Makita USA seems to have had a difficult couple of years, with kit substitutions, multiple price increases, layoffs, and what I perceived to be a drop in retail promotions and visibility.
It looks like things could be changing for them, possibly thanks to the change in leadership nearly a year ago.
To start off, let’s take a glance at Makita’s latest financial filing.
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Makita’s revenue in North America is down for the first 3 months of their new fiscal year, compared to the same period for the previous year. But, whereas they were at an operating loss for the same period last year, they’re off this year to a profitable start.
Even with revenue down compared to last year, a small profit is a lot better than a loss.
With a brief search, I found new Makita discounts and promos – the first I’ve seen in a while.
Acme Tools has a “buy more, save more” deal on select Makita tools.
With coupon code TEALDEALS, save on select Makita tool orders:
- $25 off $200+
- $50 off $350+
- $100 off $600+
$25 off $200+ to $100 off $600+ isn’t as good as some of Makita’s prior discounts, but it’s better than what we’ve seen in the past year.
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Acme also has a 15% email subscriber discount going on right now as well.
Some of Makita’s XGT tools at Home Depot look to have new imagery, advertising the tools as being “more powerful,” “exclusive,” and “top rated.” It’s unclear when these messages and banners were added.
Makita seems to have returned to instant freebie inclusions, at least for select tools, which is the big and welcome news.
Late last year, Makita switched over to an online rebate process for free tool bonuses and promos.
Now, select Makita XTG cordless power tools, kits, and combos, are again being instantly bundled with free tools, batteries, or accessories, without users having to go through the hassle of online redemption and mail-order fulfillment.
Instant money-off discounts and same-order (vs rebate) free bonus promo fulfilment are great, and I see this as signs of recovery. Plus, Makita North America has started off the first quarter of their fiscal year with a profit.
Hopefully Makita is gearing up for big holiday season promos. I’ve been curious about how well the Makita XGT cordless air compressor performs compares to Metabo HPT (decent), Dewalt 20V Max (excellent), and Milwaukee M18 Fuel (excellent, quiet, and easy to store) models, but its pricing has been too high. Maybe there will be even better offers in November/December, I’m in no rush.
Separately, readers at Makita USA headquarters have been checking out our articles on their competitors’ tabless cordless power tool batteries, and so maybe we’ll soon see the new XGT battery that launched overseas. It’s been 10 months, what’s the holdup?
fred
Only a bit of buyer’s remorse on my part – because I’ve gotten good use out of my Makita GML01PL (XGT Lawnmower with 2x8Ah batteries). But when I bought it in May – I paid $1299 at Home Depot. Acme now has it on sale for $899 (after TEALDEALS coupon) plus $75 extra shipping charge. This seems like a great deal – and the current Makita “e-bates” deal for a free 8Ah battery is more to my liking than the XGT leaf blower that I received from the deal that was going on back in May
Goodie
This is good. I know Makita isn’t going anywhere globally, but I want to see them have greater success here in the USA. Subjectively – I think their ergos and finesse tools are probably the nicest of the biggest players (DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita).
Lance
I think they would bolster their position more if they would support the 18v lineup with better batteries. The ones they have now are 10+ years old and EVERYONE else has stepped up their 18v game.
I have too much invested in LXT tools to start with a new lineup, and if I did I don’t know if I could justify the higher XGT prices.
Tim D.
Same. If I start to replace LXT tools before Makita makes some type of change, I’ll be purchasing Milwaukee tools.
DRT42
Exact same here.
CMF
This seems to be another old and tiresome complaint.
I have a significant cordless tool line up. About 30 or so LXT tools with 5ah being the biggest. I have Dewalt 20v max, Flexvolt, Milwaukee M12 & M18, Metabo, both German and HPT, Fein, Ryobi, Flex, Kobalt…Bosch might be the only familiar brand I do not have in cordless.
They might have older tech in their batteries, but hey work just fine. I have never used a tool where I wished they had an 8.0 or higher battery. The few 8 and 10 I have on other platforms are cumbersome bricks, and very expensive.
I have 5 or 6 of the 18 x 2 LXT tools and they are well made as to not be a burden.
