Makita USA has provided a sneak-peek at 12 new cordless power tools they will be launching towards the end of this year and into 2023.
Some of the new Makita cordless power tools have been highly anticipated and wished-for, such as their first-ever cordless air compressor!!
The new tools will be coming to 3 of Makita’s cordless systems – LXT 18V, XGT 40V Max, and ConnectX.
Advertisement
Please let me know in comments if you have any questions, and which of the new tools you are most excited about. Information is limited, and I will provide updates as I learn more.
Here’s What’s New
- XGT Cordless Air Compressor
- 18V One-Handed Reciprocating Saw
- 18V Brushless 3″ Cut-Off Tool
- XGT 4-Speed Impact Driver
- XGT Circular Saw
- XGT 21″ Self-Propelled Commercial Lawn Mower
- 18V Compact Hammer Drill & Combo Kit
- 18V 14″ Cordless Chainsaw
- XGT 18″ Cordless Chainsaws
- 18V Deep-Capacity Rebar Tying Tool
- ConnectX Backpack Blower
- XGT 14″ Power Cutter – in stores now
About Makita’s Cordless Power Tool Systems
Here are brief introductions to the 3 cordless systems discussed in this post. From Makita USA’s press materials:
Makita LXT 18V | 36V (18V X2):
The world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18V batteries (300+ Products, One System), with an expansive range of 18V and 36V solutions for construction, landscaping, lighting, and much more.
Makita XGT 40V Max | 80V Max (40V Max X2):
The most powerful cordless system with battery-powered equipment and tools engineered for applications that traditionally demand corded, gas or air power (100+ products, one system).
Advertisement
Makita ConnectX 36V | 40V Max:
A runtime and power solution for professional landscapers seeking a gas replacement. The ConnectX 1,200 watt hour battery is compatible with ConnectX products, as well as 40V max XGT and 36V (18V X2) LXT products.
Reminder: Watt-hours, or energy capacity, depends on a battery’s operating voltage and charge capacity. For example, an 18V 5Ah battery has an energy capacity of 18V x 5Ah = 90 Watt-hours, and an XGT 40V Max 4Ah battery has an energy capacity of 36V (nominal) x 4Ah = 144 Watt-hours.
Makita XGT 2-Gallon Cordless Air Compressor (AC001GM1)
The new Makita AC001GM1 cordless air compressor features a 2-gallon tank and is described as having the lightest weight in its class.
Makita says it’s up to 10 lbs lighter than top competitor models, and is ideal for indoor use and room-to-room applications.
The compressor is also a Quiet Series model, delivering quieter operation with a noise rating of 68 dB(A).
You can expect to drive up to 700 2″ brad nails on a single charge with a 4Ah battery.
ETA: Q1 2023
Makita 18V Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw (XRJ08)
The new Makita XRJ08 compact 18V cordless reciprocating saw has a one-handed design, which is ideal for overhead cutting tasks or working in tight spaces.
It has a loop-shaped handle guard, for added protection and improved tool rigidity. Makita says that its one-handed grip is positioned to firmly transmit force to the workpiece.
Makita also says that the new saw operates with 40% lower vibration than their previous model, XRJ07ZB, which is their subcompact reciprocating saw.
It can make up to 90 cuts in 2×10 lumber on a single charge with a 5Ah battery.
ETA: Late 2022
Makita 18V Brushless 3″ Cut-Off Tool (XCM01)
The new Makita XCM01 3″ brushless cut-off tool can be operated with one hand. It features 20,000 RPM max speed and forward and reverse operation.
Press materials mention that a dust collection cut-off guard with adjustable cutting depth will be available.
ETA: Q1 2023
Makita XGT Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver (GDT02)
This new Makita GDT02 40V Max brushless impact driver features 4-speed/torque modes, and is described as a key addition to the XGT fastening category.
Makita added that this model combines power, torque, and high speed for efficient fastening.
The GDT02 joins Makita’s GDT01 as the brand’s second XGT 40V Max brushless impact driver.
ETA: Late 2022
Makita XGT Brushless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw (GSH05)
Makita is adding a new compact brushless 6-1/2″ circular saw to their XGT 40V Max lineup, model GSH05.
