Makita has add several new 18V brushless stick vacs to their lineup of cordless vacuums and dust extractors.
While we’re on the subject, we updated our post on the new Makita 18V X2 4-gallon HEPA vacs, to include the XCV13Z, a corded/cordless model. (Thank you to John for the heads-up!)
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At the time of this posting, their appears to be 3 new stick vacs available in 8 different SKUs. It’s possible more will be added to the list, it’s not certain; Makita USA has only been announcing their new tools through “instas posts” and “tweets,” instead of press releases.
The vac shown above is the XLC04ZBX4, featuring a 3-speed power selection switch and bagless cloth filtration system. It can run for up to 33 minutes on low with a 2.0Ah battery.
XLC04
As a reminder, you can separate the cordless vac and use the handheld unit by itself or with the attachment nozzles.
- 3-speed suction power selection
- Up to 53 CFM
- 1.6 pint dust collection capacity
- 40″ overall length
- Weighs 2.7 lbs with battery
- Bagless cloth vacuum filter
Bare Tool: XLC04ZBX4
Kit (with 2.0Ah battery and charger): XLC04R1BX4
XLC05
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Available in white, the XLC05 is configured a little differently, with a canister that accepts Makita disposable paper or cloth dust bags. The specs are largely the same as for the XLC04 vacs, but the dust collection capacity is reduced.
- 3-speed suction power selection
- Up to 53 CFM
- 1 pint dust collection capacity
- 40″ overall length
- Weighs 2.8 lbs
- Disposable paper or cloth dust bags
Bare Tool: XLC05ZWX4
Kit (with 2.0Ah battery and charger): XLC05R1WX4
XLC03
The XLC03 is slightly less powerful than the XLC04 and XLC05 vacs, and only has a single speed and lower runtime. It’s available in 4 SKUs.
In the product image, note the trigger switch. Where the other two vacs have suction power and on/off buttons on the top, this one has a slide switch for alternate on/off control.
- 49 CFM suction power
- Trigger or slide switch operating modes
- Runtime of up to 13 minutes with a 2.0Ah battery
- 1.6 pint dust collection capacity
- 40″ overall length
- Weighs 2.7 lbs with battery
- Bagless cloth vacuum filter
Bare Tool: XLC03ZBX4, XLC03ZWX4 (white)
Kit (with 2.0Ah battery and charger): XLC03R1BX4, XLC03R1WX4 (white)
Compared to XLC02
The XLC02 is most closely related to the XLC03, as it’s also a single-speed vac. It’s largely the same, but with suction power of up to 46 CFM and with a 1.3 pint capacity. Makita says its runtime is up to 15 minutes with a 2.0Ah battery.
Buy Now(XLC02R1B Kit via Tool Nut) – $99 as of the time of this posting
Buy Now(XLC02R1B Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(XLC02R1W Kit via Amazon) – white version
Compared to XLC01
The XLC01 is a single-speed dust bag vac that appears to be closely related to the XLC05. It can run for up to 60 minutes with a 5.0Ah battery (not included) and delivers 35 CFM of suction power.
Buy Now(XLC01ZB bare tool via Amazon)
Discussion
With Makita USA “announcing” their new tools via social media these days instead of traditional press releases, we’ve got to play the “let’s guess the differences” game. Okay, so looking at two previous models, it seems that the new Makita cordless stick vacs have a couple of new things going for them.
First, they feature brushless motors. As you might know, brushless motors are more efficient than brushed motors, and typically allow for more power, smaller size, longer runtime, or a combination of benefits.
These new Makita brushless stick vacuums have higher suction power ratings. Two models have adjustable suction power with low, medium, and high settings.
You have the choice between bagless cloth filter canister vacuums, or vacuums that accept Makita dust bags. With the canister vacs, it looks like the holding capacity is a little more than before – 1.6 pints compared to 1.3. That might not seem like much, but going by these numbers it’s a roughly 23% increase.
Unfortunately, there’s no word on pricing yet.
From what we can tell so far, these vacs are significant upgrades over previous versions. The XLC04 vacs especially look compelling. More power, adjustable suction power settings, and a larger dust canister volume that means less occasional emptying? Sounds good – what’s not to like?
