Makita XML14CT1 36V 19 inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Makita XML14CT1 is a cordless, self-propelled electric lawn mower powered by 36V lithium-ion batteries. This mower is designed for residential use and can handle lawns up to 1/4 acre.

The XML14CT1 features a 19-inch steel cutting deck, self-propelled rear-wheel drive, and variable speed settings from 0-3.6 MPH. It has a built-in battery charger and includes two 18V LXT lithium-ion battery packs which provide up to 50 minutes of run time on a single charge.

This mower from Makita is lightweight at only 83 lbs and has a foldable handle for compact storage. It's designed for efficient mowing and convenient operation with its Soft Start motor and easy cutting height adjustment.

Overall, the Makita XML14CT1 is a versatile electric lawn mower suited for small to medium sized yards. It combines power, efficiency and convenient features into a self-propelled, cordless mower.

Battery and Charging

The Makita XML14CT1 comes with two 18V LXT lithium-ion 5.0Ah battery packs and charger. The batteries use Makita's proprietary star protection computer controls to optimize battery life and prevent overheating.

Each battery has a voltage of 18 volts and amp hours of 5.0Ah. This provides excellent run times of up to 45 minutes per charge, depending on grass conditions. The batteries charge from empty to full in about 30-40 minutes with the rapid optimum charger that's included.

The rapid optimum charger has a fan to keep the batteries cool while charging and multiple charging status LEDs so you can monitor progress. It's a high quality, fast charger designed specifically for Makita 18V LXT batteries.

Overall the battery and charging system provides long run times without the hassles of gasoline or cords. The rapid charger lets you get back to mowing quickly if you need to recharge during a large yard.

Cutting Deck

The Makita XML14CT1 comes equipped with a heavy duty 19-inch steel cutting deck. This wide cutting path allows you to mow larger areas faster, with less passes required.

The steel construction makes the deck durable and resistant to damage from impacts. Steel is able to withstand more abuse than plastic decks found on some mowers in this class.

It uses 2 durable steel blades that provide a clean, even cut. The blades are designed for mulching as well as rear bagging. For mulching, the clippings get cut very fine and are distributed down into the grass to act as a natural fertilizer.

Drive System

The Makita XML14CT1 features a self-propelled variable speed drive system which allows you to match the mowing speed to your walking pace. The variable speed control ranges from 0-3.5 mph. This makes it easy to adjust the speed whether you are walking fast or taking your time.

The rear-wheel drive helps propel the mower forward to reduce pushing effort. This is useful when mowing uphills or thick grass. The powerful motor provides consistent speed even in tough mowing conditions.

The lightweight aluminum deck and 10" rear wheels also complement the self-propelled drive system to make maneuvering smooth and easy. Overall, the variable speed self-propelled rear-wheel drive allows you to mow efficiently and comfortably without needing to push the mower manually.

Cutting Height

The Makita XML14CT1 offers a cutting height range of 1-1/4 to 4 inches, adjustable in 1/4-inch increments. This allows you to choose the perfect cutting height for your lawn. The cutting height is adjusted easily using a single lever, without tools.

The range of cutting heights available allows you to cut your grass nice and short for that clean, manicured look. Or you can raise the cutting height higher to leave more grass behind for a lush, thicker lawn. Adjusting the cutting height higher can also help prevent scalping on uneven terrain.

The 1/4-inch adjustment increments give you precision control over the cutting height. This helps avoid drastic height changes that could shock the grass. You can fine tune the height in small steps to find the sweet spot for your lawn's health and appearance.

Overall, the convenient cutting height adjustment lever and wide range of cutting heights make it simple to customize the XML14CT1 mower to achieve your desired cut. No tools needed for quick adjustments on-the-go while mowing.

Safety Features

The Makita XML14CT1 comes equipped with multiple safety features to protect the operator.

• It has an automatic brake that stops the blade when the mower is tilting upward or downward on the terrain. This helps prevent injury if the mower tips over.

• There is a key switch that must be on in order for the mower to operate. This prevents accidental starting.

• It utilizes a deadman switch that automatically shuts off the mower when handle pressure is released. To keep mowing, the operator must keep the handle depressed at all times. This prevents the blades from spinning if the operator lets go.

• The mower blade also has a mechanical brake that stops it from spinning within 3 seconds after the motor is turned off. This provides quick blade halt in the event of an emergency stop.

• For improved stability, the mower has a low center of gravity and large rear wheels. This makes it less prone to tipping during normal operation.

Noise Level

The Makita XML14CT1 has a relatively quiet operation compared to gas-powered lawn mowers. The noise level is rated at 67 decibels, which is quieter than a standard conversation. This makes the mower easy on the ears and allows you to mow early in the morning or late in the afternoon without disturbing neighbors.

The quiet operation is achieved through the brushless motor technology which eliminates a lot of the mechanical noise you get from traditional mowers. This makes the Makita electric mower a great option if you want a quieter lawn mowing experience.

Weight and Dimensions

The Makita XML14CT1 weighs 73 lbs, making it a relatively lightweight and manageable electric mower compared to some heavier gas-powered models. Its dimensions are 58-3/8" L x 23-1/4" W x 43" H when fully unfolded for operation.

The mower features a 3-position folding handlebar design that allows for compact storage. When folded, the dimensions are reduced to 34-1/4" L x 23-1/4" W x 43" H for easier storage in a shed or garage when not in use. This foldable design makes the mower more space-efficient and convenient to store versus other models with fixed handlebars.

So while not the most compact electric mower available, the overall weight and ability to fold the Makita XML14CT1 provides a good balance of power and maneuverability while still allowing for accessible storage when needed. The weight also allows the mower to maintain traction and avoid "floating" on thicker grass.

Additional Features

The Makita XML14CT1 comes with some nice additional features that improve the mowing experience.

• LED Lights: This mower has LED headlights built into the front of the deck. This allows you to mow early in the morning or late in the evening when natural light is low. The LED lights illuminate the path in front of the mower nicely.

• Battery Gauge: There is a battery gauge built into the handle that shows you how much charge is left on the battery. This helps you keep track of remaining run time so you can finish mowing before the battery dies. It's a handy feature that takes the guesswork out of battery level.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 36V motor provides excellent cutting power
• Large 19-inch cutting deck allows you to mow faster
• Adjustable cutting height from 1-4 inches
• Self-propelled rear-wheel drive makes mowing easier
• Runtime of 45 mins per charge is decent for battery mowers
• Foldable handle for compact storage
• Quiet operation at just 63 dB

Cons

• Heavy weight at 92 lbs makes it harder to maneuver
• No mulching or side discharge options
• No battery gauge to indicate remaining runtime
• Only includes one 4Ah battery

The Makita XML14CT1 36V cordless electric lawn mower has excellent cutting power from its high-voltage motor and large 19-inch metal cutting deck. The self-propelled rear wheel drive takes the effort out of pushing, and the adjustable 4-position cutting height lets you tailor the cut. While fairly heavy and with only one battery included, it's still a solid choice for mid-sized yards wanting the convenience of an electric mower with minimal noise and emissions.