It features a compact inline design, magnesium base for lower weight, built-in rafter hook, and dust collection port.
There are positive bevel angle stops at 22.5°, 45°, and 50°.
The saw can deliver up to 290 cuts in 2×10 SPF in a single charge with a 4.0Ah battery.
ETA: Mid-2023
Makita XGT Cordless Self-Propelled Commercial Lawn Mower (GML01)
The XGT lineup is also getting a new Makita GML01 brushless 21″ self-propelled commercial lawn mower, which is described as delivering gas-like performance.
It features premium cut quality with high vacuum lift, self-propelled cruise control technology, and a commercial-grade steel deck.
According to Makita’s early details, the mower can cut up to 1-1/5 acres of grass in 108 minutes with 2x 40V Max XGT 8Ah batteries.
ETA: Q1 2023
Makita 18V Compact Cordless Hammer Drill (XPH16)
The new Makita XPH16 18V hammer drill delivers more torque at high speed for efficient fastening. Rated at 970 in-lbs max torque, the new model looks to push the boundary of what a compact drill can do.
It has a 6-7/8″ length and weighs 4.9 lbs with a 5Ah battery.
ETA: Summer 2023
The hammer drill will be featured in a new 18V 2pc cordless combo kit, model XT296.
The XT296 combo will come with the new XPH16 hammer drill, and Makita’s XDT14 3-speed impact driver.
ETA: Summer 2023
Makita 18V Brushless 14″ Rear-Handle Chainsaw (XCU11)
The new Makita XCU11 18V 14″ chainsaw has a compact rear-handle design for easier maneuverability.
It delivers high torque and speeds of 0-1520 FPM, while weighing 9.3 lbs with a 4Ah battery.
The saw can make up to 73 cuts in 4×4 cedar on a single charge when powered by a 4Ah battery.
ETA: Q1 2023
Makita XGT Brushless 18″ Chainsaws (GCU04, GCU06)
The Makita GCU04 40V Max XGT chainsaw is described as delivering the power of a 42cc gas chainsaw.
It can make up to 40 cuts in 12″ diameter cedar with a 5Ah battery.
ETA: Q1 2023
Makita also announced a GCU06 18″ chainsaw, which also delivers the power of a 42cc gas chainsaw.
Makita 18V Brushless Deep Capacity Rebar Tying Tool (XRT02)
A new Makita XRT02 rebar tier offers deep capacity and the ability to tie #8 with #7 rebar. It can make up to 5,300 ties of #3 x #3 diameter rebar on a single 5Ah battery charge.
Features include 2-mode operation for single or continuous wire tie actuation, and an easy-load wire reel design with automatic locking mechanism.
ETA: Late 2022
Makita 36V ConnectX Brushless Backpack Blower (CBU02)
The new Makita CBU02 brushless backpack blower – part of the 36V ConnectX system, delivers the power equivalent to that of a 64cc gas engine backpack blower.
It delivers 671 CFM and airspeed of 157 MPH.
Features include a variable speed trigger, and a cruise control that can set the air movement to between 0 and 671 CFM without having to hold down the trigger.
In the image above, the backpack blower is shown connected to Makita’s ConnectX PDC1200A01 1200 watt-hour battery pack. This power pack recharges in 360 minutes via included AC power supply, is rated to IPX4 weather resistance, and holds the energy storage equivalent to more than 13X 5Ah batteries.
ETA: Q1 2023
Makita XGT Cordless 14″ Power Cutter (GEC01)
As the newly launched GEC01 was at the front and center of Makita’s STAFTDA 2022 booth, it seems like a good idea to wrap up this post with a quick overview.
The new 40V Max X2 XGT 14″ power cutter is said to deliver the power and performance equivalent to a 75.6cc gas engine power cutter (Makita EK7651H).
Makita says the new XGT power cutter delivers a true gas replacement for cutting concrete, masonry, and metal.
It’s available now at Makita tool dealers, and eligible for certain holiday season promos.
Jared
Did I miss a post? What is “Connectx”?
