Husqvarna vs Makita

Husqvarna vs Makita brush cutters: petrol and LXT cordless

Husqvarna's homeowner machines are light petrol two-strokes. Makita offers four-stroke petrol and one of the widest cordless ranges on its 18V LXT batteries.

By the BrushcutterHQ editorial team · Updated 27 October 2026 · first published 20 July 2026

In short:Husqvarna's petrol models we cover are the 122C trimmer (21.7 cc, 4.4 kg), the 128R (28 cc, 0.7 kW) and the 129R (27.6 cc, 0.85 kW, 5.4 kg), the last two with a grass blade and double harness. Makita sells four-stroke petrol — the EM2651UH (25.4 cc, 5.6 kg, 2.4–2.5 m/s²) and pro EM4351UH (43 cc, 1.5 kW) — and LXT cordless machines from the DUR190LZX3 trimmer to the twin-18V DUR369AZ with a 255 mm blade, mostly sold bare.

Husqvarna and Makita both sell petrol machines through dealers, but Makita adds a very large cordless range. Among the models we cover, Husqvarna’s are light two-strokes and Makita’s petrol machines are four-strokes.

Models we cover

	Husqvarna	Makita
Petrol, light	122C, 128R, 129R — two-strokes	EM2651UH — 25.4 cc four-stroke
Petrol, pro	—	EM4351UH — 43 cc, 1.5 kW
Cordless brush cutters	—	DUR369AZ, DUR368AZ — twin 18V
Cordless trimmers	—	DUR190LZX3, DUR194, DUR368LZ

Petrol compared

Husqvarna’s 128R and 129R come ready to work with a grass blade and double harness, and start easily (Smart Start on the 128R). Makita’s MM4 four-strokes avoid fuel mixing and publish very low vibration — 2.4–2.5 m/s² for the EM2651UH and 2.1–2.2 m/s² for the EM4351UH.

Cordless: Makita’s strength

Makita’s LXT batteries run hundreds of tools. Its twin-18V DUR369AZ brings a bike handle, a 430 mm line cut and a 255 mm blade (5.9–6.3 kg per retailers); the DUR190LZX3 adds three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch in a light loop-handle trimmer.

Choose Husqvarna if…

You want a light, complete petrol machine with a harness
You don’t own any cordless batteries

Choose Makita if…

You want a low-vibration four-stroke, or a pro 43 cc machine
You already own LXT batteries and want cordless

Which should you buy?

For petrol garden work, both brands are excellent — compare Husqvarna 129R vs Makita EM4351UH. For cordless, Makita, especially if you own LXT batteries; see Husqvarna 128R vs Makita DUR368LZ.

The models we review from each brand

Husqvarna— Professional & forestry brush cutters

Model	Type	Engine / power	Rating
Husqvarna 129R	Petrol	27.6 cc · 2-stroke	8/10
Husqvarna 128R	Petrol	28 cc · 2-stroke	7.9/10
Husqvarna 122C	Petrol	21.7 cc · 2-stroke	7.8/10

Makita— Professional cordless (LXT 18V / XGT 40V)

Model	Type	Engine / power	Rating
Makita DUR369AZ	Cordless	36V LXT · Brushless	8.6/10
Makita DUR368AZ	Cordless	36V LXT · Brushless	8.5/10
Makita DUR369LZ	Cordless	36V LXT · Brushless	8.5/10
Makita DUR368LZ	Cordless	36V LXT · Brushless	8.4/10
Makita EM4351UH	Petrol	43 cc · 4-stroke MM4	8.4/10
Makita DUR189RF	Cordless	18V LXT · Brushless	8/10
Makita EM2651UH	Petrol	25.4 cc · 4-stroke MM4	8/10
Makita DUR190LZX3	Cordless	18V LXT · Brushless	7.9/10
Makita DUR192L	Cordless	18V LXT · Brushless	7.9/10
Makita DUR193RT	Cordless	18V LXT	7.9/10
Makita DUR194	Cordless	18V LXT · Brushless	7.9/10
Makita DUR191LZX3	Cordless	18V LXT · Brushless	7.8/10
Makita DUR181RF	Cordless	18V LXT	7.5/10
Makita UR3501	Corded	Corded 1000W	7.5/10
Makita UR100D	Cordless	12V max CXT	7.4/10

Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.

Frequently asked questions

Does Makita make petrol brush cutters?

Yes — four-strokes that run on unmixed petrol: the 25.4 cc EM2651UH and the professional 43 cc EM4351UH. Both have very low published vibration.

Which is lighter?

In petrol, Husqvarna's 129R (5.4 kg without cutting gear) and Makita's EM2651UH (5.6 kg) are close. Makita's cordless machines are lighter still: the DUR190LZX3 is 2.7–3.0 kg with battery per Makita UK.

Are Makita cordless brush cutters sold with batteries?

Mostly not — the 'Z' suffix means bare tool. They make most sense if you already own Makita LXT batteries.