If they ever come out with new LXT batteries with new tech; what will it give me? a 5ah with 25% more runtime or a 10 ah which I would never buy. Too expensive for little gains. When a battery goes down, I always have many ready to go.
I use all my tools 5 to 7 days a week. I have the 8ah M18, becuase of a cool promotion they had. On my recip saw, it last very long and does not feel heavy or cumbersome. But on many other tools M18 tools, I am very happy with the 4ah battery.
To each their own, the big batteries are expensive, heavy and I cannot justify a need for them.
Tylor W
I disagree for myself. In concrete work I use the grinder and sds hammer a lot. And have a big battery while heavy is still better than using the generator and cables. And makita just never offered anything that will outlast my milwaukees unfortunately
Rog
I hope for Makita’s success in the US, I really like the tools of theirs that I have. Hopefully this is the start of a turnaround here.
If you’re reading this, Makita: Some new battery tech for LXT please? Not that its “necessary”, but it shows us you’re truly committed to the line.
fred
If yesterday’s market jitters are any indication – Makita may be trying to rebound in a US construction market that is poised to go into a further slowdown. The good news is that while the Japanese Stock Market had a dismal day yesterday – Makita stock did not fare as badly at all.
Goodie
NOT POLITICAL CONTENT, just a comment on construction.
My friends running construction projects have indicated that higher interest rates (than we’ve had in the last decade and a half) have certainly put a squeeze on new starts.
Market jitters and low unemployment make a good case for the Fed to make a September rate cut. With lumber prices trending lower than their pandemic highs, I think we may actually see activity in the construction economic area pick up in the US. I hope so, because we do need more housing inventory in this country.
I hope bodes well for new starts. In this case, I also hope it bodes well for Makita.
Jason
Also bear in mind, we’re less than 100 days from a US presidential election. Stock markets always slow down or drop in the months leading up to that election. Mid-terms, not as much. The thing is, the markets always just pick right back up again as if nothing happened. Go figure.
fred
I live off of my investments and/or the income that they produce. So, I watch them regularly. But 60 years of investing has taught me that trying to time the market is risky – while having a long time in the market is not. Investors (in the broad sense) seem to hate uncertainty – so the uncertainty ahead of a presidential election (no matter who the candidates might be) might well cause jitters. A tough day on the Japanese or other major market can (as in recent events) result in jitters too. I’ve observed these cycles – but also that there is a chicken and egg factor as well. When the stock market falls – many folks (even non investors) will feel less rich – and the reverse is true when the market rises. Sometimes even an expected market correction can translate actions by consumers and stockholders alike that can force the market either further down or further up. When the market is booming – many folks put on their “rose colored glasses” and their outlook on the world is positive. Some would be investors will scramble to buy in lest they be left out of a windfall. But when the market takes a tumble – the cries of “woe is us” might be heard – some will quickly sell off – locking in their losses – while others will want to hold on to as much cash as they can – waiting for the bottom to fall out.
This quite normal cycling of the economy and stock markets can have an impact on tool manufacturers, tool retailers and consumers. Sometimes downturns represent opportunities for companies and consumers alike if they are poised to take advantage and can throw off the fear and pessimism and see them.
A-A-Ron
It’s utterly ridiculous a 9, or even an 8, amp battery hasn’t come out yet for LXT. Good grief, if Craftsman of all brands did it, there’s no excuse for Makita.
Rog
It would have to come in their current 6ah form factor, many of their LXT tools have no room to fit a larger battery
MikeK
But many do. I use Makita saws as I like them better than my m18’s. They could build a new pack with 21700 cells or the pouch type. The saws ( excluding 18×2) , drills, impacts, trimmers, blower etc. can accept a larger battery just like M18 does.
Stuart
At this point, if 18V gets 21700 battery packs, it’ll eat away at XGT sales.
Clint
Just saw Makita is releasing a new speaker in Japan. Model# MR014. Looks like it supports 14.4v/18v/40v. Upgrade to the XRM11.
Stuart
Thanks! Will take a look.
