Additional information
| Brand | Makita |
|---|---|
| Color | Greenish Blue/Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 18 Volts |
| Form Factor | Ergonomic |
| Special Feature | adjustable_speed, compact_design, portable, lightweight |
| Air Flow Capacity | 459 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Included Components | 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower (XBU03Z) |
| Item Weight | 6.5 pounds |
| Material | OTHER |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Home |
| Model Name | Makita XBU03Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower, Tool Only |
| Style | Blower, no batteries |
| Product Dimensions | 19.8"L x 10.83"W x 12.4"H |
| Speed | 116 Miles per Hour |
| Manufacturer | Makita |
| UPC | 088381887694 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00088381887694 |
| Item model number | XBU03Z |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
The Tenneys –
My mother needed something light-weight and portable for blowing her gardens and cleaning out the garage and such. The last time I a used an electric blower was many years ago and the power was underwhelming so was a bit skeptical at first, but after some research landed on this as unit as my choice.
This product truly blew me away… I cannot believe how powerful and how incredibly light this blower is. Last I checked this was actually rated as the most powerful electric/battery-powered blower on the market, and it has certainly impressed the heck out of me.
I got the kit that included a 4.0ah / 18v battery, but I also have a few 3.0ah batteries from other Makita tools I own. I found, that at least for our purposes, the 3.0ah batteries are more than adequate. There is no difference in speed/output from using a larger battery, just run time.
My ONE gripe with this is that there are two “attachment” pieces (extender and angled/focused tip/nozzle). They aren’t required, but are nice to have. Regardless, last I checked they were selling individually for ~$20/piece. I find this to be a bit of a frustrating sales tactic to increase margins by squeezing another ~$40 for two small pieces of plastic to complete this “kit”. That said, there are several off-brand options available for cheaper, and considering it’s just two pieces of molded plastic this is the way I intend to go.
in short, we absolutely LOVE this blower. This is not something that I’d use to clear my large yard of leaves, but is spectacular for small-medium jobs like blowing out gardens, cleaning up workspaces… we even use this to dry the cars after washing. I love this units design… it moves an INCREDIBLE amount of air, and is also incredibly lightweight and compact, and IMHO reasonably priced. I truly could not be happier with this unit and would recommend without hesitation. If you’re in the market for an electric blower look no further, this unit will not disappoint!!
Ken C –
Very good blower with a ton of air volume. Good battery life using a 5.0Amp HR considering the air volume it puts out. I bought this to blow out the garage and blow off the patio. I had bought it just before Xmas and i thought it was the best present i bought myself. But the wife inherited it so i guess its the best present i had bought her LOL. She uses it more than i do blowing leaves and snow.
KJAG –
Estoy muy contenta con mi producto de muy buena calidad muy bien la velocidad más intensa es bastante fuerte es ligero para usarlo por tiempo me gustó en todos sus aspectos
Weston Kile –
I got this blower to blow all the carrot wood droppings (which is a lot). Instead of sweeping all of them, i can blow them in a corner and use a dust plan. Its light weight, easy to use and the battery lasts around 20 minutes before re-charging. Most important to me–its a Makita product and they have built in quality
which I like.
KJAG –
Excelente producto, vale la pena.
Cahn Moore –
Nice. I am in the process of converting all my stuff to battery. Makita battery stuff.
this is pretty good. It does eat batteries but moves a lot of air so it is trade off.
Lighter. Works. Not as whacked powerful as my old Stihl blower but trade off is positive.
Will drain battery. For typical residential use on smaller lot size. Good. Happy with it.
Edger will be next then the mower. !
Joe –
THE GOOD
– This single battery (18V) model has surprising power to move piles of leaves and other yard waste and debris. It’s also relatively lightweight yet durable, well-balanced, and ergonomic, including a comfortable rubber grip. Its brushless motor eliminates friction, which helps optimize battery use, performance, and life span. The noise level is not intrusive, and is much quieter than gas models. This quality tool requires almost no maintenance and should last many years if stored and treated properly.
