Comparing Makita x2 vs. Greenworks Cordless Mowers: Which Should You Buy?

Hey there! If you‘re shopping for a new cordless electric lawn mower, I bet you keep hearing about Greenworks and Makita models recommended over and over.

And for good reason—both brands dominate the burgeoning cordless mower market thanks to outstanding reliability and consistent performance cutting grass season after season.

But when it comes to Makita‘s 36-volt (18Vx2) lineup vs. Greenwork‘s 40V offerings, significant differences exist across mowing power, features, and costs.

Let‘s closely compare these two patented cordless technologies so I can help identify the ideal mower for your specific lawn care needs and budget.

I‘ve personally tested electric mowers from all the major players on my own modest plot for years. Once we dig into the pros, cons and key distinctions between Makita vs. Greenworks models, you‘ll know exactly which brand deserves a permanent home in your garage!

At a High Level – Comparing Makita x2 vs. Greenworks Specs

Before jumping headfirst into the details, here is a general overview of how popular Makita and Greenworks mower models stack up across a few headline metrics:

With higher voltage and dual 18V batteries operating in series, Makita runtimes fall a bit lower than the Greenworks 40V models sporting high-capacity single batteries.

However, the Makita mowers shine when it comes to adjustability, ruggedness and resilience—while still keeping noise to a minimum.

Let‘s analyze things category-by-category to gauge whether that superior construction quality and precision warrants paying extra over the more budget-oriented Greenworks lineup…

A Brief History of Makita vs. Greenworks

First, a quick backgrounder on both brands for some context!

Founded in 1915 as an electric motor sales and repair shop in Nagoya, Japan, Makita has since grown into a global manufacturing giant specializing in best-in-class power tools, lawn equipment and more.

Renowned engineers like Masabichi Ishikawa pioneered innovations in brushless motor tech and lithium-ion batteries spanning decades of R&D. This long view guides Makita‘s design principles even today—prioritizing flawless performance and longevity over all else.

Meanwhile, Greenworks represents the outdoor equipment spin-off from Vancouver-based Global Tool Industries, launched in 2012 with Swedish and Chinese engineering teams.

They smartly capitalized on the world‘s growing appetite for battery-powered lawn tools rather than gasoline options contributing to climate change through emissions and pollution.

Positioning itself as a forward-looking “green” brand from the outset, Greenworks promises equivalent power and functionality to traditional equipment using innovative cordless technology optimized for outdoor use.

Now operating factories globally, Greenworks cranks out millions of lawn, garden and snow tools annually for cost-conscious homeowners fed up with the headaches of gas, oil and pull cords.

Comparing Construction Quality

With over a century selling durable power tools to demanding construction crews, Makita earns reputation for unmatched resilience in the field. So how does Greenworks‘ build quality compare?

On average across their entire cordless electric mower catalog, Makita uses thicker commercial-grade steel cutting decks with more metal ball bearings securing the blades for minimal wobble even cutting thick grass.

The rigid polymer housing resists fading and cracking over years exposed to sunlight and seasonal temperature shifts as well. Large rear wheels glide easily over uneven terrain thanks to sealed cartridge bearings keeping moisture out.

Greenworks mowers hold up fine for residential needs with Swedish testing procedures ensuring acceptable endurance. However, plastics skeleton feels a notch flimsier overall next to Makita models purpose-built for heavy commercial use.

Many homeowners report the thinner Greenworks decks warping after 2-3 years leaving blades prone to imbalanced rotation and subpar cutting precision. Economical brushed motors also risk shortened operational lifespans depending maintenance habits.

For longevity matching gas mower‘s 5+ year average, Makita still reigns supreme on strength and sturdiness. But occasional mowers on modest budgets tolerate Greenworks 40V compromises favorably.

Breaking Down Voltage and Battery Differences

Now, on to the power source distinctions enabling these mowers to leave the cord behind!

Makita packages most mowers with two removable 18V Lithium-Ion battery packs included. Slotting them together in series effectively doubles output to 36 volts fed straight to the motor once the start button engages drive levers.

This modular battery arrangement makes sense realizing Makita sells over 200 tools compatible with the same 18V Li-ion standard—including drills, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers and more!

Homeowners appreciate the flexibility to alternate charging while one mower battery drains to extend runtimes indefinitely. Or leave the second battery charging onboard long enough for quick swaps mid-mow to finish larger plots on one go.

The batteries slide out effortlessly when depleted as well thanks to an ergonomic release latch keeping moisture from corroding connection leads.

Meanwhile, Greenworks makes do pairing single-battery 40V packs rated for either 2Ah or a whopping 5Ah capacity with the mowers. Higher amp rates mean longer continuous operation per charge—up to 70 minutes for larger models.

Unfortunately, Greenworks batteries use proprietary shapes and voltages limiting interchangeable usage across other tools like Makita enables.

But bypassing double 18V pairs does help Greenworks trim costs compared to Makita‘s premium price tags. And again—most average residential lawns fall safely within runtime ranges anyway at just half an hour or so.

Now you see the basic voltage and battery distinctions differentiating between Makita x2 and Greenworks mowers!

Adjustability and Cutting Performance

Beyond build quality, a mower‘s cutting adjustability and deck construction plays the most direct role dictating experience…

And Makita pulls far ahead here again having pioneered adjustable height settings decades ago across commercial-oriented models.

