Makita filed a new trademark application for the XGT mark (serial no. 88300056). We emailed Makita USA two weeks ago, asking when details might be available, but they never got back to us.
Update: We now know what Makita XGT is all about! Meet the New Makita XGT 40V Cordless Power Tool System!
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At this time, we don’t know much except what the trademark application describes. Makita includes the following in their application:
Electrically powered tools and machines including cordless power tools, namely, band saws, belt sanders, bench grinders, blowers, breakers, caulking gun, chain saws, circular saws, combination hammers, compound miter saws, concrete vibrators, cut-off machines, cut-out tools, cutters, demolition hammers, die grinders, disc grinders, disc sanders, drill presses, drills, driver drills, drywall screwdrivers, flip over saws, grass shears, grass trimmers, grinders, groove cutters, hammer drills, hammer driver drills, hedge trimmers, high pressure washers, hole punchers, impact drivers, impact wrenches, jig saws, jointers, lawn mowers, metal cutters, metal cutting saws, miter saws, mixers, multi tools, nibblers, oil-impulse drivers, orbital sanders, pin nailers, planers, plate jointers, polishers, pruning shears, rebar tying tool, reciprocating saws, robotic cleaners, rotary hammers, routers, sanders, scrapers, screwdrivers, shear wrenches, shears, slide compound saws, sprayers, staplers, steel rod cutters, string trimmers, trimmers, vacuum cleaners, wall chasers, water pumps, wheel sanders, and parts, fittings, and parts, fittings, and accessories for all of the aforesaid.
There’s another category described in Makita’s XGT application:
Batteries, battery chargers, electrical adapters, loudspeakers, radio receivers, television receivers, and parts, fittings, and accessories therefor.
Trademarks are usually have broad descriptions, and so what they encompass cannot be taken as specific indication of what the mark will relate to.
Right now, Makita has a 12V Max CXT line of compact cordless power tools, and 18V LXT cordless power tools. From their website, the 18V X2, brushless, compact, sub-compact, and power equipment product categories are also included in the 18V LXT cordless system. Thus, there is the new 12V CXT system, and the 18V LXT system.
The Makita XGT mark seems to apply to a wide range of tools already covered by their 18V platform.
We don’t have much to go on, and so right now all we can do is guess. If I’m left to guess, I would think there are two potential options.
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- 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.
Makita’s 18V X2 cordless power tools are quite capable and powerful, and also very popular. But, Makita users have been asking us – when will Makita come out with higher capacity battery packs, such as 8.0Ah? Perhaps we’ll find out when XGT – or whatever tools or technologies it refers to – hits the market.
Do you think that Makita XGT can be something other than we guessed? For instance, do you think it XGT will perhaps relate to a new line of more affordable cordless power tools aimed at international markets where there are growing demands and user needs?
Gordon says
Supposedly Makita has scrapped two previous attempts at cramming larger cells into a battery, a la M18 HO. If you look at the newer 18v X2 tools, there is a larger space between the battery packs than on previous tools. The space is approximately the space needed for the larger cells.
I highly doubt they would be making a new connector or form factor, unless it is to replace That would pretty much be the death of any company at this point. I don’t think they could sell anyone on that, especially when they have been releasing new professional focused 18v x2 tools like the HEPA vac and SDS drills. There is also the new OPE stuff like the push mower and that backpack that we have yet to see.
Seeing large, typically stationary and high amp tools like joiner, bandsaw, bench grinder and drill press, makes me hopeful for a corded/cordless like the new Multivolt system.
Its also possible that this is just a rebrand of their G-system to bring it in line with the naming of the CXT and LXT. CXT stands for Compact Xtreme Technology, and LXT is Lithium-Ion Xtreme Technology. Not sure what XGT would be. Xtreme G technology?
Doresoom says
Well my theory was going to be a 36V or higher battery pack using 21700 cells that could plug into the current X2 interface. But since you pointed out that the newer X2 tools have a wider spacing between the packs, it completely kills that idea.
