Makita GBU03ZV - 40V 152 CFM Cordless Brushless Blower Vac
The Makita GBU03ZV is a 3-in-1 cordless blower/vacuum/mulcher delivering up to 152 CFM and 487 MPH. It is powered by a 40V XGT® battery. (Read full specs)
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Description
The 40V max XGT® Blower with Vacuum Attachment (GBU03ZV) is three tools in one and converts from a vacuum/mulcher to a blower with 16N (487 CFM, 152 MPH) of power for convenient clean-ups.
Zoom on the Makita GBU03ZV
With its cordless handheld design, the Makita GBU03ZV is a good match for homeowners with residential properties where lawns or gardens fall between a quarter and half an acre.
It provides a maximum air volume rating of 152 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and an air speed of up to 487 miles per hour (MPH). Practically, this means the blower offers modest airflow but strong speed, making it effective for focused clearing on small yard areas, patios, or garden paths.
With a 40V brushless motor, the GBU03ZV operates as a fully cordless unit, giving freedom to move around your yard. Makita claims that it can deliver power of a 28-cc gas blower. This version is a bare tool, so batteries are not included. Its operation needs a 40V XGT® battery.
With its variable speed settings, the Makita GBU03ZV allows you to precisely control its air output. In addition, the blower is also equipped with cruise control, with which the user can easily maintain the selected settings.
With a weight of 10.6 lbs, this handheld unit enables one-handed use in tighter areas. When using a BL4040F battery, the total weight of the blower reaches around 12.9 lbs.
With its versatile design, the GBU03ZV can transition from blower to vacuum, letting you tidy up leaves efficiently (13 gallon bag included). In addition to sucking up leaves, the unit’s mulching ratio of 10:1 can compress 10 bags of foliage into just one bag of mulch while vacuuming. The unit uses a plastic impeller.
The Makita GBU03ZV carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it’s protected from splashes of water, useful when working in damp grass or light drizzle.
The Makita GBU03ZV's performance versus other blowers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Makita GBU03ZV compare with handheld leaf blowers of similar voltage (between 36 and 48V).
- As far as cordless handheld blowers in the 36 to 48V range go, the Makita GBU03ZV tips the scales on the heavier side at 10.6 lbs. To enjoy the lowest possible weight in this category, you could have a look at the Black+Decker LSW40C which is only 2.4 lbs the bare tool.
- Forced air exiting this blower has been clocked at a max speed of 487 MPH. This places the GBU03ZV at the forefront in terms of air speed among battery-operated handheld blowers between 36 and 48V.
- Its max air volume rating (152 cubic feet per minute) means it is really not the biggest air producer of cordless handheld blowers with a comparable voltage. For the highest air volume, you may want to have a look at the Ryobi RY40HPLB01K, which boasts with 800 CFM.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 36-48V cordless blowers, the Makita GBU03ZV 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.
XGT® Battery Technology
Makita's XGT® battery technology was created with high-demand applications in mind.
Thanks to microchips embedded in both the blower and its battery, the system enables real-time digital communication, which allows to actively monitor heat, overload, and over-discharge.
Featuring a waterproof triple-layer structure and a terminal short-circuit prevention structure, XGT® batteries were designed to be highly durable. In addition, they are water and dust-resistant to give you peace of mind in jobsite conditions.
The bottom line
- Leaf collection bag included
- Brushless motor
- Cruise control
- High MPH (487 MPH)
- On the expensive side
- Plastic impeller
- High bare tool weight (10.6 lbs)
- Low CFM (152 CFM)
Features and Specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Handling | Handheld |
| Air volume | Up to 152 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 487 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 16 N |
| Motor type | Brushless |
|---|---|
| Battery system | 40V XGT® |
| Autonomy | — |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Battery included | 0 |
|---|---|
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Vacuum | Yes |
| Mulcher | Yes, plastic impeller |
| Mulching ratio | 10:1 |
| IPX rating | IPX4 |
| Weight (tool only) | 10.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 197050018908 |
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 GBU03ZV, 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 GBU03ZV 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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