Makita GBU04Z - 40V 675 CFM Cordless Brushless Backpack Blower
The Makita GBU04Z is a cordless backpack leaf blower delivering up to 675 CFM and 215 MPH. It is powered by 40V XGT® batteries. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Makita GBU04Z
The Makita GBU04Z
The Makita GBU04Z is a cordless backpack blower that is suited for homeowners with homes with expansive outdoor areas (the kind that is more measured in acres than square feet), and landscaping professionals providing regular landscaping work.
It features a maximum air speed of 215 MPH and a maximum air volume rating of 675 cubic feet per minute (CFM). In practice, it should move both scattered leaves and larger piles across yard areas, while also clearing heavier debris such as acorns, pine cones, or pine needles on patios or driveways.
A 40V brushless motor powers the GBU04Z, which operates fully cordless for versatile handling. Makita claims that it can deliver power of a 65-cc gas backpack blower. This is a bare tool configuration, which means it is supplied without batteries. I runs on one or two 40V XGT® batteries, with two extending the available runtime.
With its variable speed settings, the Makita GBU04Z 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.
This cordless backpack blower weighs 11 lbs and distributes that weight across the shoulders and back for extended use with less strain on the arms. When using a BL4080H battery, the total weight of the blower reaches around 15.2 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.
The Makita GBU04Z carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it’s protected from splashes of water, useful when working in damp grass or light drizzle.
Control Handle
The Control Handle
The control handle provides convenient access to the blower’s operating modes, battery status, cruise control and protection alerts:
- Battery Gauge: Displays the remaining charge of the installed battery or batteries. The indicator flashes when battery power is running low and turns red if the battery is nearly depleted or overheated.
- Power Button: Turns the blower on and off. When the machine is switched on, the mode indicators illuminate in green.
- Two Operating Modes: The mode button switches between mode 1 for lower airflow and mode 2 for higher airflow, allowing the output range to be matched to the task.
- Cruise Control: Maintains the selected blower speed without requiring continuous pressure on the trigger. A green indicator illuminates while cruise control is active.
- Protection Alerts: The display warns of overload, overheating and excessive battery discharge. Depending on the condition, the alert or battery lamp turns red and the blower may stop automatically to protect its components.
The Makita GBU04Z's performance versus other blowers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Makita GBU04Z compare with other cordless backpack leaf blowers.
- At 11 lbs the Makita GBU04Z has the lightest weight in the cordless backpack blowers in the 36 to 40V range.
- Upon exiting the nozzle, the air can reach speeds of up to 215 MPH, which is incredibly impressive for a battery-operated backpack blower.
- The GBU04Z is average in terms of air volume. It's rated at 675 CFM, which is common for cordless backpack blowers with a comparable voltage. If air volume is important to you, the Husqvarna 570iBT, with 872 CFM, could be in your good books.
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
- Brushless motor
- Cruise control
- Light bare tool weight (11 lbs)
- High MPH (215 MPH)
- Decent CFM (675 CFM)
The Makita GBU04Z doesn't have any notably low specs.
Do you own the Makita GBU04Z and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
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Features and Specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Handling | Backpack |
| Air volume | Up to 675 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 215 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 32 N |
| Motor type | Brushless |
|---|---|
| Battery system | 40V XGT® |
| Autonomy | — |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Battery included | 0 |
|---|---|
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Noise rating | 60 dB |
| IPX rating | IPX4 |
| Weight (tool only) | 11 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 197050020048 |
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 GBU04Z, 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 GBU04Z 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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