Michael F
I would love to see a bit more energy out of Makita USA. The tabless batteries, cordless framing nailer, and ergonomic sanders are all either announced or available overseas with not but a peep from Makita USA. If they are serious about competing in this market they need to actually bring the tools that they spend R&D budget on to the actual market.
Eliot Truelove
It’s a gamble for sure, but they should carpe blanche make everything available internationally right away, and stock them in america low numbers, then let the market decide.
Reduce overhead and create supply and demand, a tentatively low supply, and then gauge the demand. When an item is sold out, restock it as needed, and any delay creates hype of scarcity, justifying the price a consumer may still consider high, but is discounted from MSRP.
I know id be willing to wait for a certain tool or battery available in Japan and the rest of the world, after all, we haven’t had them this entire time, what’s a week or two more?
Better a diversity of products selling fast than a few older products in great quantities collecting dust.
Josh Walters
Maybe Makita just has more over head but these “deals” just aren’t it. I Like XGT is a premium line comparable to Fuel and Flexvolt in performance, but where are the deals? Milwaukee and dewalt offer such better deals with free tools with purchase of battery or free battery with purchase of tool. Spend 1200 for a free battery? Yeah no thanks.
fred
Their lack of profitability in North America might be helped by some great promotion – but unless that garners them more shelf space at Home Depot – it might just shoot themselves in the foot. Pros already know the brand – but the newer generation may think of Makita like Oldsmobile – i.e.: their father’s brand. For newer consumers – if they don’t see it, they likely will not buy it – so more of it on display at HD would help. But Makita probably needs to convince and incentivize HD first. Promotions can also be a two-edged sword. The recent Red Lobster endless shrimp deal may have been good for the customers – but might have killed the company.
Jared
Makita confuses me. I don’t wish them ill though, hopefully this is a sign of life.
The incompatible XGT and LXT dual lines don’t make much sense. You can make a case for buying either lineup (primarily based on portfolio breadth for LXT, performance and hope for the future for XGT), but there’s no reason you have to (or want to) stick with the brand for both your large & powerful and small & compact tools.
The pricing is high for tools that rarely top the performance charts – even more so for XGT.
I hear Makita fans saying “oh, but they last longer or have the best ergos”, but:
– it’s easier to make less powerful tools last longer, and
– I don’t find Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc. uncomfortable.
Farkleberry
What Makita tools “rarely top the performance charts”? Multi tools, yes.
Check out tests of XGT impact wrenches and drivers, drills, recip and circ saws, even LXT grease gun. I think Makita’s handheld OPE is mostly superior to Dewalt and Milwaukee, and often on par with Stihl, Husky, etc.
Makita, Milwaukee and DeWalt are probably the top 3 raw performance brands, with Flex on the fringe.
Price – XGT, DeWalt Flex Volt and Max XR, and the latest Fuel tools and especially batteries are very expensive. In the case of Fuel’s highest performance and draw tools, you risk frying your expensive batteries, forcing you to use the largest and very expensive Forge batteries.
There are exceptions, especially for Dewalt, but brushless non Fuel and brands like Metabo HPT are often a far better value. HPT and others also often offer plenty of power with lighter weight, itself a critical component of real world tool performance.
Longevity is a big deal to me, and Makita seems like the top brand in this regard.
I think Makita does a great job balancing power, durability and ergos. Makita USA does them no service in pricing and marketing them competitively, especially (from what I gather) compared to other regions.
Farkleberry
XGT is still limited in breadth, especially in US.
The lack of compact batteries for small tools and high price keep them a specialty and OPE application for me.
LXT has been great, but is outclassed. I really wish Makita would acknowledge it as a legacy brand and had/would integrate an 18v or compact battery compatibility to XGT.
Jim Premo
LXT is outclassed by nothing. LXT tools battery connection frames are not robust enough to handle larger double the weight batteries. Tools that can are designed for those VERY big, VERY heavy and VERY expensive batteries.
Ed
HD is a double-edged sword…bleeds brands dry. they get a brand’s products on their shelves, get some success rolling, then they go back to the manufacturer…
“I know I’ve been paying you $100 for this great drill, but this year, I’m only going to give you $94 for it. We can return all of your inventory and take you off our shelves, if that’s a problem…”
And it leads to the manufacturer swapping out metal components for plastic/nylon ones, cheapens the product until it is garbage. Happened to Skil, happened to lots of brands. Set me straight if I’m wrong, here — I follow this stuff, but not as closely as others.
