The new Makita MakTrack modular tool box system is here, and is a departure from the form factor popularized by Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem, and other pro-focused competitors.
Makita MakTrak system is based on an extra-large horizontal rolling tool chest, and will launch with an extra-large tool box, an large tool boxes, organizers, and a tool box that mounts to the rolling tool box’s extended handle.
Here’s a quick rundown of the first wave of Makita modular tool storage products:
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Makita MakTrak Rolling Tool Box (T-90009)
- Horizontal design
- Dual-hinged removable lid
- Rubberized handle
- 9″ all-terrain wheels
It doesn’t look like there are any lid supports to help you open the tool chest when other boxes are attached to the lid, but you do get wire cables to prevent the lid from falling backwards.
Price: $250
Makita MakTrak Large Tool Box (T-90015)
- Lid mounting points for interior organization
- Molle panel/divider
- 100lb load capacity
Price: $160
Makita MakTrak Extra Large Extension Tool Box (T-90021)
- Connects to rolling tool chest
- Fits oversized tools
Price: $130
Makita MakTrak Medium Tool Box (T-90037)
- Deep trays for holding hand tools
- Shallow trays with dividers for holding small parts
Price: $90
Makita MakTrak Deep Medium Organizer (T-90043)
- Up to 40% more holding capacity vs leading competitors
- 5″ deep bins with dividers
Price: $90
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Makita MakTrak Low-Profile Medium Organizer (T-90059)
- Up to 50% more holding capacity vs leading competitors
- Low profile design
Price: $70
Makita MakTrak Deep Compact Organizer (T-90065)
- Up to 25% more holding capacity vs leading competitors
- 5″ deep bins with dividers
Price: $55
Optional Add-ons and Accessories
Several optional accessories will also be available:
- 10″ Molle panel divider (T-92025)
- 8″ Molle panel divider (T-92031)
- Upper bin and divider set 4-pack (T-92271)
- Upper bin 4-pack (T-92243)
Makita MakPack Bundles
Retailers are offering a couple of bundle options. The 3pc bundle above includes the rolling tool chest ($250) and 2 medium tool boxes ($90 each) for $430. You don’t save anything compared to building your own configuration separately.
Makita MakTrak Features
Makita began promoting the new MakTrak tool box system on social media, describing it as “the next generation” and “a solution to address everyday challenges.”
Most of Makita’s marketing seems to emphasize the truck transportability of their extra-large form factor tool boxes, with few images showing them connected together or rolling from truck to jobsite.
The boxes are large and can be filled with a lot of tools, accessories, and supplies.
The highlighted features are said to include:
- Comfort grip handles
- Large glove-friendly latches
- Hidden security tracker slot
(From the image, it looks like the “tracker slot” can fit an Apple AirTag.)
Makita images also show panels attached to their lids, with Velctro-style cable wraps used to secure hand tools. (Are those Lowe’s Kobalt pliers?)
You can do similar with the screw lugs built into other brands’ tool chest lids, you just need screw-down mounts large enough to fit Velcro cable ties.
Some of the other MakTrak tool boxes are shown with power tool accessory sets mounted to the lids.
Makita also emphasizes that you can open any box without having to unstack anything loaded on top. Many other modular tool boxes have similar capabilities, although it’s usually a very frustrating experience without gas struts or other means of supporting the weight.
Digging through a large tool box with one hand, while supporting a heavily-weighted lid with the other is no fun – I speak from experience. That’s why I moved to Milwaukee Packout and Dewalt ToughSystem drawer toolboxes.
Questions
There are many questions, such as about how everything stacks, slides, or latches together, and whether retention will be active or passive.
There are no advertised IP ratings. Are the boxes waterproof?
Will Makita launch a smaller rolling tool box or hand cart, or MakTrak-compatible drawer tool boxes at a later time?
