Makita are renowned for their efficient and powerful brushless electric motors. Their electric whipper snipper range is ideal for any gardeners looking to steer away from old-fashioned petrol line trimmers, and try something new.
So, let’s look in detail at exactly what makes Makita whipper snippers so special, and how to choose the best one.
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Makita Whipper Snippers Buyers' Guide
What are Makita Whipper Snippers?
Source: protoolreviews.com
Makita whipper snippers are line trimmers, designed for edging and tidying up overgrown lawns, but as you go up in price, you go up in ability too, with the most powerful trimmers from Makita able to handle tough brush and brambles too.
About Makita
Makita is one of only a handful of popular power tool manufacturers that is not owned by another corporation, making them a truly independent player in the global tools market.
Makita brand was founded in 1915 in Japan, and became the first company to sell electric planers in 1958. Electric tools have been their bread and butter ever since.
Makita is still owned and operated in Japan, with a great reputation for designing and building high-quality, durable electric power tools.
Choosing a Makita Whipper Snipper
Makita’s range of whipper snippers are all fairly similar, with comfortable grip handles, great balance and fast charging batteries. While it might seem hard to choose between them there are some key features that help to differentiate on the quality, and capability of each tool:
- Power
- RPM
- Runtime
- Length
- Adaptability
Source: toolsinaction.com
Power
Makita whipper snippers are sold with 18V or 12V batteries. The 18V models are capable of tougher jobs but are heavier, and harder to control. For basic lawn edging, the cheaper, less powerful 12V models are more than adequate, and will still do a good job of tidying up edges.
For more on lawn edging, check out our in-depth guide on the best lawn edgers in Australia.
RPM
RPM doesn’t necessarily translate to power or quality. The most expensive Makita whipper snipper on review has a lower RPM than most, but a higher torque, meaning it is much more efficient on tougher jobs like bramble or woody weeds.
The RPM rating on most whipper snippers is a guide to their free-turning speed, so faster RPMs mean the spindles whirl around quickly but are heavily affected by the cutting material. Lower RPMs do not slow down against most materials, producing better cuts.
Runtime
Makita’s 18V batteries have a pretty good life, with a 40-45 minute run time, depending on the tool. The 12V batteries last for around 30 minutes of continuous use.
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A Must Have Complete Guide for Every Australian Garden
Length
The length of your line trimmer is an important safety consideration. Shorter whipper snippers are easier to handle but put you closer to the spindle. Longer whipper snippers are heavier, but have good balance, and put a safer distance between you and the rotating line.
How to Use a Makita Whipper Snipper
Makita whipper snippers are all very simple to operate, and like any line trimmer, should be used away from yourself, with the guard pointing down.
Ensure a strong grip on the handle, and wear any shoulder straps to avoid fatigue, while keeping a beady eye on a few feet ahead of your working area at all times to check for stones and debris that could damage the tool, or flick away.
After using any whipper snipper, it’s important to gather the clipping using a wide decent grass rake as the cut materials can create a dense mulch which will shroud the edges or lawns, or seed into garden borders.
Refer to our guide to whipper snippering to learn how to use a whipper snipper the right way.
Makita Whipper Snipper Reviews for 2025
We are currently reviewing new models and will update this post shortly.
Makita Whipper Snipper FAQs
How do you change the spool on a Makita whipper snipper?
To change the spool on a Makita whipper snipper, start by turning it off and disconnecting the battery. Then, lay the trimmer flat on a table. Remove the spool cover and spool with the pressure release.
Replace the spool, and push the cover back into place. Pull the line out from the spool so it’s at optimum length.
What size trimmer line do Makita use?
Makita whipper snippers use 1.6mm line, which is ideal for sharp precise cuts and reduces the chances of fungal problems or sun scorch on your lawns.
The 1.6mm line is simple to change and fairly universal across the range, but check your model number before purchasing any new spools.
What spindle size do Makita whipper snippers take?
Makita’s spindles are universal across their whipper snipper range, and replacements can be bought directly from the manufacturer, or online. You’ll need an M8x1.25PH spindle to repair or replace the old one.
Looking to shop some more? Check our review of the best Stihl whipper snippers and brushcutters here.
Choose the Best Makita Whipper Snipper for Your Gardening Needs
If you’re in the market for a new whipper snipper, there are plenty of brands out there, but Makita whipper snippers are the best electric models you’re likely to find for an affordable price for domestic use.
Makita might not be the biggest power tool brand in the world, but they specialise in affordable electric tools that perform well. So, if you do choose a Makita whipper snipper, you’ll not be disappointed.
Published on August 31, 2022 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on December 27, 2024