Stuart
I’ve heard the same rumors for years, but never seen any proof. You say it happened to Skil, and an older contractor I met a few years ago said it happened to Hilti. A troll once insisted it happened with Porter Cable, but couldn’t provide specific model numbers.
Which modern tools have plastic gears or components because Home Depot demanded it?
There are examples where Home Depot has exclusives suited to their preferences, such as with certain holiday season accessory sets.
Ed
A few examples come to mind…though, without being able to put old and new models side-by-side, this is difficult to prove. I’m taking this from conversations I’ve had with customers over the years. It’s all hearsay :).
Skil 77 Worm Drive Saw: The original Skil 77 was known for its durability and power, featuring robust metal components. Over the years, certain models saw a shift towards more plastic parts, which affected the tool’s longevity and performance. Users often noted a decline in quality in newer models compared to the older versions.
Porter-Cable 690LR Router: The older models of this router were well-regarded for their all-metal construction and reliability. However, some of the later models introduced more plastic into the design, which disappointed many longtime users who valued the tool for its durability.
Dewalt DCD771C2 Drill: Dewalt generally maintains high standards, but even they have models where plastic gears have been used to meet specific price points. The DCD771C2 is a reliable drill, but some of its components are plastic, which can be a point of contention for professional users.
MM
I’ve heard these stories about “plastic gears in big-box store brand tools” before, going way back to when I was a teenager working at the local mom-n-pop Ace hardware. I have never found any truth to it.
Skilsaw 77? It is true the originals had a metal handle while the current ones have a plastic handle. That is a safety improvement called “double insulation”–if there were to be an electrical fault it will not shock the operator through the handle. The gears, gear box, guard, shoe, etc, on the current model 77 are still metal, as they always have been.
Porter Cable 690LR? I am not super knowledgeable about that model specifically, but when I look it up on spare parts websites there is only one variation shown. Normally when models are updated the parts vendors will split up the listings by serial number or some variation in the model number, so I don’t believe that this model ever had any changes made. What parts were supposedly cheaped out on? It’s a router, there are no gears in it.
There are two variants to the DCD771 but the only difference I can see on parts databases are minor details like the data label on the tool. The important parts like the housing, motor, transmission assembly, chuck, and electrical control board/trigger didn’t change.
One would think that if this was happening there would be teardown videos exposing the ripoff all over Youtube. Any actual proof of this sort of thing happening would spread like wildfire.
Sometimes cost-cutting revisions do happen, for example the infamous debacle with the Milwaukee 2767. But that was very different than what we are talking about here. With the 2767 revision there was zero ambiguity or the need to rely on hearsay: there was easily available photo & video proof of the problems & design change. It was easy to find pictures of the failed parts or you could look up the parts listing and see the revisions there too. Furthermore, the problems with the 2767 applied regardless of the source, it was not specific to Home Depot or any other vendor.
Stuart
What happened with the Milwaukee 2767 wasn’t because of cost-cutting.
MM
@Stuart
On what are you basing the claim the 2767 redesign was not cost-cutting? Did Milwaukee get back to you with a proper explanation? If so please share. Otherwise, I’m going to say that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck then it’s probably a duck. If there was some other reason for the redesign they had plenty of opportunity to give it to you, but instead when you posed that question they chose to deflect instead.
Stuart
@MM
I had multiple conversations about the matter last year, and then more conversations this year.
From everything I learned, I strongly believe this wasn’t a case of “let’s make this tool cheaper” direct cost-cutting.
I learned more details this year via off-the-record conversations. At some point we might be able to have more on-the-record discussions.
Mistakes were made – this was made clear via conversations at last year’s Pipeline. This time around, I learned more about the specifics, and a single brief comment implied the reasoning for the design change.
Milwaukee doesn’t have a history of cost-cutting substitutions, and from the start it didn’t seem plausible that they would start now, especially not with a Fuel-line flagship impact.