Other pro brands have added externally-mounted attachments to their modular tool box systems, such as Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem DXL, Flex Stack Pack, ToughBuilt StackTech, and Klein ModBox. Does Makita intend to offer the same with MakTrak?
Makita has a MakPac battery charging station. Will there be MakTrak cordless power tool integrations, such as lighting, charging, or vacuum products?
Makita has a new MakPac battery charger, and other tool boxes and accessories. Will there be a MakPac to MakTrak adapter?
Discussion
Personally, I am extremely disappointed that there are no drawers, no cart or dolly, and no standard rolling tool box.
I think it could have potential, but it’s missing a lot – perhaps too much – at launch. The size might be a good fit a pickup truck bed, but seemingly at the expense of mobility.
I’ve tested Milwaukee’s Packout rolling tool chest, and it’s fantastic – if you need a cavernous tool box that’s twice as big and twice as heavy when fully loaded. I expect the new Makita MakTrak rolling tool chest to be similar.
Rather than drawers, you can “open any box without unstacking.” I’ve done this with other tool box systems, before moving to drawers for easy-access tools and parts, and found it to be highly inefficient and a finger-crush hazard. Holding a weighted lid open with one hand while rummaging for a tool or piece of gear is hardly a next-gen feature.
Here’s around $850 of MakTrak tool boxes all connected together. If those boxes are filled anywhere close to capacity, how are you going to retrieve something from the bottom box quickly and safely, and without having to unload everything from on top?
I was eager to see what Makita did with their organizers, but it looks to me like a teal copy of Milwaukee Packout, just with different lid hinge and handle placements, and much higher pricing.
Many of Makita’s marketing images show their MakTrak tool boxes on a truck bed or other raised surface. Aside from the single image shown at the start of the post, I couldn’t find any other image showing the tool boxes stacked together and being rolled from a truck to a jobsite.
There’s no cart or other mobility option aside for the rolling tool chest, which retails for $250. So if you just want a couple of organizers or smaller (standard size) tool boxes, you’ll have to haul everything around by hand or with a 3rd party hand cart and some bungee cords.
Makita says that MakTrak is “the most advanced system on the market.” Do you agree?
What do you think about Makita’s next-gen tool box system?
This post was updated on 10/2/24. The newest comments start here.
Rog
As someone who still has quite a few Makita tools I was hoping a new Makita storage line would suit me. However, it’s obvious this is geared towards professionals on the job site, not home garage guys like me.
Peter
Are those type of boxes not overkill to just store them at home in the garage?
If I would not be a tradesperson that goes on job sites I would have very few boxes and would store tools in cabinets etc without any boxes to save space instead.
Rog
They probably are. I have a mix of tool chests, carts, boxes and wall storage from a variety of manufacturers. Maybe I was secretly wishing they came out with some completely new and innovative system to woo me.
TomD
The price difference between “good” garage storage and things like the Packout milk-crates isn’t terribly much. Sure, you can find cheap storage, but the boxes aren’t durable, you can’t stand on them, etc.
Stuart
You cannot stand on Packout crates either.
As someone who has heavily invested in L-Boxxes, Systainers, Dewalt ToughSystem, and now Milwaukee Packout, I would argue that modular plastic storage is NOT ideally suited for homeowners, hobbysists, or other more casual users.
A Tstak or VersaStack stack is fine for most homeowners. For needs beyond that, there are all kinds of more cost-effective and space-efficient products.
For very demanding needs, that’s where modular tool box systems save a lot of time and provide more convenience.
Consider a rolling tower with drawers from most pro-level brands. A 3x drawer tool box tower with dolly will cost from $400 to over $600.
A US General roll cab is $400 at Harbor Freight. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/harbor-freight-us-general-tool-cabinet-adventure-2023/%3C/a%3E A higher-end Beta tool cabinet is ~$800. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/unboxing-new-beta-tool-cabinet/%3C/a%3E You can get a Craftsman roller cabinet for less than $300.
A home user can get more storage for less money if they shop around.
