A few months ago, I said that it’s not too late for Makita to launch a pro tool box system. I still don’t think they’re too late, but I do believe the system is too limited and pricey, and will face an uphill climb because of that.
The Makita MakTrak Tool Box System – First Look! has potential, but I feel their initial offerings lack immediate appeal.
They finally announced the system today, and as with their teaser posts, everything seems centered around its use as a truck box.
Advertisement
Accessibility? That’s what drawers are for.
Dewalt just launched ToughSystem DXL, a mobile workstation centered around drawers.
And they fit under a pickup truck bed cover, too.
Milwaukee launched their Packout rolling tool chest 3 years ago.
The MakTrak is similar in size.
While there are fans of Milwaukee’s extra-large Packout tool chest, it doesn’t appear to be anywhere as popular as their standard rolling tool box.
Advertisement
It seems to me that Makita MakTrak is based on a less popular form factor.
Milwaukee has a workshop and van racking system on the way.
Dewalt has workshop accessories that can also attach to the sides of their DXL tool boxes.
It doesn’t look like you can attach anything to the outside of the new Makita tool boxes, aside from the “extension” box.
A Milwaukee rolling drawer tool box is on the way.
Flex has one too.
Ridgid took a different approach but has similar.
Meanwhile Makita advertises MakTrak’s “efficient loading and unloading.” Can’t you lift any tool box into a truck bed?
ToughBuilt’s StackTech offers a Transporter product, with folding wheeled legs, that designed for easier pickup truck access.
With Makita MakTrack, lift with your knees?
I was curious about Makita’s internal hand tool organization, but it looks to be just Velcro cable wraps secured to the lid. You can add similar to Milwaukee Packout tool boxes for a couple of dollars.
New organizers!
But they look very similar to Milwaukee’s Packout, even down to the bin configurations.
The larger organizer features 5″ deep bins, which could be a benefit for some users.
And there are also optional dividers and nested bins that fit inside. That’s neat, I guess, but I still think drawers are better and sorely missing from the MakTrak system.
From the looks of it, the bins are removable but can’t be easily swapped around due to being contour-molded on the bottom. Almost every tool box system organizer has similar limitations.
Brands like Milwaukee listened to tool users and conducted tons of market research. There’s a reason why nearly every modular tool box system – at least the more popular ones – have drawer tool boxes and more on the way.
Is Makita working on drawers? A smaller rolling cart or dolly?
Makita USA’s marketing is clear about how they wanted to stand out, and they insist their horizontal tool box system is better. Is it?
Maybe they’ll soon backtrack, similar to how they did with XGT.
When Makita launched XGT here in the USA, they emphasized about how other brands’ larger batteries were poorly suited for smaller tools such as impact drivers. A short time later, they launched a massive 8Ah battery (18V 16Ah equivalent).
So maybe they’ll backtrack here too, and launch a rolling tool box that’s similar to what every other pro tool brand offers. But right now, moving any MakTrak gear around on wheels requires a $250 extra-large tool chest.
Other tool brands can easily match and best what Makita launched today. Milwaukee already has a rolling tool chest, and Dewalt, Flex, Ridgid, and others can also launch something similar if there’s demand for it.
They haven’t done so yet. Why not? Cavernous rolling tool chests are quite popular, but it seems that modular tool chests haven’t been in huge demand.
The loudest request has been for more drawers and for rolling drawers.
The industry has been introducing more types of external attachments that allow for quick-grab access.
We’re also seeing improved internal organization, such as from Tajima.
We’re seeing greater focus on van racking, and also cordless power tool battery and charger integrations.
Makita launched a new XGT belt sander, and fans are asking if there’s going to be an 18V version.
There’s a new MakPac-based battery charging system. Will there be a MakTrak version of this? Good luck getting an answer on this.
Makita’s pricing is higher than average, and so far there’s been no word about if or when it will launch at Home Depot stores.
Flex’s StackPack tool box system was pushed out of Lowe’s stores, presumably by ToughBuilt StackTech and Klein ModBox systems. How well do you think it’s been selling since that happened?
