Makita UR3501 vs AL-KO BC 1200 E: corded trimmer or brush cutter?
Two mains-powered machines for gardens near a socket. The Makita is a strong line trimmer; the AL-KO a brush cutter with a blade and split shaft.
In short:The Makita UR3501 is a corded 240 V line trimmer with a 1,000 W motor, a 350 mm cut with 2 mm nylon line, a bent aluminium shaft, soft start and double insulation, weighing 4.3 kg on Amazon.co.uk. The AL-KO BC 1200 E is a corded brush cutter with a 1,200 W motor, supplied with a Tap & Go double-line head and a 4-tooth steel blade, on a shaft that splits for storage, at 4.1–5.1 kg per retailers. Makita for long grass; AL-KO for light scrub.
The Makita UR3501 and AL-KO BC 1200 E both run off the mains, so runtime is unlimited. They differ in what they cut.
At a glance
| Makita UR3501 | AL-KO BC 1200 E | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 1,000 W | 1,200 W |
| Line | 350 mm, 2 mm line | Tap & Go double line |
| Blade | — | 4-tooth steel, supplied |
| Shaft | Bent aluminium | Split, two-piece |
| Extras | Soft start, double insulation | — |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (Amazon) | 4.1–5.1 kg (retailers) |
| Rating | 7.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
Line trimmer vs brush cutter
The UR3501 is a strong mains trimmer: a wide 350 mm cut with tough 2 mm line, and soft start to avoid a jolt when you pull the trigger. The BC 1200 E adds a 4-tooth steel blade for nettles and light scrub, and its split shaft packs away small.
Which should you buy?
For long grass and weeds near a socket, the Makita UR3501. For gardens with light scrub, the AL-KO BC 1200 E. Both are rated 7.5 by us; see the best corded electric brush cutters for more.
Full specifications
| Makita UR3501 | AL-KO BC 1200 E | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Engine / power | Corded 1000W | Corded 1200W · Blade |
| Type | Corded electric line trimmer | — |
| Power | 1,000 W, 240 V | 1200 W corded |
| Cutting width | 35 cm | — |
| Line | 2 mm nylon | — |
| Shaft | Bent, aluminium | Split, two-piece |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (Amazon.co.uk item weight) | 4.1-5.1 kg (retailer listings) |
| Runtime | Unlimited, mains-powered | Unlimited (mains) |
| Cutting | — | Tap & Go double-line head + 4-tooth steel blade |
| Best for | Medium gardens near a power outlet with long grass and weeds, where unlimited runtime matters more than roaming range | Small-to-medium plots near power with tough or woody growth on a tight budget. |
| Our rating | 7.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Makita UR3501
- + 1,000 W — strong for a corded line trimmer
- + Wide 35 cm cut with tough 2 mm line
- + Soft start and double insulation
- + Unlimited runtime on mains power, nothing to charge or mix
- + Sold by Amazon.co.uk as the UK 240 V version (UR3501/2)
- − Cable limits range and needs managing around obstacles
- − Bent-shaft line trimmer — not built for a metal blade
- − 4.3 kg is heavy for a corded trimmer
AL-KO BC 1200 E
- + Strong 1,200 W motor for a corded machine
- + 4-tooth blade included for tougher growth
- + Split shaft for storage and transport
- − Cable management on larger plots is a chore
- − Corded reach is the hard limit
- − Less refined than premium brands
Frequently asked questions
Which can cut light scrub?
The AL-KO BC 1200 E, supplied with a 4-tooth steel blade. The Makita UR3501 is a line trimmer.
Which is more powerful?
The AL-KO, at 1,200 W against 1,000 W for the Makita.
How far from a socket can I work?
As far as your extension lead allows. Use an outdoor-rated lead and an RCD, and keep the cable behind you. Beyond about 30 m, a cordless or petrol machine is more practical.