A couple of months ago, we asked what the new Makita XGT cordless power tools would be like. Well, now we know. Makita recently shared a teaser about their new XGT 40V Max cordless power tool system.
At this time, there is a lot we know about the new Makita XGT cordless power tool launch, but there are also lots of questions.
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Let’s start by talking about what we know so far.
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Makita XGT 40V Max Batteries
Makita XGT will be a 40V Max cordless power tool system.
This isn’t the first time Makita has gone with “Max” voltage designations, but it’s still interesting to note that this is a 40V Max system and not 36V. This is presumably to differentiate the new XGT tools and batteries from Makita’s existing 36V platform.
Makita XGT batteries have as few as 10 Li-ion cells.
What this means is that, in theory, a Makita XGT battery pack should not be any larger than 10-cell 18V battery packs, depending on the cell technology within.
There will be 2 battery sizes to start with – a 40V Max 2.5Ah battery (BL4025), and a 40V Max 4.0Ah battery (BL4040). It’s the 2.5Ah battery that is shown as being built with 10 Li-ion cells. Both of these Makita XGT batteries have LED fuel gauges with 4 indicator positions.
Is the new Makita XGT 40V Max 4.0Ah battery built with larger cells than the XGT 2.5Ah battery? It could be that the 2.5Ah battery is built with 18650-sized Li-ion cells, and the 4.0Ah battery with 21700-sized cells.
Makita XGT Impact Driver
Makita says that XGT will be a Smart System, and they show off a number of new tools, starting with this XGT-branded brushless impact driver.
From the apparent size of the battery packs, I would have guessed that Makita XGT are based on 21700-sized Li-ion cells. However, 21700-sized cells usually start at 3.0Ah. Therefore, I would be led to believe that the 2.5Ah battery is based on 18650 cell technology, and the larger 4.0Ah battery might built with larger 21700-sized Li-ion cells.
It’s also difficult to gauge battery size based on Makita’s impact drivers, since theirs are among the most compact cordless impact drivers that exist today.
Makita XGT Drills
There’s also a beefy-looking Makita XGT brushless hammer drill/driver.
There will be both drill/driver and hammer drill versions.
Makita XGT Reciprocating Saw
Here’s a look at the new heavy duty Makita XGT reciprocating saw, which is also presumed to be powered by a brushless motor.
Makita XGT Circular Saw
Here’s the new Makita XGT brushless circular saw.
Makita XGT Miter Saw
The Makita XGT line will also be launching with a brushless cordless miter saw, although it’s not clear as to what blade size it will use.
Makita XGT Rotary Hammer
If the new Makita XGT brushless rotary hammer is shown equipped with the 2.5Ah battery, what kinds of other tools will be coming out that can take advantage of the 4.0Ah battery?!
Makita XGT Angle Grinder
Here’s the XGT angle grinder/cut-off tool.
At first I thought the Makita XGT angle grinder was just a cut-off tool, but this image cleared things up.
Is it me, or does the Makita XGT angle grinder handle look slim and somewhat futuristic? Is it the rendering?
Makita XGT Battery Charger
There’s a new Makita XGT charger, DC40RA.
Until someone can translate the Japanese captioning in Makita’s promo video, I’m going to assume that this imagery of Makita XGT tools, batteries, and chargers playing well with each other means that it’ll be its own system.
The batteries are said to have an IP56 rating for water and dust resistance.
Makita XGT Cordless Power Tools Launch Summary
Remember, these are international designations. Makita USA has not announced these tools for US release yet. We previously asked Makita USA about when XGT details would be available but never heard back.
- Impact driver: TD001G
- Circular saw: HS001G, HS002G
- Hammer drill: HP001G
- Drill/driver: HP001G
- Miter saw: LS001G
- Rotary hammer: HR001GRDXV, HR001GRDX
- Angle grinders: GA001G (100mm), GA002G (125mm)
- Reciprocating saw: JR001G
Discussion
Take a look at the new Maktia XGT cordless power tool batteries.
Here’s a closer look.
Here’s a Makita 18V 5.0Ah battery.
I imagine that the top question will be whether the new Makita XGT 40V Max cordless power tools and batteries be compatible with Makita 18V LXT cordless power tools and batteries? From appearances, I don’t think so.
If Makita 40V Max XGT cordless tools, batteries, and chargers were cross-compatible with Makita 18V tools, batteries, and chargers, then wouldn’t Makita’s initial launch information mention this in any way? Because it doesn’t, that’s a very strong suggestion that there won’t be any cross-compatibility.
The new Makita XGT cordless power tool system also does not look to be a multi-voltage system in the same manner as Dewalt FlexVolt or Hitachi/Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt systems.
Will Makita XGT be replacing their 18V lineup? I don’t think so, and I would also hope not.
Why would Makita come out with a 40V Max cordless power tool system? Well, 18V cordless power tools are compact, but there’s a limit as to how much power Makita’s current-generation 18V batteries can deliver. That’s why their 18V X2 cordless power tools are powered by pairs of batteries, effectively making them 36V tools.
36V cordless power tools have been popular with some users, but such product lines have been very limited in the past. 18V cordless power tools are often much smaller, lighter, and less expensive, making them more popular choices for most tool users today.
With Makita’s 18V X2 system, the tool brand gave users the ability to use higher-powered 36V-class tools with 18V batteries that are tied to a larger and popular system of more compact cordless power tools. But, Makita’s 18V X2 cordless power tools are still somewhat large and heavy compared to 18V-class tools.
With this new Makita XGT cordless power tool system, it seems that users will get 36V/40V Max -class performance in what look to be 18V-sized tools.
Makita seems to have reached the ceiling as to what they can do with their 18V Li-ion battery packs. Among their competitors, most notably Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and even Metabo HPT, Makita is the only one that has not yet moved to 18V battery packs built with larger form factor Li-ion cells. That puts them at a disadvantage with respect to designing and powering the next generation of cordless power tools.