Why would Makita make another battery system at substantially the same voltage as XGT (I’m assuming this is a nominal vs. max voltage thing)?
I am glad to see Makita releasing some new tools on both LXT and XGT.
Stuart
That’s why I added a “About Makita’s Cordless Power Tool Systems” section right after the table of contents. I needed it for ConnectX, and figured I’d add blurbs for the other systems as well (I found the tool counts to be interesting at the least).
My understanding is that this stems from the 18V X 4 backpack from a few years ago – https://toolguyd.com/makita-18v-cordless-power-tool-battery-backpack/ .
There also looks to be an XGT backpack as well.
And, then there’s the ConnectX backpack with built-in 1200 Whr batteries.
It’s completely new to me, but apparently launched earlier. So, the ConnectX battery backup isn’t new, or the system it connects to select tools with, it’s just the blower backpack that’s new. The blower piggybacks off of the ConnectX frame – I think.
I asked the same question about XGT vs the ConnectX backpack, but then did the math. It holds the charge capacity equivalent of more than 13 18V-size 5Ah batteries.
Let’s say we’re talking about the XGT 8Ah battery (https://toolguyd.com/makita-xgt-8ah-battery/). Each has the energy capacity of 36V x 8Ah = 288 Whr. So the ConnectX backpack energy of 1200Whr is still more than 4X of those beefy high-capacity batteries. (An XGT 8Ah battery has the energy capacity of an 18V 16Ah battery.)
Jared
Weird! I saw the blurbs about each system, but I was still trying to envision how ConnectX worked. So its a backpack system completely? Like there’s no “packs” for ConnectX tools?
…and there’s an XGT backpack too? Why? If Connect works for either XGT or LXT, why make another backpack for XGT-only?
Certainly a massive amount of energy though – that helps contextualize the “professional landscapers” aspect.
Dave
Thanks for the clarification, and the blurbs in the original post, but I’m still confused a bit about Makita’s overall platforms. Is there a post I missed that details what these LXT, XGT, and now ConnectX lines are for? Is there any cross-compatibility or would someone wanting an array of Makita tools have to potentially buy into three completely separate battery/charger platforms? I would love to read more about this as I sometimes buy my crew tools and don’t want to create a mess for my Makita guy if I surprise him with a bare tool he can’t use without considerable extra expense…
Stuart
There’s no cross-compatibility except for a one-way XGT to 18V charging adapter.
ConnectX is just select cordless OPE – I think; I’ve never heard the term before until this week.
I’ve given up on trying to figure out 18V vs XGT.
MM
I was thinking the same thing. The article jumps into talking about ConnectX, mentioning the term as though we should all be familiar with it, but I’ve never heard of it before. At first I thought that it might be the name for the 64V “suitcase” style battery that Stuart wrote about in September, but it appears to be a totally new and different system with a “backback battery”. Presumably this must have some kind of remote power cord so it can be backwards-compatible with LXTx2 and XGT tools like the article claims.
So it seems like the 64V Max batteries announced in September is not the only new system from Makita, now there’s also ConnectX? It just gets more and more confusing. It wasn’t that long ago when Makita told us that 40V XGT was going to be the future and that’s that. It feels like they just got done trashing competing brands over having too many battery systems and now they have more than anyone else?
All that aside, it looks like we’re finally getting a real deal pro-tier cordless blower. I don’t need it, but a big backpack blower like this has been one of the holdout niches for OPE which electric tools haven’t really been able to match.
Stuart
This has been my introduction to ConnectX as well. I filled in some blanks, and realized there’s too much to cram into the scope of this post.
For instance, you can take the backpack off and connect it directly to a lawn mower. That’s news to me too.
But there’s also an 18V and XGT ConnectX backpack, it seems not unlike what Makita launched in 2019.
There’s nothing in my inbox about ConnectX, but I also know it’s not as brand new as all of the newly announced tools that are slated for released at the end of 2022 or into 2023.
It’s going to take me time to fill in the blanks.
Jared
I followed that link Stuart provided for the 4-bay battery backpack (https://toolguyd.com/makita-18v-cordless-power-tool-battery-backpack/ ).
