Makita has finally announced the launch of their long-awaited line of XGT 40V Max and 80V Max cordless power tools here in the USA.
According to Makita, the XGT cordless lineups will coexist alongside their current 18V LXT cordless power tool system.
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Makita XGT 40V and 80V Max Cordless Power Tool Systems
First announced in October 2019, Makita’s XGT launch is a sort of 2-in-1, with both 40V Max and 80V Max cordless power tools and solutions.
As with their 18V X2 lineup, which effectively features 36V cordless power tools powered by 2x 18V batteries, Makita’s XGT 80V Max lineup will be powered by 2x 40V Max battery packs.
Essentially, Makita XGT 80V Max cordless power tools can be thought of as XGT 40V Max X2 tools. As far as we are aware, any two XGT 40V Max batteries can be used in Makita’s 80V Max cordless power tools.
Here’s a list of the tool categories that have been announced so far:
- Drills and hammer drills
- Impact driver
- Impact wrenches
- Rotary hammers
- Circular saws
- Reciprocating saw
- 8-1/2″ miter saw
- Angle grinders
- Combo kits
- Fan
- Radios
- Flashlights
- Batteries, charger, LXT charging adapter
There are several additional tools that are shown in product materials but have not launched yet, such as string trimmers.
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Most of these tools offer higher power, greater capabilities, and premium features not found in Makita’s current 18V power tool system.
All of the new Makita 40V Max XGT tools, at least those with moving components, feature brushless motors, including the fan.
The first wave of tools will launch in April 2021.
Makita XGT Batteries
At launch, there will be (2) Makita 40V Max XGT battery packs, a 2.5Ah battery and a 4.0Ah battery pack with a larger (next-gen) form factor.
One of Makita’s core marketing points in press materials was that the XGT system is based on an 18V battery form factor.
You will find that the Makita XGT 40V Max 2.5Ah battery is approximately the same size and weight as their 18V Li-ion battery, and the 4.0Ah battery should compare well against other brands’ 18V 8.0Ah batteries.
Also on the roadmap are a 5.0Ah battery, dual-bay charger, and charging adapter that allows users to recharge their 18V batteries with an XGT charger.
Here are the charging times, with their DC40RA charger:
Makita 40V Max XGT Battery Charging Times
- 2.5Ah (BL4025): 28 minutes
- 4.0Ah (BL4040): 45 minutes
- 5.0Ah (BL4050): 50 minutes
The Big Question – Should You Buy into Makita XGT?
Makita’s 40V Max XGT lineup has some very appealing selling points right out of the gate:
10-1/4″ rear-handle saw with claims of being lighter and faster cutting than corded tools.
2″ SDS rotary hammer (80V Max) with up to 20% faster breaking efficiency than corded.
4-1/2″ | 5″ angle grinder that’s said to be 60% faster than corded tools.
Impact driver with 3 forward and 3 reverse auto stop modes.
Makita XGT launch will include “50+” products. From the product catalog, this includes:
- 4 rotary hammers (2 more coming soon)
- 3 circular saws
- reciprocating saw
- 8-1/2″ miter saw (coming soon)
- 5 angle grinders (2 more coming soon)
- 3 impact wrenches (2 more coming soon)
- impact driver
- compact drill, compact hammer drill
- drill, hammer drill
- combo kits (2pc, 4pc in two configurations)
- 9-1/4″ fan
- 2 jobsite radios
- 2 flashlights
- 2 batteries (1 more coming soon)
- 1 charger (dual bay coming soon)
- 18V charger adapter
Refer to our separate post for a full listing of all the new Makita XGT 40V Max tool SKUs.
By my count, that’s 38 products, not including the combo kits or that there will be bare tool and kit options for most of the tools.
The new Makita XGT platform includes some interesting technologies, such as “AFT” anti-kickback tech that is not available in their current and event recent 18V LXT cordless power tools.
Makita also engineered an electronic digital clutch into their heavy duty brushless drills. This might not be a feature we will ever see in their 18V cordless drills, but it does give us an idea of the modern and next-gen tech coming to the XGT platform.
