Makita vs Honda Lawn Mowers: Which One is Better?
Both Makita and Honda brands manufacture durable and efficient mowers that can ensure optimal mowing results on lawns.
But which one is better? Keep reading as we make a comparison of Makita vs Honda lawn mowers so you can decide on the one that is best suited for your mowing needs.
Makita Brand Overview
Makita is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools. Founded in 1915, it has its headquarters in Anjo, Japan.
They began as a company that sold and repaired electric motors before they started manufacturing tools in 1958.
They offer many products such as cordless screwdrivers, gardening equipment, chainsaws, and power generators.
Furthermore, they produce accessories for their tools like batteries and chargers for their cordless tools, blades and tables for their sawing tools.
Makita has factories in the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Mexico, Germany, China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Romania and Thailand.
Honda Brand Overview
Honda was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. The company is one of the biggest and popular automotive brands in the world.
They manufacture a wide variety of lawn care products such as lawn mowers, brush cutters, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers alongside motorcycles, pumps and generators.
Honda produces HRN residential series, HRX residential mowers, HRC commercial walk-behind mowers, and HRS discharge model series.
Honda mowers have solid cutting power, an easy starting system, and a high power out. They are more expensive than several mowers out there.
Key Differences Between Makita and Honda Lawn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Makita mowers have a wider range of deck sizes (14-21) while Honda mowers have a better warranty service (5 years).
Best Makita Lawn Mowers
1. Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion 21 in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, XML08PT1
The self-propelled mower is equipped with an Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) to provide resistance to dust and water.
Its Star Protection Computer Controls offer protection against overheating, over-discharging and overloading.
It is equipped with a 21-inch steel deck to ensure efficient mowing on lawns.
The battery mower can mow up to 2/3 acre in 60 minutes or less with four 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries.
It comes with a rubberized soft grip handlebar to provide maximum user comfort while mowing.
2. Makita XML07PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 21” Lawn Mower
The battery mower comes with an IPX4 weather-resistant construction for durability and long life.
Its 21-inch commercial steel deck enhances superb grass-cutting performance on small and medium-sized yards.
It has 10 cutting heights that range from 1-1/4- 4 inches for excellent cut quality.
The BL brushless motor delivers 2,800 RPM for fast cutting on lawns.
The XML07PT1 model runs on two 18V LXT batteries for extended runtime. It has side discharge, mulching, and bagging capabilities.
Some users liked the mower for its maneuverability and easy assembly.
3. Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Self-Propelled Mower, XML08Z
The Makita XML08Z is designed with a Makita-built motor to help provide up to 2800 rpm for fast cutting on lawns.
The mowing machine ensures lower noise, zero emissions, and reduced maintenance.
It runs on two 18-volt LXT batteries for continuous operation. Its 4-bay battery system provides twice the runtime.
It comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on small and medium-sized yards.
Its 10 cutting heights can be adjusted from 1-1/4-4 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal grass height.
The self-propelled lawn mower comes with a rubberized soft grip handlebar to ensure maximum comfort while mowing. It is ideal for side discharge, mulching and bagging purposes.
4. Makita XML06PT1 36V LXT Brushless 18” Cordless Lawn Mower
The self-propelled mower has a lightweight design which makes it easy to maneuver on lawns.
It features Star Protection Computer Controls to offer protection against over-discharging, overloading and overheating.
The battery-powered mower comes with a rubberized soft grip handlebar for maximum comfort. Its 18-inch cutting deck enhances efficient mowing operation on lawns.
The mowing machine has 10 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-1/4- 4 inches. It has IPX4 weather construction for durability and long life.
The XML06PT1 model can side discharge, mulch or bag grass clippings.
Other features include extreme protection technology, an 18V dual port rapid optimum charger and a 1.7-bushel grass catcher bag.
5. Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 18” Mower, XML03Z
The cordless lawn mower comes with a BL brushless motor that offers up to 3,300 RPM for an efficient and fast cutting on lawns.
It features a foldable handle design for easy transportation and compact storage.
The rubberized soft grip handlebar enhances ultimate user comfort while the extreme protection technology (XPT) is designed to provide resistance to dust and water in harsh job site conditions.