Starting fresh with the new XGT 40V Max cordless power tool system, assuming there is no cross-compatibility with their 18V system, will give Makita greater freedoms in designing their next-gen power tools.
I would imagine that some tools might come out to both platforms. It’s hard to guess about what could happen, at least until the XGT line is announced in the USA and we can ask Makita USA for official comments and clarity.
Back when I first learned about Makita XGT from their trademark application, I predicted that either:
- XGT might be a complementary technology, such as a new series of higher performing battery packs built with larger form factor Li-ion cells, similar to Milwaukee’s M18 HD and HO battery technology, or Bosch’s CORE18V.
- XGT might be a new and distinct cordless system that stands apart from their 18V LXT product catalog, perhaps similar to Dewalt’s FlexVolt cordless power tool platform, or Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt system.
The two possibilities were not mutually exclusive, and we don’t yet have full details. But, all of the information we have so far points to Makita XGT being a brand new and separate cordless power tool system.
Speaking objectively, I believe that the new Makita XGT cordless power tool system puts them in a better competitive position, and will also better equip them to design and develop a new generation of cordless power tools.
At this time, we only know a little about what’s coming to the new Makita XGT cordless system, and not yet enough to answer the question of “why should users buy these tools over other available options?”
Makita XGT offerings have the potential to outperform 18V-class tools, but we don’t yet know how Makita will utilize that potential to deliver real-world advantages for users.
In other words, we’re excited at finally learning what XGT is all about, but we haven’t learned enough to be excited about the new tools, batteries, or tech just yet.
Following is Makita’s launch video. Please let us know if you can gather any additional details from the captions.
Bremon says
The 2.5 packs basically being an LXT 5.0 wired differently makes me question the reason this exists.
The 4.0 is basically an 18v 8.0 like the new M18, 20v XR and Core packs etc. Newer cells but seems to only exist because Makita backed themselves into a corner with pack spacing only allowing 18650 in their X2 tools.
xrh07 says
Hikoki/Metabo HPT has multivolt 2.5/5.0 batteries in the EU, Japan and Australia.
Mark says
They are running all cells in series (10s) as opposed to their current LXT range which is ran in five series of two parallel (5s 2p) – My bet is that battery failure will be a lot higher due to this straight series only format.
Are 5 pairs of soldiers better than 10 lone wolfs? (Ok, maybe not the greatest analogy)
Makita ‘could’ use a 15cell pack for a ~12Ah 18v pack in a triple parallel series of five (5s 3p)…..’But’ all of their current chargers cut out before the battery is fully recharged and the pack has to be removed & reinserted to complete the charge cycle (15 cell empty battery boxes are available online should anyone wish to try this).
I suppose for Makita though, this type of charging experience wouldn’t be a great selling point for an all new (likely expensive) high amperage battery. 🤷
Their current twin 18v (36v) powered by two of their currently highest rated 6Ah batteries will IMO still perform ni-on on par with this new 40v 4Ah line, but will deliver ~1.5* the run time. But hey; it will be approx 1/2kg lighter in weight. (Sarcasm intended)
MegaBoss says
The reason for existing would be size to weight ratio. Not many people would be happy using a weighty 8.0ah battery in an impact driver or drill driver. That’s why they brought out the 2.5 ah and used smaller size 18 650 cell. Just the same as Hikoki has done.
Bremon says
I use a 21700 6.0 on impacts and drills regularly. They aren’t that heavy. The 2.5 probably exists so they can put cheaper packs in the kits to milk more money.
Tim D. says
No backwards compatibility? No care.
I’m sure there are some valid reasons as to why they chose not to.
As a customer, I just look and see that Milwaukee does it, Dewalt does it, and Makita doesn’t. New chargers, new tools, new batteries. At that point, I might as well change brands as I’m buying new tools.
Bruce says
You can’t use Dewalt flex volt batteries in 20vmax tools. It doesn’t bother me they’re not backwards compatible, they’d just better keep the 18v line going.
Stuart says
You are mistaken, you can use Dewalt FlexVolt batteries in 20V Max tools. It’s the reverse that is not true.
Bremon says
I guess I better take those FlexVolt batteries out of my fan, power station, lights, etc. Didn’t realize I’ve been doing it wrong /s
Adam says
Powerstation has to have at least one Flexvolt, need to get to 120v, and one Flexvolt gets you halfway there.
Doug says
No, all four batteries are delivering 18/20 volts on the power station, no flexvolt necessary. The inverter steps up the voltage from 80 to 120 volts.
Austin Werrmann says
Not true it will work on 4 20v batteries
Corey Moore says
How are people still getting this wrong?
Tyler says
I must be lucky then. I’ve been using my 60V Flexvolt batteries in my 20V Max tools for while now with no problem!
Flexvolt works in 20v Max tools, hence the name FLEXvolt.
Nathan says
Makes some sense – as discussed before as you get up into higher power needs you really need to increase the line voltage to increase efficiency. Dewalt seemingly did it first. This is a good compromise if you consider you don’t really want people trading across the systems.
here is my high power/high draw tools (bigger angle grinder, that mitre saw (which looks to be an 81/2 inch blade) and my more compact 18V tools. I still have both but the batteries don’t cross pollinate. that’s probably just fine on most job sites.
I mean I’ve never once seen someone run their dewalt drill driver with a flexvolt pack – you can. but I rarely ever see one. I do see a guy run a flexvolt circ saw and keep a 20V smaller battery on his drill. I still say I like the flexvolt idea better over all but this makes alot of sense.
Also you are starting to see more and more makita OPE – and this will lend to that too. In fact I bet it’s not long before you see a backpack battery pack in their 40V system.
Lance says
For OPE a 40v or greater battery makes sense. For smaller handheld tools, not so much.