5 years from now, when Makita has built up the 40V Max and 80V Max XGT cordless power tool systems, the answer will be clearer.
Right now, XGT is off to an interesting start.
It’s hard to really know what direction the 18V and 18V X2 lineups will head in, but Makita’s XGT systems will certainly push the brand closer than ever to a “cordless jobsite” future.
Every professional tool brand’s goal is to eliminate the need for power cords, air hoses, and gasoline tanks, at least as much as possible, and XGT is Makita’s new champion for such efforts.
XGT pricing seems to be a bit high, but it’s not disproportionate to the tools’ premium features and specs.
Part of the difficulty in discussing the XGT system is that it’s a standalone system with no upgrade or expansion path for existing Makita 18V tool users.
Since we haven’t seen any of the tools in person yet, there’s no basis for discussing their capabilities or performance.
Makita 18V LXT and 40V Max XGT Incompatibility
There will be an optional charging adapter, ADP10, which allows 18V LXT users to recharge their batteries in an XGT charger.
Other than this charging adapter, Makita’s 40V Max XGT cordless power tools and batteries will not be compatible with the brand’s 18V LXT lineup.
What Happens with 3rd Party Batteries?
Makita shared something interesting about their XGT tools and chargers.
According to my notes (screen captures and recordings were barred), if you use a knockoff/3rd party battery pack, the XGT charger will not fully charge that battery.
If my notes are correct, you will also get slightly lower power delivery from that knockoff or 3rd party “replacement” battery.
Basically, there seems to be some sort of new handshake that limits the charging capacity, and also the performance output.
My assumption is that this is a safety precaution.
Purchase Options and Availability
The first wave of XGT tools should start shipping later this month (April 2021). The following retailers are accepting orders for the full lineup of tools.
Buy Now via Acme Tools
Buy Now via Tool Nut
Questions?
Makita’s new XGT launch is their biggest news in quite some time, and it almost makes them competitive again.
It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Additional Reading
Makita 18V LXT and 40V Max XGT Cordless Power Tool Systems are Not Compatible
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These companies take the rough road, not only developing new tools. But in turn also have to develop new battery systems to accommodate them. I personally think they could take a step back to corded battery tools. Using a large mobile battery(picture a large rolling Milwaukee Packout like battery). Then run your cordless tools in remote areas tethered off from the large battery. Could have one power tether for 60v Flexvolt , another for the 20v line. A universal battery could also have tethers for M-12, M-18 + other manufacturers systems. Tethers could come in multiple lengths, and be self recoiling style. Large rolling battery could have optional mounts to attach to your tractor loader, tractor rear 3 point hitch, or even in a Atv/ Utv box. Could be setup to recharge the battery off of the tractor, pickup truck or Atv/ Utv while driving. Each tether could be used to recharge individual batteries of the respective tool. System would be truly remote, but without the noise, fumes & AC shock hazard of gasoline generator setups.
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I guess I’m suffering from battery overload. Just seems to be no end of more battery systems, sizes, new platforms(not to mention the zillion chargers). I hope that one day these tool manufacturers learn the word “Universal”. And use their energy creating new tools, instead of tool/ battery/charger combos.
CharlestonToolMan
Unfortunately, they’ll never do it. Batteries are where the profit is at and that brand lock-in is how they make their money. Like computer printers and ink, shaving razors and razor blades, etc.
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It’s a real injustice to the consumer.
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People would be better served to spend their resources on more tools. Instead of countless new batteries and chargers!
Ron
It depends on your application, the time saved using cordless tools equates to money. I have both a cordless and corded air compressor, the cordless only required me to insert a fresh battery and moves easily from room to room with a short hose, where the corded would be in a room plugged into the wall and requires a long hose.
Maybe the issue isn’t countless new batteries, but people chasing the newest technologies for minimal benefit.
Bruce
This might be an awesome idea on the farm where you travel far from your charger and what you really need is powerful tools and the battery weight can be carried by the tractor.