– Bang for the Buck. When comparing the 18V XBU03Z* to the rest of the Makita blower line-up, it significantly outperforms** all other 18V models, yet is similarly priced. Furthermore, its performance is on par with all the Makita 36V (2-battery) models, while being significantly lighter and costing much less.
– Customer Satisfaction. AMZ reviews for the XBU03 are better, or much better, than other Makita blower models. The few negative comments tend to focus on issues discussed below under “The Not So Good.”
*Models with a Z on the end signify “Tool Only.” Other letters signify various packages, e.g., battery and nozzle options.
**For blowers, performance refers to cubic feet per minute (CFM) or, amount of air output, which is different from air velocity (MPH). Velocity can vary based on size/area of the nozzle opening. Note that nozzles equipped on Makita blowers are appropriately matched for their intended use. Adding a different nozzle or attachment with a smaller opening can increase velocity, but doing so can extend work time as air flow is concentrated on a smaller area, and excessive velocity can make managing some tasks more difficult.
THE NOT SO GOOD
– Battery Life: Although equipped w/brushless motor and variable-speed trigger to extend battery life, for extended jobs the XBU03 can go through multiple batteries—similar to other blowers, mowers, chain saws and other high-energy-use tools/equipment. The use of 5 or 6Ah batteries, multiple charged batteries on hand, and Makita rapid chargers can largely remedy this.
– If you want the nozzle extended, you must purchase model #191L13-5 extension (appx 1 ft), which also increases velocity as the nozzle opening is a bit narrower. If you want a flatter nozzle opening, you must buy both #191L13-5 and the #197889-6 flat attachment (which itself does not attach directly to the XBU03). You may be satisfied with how the blower operates w/o any attachment(s). If you’re not very tall, adding both can make the blower too long and more difficult to manage.
– The blower’s intake (like the XBU02) is at the very back of the unit, where it has a tendency to grab onto loose clothing.
MAKITA BLOWER COMPARISONS
1. If you’re on the fence between the single battery 18V XBU03 and the similar-looking 2-battery, 36V XBU02, here’s a comparison:
A) The 2-battery configuration of XBU02 is designed for convenience, to reduce battery change-out frequency—not to reduce battery usage or to boost performance (CFM). It goes through as many batteries as the XBU03, and the XBU02 provides only nominal improvement in performance.
B) The XBU02 (w/o batteries) is a bit bulkier and heavier to accommodate a 2nd battery, and with batteries installed weighs in at 2.5 lbs more than the XBU03 (w/single battery installed). This may not sound like much, but it can make a difference w/frequent wrist/arm movements while pushing against the blower’s propulsion. Some AMZ reviewers even describe the XBU02 as “heavy.” Personally, we prefer a blower that’s lighter and a bit less bulky (XBU03), and have that 2nd battery nearby or in a cargo pocket. Swapping batteries takes less than a minute.
C) Both have a variable-speed trigger to modulate CFM output and, in kind, velocity. Both also have a trigger lock. The XBU02 has an additional 6-speed dial. Some may find it useful, but we find the variable-speed trigger sufficient. Very few AMZ reviewers of the XBU02 even mention the speed dial feature.
D) Unlike the XBU03, the XBU02 comes with a telescoping nozzle, and the optional flat nozzle attachment connects to it w/o the need for an intermediary attachment (as required for the XBU03).
E) I haven’t used the XBU02, but visually the handle/grip design appears less ergonomic.
F) You can buy about two XBU03Z models for the price of one XBU02Z.
2. Other 36V (2-Battery) Blowers
A) The brushless 36V XBU04 has a much different design and weighs in at almost 5 lbs more, while costing about $150 more than the XBU03. Performance is about even. It does come w/3-stage telescoping nozzle, and can be converted to a vacuum/mulcher (attachments are costly and sold separately or as a packaged deal w/blower). The blower alone gets good (not great) reviews, but its use as a vacuum/mulcher gets very mixed reviews, w/detractors mentioning poor ergonomics, weight, and so/so performance. There are better and cheaper blower/vac/mulching designs out there, though most are corded.
