Makita CBU04Z - 40V 696 CFM Cordless Brushless Backpack Blower
The Makita CBU04Z is a cordless backpack leaf blower delivering up to 696 CFM and 171 MPH. It is powered by Makita's ConnectX 40V backpack battery. (Read full specs)
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Description
With zero emissions, lower noise, and considerably less maintenance than gas-powered models, this Backpack Blower is a welcome solution for landscapers seeking to convert their truck or trailer to battery-powered equipment.
Zoom on the Makita CBU04Z
The Makita CBU04Z is a cordless backpack blower that is mostly aimed at homeowners with larger home grounds ranging from half-acre lawns to multi-acre estates, and professional landscapers handling large-scale landscaping jobs.
It is capable of expelling a maximum air volume of 696 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Its air speed is rated at 171 miles per hour (MPH). For the user, this translates into a blower that should move leaves effectively across lawn sections and hard surfaces, while also being capable of shifting compacted leaves or light yard debris like twigs.
This model comes with a 40V brushless motor, designed for cordless use and easy maneuvering. Makita claims that it can deliver power of a 64-cc gas backpack blower. The Makita CBU04Z is exclusively powered by a ConnectX backpack battery. When using the PDC1500 battery, which is not included with the unit, the blower can provide a whopping maximum of 120 minutes of runtime.
The Makita CBU04Z offers customizable airflow through its variable speed settings, along with integrated cruise control for convenient operation.
At 17 lbs, the blower’s backpack configuration allows longer operation by spreading weight across the body instead of concentrating it in the arms. When using a PDC1500 battery, the total weight of the blower reaches around 41 lbs. Its throttle is located on the tube, which allows to keep the left hand free. The telescopic tube enables quick and easy adjustments: shortening for tight spaces and extending as needed.
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The Makita CBU04Z's performance versus other blowers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Makita CBU04Z compare with other cordless backpack leaf blowers.
- In its category of cordless backpack blowers in the 36 to 40V range, the Makita CBU04Z delivers an average weight build at 17 lbs. Should weight be a deciding factor, the Ryobi RY40HPLB02K is worth a look at just 13.2 lbs the bare tool.
- It can push air from the nozzle at 171 MPH, which puts it ahead of its class in terms of air speed for battery-operated backpack blowers. If you wish to benefit from air expelled at the fastest possible speed, the Stihl BGA 300 and its 192 MPH could be an option to consider.
- Regarding its air volume, the Makita CBU04Z boasts an impressive airflow that can reach 696 CFM (Cubic Foot per Minute). This places it amongst the most powerful cordless backpack blowers with a comparable voltage. If air volume is important to you, the Ryobi RY40HPLB02K, with 850 CFM, could be in your good books.
- The CBU04Z's autonomy of up to 120 minutes on a full charge is typical for cordless backpack units. If autonomy is an important factor for you, the Makita CBU02Z can run for up to 240 minutes and could be worth considering.
- Because larger batteries naturally increase runtime, it can be helpful to consider runtime efficiency, a measure of how effectively a blower uses the energy available. The Makita CBU04Z shows relatively low runtime efficiency, providing fewer minutes of operation for each unit of battery power. If you are focused on getting more use per charge, the Ryobi RY40HPLB02K offers the highest runtime efficiency, at 0.23 minutes per Wh.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 36-40V cordless backpack blowers, the Makita CBU04Z is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Brushless motor
- Cruise control
- High CFM (696 CFM)
- High MPH (171 MPH)
- Decent bare tool weight (17 lbs)
- Good autonomy (120 mins)
- On the expensive side
- Low power efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Handling | Backpack |
| Air volume | Up to 696 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 171 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 25 N |
| Motor type | Brushless |
|---|---|
| Battery system | 40V ConnectX™ |
| Battery capacity | 37.5Ah (1500Wh) |
| Autonomy | 120 mins |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Battery included | 0 |
|---|---|
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Noise rating | 62 dB |
| Weight (tool only) | 17 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 197050004512 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it. For full technical details on the Makita CBU04Z, the user manual is available here (opens in a new tab).
About Makita
Founded in Nagoya, Japan by Mosaburo Makita, the Makita Corporation has been producing state of the art electrical power tools since 1915. Makita is the leader in electro engine technology, which is reflected in their products. The company has since expanded globally and currently manufactures its devices in 6 facilities across the world. Makita presents an innovative approach to power tool manufacture, which is testified by their LXT battery technology and antivibration AVT system. Their selection of over 400 products includes some of the best electrical leaf blowers on the market.
Warranty Information
The Makita CBU04Z is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the blower.
For more information about the warranty of Makita blowers, please consult Makita's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-4-MAKITA (1-800-462-5482).
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