Hart 40V vs Makita Self-Propelled Mower: An In-Depth Cordless Buying Guide

Home battery technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Lithium-ion innovation now allows cordless lawn tools to deliver the same power and performance as gas models without the ongoing fuel costs and maintenance. As gas prices continue rising, we‘re seeing more homeowners switch to electric landscaping equipment.

But all cordless mowers aren’t created equal. Runtimes, cutting width, reliability, and warranties can vary widely between brands. With so many battery specs and features that affect real-world experiences, it pays to understand key variables as you evaluate options.

Critical Buying Considerations for Cordless Mowers

Before diving into this Hart vs. Makita comparison, first prioritize a few parameters that will dictate which model suits your unique needs:

Lawn Size – Calculate your entire mowable square footage. Battery capacity directly correlates to maximum coverage area per charge. Over- or underestimating needs wastes money.

Slope Challenges – Lots with steep hills or uneven terrain warrant self-propelled rear-wheel drive. Check slope angle ratings.

Runtime Duration – Understand fully charged runtimes based on motor efficiency and battery capacity to avoid mid-mow power loss.

Deck & Cut Quality – Wider decks cut more grass per pass for faster mowing. Quality blades also enhance cutting precision on thick, wet grass.

Storage Limitations – Measure where your mower must store during winter or storms. Dimension differences dictate fit.

Safety First – Ensure blade brake clutches, anti-tamper locks, LED illumination, and protective guards address safety.

Warranties – More years protecting against defects provides peace of mind should repairs become necessary.

Once you’ve defined these must-have features, we can properly evaluate how Hart and Makita models compare. Let’s explore the categories and capabilities that matter most…

Comparing Battery & Motor Technology

Lithium-ion cells have three components: the anode (-), the cathode (+), and electrolytes to allow ions to move between them1. By preventing over-charging, multi-cell battery packs maximize power delivery and longevity.

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Hart leveragesmarginally higher voltage but Makita compensates via higher combined amp hour (Ah) ratings across its dual 18V packs. However, ultimate runtime hinges more on charging efficiency and slow discharge when not mowing. Makita promises "zero voltage loss" thanks to its Optimum Charger Technology sensing when cells reach max capacity2. Both utilize sturdy thermoplastic covers resisting breakage despite drops.

Now to motors converting those battery electrons into cutting power. Makita stays loyal to its brushed motor roots with fixed magnets and mechanical contacts to rotate the shaft. Hart embraces the reduced friction and high efficiency of brushless motors instead relying on external electronic commutation.absent physical contact between stationary and moving parts, brushless operation generates less heat while extending longevity by eliminating the wear of brushes over time3.

That electric efficiency also means more minutes mowing per charge compared to the friction-induced energy loss seen in Makita‘s brushed equivalent.

Deck Construction – Plastic vs Steel

Robust deck construction stands up to decades of regular use (and abuse) while keeping vibration low for uniform cutting. Materials influence weight, rust resistance, and durability through seasons of exposure.

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Makita proudly advertises its 1.5mm-thick plastic deck touts significant weight savings over traditional steel without sacrificing stiffness. The proprietary polymer also resists dents, heat transfer, and corrosion far better thanks to an integrated metal top plate protecting the cutting chamber below.

Hart sticks with rugged 14 gauge steel trusting tradition and the mower‘s ergonomic handling features to offset any movement hindrance from bigger mass. The stainless steel cutting system stands up to abuse with less flex while keeping vibration dampening low. Rust-proofing works wonders but chipped plastic risks exposing raw edges to moisture intrusion.

Either material holds up over time but plastic lightens workload. Just watch for cracks opening up if you regularly bang Makita’s deck against fences or rocks.

Width & Capabilities – What Can They Cut?

Your mower mission determines ideal deck dimensions – precisely aligning blade tip speed and torque. Wider mowers demand more raw horsepower, shrinking potential cutting time per charge. Find the best balance for your lawn specs.

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Matching 21-inch decks and cutting options square these competitors up almost identically by width metrics. You’ll make the same number of passes mowing the same sized lawn regardless of brand.

