Makita XML10CT1 36V 21 inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Makita XML10CT1 is an electric lawn mower featuring a powerful 36V motor and 21” cutting deck. This corded electric mower is ideal for both small and medium-sized lawns, providing cordless convenience combined with the power and runtime of a gas mower.

Key features and specifications:

• 36V motor provides power comparable to a gas mower
• 21" steel cutting deck
• Dual blades for improved cutting efficiency
• Brushless motor for increased power, runtime and durability
• Rear bag, side discharge and mulching capability
• Onboard battery charge level indicator
• Up to 45 minutes runtime on a single charge
• Folds for compact storage
• Weighs 102 lbs

With its high-performance brushless motor and large cutting width, the Makita XML10CT1 delivers the cutting power needed for quick and efficient mowing in most residential applications.

Design and Build Quality

The Makita XML10CT1 has a durable, well-built design made to withstand frequent use. The steel deck is solid and feels heavy-duty. The machine weighs a total of 71 pounds, heavier than some other electrics due to the steel deck construction. However, the weight helps keep the mower steady during operation without a lot of vibration.

The mower comes partially assembled and can be fully put together in under 30 minutes with basic tools. The assembly process is straightforward with clear instructions. All necessary parts are included along with the necessary tools. The battery packs click securely into place and are easy to remove for charging. Overall, the mower features a robust design with quality components that feels built to last.

Cutting Performance

When it comes to cutting grass, the Makita XML10CT1 electric lawn mower performs admirably even on thick and tall grass. The mower's 21-inch steel deck and powerful 36V motor work together to cut grass efficiently.

The cutting height range is adjustable between 1-1/4 inches to 4 inches, allowing you to get the perfect cut whether you like your lawn short or a bit taller. The 2-in-1 capability lets you either mulch clippings back into the lawn or bag them, with most users finding the mulching performance very effective. Even thick, juicy summer grass gets handled without clogging or bogging down the mower.

The dual blades are designed to work in tandem, creating a scissoring effect that cuts each blade cleanly and evenly. Even if the grass hasn't been mowed for a while and has gotten quite long and thick, the Makita powers through without an issue. The cutting quality remains consistent even as the battery charge decreases.

Overall, the Makita XML10CT1 offers excellent cutting power and performance to handle anything from a weekly trim to taming tall, thick grass when you've skipped some mowing sessions. The 21-inch wide cutting deck helps get the job done faster in larger yards. With its reliable cutting capabilities, this electric mower is up to demanding grass cutting tasks.

Battery Life

The Makita XML10CT1 comes with two 18V LXT 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery packs. These batteries deliver outstanding runtime. On a single charge, you can expect to get up to 45 minutes of mowing time. This is sufficient to mow up to 1/4 acre.

When it's time to recharge, the batteries fully charge in just 45 minutes when using the rapid optimum charger that comes standard with the mower. This quick recharge time means you can have the batteries ready to go again in under an hour.

The battery packs use Makita's advanced LXT lithium-ion technology that produces more power and run time compared to previous battery technologies. They have built-in microchips to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating.

Overall, the battery life is a standout feature on this mower. With two large-capacity battery packs, each providing up to 45 minutes of runtime, you can mow for nearly an hour and a half on a single charge. And when you need to recharge, the rapid charger has the batteries ready to go again in 45 minutes. This combination of long runtime and fast charging makes the XML10CT1 ideal for mowing medium to large yards efficiently.

Noise Level

On the plus side, the Makita XML10CT1 electric mower operates at a very low noise level. Some of the key factors that contribute to its quiet performance are:

• Electric motor design produces less noise than gas engines - the XML10CT1 motor peaks at just 76 dB. This makes it much quieter than a traditional gas mower that can reach noise levels of 90+ dB.

• Absence of engine vibration further reduces noise. The electric motor has far less vibration versus a gas engine. This lack of vibration helps minimize noise.

• Sound dampening materials built into the mower deck provide additional noise reduction by absorbing and insulating sound.