Bonnie
I’m still flabbergasted Milwaukee is selling milk crates for >$50 a piece. You can easily get regular milk crates for $6/ea, and they’re more than strong enough for anything a homeowner (or even a professional) is putting in them.
Jared
That’s fair, but I don’t think the Packout milk crate exists so that you can create a storage system with them. E.g. It’s a milk crate that’s Packout compatible; if your plan is to store things in milk crates generally, then surely you just buy milk crates.
doneanddusted
Exactly. It’s funny how there’s always the distinction made between ‘pro’ and ‘homeowner’ (and, of course, what homeowner doesn’t want to be a ‘pro’?) when it’s really all about portability to a job site.
If a person has to throw these in a truck every morning, or take them from the truck to some building site, I can see the point. Having said that, I’ve never seen a repair guy with any of this kind of casework since they just seem to work out of a utility bed.
My bet is that nearly all of this colorful plastic box stuff is sold to people who stack them in their garage , it’s a kind of aesthetic decision. Consumer spending is a lot easier than it used to be and a file cabinet for your power tools isn’t as kewl looking.
Next up will be a giant Makita rifle-case looking thing for your string trimmer.
Rossy
Please, rethink.
Everyone of the guys in my shop is heavily invested in a modular system.
Heavily invested = about a grand
They are used all day long, every day.
Utility beds are great. But when you need all those tools inside, upstairs, and organized, these stems are crucial.
Michael
Come visit one of our jobsites. Every trade is hauling their packout modular cases from the truck to the site. Tool organization is a huge deal, and a system that is truck friendly can be wheeled and broken down for interiors and stairs is huge. Don’t confuse pros with service or handy people.
Marc-Andre
Yes. If you are not a tradesmam. Do not waste your money. Buy a proper tool box/bench for your garage.
Stuart
All pro tool box systems are aimed at professional users and jobsite environments.
The question is whether this will be suitable for individual users or residential contractors and tradespeople, or more commercial-type crews and teams.
Munklepunk
When I stopped carpentry, and all construction, I sold all of my pack out and bought tstak and versastak. Took my $1,500 I “made” selling them and spent $200 for roughly the same storage space. And it was a big loss monetarily when I sold them. If I had it to do all over again I would not spend the money on a “pro” system.
OldDominionDIYer
They should have every advantage since they’re so late to the market, they should adopt successful features from other brands and address shortcomings making them great choices but I’m not sure that is the case. How does that work? I can’t imagine they ignored the competition? I’ll be interested in seeing these in person.
Jared
Kind of my impression too. I was waiting to see if there would be a secret “hook”, some reason why I should buy this over the competition.
The “horizontal design” isn’t doing it for me. I don’t particularly want to pick my handle off of the ground every time I move the stack.
What if Makita had launched with a double-wide rolling cart with a vertical handle instead? E.g. have the base able to hold two regular-sized boxes (much like it does not I guess), but with the handle up in the air instead?
Might have needed four wheels on the bottom so you could turn it sideways to get through doors, but that would have made it a potential Dewalt DXL competitor – at least that space is less crowded.
What is the point of this “horizontal design” anyway?
Looking at the picture, I’m thinking maybe it allows a person to move more boxes at once. A Toughsystem or Packout stack can just get taller and taller to the point that it’s not easy to move anymore. Because Makita’s version starts out wider, the total stack could be larger – presuming you’re still able to lift the handle off the ground.
Nathan
The Toughsystem even has that mixed use dolly/handcart, I was surprised they didn’t use something like that, letting you use the full double width for the big things and turn it into a hand truck for the half-size boxes.
Someone else, either on Reddit or Youtube mentioned that they were going to make a front opening version, so less drawers and more like cubbies, which is still a bit weird but at least would offer options compared to this.
Maybe the format is intended to make use of their powered hand carts, it looks about the right shape to fit on the front of one of those for roll on/roll off. If they ever release an XGT version of it that isn’t absurdly expensive….
