DeWalt DCST920P1 vs Makita XRU02Z: Which One’s Best?

Review Summary

Both the DeWalt DCST920P1 and the Makita XRU02Z are fantastic string trimmers that will accent anyone’s lawn tool collection, but they target slightly different users. The DeWalt DCST920P1 is for larger lawns and light commercial use, while the Makita XRU02Z is for smaller yards and home use. Both are very popular brands known for making durable tools that deliver the power you require to tackle any job.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the comparison of these tools so you can decide for yourself which one best suits your needs.

At a Glance

Let’s look at the key points of each product.

Overview of DeWalt DCST920P1

The DeWalt DCST920P1 is a powerful trimmer that uses a 20-volt 5-amp lithium-ion battery to provide the power to reach speeds up to 6,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). You can adjust the RPM via the variable speed trigger, so you can have the power you need without wasting battery life. It has a dual-line feed for twice the cutting power, and it can cut a 13-inch swath through your grass. It also comes with a battery and charger, so you can start using it immediately.

The biggest downside to the DeWalt DCST920P1 is that it has a very small guard, and much of the grass, rocks, and debris will come back and hit you in the legs. It’s also very difficult to re-spool because holes become misaligned and become difficult to push the string through.

Overview of Makita XRU02Z

The Makita XRU02Z uses an 18-volt 3-amp lithium-ion battery to reach speeds up to 7,800 RPM. This speed is powerful enough to create a 10.25-inch swath through the grass. It has a telescoping handle providing you with more control over the tool, and it has a 180-degree rotating head so you can use it as an edger. It’s very lightweight at only 6.9 pounds, and it’s well balanced.

The downside of the Makita XRU02Z is that the bump feed doesn’t always work, and the wire cutter isn’t sharp enough, often allowing the string to extend beyond the guard.

What Are The Differences Between Them?

Performance

Edge: DeWalt DCST920P1

The DeWalt DCST920P1 has more power and cuts through the grass much faster because of the dual-line feed, despite its lower RPM. It’s able to handle taller weeds and high grass much more efficiently than the Makita can.

The Makita is better suited to small yards or those that normally don’t see tall grass or weeds. Besides not having enough torque to cut the grass, the extra strain will also wear down the battery much quicker, resulting in shorter battery life than the DeWalt. 

Price

Edge: Makita XRU02Z

The Makita XRU02Z wins out on base price as it is less than half the cost, but this is actually a much closer race than it looks because the DeWalt is more powerful and includes the battery and charger. When purchasing the Makita, you will need to purchase the battery and charger separately.

In many cases, buying the battery and charger can cost more than the difference between the two tools. However, if you own other Makita tools and already have the battery and charger, the XRU02Z is quite inexpensive. If you already have DeWalt tools and battery chargers, you will not need the battery and charger and may want to look for a model that doesn’t include them.

• Related Read: DeWalt vs. Makita: Which Power Tool Brand is Better?

Durability

Edge: DeWalt DCST920P1

The DeWalt and the Makita are extremely durable tools that will last many years with very little maintenance. That being said, the higher-powered DeWalt engine runs cooler, the shaft feels sturdier than the Makita, and the plastic housing is thicker and higher quality.

However, the Makita is by no means flimsy. The guard is larger and protects you better, and the plastic housing is quite durable and resistant to scratching, but the smaller motor will run hotter and is at a higher risk of burning out. That’s why we had to give this round to the DeWalt.

Design

Edge: Makita XRU02Z

The dual-line feed and variable speed trigger available on the DeWalt are nice features that allow you to cut faster while saving power. Quicker trimming reduces the time you need to hold and carry the DeWalt, which is a major advantage, but the guard is a little undersized and can send clippings toward your legs.

However, the Makita’s is nearly 2 pounds lighter and built from the ground up for comfort. Its ergonomic handle provides a more comfortable grip that keeps your wrist in a better position. The telescoping shaft allows for extended reach for weeds behind bushes, and it also lets you adjust it to match your height. The swivel head will enable you to edge your sidewalks without requiring an additional tool, and it also makes it easier to get under objects, like benches and chairs.

What the Users Say

Conclusion

If forced into a decision, we would have to award the DeWalt DCST920P1 as the winner. It has a larger battery that creates more torque, and the dual feed line and wider cutting swath can cut the same size yard in half the time. It’s more expensive, but you don’t need to purchase a battery or charger, which can easily make up the difference. However, that’s not to say the Makita XRU02Z is a bad tool. It’s rotating head, and telescoping shaft are very popular among homeowners, and if you already own other Makita tools, you will save money by not buying the battery and charger.

We hope you have enjoyed this shootout between two of the most popular tool brands out there and found it helpful for choosing your next tool. If we have answered your questions, please share this guide to the differences between the DeWalt DCST920P1 and Makita XRU02Z on Facebook and Twitter.