Is Makita’s system widely appealing? I think it has potential but right now it looks to be a very limited system. There are no drawer tool boxes, no wheeled option aside from a $250 rolling tool chest that according to Makita’s specs measures 40″ long.
I think that Makita is going to have to play catchup right out of the gate; they’re already behind from day 1.
One year ago, we talked about whether Makita MakTrak tool boxes would ever launch – see Makita Might not Launch this Packout-Like Tool Box System – because their financial situation was so dire.
Following several years of price increases, Makita USA had company-wide layoffs. Since then, they seemed to cut back on cordless power tool promotions and moved to rebate redemptions for bonus tool offers.
From public financial disclosures earlier this year, Makita’s sales revenue in North America dropped.
MakTrak’s launch pricing is a bit steep, and it’s uncertain whether we’ll see any deals or promotions, and that’s something I think they desperately need.
Makita also needs to say “this is the beginning, and we’re working on more!” but they haven’t. They need to say “we’ve listened to what users want and have asked for.” But have they?
They’re touting MakTrak as “the next generation in modular storage systems,” and that it’s “advanced.” Is it?
Many of their product images and even their interactive system builder features a pickup truck bed.
True, Americans tend to like things big. I’ve heard this repeatedly over the years, especially in regard to tools and tool boxes. Maybe Makita has a winning idea with their “big tool box for big trucks” approach.
But all I’ve heard these past few years is “we want quicker and easier access!”
Being able to access any box without unstacking is a common capability, and one that sounds better in theory than practice.
Try doing that with fully loaded tool boxes and organizers sitting on top of the rolling box, and without crushing your hand.
A lot of tool users have said that Makita MakTrak is too late.
Frankly, I think it’s never too late for a brand to launch a tool box system. But for what Makita has launched here, with what we’ve seen from MakTrak?
I think ardent Makita fan will be happy, and some users looking for a larger form factor rolling tool chest-based system might be well-served.
How many potential users will say “I’ll wait for the drawers” or “if only they had a smaller rolling tool box” and instead go with a less expensive setup from Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem, or Flex StackPack?
Klein is doing things differently – they designed their ModBox tool box line to electricians.
They also now have a ModBox accessory-compatible service cart.
Different is a good approach. But is it a good approach for a general purpose modular tool box system?
Drawers and external mounting is what tool users are asking for now. Maybe we’ll get that with the next wave of expansion products. Will there be more to come? Makita fans are used to unknowns and waiting.
Maybe MakTrak will be competitive at some point, but right now it looks very limited. The question is whether what they’ve launched is enough to win market share.
I feel that this has all been a huge letdown. Maybe I’ll be more impressed with future expansions, assuming there’s more in the works.
The big questions are whether MakTrak is too late, too limited, and too pricey.
Too late? It won’t matter in 5 years. Too limited? That could be a problem if this is all they’ve got to offer. Too pricey? MakTrak tool boxes cost more than Packout, and the price differences might be even larger once holiday season promos roll in.
Will Makita succeed in gaining market share, or will they fail to woo tool users and flounder?
I don’t think they’re off to a good start at all, – I think MakTrak is way too limited and too pricey – but there’s room for improvement. It’s definitely late to market as well, but I don’t think it’s too late. Being late is the least of their challenges.
The bigger problem is that the system is late and despite all the time they took, it doesn’t seem like they listened to individual tool users at all. I don’t see how MakTrak can be called “the most advanced system on the market.”
I hoped for more and better than this.
tjb
Will there be a MakTrak BackTrack? Stay tuned!
Seriously, using velcro or straps of any kind for individual hand tools is one of the worst solutions I’ve ever seen. I would never use that. Awful.
Stuart
“Each function is backed by unique design and engineering”
What do you mean you don’t want to have to remove several Velcro straps to get to your speed square?
Jronman
Makita has said a drawer solution is in the works but they feel with how MakTrak is designed a drawer option isn’t needed and decided not to include drawers in the initial launch. The price is a big factor to me. Much of the unique features on MakTrack wouldn’t be too difficult to implement in other modular systems. My opinion is EVERY option is needed because not every user wants the same setup.
Stuart
I have NOT heard that.
But, given the number of people saying “no drawers?!” I’m not surprised that they’d say that.
