Metabo FSB 36-18 vs Makita DUR368LZ: brush cutter or loop trimmer?
Both run on two 18V batteries, are brushless and sold bare, and weigh under 4 kg. The Metabo is a bike-handle brush cutter; the Makita a loop-handle trimmer.
In short:The Metabo FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40 is a bare brushless brush cutter on two Metabo 18V CAS batteries, with an adjustable bike handle, a 40 cm twin-line tap-feed spool and a blade for brushwood, at 3.9 kg item weight. 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. Metabo for brushwood; Makita for grass and obstacles.
The Metabo FSB 36-18 and Makita DUR368LZ are both light, bare twin-18V brushless machines — but one is set up as a brush cutter and the other as a trimmer.
At a glance
| Metabo FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40 | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 2 × 18V CAS | 2 × 18V LXT |
| Handle | Adjustable bike | Loop |
| Line cut | 40 cm | 350 mm |
| Blade | Brushwood blade, supplied | — |
| Electronics | — | 3 speeds, ADT, reverse switch |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Rating | 8.1 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Brush cutter vs trimmer
The Metabo handles grass and brushwood across larger areas, with a bike handle and blade. The Makita is the smarter trimmer, with Automatic Torque Drive and a reverse switch, and its loop handle is quicker around obstacles.
Which should you buy?
On Metabo or other CAS batteries, the FSB 36-18. On LXT for grass, the DUR368LZ — or the bike-handle DUR368AZ for blade work.
Full specifications
| Metabo FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40 | Makita DUR368LZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 36V (2×18V) Brushless | 36V LXT · Brushless |
| Type | Cordless brush cutter, line and blade | — |
| Power | 2 × 18V CAS batteries, brushless motor | 36V (2× 18V LXT), brushless |
| Speed | 6,000 rpm (listing) | — |
| Weight | 3.9 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) | 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) |
| Cutting width | 40 cm | 350 mm (nylon head) |
| Cutting attachment | Twin-line spool (tap feed) or blade for brushwood | — |
| Handle | Adjustable bike handle | Loop |
| Battery system | Metabo 18V CAS, two packs required | — |
| Supplied | Bare tool (601611850): no batteries or charger | Bare tool (no battery/charger) |
| Speeds | — | 3, electronic |
| Best for | Metabo 18V platform owners who want brushless power and a real blade option | LXT owners who prioritise low weight and comfort for grass and light growth. |
| Our rating | 8.1 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Metabo FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40
- + Brushless motor gives strong, consistent power with less wear over time
- + Runs on two Metabo 18V CAS batteries, shared with Metabo's wider tool range
- + 40 cm cutting width and blade capability handle more than soft grass
- + Tool-free line change without removing or opening the spool
- + Twin-battery layout avoids the cost of a dedicated proprietary 36V pack
- − Sold bare on most listings — two 18V batteries and charger add real cost
- − Needs two charged batteries at once
- − Metabo's garden range is smaller than the big outdoor brands'
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
Frequently asked questions
Which can cut brushwood?
The Metabo, which comes with a blade for brushwood and has a bike handle for blade control. The Makita DUR368LZ is a loop-handle line trimmer; Makita's blade version is the DUR368AZ.
Which is lighter?
The Makita: 3.2 kg bare against 3.9 kg for the Metabo (Amazon item weights).
Are batteries included?
No. The Metabo needs two 18V CAS batteries, the Makita two 18V LXT batteries.