Makita 18V LXT Brushless String Trimmer XRU12 Combo Kit Review

Introduction

The Makita 18V LXT brushless string trimmer XRU12 combo kit pairs the trimmer with a 4.0Ah battery and a charger, and it has been available at notably low pricing recently. At a clearance price of around $99, it is a refreshing way to pick up a proven trimmer along with a new battery, especially if you already own Makita’s 18V LXT platform.

Who This Kit Is For

This kit makes the most sense for homeowners who want a light, easy-to-use trimmer for regular grass and edge maintenance. If you already run Makita 18V LXT tools, the included battery and charger simply extend your collection. If you are starting fresh, the kit format means you have everything needed to work right out of the box.

The trimmer itself is also a sensible replacement purchase. Its design is essentially identical to the current model many owners have used for a couple of years, so upgrading is straightforward with no new handling to learn.

Main Strengths

The standout quality of this trimmer is how light and easy it is to handle. Compared with competing cordless trimmers from other major brands, it feels noticeably lighter while still delivering plenty of cutting power. For weekly trimming sessions, that low weight is what you appreciate most.

The kit packaging adds practical value beyond the tool itself. Inside the box you get the cutting guard, a string knife, a hex key, mounting hardware, a pair of safety glasses, and a decent canvas tool bag. The trimmer head parts are also included, and these are common wear items that typically cost a modest amount when bought separately.

Assembly is genuinely simple. The powerhead opens to accept the shaft, the three pins align, and a single tighten-down locks everything in place. From there you attach the guard, insert the battery, and you are ready to trim.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The included DC18SD charger is a basic model rather than a rapid charger, and it notably has no cooling fan, so charging a 4.0Ah battery takes longer than with a faster charger. If you already own Makita chargers, you can simply use those instead, and spare chargers tend to resell easily.

It is also worth checking the build date stamped on the tool. Units on shelves may have been manufactured a couple of years earlier, but the warranty clock starts at purchase, not at manufacture. Keeping a digital receipt, such as email receipts from a retailer, makes any warranty visit painless since service centers typically ask for proof of purchase.

Buying Advice

At clearance pricing, this kit is hard to beat if you can find it. The trimmer alone has proven itself over years of regular use, and getting it bundled with a fresh 4.0Ah battery and a charger for around $99 is a strong deal. For anyone who trims frequently and values a lightweight tool, this is an easy recommendation.

If you spot a trimmer-and-blower combo kit from the same line discounted as well, that is worth a look too, though the trimmer-only kit is the better pick if you already own a blower you are happy with.

Conclusion

The Makita XRU12 combo kit delivers a lightweight, powerful brushless trimmer with everything needed to get started, at a price that makes it one of the smarter cordless yard tool buys around. If you find it on clearance, it is well worth picking up.