The Makita 18V Blower Skin

The Makita 18V Blower is a versatile, compact, and efficient tool designed for clearing debris from outdoor spaces, workshops, and tight corners. As a bare tool, it’s ideal for those who already own a compatible Makita 18V battery, and it promises high-quality performance in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package.

Pros:

  1. Powerful Performance: The Makita Blower is powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery, delivering impressive air speeds up to 179 km/h (around 111 mph). This makes it perfect for blowing away light to moderate debris from driveways, patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.

  2. Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: At just 1.3 kg (without battery), this blower is extremely light, reducing user fatigue during prolonged use. Its ergonomic design and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to handle, even with one hand.

  3. Compact Size: The blower’s compact design allows for easier storage and greater maneuverability in tight spaces. This is particularly helpful for users who need to clean around obstacles like furniture or garden tools.

  4. Quiet Operation: Compared to gas-powered blowers, the Makita DUB185Z is notably quieter, which makes it a more neighborhood-friendly option for those needing to work in residential areas or noise-sensitive environments.

  5. Tool-Less Assembly: The blower tube is easy to attach and detach, offering quick setup and storage. No tools are required for assembly, making it convenient to get started right away.

  6. Makita Build Quality: As with most Makita tools, the Blower offers excellent build quality, promising durability and long-term reliability when used properly.

Cons:

  1. Battery and Charger Sold Separately: As a “skin” (bare tool), the Makita Blower does not include a battery or charger, so you will need to purchase these separately if you don’t already own a compatible Makita 18V battery. This can increase the overall cost for those new to the Makita ecosystem.

  2. Limited Airflow for Heavy Duty Jobs: While the 179 km/h air speed is sufficient for light to medium-duty tasks, it may struggle with larger or more stubborn debris. For heavy-duty clearing or wet leaves, you might find that a more powerful blower is needed.

  3. No Variable Speed Control: The DUB185Z operates at a single speed, which could be limiting when you want more control over the airflow for delicate tasks or finer cleaning jobs. Variable speed control would have been a welcome feature.

  4. Battery Life: The runtime depends on the size of the battery you use, but with a typical 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery, expect around 15-20 minutes of continuous use. For extended work, you may need to keep a spare battery on hand.

Price:

$155 AUD (excluding battery and charger). This price is competitive for a high-quality, cordless blower from a trusted brand like Makita, but the added cost of a compatible battery and charger can bring the overall investment closer to $250-$350 AUD, depending on the battery size you choose.

Final Verdict:

The Makita 18V Blower is a solid choice for light cleaning tasks around the yard or workshop, offering good power, comfort, and portability. It’s especially suitable for users who already own other Makita 18V tools and batteries. While its performance is great for general use, it might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty clearing, and the lack of variable speed control limits its versatility. The price is reasonable for a cordless blower, but remember to factor in the cost of the battery and charger if you don’t already have them.