Makita DLM330Z or Greenworks 40V: which mower is the smarter buy?

Display

If by display you mean the user-facing control and feedback experience, the Greenworks has the edge simply because it comes as a more complete package: two batteries, charger, and a 50L grass bag make the ownership experience clearer and more immediate. The Makita is a bare unit, so there is less out-of-box guidance in practical terms because you must supply compatible batteries and charger yourself. Winner: Greenworks, because the included kit reduces friction and makes the mower feel more complete on day one.

Performance

On paper, these mowers are aimed at different lawn sizes. The Makita DLM330Z has a 33cm cutting width, which suits smaller UK lawns, narrow side returns, and tight gardens with lots of edging, but it will take longer to cover ground. The Greenworks has a 41cm cutting width and is rated for lawns up to 500m², so it is the stronger performer for medium gardens and will generally complete the job faster with fewer passes. For spring and early summer growth, that wider deck is a real advantage if you have a typical suburban lawn rather than a postage-stamp patch. Winner: Greenworks, because the wider cut and higher stated lawn capacity give it the better real-world mowing performance.

Build quality and design

Makita has the stronger reputation for robust build quality, and the DLM330Z fits that image well. It is a compact, lightweight-style mower that should be easier to store in a shed, carry through narrow gates, and manoeuvre around beds, borders, and awkward corners. Greenworks offers a more substantial mower with a larger deck and 50L collector, which is practical, but it is also less compact and less likely to feel as refined in tight spaces. If you value a tidy, durable-feeling machine and already know Makita’s tools, the Makita is the more premium-feeling design. Winner: Makita, for build confidence, compactness, and easier handling in smaller UK gardens.

Battery life

This is the biggest dividing line. The Greenworks includes two 40V 2Ah batteries and a charger, so you can start mowing immediately and have a sensible amount of runtime for a medium lawn. The Makita DLM330Z includes no batteries or charger, so battery life depends entirely on what you already own, and if you do not already have LXT packs, the true cost rises sharply once you buy them. In practical terms, the Greenworks is the safer choice for buyers who want predictable runtime and no extra purchases. Winner: Greenworks, because the included battery kit makes runtime a known quantity and avoids hidden costs.

Price and value for money

At £149.95, the Makita is £190.04 cheaper than the Greenworks, which is a huge gap. However, that headline price is only part of the story: the Makita is a bare tool, so the real cost can quickly overtake the Greenworks if you need to buy batteries and a charger separately. If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries, the value proposition becomes excellent, especially given the 4.7/5 rating from 1,174 reviews. If you are starting from scratch, the Greenworks package is better value despite the higher upfront price because it includes everything needed to mow. Winner: Tie, but with a clear split by ownership status: Makita for existing LXT users, Greenworks for first-time cordless buyers.

Game library/features

For a lawnmower, the equivalent of “library/features” is the ecosystem and feature set. Makita’s big advantage is the LXT platform: if you already own drills, strimmers, hedge trimmers, or blowers on 18V LXT, you can share batteries across tools, which is a major long-term saving. Greenworks counters with a simple all-in-one bundle, a 3-year guarantee, a 50L bag, and enough battery capacity to get started immediately. The Makita ecosystem is stronger for multi-tool households; Greenworks is stronger for convenience and warranty reassurance. Winner: Makita, because the broader LXT battery ecosystem is more valuable over time for most serious gardeners.

Overall user experience

For a small UK lawn and a buyer who already has Makita batteries, the DLM330Z is the smarter, more economical choice. It is cheaper, highly rated, and likely easier to live with if storage space is tight and the garden is modest in size. For anyone with a lawn approaching 300-500m², or anyone who wants a complete cordless setup with no extra buying, the Greenworks is the easier and more capable package. The Greenworks will feel more turnkey, while the Makita will feel more cost-effective and platform-friendly.

Overall summary: choose Makita if you already own 18V LXT batteries and want a compact, well-reviewed mower for a smaller garden. Choose Greenworks if you want a ready-to-use mower with better cutting width, included batteries, and stronger out-of-box convenience for a medium lawn. For most first-time buyers, Greenworks is the better all-round purchase; for existing Makita users, the Makita is the better value.