My use case is different. Almost always on a ladder, in a building, typically not anywhere near my truck. I want a tool that will go all day without needing a recharge and without creating a tripping hazard around my work area. For me this means 18v power tools pretty much get the job done. An impact driver will go all day, even with a 2.5ah battery and certainly with a 4ah cell. My recip will cut a shocking amount of lumber on a single 4ah cell. About the only thing I pull out a corded tool anymore is rotohammer work. I’ll probably try one of the 18v models that I already have a battery system for before I try buying a new battery system with the higher power potential of a 40v battery.
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One thing these tethers would do is reduce the weight of the tool. A 6A Flexvolt battery adds considerable weight to the tool.
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And many contractors now use tethers anyway to protect their tools from falling.
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Ladders could have power tethers integrated right inside them. Set your ladder in place, roll the large battery cart up to it. Connect to the terminal at the base of the ladder, Take tool with short power tether to the top of the ladder, connect tether to integrated terminal at ladder top. Work battery free, and protected from dropping tool.
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Not sure how long of a power tether you could use, as voltage drop could come into play at certain lengths.
Tim
Makita did the proprietary charging thing with LXT and the 24v batteries before that.
Early users of both systems got screwed by the battery interfaces having problems from both this and the overheat protection (i.e. battery overheats on the charger 3 times it shuts down permanently)
I lost countless thousands of dollars to these two systems doing this, as well as the LXT “star battery” tool interface issue.
A lot of people would have to Beta test this system for many years before I’d be comfortable doing it again.
CharlestonToolMan
From my perspective, Makita has never made a bad tool. Lowe’s should have got them as an exclusive back from HD.
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Their track saw was always highly rated, and the battery coffee maker was innovative for sure. The track saw is getting a little dated now though. As new track saws now have anti kickback devices, and built in riving knives. The 18v battery system has been really nice.
Doug N
The strangest thing about this launch is that 5.0ah XGT battery you pictured above. Only slightly more capacity than the 4.0, but it looks twice the size, which tells me it has 20 of the 18650 cells. Why not just make it an 8.0ah by doubling the 21700 cells?
Big Richard
Where do you see an image of 5.0 XGT next to a 4.0 XGT? And 5Ah is 25% more than 4Ah, I would say that is a bit more than “slightly more capacity”. Especially when you consider this is 36v. The higher the voltage, the bigger difference an Ah tends to make in terms of runtime.
But, the 5.0 XGT will not be a 20 cell 18650 battery. It will be a 10 cell 21700, just like the 4.0 XGT. And I don’t see any cordless power tool company offering a 20 cell 21700 battery, it would be to large for most applications. That’s more of an OPE sized battery.
Stuart
There’s an image of it here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-xgt-cordless-tools-usa-launch-2021/#magita-xgt-batteries%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
If you look at the tool disconnect latch, and the slide interface, the 5.0Ah battery does look to be a lot longer and taller than the 4.0Ah battery.
I couldn’t guess as to how the math works out. I didn’t think it looked large enough to house 20x 21700-sized cells, but 20x 18650-sized cells? That might be the case.
Zoltan
Hi Stuart,
It is indeed 20 18650 cells: https://voltechno.com/blog/makita-bl4050freview/
Makita most probably voted for the 18650 cells as they could do a 10S2P cell config without the battery being too big. Compared with 10 21700 cells in 10S1P config, they could reach higher output, 2kW according to linked page. Imagine two of these batteries in a 80V Max tool. Easily outperforms anything currently on the market.:)
Anyhow, being somebody heavily invested into Makita LXT gear, I am quite unhappy with the decision to omit compatibility with the “old” platform. Moreover, if I see the prices here in the EU, XGT is definitely overpriced compared to DeWalt’s, Bosch’s or Milwaukee’s higher performance tools. To be honest, I see zero reasons to choose Makita’s XGT if I would need more power then my current LXT tools provide. E.g., Bosch’s new high power hammers and grinders are extreamly powerful and not only the tools cost less, but the Bosch 12Ah battery costs the same as the 4Ah XGT battery (which equals to an 8Ah procore in terms of energy storage).
