Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower Review: The Cordless Workhorse for Makita Fans

There’s a unique frustration that comes with mowing the lawn. It’s not just the labour itself, but the tedious preparation. For years, my weekend ritual involved wrestling with a heavy petrol mower, the yearly struggle to get it started, and the constant cloud of fumes. Then came the switch to an electric corded model, which traded fumes for a different kind of anxiety: the constant fear of running over the power cable. Every turn around a tree or garden bed became a calculated manoeuvre to manage the cord. I knew there had to be a better way to achieve a pristine lawn without the noise, the emissions, or the tether. This is the search that leads many of us, myself included, to the world of cordless battery-powered mowers, and specifically, to a brand trusted by professionals: Makita.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rotary Mower

A Rotary Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn with relative ease. Unlike cylinder mowers that cut with a scissor-like action, rotary mowers use a single, high-speed rotating blade to slice through grass. This makes them incredibly versatile, capable of handling everything from neat, flat lawns to slightly rougher, longer grass. The main benefits are their power, efficiency, and ability to tackle varied conditions. A good rotary mower simplifies lawn care, transforming it from a chore into a satisfying task and significantly improving your home’s curb appeal.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to 600 square metres) who values convenience and a clean cut. If you’re already invested in a brand’s battery ecosystem, a cordless model like the Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower becomes an even more compelling choice. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large, sprawling estates where a petrol ride-on mower would be more efficient. Similarly, for individuals with very small patches of grass or highly sloped banks, a lighter, more nimble hover mower or a simple strimmer might be a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Cutting Width & Deck Size: The cutting width dictates how many passes you’ll need to cover your lawn. A wider deck, like the 43 cm on the Makita DLM432Z, reduces mowing time for medium-sized lawns. However, a wider mower can be less manoeuvrable in tight spaces, so consider the layout of your garden, including paths and flowerbeds.
• Power & Battery System: For cordless models, the battery system is paramount. Look at the voltage (V) for power and the amp-hours (Ah) for runtime. A 36V system, achieved by using two 18V batteries, provides ample power for tougher grass. Consider if the mower comes with batteries or if you need to purchase them separately, which can significantly impact the overall cost.
• Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of plastic or metal. Plastic decks, as found on this model, are lightweight and rust-proof, making the mower easier to push and handle. Metal decks are often more robust and can withstand more abuse, but they are heavier and susceptible to rust if not maintained.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a single-lever height adjustment, a lightweight frame, and a foldable handle for storage dramatically improve the user experience. For maintenance, cordless mowers are a dream compared to petrol engines. You only need to worry about cleaning the deck, sharpening the blade, and keeping your batteries charged.

Making the right choice will ensure your new mower is a valuable partner in your garden for years to come.

While the Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Classic Makita Build with a Few Surprises

Opening the box of the Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower was a familiar experience for anyone who has used Makita tools. The signature blue and black plastic body feels sturdy and well-moulded. At 15.8 kilograms without batteries, it felt surprisingly light and manageable right out of the box. Assembly was intended to be straightforward, involving attaching the handle and assembling the grass collection box. However, we did notice a recurring issue that other users have reported: the nuts and bolts for the handle were loose in the box. While we had all our pieces, it’s easy to see how one could go missing in transit, so a thorough check of the packaging is a must.

The single-lever height adjustment mechanism felt solid and clicked satisfyingly into each of its 13 positions. The 40-litre grass box is a decent size, and the grass level indicator is a thoughtful touch. Compared to some of its competitors which feature complex folding mechanisms, the Makita’s handle requires unscrewing two knobs to fold, which is slightly more cumbersome but feels secure once tightened. Our initial impression is of a capable, no-frills machine designed for performance, especially appealing to those who can leverage their existing Makita LXT batteries.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Makita DLM432Z to the Test

A mower’s true worth is proven on the lawn. We spent several weeks testing the Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower across different grass types, lengths, and conditions to see if its real-world performance lives up to the brand’s reputation. We focused on the core aspects that matter most: its power and battery endurance, the quality of its cut, and the overall design and build quality during prolonged use.