Makita is truly mysterious. There must be corporate cliques that are fighting for power causing this kind of split personality product development. Sometimes they’ll do something innovative/leading and then either just sit on it and do nothing (or release it only in Japan). Other times they’ll do nothing forever and only release a product seemingly under duress that’s needlessly hamstrung.
Kane Tan
But how does this line up with the new charging case Makita Japan just released?
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAAJ_tfzTVB/?igsh=MWg0OGNwdTlvNWFzaQ==
Paul
Tough to imagine this product is aimed at Japan market, it seems the US is the only market to really love these big oversized tool boxes.
Bonnie
Especially with the focus on pickup trucks. If this were intended for the Japanese and international market I’d expect to see more focus on vans and drop-side utility trucks.
Bawmbah
I’m not sure why they went horizontal. All I can think was this was designed before everyone else made their truck compatible lowers, before Packout got removable handles and Rigid made the modular roller stack bottom. I got the Rigid horizontal chest back then for this very reason (Awful by the way).
PW
What’s awful about the Ridgid horizontal chest? I’ve eyed it on occasion with interest.
Jake
Tiny wheels, not very long. The point of horizontal boxes is long tools, like sawzalls with a blade in.
Bawmbah
The bar isn’t very long and if you get in a situation where you have to push, you’ll probably jump the lugs and collapse the handle. Can’t stack many boxes without becoming unstable. The bars holding boxes together get loose and come undone. On the gen 1 boxes, if the resin gets too hot, like if it’s summer, the latches locking the box lids will just fall off.
rob
Welcome to how Makita do.
BobM
Thought we had figured out that drawers are usually better than boxes for accessing lower levels of a stack.
I’m shocked they would introduce a new system without any drawers.
Saulac
Agreed. Being this late they should have at least skip a few steps. But no they just follow the well known schedule.
Michael F
I’m all for wanting this system to be successful, but I need smaller boxes with a cart base at the least to “buy in.” I’m heavily invested in Makita cordless tools but this has no real use for me, personally. I’m just a guy who likes to organize his tools so I might not be the target audience.
blocky
Although many of us are in the tower gestalt, I don’t mind that Makita is starting with the wide, low roller. For one, it will fit under a pickup bed-cover, no question, and second, I think it will be easier to open-up and work out of. Most of the time, I’m only bringing 1-2 boxes plus all my hand-tools in bags. Third, as someone who loads vehicles daily, I think this geometry will give a better angle for sliding into a van or pickup.
For me, the deep rolling cases (and I have 6) have mostly become long-term storage bins for bulky items. (One notable exception for drywall hand-tools.)
Details I like to see:
-the latches seem to be the largest I’ve seen and have a curve to them – probably very pleasant to latch and unlatch.
-The compact organizer fixed handle does not protrude past the plane of the other boxes.
-Based on the written copy, it appears Makita has improved the “volume of unit: volume of internal storage” ratio for the organizers. When it comes to organizer units, the best I have are the discontinued non-packout Milwaukee boxes and the Dewalt units that are not quite T-stak.
-The Molle panel is a great idea and something I would want to add anyways. I have similar in a couple Pelican cases.
^Just my opinions.
RS
The only benefit I can see in this horizontal design is that stacking boxes on the wheels end means that when it’s being carted around the COG is more over the wheels, which kitchens the load, not halfway between the person pulling and the wheels.
eddiesky
I just want a person that can organize my stuff. Because OCDish and chaos keep me at bay!
Scott K
Some features of this seem like they’d be attractive to outdoors use. The huge rolling toolbox with dividers, Molle attachments, and lid storage options could possibly compete with Roam or Pelican. It’ll be interesting to see if they aim to appeal to those outside the tool world.
Michael F
Actually, these boxes in their “Outdoors” forest green colorway would have amazing applications for airsoft (or dare I say actual range days), camping, and vehicle storage – especially because they seemingly went all-in on MOLLE panels. At first I wasn’t very excited about this release but your comment has me reconsidering.