Tony R. says
I just hope they’re interchangeable with the current 18V LXT tools, as Ive already invested in a good amount of their tools. I hope they dont pull a DeWalt and have several different battery/tool specific models that dont interchange with one another. Id be happy if they’re just larger AH high capacity LXT style batteries in the 7.0+ range to compete with Milwaukee and Bosch. By the way, after 3 years of use, my 3.0Ah lxt’s still perform like they did when brand new. Ive been a big Makita fan for a long time, thanks to my old man.
MichaelHammer says
I envy you. I was deeply invested in the platform. I had to replace batteries annually and I killed three hammer drills in one year. I have not had a similar experience since switching to Milwaukee.
Gregg says
I call B.S. on that I have used both brands and Milwaukee is good but makita is top shelf all the way not one other brand is in there league
Jerry says
I totally agree!!!
Adam says
I agree!
Tom says
Yes, it’s a shame, and very short sighted of them.
I own mostly Makita and while I love the tools (their corded stuff is truly the best) I’m tired of the cordless platforms battery and electronics shortcomings.
Astonishing to me is how they CANT make a cordless drill that can handle moderate to heavy work.
A drill is a “Gateway” product. Everybody. It’s a drill FIRST, then either subscribes to a platform.
I have at least 6 different Makita drills. Every one of them spins with modest pressure when tightening down a bit. Cheap transmissions.
Also the turnout on my newest Makita impacted is still unacceptable.
I can go on but I’m at the edge of just tossing this stock away and starting with a whole new platform.
I’m sure the Holliday season will draw me to that eventuality.
Best to you.
Johnx says
Xtreme gardening tools…
Max says
Definitly not. Read the list of tools…u could use robotic cleaner in the garden but it would be really “extreme” situations 😉
James says
neXt Generation Technology ?
Here’s to hoping for higher output batteries. I agree it would be suicide to replace lxt or cxt at this point.
Nathan says
How I read that.
We will use the XGT name on anything we make that uses or might use electricity in some form.
covers pretty much all the bases there.
I sort of expect to see this become their version of flexvolt. Have batteries for most tools. large power or large duration times needed. ability to double down on battery capacity (X2) and also a cordless adapter. I don’t so much think they will abandon the current X2 system. But expand a new multivolt pack idea.
I mean think about it this way – in the world of OPE you now see a number of people Makita included that sell a back pack battery system – now use that on a belt sander. or a grinder. but tomorrow you are at the workshop – and you plug in your ac adapter. and the next day you have a punch list need so you slap in the XGT battery.
meh could be interesting.
Tim D. says
I’m an LXT user, so I hope it’s not the abandonment of the LXT connector type. However, like mentioned above, I think that would be suicide for any of the big cordless vendors at the moment.
Maybe it’s just what they’re naming the multi-battery pack technology? https://toolguyd.com/makita-18v-cordless-power-tool-battery-backpack/
Greg says
Pure speculation based solely on the application description, and not even trying to guess at the XGT acronym. I’m thinking some kind of power station like EGO put out. Some kind of box you plug a bunch of batteries into, and you can run tools, speakers, small appliances galore!
https://egopowerplus.com/portable-power/
Eric Wiedenhoft says
Let’s delve further into the choice of letters. Typically “GT” relates to a premium and often larger product. Going with the thinking the “X” could simply be to continue with the same branding concepts (LXT, CXT).
Going with that, I believe we may be looking at either a larger battery, possibly even a wild design with double connectors to power an LXT X2 with a single massive battery. It could also be a new super high capacity battery such as 8.0 or 10.0 AH. Another option could be a line of extreme duty tools with significantly more output (though I doubt that’s the case seeing how makita is damn near indestructible in my experiences)
Altan says
Cordless Belt Sander
Cordless Bench Grinder
Cordless Disc Sander
Cordless Drill Presses
Cordless Groove Cutter (Metal, Wood or concrete?)
Cordless High Pressure Washer
Cordless Hole Puncher(?)
Cordless Jointer(?)
Cordless Metal Cutter
Cordless Polisher
Cordless Sprayer(?)
Cordless Water Pump
are the ones that catch my attention.