Its Star Protection Computer Controls offer protection against overheating, overloading and over-discharging.
The XML03Z model has a weather-resistant construction (ipx4) for durability and extended life.
It has an 18-inch cutting deck that enhances excellent cut quality on yards that are up to 1/3 acre.
Its four 18-volt LXT batteries can handle over 0.5 acres in 53 minutes or less.
Best Honda Lawn Mowers
1. Honda 662300 21 in. GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow System Walk-Behind Mower
The Honda 662300 walk-behind mower runs on a Honda GCV200 engine that can deliver powerful mowing on lawns.
Its variable speed select drive makes it easy to move around the yard with minimal effort.
The twin MicroCut System uses four cutting surfaces that can result in ultra-fine clippings for superior mulching and more clippings per bag.
It comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on lawns.
The walk-behind mower has seven cutting heights that can be adjusted from ¾-inch to 4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
2. Honda 664100 GCV200 Versamow System 4-in-1 21 in. Walk-Behind Mower
The Honda 664100 is suitable for tackling tough mowing jobs. The 21-inch cutting deck is made of NeXite material to resist corrosion, rust and dents.
Its auto choke system enhances easy starting while the 3-position quick-release adjustable handle enhances comfortable mowing operations.
You can also fold the handle for compact storage. The gas-powered mower can mulch, bag, discharge and leaf shred via the 4-in-1 option.
The twin MicroCut System uses four cutting surfaces to provide ultimate cut quality and smaller clippings for better mulching and bagging.
3. Honda 664060 GCV170 Engine Smart Drive Self-Propelled Mower
The self-propelled mowing machine is powered by a Honda GCV170 engine for a reliable and easy start.
It also provides adequate power to tackle the toughest mowing conditions.
The Honda 664060 has a lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver on lawns. In addition, it is easy to assemble.
The gas-powered mower can be easily adjusted to seven cutting heights to enable you to cut the grass to the desired grass height.
Its twin-blade design provides fine cuts and small clippings.
4. Honda HRN216VYA Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The Honda HRN216VYA model runs on a Honda GCV170 engine that can deliver power and torque in tough mowing conditions.
It comes with a Roto-Stop blade system to stop the blades without stopping the mower engine.
The 2-Way Ratchet System enhances improved maneuverability in tight areas.
It features ergonomic handles for comfortable mowing operations. The MicroCut twin blades provide better cut quality and smaller clippings for mulching and bagging.
The self-propelled lawn mower is equipped with a 21-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on small and mid-sized yards.
Its cutting options can be adjusted from 0.75-3.5 inches to suit your varying needs.
The auto-choke feature enhances an easy start. It can discharge, mulch or bag via the 3-in-1 option.
Other features 8-inch-high traction wheels, a 1.9-bushel grass bag and a manual fuel shut-off valve.
5. Honda HRC216HXA 21” Commercial Rear Bagger Lawn Mower
The Honda HRC216HXA is a durable and efficient mowing machine suitable for small and mid-sized lawns.
It comes with a Roto-stop blade system to help stop the blades without stopping the engine.
The gas mower runs on a GXV160 OHV 4-stroke engine for a powerful mowing operation.
Its MicroCut twin blades enhance superior mulching and bagging performance.
The durable and rugged 21-enhance enhances excellent grass-cutting performance on lawns.
It has 8 cutting positions that can be adjusted from ¾- 4 inches to enable you to cut the grass to the desired grass height.
Its front bumper offers protection to the deck while the sealed ball bearings in all four wheels enhance a smoother ride and better maneuverability.
Makita vs Honda Lawn Mowers: Head to Head Comparison
Here is a well-detailed comparison of the two lawn mower brands:
Design
Some Makita mowing machines such as Makita XML06PT1 and XML03PT1 models have Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) to resist dust and water.
The Star Protection Computer Controls offer protection against overheating, over-discharging, and overloading.
The quiet mode setting minimizes noise while its rubberized soft-grip handlebar enhances comfortable mowing operations.
Other features include BL brushless motor, a 4-bay battery system and foldable handles.
On the other hand, Honda mowers have a MicroCut twin-blade system to provide ultimate cut quality and smaller clippings for better mulching and bagging.