Scott K
It’ll be interesting to see how the pricing compares to other outdoor focused brands. They also seem to advertise the rugged wheels.
WAYNE TARAPILLI
Looks like a decent system but unless there are drawer boxes so you don’t need to unstack everything to get to that seldom used tool that is in the bottom box it is a major FAIL…
I am a Makita user mainly due to their 18v batteries holding up the longest. I found a set of MakPac sustainers for a deal on FB marketplace but found out that my reciprocating saw does not fit into any of the cases including the XL! Another major fail…
I have the case that my track saw came in and have the 4 cases I bought for $100 in my stack but I started buying DeWalt Toughcase 2 drawer units for my most used tools because I can get to what I need easier.
Farkleberry
Wonder if they’re still beta testing names?
MAK TRAK is ok, better than TRAK>lock
What I like better about the competitors names is they say something about the products’ purpose or a functionally valuable characteristic.
Packout – Pack up and go out, or a variation on the military “loadout”
ToughSystem – pretty bland and probably my least favorite, but saying they’re tough and not standalone
Stack Pack and Stack Tech – they stack vertically which is space efficient and requires fewer trips
Modbox – maybe the best, it’s a box that’s either or both modular and/or can be constantly modified to fit individual needs
Makita USA has chosen to use their brand name (OK fine) and, I guess, clagged on some technical detail about how they operate.
With all this TRAK TALK, I’m pretty interested to know what’s so special on the bottom of these boxes. I’ve been assuming they use a variation on Packout’s modular “feet” (possibly inverted?). If so, it’s an excellent decision, but TRAK wouldn’t jump into my mind.
Maybe there’s some other TRAK feature I’m missing?
Farkleberry
If we really want to be honest about it…
Compared to the competition..
From the little bit I’ve seen so far…
COMING SOON…
THE NEXT GENERATION…
TEAL>BOX
Farkleberry
“What do you think about Makita’s next-gen tool box system?”
I’d like to tease this question apart a bit:
It’s obviously >Makita’s< next-gen system…
So far, it doesn't seem to be the next gen system for the "modular storage" market at large, which is rapidly incorporating work station and other features.
It also seems to be missing some hard use "tool box" features like lashing points.
Is a "tool box system" more targeted, less featured/adaptable than a "modular storage system" or are the terms currently equivalent?
Why would I want a less featured/adaptable system, especially if it's not less expensive (which from Makita, it won't be.)
chip hershberger
Starting without drawers constitutes a fail for me.
Late to the market should be a chance to jump over the competition, based off of market research.
Accessibility without unstacking and mobility options, should be ahead of even the main latching method.
I have been using pelican and have added the packout (larger wheels) for camping over the last 20 years.
Bulk capacity is great for a weekend camping trip where everything comes out for a weekend.
Packing and unpacking it daily would be more frustrating.
I find it incredible that flex,stack tech, klein and others didn’t understand that…we tradesman need a rolling box with easy frontal access in a vertical stack.
Hopefully it doesn’t have the dreadful latch sound of the Macpack,my lxt tracksaw purchased in 2018 came with 2 boxes.
A sound worse then fingernails on a chalkboard, Styrofoam rubbing together etc .
I gave both boxes away to avoid the horrible screech.
Stuart
Drawer tool boxes tend to be more complex to design, develop, and manufacture, and they also cost more than tool boxes with hinged lids.
From what I’ve been told, rolling drawer tool boxes are even harder to get right.
Rob
Market research? Makita? 🤣
bob
I feel a lot of stress on elbow joint pulling two wheeled luggage, I can’t imagine the amount of stress a full of that design would cause. That design screams for 4 wheels like a flatbed.
Wayne R.
Dragging big & heavy Pelican cases across smooth airport floors got pretty painful for me. Of course, those were little 2″ wheels, but even with freshly oiled axles, that was wearing even when the whole mess was fairly well balanced.
