Makita UR3501 vs EGO ST1300E: corded or 56V cordless?
Two line trimmers with similar cut widths: Makita's mains-powered UR3501 with unlimited runtime, and EGO's light, cable-free 56V ST1300E.
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 line, a bent aluminium shaft, soft start and double insulation, at 4.3 kg on Amazon.co.uk. The EGO ST1300E is a 56V brushless cordless trimmer with a 33 cm cut and 2.0 mm bump-feed line, at 2.7 kg without battery per EGO UK, usually sold bare. Both are line-only. Makita for unlimited runtime near a socket; EGO for freedom from the cable.
The Makita UR3501 and EGO ST1300E are both line trimmers with similar cut widths. The choice is cable or battery.
At a glance
| Makita UR3501 | EGO ST1300E | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 1,000 W, 240 V mains | 56V battery, brushless |
| Cut | 350 mm, 2 mm line | 33 cm, 2.0 mm line |
| Runtime | Unlimited | Depends on battery |
| Range | Cable length | Anywhere |
| Weight | 4.3 kg | 2.7 kg without battery |
| Supplied | Ready to plug in | Usually bare |
| Rating | 7.5 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
Cable vs battery
The UR3501 never runs out and needs no battery, but you work within reach of a socket — use an outdoor lead and an RCD. The ST1300E goes anywhere, is much lighter, and shares its battery with EGO’s mowers and blowers.
Which should you buy?
For a medium garden near the house, the Makita UR3501 is the cheapest route. For larger or awkward gardens, or if you own EGO batteries, the EGO ST1300E. See also battery vs electric brush cutters.
Full specifications
| Makita UR3501 | EGO Power+ ST1300E | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded electric | Cordless |
| Engine / power | Corded 1000W | 56V ARC Lithium |
| Type | Corded electric line trimmer | Cordless line trimmer |
| Power | 1,000 W, 240 V | 56V ARC Lithium, brushless |
| Cutting width | 35 cm | 33 cm |
| Line | 2 mm nylon | 2.0 mm, bump feed |
| Shaft | Bent, aluminium | — |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (Amazon.co.uk item weight) | 2.7 kg without battery (EGO UK) |
| Runtime | Unlimited, mains-powered | — |
| Cutting head | — | Line only, no blade option |
| Battery system | — | EGO 56V ARC Lithium (shared across EGO range) |
| Best for | Medium gardens near a power outlet with long grass and weeds, where unlimited runtime matters more than roaming range | Homeowners who want petrol-like cutting power in a quiet cordless trimmer for lawns and edges |
| Our rating | 7.5 / 10 | 8 / 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
EGO Power+ ST1300E
- + 56V brushless motor holds speed in long grass
- + Light for its class — 2.7 kg before the battery (EGO UK)
- + Much quieter than any petrol trimmer, with no fuel or fumes
- + Shares batteries across EGO's wider 56V tool range
- − Usually sold bare — battery and charger are a separate, non-trivial cost
- − Line only, so it can't take a metal blade for brush or brambles
- − Bump feed with open-and-wind reloading, not EGO's quicker loading heads
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to get started?
Usually the Makita: it needs only an outdoor extension lead. The EGO ST1300E is commonly sold bare, so a 56V battery and charger are extra unless you own EGO tools.
Can either take a blade?
No — both are line trimmers. For blade work, look at a brush cutter such as the corded Bosch AFS 23-37 or EGO's commercial BCX3800.
Which is lighter?
The EGO: 2.7 kg without battery against 4.3 kg for the Makita.