The second instagram video shows that there’s a cord coming off of the backpack portion with a bulge halfway down before it terminates in two connectors to fit the battery slots on an 36v LXT tool. While we wouldn’t have known at the time (2019), I’m guessing that “bulge” in the cord is a plug that can be disconnected so the last couple feet of the cord can be swapped for a piece with an XGT tip.
Harrison
It’s somewhat debatable if ConnectX is really a system- It’s basically just a massive 1200wh battery that fits into a backpack and can plug into Makita 36v (XGT included) tools. It also happens that they have built a lawnmower and backpack blower that will take the 1200 pack directly. Husqvarna and Stihl have had similar backpack units out for a while as well.
As of this point, it’s pretty much the only serious gas replacement system for professional landscapers sold by a ‘power tool brand’.
Electric will replace gas for landscaping, but you won’t see racks and racks of Flexvolt, M18 or XGT batteries powering tools like mowers, blowers or even trimmers. These “smaller” batteries that we all know will get used a bit, but for chainsaws and hedgers and other more “occasional” tools.
So why are does Makita make an XGT handheld blower? Because it’s cheap to manufacture and an easy sell for their non-landscaper customers who have the batteries anyway. Same as Milwaukee, Dewalt, et all.
Mopar4wd
So I took a look at the connect X thing on Makitas website. It’s kind of neat actually.
Basically it looks like ConnectX is the top level battery and it actually is compatible with some lower batteries.
So connectX has a line of tools that are only connect X powered
String trimmer, Back pack blower, Hand held blower, lawn mower
For these you can use either a PDC 1200 (dedicated connect X battery) or a PDC 01 which is a housing that can hold 4 18V LX batteries. For the mower and back pack blower these both clip in and have a plug. for the hand held equipment there is a back pack carrier they clip into with a longish cord to the tool.
So connect x tools can be powered by their own battery or a bunch of LX batteries. Then it gets weird you can use an adapter to use connectx batteries to power LX x2 (36v) tools and XGT tools. which actually does mean you can power an XGT tool with and LX battery provided your ok with a back pack being corded to it. if they added a XGT back pack you could actually even more interoperability.
I think XGT was kind of a dumb idea, but this connect X system with the LX back pack seems to make some sense for OPE.
https://www.makitatools.com/ope/connectx
MM
Now that the initial surprise of another new system from Makita has worn off, this is actually a pretty cool idea, especially if you’re already an LXTx2 or LXT and XGT user. In addition to being able to power it’s own specific OPE, you can pick up the PDC 01 and now you can run your LXTx2 gear on 4 batteries instead of two–batteries which you probably already have. I’d imagine that would be a nice runtime and also ergonomic improvement on some tools, like the 7″ or 9″ grinders. I’d much rather run those off a backpack with a cord than with two bricks hanging off the end of the tool. And for a fairly stationary tool like a big vac, chop saw, miter saw, etc, the backpack isn’t a problem.
John S
The cool thing about the PDC01 is you can run XGT40v tools off the old LXT18v batteries. Makita has the brand recognition to have all these silly systems worldwide but I notice American consumers seemed more annoyed with it than elsewhere. It’s a lot to keep track of. I’m the odd one who likes having tons of options as I use teal tools for lawn care as week as my construction career.
Max
Connectx is better being understood as a system in which the tools are designed to work without any battery on them but with a connectx cable from where the power will arrive somehow. So some connectx tools as string trimmer and blower are optimized to be properly balanced in the hand of the user and they are of course lighter than their counterparts equipped with 18v2/40v batteries. About the power supply, it can be given by different kinds of backpacks that have integrated batteries inside or with removable 18v batteries. I still had no rumors of existing backpacks with xgt batteries but i guess they will come soon.
As last note, all the backpacks are practically connectx backpacks but with the proper adaptors you can give power to almost all 40v max xgt tools and 18v2lxt tools (and in some cases also 18v single battery tools)
TomD
What is a “rebar tier”? Or is that pronounced “rebar tie-er” and not “tier 1/2/3”?
fred
A powered version of a hand twister. Rebar intersections and end-to-end overlaps are usually connected by short lengths of wire that are looped around and twisted together to form a connection (sort of like a heavy duty twist tie) The tie wires for the manual twisters come in the form of short wire lengths with loops at each end. The hand twister has a hook end that you use to grab the 2 loop ends and twist the wire tight around the rebars.