The XML10CT1 runs at just 76 dB according to Makita, which is equivalent to the noise level of a loud vacuum cleaner. Compared to a typical gas mower at 90+ dB, which is more akin to the noise of a motorcycle, the electric Makita is far quieter during operation. This makes it better suited for early morning lawn care without disturbing the neighbors. The hushed performance is a major perk for homeowners who want a quieter grass cutting experience.

Safety Features

The Makita XML10CT1 is designed with safety in mind. It has a deadman switch that will immediately cut power to the mower if you let go of it. This prevents accidents in case you lose control or the mower hits an object.

The blade brake brings the blade to a complete stop within 3 seconds if the mower is tilted or the blade hits something while cutting. This helps prevent potential injuries from flying debris if the mower kicks up rocks or other objects.

Both of these safety features give you peace of mind and help make the Makita a very safe electric mower to operate. You can mow without worrying about any dangerous mishaps since the mower is constantly monitoring for unsafe conditions and ready to stop itself.

Ease of Use

The Makita XML10CT1 electric lawn mower offers excellent ease of use with its simple key start operation and easy controls. The mower has two levers - one for speed control and one for cutting height adjustment that goes from 1-1/8 to 4 inches.

Users mention the mower is very easy to maneuver thanks to its lightweight design at only 67 lbs. It has large 10-inch rear wheels and small front swivel wheels for smooth turning and operation on slopes and uneven terrain. The telescoping handle also adjusts for users of different heights.

For storage, the mower folds up vertically to take up minimal space. The handle can remain fixed or be folded inwards. Everything folds into a neat, compact footprint. There is also a useful holder for storing the extension cord when not in use.

Additional Features

The Makita XML10CT1 comes with several convenient additional features that enhance the mowing experience.

• LED Lights: This mower has built-in LED headlights that illuminate the path in front of the mower. This allows you to easily mow in low light conditions or at night. The lights ensure you don't miss a spot and can see obstacles in your way.

• Battery Gauge: There is a battery life indicator that shows you how much charge is left on the battery. This helps you monitor power levels and ensure you don't run out of juice mid-mow. It's a useful feature that prevents unexpectedly stopping with half a lawn left to cut.

• Quick Charger: The mower comes with a rapid charger that can fully recharge the batteries in just 30 minutes. This minimizes downtime between mowing sessions.

• Adjustable Handle: You can adjust the height of the handle to find the most comfortable position for your height. This enhances control and reduces strain.

• Foldable: The mower handle folds down for convenient storage. This makes it easy to store the mower in tight spaces like garages or sheds when not in use.

The additional features of the Makita XML10CT1 make mowing easier, more convenient and comfortable. Key highlights are the LED lights for mowing in low light, battery gauge to monitor charge level, and fast charger to minimize downtime.

Warranty

Makita provides a 3-year limited warranty on the XML10CT1 lawn mower. This covers defects in materials or workmanship for 3 years from the original date of purchase. The warranty applies to the original retail purchaser and covers parts and labor. Battery packs and chargers are covered for 1 year, also with defects in materials or workmanship.

The limited warranty provides peace of mind that any issues stemming from manufacturing defects will be taken care of. Owners can have defective parts repaired or replaced if a defect impairs use of the mower during normal operation. This protects against premature failure.

The warranty does not cover parts that fail due to normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. The blades and blade adapter in particular are subject to normal wear during use. Damage from improper maintenance like using wrong oil, gas, or battery types would not be covered.

Overall the 3 year warranty on the mower itself provides assurance during the most likely period for defects to appear. Just be sure to follow the maintenance guidelines and use the mower properly to maintain coverage. The shorter 1 year coverage on batteries and chargers reflects their consumable nature as wearing parts.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 36V lithium-ion battery provides up to 45 minutes of runtime
• Excellent cutting performance even on thick, wet grass
• Dual blades provide a wide 21-inch cutting swath
• Adjustable cutting height from 1-4 inches
• Quiet operation at only 84 dB
• Compact and lightweight design for easy maneuverability

Cons

• Expensive initial purchase price
• Battery and charger sold separately
• No side discharge option
• Battery takes up to 45 minutes to recharge
• No fuel gauge on battery to indicate remaining runtime