B) The 36V XBU01 also has a uniquely different design and weighs about 3 lbs more. This dinosaur is not brushless, and the XBU03 significantly outperforms it, while costing much less.
3. Other 18V (1-Battery) Blowers
Besides the high-performance XBU03, the other 18V Makita blowers include the XBU05, XBU06, DUB182, and DUB183. They are smaller and lighter, but compared to the XBU03 they are not brushless, are a significant downgrade in performance, yet cost about the same. They are not designed for serious yard work, and are more suited to blowing light, dry grass clippings, small leaves, shop wood dust/particles, and other light debris across solid surfaces. We’ve owned the DUB182 and DUB183 and like other reviewers found their housings prone to cracking at a key stress point.
BATTERY TIPS
1. For high-energy-demand equipment and tools (blowers, mowers, chain/reciprocating saws, etc.)—you may want to avoid packaged “deals” with batteries unless they include 5 or 6Ah batteries. Makita now offers tempting package deals with 4Ah batteries, while knowing they are not up to the task. The 4Ah packages cost about the same as previous 5Ah packages, which are now significantly marked up or are no longer available, depending on the tool/equipment. Furthermore, tools alone have also been marked up to make the 4Ah battery packages appear as a phenomenal deal. Lower Ah batteries not only have decreased run time, but a “Pro Tool Reviews” study of Makita batteries demonstrated that the lower-Ah batteries also produce less power, i.e., reduced performance (RPM/CFM). A 4Ah package may be sensible if you already have ample 5 or 6Ah batteries on hand, and can use the 4Ah batteries for smaller projects and less energy-demanding tools, e.g., compact hand drills, drivers, small work lights, etc.
2. Consider a High/Low Ah mix. Sub-compact 18V tools often come packaged with 2Ah batteries, and are usually fine (even preferred) for many DIY tasks around the house/property. In both subcompact and compact tools they can provide sufficient power and run-time. Like higher Ah batteries, they come w/same build quality and protections, but are cheaper. 2Ah “Flat Pack” batteries are also notably smaller and lighter than the 3, 4, 5, and 6Ah batteries (which are all the same physical size, with nominal weight differences between them). 2Ah batteries can reduce fatigue for overhead use and other difficult positions, and longer projects, and are more compact for tight spaces. Spares are easier to carry around in cargo pockets, tool bag, etc. For times you simply want a longer run time (and perhaps a bit more power) using smaller tools, 5 and 6Ah batteries can be used across the 18/36V Makita tool line-up. Personally, I avoid 3 and 4Ah batteries altogether (unless Makita starts giving them away).
3. If just buying batteries—at the time of this review 6Ah batteries (single or in pairs) cost only a few dollars more than 5Ah batteries.
4. For some products aftermarket, non-OEM parts and accessories can be just as good (or almost) and more economical than “genuine” ones—but this is not the case for batteries used in Makita tools & equipment. Avoid knock-offs that mimic the Makita logo (but w/o the “Makita” name), and those sold as “comparable” batteries designed for Makita tools. They’re not as solidly built to handle shock, w/typically reduced run-times and life cycle. Also, w/o the same built-in protections to prevent tool/battery/charger damage, battery overheating or worse, and w/o accurate fuel gauges. Finally, suppliers of non-OEM parts and accessories (most from you know where) are notorious for postings of 5-star fake reviews (often w/real ones—mostly bad—mixed in).
Weston Kile –
For the small size, it is powerful enough to do the job. It sucks battery but not as much as I thought it would. I still got all the use out of it for the job on one battery.
Unfortunately, when I took it out of the package, the plastic attachment nozzle had scratches on it. It doesn’t affect the performance though.
DG –
I have always used gas-powered blowers to corral leaves, which are heavy and tend burn you out (especially kiddos!).
This blower is lightweight and very powerful. If you purchase the nozzle, it’s even better!
I don’t, typically, leave reviews but this guy is well worth the money and cheaper than buying locally, unfortunately.
Well balanced, lightweight and kids friendly.