On a near-weekly basis, Makita has been releasing new products. Comparatively speaking, they are very aggressive this year in both their power tools and OPE. Of course, the latter category is our bailiwick. And that brings us to one of the brand’s new lawn care solutions: the Makita XGT Brush Cutter (GRU06).
Especially if you live on a wooded lot or regularly have to deal with overgrown areas, a brush cutter is the tool for you. It’s essentially a string trimmer on steroids. So, is the GRU06T a Schwarzenegger capable of terminating your foliage? Let’s take a look at its performance and design features to help you decide.
Makita XGT Brush Cutter Performance
Starting with the power plant, the GRU06T runs on a brushless motor and a 40V (5.0Ah) lithium-ion battery. (You can use the latter with any tool in the XGT series.) Makita tells us that, together, they produce the output of a 35cc engine. That’s not bad considering that heavy-duty models are generally somewhere within the 40 to 55cc range.
And there are a few other features that complement this power and help boost the performance. For instance, Makita equipped the XGT brush cutter with a variable speed trigger and cruise control. Naturally, both features have specific benefits; namely, fine-tuned power and convenience.
Specs
- Model: Makita GRU06T
- Battery: 40V (5.0Ah)
- Brushless motor
- No load speed: 6,700 RPM
- Blade diameter: 10 in
- Weight: 14.6 lbs (w/ battery)
Something else that I like to see on string trimmers and brush cutters is a reverse function. The GRU06T has one.
On string trimmers, it’s great to have this capability when you’re working near gardens or along pathways. When it comes to brush cutters like Makita’s XGT, it’s super useful for clearing the trimmer head of tangled overgrowth.
What’s more, this tool carries an IPX4 rating and includes the brand’s Extreme Protection Technology as an added safeguard against dust and water.
Makita XGT Brush Cutter Design
In terms of design, the GRU06T has a few notable aspects.
For one, Makita’s design team engineered the tool’s steel drive shaft for reduced vibration and increased durability. They also say that this model is low noise, particularly compared to gas. I suspect that at least part of that has to do with reduced vibration.
Finally, the bicycle handle is a must on a brush cutter, which greatly assists in the pendulous sweeps that efficiently clear swaths of overgrowth.
Want more options to tackle trimming, edging, and brush cutting? Check out our Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Reviews list!
Makita GRU06T Pricing and Availability
As of this writing, Makita has not listed a price for the XGT Brush Cutter. However, we will bring you updates as soon as we have them.