Corey Moore says
I see people running the fv 6ah’s on drills and impacts, and other 20v tools all the time. I’m in the minority at my company, having purchased a good grip of flexvolt tools, but plenty of the other Dewalt users have picked up the batteries for daily use in their 20v’s.
Carlos says
I think this is spot on. Makita cannot Lee up with Ego and the other OPE competition with 18 and 36 volts. I predict they’ll go x2 on the 40v for 80v OPE. That’ll be cool 👍
Altan says
Is it the first time we have some Japanese video here on ToolGuyd?
DeWALT goes off in 40V and Makita gets in. Makita 40V platform may have the same future as DeWALT 40V.
Stuart says
No?
How do you get to that conclusion? Why is Dewalt 40V Max discontinued? Overlap with their more popular and more modern FlexVolt system. https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-40v-max-cordless-outdoor-power-tools-discontinued/
The comparison between Makita XGT and Dewalt 40 Max is also inappropriate due to the latter being a strictly outdoor power tools platform.
Altan says
In a way you are right, DeWALT 40V was for outdoors. But I wonder if Makita comes up with 60V platform later what they will do with 40V platform. I am sure soon or late brands will come up with 60V batteries so they can use two of them as 120V to make tools corded and cordless. This story will not finish with 36V and 40V platforms. They already have a 40V (36V) platform, what was the need to make a different platform, it reminded me DeWALT 24V, 28V and 36V platforms and how they died quickly.
KenZ says
Exactly. Totally agree.
Adam says
Given the “40V Max” branding, I think it’s unlikely to be compatible for consumer protection. If it’s a separate line that’s not compatible with other Makita platforms, then I think it has the stink of forced obsolescence.
Unfortunately, Makita may have missed the mark with the 36V tools. In general, most people are going to run 4.0 or 5.0 Ah batteries in those tools for the runtime, which makes them bulkier and heavier, thereby significantly reducing the benefit of being cordless. A stationary tool like a miter saw might not be a problem, but I’m not seeing a widespread rush to adopt battery powered stationary tools. And when I demoed the 36V circular saw last fall, I was largely unimpressed: with 2x 5.0Ah batteries it was not as well balanced and barely lighter than the 5007MG corded saw.
I think DeWalt/MHPT have the right idea with a multi-voltage systems where the batteries are cross compatible with the lower voltage tools. They make the systems more attractive by giving you more utility with the batteries, and the tools are generally well-balanced. Heck, just looking around online, it seems you can buy 6.0 Ah FlexVolt batteries for the same price as 5.0Ah 20V batteries.
Chris says
I going to place my bets on that miter saw being 7-1/4″.
Based on the initial product lineup picture portraying it as pretty small next to the other tools (my Milwaukee 7-1/4 is very compact and doesn’t “dwarf” the other tools like a bigger saw would), and the picture of it cutting a 2x? with the hand wrapped around the handle makes the blade look small as well.
Not saying I know it is, but I would place money on it.
Nathan says
I was going more for the idea that 8-1/2 inch bladed (216mm) miter saws are popular in that part of the world. so it would make sense to use that blade standard for a japanese/asian market.
rhyino says
165mm blade.
Steve says
Agreed. Looks exactly like the Ls610d that’s been floating around Instagram. That is a 165mm blade.
Big Richard says
The tools themselves actually look compact-ish. So maybe a high powered “compact” lineup? Featuring tools where the X2 configuration is either not feasible (drill and impact) or tried and deemed too awkward (angle grinder). It also cuts your need of batteries in half, helpful when packing a job box or tool bag.
Jared says
40V has the potential to make Makita’s highest power tools competitive with Dewalt and Milwaukee. The tools they’ve chosen to launch with tell an interesting story I would think – i.e. there aren’t any Dewalt 60v drills and impact drivers (right?). I presume that’s because you don’t really need THAT much power. When you do, well there’s the Flexvolt right angle auger drill, the mixer etc. Yet Makita is launching with a set of “core” tools that could make the 40v line a stand-alone proposition for many users.
So might this mean this will someday be the main Makita line and 18v will be phased out as old tech?
On the other hand, those battery backs look big. I appreciate that Makita’s tools might be small and the packs look bigger than they are in comparison, but they still look big. If this was your only lineup of tools, seems like you might wish for a compact pack if you don’t want to lug the big one around for the lower-draw tools (e.g. impact driver).
Blythe says
There is a flexvolt “drill” but it’s marketed as a mud mixer
Alex vR says
“40V has the potential to make Makita’s highest power tools competitive with Dewalt and Milwaukee.” Umm, Makita has plenty of power tools that continually set new industry standards for power. However, it doesn’t seem to take long for Milwaukee to supersede those records. However, after I bought my top of the line Milwaukee One-Key Drill and Impact Driver, I soon found out that the most powerful tools aren’t always the best. In fact, I can’t wait to replace my Milwaukee impact with Makita’s XDT16 model, no matter how many adjustments I make in One-Key, it has never come close to the precision performance that Makita’s impact offers
PHILIP JOHN says
Right. The mud mixer has the drill shape so you can use it for power if need be.
But the main reason makita is doing drills and impact here… is because the sys is stand alone not compatible. And most likely replacement for old 36 v on smaller cell. Too many platforms.
You are right the 18 v drill is strong enough….but some trades men will only need one platform and other will buy into both… and 40 v drill will be stronger and have more range of uses ie. The picture with huge hole saw.
Adam says
Feels like they just pooped on any 18vx2 user. I know the tools have been out for years, but I alwasy felt that was sort of future proofing themselves. As another posted mentioned, the pack spacing may have prevented the use of more advanced cells. Such a shame.
DannyK says
Just match Dewalt Flexvolt, with option for electrical plug and backward compatibility with 18V. No shame in copying a good idea.
Nathan says
the issue is paying for it. I don’t know if SBD patented the system – maybe. but it is trademarked I suspect.