They should have launched with drawers.
DONAL RODGERS
I also heard on IG that drawers are coming out later. However, it is clear that this system addresses one of the fundamental problems of a rolling tower system. That is getting the stack off a pickup or van simply and efficiently. I tried the rolling tower system in my van and it did not work. I had to take the boxes apart every time. I went with the rolling t-stack rolling toolbox and made a ramp for the back of the van. This now works for me. But I can see that the Makita system is perfect for this. This system allows you access to three boxes at a time while the regular tower system only allows you one access to one box. That is why drawers are such a benefit to these systems unless sold in the Makita one. Comparing the rolling toolbox to others on the market is missing the point that the Makita one offers. That is the unique convenience of unloading and loading. The whole point of the system is to make it convenient to get your tools to the job and back and the Makita system addresses this perfectly. The feedback from the social medias is very positive. I can’t help but feel that the Makita brand gets a hard time here.
Old Suburban Dad
Makita brand does get a hard time here ( though the marketing critiques are probably deserved).
This new maktrak stuff doesn’t do 1:1 feature matching with every other system out there, but that is sort of the point. They are addressing a different set of use cases.
The price is kinda high…though that rolling maktrak must be built pretty stout, if you can mak stak ( see what I did there?) a bunch of other boxes on it and still lift it into your truck while the handle supports the other end. All in all, if I was starting from scratch, and was going from job site to job site, frequently loading and unloading my gear, this new system has its merits. If I want something to roll around in my garage, on the other hand, it misses the mark.
In saying that Makita products don’t get a fair shake on this site, I should also acknowledge I’m a Makita devotee, and would automatically prefer their stuff, for the color alone 😉 .
Makita marketing in the US does frustrate me, I will also admit.
Jake
Yeah, Stuart really has a bone to pick with Makita, like he was bullied by their track saw in high school.
Perry
I’m deep into the makita lineup and I’ve been waiting for this release to have an option designed to work with makita tools.
This isn’t it.
The IG video where they have a guy slide 2 boxes out of the truck with tools, and you can see him struggle with it because of weight. That’s the reason most crews leave boxes that big on the truck, because it’s a pain to move them.
Companies keep making boxes bigger and heavier, and that’s the biggest complaint I’m seeing on-site is the weight. I’ve had 2 guys that went to tstak from toughbuilt and packout because it’s easier to move around inside the house with smaller and lighter boxes
I’m sticking with tstak and getting an adapter plate for the older makpak/systainer to fill in what I need.
smoothness
I know this ship is mostly dead in the water/a zombie horse…but companies need to realize that coastal cities/higher cost of living areas have little to zero room for individual tradespeople to arrive with their “small” pickup trucks + “worksite tough” tool containers.
I live in an area where home construction has never slowed down. Almost all the workers show up in compact trade vans or CUVS with tanos/tstak sized containers. If a full truck does show up, it is usually hauling multiple individuals and communal tools.
These “work tough” boxes are creeping in price and size. Before, it was argued that tanos-sized modulars were “too pricy” for what they did. But as of now…these new Makita containers have doubled in cost, yet seem to have only gained 50% more storage capacity.
If people are willing to drop more than $100.00 per case because of their supposed durability…why not just go all out and buy Pelican or Haliburton style containers? Their durability has been proven to survive commercial shipping and literal war zones, while still being more space-efficient!
Tl;dr: Save the “small scale” modular containers. Also station wagons. And tradespeople vans.
Perry
I couldn’t agree with this more. I see the same thing at job sites, small boxes, toolbags or Packout and still use tstack/versastack because of size and ease of use compared to the weight of the bigger boxes when filled up. I’ve been holding off on buying some of the older makpak drawers to use with my tstak (3rd party adapter plate) in case I wanted this new maktrak.
I’ve been into makita tools since the 90s, and they’ve been really disappointing the last few years here in the U.S. especially with the releases other countries get.
Personally I think they could have done better here just by supporting the full makpak system options they already have overseas and bringing them here.
James
Typical ToolGuyd coverage of any Makita product…
Jared
What are the benefits of Makita’s system? What’s new and different?
The fact that the door hinges from either side is novel, but that’s about all I see.