XRH07 says
https://www.hougen.com/Hole-punchers/electro-hydraulic-hole-punchers.html
Cordless hole punchers have been around for a few years. Makita just doesn’t have any mass market products available yet.
Altan says
Thanks for the link.
Adam says
Xtreme green teal
PETE says
Xtreme green tea! Sounds delicious!
Tony says
Maybe a new range of more energy dense graphemes batteries, or batteries with built in gyros to cut the power should a tool start to whip or bite.
Tony says
Graphene*
glenn says
Extreme Graphene Technology?
Gordon says
Are you thinking of that module SmarterEveryDay showcased? I kinda wonder if any of the big companies have contacted them for licensing.
Ben says
I’m hoping for new batteries that include the 21700 cells in 18 or 36 volts.
Jamie says
As consumers want more tools to go cordless it makes sense to produce a larger battery platform for bigger tools that have higher power needs. I’m thinking about tools more commonly found on commercial construction sites and the OPE market.
Steven says
Maybe its the new cordless kitchen equipment line up? Cordless mix master, cordless toaster oven, power hand mixer, im hoping they can get two batterys on the coffee maker and get brew times down to 5minutes.
They should really break through the market and show up Milwaukee and dewalt by being the first to release a cordless microwave.
Altan says
I would like to see a small Cordless/Corded Micro Washing Machine instead of Cordless Microwave so every evening after work I can put the work wear in and within 5-10 min I will get clean clothes semi dry, so by morning it would be fully dry and fresh work wear. I hate to take my work ware home for washing. It does not need to be a big washing machine, just enough space for a shirt, trousers and sweater. For me this would have more use, not a cordless microwave or coffee maker, I have Thermos food flask which keeps the food hot for me up to 8 hours, just I need to heat the food in the morning before I go to work, at work I just take it out of my bag and start to eat while others are in the queue for microwave. I don’t drink coffee at all and tea maybe once a month.
jkjk says
You should look into getting a pedestal washing machine and dryer. It’s a washer and dryer that takes the place of a traditional pedestal under the machines.
Samsung also makes a dual front load / top load machine, but it’s pricey.
James says
Makita filed a patent for a cordless microwave last year…
Adam says
How is a company getting a paytent for adding a battery to an existing device? How about patents for actually something I haven’t seen before, not just a cord removed.
MichaelHammer says
That was April fools
Randy says
Makita’s development of a cordless microwave is not an April’s Fool joke. It is in development along with one other very desirable item on Altan’s List that I am personally privy to.
Steven says
This….is why I cant take Makita serious. Thought my sarcasm was laid on thick enough to read.
What purpose does a portable microwave serve to get “work” done.
“Oh crap my batteries dead on the microwave…better take it from my drill and my saw”
Doresoom says
The microwave patent is a very real thing: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2018225626A1/en
Altan says
Thanks for the information.
Nathan says
doesn’t makita have that cordless coffee maker? seems like it was teal.
you know what I really want – cordless battery powered cooling suit. smurf the warm up gear, I mean if I lived elsewhere I get it. But I’d love to have cooled shirts and pants I could wear. even if all it did was dehumidify and keep say an even 80F – that would be a big start on a summer day.
James says
Makita essentially already has this; clothing with fans built in. They make you look like the dough man.
Mac says
Bye bye LXT…Makita can’t figure out how to get the new cells in the old batteries…or don’t want to because making people replace everything means more money. I’m going Milwaukee if that happens.
XRH07 says
Makita isn’t going to ditch LXT. It’s the oldest & longest running lithium battery platform on the tool market. Makita already stuck out the early days of lithium batteries and all the teething problems that came with it.
XGT is the perfect opportunity to untie themselves from certain legacy tools where it’s impossible for them to fit 21700 cell packs.
Should I care that they can’t overcome the laws of physics and basic math? Or that they were unable to predict the 21700 cell format 15 years ago? Nah.
And as long as it means we finally get some larger 18v packs that work with their SDS Max, Chainsaw, OPE, etc, etc then I’m all in.
I couldn’t care less if those packs won’t work with radios, lights or their 36v circular saws. People who want to use those tools will always need the smaller 18650 packs for impact drivers and drills anyways.
