MakitaXBU01PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Blower Kit (5.0Ah)

Like all Makita Tools, this one meets and exceeds expectations.I read some of the reviews and I think some people are confused, the item pictured is the item I received, the batteries DO NOT load from the rear but from the side as indicated, so if yours are loading from the rear you have a different model, Makita does make a lower scale model that loads from the rear.I received this (ordered the kit with batteries) on Friday night, plugged the batteries into the charger and it was ready for use Saturday morning. I have a 70' long x 7' high x 3' wide hedge that runs the length of my driveway separating mine and my neighbors properties. I haven't trimmed the hedge in over a year as my neighbor had requested letting it get a bit higher for more privacy, we trimmed the hedge back and filled 2- 95 gallon yard waste bins. To give you an idea of how much there was.The Blower performed excellent to "sweep" all the errant leaves and branches into a pile, the high mode moved everything easily and low mode was perfect for swiftly creating a pile without over blowing it and making a bigger mess.The unit was powerful enough to move the decorative rocks that line the bed under the hedge back into place after they had been blown or swept out when cleaning up all the dead leaves. The batteries lasted well over 45 minutes of continued use varying between high and low, and overall they lasted the full 90 minutes it took to clean up the trimmings.I recharged them after doing the hedge and 3 hours later used the blower to blow dry my patio and deck after power washing it. That was another 60+ minutes of use and again it did a great job of pushing the water and drying the tile.I've purchase several cheaper harbor freight blowers in the past few years, they never last long, they are not very powerful and of course for $30 they are corded requiring me to drag an extension all over the yard. I finally decided to put for the money for a decent blower and stop wasting my time on the cheap garbage, I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Be Realistic about what you expect. I have bought a dozen leaf blowers for 3 properties -- my first was a Toro back pack gasoline powered blower. The engine in that blower (no longer available) was so powerful, it would move everything not tied to the earth. I could blow wet leaves, sticks, and rocks like they were nothing. It was POWER -- but heavy, expensive, and now subject to the corn in the gasoline (even with additives) which clog the gas lines frequently. I have added 2 more back pack gasoline blowers as well as gas hand blowers -- they just aren't as reliable as the older engines -- before the fuel we have today. I have 3 plug in power hand held blowers -- all of which are quite powerful. They move wet leaves, and are perfect low maintenance and high performance blowers. I use size 12 wire and wind it on a hose reel -- 200 feet of it. This battery powered MAKITA is a perfect fit for the smaller area near doors, porches, patio, and garage that need blowing every week -- yet I don't want to "set up" the power blowers. I use the smallest Makita blower in the workshop for sawdust and "sweeping" the floor. There is definitely a place for battery powered blowers, but not on a 2 acre yard with leaves.AY

It DID have a New noise warning sticker ! Arrived dirty, as if stuffed in box after job. Blower works excellent for a cordless electric. Has about 2/3 power of our gas blowers. For home, it's perfect. For Professionals, it has a niche. Flower beds with bark for example. I would buy another !

The blower is everything a battery powered blower can be. I have operated the back pack gasoline blowers, handcarried gasoline blowers and other brand name battery blowers. This is not as powerful as the gasoline blowersbut it is very powerful and fulfills my needs quite well. I use it to clean out my garage and dust that accumulates on by boiler and hot water heater. It cleans the floor free of dirt and dust. It is two speed and the lowest speed is quite adequate. I use Makita batteries 3ah. I used it every other day and sometimes daily. It cleans out the whole 2 car garage floor in less than a minute. Still using the original first charge on the batteries they are still going strong. Have had for about two months now.

Gardener likes it better than his electric. Batteries hold charge for paths and driveway on approx half acre hilly lot. The lower setting is quiet and works well enough. Higher setting more forceful and louder (but still quieter than gas). We use primarily lower setting. Lightweight. Batteries charge quickly. They hold charge each week when not in use. I store batteries in cool dark place when not in use. Was a bit pricey but double charger with two batteries a plus.APRIL 2022 & JUNE 2022 & SEPTEMBER 2022: It’s still working great - husband uses it several times a week. We recharge batteries after every use and they still charge fast, etc. Still recommend & still give it five stars!