Makita is rumored to be launching their own modular tool box system, and it looks to be based on an extra-large-sized tool chest not unlike Milwaukee’s Packout.
Shown above is a Packout stack in Makita teal colors, which is approximately what the new Makita system will look like.
Here’s a look at a colorized version of Makita’s patent application artwork.
Advertisement
A lot of questions have been on my mind about the design, but the biggest one keeps coming up the most. WHY would they design a larger form factor toolbox system?
Milwaukee has a similarly-sized and featured Packout rolling tool chest, and I feel it’s a very specialized tool box.
It’s great to have this as an option, but as the ONLY rolling tool box in a modular tool box system? I think that’s a huge mistake.
Maybe some pros do move their equipment around like this. But it’s not for everyone, and I would say not for most users.
Milwaukee’s Packout tool chest is cavernous on the inside. It’s got a lid stay, large wheels, large handles, removable tote, and the option to add DIY dividers and lid panels for greater organization.
It’s a modular-capable rolling tool chest.
Advertisement
Most users seem to greatly prefer smaller rolling tool boxes.
Rolling tool boxes…
are…
ubiquitous…
for…
a…
reason.
Rolling tool boxes are a hugely popular way for pros to move their tools and supplies around.
Makita could be praised for trying something new, but larger tool chests aren’t exactly new.
Home Depot had a Husky model that worked with their Tool Connect system.
According to Lowe’s, they sold 400+ of the Craftsman VersaStack rolling tool box last week.
But how many users are buying it to be the center and sole mobility component for a modular tool box system, compared to the number of users who only want a standalone rolling tool chest?
Personally, I prefer 4-wheel carts, and I load them up with drawer tool boxes and crate-style tote boxes.
Like most 2-wheel rolling tool boxes, dollies can easily navigate hallways and doorways, and I break down a stack if I need to go up or down stairs.
Not everyone uses 2-wheel tool boxes or 4-wheel carts with taller stacks. Some users just carry their tool boxes around, or load them into shelves in a workshop or van. Some might start and end with a tool bag and organizer.
Dewalt just launched their ToughSystem DXL product family, and it’s a workstation-focused extension of their existing product line.
It’s also compatible with their existing ToughSystem tool boxes, drawer units, and organizers.
ToughBuilt showed off multiple mobility solutions when they announced their StackTech modular tool box system nearly one year ago.
Rumor has it that Makita’s new modular tool box system will launch with components similar to what’s featured in their patent application artwork:
- Rolling Tool Chest
- Large Tool Box
- Extra Large Extension Tool Box
- Medium Tool Box
- Deep Medium Organizer
- Low-Profile Medium Organizer
- Deep Compact Organizer
- Optional Accessories
3pc tool box combination towers and stacks have been the de facto starting point for a lot of users. Will Makita have a starter combo, and how much will it cost?
For the past few years, I’ve heard countless requests for improved accessibility via rolling drawers and cabinets that can be accessed without unloading everything.
Has Makita heard differently, that tool users want a system based on a larger rolling tool box?
I think that launching a large tool chest as the focal point of a brand new modular tool box system is a… puzzling decision, or maybe there’s far greater appeal than I perceive.
So, is there far greater appeal than I perceive?
Has everyone been waiting around for a tool box system based on a rolling tool chest? Would you buy into a new tool box system that doesn’t have drawers, a standard-size rolling tool box, or 4-wheel cart?
So far, I think that there could be interesting aspects to the new tool box system, but the bulk of Makita’s design decisions don’t make sense to me.
Can someone please explain to me why this is a good starting point for a brand new modular tool box system?
And if it’s due to launch in Q4 2024, why haven’t they made any official announcements yet?
Regarding comments, if you want to talk about how you think the modular tool box market is already too saturated, chime in on this post – It’s Not Too Late for Makita to Launch a Pro Tool Box System.
Jronman
My go to response to new modular systems is I wish it worked with other brands. It seems like every few months there is a new modular system coming out. I am tired of it and tired of every brand wanting their own proprietary modular system. There is a term I came up with called Tanosify. I wish companies would Tanosify their systems. This means make your system in customizable colors then allow other brands to pack their products in an already existing modular storage system. Tanos and Sortimo do this already. There is no reason Packout can’t do the same.
Stuart
That only works for brands that lack the interest or capacity to launch their own tool box systems.
Distinct tool box system designs have also allowed for innovation.
