Makita DUR368AZ vs DUR368LZ: bike handle or loop handle?
Same twin-18V LXT brushless motor, same 350 mm cut, two handles: 'A' for the bike-handle brush cutter, 'L' for the lighter loop-handle trimmer. Both sold bare.
In short:The Makita DUR368AZ and DUR368LZ share a twin-18V (36V) LXT brushless motor with three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive, Active Feedback-sensing Technology and a reverse switch, and both cut 350 mm with the supplied nylon head; both are sold bare. The DUR368AZ has an offset bike handle, plastic-blade and 230 mm metal-blade options and weighs 4.1–4.7 kg with batteries. The DUR368LZ has a loop handle and a 3.2 kg bare item weight. Choose the AZ for blade work.
The Makita DUR368AZ and DUR368LZ share the same twin-18V LXT brushless motor and electronics. The handle decides what each is for.
At a glance
| Makita DUR368AZ | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2 × 18V LXT, brushless | 2 × 18V LXT, brushless |
| Speeds | 3,500 / 5,300 / 6,500 rpm | Three speeds |
| Electronics | ADT, AFT, reverse switch | ADT, AFT, current limiter, reverse |
| Handle | Offset bike | Loop |
| Nylon cut | 350 mm | 350 mm |
| Blade options | 255 mm plastic, 230 mm metal | — |
| Weight | 4.1–4.7 kg with batteries | 3.2 kg bare (Amazon) |
| Rating | 8.5 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Handle and job
The DUR368AZ’s bike handle gives two-handed control for blade work and wide sweeps across rough grass and light scrub. The DUR368LZ’s loop handle is nimble around trees, beds and fences, and lighter for line trimming — see loop vs bike handle.
Shared strengths
Both hold speed in thick grass with Automatic Torque Drive, protect against kickback with Active Feedback-sensing Technology, and clear wrapped grass with the reverse switch. Both run on two LXT batteries, so they make most sense for existing Makita owners.
Which should you buy?
For grass, edges and obstacles, the DUR368LZ. For scrub and blade work, the DUR368AZ. Step up: DUR368AZ vs DUR369AZ.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR368AZ | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 36V LXT · Brushless | 36V LXT · Brushless |
| Power | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless |
| Speeds | 3,500 / 5,300 / 6,500 rpm | 3, electronic |
| Handle | Offset bike handle | Loop |
| Cutting | 350 mm nylon / 255 mm plastic / 230 mm metal | — |
| Weight | 4.1–4.7 kg with batteries (UK retailers) | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) |
| Included | Nylon head, strap, goggles (no batteries) | — |
| Cutting width | — | 350 mm (nylon head) |
| Supplied | — | Bare tool (no battery/charger) |
| Best for | LXT owners wanting one versatile cordless machine for grass and light scrub, blade included. | LXT owners who prioritise low weight and comfort for grass and light growth. |
| Our rating | 8.5 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Makita DUR368AZ
- + Offset bike handle for controlled sweeps
- + Brushless 36V power for grass and light scrub
- + ADT, AFT, three speeds and reverse rotation
- − Sold bare — batteries and charger extra
- − Metal blade is an extra in the UK
- − Not for heavy brambles like petrol
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
What do 'A' and 'L' mean?
The handle: 'A' is the bike (offset dual) handle, 'L' the loop handle. 'Z' means bare tool — both need two 18V LXT batteries and a charger.
Do they come with a blade?
Both are supplied with a nylon head (350 mm). For the DUR368AZ, Makita lists 255 mm plastic blades and a 230 mm metal blade as options; the DUR368LZ is set up as a line trimmer.
Which is lighter?
The DUR368LZ: Amazon gives 3.2 kg bare. UK retailers give the DUR368AZ 4.1–4.7 kg with batteries.