Not sure four wheels would’ve fixed it for me, but larger wheels with good bearings was my dream. It was still a lot of weight to drag around.
Kompahko
At first, I thought the boxes were useless and didn’t bring anything new then I realized some things:
-Very few boxes can handle long tools (9 inch cutoff saw for example)
– since everything can be laid out flat in the box, you don’t need to empty it to access what’s in the bottom. Sometimes I have to empty my rolling boxes to access their content.
But yea, it doesn’t seem enough to justify their existence. It feels like they just answered the feedback of makita users wanting to use teal boxes instead of competitors.
Harrison
In all honesty, I think getting some Makita teal boxes out there was a good enough reason.
Jack king London N2
I personally think that they are a great idea. Space saver and looks more durable than the mak pak boxes.
Also I have the makita large tool bags and once iv put what I need for the Job I’m going to I can hardly move them.
Frank D
I was close to buying the long low packout box at one point in time … but decided against it.
Might be great for a few longer tools, but it would end up a giant disorganized mess inside of there. Same issue as with the packout base. Lack of real organization options, would get weighed down too much, then start adding boxes on top … too awkward and heavy. Plus you cannot open anything without unstacking.
At least Makita thought about that.
But then adding a box on the handle? Now talk about heavy to handle and unbalanced …
Hoping they show more soon.
Nathan
I’ll grant it might be easier to roll and the long tool angle. But you have to pay the thing on the ground to use it when you get there. I don’t want to have to unstack it all and the pick up my tools from a box at most 20 inches off the ground.
Might as well just toss everything on the ground and start working. I like tough uilt version so far
Ray
I’m not convinced the design is for carting other boxes long distances; to me this seems good to keep in a truck bed, as a home base – I’m thinking of a pneumatic roofing crew that kept their toolboxes at the truck, but used them for nailers/hoses/harnesses, bulky equipment.
The boxes stacking together may be a secondary feature for secure transit to sites.
Nathan
In the pic for the charging device isn’t the piece on top their large backpack battery for ope
Harrison
I like it. I will be ordering this as soon as we can reasonably get ahold of it in Canada.
As I mentioned in the last post, I currently own Packout- It’s fine but not working that well for our general contracting/ builder role.
This system addresses a lot of the problems I have with Packout, namely the awkward size of the standard rolling base, and the necessity of removing the entire stack to load into a pickup truck or access tools. I revolve between finding the boxes too short/small for large equipment, and too deep/tall for efficient organization of smaller tools. I have no interest in drawers, I’m not a mechanic. I’m happy with my hand tools in a rigid fabric tool bag.
The long and relatively shallow base bin of this Makita system looks like it will carry a lot of the power tools I need on a daily basis, without relying on more than 1 or 2 medium boxes on top, that I can swap out as needed. Though it lays low and has a wider foot print, I expect I will need to spend less time stacking and unstacking to access everything. Just open the lid, even with a small organizer clipped to the top. I looked at the large Milwaukee rolling bin as well, but it seemed overkill and clearly a secondary design vs the standard 3-stack rolling setup. I like that this Makita bin is a bit more compact, and the system is designed around it primarily. I’m sure Makita will sell drawers and their take on the standard 3-stack in time.
I really like the idea of the molle organizers Makita is incorporating into the boxes- I’m excited to see some of the possibilities with that.
I’m also really happy to hear this product is manufactured in the USA, and Makita isn’t shipping empty boxes of air across the Pacific, or from Keter in Israel. Hopefully Makita promotes the hell out of that, it’s a great look for them.
CMF
Many cynical and negative comments.
When it comes out, we’ll see how it does with real pros. As with most products, Makita does cater to both homeowner and pro, like most brands, but they do focus primarily on pros, homeowner second.
Jim Felt
Bringing up an odd question.
