Makita DUR368LZ vs DUR369AZ: light trimmer or blade brush cutter?
Both run on two 18V LXT batteries and are sold bare. The DUR368LZ is a light loop-handle trimmer; the DUR369AZ a bike-handle brush cutter with a blade.
In short:The Makita DUR368LZ is a bare twin-18V LXT brushless trimmer with a loop handle, three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive, a reverse switch and a 350 mm nylon cut, with a 3.2 kg bare item weight on Amazon. The DUR369AZ is a bare twin-18V LXT brushless brush cutter with a U-type bike handle, a 430 mm nylon cut and a 255 mm metal blade supplied, three speed ranges up to 7,000 rpm and a motor brake, at 5.9–6.3 kg per retailers. The LZ suits grass; the AZ, scrub.
The Makita DUR368LZ and DUR369AZ share Makita’s twin-18V LXT platform but sit at opposite ends of it: a light trimmer and a full brush cutter.
At a glance
| Makita DUR368LZ | Makita DUR369AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Handle | Loop | U-type bike |
| Nylon cut | 350 mm | 430 mm |
| Blade | — | 255 mm metal, supplied |
| Speeds | Three, ADT | 4,600 / 5,500 / 7,000 rpm |
| Extras | Reverse switch, current limiter | Motor brake, deep-discharge protection |
| Weight | 3.2 kg bare (Amazon) | 5.9–6.3 kg (retailers) |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
The right job for each
The DUR368LZ is for grass, rough grass and edges — light, nimble around obstacles, and smart, with Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch. The DUR369AZ is for tall grass, scrub and light brambles, with a wider 430 mm cut and a 255 mm blade in the box.
Weight
The DUR368LZ is roughly half the weight before batteries. The DUR369AZ is best used with a harness for long sessions.
Which should you buy?
For lawns and rough grass, the DUR368LZ. For clearing, the DUR369AZ. In between: the bike-handle DUR368AZ.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR368LZ | Makita DUR369AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 36V LXT · Brushless | 36V LXT · Brushless |
| Power | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless |
| Cutting width | 350 mm (nylon head) | — |
| Speeds | 3, electronic | — |
| Handle | Loop | U-type bike handle |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) | 5.9–6.3 kg (retailers) |
| Supplied | Bare tool (no battery/charger) | Bare tool (no battery/charger) |
| Cutting | — | 430 mm nylon / 255 mm metal blade (supplied) |
| Best for | LXT owners who prioritise low weight and comfort for grass and light growth. | LXT battery owners who want professional cordless power for tough grass and scrub. |
| Our rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
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
Makita DUR369AZ
- + 255 mm metal blade supplied with the nylon head
- + Bike handle, motor brake and AFT kickback protection
- + Wide 430 mm cut with line
- − Sold bare — batteries and charger add a lot
- − Heavier than lighter cordless models
- − Expensive once fully kitted
Frequently asked questions
Which should I buy for scrub?
The DUR369AZ: it comes with a 255 mm metal blade and a bike handle for two-handed control. The DUR368LZ is set up as a loop-handle line trimmer.
How much lighter is the DUR368LZ?
A lot: Amazon gives 3.2 kg bare for the DUR368LZ, while retailers list 5.9–6.3 kg for the DUR369AZ.
Are batteries included?
No — both are bare ('Z') and need two 18V LXT batteries and a charger.