Makita Whipper Snippers Hands-On Reviews

What are Makita Whipper Snippers?

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

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.

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. 

1. Makita DUR189RM 18V Cordless Whipper Snipper

The top-end Makita Whipper snipper has the same 18V battery as most models but uses it more wisely. The slower RPM helps to keep a level power that cuts through tough materials with less resistance, and can be adjusted across four different settings.

As well as being good at its job, this Makita 18v whipper snipper is one of the most comfortable whipper snippers we’ve ever found, with a long ergonomic handle that is designed for balance, and comfort, and a neatly rounded loop handle that gives precise control when used with a simple shoulder strap.

2. Makita DUR181SF 18V Cordless Whipper Snipper

This lightweight Makita battery whipper snipper is a great choice for gardeners with medium-sized gardens. It’s designed for edging and weed whacking and has more than enough power to handle most tasks.

The comfortable handle is also really nicely positioned for balance, making it comfortable to use for long periods. 

With a 45-minute battery life, it’s easily got enough charge to get around the garden and tidy up your edges on a regular basis and comes with a rapid charging kit from Makita too.

3. Makita UR100DZ 12V MAX Cordless Line Trimmer

The budget Makita whipper snipper still outperforms most other brands in this price range, with a small 12V battery, but a clever telescopic handle that makes it ideal for anyone outside an average height range, going down to 85cm and as long as 1.2m.

Its 1000 rpm motor cuts grass neatly and quickly, but won’t cope with tougher materials, so this is designed for lawn care really, and not much else.

That said, for 99% of gardeners, makita cordless whipper snipper is a really efficient budget option that stores well so makes a lot of sense as a wallet-friendly choice.

The Makita DUR189RM 18V Cordless Brushless Line Trimmer Kit is the best Makita whipper snipper you can buy, but it's also up there as one of the best whipper snippers on the open market.

There is virtually nothing it can’t tackle, and with a fast charging battery with over 45 minutes of continuous operation, it’s ideal for big jobs.

For working on the go, we would definitely recommend buying a second 18v Makita battery so you can switch between them to reduce downtime.

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.