The powered tools use a coil of wire that the tool cuts and twists around the rebars
Stuart
It’s pronounced the same as “tire” but maybe with different emphasis. Rebar tier = rebar tying tool.
I looked it up, and “tier” is very commonly used, so I left it. I’ll change it to “tying tool” – that seems less jarring, although both seem correct.
fred
Some examples:
Manual Tool:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095SDGWHR/
Powered Tool:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWCNS8J/
fred
If I were not retired – the XGT GEC01 14″ cutter would have grabbed my attention.
I might even take a peek for personal use.
I bought (and got rid of) a wimpy Milwaukee 2786-20 that I thought might be more convenient than my gasoline-engine-powered machine. Maybe this will be up to Makita’s hype,
Bonnie
I think this is a typo “The new Makita XRJ08 compact 18V cordless *circular* saw”
Other than that this seems like a decent showing, though XGT continues to seem like a weird solution when they kept LXT around. I have a quiet series Makita air compressor that I absolutely love, so that cordless model should hopefully be pretty good.
Stuart
Thank you! *fixed*
peter
i was a loyal makita user all my working life ( carpenter ) and purchased 18v tools when they were first released , i still have a few 18v makita tools i use but over last few years if and when they pack in i replace with dewalt,simple reason being MAKITA MISSED THE BOAT WHEN THEY MADE THE 40V INCOMPATIBLE WITH 18V TOOLS end of
Trever
When can we see Cordless Framing Nailer
Stuart
Unfortunately, I haven’t heard anything about Makita coming out with a cordless framing nailer yet. Maybe the cordless air compressor is a good first step in that direction.
fred
Will their cordless compressor really be able to keep up with the demands of a pneumatic framing nailer (often used in bump-fire mode)?
I would think that the market for the cordless compressor might be more trim carpenters, carpet installers et. al.
Stuart
It’s hard to say, but probably not.
I agree with your line of thinking, and that as a 2-gallon air compressor it would generally be best suited for smaller nailers such as for trim work.
What I meant was that this cordless air compressor might be the start of a greater effort to provide higher-powered cordless fastening solutions. While cordless nailers and compressors involve vastly different technologies, cordless power tool brands often have their eyes on broad category expansions.
Capt
This is one of the only tools I’m waiting on for makita to compete with the other manufacturers. I don’t understand why this hasn’t happened yet. I don’t need another version of an impact that has 23 versions already. (I exaggerated but you get the idea)
Stacey Jones
What an awesome looking lineup!
GlennM
No love for the 12v system. I very much regret swapping from Milwaukee 12v to Makita 12v a few years back.
Makita have just left that line pretty much stagnant in the last few years while Milwaukee have just leapt ahead.
Adam
I desperately want a 12v 5-in1 on the CXT lineup. I keep waiting to replace my M12 that I’m not very happy with. So close to buying the DeWalt. I’m not sure it will ever happen.
They did release the laser line levels a year or two ago and I’ve been very pleased with mine. I’ve seen the small CXT circular saws on clearance at HD for a while now, not sure what that means.
Noah
I was in Home Depot and saw a new brushless jigsaw in the makita holiday section. It looked like and 18v version of their 12v model and it was priced at $179 which seems high. I’m surprised it’s not marketed with the sub-compact line they have.
Terry Stephens
Makita is the best my Boss and I give our power tools heaps of shit But they Makita just keep working
Patrick W
Was hoping Makita would release an 18v belt sander. Surprisingly few on the market.
James
Me too! I’d actually like to see two different
ones: a subcompact (3×18, or I have a 2.5×14 that is great for smaller tasks, though admittedly harder to find belts for) and a beefier 40v 4×24.