MM
@Stuart
It sounds like you are now privy to some information you can’t disclose so perhaps there is another angle here but honestly I find it hard to believe.
The redesign eliminated a ball bearing as well as some minor parts from the mechanism, and it simplified the design of the planetary carrier/anvil which would reduce its production cost. If the purpose of that redesign was not cost reduction then I’m really having to push Occam’s Razor to come up with an explanation.
I do agree with you that Milwaukee doesn’t have a history of doing this kind of thing but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen, and the evidence seems to point very strongly in that direction.
Goodie
My HDs are just a sea of red.
James
For cordless power tools, my local HD in the Pacific Northwest has 4 bays plus an end cap of Milwaukee (includes both 12V and 18V), 3 bays and an end cap of Makita (both 18V and 40V), same for Ryobi, 3 bays of Dewalt, and 2 bays of Rigid. Some of the displays are more dense and better stocked than others. At least in the PNW of the United States, Makita LXT still seems very popular with construction crews; over half the grneral construction crews I see are using LXT for cordless. As someone previously mentioned they are a great compromise of quality, power, and durability.
In contrast, the work lights section of HD is dominated by Milwaukee; probably over a dozen options versus maybe 3-5 each for Ryobi, Ridgid and Makita and no Dewalt lights.
Eliot Truelove
Makita clearly is still a strong brand on the west coast. Up and down the east coast it is scarce, and has all older models. The 40v models just started rolling out, but are super slim in shelf space. Even DeWalt is suffering in a sea of Red, Orange, and Lime.
Nathan
There was a ‘Buy an XGT mitersaw and get the XGT Tracksaw kit via rebate’ offer, that was really something.
There are also new whispers of the storage system being launched EoL; although as you’ve pointed out the date in hand for NA has only a theoretical relationship with launch dates.
Stuart
EOL means end of life, and typically marks the discontinuation of an active product.
I haven’t heard any whispers; it seems abandoned with all efforts and costs being for naught.
Subjectively speaking, I want to see what Makita can bring to the market.
Objectively speaking, there’s not much room for another pro system to succeed. Home Depot would have to be on-board, and there are no signs Makita made a convincing pitch. If they did, the investment and costs would be enormous, and it doesn’t look like Makita USA has a lot of capacity for risk right now.
I’d really like to believe it’s still possible.
Nathan
Whoops, mean to put EoY as in end of year.
What I’ve heard is truly whispers, randos of questionable claimed provenance. So not even a rumor, but post-dated enough to your abandoned trademark find that it does make me wonder.
Agreed though, it may not be a wise or economically profitable decision if they do launch it. But they do need to ditch the current cases for something else. Maybe only selling tools in them and sending them out for eRebate rewards instead of vying for shelf space makes it possible.
Farkleberry
Curious how you rate the compressors?
I’ve been pleased with the metabo 36v, using half cordless and half corded, which I see as the biggest differentiator between the 3. Anything involving air (compressors, vacs, blowers), I think is often better corded or gas for big jobs or extended runtimes.
I do like the form factor of the Milwaukee (like a suitcase). The metabo (like a cube) is between it and the Dewalt (like a bucket).
The metabo is pretty quiet for something that’s usually running tools that make much louder popping sounds (nailers, staplers, etc.), but it’s much quieter than a typical pancake, etc.
Metabo only has 4 ah (=18v 8ah) batteries, and that’s all that would ever fit. The AC adapter is a huge benefit, although the Milwaukee can fit a 12.
The Milwaukee is quieter, like the little corded Hitachi that’s great for staplers and brads.
The Dewalt is light, 21 lbs, but anemic, 1 cfm @ 90psi
The metabo is 27 lbs and delivers 1.6 cfm @ 90 psi.
The Milwaukee is 31 lbs but only 1.2 cfm @ 90psi
I think the metabo is the most versatile with AC option and enough power to realistically run limited bigger trim, siding, connector, etc. and even framing guns.
For occasional auto top off and smaller tires, the much smaller compressors (and combo jump starters) are handier.
Stuart
On paper, I think the Metabo HPT is most appealing. In application, I drag the Dewalt out more frequently. The Milwaukee stores more easily, but is less portable when going up and down stairs.
