Makita UB121DZ 12-Volt Cordless Variable-Speed Blower (battery not included)

List Price: $143.00

Features:

• Can be used as a blower or as a vacuum with dust bag attached
• Up to 5 Minutes of continuous operation from a single charge at high speed
• High performance "Makita" motor lasts up to 5 times longer
• Variable speed (0-18,000 RPM) for controlled operation
• Compact and well balanced with an ergonomic handle for easy and comfortable handling

Accessories:
Makita 192598-2 1222 12-Volt 2.0 Amp Hour NiCad Pod Style Battery	Makita DC1439 7.2-Volt to 14.4-Volt Pod Style and Stick Style 10 Minute Battery Charger	MAKITA 12V (1.3 Ah) Ni-Cd Battery (Pod Style), 1220 w/ Buttons Part No.192681-5	Makita ML123 12V Fluorescent Flashlight	Makita 193623-2 12-Volt 3.0 Amp Hour NiMH Pod Style Battery with L.E.D. Light

Customer Reviews:

Handy for certain applications [Posted on 2004-09-18]
After two weeks of use, my initial opinion is I'm reasonably satisified, but not "blown away" (sorry!) with the 12V Makita blower. I think it's a good quality tool, but the size is small, so you need to have realistic expectations.

I bought this for convenience: light clean-up around the porch and deck, and around the pool where my plug-in Toro leaf blower seemed a bit dangerous. I already had two 12 volt Makita batteries from my 6914D Impact Driver (great tool!). I'd say the 5 minute run time per battery is accurate. I can do the areas I need, including some wet leaves, on two batteries. To blow anything on the ground I end up bending over because the the body of the Makita is not much bigger than my wife's blow-dryer. With the nozzel attached it only reaches just below my knee (over 12 inches from the ground). The manual lists a straight pipe attachment which presumably addresses this - but it's not on Makita's web site. They should have included it with the blower rather than making the customer find it and pay extra. I would also point out that even though the advertised air velocity is high, the opening is only 7/8" diameter, so you are not moving that much air.

In summary, I think this blower is nicely made, and handy. My only real complaint is the failure to include a longer tube with the blower - otherwise I'd have rated it higher. I think it's quicker and more convenient than a broom and a full sized leaf blower for some applications, but it is not a substitute for either.

Update - about 1 year later: despite the shortcomings I mentioned in the review last year, this unit has proved to be very handy and it gets lots of use around the house. My wife (who has no interest in tools or complicated gizmos) uses it almost daily for cleanup around the deck and pool. The unit is working same as new. (still wish I had that straight pipe extension!)

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