Makita DUR190LZX3 vs Ryobi RLT1831: LXT or ONE+?
Two 18V trimmers on rival battery platforms. The Makita is a bare brushless tool that takes blades; the Ryobi comes as a kit with a 2.5 Ah battery.
In short:The Makita DUR190LZX3 is a bare-tool 18V LXT brushless loop-handle trimmer with three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch, cutting 300 mm with nylon, 255 mm with supplied plastic blades and 230 mm with a metal blade, at 2.7–3.0 kg with battery. The Ryobi RLT1831H25F is an 18V ONE+ line trimmer kit with a 2.5 Ah battery and charger, a 25–30 cm cut, a telescopic shaft and a second handle, with a 2.8 kg item weight. The Makita is more versatile; the Ryobi is ready to go.
The Makita DUR190LZX3 and Ryobi RLT1831 are both 18V trimmers, but on different battery platforms and with different abilities.
At a glance
| Makita DUR190LZX3 | Ryobi RLT1831H25F | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 18V LXT | 18V ONE+ |
| Motor | Brushless, 3 speeds, ADT | — |
| Cut | 300 mm nylon / 255 mm plastic / 230 mm metal | 25–30 cm |
| Blade | Plastic supplied, metal option | No |
| Handle | Loop | Second handle |
| Shaft | One-piece | Telescopic |
| Weight | 2.7–3.0 kg with battery | 2.8 kg (Amazon) |
| Supplied | Bare tool | 2.5 Ah battery + charger |
| Rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
Cutting ability
The Makita steps beyond grass: plastic blades for tough weeds, a metal blade for light scrub, and Automatic Torque Drive to hold speed in thick growth, plus a reverse switch for wrapped grass. The Ryobi is a straightforward line trimmer with an adjustable 25–30 cm cut.
What it costs to start
The Ryobi comes ready to use with a battery and charger, and ONE+ batteries run a very wide range of Ryobi tools. The Makita is bare, so it suits owners of Makita LXT batteries.
Choose the Makita DUR190LZX3 if…
- You own LXT batteries
- You want blade options for weeds and light scrub
Choose the Ryobi RLT1831 if…
- You want a complete kit for lawns and edges
- You own or want ONE+ batteries
Which should you buy?
On LXT, the DUR190LZX3 is the more capable tool. Starting fresh for grass and edges, the Ryobi RLT1831H25F kit is the simpler buy. See also Black+Decker vs Ryobi.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR190LZX3 | Ryobi RLT1831H25F | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 18V LXT · Brushless | 18V ONE+ |
| Power | 18V LXT, brushless | — |
| Cutting width | 23 cm metal / 25.5 cm plastic / 30 cm line | 25-30 cm |
| Speeds | 3,500 / 5,100 / 6,000 rpm | — |
| Handle | Loop | Second handle for two-hand control |
| Weight | 2.7–3.0 kg with battery (Makita UK) | 2.8 kg (Amazon item weight) |
| Supplied | Nylon head, plastic blades, guard (no battery) | 2.5 Ah battery + charger |
| Type | — | Cordless line trimmer |
| Voltage | — | 18V ONE+ |
| Cutting system | — | Line only, no blade option |
| Shaft | — | Telescopic |
| Battery system | — | Ryobi ONE+ 18V platform |
| Best for | LXT owners wanting a light, flexible 18V machine that can run a blade for light scrub. | Small to medium gardens needing quick, tidy grass and edge trimming, especially existing Ryobi ONE+ owners |
| Our rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.5 / 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
Ryobi RLT1831H25F
- + Slots into the Ryobi ONE+ battery ecosystem, so one battery runs dozens of other tools
- + Kit includes a 2.5 Ah battery and charger
- + Telescopic shaft for a comfortable working position
- + Second handle helps balance and steady the head on longer sessions
- + Simple line-only design keeps maintenance to a minimum
- + 25-30 cm cutting width suits edging and tight spots larger machines can't reach
- − Line only — no metal blade option, so it can't be upgraded for scrub or brush
- − 18V runtime is modest on anything beyond light, regular grass
- − Not intended for tall, dense, or overgrown growth
Frequently asked questions
Which can use a blade?
Only the Makita: it comes with plastic blades and takes a 230 mm metal blade (sold separately). The Ryobi RLT1831 is a line trimmer.
Which comes with a battery?
The Ryobi RLT1831H25F, a kit with a 2.5 Ah ONE+ battery and charger. The Makita DUR190LZX3 is bare.
Do the batteries swap?
No. Makita LXT and Ryobi ONE+ are separate systems; the batteries you already own usually decide it.