So someone that comes out with a similar multi-voltage platform battery is probably going to be sued by SBD or pay some royalty. The way Metabo/HPT gets around it is they don’t go out to 60V – so it’s not the same. But now their product is probably also trademarked. So an 18/36 volt system (which this would be) is probably also requiring a royalty too.
It is however interesting to see how the main companies have started to differentiate the higher power cordless tools. Makes me wonder what Bosch will do- if they choose to do anything.
Big Richard says
Bosch sorta went the Milwaukee route. They came out with their CORE packs utilizing 20700 cells that can draw more power and run cooler. And like Milwaukee, they can now design tools that are meant to take advantage of a higher amp draw, all while staying backward compatible with the existing 18v lineup.
DannyK says
OPE like EGO, Greenworks, Echo have operated on 56V before Flexvolt. I can’t imagine Dewalt can claim 60V is a trademark. Dewalt/Neon Green have 40V batteries, so does Makita has to pay them for this new 40V lines? I just don’t know this subject at all and how to google it for more definitive answers.
Doresoom says
No, DeWalt patented the mechanism for a battery pack switching between two voltages.
Altan says
Another brand might use this mechanism inside the tool instead of the battery, if there is no issue with the patent.
dave jones says
I think that makita decided to do this instead of using a flexivolt system is that their customers would be angry if all new tools required a new battery and charger platform so they decided to stick with LXT. Makita realised that their powerful tools have to have 36/40v to compete with flexivolt systems so they created the new 40v platform that way tools need just one battery instead of 2. Using 1 battery is lighter, less bulky and cheaper. Only high-end tools will use the 40v therefore the only people that have to get new batteries/chargers are tradesmen not diy users therefore few people will complain.
Makita couldn’t have created a backwards compatible flexivolt battery because this new system will be using 20600 or 21600 battery cells so they decided to create a new platform for it. Making the system 40v instead of 60v is a good idea as there aren’t many tools that really need 60v, that would harm battery life.
I’m happy with this news though makita do need to release a charger that can charge LXT 18V and XGT 40V batteries so that people can own just 1 charger.
It is interesting that they only showed double layer battery packs in XGT not a single layer. I would have thought they would have a single layer for the impact driver.
I hope that makita release a 3ah single layer LXT battery, they already have a 6ah double layer battery so there is no reason they can’t. Would be handy for impact drivers.
Altan says
They already had a single battery 36V platform, why did they kill it then? To revive it?!
Bremon says
They need ten cells in series to achieve 36v/40v max. Same reason FlexVolt has 3 rows of 5: in series it achieves 54v/60v Max.
A single row of 5 3.6v cells only achieves 18v, which they already make.
Paul says
A 40v pack consists of 10 lion cells, so a single stack battery pack would not be practical.
Al says
the way they are getting 40v(36v) is in a double layer of 5 batteries, they’ve boxed themselves into another corner, they can’t just make a 40v 3 cell deep pack it would have to be 18v or 54v depending on series or parallel. If they really wanted the high capacity they would need to go to a 20 cell pack here, thats a big battery pack, I almost wouldn’t even want it but damn 288wh sounds really nice. And for the record the higher voltage is more efficient, so at the very least for the same capacity pack you can expect longer runtime or more power.
DB11 says
I had been waiting for them to release a higher output LXT battery (at least 9 aHr) and am disappointed that they’ve gone a different way.
Not really happy to see another(incompatible) battery platform from Makita. I suppose there are tools that would benefit from a single 40V vs 18V X2 in terms of weight and balance, but they’ve tried 36 volt and it was abandoned for lack of market uptake.
Plus, where is the cordless table saw? That’s a big hole in Makita’s cordless lineup. (they haven’t kept up on corded jobsite saws either — and that was a category that Makita owned before the DW745)
Altan says
This is not going to have an end, not with Makita, also not with DeWALT. I would say not with Festool as well (as they have different batteries for their sanders), As much as I know Milwaukee and Bosch have stabilised this issue, and Metabo has done something greater even called CAS, They have clearly told me they are against big brands like DeWALT, Milwaukee and Festool. They have come to the conclusion that they have to join other brands to be able to stand against big brands, that gives us the option for compatible batteries for different brands or not? Yes, it does, and we can benefit this, Of course if Metabo was also a big brand would treat the market like other big brands! That should not mean I would trust Metabo even, I would say their policy suits me for now.
KenZ says
I have their X2 compound sliding mitre saw and it’s awesome. No way am I buying into another firmat.
DC says
Planned Obsolescence.
Julian Tracy says
I’m a longvterm Makita LXT user and this is a big whatever to me. My 18x 2 brushless 7.5” saw is powerful enough as is my 10” mitersaw as is my brushless recipe saw.
The ability to use any of my Makita batts in a pair makes more sense than any of these fat heavy secondary battery platforms all the brands think we need.
I branched out into the Dewalt 20v specifically for their 7.25” mitersaw as Makita’s option was so stupid expensive in comparison and have subsequently bought a few other Dewalt items like the fan (much quieter than the Mak equiv), the impact wrench, the tire pump…
Makita’s advantage to me has always been the versatility of the system in choices. They had the blower before any other brand, same with the stick vac, right angle impact, trim router, sander etc.
And quite a few of the higher end Mak tools are made in Japan or the UK, unlike the Mexico or all Chinese Milwaukee or Dewalt lineup.
Quality build, 170+ tools and great design. That’s all I need – count me out on another dumb ass huge battery new platform.
James says
I pretty much agree with Julian here. I’m much more likely to upgrade my lxt and X2 tools than buy into another platform. This seems like a waste of Makita’s R&D resources that would have been better applied to their other platforms, but I assume it has to make some kind of sense in their larger global market. Guess the best we can hope for at this point is that some of the tech improvements trickle down into the lxt platform and that this doesn’t mean the end of lxt and X2 product development.