They have a 3 or 4-position quick-release handle which can be adjusted for comfort or folded for compact storage.
Some Honda models such as Honda 664100 and 663040 models have an auto-choke system for easy and reliable starting.
Other features include a Roto-stop blade system, large ball-bearing wheels and a SelectDrive control.
Power
Makita mowers are also battery-powered. Some Makita models such as XML03PT1 and XML08PT1 mowers are powered by two 18V LXT batteries.
There is an option to insert two extra batteries for a longer run time.
For Makita XML03PT1, the four batteries can cut up to ½ acre in 53 minutes or less while XML08PT1’s 5.0Ah batteries can cut up to 2/3 acre in 60 minutes or less.
Most Honda gas-powered lawn mowers run on four-stroke GXV/GCV engines.
It is also important to note that the Honda Miimo robot mower and the Honda izy-ON models are battery-powered.
Cutting Performance
The deck sizes of Makita mowers range from 14-21 inches while most Honda lawn mowers come with a 21-inch cutting deck.
This means that Makita mowers have a wider range of cutting decks.
Makita mowers such as XML07 and XML08 models have 10 cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1-1/4-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Most Makita mowers have brushless motors that can deliver up to 2,800-3,300 rpm for fast cutting on lawns.
Honda HRR models have cutting positions that range from 1.125-4 inches.
The cutting heights of HRC and HRX series range from 0.5-4 inches while that of HRS models are between 1-3.5 inches
Both mowing machines can rear/side discharge, bag or mulch grass clippings via the 3-in-1 option.
Warranty
Makita lawn mowers come with a 3-year warranty service while Honda mowers have a better warranty package of 5 years.
Fuel Capacity
Most Honda gas-powered mowers have a 0.98-quart fuel tank capacity. On the other hand, Makita lawn mowers do not use gas.
Ease of Use
Makita lawn mowers are easy to use and assemble.
Most Makita mowing machines also have a lightweight design, making them easy to maneuver on lawns.
Some Honda mower models come with an auto choke system for easy starting.
Honda’s handle can be easily adjusted to three or four positions to ensure maximum comfort or compact storage.
Some Honda series have a cruise control hydrostatic transmission that will allow you to set and change the speed with ease.
Cost
The cost of Makita mowers ranges from $300-$2000 while that of Honda mowers are between $469-$1,489.
Battery Quality
Makita 18V X2 LXT (36V) mowing machines make use of two 18V lithium-ion batteries to ensure optimal cordless performance without the hassles of gasoline.
Their batteries can provide up to 30 to over 60 minutes of runtime.
On the other hand, the Honda Miimo robotic lawn mower runs on a lithium-ion battery which is cost-effective to use.
Furthermore, the izy-ON HRG416XB model is powered by a 4Ah, 6Ah or 9Ah lithium-ion battery.
These lithium-ion batteries make use of innovative thermo-start technology to monitor the thermal performance and voltage of every cell.
The battery is IP56 rated and provides you with a longer runtime.
Maintenance
Makita lawn mowers are easy to maintain.
They do not require gas, oil, or tune-ups. Apart from cleaning the mower, you may also need to maintain the mower by replacing the blades and battery when necessary.
You can also check the nuts, bolts, knobs, screws, and fasteners of Makita mowers for tightness and inspect moving parts for damage, breakage, and wear.
Apart from Honda battery-powered mowers, Honda gas mowers require regular maintenance.
It is important to check the oil level, grease mower blades, check air filters, replace spark plugs and change the oil when necessary.
Pros and Cons
Makita Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Makita mowers can mow around flower beds, borders and tight corners.
- Several Makita mower models are equipped with a foldable handle design for compact storage.
- They are lightweight, making them easy to maneuver on lawns.
Cons
- Some models do not have rear rollers for a striped effect on mow paths.
- They may struggle on damp grass.
Honda Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Honda mowers provide adequate power to complete your mowing task.
- They are easy to use.
- Honda mowing machines are reliable and durable.
Cons
- They are a bit pricey.
- DIY repairs are a bit difficult.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Although both lawn mowers can work well on small and mid-sized yards, we recommend Honda lawn mowers over Makita mowers because they have more power output and better warranty service.