I’m not suggesting Makita’s boxes are bad – far from it. They’re probably good quality. Yet why would I choose them over Packout, Toughsystem or any of the other more expansive toolbox offerings?
Stuart
Even that’s not a novel feature – similar dual-function latches are found on Husky tote boxes, Megellan coolers, and possibly other storage products.
I was hoping for more. The lid and internal hand tool organization is the most disappointing – what I’ve seen so far just seems half-baked.
Stuart
Typical James ad hominem attack.
Perhaps start your next comment with “I disagree and hold a different opinion because…” Until then, I’ll assume you agree with every point I make.
James
It was not an ad hominem attack because I generally agree the systems release is lackluster, although the benefits that do exist are being downplayed in your coverage. Rather, my comment was ad rem regarding your reporting bias; you cover the shortfalls (really the lack of much innovation, rather than actual shortfalls) at length and minimize any benefits that exist. It comes across as leading the reader, which coupled with your preference for working with/relationship with other companies raises questions about motive.
Stuart
I saw a r/Makita post yesterday where Makita fans were complaining that MakTrak holds less than Packout while being heavier and considerably more expensive. Few people seem happy about what Makita designed here.
You say “I generally agree the systems release is lackluster,” but I’m not supposed to share about what I think? What’s the benefit here, that the only wheeled option fits under a pickup truck bed cover at the expense of portability, size, and cost?
So what are you disagreeing with, anything I said specifically, or that I’m merely expressing my honest opinions?
If you want fewer opinions, look at this post and stop before you get to the discussion section – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-maktrak-tool-box-system-first-look/%3C/a%3E .
Jason M
If these do hit Home Depot stores, I will 100% but some without hesitation.
(6 months later when they’re 75% off yellow tag)
Jason M
Buy* dang it
Eliot Truelove
I got a quarter way through and stopped.
Most of his questions and criticisms are addressed if he just looked up any of the tool reviewers who went to the PowerOn event.
It is an incredible system, and it’s only going to get better. I’m looking forward to ditching my Packouts.
chip hershberger
When you ignore all market research lol.
This isn’t made to go into a trailer, van ,nor a box truck.
The entire premise is to fit under a pickup bed cover lol lol lol.
70% of guys using a pickup to work out of.. have a pile stuff with more tools under and on top of their materials.
It isn’t possible to slide a box on top of the pile.
Am guessing this fits for less then 15% of the “modular” market.
Lol OMG.
Hank
Is the top image an official Makita image? If so, why would you have a set of packout drawers in the background?
Leo B.
For a system based around truck bed access, it sure seems like a pain to get in and out of one.
Farkleberry
Excellent coverage, commentary, analysis and market summary.
I’m actually relieved by what I see. I like Makita and want to see them succeed and continue to drive top end competition. This doesn’t mean I’m optimistic Mak Trak will be a success.
My initial reactions come with the caveat that Makita (USA) still has not provided enough product information to make an informed buying decision. That’s assuming the niche form factor and price haven’t already turned you off. Also, their website keeps crashing my browser.
POSITIVES
The biggest fatal flaws Makita avoided involve the most difficult characteristics to change in a modular system:
The stacking and locking systems.
I’m guessing I’m finally seeing the “track(s)”, though I don’t think they warranted the system’s name.
They look a little less modular perpendicular to the ” tracks”, but seem to allow locking to the top/bottom with only a few inches of contact.
There also appear to be latches (to lock boxes, not lids) on the bottom fronts.
IMO, a flexible grid top/bottom stacking system with front access unlocking is the best configuration currently, and the most flexible going forward.
This has been a great advantage for Packout. Hopefully Makita is equal here, but I can’t see how Makita Trak Mak will be better.
NEUTRAL (though curious) and UNKNOWN
There’ve been lots of great comments from those the rolling chest will and won’t work for. As pointed out, they’re not new to modular storage, but consumers don’t usually choose them.
The 2 sided combo latch/hinge system looks clever. The wire stays are simple, not necessarily a bad thing. Hopefully there aren’t durability concerns with the concentrated point loads from the wire and sealing problems from the unique hinge setup.