Lance says
Well said, Julien. And agree with James as well. 18v x2 tools are the way forward, in North America anyway. I have tons of 18v Makita stuff and see little attraction in this new, and completely incompatible, lineup.
Frank D says
Nobody I know will spring for these. Everybody wants to stick to their battery platform(s). Even those who are pretty die hard into Makita will skip on new sub-platform with different batteries.
Erik says
When will these launch
Stuart says
No idea. Probably early 2020 internationally. In the US? No idea.
Ray says
I bet they are in the world of concrete in January.
Hans says
I use an 18Vx2 circ saw and zawsall and love them both. What I dread about this is that eventually Makita won’t offer the free battery promos on 18V tools. I’ve bought kits, hawked the tools, kept the batteries, and made out very nicely. I guess I’ll have to cross my fingers they’ll continue selling 5AH pairs for around $170 over X-mas.
Gordon says
At first I was pretty disappointed to see a whole new battery system. But then I realized that there is no way they are replacing the 18v AND 18vx2 with these new 40v. Not 225+ tools and supposedly the “world’s largest compatable 18v system”. Nothing there replaces an 18vx2 tool. They would effectively be equal in performance. But we know the 18vx2 line is continuing as Makita continues to release new tools for it. HEPA vacs, chainsaws, trimmers, ect all in the last few weeks. That 40v miter saw definitely isn’t a 12in sliding compound. The 40v circ saw might be a 7 1/4 but looks more like a 6 1/2 to me.
So it doesn’t seem likely that these 40v tools are replacing any 18v tool. So what are they? My best guess is that this is system developed for non US countries where perhaps the 18v lineup doesn’t sell as strong and therefor selling people on an 18vx2 is much harder. If people are buying lots of 12 CXT tools, then the 40v being it’s own platform for power hungry tools isn’t an issue.
Makita has a number of tools, including entire lines like the G series and MT, that we never hear about in the US. Some tools release in Japan, then take 6+months to find their way over here. This might be another one of those lines.
John says
Personal thoughts, if Makita is really behind this switch to eventually become their flagship platform, I think it will be unpopular at first and several years down the road will look like a smart move.
More and more tools are becoming cordless, demanding bigger batteries. Dewalt has their system, the x2 60v miter saw is great. If you look at the Milwaukee 12″ with 1 18v battery, it bogged down cutting 4×4 lumber. Milwaukee has stayed in their platform and has made it work for sometime, but I believe it will fall behind in the next 5 years.
40v seems to be the happy medium for smaller common tools like an impact and drill, powerful enough for saws, etc. Eventually add an x2 for 80v for tools that make sense like a table saw, 12″ miter, mower, etc.
This won’t be a complete abandonment of their 18v line. Makita still produced batteries and older tools when they switch platforms years ago. They will blend and transition the 18v to 40v over a number of years.
That is, if they are committed to this line or if it is just another odd venture with Makita being makita.
Alex vR says
Coming from a Makita fan, what in the heck is corporate thinking? Changing battery platforms always alienates some of your user base. I’ve been a huge fan of their X2 line and I’m kinda puzzled as to why now release this new platform. Like Stuart previously mentioned, Makita hasn’t even released the next-gen batteries with their 18v system, why release this product now? In summary, I think this is terrible mistake by Makita International, and I hope to god that Makita USA doesn’t bring these tools here because there’s no reason for it
Lance says
Makita needs to introduce new 21700 LXT batteries to keep the faith strong with their current customer base. If we don’t see that soon, it might be writing on the wall that further 18v platform developments have been canceled.
My brand new 18v x2 miter saw has the battery slots farther apart to accommodate the newer larger 21700 based batteries. They exist on Makita’s drawing boards, they need to exist in the market.
glenn says
Picked up that the batteries are IP56 rated. You can catch that in the video.
IP56 is also pointed from a Japanese Google translated site as well as that they are not compatible with 18v tools. Also they are21700 cells.
https://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=https://voltechno.com/blog/makita-40vmax/&prev=search
Amy says
0:05 Even more power, that will lead us to the realm of the next generation.
0:27 [Optimized] Digital Communication.
0:33 High Load Continuous Usage Time: 2.2 times more. *Based on company standards.
0:38 Battery Life: 50% Increase. *Based on company standards.
0:45 BL4040 [4.0Ah] Max Output: 1,510W – BL4025 [2.5Ah] Max Output: 1,150W
0:48 Overwhelming High Power.
0:51 High endurance feature unique to the specialized design.
0:54 Designed to prevent shrinkage of PCB. IP56 Rated *Only applies to the battery alone. When attached to a tool, refer to the rating of the tool itself. This rating does not ensure that the tool with not malfunction with dirt or water.
0:57 3-layer water-resistant design. IP56 Rated *Only applies to the battery alone. When attached to a tool, refer to the rating of the tool itself. This rating does not ensure that the tool with not malfunction with dirt or water.
1:01 High rigidity rail.
1:03 Shock absorbent.
1:07 Shock resistance: 40% Increase. *Comparison within company.
1:11 Impact Driver: TD001G
1:14 Circular Saw: HS001G (NON-wireless compatible) HS002G (Wireless compatible)
1:20 Hammer(?) Drill/Driver: HP001G Drill/Driver: DF001G
1:22 Miter Saw: LS001G
1:25 Hammer Drill: HR001GRDXV (Dust Collection System Included) HR001GRDX (Dust Collection System Sold Separately)
1:29 Grinder: GA001G (100mm) GA002G (125mm)
1:32 Reciprocating Saw: JR001G
Hope that helps. I did not translate some of the obvious things. That’s about the best I can muster at 11pm on a Monday.
Doug says
Thank you!
PHILIP JOHN says
Lol. I told you the 2 x battery platform was a bad idea.