I have many Keter pieces (some with their OEM name and most not but all marked “Made in Israel“) so I wonder if there’s any manufacturing on their part not sourced in Israel?
Might be soon be a supply chain quagmire?
JR Ramos
The HDX black and yellow 5-shelf units at HD are made by Keter and say made in USA on the packaging…none of the pieces is marked with COO though, but the included anti-tip strap thingies have Keter on the plastic pouches with their Indiana address.
Talked to an Amana rep recently and asked him about the Israel potential disruption and he said they have had no problems and don’t anticipate any. Most of their bits as well as Makita’s are made there. Things certainly aren’t cooling off so it’s anyone’s guess, I guess.
TomD
Shipping large empty plastic around the world is not cost effective – Walmart makes trash cans in the USA not because of some US manufacturing reason, but because it’s cheaper.
I suspect that more and more of the manufacturing will move closer to the customer as the kinks get worked out – early products often have a lot of hand-holding and custom parts even if the customer doesn’t realize it, and only once the volumes are up do they bother setting up manufacturing.
Nathan
Where does it say made in USA? I’ve not seen that before
DRT42
Right at the top of the ad that ToolNut sent out this morning, superimposed on a pic of the MakTrak boxes in a pickup bed. It says: “Makita. Designed, Engineered, & Made in the USA with global materials.”
I was surprised, too.
Ralph
Lets hope makita have listened to the end users and actually thought this system through, it was a sad day when I put all my makita gear (carpenter) into dewalt boxes because the original boxes are poorly designed with cheap plastic..
TomD
Removable lids might be a game-changer, especially if they’re designed like the Husky storage boxes talked about here before – where the lid snaps on securely but can also hinge either way.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-Gal-Professional-Heavy-Duty-Waterproof-Stackable-Plastic-Storage-Container-with-Hinged-Lid-in-Red-246842/311485319
I have the giant Packout wheel thing and the lid is too big when open, and doesn’t open “all the way” which is also annoying.
SamR
I have a humorous thought! When I look at it, I feel it is designed as a suitcase for travelers rather than job sites and tradesmen!
Doug N
I finally see the advantage of the horizontal layout – opening a bottom tool box without unstacking, because there is no handle in the way. Can’t do that with Packout, even with the low profile handle lowered.
Not as convenient as drawers, but an innovative idea. And combo latch/hinges for dual side opening is interesting.
Stuart
You can do that with a lot of tool boxes – maybe not rollers with handles extended – but it’s not practical unless the top is unloaded. With no lid stay, gas strut, or locking support, you have to support all of the top lid weight with one hand while you rummage around with the other.
Doug N
I think you’re mistaken about opening the rolling box in a standard set up. This won’t work when stacked, even with the handle in the lowered position because the smaller box attached to the lid will bump into the lowered handle. Partial opening maybe, but not much more.
All your other points are true and well taken.
Stuart
I have opened many stacked tool boxes from multiple tool box systems, although rarely on top of 2-wheel carts. I usually have a stack on the floor or on a 4-wheel cart.
You can’t fully open any of them – including the new Makita boxes – because everything will tilt backwards and fall over. The same is true here – that’s why the worker is holding the lid open in the marketing image above.
Any weight mounted on top of the lid will make such access incredibly clumsy and potentially harmful.
Jared
Dual side opening seems like the only “new” feature Makita brought to the table. Everything else they advertise – seems like they’re counting on you not knowing other modular toolboxes already do that too.
I’m disappointed. I’ve got nothing against Makita – I was hoping they’d come out with something novel.
Kompahko
I wanna see a video of someone loading loaded boxes in a pickup truck.
I use ridgid boxes and I quickly found out it was easy to load the rolling box where it just sucks to carry it. I’ve been organizing my stuff in more lighter boxes since. My heaviest boxes are around 60 lbs or less and that’s plenty for my taste.
I haven’t seen any of the largest milwaukee box in the wild either probably for that reason.