The boxes appear to be “2 sided”, but the organizers are not. Guess they wanted sincerest flattery for Packout.
I’ll be very generous and just wonder how many users the marketing suggestions will work for?
The combined weight capacity of the chest (250) and the large box and XL extension boxes (100 each) is 450 lbs. Load them down with tools then just flick the whole thing onto a modern tall bed floor?
Get real.
Hopefully Makita will offer some coupons for a Tommy lift.
Stack all kinds of weight on top of the chest lid, then heave it open and it just stays nice and stable? How about when you unload the chest? Does gravity work differently for Makita USA?
NEGATIVES + MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
The great thing is most of these can be corrected with future introductions that are backwards compatible. Hopefully the system will survive this long.
They may have touted the space efficiency, but they still have some thickness around the perimeter in corrugations, etc. for strength.
Why not add some metal corners like competitors for strength and flexibility in lashing and customization?
External attachment systems are nonexistent aside from cleat.
The internal attachments are underwhelming to say the least.
QUESTIONS FOR MAKITA USA?
Why start here, with an uncommon form factor rolling box with very questionable real world loading and access characteristics?
Why leave off the truly cutting edge external attachment systems already sold by competitors?
Eliot Truelove
I’ve trolled Instagram for all the videos of people using it, and alot of the videos show different features that address many questions.
It seems as if the removable lids are being used at the event as mounting plates on MakPack dollies and hand trucks in some of the videos, with the hand truck setup looking like a traditional rolling box setup.
There also seems to be a video that seems to feature something that looks like drawers, but I can’t be sure.
From what I’ve heard drawers are on the way, and it doesn’t seem like an afterthought, it seems genuine.
Quite frankly, I’d rather them release what they are and add later than wait even longer and release it all at once.
Jake
I’m very interested in this. Its strength seems to be its speed, when I work I like to have all my boxes open, so I can grab and use any tool immediately. Adam Savage calls this principle first order retrieval. My first gen rigid roller comes close, but this makita system seems to address most of my issues. Long tools- check, shallow boxes so stuff doesn’t get lost-check, better wheels and handles- check, non black bottom so it’s easy to find stuff in less than ideal light- check.
I haven’t seen a perfect system for me but this is alot closer than everything else on the market. I’m honestly really surprised I like it as much as I do. I was planning on making my own box out of plywood but I’ll have to check this out first.
Jake
Also I’ll add, I’m also quite pleased it it’s made in the USA, at least partially.
Eliot Truelove
This looks to be an answer to what I’ve been wanting, and it seems as if for the PowerOn event they were debuted at the large toolbox and medium toolbox removable lids were being used asounting plates on dollies and the MakPack hand trucks to mimic competitors rolling tool cart options, and frankly, from what I’ve seen, it works just as good as competitors.
Click in from either left or right, and opening up to the left or right, they are both awesome options and something I have been eager for ever since I saw the patent released nearly 2 years ago now.
Plenty of Instagram videos of people opening the top of the chest from either side with boxes on top and they hold up nice. With the latches and the kids it is a metal to metal connection, and the latch has a raised portion that acts as a tilt stop so that all the weight isnt just on the metal cable.
Also, plenty of videos of them loading up fully loaded cases into one branded truck, and another branded truck had the empty cases to test out.
So some videos feature the stacks empty, and others show the other set of them fully loaded, and from what I’m seeing the gecko grip on the handle acts as a perfect fulcrum to lift the weight easily onto the truck. One guy even admitted he threw his back out a few months ago and even he could 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”.
At the event they had all the competitor boxes to compare with, even the Milwaukee rolling chest, and to me that inspires ALOT of confidence, when you can directly compare right then and there, that says alot.
There is so many different things I’ve seen so far, and that’s just what’s been uploaded on the spot. I can’t wait for the in depth reviews that actually show so many of the features. Some of the tool reviewers have done a decent job so far of showing off neat little details.
One of the festures that hasn’t been discussed but I know from the patent is the corners have a recess on the inside that will allow for the future corner accessory clamps to go into, and that will be an awesome addition.
Overall, I have been waiting a long time for this ever since I came across the patents in October 2022, and I understand why they are releasing what they are now.
