Husqvarna 128R vs Makita DUR368LZ: petrol or twin-18V cordless?
A self-contained 28 cc petrol machine with a harness, against Makita's light twin-18V cordless trimmer for LXT owners.
In short:The Husqvarna 128R is a 28 cc two-stroke petrol brush cutter producing 0.7 kW, weighing 5.8 kg without cutting equipment, with a bullhorn handle, Smart Start, a T25 trimmer head, a grass blade and a double harness. 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 lists the bare tool at 3.2 kg, and batteries and charger are extra. Petrol for runtime; Makita for quiet and light.
The Husqvarna 128R and Makita DUR368LZ answer the same brief — a dependable machine for grass and light growth — from opposite directions.
At a glance
| Husqvarna 128R | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | 28 cc 2-stroke petrol, 0.7 kW | 2 × 18V LXT, brushless |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (no cutting gear) | 3.2 kg bare (Amazon) + batteries |
| Cut | T25 trimmer head | 350 mm |
| Handle | Bullhorn, double harness | Loop |
| Controls | Smart Start | 3 speeds, ADT, reverse switch |
| Supplied | Head, grass blade, harness | Bare tool |
| Rating | 7.9 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Petrol simplicity vs cordless convenience
The 128R runs as long as you have fuel and comes ready with a grass blade and a double harness. The DUR368LZ starts instantly, makes no fumes and is far quieter — handy near neighbours — and Makita’s electronics help: three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive that adjusts to the load and a reverse switch for wrapped grass.
Weight and handling
The Makita is much lighter in the hands, though two batteries add weight back. The Husqvarna’s harness and bullhorn handle make its extra weight manageable on long sessions over open ground.
Running costs
The 128R needs petrol, two-stroke oil and routine servicing. The DUR368LZ makes most sense if you already own LXT batteries; buying two batteries and a charger from scratch adds significantly to its price.
Choose the Husqvarna 128R if…
- You want unlimited runtime and a blade and harness in the box
- You don’t own Makita batteries
Choose the Makita DUR368LZ if…
- You own Makita LXT batteries
- Low weight, low noise and instant starting matter most
Which should you buy?
For LXT owners, the DUR368LZ is the lighter, quieter choice. Otherwise, the 128R is the more complete package. More in the best cordless brush cutters.
Full specifications
| Husqvarna 128R | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 28 cc · 2-stroke | 36V LXT · Brushless |
| Engine | 28 cc, 2-stroke | — |
| Power | 0.7 kW | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless |
| Weight | 5.8 kg excl. cutting equipment | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) |
| Starting | Smart Start + fuel pump | — |
| Included | T25 head, Grass 255-4 blade, double harness | — |
| Cutting width | — | 350 mm (nylon head) |
| Speeds | — | 3, electronic |
| Handle | — | Loop |
| Supplied | — | Bare tool (no battery/charger) |
| Best for | Regular grass and light growth with easy starting and Husqvarna reliability. | LXT owners who prioritise low weight and comfort for grass and light growth. |
| Our rating | 7.9 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Husqvarna 128R
- + Easy Smart Start cold starts
- + Bullhorn handle, double harness and grass blade included
- + Trusted Husqvarna build and dealer support
- − 28 cc is light for dense brush
- − 2-stroke fuel mixing required
- − Heavier than the newer 129R (5.8 vs 5.4 kg)
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 lighter?
The Makita: 3.2 kg bare per Amazon, plus two 18V LXT batteries, against 5.8 kg without cutting gear for the 128R.
What do I need to buy extra?
For the DUR368LZ, two 18V LXT batteries and a charger unless you own them ('Z' means bare tool). For the 128R, two-stroke oil and fresh petrol.
Can either cut thick weeds?
The 128R comes with a grass blade for coarse grass and thick weeds. The DUR368LZ is supplied as a loop-handle line trimmer; its reverse switch helps clear wrapped grass.