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A self-propelled, battery-operated lawnmower can keep your lawn pristine with minimal effort and without harming the environment. Finding the best tool, however, can be challenging. Makita and DeWALT are two popular brands. The former is the go-to choice for landscapers and business owners. The latter addresses homeowners. This guide to the Makita self-propelled lawn mower vs. DeWALT 20V Max mower should help you pick the right equipment.
Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Vs. DeWALT 20V Max Mower: Side-by-Side Comparison
Makita and DeWALT are two popular power tool manufacturers. Both make tools for home and commercial applications, but Makita has a reputation for its high-quality equipment geared toward business owners and heavy-duty use. DeWALT manufactures a range of commercial tools, but equipment from the brand is not as performing or long-lasting as Makita. When it comes to the self-propelled lawnmowers from these brands, they are both worthy options, though. Here’s a brief comparison between the two.
| Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | DeWALT 20V Max Mower | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Yards up to ¼ acres; residential and commercial applications | Yards up to ¼ acres; residential applications |
| Operation mode | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Cutting width | 21” | 21.5” |
| Cutting height settings | 10 | 6 |
| Cutting heights | 1-1/4” – 4” | 1-1/2” – 4” |
| Waste management | Mulching, bagging, rear discharge | Mulching, bagging, side discharge |
| Battery | 36V (2x18V, 5.0Ah) | 40V (2x20V, 10.0Ah) |
| Runtime | Up to 40 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Motor type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Speed control | Infinite | Low and high |
- Folding handles for easy storage
- Zero emission and lower noise
- Up to 40 minutes runtime per charge
- Quick height adjustments
Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Vs. DeWALT 20V Max Mower: What’s the Difference
A glance at the table above shows minimal differences between the DeWALT 20V Max mower and the Makita self-propelled lawn mower. However, these machines perform differently. While they are both a good choice for same-size lawns, Makita is a heavier-duty option ideal for frequent use. Yet, DeWALT might suit your needs, too, and save you some bucks.
Deck and Cutting
One vital thing to check when buying a lawnmower is its ability to cut grass smoothly. In this sense, both Makita and DeWALT deliver.
Makita self-propelled lawn mower features a true 21-inch blade with 3,000 rotations per minute. While this system might not match the performance of the multi-blade system seen in mowers like the EGO 56V mower, it can slice through tough and wet grass effortlessly.
DeWALT features a similar blade system but a longer cutting swath of 21.5 inches. The extra half-inch might not change your world, but it does help you complete the chore faster. On the downside, it makes the mower harder to maneuver around multiple obstacles or fit in narrow spaces, so this is something to consider based on your lawn’s layout.
The true difference between these two mowers is their cutting height range and the number of cutting height settings. The Makita self-propelled lawn mower features 10 cutting height settings between 1.25 and 4 inches. DeWALT has a slightly lower range, from 1.5 to 4-inch cutting heights, and only six settings.
While those numbers might not mean much for most residential needs, they can be important if your turf is a demanding grass type. More height adjustments may also be important if you want to start a landscaping business and want a lawnmower to cut all grass types perfectly. In this aspect, Makita wins.
Power and Runtime
On paper, the main difference between the Makita self-propelled lawn mower and the DeWALT 20V Max mower is the power. The latter comes with two 20V batteries for a total of 40 volts of power during operation. Makita also features two batteries for a total power of 36 volts.
However, both mowers aren’t that different in reality. That’s because Makita uses the nominal voltage of batteries in their descriptions. As written in the manual, you’ll get 36 volts of power – no more, no less. DeWALT, on the other hand, uses the maximum voltage. While you get 40 volts of maximum power from the brand, the truth is that each battery has a nominal power of only 18 volts, bringing the total to 36.
Another important difference is the capacity of the batteries each brand uses. Makita’s batteries have a capacity of 5Ah, while DeWALT’s feature 10Ah of capacity. The result? More torque for DeWALT, enabling the mower to perform perfect cuts even on wet or tough grass types. Despite the lower battery capacity, Makita also delivers impressive cutting performance.
For DeWALT, however, higher capacity means sacrificing runtime. The brand promises around 60 minutes of runtime, but in reality, you can get less than 25 minutes in worst-case scenarios. In best-case scenarios, you can expect around 30 to 40 minutes.
Makita promises around 40 minutes of runtime. In easy conditions, it actually delivers more – about 43. Things change when mowing wet or tough grass, but the runtime is still better compared to DeWALT. Both mowers come with see-thru battery housings that allow you to monitor the charge, and Makita even comes in a bundle with two additional batteries (a total of four) for over an hour of uninterrupted work.