When competitors have so many options because of having years under their belt, it’s tempting to overpromise and offer everything, but then be left having to under deliver. Toughbuilt is going through this now.
I am very optimistic, and I am typically very critical.
JJ
I think it’s apparent that the new MakTrak is the easiest system for a single person to lift in and out of a truck bed, other than the StackTech Transporter (which is a bulkier proposition. The other rolling tool chests from other brands don’t seem to have a handle designed to bear half the weight as the other end is lifted. At least it gives the option to lift with or without breaking down the stack – that feature seems to be a unique innovation.
Jason M
I do that with my packout stack, using the handle to hook on the tailgate and the metal bar on the bottom middle of the base unit to grab on to. Works great
Perry
Most of the positive comments I see here read like they aren’t from tradesmen. If you have a box the size of those larger ones, they’re most likely not coming off the truck. Especially if the jobsite is still dirt or gravel. I read that the cart and a large box are rated for a combined weight of up to 450 lbs. Try dragging half that across the gravel.
The tradesmen that use pickups still are usually framers, concrete, grading, etc… “rough trades”, and most of those guys I’ve worked with are into milwaukee, dewalt or Hilti. Packout and toughsystem are cheaper and have more options.
Most makita guys like myself that I’ve seen are usually working out of vans or utility bodied trucks. These don’t seem to work for those options very well.
I guess I just don’t really understand who this is for and I’m so deep into makita that I even bought the refrigerator and coffeemaker and still have 7.2v tools from the late 80s/early90s.
ColeTrain
Ridgid has had a rolling toolbox for a while already.
Noah
As far as comparing the Maktrak rolling box to the Packout rolling tool chest, it’s actually much smaller, and has much less storage capacity!
The Packout is 35 gallon capacity, or 8,085 cubic inches. Dimensions are 24″x38″x15.8″
The Maktrak is advertised as 5000 cubic inches, or 21.6 gallons capacity. Dimensions are 22.24″x39.31″x11.62″
The Maktrak is even smaller than the rolling versastack tote, which is listed as 30 gallons, or 6,930 cubic inches capacity, but with a 110 lb weight limit. The makpak and Packout can hold 250lbs.
Stuart
Makita fans have also been pointing out that MakTrak is heavier.
Packout: 8,085 cu in capacity (35 gallons), 250 lb load capacity, weighs 32 lbs
MakTrak: 5,000 cu in, 250 lb load capacity, weighs 35.8 lbs
Makita’s tool chest depth is shorter – 11.62″ vs Packout’s 15.8″
Husky’s smallest rolling tote box ($80) has a height of 14″.
Even if you can pivot the handle off a truck bed, lifting a fully loaded box with boxes stacked on top is not going to be fun. They’re going to also have to launch smaller boxes.
Noah
Okay, so it holds significantly less than Packout’s comparable box, yet weighs more and costs more.
Maybe the extra weight is in the beefy handle, because it has to support a specific box (ridiculous) and lean on a tailgate, which is apparently the only way to get it in a truck.
No one asked for this. They already have a lineup of smaller rolling/stacking boxes..
Farkleberry
COVERAGE
Watched some videos from the Makita facility in Georgia.
Why didn’t Makita live stream or edit and release the demo given to social media influencers? Throughout the influencers’ videos, they talk about forgetting all the great info they got from Makita marketing.
SIZE
The biggest thing, mentioned here before, but which I failed to recognize, is the difference in size or form factor of the entire system.
I’m not aware of anyone else selling this size system.
I’ve commented before on how much more space efficient 22-24″ inch deep metal tool boxes or standard cabinets are for storage along a wall vs the 14-18″ deep modular systems (including Dewalt DXL).
Obviously some places would not fit 22-24″ deep storage, such as garages with typical narrow space beside the garage doors/parking.
Another place the deep storage won’t work is inside a van or most trailers with storage on each side and a center aisle.
ORIENTATION
Another major difference between the Makita and Packout chests is the oriention of the boxes on top:
-Makita boxes lock in and open from the sides of the long axis.
-Packout lock in from the front of the long axis.
