Makita DUR190LZX3 vs DUR191LZX3: one-piece or split shaft?
Near-twins: brushless 18V LXT loop-handle trimmers with three speeds, ADT and a reverse switch. The DUR191 splits for storage; the DUR190 has confirmed blade options.
In short:The Makita DUR190LZX3 and DUR191LZX3 are bare-tool 18V LXT brushless loop-handle trimmers with three speeds up to 6,000 rpm, Automatic Torque Drive, Active Feedback-sensing Technology and a reverse switch, both cutting 300 mm with a nylon head. The DUR190 has a one-piece shaft, comes with plastic blades (255 mm) and takes a 230 mm metal blade, at 2.7–3.0 kg with battery. The DUR191 has a two-section split shaft and weighs 3.2–3.5 kg with battery.
The Makita DUR190LZX3 and DUR191LZX3 share almost everything: brushless 18V LXT motors, loop handles, three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch. Two things separate them.
At a glance
| Makita DUR190LZX3 | Makita DUR191LZX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 18V LXT, brushless | 18V LXT, brushless |
| Handle | Loop | Loop |
| Shaft | One-piece | Two-section, splits |
| Nylon cut | 300 mm | 300 mm |
| Blade options | Plastic blades (supplied), 230 mm metal | Check Makita’s list |
| Weight with battery | 2.7–3.0 kg (Makita UK) | 3.2–3.5 kg (retailers) |
| Supplied | Bare: nylon head, plastic blades, guard | Bare |
| Rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
Shaft: storage vs weight
The DUR191’s split shaft packs into a car boot or small shed and makes it easy to carry between jobs. The DUR190’s one-piece shaft saves about half a kilo.
Blades
The DUR190 is the more flexible cutter: it comes with plastic blades for tough weeds and takes a 230 mm metal blade for light scrub, with a guard covering all three widths. With a loop handle, keep blade work light — see loop vs bike handle.
Choose the DUR190LZX3 if…
- You want confirmed plastic- and metal-blade options
- Lowest weight matters
Choose the DUR191LZX3 if…
- Storage or transport space is tight
- You’ll use the nylon head only
Which should you buy?
For most LXT owners, the DUR190LZX3 — lighter and more versatile. Choose the DUR191LZX3 if a split shaft solves a storage problem. Note that the DUR191’s Amazon.co.uk listing was unavailable in October 2026.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR190LZX3 | Makita DUR191LZX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 18V LXT · Brushless | 18V LXT · Brushless |
| Power | 18V LXT, brushless | 18V LXT, brushless |
| Cutting width | 23 cm metal / 25.5 cm plastic / 30 cm line | 300 mm (nylon head) |
| Speeds | 3,500 / 5,100 / 6,000 rpm | 3, up to 6,000 rpm |
| Handle | Loop | Loop |
| Weight | 2.7–3.0 kg with battery (Makita UK) | 3.2–3.5 kg with battery (UK retailers) |
| Supplied | Nylon head, plastic blades, guard (no battery) | Bare tool (no battery or charger) |
| Shaft | — | Two-section, splits for storage |
| Best for | LXT owners wanting a light, flexible 18V machine that can run a blade for light scrub. | LXT owners wanting a compact, light 18V trimmer that packs down small for the van or shed. |
| Our rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Makita DUR190LZX3
- + Accepts a metal blade — light scrub capable
- + Light single-battery 18V design
- + ADT, three speeds, electric brake and reverse switch
- − Sold bare — battery and charger extra
- − 18V ceiling for heavy work
- − Total cost adds up from scratch
Makita DUR191LZX3
- + Split shaft packs down for storage and transport
- + Three speeds, ADT and AFT
- + Reverse switch clears tangled grass
- − Sold bare; battery and charger extra
- − Loop handle is less suited to regular blade work
- − Slightly heavier than the one-piece DUR190
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference?
Mainly the shaft. The DUR191LZX3's shaft splits into two sections for storage and transport; the DUR190LZX3's is one piece, which makes it a little lighter (2.7–3.0 kg against 3.2–3.5 kg with battery).
Which can take a blade?
Makita confirms three cutting widths for the DUR190: 300 mm with nylon, 255 mm with the supplied plastic blades and 230 mm with a metal blade (sold separately). For the DUR191 we found only the 300 mm nylon figure confirmed, so check Makita's accessory list first.
Are batteries included?
No. 'Z' means bare tool — add an 18V LXT battery and charger unless you own them.