Power Plant and Battery Endurance: The LXT Advantage

The heart of this mower is Makita’s renowned LXT battery platform. By using two 18V batteries in series, it operates as a 36V machine, delivering a significant step-up in power compared to single 18V models. During our tests, this translated into confident performance on a well-maintained lawn. The mower didn’t bog down or struggle, powering through thicker patches with a consistent blade speed. This is where the value proposition shines for existing Makita users; if you already own a collection of 18V LXT batteries, this “body-only” unit is an incredibly cost-effective way to get a high-performance cordless mower.

Runtime is, of course, the critical question. Makita recommends this mower for lawns up to 575 square metres. We found this to be a realistic, if slightly optimistic, claim. Using two 5.0Ah batteries, we comfortably mowed a lawn of approximately 450 square metres with power to spare. This aligns with feedback from users who have tackled large gardens (one noted an 80ft x 90ft lawn) and still had battery life left. However, performance is highly conditional. On a subsequent test with longer, slightly damp grass, the battery drain was noticeably faster. The motor works harder, and the batteries deplete more quickly. Another user with 6.0Ah batteries reported only managing around 100 square metres of sparse grass, which suggests that lawn condition and cutting height play a huge role. Our takeaway is that for regular weekly mows on an average-sized lawn, a pair of 5.0Ah batteries is more than sufficient. For tackling an overgrown lawn after a holiday, you might need a second pair of batteries ready to go.

Cutting Quality and Versatility

With its 43 cm cutting width, the Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower strikes a great balance between coverage and agility. The cut quality on dry grass is excellent—clean, even, and consistent across the entire width. The 13-position height adjustment, controlled by a single large lever, is a standout feature. It offers a fantastic range from a very low cut for a bowling-green finish up to 7.62 cm for the first cut of the season. This level of control is something we truly appreciate, allowing for precise lawn management throughout the year.

The 3-in-1 functionality (cutting, collecting, and mulching) adds to its versatility, but it’s here we found a couple of caveats. The collection performance is generally good, but some users have noted that the chute can clog, preventing the 40-litre bag from filling completely. We experienced this when mowing damp grass; the clippings would clump near the blade housing instead of being thrown effectively to the back of the collection box. One user insightfully suggested the blade tips might be too close to the inner plastic casing, inhibiting airflow. While not a deal-breaker on dry lawns, it’s something to be aware of if you frequently mow in damp UK conditions. The biggest point of contention for many, including us, is the mulching plug. It is advertised as a feature, but it is not included with the mower and must be purchased separately. This feels like an oversight and has been a source of frustration for many buyers who expect all advertised functionality out of the box.

Design, Ergonomics, and the Durability Question

Weighing under 16 kg, the mower is exceptionally light and easy to push. It requires minimal effort to guide around the lawn, making it far less fatiguing than heavier petrol or even some other cordless models. The ergonomics are sound, with a comfortable handlebar and intuitive controls. However, the praise for its lightweight design is tempered by significant concerns about its long-term durability, a sentiment echoed strongly in user feedback.

The most alarming issue we’ve seen reported, and something that demands serious consideration, is the fragility of the wheel attachments. Multiple users across different countries have reported the axles or the brackets holding the wheels to the plastic chassis breaking, sometimes after only a few uses. The welds holding the wheel mounts to the axle bar have been described as mere “tack welds” that can easily fail under normal mowing stress, like turning or bumping a garden edge. One user reported a wheel bracket falling off on the second use, while another had a front axle break after hitting a fence. This appears to be the mower’s Achilles’ heel. While our test unit held up, the sheer volume of similar complaints suggests a potential design or manufacturing flaw that is not up to Makita’s usual robust standards. Furthermore, small annoyances like the handle screws vibrating loose during operation detract from the overall experience. While the core motor and battery system are excellent, the chassis and running gear feel like they were built to a lower price point.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at the broader spectrum of user experiences, a clear picture emerges. On one side, there are the “Makita fanboys,” as one happy customer described himself. For those already committed to the LXT platform, this mower is often seen as a “great bit of kit” and “worth every penny.” They praise its ease of use, light weight, and the convenience of sharing batteries with their other tools. One user was thrilled to cut a large garden and still have “3 bar left on both batteries (5ah).”

