Makita leaf blower 18v vs 36v: My Practical Test

Deciding between a Makita leaf blower 18v vs 36v depends on your yard size. I tested both on my own property to see which one works best. Both use the same 18V LXT batteries, but they feel very different in your hand.

The Makita DUB184 18V LXT: My Lightweight Go-To

I spent two weeks using the 18v DUB184 for my daily cleanup. It is very light and easy to hold with just one hand. I used it to clear dry grass off my porch and dust out of my garage. It feels perfectly balanced when you slide in a 5.0Ah battery.

The air flow is smooth and stays steady as you work. I liked using the cruise control lever for long paths. It meant I did not have to keep my finger on the trigger. It is the best tool for quick jobs that take ten minutes or less.

I tried to move a pile of damp leaves on my lawn with it. It struggled to lift the heavy clumps from the grass. On the highest speed, the battery lasted about twelve minutes for me. This tool is great for hard floors but not for big yard projects.

The plastic body feels tough and did not scratch easily. I dropped it once on the driveway, and it still works fine. The long nozzle helps you reach under cars without bending over. It is a simple tool that does exactly what it says it will do.

The Makita DUB362 36V LXT: The Powerhouse Performance

When the big leaves fell, I switched to the 36v DUB362 model. This tool uses two 18v batteries to give you double the power. You can feel the extra push as soon as you turn it on. I used it to clear thick, wet oak leaves from my back yard.

The air volume is much higher than the single battery version. I could move large piles across the grass with no trouble at all. It has a speed dial with six settings so you can stay in control. I turned it down when blowing near my small garden plants.

I tested it against my old gas blower, and the 36v Makita won. It is much quieter and you do not have to deal with smelly fuel. However, carrying two batteries makes the tool feel heavy after a while. My arm felt a bit tired after clearing the whole front yard.

The build quality is very high and feels like a professional tool. I noticed that the air speed stays the same even as the batteries get low. You do need two batteries that are both fully charged to get the best results. It is a heavy duty tool for people with lots of trees.

Details Comparison for Makita leaf blower 18v vs 36v

Both tools are great, but they serve very different purposes for a homeowner.

Core Capability Comparison

The 18v model is for light work while the 36v handles the heavy stuff. I found the 36v could move small rocks that the 18v model left behind.

Accuracy and Performance Stability

The 36v model stays strong even when the wind is blowing against you. The 18v model is better for precise work in tight corners.

Design and Practical Use

The 18v model is much easier to carry around for a long time. The 36v model has a larger handle but feels bulky in small sheds.

Display and Usability

The 36v tool has a light that shows the charge of both batteries. The 18v tool only shows the charge on the battery itself.

Battery Life and Power

The 18v model is quick to charge since it only uses one cell. The 36v model gives you more work time if you use lower speeds.

Final Practical Table

Both blowers are top quality tools that will last for many years. Buy the 18v if you want a light tool for your garage and driveway. Buy the 36v if you have a big lawn and lots of wet leaves to move.