Nearly the complete catalog of Makita cordless mowers allow calibrating cut heights anywhere from a mere 0.8 inches up to 4 inches in 0.125 increments.

So warmth-season grass prospering when maintained under 2 inch heights thrives with Makita. Cool-season northern varieties like fescue also cut cleanly at 3 inches or more.

The height lever operates smoothly across 10+ settings with clear mechanical notches providing that “Makita feel” lawn care nuts obsess over!

Greenworks offer height adjustments too but more limited between just over 1 inch to 3.75 inches best case. Tiny dial tensioners enable flipping between maybe 5 or 7 imprecise, unreliable presets at most muddling the process.

And leveraging extensive metals expertise amassed building durable drill drivetrains, Makita‘s balanced steel cutting decks withstand thousands of mowing hours without succumbing to warps or bends throwing off spin.

Greenworks opts for lightweight aluminum substitutes prone to gradual damage over years resulting in blades nicking grass rather than slicing evenly. Understandable tradeoff keeping sticker prices lower of course!

Evaluating True Cordless Power

Now regarding the key question battery-powered skeptics always ask next…

…do Greenworks 40V and Makita 18Vx2 mowers Supply enough sustained energy managing thick, overgrown grass without bogging or stalling?

The short answer—yes, absolutely!

Makita designs its brushed and brushless motors specifically for lawn care duties. Smart electronic "brains" modulate power curves optimizing torque when blades encounter dense vegetation. Automatic load detection kicks the RPMs temporarily up to the 4,000+ range if needed preventing choke-ups.

Robust cooling ventilation through the deck also ensures consistent performance without buildup of heat wearing down components prematurely.

Greenworks packs serious muscle too thanks to benefiting from decades of Swedish battery innovations succeeding overseas. Slight less refined throttle response causes brief slowdowns punching through tall growth.

But continuous output overall stays on par with gasoline mowers many homeowners consider overkill for modest yards anyway. No concerns about leaving streaks or stragglers behind on all but the most overgrown lawns allowed to get out of control!

Just keep spare charged batteries handy for quick hot-swapping to finish large plots when runtimes hit their 30-45 minute limits either brand.

Comparing Noise Levels

No analysis of electric vs. gas mowers feels complete without comparing noise…

After all, the serenity of quiet, fume-free operation remains a prime motivator convincing homeowners to go cordless in the first place!

Makita sweeps this category too thanks to its commercial-spec AC motors optimized for lower register decibel ranges less irritating over long durations.

Greenworks emits noticeably higher-pitched whines especially smaller 14" and 16" models. Almost reminiscent of vacuums now considered obsolete thanks to modern brushless and sound-dampened innovations!

Expect only moderate volume increases when engaging the all-metal blades chewing through grass with Makita‘s thoughtful acoustical engineering. The Greenworks tone gets old faster for sure.

For city dwellers with closely-spaced adjacent houses, Makita‘s hushed mowers make maintaining cordial neighborly relations easier. No need drawing dirty looks coercing homeowners associations to amend outdated bylaws either!

Costs Over Time

Breaking down list pricing and true cost ownership overtime…

Upfront sticker shock scares some homeowners seeing Makita mowers ringing up $150-$350 beyond comparable Greenworks models.

Rest assured much of that comes back long-term as gas and oil expenses fade freeing up cash for more fulfilling leisure upgrades!

Makita‘s rugged longevity also means stretching intervals between new mower investments from about 5 years to 10+ years thanks to flawless engineering. Consider the higher payments pre-paying future years of reliability.

Greenworks lighter models satisfy fine costing a quarter less than Makita if swapping equipment more frequently anyway. Just prepare for replacement parts like brushed motors and batteries fading faster through the years.

Value hangs on personal factors like budget constraints, lawn complexity and anticipated years of usefulness matching typical owner tenure periods.

Weighing the Key Pros and Cons

Before deciding between investing upfront on Makita‘s premium x2 lineup or economical Greenworks 40V offerings, take one more glance at summarized pros and cons:

Makita 18Vx2 Pros

• Extreme all-around durability
• Lower noise emissions
• Height adjustment precision
• Rapid 15-45 min charging
• Hundreds of interchangeable tools

Makita Cons

• Heavy and more expensive
• Runtimes below Greenworks

Greenworks Pros

• Wallet-friendly pricing
• Lightweight simple operation
• Battery fuel gauges
• Up to 70 minutes runtime

Greenworks Cons

• Louder pitched whine
• Flimsy long-term reliability
• Limited accessories

Cordless Mower Recommendations

Weighing everything compared above regarding Makita x2 and Greenworks electric mowers, here is my personalized guidance as your lawn care advisor:

• For yards 1/2 acre exceeding 30 minutes to mow, Makita PROVES worth the money ensuring endless power and resilience handling the workload season after season
• Modest lawns easily tamed in one session better suit Greenworks‘ lighter construFction and economical sticker pricing
• Regardless of brand, ALWAYS buy the model with maximum deck width fitting your plot to minimize passes saving time/energy

If craving whisper-quiet green operation with high long-term reliability, Makita x2 Models reign supreme despite steeply higher rates that DO pay themselves back over 5+ years of service.

But occasional mowers on a strict budget better off choosing Greenworks basic 40V bundles with enough juice finishing smaller Lawns quickly. Understand runtime and build compromises made lowering costs.

Hopefully the specifics above help steer your buying decision between Makita vs. Greenworks cordless electric mowers! Let me know if any other questions come up in the market.

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