Makita 18V LXT Hedge Trimmer XHU02Z Review: Good for Light Trimming, and That's About It
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The Makita XHU02Z 18V LXT hedge trimmer is a solid little tool, but you need to have the right expectations going into it. It's lightweight, easy to use, and great for basic yard maintenance. The problem is that it's seriously underpowered compared with many of the newer cordless hedge trimmers I've used.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
One thing I really like about the XHU02Z is how easy it is to use. It's relatively light and comfortable, which matters when you're holding a hedge trimmer out in front of you for an extended period of time.
For cleaning up small bushes, shaping hedges and doing basic maintenance around the yard, it's a nice tool to grab. Throw an 18V LXT battery on it and you're ready to go.
It's Seriously Underpowered
Power is easily the biggest weakness. This isn't a hedge trimmer I'd want to use for thick branches, badly overgrown bushes or anything that requires serious cutting power.
For super light trimming, it's fine. Start pushing it much beyond that and you'll quickly wish you had something stronger.
That's ultimately what limits the XHU02Z for me. It's good at one specific type of work rather than being a hedge trimmer I'd want for everything.
Would I Buy the Makita XHU02Z Again?
Maybe, but only if I specifically wanted something lightweight for basic trimming.
If you're already invested in Makita 18V LXT and just need something for keeping smaller bushes and hedges cleaned up, the XHU02Z is a solid option. It's simple, comfortable and easy to use.
But if you regularly deal with heavier growth, I'd skip it and buy something more powerful. The XHU02Z isn't a bad hedge trimmer; it's just a very light-duty one.