On the other side, there is a consistent and concerning chorus of complaints about build quality. The most damning feedback comes from users who have experienced catastrophic failures. One French user stated, “the wheel detached while mowing in a straight line,” and shared that the welds were “more than light.” Another German user confirmed, “the front axle is broken,” calling the part anything but robust. These are not isolated incidents. Beyond these critical failures, others express disappointment with clogging in damp grass and the frustrating discovery that the mulching plug, a key advertised feature, is an optional extra they must purchase separately.

How Does the Makita DLM432Z Compare to the Alternatives?

The Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower operates in a competitive space, but its main selling point is its cordless freedom within a professional-grade battery system. The alternatives provided are all corded, highlighting a fundamental choice for a potential buyer: cordless convenience versus the unlimited runtime of a corded model.

1. Flymo SimpliGlide 360 Hover Lawn Mower

The Flymo SimpliGlide 360 is a different beast entirely. As a hover mower, it floats on a cushion of air, making it exceptionally easy to manoeuvre in any direction, particularly on slopes or uneven terrain where a wheeled mower might struggle. Its 1800W motor is powerful, but its 36cm cutting width is significantly narrower than the Makita’s. This mower is an excellent choice for someone with a small, perhaps awkwardly shaped lawn, who prioritizes lightweight manoeuvrability above all else. However, it lacks a collection box and relies on the 10m cable, making it unsuitable for the larger lawns the Makita is designed for.

2. Flymo Hover Vac 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

The Hover Vac 270 is another corded hover mower from Flymo, but this one includes a small 15L collection box. With a 1400W motor and a narrow 27cm cutting width, this is squarely aimed at those with very small gardens or patches of lawn. It’s incredibly light and compact, making it easy to store. Someone might prefer this over the Makita if they have a tiny “postage stamp” lawn where a larger, more powerful mower would be complete overkill. The Makita is a full-scale lawn solution; the Hover Vac 270 is a compact tool for minimal grass-cutting needs.

3. BOSCH ARM 3200 Electric Lawnmower

The BOSCH ARM 3200 is perhaps the most direct corded competitor to the Makita’s philosophy. It’s a traditional rotary mower with wheels, a 31L grass box, and a 1200W motor. Its key advantage is its very low weight and compact design, featuring grass combs for cutting close to edges. A user might choose the Bosch for its affordability and proven reliability for small to medium-sized gardens if they don’t mind managing a power cord. It’s a great budget-friendly workhorse, but it lacks the power, wider cutting path, and absolute freedom of movement offered by the cordless Makita.

Final Verdict: A Great Mower with a Critical Flaw

The Makita DLM432Z Cordless Lawn Mower is a product of two halves. The powerhead—the motor, the blade, the 36V battery system—is excellent. It delivers a clean cut, runs quietly, and offers fantastic convenience for anyone already invested in the Makita LXT ecosystem. Its lightweight body makes it a joy to push around the garden, and the range of cutting heights provides superb versatility.

However, this is all let down by a chassis that feels under-engineered. The recurring, widespread reports of breaking wheel axles and attachments are too significant to ignore and represent a major gamble for any potential buyer. For this reason, we recommend the Makita DLM432Z with a strong reservation. It is best suited for “Makita fans” with smooth, flat, obstacle-free lawns who will treat it with care. If you have a rough, bumpy garden or tend to be hard on your equipment, the risk of a critical failure may be too high. If you value cordless freedom and are part of the Makita family, this mower could be a perfect fit, but it’s essential to go in with your eyes open to its potential durability issues. If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and it feels right for your garden, you can check the latest price and availability here.