From dewalt guy
Julian Tracy says
Right. Like I want a lunchbox sized battery to use on my hammer drill and circular saw. Or – can just use the batteries I already have that charge faster than any other brand and are cheap to boot to use higher voltage tools.
PHILIP JOHN says
Well. Now they have 2 sys. With a new battery that doesn’t fit old sys.
Makita realized the one big battery is much better for ergonomics.
Just look at the 2x configuration grinder. The worst tool ever made… no wonder they finally followed dewalt and Milwaukee
Altan says
I agree, their 9″ 230mm and 7″ 180mm cordless grinders are not good, large corded grinders are already heavy, and when you add two batteries on it with a metal guard it becomes even heavier, They should make it with one single battery or not make it cordless at all.
PHILIP JOHN says
Dewalt 6 inch is by far and away the best grinder for a few years now.
It’s okay to love you 2x 18 set up… but by its ergonomics alone… it cant do what other can in its range of motion…
Just because you awkwardly work a tool doesn’t make it so.
No wonder they finally followed suit.
PHILIP JOHN says
Just because you can work your tools… doesn’t mean others do not need more heavy duty tools and the lighter stuff.
And that’s exactly why makita finally are following. But it’s a bit sub par .
PHILIP JOHN says
They have to expand… and not just please you.
And your charge time is not the fastest anymore.
2x set up on makita grinder plus guard is approaching a family size cooler with your lunch box size analogy … except the cooler is packed with hardly any calories!
Alex vR says
I love my Makita X2 Tools, they’ll outperform a DEWALT any day of the week! HAHA
Makita 18v fan
PHILIP JOHN says
Dewalt 6 inch is by far and away the best grinder for a few years now.
It’s okay to love you 2x 18 set up… but by its ergonomics alone… it cant do what other can in its range of motion…
Just because you awkwardly work a tool doesn’t make it so.
No wonder they finally followed suit.
John says
The 54v fv grinder isn’t the best, once one bar is drained off the battery the rpm drops. Dewalt batteries crack way to easy. I’ve had 10 dewalt batteries develop many hairline cracks around the slide rail section. They batteries were used on the 18v brushless 5” grinder. I suspect that cracking was caused by heat and vibrations. Want the most powerful cordless grinder on the market, that’s the Metabo 18×2 36v 9” grinder, it can cut quick than the fv. The hikoki ( Metabo hpt ) 36v 5” is far better than the fv grinder too
Corey Moore says
It’s cool to have pride and theorize optimistically, but that simply not what’s actually happening in real world. Show me a Makita x2 that’s gonna outperform the Flexvolt inline joist drill, the 60v x2 miter saw, the 2″ rotohammer, grinder, tablesaw. Some of those don’t even come in teal, let alone in the same capacities.
Flotsam says
Do i understand correctly that the 36v platform will still be available? I imagine it will be focused on Outdoor Power Equipment where a larger form factor for batteries where that is not as big a deal as with power tools.
dave jones says
There’s no way that makita will carry on making 36v new models of power tools.
Altan says
If they keep both platforms then there is no problem.
Perry says
I could see this transitioning into an xgt”x2″ platform for high amperage applications like the table saw. I’d rather see a 54 volt “x3” table saw but that’s not going to happen.
Milwaukee was brought up earlier in regard to staying with the 18v platform, but I don’t like the idea of low volt/high amp batteries as far as efficiency or lifespan is concerned. My understanding with batteries is to volt up/amp down for efficiency and lifespan. We’ve been doing that with lithium batteries for a long time with other applications.
Altan says
Some brands are working on 3 x 18V (54V) platform.
PHILIP JOHN says
Exactly… it’s even more efficient to volt up now we have brushless technology. Makita has jumped ahead of Milwaukee into 2nd place in HO tools.
Tim E. says
One thing I think is getting lost again is this is still one battery pack of 10 cells. Makita also may be inadvertently helping themselves there, they could make a 20 cell pack and it might not be too huge for some of the larger tools. Flexvolt has to be 15 cells. Their next option is 30 cells, but that’s a giant huge battery. Milwaukee left themselves the most leeway, they can make 18V packs in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, … cell configurations. But they are limited then to whatever they can do with 18V motors (which are their expertise). There’s still a finite amount of energy though that can be pulled out of a 15 cell pack (the biggest we have today), regardless of the voltage. And higher voltage with lower amp draw doesn’t translate to the battery cells themselves, that will always be the same, so you likely won’t gain any longevity. Pulling 900 watts out of a 10 cell pack is 90W per battery cell, and each battery cell is 1.8V so you’re pulling 50 amps per cell. Pulling 1350 watts out of a 15 cell pack is also 90W per cell. Doesn’t matter if the overall output voltage is 1.8V, 18V, 36V, or 54V. Until you cram more cells in there, every company that is using 3-row batteries has similar maximum power potential.
What this DOES leverage is Makita’s know how in making 36V motors. I think most companies (even Milwaukee I expect to have to go to higher voltage tools sooner rather than later) have now realized that it is easier, and possibly cheaper, to make higher voltage motors at these higher power specs than to keep beefing up 18v motors to higher power usage. And maybe we’re finally hitting a barrier where heat and other losses are becoming non-negligible in beefing up 18V motors, so they’re hitting an efficiency ceiling, and the easy way around that is using higher voltage motors. There’ll still be a ceiling there too, battery cells can only deliver so much power, and we’re already pushing up against that, no matter what the voltage is. I think that’s why you see higher voltage motors now from many lines, the power gains we’ve seen recently for 18V are more in motor efficiency with the power available, rather than really getting more power out of battery packs. Makita’s x2 platform was actually probably the best high power tool idea, because of the huge potential increase running two battery packs can give. If one 15 cell battery pack maxes out around 1500W, Milwaukee and dewalt are limited to that 1500W total available power. Makita in going x2 (but using 10 cell packs) has 2000W available potentially. I think eventually, and we’re starting to see it (until a higher power battery technology than lithium ion comes out), we’re about at the max of what we can do with 10 battery cells, and even 15, so two-battery setups are going to be the only way to get even more power delivery for those insanely overpowered tools. Or a transition to a battery form factor that can put more than 15 cells in a pack, and thus up that upper limit.
