DeWalt DCM571 vs Makita DUR368LZ
A 54V FlexVolt trimmer that converts to a brush cutter, against Makita's twin-18V loop-handle trimmer with ADT and a reverse switch. Both are bare tools; your batteries decide.
In short:The DeWalt DCM571 is a 54V FlexVolt brushless trimmer with a 38 cm cut and two speed ranges, about 4.6 kg bare, which takes a brush blade (adaptor and blade in UK X1 kits, or the DT20654). The Makita DUR368LZ is a twin-18V LXT brushless loop-handle trimmer with a 350 mm cut, three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch; Amazon gives a 3.2 kg bare item weight. Both are sold bare; choose by platform and whether you need a blade.
The DeWalt DCM571 and Makita DUR368LZ are both professional-grade, brushless cordless trimmers from the two biggest trade battery platforms. The DeWalt converts to a brush cutter; the Makita is a light, feature-rich grass machine.
At a glance
| DeWalt DCM571 | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | One 54V FlexVolt | Two 18V LXT |
| Motor | Brushless, 2 speed ranges | Brushless, 3 speeds, ADT, AFT |
| Line cut | 38 cm | 35 cm (350 mm) |
| Blade | Adaptor + blade (X1 kits) or DT20654 | Supplied with nylon head only |
| Handle | Auxiliary handle | Loop |
| Extras | — | Reverse switch, current limiter |
| Weight (bare) | About 4.6 kg | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight) |
| Sold as | DCM571N bare; DCM571X1 kits | Bare only |
Blade or no blade
If your ground includes brambles and light scrub, the DCM571 is the one set up for a blade. The DUR368LZ is a grass and rough-grass machine with a loop handle; Makita’s blade-oriented machines are the bike-handle DUR368AZ and DUR369AZ.
Comfort and features
The Makita is lighter bare and brings Makita’s electronics: three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive that adjusts speed to the load, Active Feedback-sensing Technology and a reverse switch to throw off wrapped grass. The DeWalt offers two speed ranges and a slightly wider 38 cm cut.
Batteries
Both are sold bare. DeWalt’s FlexVolt packs also run its 18V XR tools; Makita’s 18V LXT packs run a huge range of trade and garden tools, and the DUR368LZ needs two at once. If you own batteries on either platform, that usually settles it.
Which should you buy?
For mixed ground with brambles, choose the DeWalt DCM571 and its blade kit. For long sessions on grass with LXT batteries you already own, the Makita DUR368LZ is the lighter, more refined trimmer. Compare in the best 36V brush cutters.
Full specifications
| DeWalt DCM571 | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 54V XR FlexVolt | 36V LXT · Brushless |
| Type | Cordless line trimmer, blade-capable | — |
| Power system | 54V XR FlexVolt, brushless | — |
| Cutting width | 38 cm (2 mm line) | 350 mm (nylon head) |
| Speeds | 0–5,100 / 0–5,600 rpm | 3, electronic |
| Blade | Adaptor + blade in X1 kits; DT20654 for bare tool | — |
| Weight | 4.6 kg bare (UK retailers) | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) |
| Versions | DCM571N bare; DCM571X1 with 3.0 or 9.0 Ah battery | — |
| Power | — | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless |
| Handle | — | Loop |
| Supplied | — | Bare tool (no battery/charger) |
| Best for | DeWalt FlexVolt owners who need a trade-grade cordless trimmer that can take a blade for scrub and rough ground | LXT owners who prioritise low weight and comfort for grass and light growth. |
| Our rating | 8.2 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
DeWalt DCM571
- + 54V brushless motor with two speed ranges for runtime or power
- + Wide 38 cm cut with 2 mm line
- + Takes a brush blade as well as line, so it copes with light woody growth
- + No fuel, no mixing, no choke routine, and none of the fumes of a two-stroke
- + FlexVolt batteries also run DeWalt's 18V XR tools
- − Bare DCM571N needs a FlexVolt battery and charger — an expensive start from scratch
- − Runtime per charge trails a petrol tank in heavy growth
- − About 4.6 kg before the battery — heavier than a basic trimmer
- − Overkill if you only need to trim lawn edges
Makita DUR368LZ
- + Light for a twin-battery machine
- + Brushless, three speeds, ADT and reverse switch
- + Runs on standard 18V LXT batteries
- − Sold bare — batteries and charger extra
- − Line-focused; less bite than the DUR369AZ
- − Premium price for the class
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for brambles and scrub?
The DeWalt DCM571, because it's designed to take a brush blade: UK DCM571X1 kits include an adaptor and blade, and DeWalt lists the DT20654 blade for the bare tool. The DUR368LZ is supplied with a nylon head and a loop handle; Makita's bike-handle DUR368AZ is the blade-oriented version.
Which is lighter?
Bare, the Makita: Amazon lists the DUR368LZ at 3.2 kg, against about 4.6 kg for the bare DCM571 per UK retailers. Batteries add weight to both — two LXT packs on the Makita, one FlexVolt pack on the DeWalt.
Do they come with batteries?
The DUR368LZ is bare and needs two 18V LXT batteries. The DCM571N is bare; the DCM571X1 kit includes one FlexVolt battery and a charger.