Makita is launching an XGT battery-powered gas engine replacement motor.
A few years ago Makita discontinued production of gas engine products, which made sense given their focus on battery-powered equipment.
After a brief exchange with a representative from a third party company, I learned that Makita gas engine motors were used in a variety of different equipment.
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Now, with the upcoming launch of the new Makita XGT gas engine replacement motor, OEMs have “a faster path to electrification across a wide range of commercial applications.”
The new Makita battery-powered motor can be integrated into a variety of tools and other products.
In the context of concrete tools and equipment, this could serve as a drop-in replacement for certain power screeds, backpack vibrators, power trowels, winches, and water pumps.
Makita says:
Remove the gas engine, bolt on a Makita-powered motor, and instantly gain access to the same battery platform that powers over 170 XGT tools and equipment.
The Makita XGT Motor Unit is a “fully electric, drop-in solution engineered to deliver the performance of 25cc to 50cc gas engines,” and was “designed with seamless OEM integration in mind.”
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Makita adds:
Rather than build equipment from scratch like some of our competitors, we’re offering a smarter path: Replace the engine. Give OEMs a seamless, ready-to-integrate electrification solution.
Features include:
- Engineered for drop-in compatibility
- Universal mounting pattern
- Flexible configuration options for RPM, throttle response, and power switch location
- Supports 3 industry-standard drive types (clutch shaft, straight shaft, threaded spindle)
- IPX5 rating for enduring tough jobsite conditions
Basically, this is not something that end users would buy, it’s something that other tool and equipment brands and manufacturers could buy to integrate into their own products and equipment.
ETA: Summer 2026
Champs
Considering the battery adapter aftermarket for kids toys: adult Power Wheels, anyone?
Phranq
Already trying to figure out if it will work on the gokart
David
This makes more sense than the MX Fuel approach. The thing is I bought all my compactors and screeds second hand. They are built like industrial equipment and will probably last another 20+ years. I have no reason to go out and buy a brand new $5k piece of equipment just because it’s battery operated, and it’s not going to fail anytime soon either. Now if I could pop one of these on for under $1k. That’s pretty tempting.
Bonnie
Makes a ton of sense. I almost want to buy one just to play around with it, though I’m sure they’ll cost a penny.
Stuart
I’m thinking the same thing!
S
I’m curious how they handle horizontal and vertical shaft applications.
Just turn it sideways? It seems overly bulky for that in some use cases.
Saulac
Honda has eGX “engines” that use 72V batteries. The motors are a bit more powerful than Makita’s about 100cc equivalent. The batteries are proprietary, look awkward and cost more than a grand each. I think why these are not more popular is self explanatory.
Richard
This is a great idea. Makita also has many patients that suggest a 80v variant maby in the 100cc category. The possibilities are literally endless ,a few come to mind that wouldn’t make sense for a company like makita to make because of how specific or low volume they are while on the other hand allow makita 40v users to access almost any tool any other tool company makes now vs waiting for makita to make it . Anything in the small engine category. Just think post drivers ,presser washers , earth angers , specific lawn equipment, vacuums, tillers, log splitter.
Robert
Why couldn’t an end user replace their gas engine with this XGT engine? Say contractors under pressure from customers or regulations to go electric or reduce noise. Or consumers where the same considerations are important to them? I didn’t read anything that clearly states it needs a factory to do the swap out.
I like that it implies that you don’t have to waste the rest of a gasoline powered tool, just swap the engine.
IronWood
Very cool! First cordless item in a while that looks like it could be an actual game changer. Lot of potential applications and might lead to other turn key repower options