Makita DUR368LZ vs Stihl FS 70 C-E: cordless or petrol?
A light, quiet cordless trimmer for Makita LXT owners against Stihl's easy-starting petrol brush cutter with a bike handle.
In short:The Makita DUR368LZ is a bare twin-18V LXT brushless loop-handle trimmer with three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive, a reverse switch and a 350 mm nylon cut, at 3.2 kg bare on Amazon. The Stihl FS 70 C-E is a 27.2 cc, 0.9 kW two-stroke with ErgoStart and a bike handle, sold with an AutoCut 25-2 line head, a shoulder strap and eye protection, at 5.4 kg without fuel and cutting tool; a metal blade is extra. Makita for quiet trimming; Stihl for runtime and blade work.
The Makita DUR368LZ and Stihl FS 70 C-E take opposite routes to a reliable garden trimmer: cordless with smart electronics, or petrol with an easy-start system.
At a glance
| Makita DUR368LZ | Stihl FS 70 C-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 2 × 18V LXT, brushless | 27.2 cc 2-stroke, 0.9 kW |
| Handle | Loop | Bike |
| Cut | 350 mm nylon | AutoCut 25-2 line head |
| Blade | — | Optional (extra) |
| Starting | Trigger | ErgoStart |
| Weight | 3.2 kg bare | 5.4 kg (no fuel, no cutting tool) |
| Supplied | Bare tool | Line head, shoulder strap, eye protection |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Everyday use
The Makita is quiet, fume-free and instant, with Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch for wrapped grass. The Stihl runs as long as there’s fuel, and ErgoStart makes pulls easy; its bike handle suits wide sweeps and blade work.
Running costs
The Makita needs two LXT batteries if you don’t own them. The Stihl needs two-stroke mix and routine servicing (fuel ratio chart).
Which should you buy?
For grass and edges with LXT batteries in the shed, the DUR368LZ. For longer sessions, tougher growth and a blade option, the FS 70 C-E.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR368LZ | Stihl FS 70 C-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 36V LXT · Brushless | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart |
| Power | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless | 0.9 kW |
| Cutting width | 350 mm (nylon head) | — |
| Speeds | 3, electronic | — |
| Handle | Loop | Bike handle (RC-E: loop) |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) | 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) |
| Supplied | Bare tool (no battery/charger) | — |
| Engine | — | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Starting | — | ErgoStart |
| Included | — | AutoCut 25-2 head, strap, glasses |
| Best for | LXT owners who prioritise low weight and comfort for grass and light growth. | Homeowners who want one machine for grass AND occasional tougher growth. |
| Our rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.4 / 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
Stihl FS 70 C-E
- + ErgoStart makes cold starts almost effortless
- + Bike handle ready for a blade when you need one
- + 0.9 kW — 20% more than the FS 55
- − Heavier than the FS 55
- − Metal blade is an extra
- − Still 2-stroke fuel mixing
- − Overkill if you only ever cut a small lawn
Frequently asked questions
Which is more capable in tough growth?
The Stihl FS 70 C-E: 0.9 kW, a bike handle and the option of a metal blade (sold separately) for tougher growth. The Makita is a loop-handle line trimmer.
Which is lighter?
The Makita: 3.2 kg bare (plus two batteries) against 5.4 kg for the Stihl without fuel or cutting tool.
Where do I buy the Stihl?
Mainly from Stihl dealers, who assemble and hand over the machine ready to run.