See Also
As a reminder, Makita has recently come out with a cyclonic vacuum attachment for these types of vacs.
Lance
Where’s the bundle with the cyclonic separator, Makita? And why do these have to look nearly indistinguishable from the current, and very old, models?
Steve
Man, that cyclonic unit might be nice. Now if only Milwaukee would make a stick vac…the backpack is nice but not exactly handy. I love the 18v toolbox style, but it’s not suited for cleaning floors.
Tim E.
The M18 teapot vac (0882) does have pipes and a floor nozzle, it’s probably closest to a stick vac. I actually find it more useful because it will sit nicely on a surface and has a hose as well.
Tim E.
It looks like these have a latch and redone front portion where the tube inserts, hopefully that helps with the stress on that joint and reduces failure there. I haven’t had an issue on mine, but I don’t take the pipe off that much (or the cyclone now that it’s there – and awesome btw). Have heard a few too many stories of that point breaking than would be coincidence though.
I wish they made an adapter so I could use my regular 1 1/4” accessories with it, instead of the makita specific ones because of the reverse couplings. Guess it’s nothing a bit of PVC couldn’t fix if I bothered.
Kizzle
It’s nice to have a bagged version. Bagless vacs always lose suction immediately since all of the dust goes straight to the filter. The bag is essentially a filter, but adds more surface area before losing efficiency.
MattF
Makita seems very intent of coming out with an incredibly confusing number of sku’s for anything vacuum related (AWS grr..).
Vacs pretty nice. 53cfm will get some decent pickup from a small nozzle.
Tim D.
All the tool companies are kind of bad with model numbers and skus, but out of the big box store brands, Makita is the clear winner in the war on common sense naming schemes.
fred
A bit off topic – but I got an email from MaxTool that they are offering 20% off on Makita 12V tools – using code MAK20
https://www.maxtool.com/collections/
Terence
I have the earliest version of this vac, and it’s a game changer. It’s incredibly light and easy to use, I run it through the kitchen (where it’s mount was installed) and living room daily, takes about 5 minutes and I get the dust and dog hair.
Our previous vacuum was a $400 Dyson that weighed at least 15 pounds and had to be lugged around with expensive bags and cords. The Makita gets into smaller places and has equal power – and no bags!
I won’t be upgrading, but I had to share my appreciation for these lightweight vacs.
Rory
YAWN….
More semi-useful vacs from Makita… they really need to use the R&D on tools people want and they don’t already have..
Stuart
Given that Makita has several stick vacs already, they have sales and demand history to base their development decisions on. In other words, you might think these are tools don’t want, but their sales insights likely suggest otherwise. I wouldn’t have thought there’s a need for 3 different models and 8 bare tool, kit, and color scheme SKUs though, but they know better.
Todd
I have an older Makita stick vac and it is one of the most useful vacuums I own. I’ll definitely be picking one of the new brushless vacs. The variable speed and increased suction and capacity are a welcomed improvement.
Robert Adkins
I love the looks of the Makitas. Just what I need for my shop floor; I use a small Shop Vac for cleaning off my drill press and vise areas. But,,, I’m fully invested in the DeWalt battery system, so it’s a no-go. DeWalt’s vacs are pretty dumb IMHO, so I’ll wait.
KenZ
Cripes, I JUST bought the prior version (to replace the first version which finally died after several years). The cyclonic is key too; works well.
What I would REALLY like is a better/any package of cleaning accessories to help with cars and crevices and the like. The few attachments they offer are not really sufficient IMO.
Tim E.
Looks like these are widely available now. Toolnut pricing is 179 bare / 289 2Ah kit for the xlc03, and 189/299 for the XLC04 and 05.
Seem to be charging a little bit of a premium for these, considering the 57CFM 2 gal brushless vac is ~$165. Add a cyclone to either and you’re over $200. It’d be cool to see a special kit with a vac, battery, charger, and cyclone separator around the $250 price point.
Richard A.
Any thoughts on the XLC02? It has a lower CFM and is only single speed, but the kit with charger and battery is on sale right now for Black Friday for $99 at Acme.
It’s pretty tempting compared to the one I want – the XLC04 kit which is currently $275.