Over the next few months, I’m going to have to choose one to keep and the rest to part with.
With blowers, I parted with Dewalt and EGO and am down to Makita XGT and several Milwaukee M18 Fuel models. It’s ultimately going to come down to Makita vs single battery M18 Fuel.
Big Richard
The 60v version of the DeWalt is 1.2 SCFM, the 20v is 1.0 SCFM as you mentioned.
Stuart
It’s a moot point as the Flexvolt-only model was discontinued a few years ago.
Andrew
I carry 3 batteries to the jobsite. My top tools are makita. I am perfectly fine with having two lines of makita, but my concern is lack of updates. I do think their tools are top notch. I prefer them thats why I use them. But if a newb is getting into the game are they going red, yellow, or teal. Probably not teal because of the lack of innovation in the 18v line. 18v is plenty for the everyday carpenter. Heavy framing, maybe xgt. Concrete, xgt. Two lines is fine but you have to innovate both lines.
chip hershberger
When you sell your Makita, or any other tools.
Find a young person and give them a deal.
I sold x2 blower,chainsaw,brushed circ saw. Fan,impact driver,2 BL 6.5 saws,polesaw/weedwhacker,ten batteries, and 4 dual chargers for $800.
Andrew
I ran into a Makita sales rep at Home Depot last month and asked if they’re planning on releasing a new modular tool storage system. She said Home Depot has seen it and is planning a release in the fall and in stores around December.
Mindy
I am first and foremost just a hack diy-er frugal-as-they-come, research everything, single mom. I researched the heck out of cordless power tools and when I looked at pricing, online reviews, and consumer reports (my mother made me) – I found major reasons to buy the Makita 18v drill and driver with 2 batteries and charger. It was only 2.0ah at the time and I just killed my battery Oct2024 – I got it in 2016 during the holidays and it was a steal at ~$199 compared to the others . I previously had a full size dewalt that made my hand go numb due to the size The reason I got the Makita – it only weighs 6.5 lb with the battery and the battery, even at 18v and up until it died forever would stay charged for a full day of chicken coop (big as a walk-in shed) construction, full day of 6ft fence 2000lf building, drilled holes in concrete with ease, nearly broke by wrist when I forgot to adjust the torque, been dropped from a two story house on accident – unscathed – it bounced… I have also own Ryobi 18vOne+ and Bosch 18v tools and well as Old Black and Decker 18v tools, but I am finding these are all made by different companies and they are so rebranded that I don’t recognize them! Or just crap I don’t want to pay for batteries to get to a useable level
Makita too, has rebranded, so now they are a confusing red and white color (so original) and I haven’t been able to find them in big box stores much – super disappointed that I probably won’t be able to fork out the $ for an upgrade. According to what I’ve seen (for the arthritic or broken wrist sports injury survivors) the Flex 18v is supposed to be the lightest still decent compact 18v tool set I can find. I hate the way Dewalt is designed – and I just have not had any real world experience with Milwaukee – what do you recommend for a compact 18v drill and driver that can withstand my clumsiness and sometimes get left outside in the cold or as it starts to rain I remember it, but does not weigh a ton with the battery on it and can handle a job that I probably shouldn’t be tackling on my own ?!
Stuart
If you want to stick with Makita, their subcompact drill and impact driver combo kit is on sale for the holidays. Dewalt’s Atomic series tools and combos are worth a look.
If you want to switch brands, Milwaukee has a 2-tool combo for $179 at Home Depot, or just the drill kit is $99. Their premium 12V-class drill and impact drivers are also on sale. If looking at 12V-class tools, I have smaller hands and tend to really like Dewalt’s Xtreme 12V Max line. Makita has similarly-sized/styled 12V-class tools as well.
If you’re drilling a lot of concrete, you might want to look at a compact rotary hammer rather than a hammer drill.
Most brands are NOT compatible with each other. There are going to be a LOT of holiday deals coming up. Determine the order of your highest priorities (e.g. power, size/weight, cost), and we can help you narrow things down.
Mindy
Ps has to be moderately affordable or very worth the price (comes with more tools/ batteries whatever)