Waste Management
Makita and DeWALT 20V Max mower feature three grass clippings management options: discharge, bagging, and mulching. Neither mower has separate blades for these functions, but clippings management is effective regardless of the preferred method. The only real difference is how each piece of equipment discharges the clippings.
DeWALT features side discharge, common in residential lawnmowers but not necessarily the best. While side chutes throw grass clippings away from the path, they often make it challenging to mow around obstacles, including flowerbeds, driveways, and fences.
Makita features rear discharge, which basically throws the clippings behind the mower. You might end up with your feet covered in grass clippings, but you won’t have to worry about them ruining flower beds or ending up dirtying a fence or driveway.
Maneuverability
Makita and DeWALT’s lawnmowers are not that different in terms of maneuverability. Both feature plastic wheels that roll effortlessly on all terrains. The half-an-inch extra cutting swath of DeWALT doesn’t significantly impact maneuverability, although Makita fits in narrower spaces.
What makes the Makita slightly more controllable and easier to maneuver is the infinite speed control. This self-propelled mower can reach speeds between 1.5 and 3MPH, but you can set any speed in this range without limitations.
DeWALT doesn’t disclose the self-propelled speeds of its lawnmower, and the only options you have are slow or fast. No in-between might be frustrating for people who can’t choose top speed due to their physical limitations but who don’t want to go too slow either.
Build Quality
Design-wise, both Makita and DeWALT mowers are pretty minimalist, but the former feels more robust. The Makita lawnmower is made of alloy steel, a relatively lightweight but durable material. Powder-coating resists elements, and the unit can withstand rugged use.
DeWALT has a steel deck but a rather flimsy battery enclosure. This mower can withstand elements and frequent use, but it is more suitable for residential rather than commercial applications. Meanwhile, the Makita withstands both.
Another difference is how command cables run from the handle to the various controls on the deck. These cables are exposed on the DeWALT. Not only do they look messy, but they are easier to damage accidentally. Makita runs all its cables neatly along the handle. You don’t have to worry about damaging them, and the visual appeal is increased.
Price
A winning point for the DeWALT 20V Max mower is the price. The bare mower is about $200 cheaper than a bare Makita. Prices go up for both options if you choose a mower and battery kit, Makita’s prices going as high as $988 for the mower and two batteries. The brand launches discounted bundles now and then, though, and you might be able to find better deals, such as a similarly-priced mower kit with four rather than two batteries.
DeWALT typically sells its batteries separately, a 20V Max 10Ah battery setting you back around $170 (the mower needs two batteries). The good news is this lawnmower is compatible with almost all Max batteries in the brand’s ecosystem, including different voltage options.
Likewise, Makita’s self-propelled lawnmower is compatible with interchangeable batteries from the brand but only with the nominal voltage and capacity specified in the mower’s manual. This lawnmower uses two 18V 5.0Ah batteries.
Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Vs. DeWALT 20V Max Mower: 6 Must-Known Facts
- Makita self-propelled lawn mower and DeWALT 20V Max mower have similar power characteristics, with a nominal voltage of 36V.
- The DeWALT 20V Max mower has a wider cutting swath. You can mow a flat lawn faster, but it is slightly harder to maneuver around obstacles.
- Commercial-grade construction and characteristics make the Makita mower an excellent choice for homeowners and landscapers.
- Both lawnmowers are compatible with interchangeable batteries in their respective ecosystems.
- Rear discharge makes Makita a better choice if you want to plan the most efficient path and mow around flowerbeds and driveways without making a mess.
- DeWALT is an affordable and reliable option for most homes. Makita brings a robust construction and years of dependable use, but at an extra premium.
- 60 minutes of mowing per charge
- Compact design for easy storage
- Super efficient performance
- Different cutting options
Makita Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Vs. DeWALT 20V Max Mower: Which One Is Better?
Finding the right lawnmower doesn’t have to be complicated. If you need a reliable lawnmower for a small yard, the DeWALT 20V Max mower delivers without breaking the bank. This mower can slice effortlessly through all types of grass, but the runtime isn’t the longest.
Makita’s self-propelled lawn mower delivers more runtime and the utmost grass-cutting efficiency. It has a robust construction, and it is a good choice for intensive residential use or light commercial applications. Though expensive, you can’t go wrong with this option.
- Folding handles for easy storage
- Zero emission and lower noise
- Up to 40 minutes runtime per charge
- Quick height adjustments
- 60 minutes of mowing per charge
- Compact design for easy storage
- Super efficient performance
- Different cutting options
