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The Best Mowers

Research-led review · Updated June 2026

Makita DLM382 Review

By The Best Mowers · Research-led assessment from manufacturer specs and verified owner reviews

Makita cordless lawn mower on a UK lawn

Specs at a glance

Voltage36V (2x 18V LXT)
Cutting width38 cm
MotorBrushless
Grass box40 L, with fill-level indicator
Cutting heights6 settings, 20-75 mm
Coverage~500-560 m² per charge (5.0Ah packs, claimed)
Weight~17 kg
DrivePush (no self-propelled option)
MulchingYes, 2-in-1 collect or mulch

Who it is for

The DLM382 makes most sense for the large number of UK households that already own Makita LXT power tools. The body-only DLM382Z is frequently under £200 because you supply the batteries, which makes it one of the best-value cordless mowers going if the ecosystem fits. If you do not own LXT batteries, a kit version with packs and charger pushes the price up to £300 or more, at which point a Bosch UniversalRotak or Ryobi ONE+ may suit better.

How it compares

For a 38cm deck it sits between the compact Bosch CityMower 18V-32 and the wider 40cm self-propelled Ryobi RY18LMX40A. For larger or sloped lawns, step up to the EGO LM2122E-SP, which adds 56V power and a self-propelled drive. See the full ranked list on our best cordless and battery mowers guide.

What owners actually say

Recurring feedback drawn from real owner reviews and forums. Attributed to source, not our own testing.

Owners rate it highly on Amazon for being quiet, light and sturdily built, with the twin-battery setup giving a long cut. The limits are large or steep lawns and long wet grass.

  • LIKED

    "Quiet, lightweight and cuts even high grass with ease, then drops low for a clean finish." Amazon UK owner reviews

  • LIKED

    "Twin 18 V LXT batteries mean it cuts for ages, and the build is sturdy as you expect from Makita." eBay owner reviews

  • LIKED

    "The 40 L box has a fill-level indicator and pops off easily to empty." Which?

  • GRIPE

    "It can struggle on long grass, especially when wet, and is not the one for very large or steep lawns." Which? owner reviews

  • GRIPE

    "No self-propelled option, and buying the kit with batteries rather than body-only pushes the price up." Amazon UK owner reviews

Sources: Amazon UK owner reviews, Which?. Owner opinions are summarised and attributed; they reflect their authors, not The Best Mowers.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Makita DLM382 run on standard 18V LXT batteries?+
Yes. It takes two 18V LXT packs in series to make 36V, so the batteries you already own from Makita LXT drills and drivers will run it. That is the main reason to buy it: the body-only (DLM382Z) is often under £200 because you supply your own batteries.
What size lawn is the Makita DLM382 good for?+
Up to about 500 to 560 m² on a charge with 5.0Ah packs, per Makita and owner reports. The 38cm deck suits small to medium UK gardens. It is not the one for very large or steep lawns: there is no self-propelled drive.
Is the Makita DLM382 self-propelled?+
No, it is push only. At around 17kg it is manageable on flat ground, but on a slope or a big lawn a self-propelled mower like the EGO LM2122E-SP is less tiring.
Can the DLM382 handle long or wet grass?+
It copes with normal growth well and is quiet doing it, but owners report it can bog down in long, wet grass. Raise the cut height for the first pass and drop it for the second, as you would with any cordless.
Does the Makita DLM382 mulch?+
Yes, it is a 2-in-1 collect or mulch mower. The 40L grass box has a fill-level indicator and lifts off easily. Fit the mulching plug to drop fine clippings back onto the lawn instead.