MM
I agree, the belt sander situation is surprising. While there are some on the market it seems that most of them are from smaller or lower-end companies; they are conspicuously absent from the top end brands. Dewalt doesn’t have one, Milwaukee didn’t until very recently. Makita doesn’t have one. Neither does Hilti, Metabo, or Metabo HPT.
TonyT
But Ryobi even has a brushless 3″x18″ cordless belt sander 🙂
Harrison
I don’t think Makita will ever release an 18v belt sander, it would have to be XGT or 18×2 tool for them to be comfortable with the duty cycle.
The new Milwaukee M18 belt sander is reportedly a great tool, but drains & overheats batteries hard if you lean into it.
Paul Asmussen
I just bought a Makati sander it came yesterday I open the box and it look fine. But after looking in the box it did not have a battery or a charger . What’s up with that what a RIP OFF so I look up a charger and battery and they want a extra $122
00 dollars more and I spent 175.00 for the sander and cant use it . What a F up company there thieves and nothing more . I,m returning the sander today .
Stuart
So, you bought a tool-only sander thinking it came with a battery and charger, and were disappointed that these necessities must be purchased separately? That’s understandable – it happens – but what does that have to do with any of the new cordless power tools this post is about?
Tip – this time of year you can get a Makita 18V drill or impact driver kit for $99, which gets you a battery and charger for less than a typical starter kit.
fred
I suppose that this situation can be more than a little bit frustration for DIY and novice tool buyers. When electric power tools came with a cord attached and were powered via an AC outlet the concept of bare tool was quite a bit different. But back then, even a sander might have come with a fer trial sheets of sandpaper, 1 belt or pad etc to get you started.
Today – with cordless tools there are plusses and minuses of the “bare tool concept”. the good news is that once you have bought into the battery/charger platform – you may not need to keep purchasing extra batteries and chargers with each additional tool that you wish to add. But batteries do seem rather expensive when purchased separately (compared to when they are bundled into tool or starter kits) – and many of us suspect that manufacturers may have higher profit margins and make more money on selling batteries than on bare tools.
In the remodeling business that I had an interest in – we’d buy batteries in bulk – saving some bucks on each – but that’s not a good option for an independent contractor or DIY user.
MM
The confusion is real; I often see people bash a tool in a review because it “didn’t come with batteries” or because “it did come with batteries, that costs too much and I already have too many”.
In both cases the root problem is the same: “I didn’t read the box/listing before I bought it”. But I do think that tool sellers and tool manufacturers might make this one simple fact more clear: nearly all cordless tools are sold two ways; you can choose a kit with batter(ies) and charger, or you can buy the bare tool. Your choice depending on what your needs are. So if you need a new nail gun or grinder or whatever, and the model you’re looking at isn’t in the configuration you want, keep looking, that same tool is sold both with and without batteries so you can find the option which best suits your needs.
TomD
They fixed this for kids years ago – remember “BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED” in huge letters on the toy and still having to pester parents to drive to 7-11 on Christmas morning because they forgot?
Collin
As much as people love to bash Makita for too many battery lines or overlapping battery lines or whatever, the fact of the matter remains that Makita is the only power tool brand with an actual and viable commercial OPE line.
DeWalt doesn’t even attempt to play in the commercial OPE world with their 20V and FlexVolt OPE toos. None to minimal advertising to pros. Seems to be mainly a residential-focused line.
Milwaukee tries to play up their 12/18V lines to pros but only recently came out with a push mower. I guess the Milwaukee stuff could be a good adjunct line of tools for a commercial user. Things like battery-powered sprayers could work.
Makita is the only line with a backpack battery, and not only do they have a backpack battery in ConnectX, they also have some level of cross-compatibility among LXT/LXTx2/XGT thanks to the backpack battery. Makita also has various mowers and has had mowers for years now.
It remains largely to be seen what the other power tool players do to compete in commercial OPE.
Joellikestools
Metabo hpt has a backpack battery, but not intended for ope as far as I know. Dewalt is launching a special battery system targeting landscape professionals. Ryobi has been putting out electric riding mowers for awhile. Stihl has been pushing battery tools for awhile. Nothing quite matches gas, but ope and big battery packs are on most folks radar.
Philip
Still no table saw!