Inching the blade height up or down suits grass lengths and seasonal needs. Hart’s height adjustment knob spins cutting heights from 1 to 4 inches in quarter-inch increments compared to Makita’s height lever system. Both match even here.

LED headlights integrated into Hart’s front cowling provide handy illumination when finishing lawn chores at dusk. Otherwise, nothing separates either’s core cutting competencies.

Evaluating Ergonomics, Controls & Portability

If mowing larger lots, convenient controls and one-handed operation reduce fatigue to get jobs done quicker with less hassle. Well-designed ergonomic interfaces enhance user experiences.

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We covered weight differences already but lighter usually proves better when hoisting mowers on back porches or lifting them into pickup trucks. Makita shines here – no disagreement.

Both utilize push-button electric ignition for quick starts with batteries inserted. Once running, Hart relies on a variable trigger to control momentum from 0 up to 3,000 blade RPM. Makita adds speed modes – walking speed (under 2 MPH), normal mowing (around 3 MPH), and max speed (nearly 4 MPH fixed). So more flexibility tweaking pace across flat, uphill, thick grass scenarios.

Getting cutting height right avoids scalping lawns or leaving unsightly high clippings. Hart simplifies adjustments with their single knob tweaking deck levels compared to Makita‘s twin side levers. But either allow sufficient increments fine-tuning between 1 and 4 inches.

Lastly, Hart’s folding handlebar and wall-hugging footprint win storage flexibility fitting compact garage corners. Makita only collapses the rounded handlebar downward lacking true vertical storage design. Opportunity missed.

Safety Tech and Protective Features

Lawnmowing throws debris, sticks, and rocks outward at velocities exceeding 200 MPH4. Unseen fingers or anklets risk serious harm without proper shields guarding against projectiles or cutting components. Safety first separates casual users from serious operators.

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Both implement key protections like blade brake clutches halting rotation during blockages or the mower tipping beyond acceptable angles. Plastic guards keep hands and debris away from cutting chambers. Steel inserts prevent cord or branch snags.

Anti-theft alarms trigger annoying sirens if someone attempts walking off with your mower. Hart disables electric ignition without first inserting coded key chips – an extra layer deterring hot-wiring battery power. But casual tampering unlikely stops determined thieves if mowers are stored openly. Simply locking gates or garages works wonders.

Extra credit goes to Hart for passing ETL testing while Makita only lists UL safety certification. Both reputably confirm construction standards without notable defect liability. But Hart edges ahead here.

Comparing Warranties and Support Resources

Spending four figures on home equipment represents significant financial commitment. More warranty years provide greater product defect protections should problems arise. And comprehensive online knowledge bases arm owners with troubleshooting insights rather than relying solely on dealers. Let’s examine fine print and self-help options:

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Hart handily wins this category offering a 5 year warranty protecting against defects even when used professionally mowing commercially. That‘s confidence no Makita can match with just 3 years across the board. Makita makes consumers cover repair costs faster if problems surface.

Both provide homeowners online tool-specific manuals and how-to video libraries guiding proper use. Live chat functionally gives Makita the edge over Hart’s email-only assistance should questions arise between mows. But sufficient self-help and the superior Hart warranty evens the score here.

Hart vs Makita: Which Is the Best Cordless Option?

We’ve covered lots of comparative specs, features, and capabilities pitting Hart vs Makita self-propelled mowers. But ignoring price considerations, which model claims victory by the slimmest of margins? Let‘s tally the scorecard across criteria:

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In truth, both Makita and Hart deliver capable, reliable cordless mowing experiences sure to satisfy most homeowners. But forced to crown an overall victor based on totality of specs…Hart wins by the slimmest of margins.

Superior warranty terms, added safety certifications, high-efficiency brushless motor design, plus integrated LED lighting give Hart a narrow tech edge just outdistancing Makita‘s ultra-light deck and zippy speed modes. Either makes a sound investment backed by reputable manufacturer legacies. Choosing comes down to price preferences and weighting the nuanced pros/cons covered above.

For even deeper analysis, check out my YouTube channel reviewing battery mower models hands-on. I also welcome lawn care questions in the comments section! Let me know which cordless comparison review you would like to see next!