Eliot Truelove
There’s tons of videos on Instagram of people loading up fully weighed down stacks.
This was all at the first annual PowerOn event that is looking to be similar to Milwaukees Pipeline.
Frank D
What does one do with a molle panel vs any hand tools, power tool, practical item?? Seems like you need an extra mount of some type???
Alexk
Looking at the first photo, it looks like it would be heavy to lift up and will it roll as you’re lifting?
Where is the center of balance as you’re pulling?
Eliot Truelove
They have a rubberized catch at the top of the handle that allows for it to be a fulcrum/pivot point without sliding down off the tailgate. Plenty of videos online of people at the PowerOn event loading in fully loaded up stacks into truckbeds.
One guy even admitted he threw his backout a few months back and even he was able to do it.
Afterall, Archimedes said “give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it and I shall move the world”.
eddiesky
Might make a nice gift for my Makita only friend. Though I want to see these and if the lids will stay open. My dewalt clear lid on the parts box, opens to 90 degree and you had to hold open else it falls closed. Annoying little bad design.
PW
Honestly, the more I look the more this system just looks like back pain in a box. This system’s whole deal seems to be that you can stack basically two tower stacks onto the same wheelbase – and then lift from the bottom. Heck, in the promo pick, that guy doesn’t look like he’s squatting low enough to avoid lifting with his back.
And then after that you’re gonna heft the whole thing into the back of a pickup? With pickup beds now near chest height?
Oh and when you’re using this out of your truck – instead of drawers you pull out to access stuff in the bottom, you’re going to just bend down and pull up on half of your tools?
The ergonomics of this whole system seem terrible to me. And like it’s designed to encourage bad lifting behavior.
I find that weird from Makita, which of the big tool brands, seems usually most interested in ergonomics and back-saving devices.
I don’t get it. But then again, I am not the target market at all.
Michael F
At this price point I’ll gladly stick with the Systainers I already have and probably expand my collection.
Andrew
I’ve been a fan of Makita’s design since I saw the patent earlier this year. I like that with the initial release, they are targeting larger boxes to store all your tools, rather than lugging them around in their individual bags.
Based on the patent drawings, it looks like Makita will launch more accessories for Maktrak such as clamps that clamp to the sides of the boxes so you can store levels, extension cords, etc. I’m just hoping with the horizontal design, drawer boxes can still be integrated in the future.
Austen alf
1. Makita is years behind on the storage box game.
2. Their systainer system ip until now absolutely sucks, especially the latches and snap crackle pop chinsey plastic. So we all bought other systems and have kept growing our stack systems…. And now we are invested in those systems. And those systems have only gotten better and more innovative.
3. No drawers is no bueno
4. This is a silly way to stack
5. Why not call it MakStak?? MakTrak instantly sounds like it’s a horizontal style system which no one asked for and which it is.
6. Did I say no drawers? In my opinion a vertical stak system with 2-4 drawers at the bottom with wheels, a decent size box in the middle for bigger tools and parts storage stacked on top. Or have some different base units in different configurations with Dolly style wheels like the packout.
7. Makita is trying to reinvent the wheel but really they need to follow the success of the packout and make tweaks to make their kit better. Heck maybe they should have asked more of us tradesmen what we want. But they don’t have to ask, just look at the Packout as it’s amazing. I’m afraid most of us who have $10k worth of Makita tools probably won’t buy these MakTrak boxes. I feel it’s going to be a wait and see thing for most of us. Again we are already invested in one sort of organizer or another already. Makita was off making dozens of different kind of cordless lawnmowers and microwaves rather than a storage system. EPIC FAIL. I hope it’s successful for Makita because I want them to make a killer system that rivals if not beats the competition, but from this rollout of their new line I don’t think this is it. It’s going to bomb like megalopolis.
Joe
Any idea where they are made? I plan on selling the $3000 worth of Packouts I have because I refuse to purchase any new packouts but need new ones to accommodate other tools. I will save the political rant.