Makita 80V Cordless Brush Cutter GRU05 - Pro Tool Reviews

Makita’s 80V outdoor power equipment lineup is growing with the addition of the GRU05 brush cutter. Powered by two Makita 40V batteries, this tool offers increased power for tough brush-clearing jobs. I’m taking a closer look to see how it stacks against other Makita single-battery models.

As mentioned above, the Makita GRU05 brush cutter is part of the brand’s 80V platform. Contrary to how it sounds, you won’t need to invest in a new battery platform if you already use Makita 40V tools. It gets its 80V designation from its dual-battery design, running off of two 40V batteries for increased power output.

Its brushless motor spins the 10-inch blade at up to 6400 RPM. This speed is slightly slower than that of Makita’s GRU06 (40V) model, but it makes up for it with increased power levels. Makita tells us that the GRU05 delivers the power of a 40cc gas-powered brush cutter, putting it at the top of the brand’s lineup in terms of power output.

Here’s how it compares to Makita’s other dedicated brush cutters:

Using two 4.0Ah 40V batteries, Makita estimates runtimes of up to 100 minutes. There are three speed settings to choose from, as well as a variable speed trigger to set your blade speed to the task at hand.

To wrap up the performance section, this model also employs a reverse blade function, like we saw in previous models. Reversing the rotation helps you quickly clear the blade of entangled grass and weeds with minimal interruption to your workflow.

In terms of weight, the GRU05 carries more heft than previous models. As a bare tool it weighs 14.7 pounds, and adding in the two kitted 4.0Ah batteries brings the weight to 19.1 pounds. To offset some of that weight off of your arms, this tool includes a harness that attaches to the harness hook. A bike-handle design also makes it easier to maneuver.

The GRU05 carries an IPX4 rating, making it water and dust-resistant. For added durability, it also features a steel drive shaft that helps reduce vibration levels.

Finally, you can remove the brush-cutter blade and replace it with a compatible trimmer head (sold separately). With the trimmer head, the GRU05 has a 19-inch cutting swath.

This brush cutter retails for $799 as a bare tool and $1,259 as a kit, including two 4.0Ah 40V batteries and a dual-port charger. Both models also include a brush cutter harness. Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty on the tool, batteries, and charger.

Makita 80V Max Cordless 10-Gallon Wet/Dry VacuumMakita 40V GRU06 Brush Cutter