Big Richard
Wow, I stand corrected. A 20 cell battery for cordless power tools. But I suppose 20 18650s wouldn’t be much larger than the 15 cell 21700 batteries all the other big brands offer.
John
You’re are wrong. The 5ah is 20/ 18650 cells. I know for a fact.
There’s a 40v 8ah battery coming this year, I’m assuming that’s 20/ 21700 cells
Jared
Thanks for the detailed post Stuart!
I was really wondering about the voltage choice. For marketing purposes, 60v sounds superior to 40v – though I realize the actual different is negligible. The x2 option makes more sense (though they can’t x2 and get to 120v like Dewalt – does this affect the ability for a plug-in adapter? Nah, there’s probably a step-down converter they could build or whatever…)
I agree – this is a brand new system. That is going to frustrate some people and, most significantly, create an opportunity for a brand switch. I.e. I’m sure Flexvolt’s backwards compatibility with 20v max was at least in part so that current users of 20v Dewalt tools still felt tied-in. Sure, you were buying into a whole new lineup, but you could at least still use the chargers and batteries with your current tools.
With no such compatibility with 18v tools, Makita has to reply on brand loyalty or product superiority to convince current Makita owners to buy into the new lineup. There’s nothing stopping a user from sticking with 18v Makita drills, lights, coffee makers etc. that don’t need the extra power, then buying Flexvolt or Fuel tools for high power needs. Two separate systems is two separate systems regardless of color.
Charlie
I do think this is cool, but will reserve judgement until seeing specs on the tools.
Jim Felt
“and it almost makes them competitive again”. Love that line. Sounds like Lowe’s in my area.
Stuart. Great explanation of battery, voltage, weight and practicality!
And yet Milwaukee has failed to bring out a dedicated track saw…
As for the big 12 Ah Bosch and Milwaukee 18v batteries I’ve only found them useful on outdoor leaf blowers or HoleHawg and Demo sized Sawzall like tools.
The weight and the balance is for me at least a big issue.
And I’ve no real need for portable miter or table saws. So far.
Jack
Portable miter saws are amazing. The lightweight little 18v 7 1/4” one dewalt makes is a game changer for jobsites. It’s my only non-Makita tool.
Skyy
I question higher battery voltage tools. Watts are watts, but I do see the small gain in heat/switching effeciencies. To me, 18v tools will lead the way until motor technology is improved drastically, then they may push for higher voltages just for thermal effeciencies at that point in time. See you in 10 years. M18 until then for me.
Daniel Jones
WHERE IS THE MITER SAW? AHHHHH ive been waiting for what seems to be an eternity.
Steve
I could be wrong but I think the headline in about 5 years will be “Makita discontinuing XGT platform, dozens of users affected.” Makita is really the one with two completely different systems (one battery charging adapter for 18V doesn’t really bridge that gap.) Dewalt FlexVolt, with it’s backwards compatibility with 20V, ability to double up to 120V, and higher voltage (60V vs 40V) is a better way to go high voltage. Then there’s Milwaukee who has achieved high performance with 18V FUEL. With users so invested in those two, partially because Makita is late to the party, I don’t see much room for the XGT line on the market. Also, Makita has limited distribution at retail. Then there’s the pushes Bosch and Flex are making at the same time with heavy duty pro tools, something’s gotta give and I don’t think this ends well for Makita, at least in the US market.
CountyCork
No way in 5 years makitas 18v system will be gone. They have over 250 tools and still realeasing plenty more this year. This new system is their answer for the next 20 years. Plenty of room in the market for these new heavy hitting tools. The more competition the better.
Steve
I’m not talking about the 18V system.
Chris B.
Where’s the 80v vacuum? Must be over a year out then..
Chris B.
It’s makita so I need to be specific. The 80v *Dust extractor*.
Andrew LB
These tool companies are laughing all the way to the bank with these battery systems. I’ll stay with my more powerful, longer lasting, and better built corded tools, except for drill/drivers which are fine on battery power and there’s times it’s not, I still have my big magnesium Milwaukee “wrist breaker” corded beast.
You guys enjoy spending a grand per year or more replacing battery packs.