions.