New Makita 18V X2 Cordless Vacuum with AWS (XCV22)

Makita has a new 18V X2 cordless vacuum, XCV22, which features a 2.1 gallon container size and AWS wireless activation system.

From the looks of it, there’s not much new or different about the new vacuum; the new model looks to follow in the footsteps of Makita’s 18V X2 XCV16, XCV21, and XCV25 vacs, but with upgraded specs, as well as AWS auto-activation functionality.

The Makita XCV22 18V X2 vac is advertised as delivering 120 CFM max airflow and 44″ max static water lift of suction power. Its noise level is said to be 56 dB(A) on low and 64 dB(A) on high.

Compared to the XCV25 4-gallon vacuum, also an 18V X2 (36V equivalent) model, the new XCV22 has comparable suction power, higher max airflow, and similar noise level.

Going from 74 CFM (XCV25) to 120 CFM (XCV22) is not without its tradeoffs, as the XCV22 has reduced runtime.

The XCV22 (2.1 gallon) is said to deliver up to 80 minutes of continuous runtime on a single charge with 2x 5.0Ah batteries. This is presumably at its lowest power setting. Makita USA does not provide runtime specs for the new vac at its highest power setting. I wrote to Makita USA asking for clarification, but they have not responded.

The XCV25 (4 gallon) is rated at up to 100 minutes of continuous runtime on low and up to 42 minutes on high.

There’s also the XCV21 vacuum, which has a 2.1 gallon capacity – the same as the new model discussed here. The XCV21 delivers up to 74 CFM airflow and 44″ of water lift, and is said to last up to 80 minutes with 2x 5.0Ah batteries.

The Makita XGT cordless vacuum, GCV01, which runs off one or two 40V Max (36V) batteries, delivers up to 148 CFM max airflow and up to 92″ of water lift. Makita USA does not seem to have any published runtime specs for their XGT GCV01 cordless vacuum.

Additional features include 3-stage filtration, a self cleaning system that helps to maintain suction efficiency for longer filter life, and 4 casters (2 locking).

The new vac weighs 17.8 lbs (with batteries).

Options and Accessories

There are 2 SKUs, the bare tool (XCV22ZU), and the kit (XCV22PTU).

Both purchasing options come with (2) anti-static hoses (1-1/2″ x 8′, 1-1/4″ x 5-3/5′), crevice tool, floor nozzle, curved pipe and telescoping wands, HEPA filter, damper, pre-filter, and connection adapters.

Note: Makita USA’s website lists the aforementioned vacuum hose sizes, but dealer listings mention 1″ x 11′ and 1-1/4″ x 8′ anti-static hose sizes. It’s so far unclear as to which hoses you actually get.

The kit comes with a dual-port charger and (2) 5.0Ah batteries.

Additionally, both vacs come an AWS transmitter, which can be used with AWS-compatible tools. The transmitter, 198901-5, typically retails for $72-80.

Key Features & Specs

• 18V X2 system (requires 2 batteries)
• Brushless motor
• 44″ max water lift
• 120 CFM max airflow
• 2.1 gallon dry capacity
• Variable speed dial
• Built-in AWS receiver
• Includes AWS transmitter to be installed inside a compatible tool
• HEPA-rated filter
• 64 dB(A) working sound level
• Weighs 17.8 lbs with batteries
• Automatic self-cleaning filter
• Up to 80 mins runtime with 2x 5Ah batteries (low power)

Pricing & Availability

Tool-only (XCV22ZU): $649
Kit (XCV22PTU): $899
Country of Origin: China
ETA: In-stock at Acme Tools, coming soon to other dealers

Discussion

It seems to me that the new Makita 2.1 gallon cordless dust extractor vac features a very similar design as its predecessors and current models, but with improved airflow specs.

Perhaps their 4-gallon and non-AWS 2.1-gallon vacs will see performance upgrades in the near future.

More power typically means lower runtime, as there’s always a tradeoff for greater performance, although the variable speed dial gives you some flexibility.

Makita USA only publishes the max runtime specs for the vac, which seems to correspond to its lowest suction power mode. They have not yet responded to our inquiry about the matter, but if I had to guess I would say its max suction power runtime with 2x 5Ah batteries could be in the ballpark of 30-minutes.

I’m confused about how this model compares to Makita’s non-AWS 2.1 gallon cordless vac, XCV21. That model is said to deliver 74 CFM or max airflow and 44″ max water lift, and run for up to 80 minutes with 2x 5Ah batteries. This new model is rated at 120 CFM and 44″ max water lift, and is also said to run for up to 80 minutes with the same size batteries.

The XCV21 vac comes with a 1″ x 11′ hose, and the XCV22 with 1-1/2″ x 8′ and 1-1/4″ x 5-3/5′ hoses, but my understanding is that vacuum performance is usually for the straight-out-of-tool connection, as hose and accessory selection, can greatly influence real-world operating performance.

Unless I’m missing something, this new model is not going to deliver ~62% greater max airflow than the non-AWS model without a tradeoff in runtime or some other type of compromise. Right?

The inclusion of an AWS transmitter adds to the vacuum’s cost, but saves Makita AWS-compatible tool users from having to source one separately.

It would be nice if Makita came out with a standalone AWS transmitter, similar to what Milwaukee and Festool offer for their corded vacuums. The last couple of AWS-compatible tools I looked into cost a premium over non-AWS models, and still required the purchase of the transmitter module.

Compared to the non-AWS version, XCV21, this new XCV22 model costs $80 more for the kit, and $90 more for the tool-only. But, in addition to what looks to be an upgrade in specs, you also get the built-in AWS receiver and the separate transmitter module that is installable to a single AWS-compatible tool.

There doesn’t seem to be much going on here aside from the upgraded airflow specs, but it also doesn’t look like anything was left out.

See Also:

New Milwaukee Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuums and AIR-TIP Accessories