Makita DLM382Z or Greenworks 48V: which mower is the smarter buy?

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This category doesn’t really apply to lawn mowers, so the practical equivalent is the control layout and how easy each mower is to use. The Makita keeps things simple: lightweight, compact and uncluttered, with a no-nonsense design that suits small gardens, narrow side returns and awkward spaces. The Greenworks is more feature-rich, with self-propelled operation, a larger 55L grass bag and a broader 46cm deck, which makes the whole user experience feel more premium and less physically demanding. Winner: Greenworks, because the extra usability features matter more than minimalism for most buyers.

Performance

This is the biggest split between the two. The Makita DLM382Z uses twin 18V batteries for a 36V system and a 38cm cutting width, which is perfectly adequate for typical UK lawns around 100-250m2, especially if you cut regularly and don’t let the grass get too long. It is best on flat, tidy lawns and works well in spring and summer when growth is steady. The Greenworks uses a 2x24V system for 48V total, a wider 46cm deck and self-propelled drive, so it is better suited to larger lawns up to 480m2, thicker grass and longer mowing sessions. In real-world terms, the Greenworks is the stronger performer for speed and coverage, while the Makita is more of a nimble domestic mower. Winner: Greenworks.

Build quality and design

Makita has the edge on reputation and refinement. The DLM382Z benefits from Makita’s established LXT ecosystem, generally solid plastics, good parts support and a proven design that many users trust for long-term ownership. It is also lighter and easier to store, which is a real advantage in typical UK sheds and garages. Greenworks feels more like a value-packed feature machine: larger, heavier and designed to do more work with less effort from the operator. The self-propelled drive is a major plus on slopes or damp grass, but it also adds complexity and weight. Winner: Makita for build confidence and compactness; Greenworks for practical design features. Overall winner: Makita, narrowly, because simplicity and brand trust count for a lot in a mower.

Battery life

Battery life depends heavily on grass length, temperature and cutting height, but the package difference is clear. The Makita is sold as a bare tool, so battery life is entirely dependent on what batteries you already own; that makes it excellent value for existing Makita users, but a poor standalone deal if you need to buy batteries separately. The Greenworks includes two 4Ah batteries and a twin charger, which is a huge advantage for immediate use and reduces the chance of being stranded mid-cut. For larger lawns, the Greenworks setup is the more practical out-of-box solution and the included battery capacity is more reassuring. Winner: Greenworks.

Price and value for money

This is where the Makita makes its case. At £243.95, it is £236.04 cheaper than the Greenworks package, which is a very large saving. If you already own Makita LXT batteries and charger, the DLM382Z becomes excellent value because you’re paying only for the mower itself. However, if you need to buy batteries separately, the price advantage shrinks quickly. The Greenworks at £479.99 is expensive, but it includes two batteries, a twin charger, a larger deck, self-propelled drive and a 3-year guarantee, so the higher price is easier to justify for buyers with bigger lawns. Winner: Makita for low entry price; Greenworks for complete-package value. Overall winner: Makita if you already have batteries, Greenworks if you do not.

Game library/features

Again, for lawn mowers, the relevant comparison is feature set. The Makita is the simpler machine, with a 38cm cut and a focus on basic mowing rather than convenience extras. The Greenworks wins comfortably here because it offers self-propelled drive, a wider 46cm cut, a 55L bag, two 4Ah batteries and a twin charger. For users in the UK dealing with larger lawns, spring flush growth and occasional slightly damp conditions, those extras are not gimmicks; they reduce effort and save time. Winner: Greenworks.

Overall user experience

The Makita is the better choice if you want a lighter, simpler mower for a smaller lawn and you value the Makita battery ecosystem. It is likely to be easier to manoeuvre around tight borders, flower beds and narrow access paths, and it has the stronger reputation for durability. The Greenworks is the better all-round ownership experience for someone starting fresh, because it arrives as a complete kit and is much less tiring to use on a large lawn thanks to self-propulsion. If your garden is genuinely closer to the 480m2 end of the scale, the Greenworks will feel far less like a compromise. Winner: Greenworks.

Overall summary: the Makita DLM382Z is the smarter buy for smaller UK gardens, existing Makita owners and anyone prioritising a lower upfront cost. The Greenworks 48V package is the better mower in terms of capability, convenience and complete-kit value, especially for larger lawns. If you want the definitive answer for most buyers with no battery platform loyalty, buy the Greenworks; if you already own Makita LXT batteries and have a modest lawn, buy the Makita.