Makita DUB186Z 18V Cordless Leaf Blower - Tool Review

Words and pictures by Grant Spolander.

I was initially sceptical about the Makita DUB186Z’s claim to be a leaf blower. It looked too small for that application. However, I’d convinced myself that the inconvenience of my bulky corded blower was why I wasn't clearing my driveway more often.

In the end, DUB186Z was on special, and because I already own the Makita batteries, the price was too good to refuse. I also figured that if the blower wasn't good enough at clearing leaves, I could just buy the shorter nozzle attachment and use it as a countertop blower in the garage.

As it turned out, the Makita blew me away (excuse the pun) with its performance.

Of course, the DUB186Z doesn’t generate enough air volume to conveniently move a massive pile of leaves – or push them through tall grass – but it is perfect for clearing gutters, driveways, porches, decks, garage floors, and pathways.

At just 1.6 kg, this cordless Makita blower can be used for long periods without getting tired.

What the DUB186Z lacks in outright leaf-blowing performance, it makes up in versatility – which you won't get from a dedicated leaf blower like the Makita DUB184. Incidentally, the DUB186 produces 3.2 m³/min of air while the 184 produces 13 m³/min.

However, the DUB186Z also allows you to clean up sawdust, flux, iron filings, grinder residue, and drill shavings from your workshop floor. I've also used the unit to blow dust from my 4WDs cabin, clean blinds in the house, clear sand out of a tent after a weekend's camping, and blow my garden shed clean.

Oh, and if you're battling to start a fire because the wood's wet, just use the DUB186Z and watch the fire go from smouldering smoke to a metal-melting blast furnace. 

Variable Speed

Much of the DUB186Z’s versatility comes from its convenient size and super sensitive speed control. Although the unit features 3-speed settings – which limit how far the trigger can be depressed – I generally keep the blower on the fastest No3 setting and manually adjust the trigger depth.

The speed control selector is conveniently located within easy reach of your thumb, and is positioned on both sides of the tool for ambidextrous use.

Thanks to its accurate speed control and narrow nozzle opening, the accuracy at which you can move debris is something to behold. It becomes a challenge at how neatly you can "herd" leaves into the smallest pile possible before picking them up.

The DUB186Z is the "sheepdog" of leaf blowers.

Recommended Battery Size

I’ve used a 3Ah battery as well as a 6Ah battery with the DUB186Z. While a 3Ah battery offers more than enough battery power for most once-off tasks (such as blowing your garage clean) it won’t be sufficient if you’re performing more than one job: clearing a porch as well as cleaning your driveway. For that, you’re going to need a 6Ah battery. Ideally, two 6Ah batteries if you’re going to work outside your property, too.

Size & Weight

Roughly the same size as a soccer ball, the DUB186Z takes up very little shelf/cupboard space, and because it doesn't weigh much (1.6 kg), your kids can use it for extended periods, too. And that’s a big perk.

Without the battery and nozzle attached, the DUB186 is no bigger than a small turbocharger.

Ease and Use

As mentioned above, your kids will have no excuses when it comes to doing their "sweeping" chores. In our house, my kids fight over who gets to use the blower. Yep, leaf blowers are fun and strangely rewarding to use.

There's just one thing to watch for: The inlet port.

LHS Suction Port

Because the inlet port is positioned on the left-hand side, the blower often gets stuck against your clothing if you're right-handed. There's a safety grid stopping anything from entering the tool, but if you give the blower to your kids, you may want to let them know that if the tool does suck up against their clothing, they need to stop blowing before the motor burns out. Kids aren't the most mechanically sympathetic tool users. 

The DUB186 leaf blower can reach all those places you can’t get to with a broom.

MAKITA DUB186 Versus DUB185

Makita’s cordless compact blower is also available as a counter-top blower. The product code for that model is DUB185Z. The only difference between the two models is that the 186 features an elongated nozzle for floor applications, while the 185 sports a short nozzle for counter tops.

Regardless of which model you buy, it’s worth ordering the alternative attachment – long or short.

Personally, regardless of which model you opt for, I would order the alternative nozzle anyway. The long nozzle’s product code is 191G09-6, while the short nozzle is 123245-4.

As mentioned before, the DUB186Z’s versatility is its number one strength, and having more than one nozzle option goes a long way to compliment this feature.

What’s more, both models can be equipped with an optional vacuum bag. If you remove the blower nozzle and insert it into the suction port, the tool doubles as a vacuum cleaner.

Admittedly, however, although the DUB186Z and DUB185Z can both be used to vacuum things up, this feature is primarily intended for light dust and small particles – like cleaning a keyboard. You wouldn’t use the DUB186Z to suck up leaves etc.

Nonetheless, the option to use the DUB186Z as a countertop blower and vacuum cleaner highlights the tool’s excellent versatility.

All in all, the Makita DUB186Z is a brilliant tool and I highly recommend it, especially if you live on a small property (without too many trees), and/or like a clean garage.

Click here to view the DUB186Z’s price, stock availability, or to order the tool online and have it delivered.