But let’s be clear, at the end of the day, with one single battery pack with the same number of cells, whether you’re running 18V or 36V or 54V, the amount of power you can get from the pack is the same. 54V cannot inherently be 3x more powerful.
evadman says
Your math is a little off. a lithium ion cell is generally 3.7 volts nominal, not 1.8v. 100% discharge is generally 2.8v, but for longevity, often limited to 3v. full charge is 4.2v in most chargers, but for longevity is often 4.1v.
Current (amps) out of a battery cell is limited by the chemistry of the anode and cathode, and the surface area of them. This is why the switch from 18650 to 21700 cells was made, there is significantly more surface area available in the winding of a 21700. However, the cell cant be made arbitrarily big, as it will overheat during use. the 21700 is a decent balance.
Depending on cell chemistry, type, and manufacturer (ex: Panasonic GA, Panasonic PF, Samsung 25r, and Samsung 30q) the amperage profile changes. for example, the LG MJ1 18650 cell has a capacity of 3500mah which is 3.5 amps for 1 hour at 3.63 volts. That’s 12.7 watt/hours per cell. a 10 cell pack would equate to 127 watt hours. Max discharge of that cell is 10 amps. If the pack is built as 2p5s for ’20v max’ output, then 20 amps at 18.15 volts (3.63*5) volts can be pulled from the pack maximum, which is 363 watts.
The Samsung 20s battery is rated for 30 amp continuous output, so 2p5s would be 60 amps. The capacity is lower (higher output usually means lower capacity) at 2000mah per cell. However, a pack built of these would allow 60 amps at 18.15 volts or 1089 watts. the 10 cell pack would be 72.6 watt hours. That means at 60 amps, the full capacity of this pack is used in about 4 minutes.
Tim E. says
Divided by 2 too soon, dunno what I was thinking, thanks for the correction! 3.6V per cell gives you 25 amps continuous at 90W per cell, which was what I was going for as being near the maximums for current cells in stock configuration. The M18 12Ah and other large type packs claim better performance than the manufacturer spec sheets, but that still tells you we’re pushing the top limits already of what battery cells today can provide under heavy loads. The only way to make more powerful tools from that is either add more battery cells (via more strings per pack or multiple packs), or improve the efficiency of usage of the power you can get, which I think is why makita is jumping on the higher voltage bandwagon, they can do more efficiency wise in that arena without adding more battery cells. What’ll be interesting to see is if they eventually make 20 cell “fat” packs of these 36V batteries, or if they stay with their 10 cell packs only and rely on newer cells to increase capacity / current delivery.
PHILIP JOHN says
Exactly. This is why dewalt did 60 and 120v brushless. They saw the benefit on heavy duty. Rather than one system at 18v.
Their tools really are pushing HD. And dont rely on a 2x set up and mixed amph weak link… or horrid ergonomics.
Kris says
I’ve seen the tech sheet on an instagram page that showed a small adapter which allows for the 40v XGT batteries to be used on all 18v platforms, it was pretty slim and looked good. I wouldn’t worry too much about the change, just hoping we don’t get 10 different impacts for absolutely no reason.
dave jones says
link?
Altan says
I saw the adapter for the 40V charger
John says
There will be no backwards compatibly between the new platform. It’s a stand alone platform. The adapters is for charger 18v batteries on the 40v max charger
PHILIP JOHN says
Makita may be able to jump into second place in the heavy duty big battery platform.
I have used both flexvolt and Milwaukee HO… and although Milwaukee 18v battery fits all and will charge the fastest on the super charger… the high amp draw seems to trip out the battery a bit too early. You will notice this on 9 inch and even 4.5 inch grinder even with a 12 amph battery .
This is why both makita and dewalt are keeping with a higher voltage. Dewalt has said not only the higher voltage but the fact that its coupled with brushless technology will yield longer run time with less battery heat. I have seen it first hand when comparing my 9 amph flexvolt to My Milwaukee HO batteries.
When its really heavy duty… the flexvolt 9 and 12 amph on 60v tools … keep working and last longer. They really dont stop until the last bit of juice and run cool.
John says
The 54v 5” grinder drops in rpm when one bar is drained of the battery, there is a number of other 54v this happens on too. They need to fix this issue
jun says
ADP10?
charger dedicated adapter
KVDE says
Is there any news about gardening equipment in this lineup? I’ve been looking at the makita lawnmower because I already have the 18V batteries but Makita only has a push mower available and I really would like a self propelled one.
glenn says
All your answers here on Makita Australia’s press release.
https://www.makita.com.au/Next-Generation-Technology
The XGT system will be sold alongside the existing LXT 18v and 18×2 system.
The charging adaptor allows 18v batteries to be charged by the XGT charger.
Circular saw is 185mm, grinder 125mm, no spec yet on the mitre saw though.
Plus a few new 18v tools in the same release.
JakeJ says
Sometimes less is more. I’m so glad I have only Bosch and Milwaukee cordless tools. Pretty much every tool I need, (and lightweight too) covered between the two brands. I laugh when I’m on site and see the dewalt users scrambling around switching batteries between tools and now the makita users will be doing it as well.
Corey Moore says
“Scrambling around switching batteries?” Sounds exaggerated. That or you work with people with bigger problems than being in a tool brand you don’t approve of. Why would a Dewalt user be scrambling around with battery problems, unless it’s because they don’t have enough batteries? Flexvolt batteries run all the tools, and if they have some Flexvolt tools then they have Flexvolt batteries.
