Makita DUR369AZ vs DUR369LZ: bike handle or loop handle?
Makita's largest twin-18V LXT machines, both cutting 430 mm with nylon and sold bare. The AZ has a bike handle and a metal blade; the LZ a loop handle.
In short:The Makita DUR369AZ and DUR369LZ are bare twin-18V (36V) LXT brushless machines cutting 430 mm with a nylon head. The DUR369AZ has a U-type bike handle, a 255 mm metal blade supplied, three speed ranges (4,600/5,500/7,000 rpm), a motor brake and 5.9–6.3 kg per retailers. The DUR369LZ has a loop handle, three speeds, Automatic Torque Drive, a reverse switch and an electric brake, at 5.7–6.3 kg. The AZ suits blade work; the LZ, tough grass.
The Makita DUR369AZ and DUR369LZ are Makita’s biggest twin-18V LXT machines. Both cut 430 mm with nylon; the handle sets the job.
At a glance
| Makita DUR369AZ | Makita DUR369LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Handle | U-type bike | Loop |
| Nylon cut | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| Blade | 255 mm metal, supplied | — |
| Speeds | 4,600 / 5,500 / 7,000 rpm | Three, with ADT |
| Extras | AFT, motor brake, deep-discharge protection | AFT, ADT, reverse switch, electric brake, current limiter |
| Weight | 5.9–6.3 kg (retailers) | 5.7–6.3 kg (retailers) |
| Rating | 8.6 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
Handle and job
The DUR369AZ is a true brush cutter: bike handle and 255 mm blade for tall grass, scrub and light brambles. The DUR369LZ is a powerful trimmer for tough grass and rough ground, with Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch; its loop handle is quicker around obstacles. Weights are almost identical.
Which should you buy?
For scrub and blade work, the DUR369AZ. For large areas of tough grass with obstacles, the DUR369LZ. Lighter options: DUR368LZ vs DUR369LZ.
Full specifications
| Makita DUR369AZ | Makita DUR369LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 36V LXT · Brushless | 36V LXT · Brushless |
| Power | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless |
| Cutting | 430 mm nylon / 255 mm metal blade (supplied) | 430 mm (nylon head) |
| Handle | U-type bike handle | Loop |
| Weight | 5.9–6.3 kg (retailers) | 5.7–6.3 kg (UK retailers) |
| Supplied | Bare tool (no battery/charger) | — |
| Speeds | — | 3 |
| Spindle | — | M10 × 1.25 left-hand |
| Best for | LXT battery owners who want professional cordless power for tough grass and scrub. | LXT owners who want the closest cordless experience to petrol for tough grass and light scrub. |
| Our rating | 8.6 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
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
Makita DUR369LZ
- + Electric brake, ADT and AFT
- + Wide 430 mm cut
- + Reverse switch clears wrapped grass
- − Sold bare — batteries and charger extra
- − Loop handle — less suited to blade work than the AZ
- − High all-in cost from scratch
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference?
Mainly the handle and kit. The DUR369AZ has a bike handle and comes with a 255 mm metal blade; the DUR369LZ has a loop handle and is set up for line trimming.
Which is better for blade work?
The DUR369AZ: the bike handle spreads your hands for control when a blade meets a woody stem, and its blade is supplied.
Are batteries included?
No — both are bare ('Z') and need two 18V LXT batteries and a charger.