Makita DUR181RF vs DUR189RF: which 18V LXT trimmer kit?
Two 18V LXT grass trimmer kits, both with battery and charger. The DUR181RF is a light edging tool; the DUR189RF adds a brushless motor and smart controls.
In short:The Makita DUR181RF is an 18V LXT grass trimmer kit with one battery and a fast charger, a 26 cm cut, a listed 7,800 rpm, a tap-and-go head, a telescopic shaft and a head that tilts in five steps and rotates 180° for edging. The DUR189RF is an 18V LXT brushless trimmer kit with a 3.0 Ah battery and charger, a 30 cm cut, Automatic Torque Drive, three speeds (4,000/5,000/6,000 rpm), an electric brake and a reverse switch, weighing 3.0–3.3 kg. Both are line-only.
The Makita DUR181RF and DUR189RF are both 18V LXT trimmer kits — battery and charger in the box — but they’re built for different jobs.
At a glance
| Makita DUR181RF | Makita DUR189RF | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 18V LXT | 18V LXT, brushless |
| Cut | 26 cm | 30 cm |
| Speed | 7,800 rpm (listed) | 3 speeds: 4,000 / 5,000 / 6,000 rpm |
| Smart features | — | ADT, electric brake, reverse switch |
| Edging | Head tilts 5 steps, rotates 180° | — |
| Shaft | Telescopic, 180 mm adjustment | Telescopic |
| Weight | — | 3.0–3.3 kg (UK retailers) |
| Supplied | Battery + fast charger | 3.0 Ah battery + charger |
| Rating | 7.5 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
Motor and cutting
The DUR189RF’s brushless motor and Automatic Torque Drive hold speed in thicker grass and make better use of the battery; its three speeds let you save charge on light work. The DUR181RF’s simpler motor is fine for maintained lawns and finishing.
Edging and handling
The DUR181RF is the better edger: its head tilts in five steps and rotates 180° to run along lawn edges. The DUR189RF counters with an electric brake that stops the line quickly and a reverse switch to throw off wrapped grass.
Choose the DUR181RF if…
- Your lawn is tidy and edging is the main job
- You want the simpler, cheaper kit
Choose the DUR189RF if…
- You cut longer grass and want brushless efficiency
- A wider 30 cm cut and smart controls matter
Which should you buy?
For edging and light finishing, the DUR181RF. For regular trimming with more punch, the DUR189RF. Both share LXT batteries with Makita’s wider range — see Honda vs Makita for the bigger picture.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR181RF | Makita DUR189RF | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 18V LXT | 18V LXT · Brushless |
| Power | 18V LXT | 18V LXT, brushless |
| Cutting width | 26 cm | 30 cm (line) |
| Speed | 7,800 rpm (listing) | — |
| Head | Tilts in 5 steps, turns 180° for edging | — |
| Shaft | Telescopic, 180 mm range | — |
| Type | Grass trimmer / edger | — |
| Included | 3.0 Ah battery + rapid charger | 3.0 Ah battery + charger |
| Speeds | — | 4,000 / 5,000 / 6,000 rpm |
| Weight | — | 3.0–3.3 kg (UK retailers) |
| Best for | Quiet, precise edging and lawn finishing for Makita LXT owners. | Homeowners wanting a refined, ready-to-go 18V grass trimmer for regular lawn work. |
| Our rating | 7.5 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Makita DUR181RF
- + Head tilts and turns 180° for edging
- + Complete kit with battery and charger
- + Telescopic shaft and tap-and-go line feed
- − Grass only — not for dense growth
- − Modest cutting width
- − Premium price for a trimmer
Makita DUR189RF
- + Automatic Torque Drive, three speeds, electric brake
- + Complete kit, ready to use
- + Reverse switch clears wrapped grass
- − Line only — no metal blade
- − Pricey for a grass trimmer
- − Struggles on very tall grass
Frequently asked questions
What does the DUR189RF add?
A brushless motor, a wider 30 cm cut, Automatic Torque Drive that adjusts speed to the load, three speeds, an electric brake and a reverse switch to clear wrapped grass.
Which is better for edging?
The DUR181RF: its head tilts in five steps and rotates 180° to run along lawn edges, and its telescopic shaft adjusts over 180 mm.
Can either take a blade?
No — both are line trimmers. For a Makita that takes a blade, see the loop-handle DUR190LZX3 or the twin-18V DUR369AZ.