In practice, with Makita’s clever combo latch/hinge design, all boxes
can be opened and attached from both sides of the chest, like the chest itself.
With Packout, as seen in the picture, in order to access or remove boxes or drawers on the back of the chest, the boxes/organizers, etc. must be first removed. I don’t think boxes, etc can face backwards on the chest, either.
I was unsure the Makita stacking system had any advantage over the Milwaukee, but I think it looks simpler and more robust, as well as easier to clean. It is also able to stack/lock from either direction, unlike Packout.
Two chest stacks can fit side by side in a bed and being able to open the lid from either side is a nice feature. Some planning is helpful, as the organizers only open from the front (side of chest though) and the boxes with stacking latches only work from the front.
While Makita’s depth has a big storage advantage along a wall (when it fits) vs the competition, and the boxes can be accessed fro the side, getting the chest out could be a challenge as it only wants to roll along the long axis. The while thing could be tipped up, but this is impractical and contrary to the whole “horizontal” Makita marketing.
This gets to another issue with chests and long boxes in general. When the stack is tilted up to roll, stuff inside tends to migrate. I.e. when you lift the handle, everything falls to the bottom. Makita has included dividers, but this defeats a major purpose of the box, storage of long items.
BACKACHES
I’ve watched the Instagram video of the guy with a bad back lifting up the stack full of tools. I think the video’s load out is realistic, though a fraction of capacity. Loading up jackhammers or rotary hammers and bits, etc. could take it far higher. Loading a few drop cloths and extension cords could be lower as well. My quick research and napkin calcs estimate the stack in the video as (full chest, full large box and empty extension box) as:
Empty weight: 65 lbs
Demo: 65+120 tools = 180 lbs
I’ve heard some testimonials from Packout chest users about pivoting the chest on a tailgate like the Makita. I’ve also seen comments about leverage, but when pulling the chest out and dropping the wheels to the ground, the only leverage beyond splitting the load in 2 is the handle access extension on the back. Additionally, it gets heavier and heavier as you tilt the chest and get closer to the ground and leaned furthest over. Just like it’s heavier to be at the bottom of the stairs moving a couch.
INNOVATION
The size/depth is an interesting choice. It seems to be advantageous for maximizing storage along walls and transporting in pickup beds. It seems unsuitable for vans and trailers. Is this a good lane to be in?
The top/bottom cleats/tracks/whatever seem like a great idea. I’m just wondering if they can be used individually like Packout cup holder size mounts? I.e. how small can the module work down to?
The dual sided hinge/removable lid latch system looks slick, how will it hold up?
I beat up on Makita for no external attachment systems. Something about the removable lid suggests using it as a workstation/toolholding surface and the now lid less boxes like open totes. Unfortunately, there’s little inside the boxes beyond some molding for reinforcement and to hold dividers, and molle and Velcro were revolutionary decades ago.
As far as using the current offering as a workstation, I think it would suck. The open the chest with everything on top idea does not seem realistic. You can see how gingerly everyone does this, and how surprised they are when it doesn’t tip on camera. Most end up holding the lid. It will tip if you unload the chest, the stated purpose.
Also who wants to be crouched on the ground to work out the chest or even the boxes on top, at 1′ high?
Stuart
*shrug* it seems like the goal was influencer hype and excitement. There’s been no magazine coverage yet, and still no concrete answers to lots of questions, such as whether the boxes are waterproof.
Farkleberry
Also, working out of the side(s) of a pickup truck bed is ridiculous. Unless it’s an El Camino or pre-2000’s compact you’ll be standing on the tire to get high enough, or jumping in and out which gets old quick.
This system will have to be taken apart from side of the long axis of the chest, which won’t be easy fro the ground or with two chests in the bed.
It’s not a fatal flaw, it just gets to the reality that you’ll want to unload the thing at the jobsite, contrary to the marketing promises, and just like most other systems.
All of the modular systems can be pulled onto the back of the tailgate, the classic mobile work surface, and oriented for easy access. Thinking through the marketing claims leads to jumping in and out of beds, reaching over bed sides to wrangle heavy boxes or teeter tottering hundreds of pounds while bending right to the ground.
Understandably, so many comments mention vans, trailers or service truck bodies.