Makita vs Bosch brush cutters: trade range or homeowner range?
Makita builds a trade-grade range of cordless, petrol and corded machines. Bosch's green garden range targets homeowners with simple trimmers and two blade-capable models.
In short:Makita's range spans 18V LXT cordless trimmers (DUR190LZX3, DUR194) and twin-18V brush cutters (DUR368AZ, DUR369AZ with a 255 mm blade), MM4 four-stroke petrol (EM2651UH, EM4351UH) and the corded UR3501. Bosch's garden range covers 18V POWER FOR ALL trimmers (EasyGrassCut 18V-26, UniversalGrassCut 18V-260), the 36V AdvancedBrushCut with a metal blade, and corded models including the 950 W AFS 23-37 brush cutter. Makita offers more power; Bosch, lower prices.
Makita and Bosch both make cordless, corded and blade-capable machines, but for different buyers. Makita’s range is trade-grade and broad; Bosch’s green garden range is built for homeowners.
Models we cover
| Makita | Bosch | |
|---|---|---|
| 18V trimmers | DUR190LZX3, DUR194, DUR181RF | EasyGrassCut 18V-26, UniversalGrassCut 18V-260 |
| Cordless brush cutters | DUR368AZ, DUR369AZ — twin 18V | AdvancedBrushCut 36V — 4.1 kg with battery |
| Corded | UR3501 — 1,000 W trimmer | AFS 23-37 — 950 W, blade; EasyGrassCut 23; ART 30 |
| Petrol | EM2651UH, EM4351UH | — |
Cordless
Makita’s brushless LXT machines bring Automatic Torque Drive, reverse switches and, on the DUR369AZ, a 430 mm line cut and 255 mm blade. Bosch keeps it simple: light 18V trimmers with automatic line feed, and the brushless AdvancedBrushCut with a 23 cm metal blade for nettles and light scrub.
Batteries
Makita’s LXT runs hundreds of tools. Bosch’s POWER FOR ALL is shared with Gardena and other brands at 18V, but the AdvancedBrushCut uses a separate 36V battery. Makita cordless tools are mostly sold bare; Bosch offers several kits.
Choose Makita if…
- You own LXT batteries or want trade-grade tools
- You need a cordless brush cutter for scrub, or petrol
Choose Bosch if…
- You want an affordable, simple trimmer for a domestic garden
- You own POWER FOR ALL batteries
Which should you buy?
For a tidy garden, Bosch. For rough ground or a growing cordless kit, Makita. Brand pages: Makita, Bosch.
The models we review from each brand
Makita— Professional cordless (LXT 18V / XGT 40V)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DUR369AZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.6/10 |
| Makita DUR368AZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.5/10 |
| Makita DUR369LZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.5/10 |
| Makita DUR368LZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.4/10 |
| Makita EM4351UH | Petrol | 43 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 8.4/10 |
| Makita DUR189RF | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 8/10 |
| Makita EM2651UH | Petrol | 25.4 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 8/10 |
| Makita DUR190LZX3 | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR192L | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR193RT | Cordless | 18V LXT | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR194 | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR191LZX3 | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.8/10 |
| Makita DUR181RF | Cordless | 18V LXT | 7.5/10 |
| Makita UR3501 | Corded | Corded 1000W | 7.5/10 |
| Makita UR100D | Cordless | 12V max CXT | 7.4/10 |
Bosch— Homeowner cordless & corded (Power For All)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch AdvancedBrushCut 36V | Cordless | 36V Power For All | 8.3/10 |
| Bosch AFS 23-37 | Corded | Corded 950W · Blade | 8/10 |
| Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-260 | Cordless | 18V Power For All | 7.6/10 |
| Bosch EasyGrassCut 18V-26 | Cordless | 18V Power For All | 7.4/10 |
| Bosch ART 30 Combitrim | Corded | Corded 480–550W | 7.2/10 |
| Bosch EasyGrassCut 23 | Corded | Corded 280W | 7/10 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Do Makita and Bosch batteries work together?
No. Makita uses 18V LXT; Bosch's garden tools use POWER FOR ALL, at 18V for its trimmers and 36V for the AdvancedBrushCut — and those two Bosch voltages aren't interchangeable either.
Which brand handles brambles better?
Makita, among the models we cover: the twin-18V DUR369AZ comes with a 255 mm metal blade and a bike handle, and the 43 cc EM4351UH is a professional petrol machine. Bosch's AdvancedBrushCut 36V and corded AFS 23-37 handle nettles and light scrub.
Which is cheaper?
Generally Bosch, whose garden range is priced for homeowners; several Bosch kits include a battery. Most Makita cordless machines are sold bare.