JakeJ says
Haha. Yeah, a bit of an exaggeration. I do cringe though, every time my coworker brings out his dewalt impact driver or drill with that flexvolt brick hanging from the bottom. His response is that it was the battery that came with the kit. My first thought is ‘wow, spend todays paycheck for a smaller battery’, but then I think why dewalt would sell a. Drill/impact kit with flexvolt batteries?! Same as with Hikoki and the triple anvil impact. Why make it a multi volt tool? Ive seen that thing on site with a 18v 3.0 and it was an absolute beast and super light and comfortable. The Makita impacts have always the advantage of having the best size/power ratio. A flexvolt sized battery negates this.
makitablows says
just spent over $5,000 on Makita 18v tools this year for my business. had asked Makita u.s. , their regional rep, and their support center before purchasing if they were to be coming out with a single increased voltage battery platform like Makita competitors – they said no. now a year later Makita provides loyal customers with a serious hard boning in la culoabierto. thanks Makita – my next tool purchases will be either Milwaukee, or dewalt.
Altan says
You will move to DeWALT and after a year you will have the same issue that youy had with Makita, I think now the best option is Metabo and CAS, a lot of other brands are using Metabo batteries, and more brands are joining CAS Metabo battery system.
Stuart says
Metabo is one of the least popular cordless power tool brands here in the USA.
Altan says
I know, even here in UK they are not so popular as DeWALT, Makita, Milwaukee, But I think with CAS there will be a boom, some brands in CAS are providing some tools that DeWALT, Makita and Milwaukee don’t offer, plus almost all brands except Metabo in CAS produce their products in Germany and Switzerland and some with components all made in Germany.
JakeJ says
Here in Australia, at least where I am, I have yet to see cordless Metabo tools on any job sites. However, I’ve noticed that the major tool stores here seem to be stocking more of it. Maybe its because of the merge/buyout/consolidation with Hitachi/ Hikoki. If Metabo can incorporate Hitachi/Hikoki into the CAS (If they haven’t already), I believe it would open A whole new market for them. At least here, where Hitachi/Hikoki are reasonably ‘popular’
Altan says
I have not seen this tool from another brand even as corded
https://www.rokamat.com/en/produkte/filzmaschinen/akku-filzer/
Greg says
Interesting but I don’t think I’ll find a use for these tools. My guess is these sell well overseas and now Makita wants to get more users here. The current top of the line 18v brushless hammerdrill is enough of a wrist breaker for me let alone a 40v version. I would say these tools will be best for the construction guys that are Makita loyals. A 40v hole hawg, sawzall, etc makes sense.
I see people freaking out over “Makita boning them” or thoughts of 18v being abandoned but I don’t see either. Makita isn’t like Dewalt. If you want battery platform anxiety all the time go with Dewalt. Of all the tool companies they probably have adhd the worst.
Even with this being said it didn’t stop me from buying the top of the line 12″ dual bevel flexvolt miter saw and rolling saw stand when a screaming deal on both came across. I’ve since picked up the table saw, air compressor (for air brushing etc), chainsaw, and string trimmer all on screaming deals as well. I don’t see myself buying anything else though full price or not. The huge power hungry tools make sense and I’d love it if they could release a version of their 120v contractor table saw that runs on two of the flexvolt batteries like the miter saw but I’ll take the single battery one for now as it is still very handy. The chainsaw has been handy for light limbing when I don’t want to deal with carburetors. Same thoughts with the string trimmer but neither have the longevity of my Stihl ope when it’s working.
joe says
How do they compare to the equivalent DeWalts and Hilti?
Tim says
I am Makita cordless die hard all the way. However, what Makita should be making is a cordless X2 table saw to compete with DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Metabo.
Get with the program Makita.
Samuel says
Nothing is gonna happen to the 18v batteries ,they are still going to exist,and because they will still exist you can still power your 18vx2 =36v tools with them.
Now Makita released the 40v max battery system with similar high demand tools only to compete with higher voltage batteries like the flexvolt ONLY for NEW CUSTOMERS that are entering a new platform, and the reason why it’s not backwards compatible is:
– too firstly tell existing 18v users that they will still produce 18v tools and batteries,
– secondly to ensure their new CUSTOMERS don’t lose faith in their batteries life (as being multivolt will shorten battery life).
Now for people wondering if there will be newer 18v tools, YES there will, and there already is
– a hybrid TV
– 18v x2 PRESSURE washer
– 165mm AWS Bluetooth , front facing rail MITRE SAW, very light weight.
– 18v x 4 lawn mower which is still 36v but with EXTENDED run time
These tools have already been released in japan.
Now for people like my self whom are waiting for a cordless TABLE SAW, don’t worry because im pretty sure makita will produce a motor specifally designed to run off 72/80v and will use 18v x 4 =72v and 40v x2 = 80v . Dont forget that makita was initially a motor company, and makita doesnt rush their tools out.
Also don’t forget that every new product that requires dust collection comes with the AWS (automatically starts dust collection wirelessly, like your corded tools) option, a feature that competing brands dont have except festool.
In conclusion be ready for 2 table saws :
– 18v x4 table saw (they done it on the mower already) with auto dust collection, for existing 18v users
– 40v x 2 table saw for the potential new users.
Tim says
18X4 table saw?
Don’t know if I would like that.
If it came out I would most likely buy it, but 4 batteries? Makita better come out with some 9AH or higher batteries then.
Same with the 40V. Would I buy it? Sure.
Would I be happy that I had to have a different battery platform just for it? No.
Al says
So here’s an idea Makita already invested in tools with 2 battery spots with room for 21700 cell packs, anyone want to bet we will see 40v x2 tools in 5 years? Because I see them doing that again before they make a 20 cell battery (10s 2p). 80v tools sounds like a dream for the marketing team and they already committed to a goofy dual battery pack system on a lot of tools.