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Makita GRU01M1 40V max XGT® Brushless Cordless 15" String Trimmer Kit (4.0Ah)

TLDR Review: Makita GRU01M1 String Trimmer

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 29th, 2026

Pros

•Delivers plenty of trimming power with excellent strength for thorough yard work.
•Strong battery performance offers about 40 minutes of continuous use at mid power settings.
•Shoulder strap effectively distributes weight, enhancing comfort during longer trimming sessions.
•Solid build quality; feels sturdy and welade compared to lightweight models.
•Features three power settings allowing some control over power and battery consumption.
•Counterclockwise rotation helps reduce grass throwing toward the operator depending on cutting direction.
•Lightweight and easy to handle, making maneuvering less fatiguing.
•Works well with .080 diameter string for optimal cutting performance.
•Tap feed string reel is simple but can work adequately with some users.

Cons

•Battery life is a big sticking point; lasts only about 25 minutes on full power and requires frequent recharging.
•Poweaving modes don’t significantly extend battery runtime, limiting usefulness for larger yards.
•Even with two batteries, completing expansive areas without downtime is challenging.
•Recharge time is fairly long at around 45 minutes to an hour.
•Replacement batteries are pricey, so be prepared for extra costs if buying spares or replacements.
•The supplied trimmer head is frustratingly difficult to reload and tends to not feed line properly when bumped.
•Many users report that the tap feed reel is a weak link and suggest upgrading to a better feed head like the Echo Speed Feed for hasslree operation.

Bottom Line

The Makita GRU01M1 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 15" String Trimmer Kit impresses with power, build quality, and comfort, but battery life and the supplied trimmer head drag down the experience for heavy or extended use. If you have a smaller yard or don’t mind managing battery swaps, it’s a reliable and effective trimmer. However, for larger properties or less hassle with line feeding, you might want to consider pairing it with a better feed head or exploring other brands known for longer battery life and easier string reloading.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$499.00 at The Home Depot

How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 3 retailers to give you the short version.