Stuart says
I don’t think abandoning LXT is even a remote possibility right now.
Jay k. says
It would dominate if it meant plug in if needed to…
XRH07 says
hopefully it’s a new 18v battery with partial compatibility. (partial as in 95% backwards compatibility) with 18v LXT tools.
That allows them to untie their hands from tools that were made 5+ years ago where an XGT battery cannot physically fit into an 18v tool properly. Also allows them to decouple themselves from the half dozen or so 36V tools where the batteries are only spaced enough to allow 2 18650 battery packs to fit.
This also gives them more freedom to design certain tools around 1 larger battery where 2 makes 0 sense. I say this because their 36V 7″/9″ angle grinder is a perfect example of how the 2 battery implementation turns out absolutely goofy on certain tools.
And Makita’s got nowhere to go if they ever want to offer a 6″ grinder or even larger impact wrenches. 5.0/6.0 packs using 18650s absolutely cannot put out enough power to keep up with other manufacturers in those categories.
And I can only imagine how bad a double battery impact wrench would turn out.
It works just fine on their chainsaws, blower, rotary hammer, Miter saw, Abrasive saw, OPE, etc.
MichaelHammer says
Hmm, I didn’t see coffee maker on that list. Better yet, Nespresso. I might switch platforms again.
TonyT says
Not a huge fan of pod coffee makers, but Nespresso Ristretto is amazing
Brandon says
“Xtreme gravity tools”
It’s a new motor technology using an internal micro gravity atmosphere to help propel the motor with ultra efficiency. A 4AH battery will run with the same efficiency as an 18AH battery. Pretty wild technology
Robert says
XGT = Xtra Good Things
At first I thought it might be a compact line, but a belt sander, miter saw, etc. means this is going to be a powerful line. Maybe they are doing what DeWalt did. Flexvolt type move. Not only 2x 18v, but maybe a whole new 36/54v battery line.
DC says
XGT = Xtreme Girl Toy
TPI says
Makita – XGT NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY
This is their new Battery Platform – Expected late 2019 ( Given their history, my money is on 1Q or 2Q 2020)
Panasonic NCR21700A 5000mAh 15A discharge current 3.7V 21700
(Although this could change in the 11th hour)
Here’s a good stock tip…
Makita Corporate suffers from a very bad affliction, “HUBRIS”
They stayed married to a battery technology (not the cells) with the HIGHEST failure rate in the industry and then tried to correct that design defect by incorporating protections in the tools to compensate and further minimize failure rates. In return the public received excellently engineered tools utilizing a very poor electronics system to control battery discharge rates. (Tools notoriously shut down prematurely during moderate and heavy use)
Makita will likely miss this coming holiday season (4Q-2019) sales blitz with their latest technology where Milwaukee and Dewalt will INNUNDATE markets with their newly current (21700) battery technology (M18 HP) (FLEXVOLT) and both companies will gain incredible market share.
Makita will likely use the season to dump out of their existing stock of battery and first gen X2 tools (They’ll dump lots of really good tool and battery combo kits at very low prices to “Hold” people into the platform while they try to finish up their plans for their XGT release sometime next year.
They will also try to distract the market with their big push on the “NEW” X2 outdoor tool platform.
Makita at the end of this year will have lost incredible market share because of their late start to the next generation battery platform. its nor because they re doing it better than anybody else they just dont have their fingers on the pulse…
You could ask me how I know, but i couldn’t tell you.
JuanC says
It’s a new generation of batteries, not compatible with the LXT system.
Smart Battery
Smart Machine.
That’s all what the japanase from Makita Brasil told me.
TPI says
They’ll be compatible with LXT tools for sure. As with other manufacturers some tools will have problems with the new battery size (slightly bigger) but they will work on most LXT Tools.
Newer tools will be optimized for the newer cells, meaning in older tools it will be a “dumb” battery where in the newer LXT tools will “communicate” with the batteries “overload protection basics” whereas the newest tools will “cross communicate” between the tool and battery to optimize motor power, current draw, etc.
XGT will certainly be compatible with LXT tools.
Anything to the contrary will be the death of Makita.