What would have happened if Milwaukee worked with Dewalt to offer red ToughSystem boxes instead of Packout?
Eventually, who knows what will happen. But for now, distinction and competition are driving the industry forward.
Jronman
There is actually a couple of options that are already happening. The first option is what DeWALT is doing. They have an adapter plate that connects to Tough System that allows for Tstak and a few other systems to connect to. The second option is what Makita Mak Pac and Metabo Meta Box do. They are compatible with Systainers without the need of adapter plates. While there might not be full compatibility with either option, some compatibility is better than no compatibility. In terms of what would happen if DeWALT and Milwaukee went in together on Tough System, we would eventually get the good features of Packout and Tough System combined into one system or at least that would be the dream.
S
And that’s exactly what new consumer-accessible products like 3D printing can solve.
Realistically, as far as selling for a profit though, it’s a legal minefield, to establish a real brand and product line.
Unless of course one locates production in a highly home-patent-biased country like China, which has at least as many negative business ramifications as getting sued and shut down in the US.
I really hope the news so far isn’t true. I attempted using that large packout in my tool stack. I returned it within hours of buying it.
But I’m also looking forward to seeing what they can innovate in the space. If they come out with a larger and a “me too” system, it’s going to flop quite fast.
As far as my brief experience with the packout iteration, It’s far too large for most work van setups, with a lid design that prohibits access unless everything is removed from it, which almost never happens in a work van. I had wanted to use it for the bulk of my m18 power tools.
It also shoved the 2nd person’s tools that I worked with to a different area code on the truck, which would’ve required entirely re-laying out the vans storage scheme for tools/parts/spares, which is even worse than allowing your in-laws to come over and reorganize your garage…
There was also the physical bulk/weight of it, without tools–which, to be fair, must be that heavy to be thick material for durability.
It’s something that even empty, makes you think about back surgery costs in 5 years. But loaded, I couldn’t imagine ever removing it from a work vehicle without an overhead hoist– a ramp system would be quite dangerous–almost like loading/unloading a freewheeling golf cart into a pickup truck every single day.
I hope Makita can do better than copy and alter the existing designs.
Farkleberry
Does it make sense for Makita USA to:
Launch starting with a double width tool rolling tool chest?
No.
It’s easy to load enough into a regular width XL box to make it difficult/dangerous to, as suggested in the ad, hoist into a pickup bed.
On the other hand, some tools are just too long to fit into a regular width box, and the way the wheels sit flush to bottom, someone young and limber enough can hop into bed, grab handle and pull it on up.
The greater size of a double width means it may be more space efficient for multiple larger tools, but also may become a pit of jumbled tools with inconvenient retrieval.
I see these chests being used for drop cloths, extension cords (remember those?) and big specialty tools, or maybe OPE, etc. Jack hammers and big rotary hammers usually have their own boxes and are heavy enough to not want to load up with more boxes, but who knows.
As pointed out, Milwaukee already has this, so why start here as it’s niche?
Maybe they’re still working on carts and dollies and needed to make a splash in 2024, lest it be WAY too late for a new modular system.
I don’t think it will ever be too late, it’s more important to get it right and offer something the competition doesn’t, whether favoring value or performance.
Noah
Drop cloths and extension cords are exactly what I put in the versastack rolling tote. Then I have a tstak box with sanders on one side and 2 single drawer boxes with an assortment of screws and sand paper for the other side. I might very rarely stack a random versastack/tstak box on those, don’t want it to get too tall/heavy. Then I top it off with a toughcase bit box.
The longer form factor of the rolling tote, much like the Makita patent and the Packout xl toolbox, makes it easy to lean upright against the tailgate then lift from the bottom and use the tailgate as leverage as I lift. I love having a tote that I can leave outside with my drop cloths and rain water doesn’t sit on top. Contents stay dry too.
Eric
I second the above commment, I’ve been a cabinetmaker for over 25 yrs and yes I have Festool but also Makita Makpac and I’ve even retrofitted my Hilti in red Tanos boxes and everything works together. As the article mentioned I too prefer a four wheel dolly to transport my tool stack which is unclipped for stairs, anything larger would simply be unwieldy.
Jens Lipponer
Proprietary systems are designed to lock one into one brand so you keep spending on that. Look at cordless tools and batteries, PCs, apple products etc . It’s not that much all new products that work better or innovation bit capturing market share.
I have Makita tools and a lot of batteries. I wouldn’t change because that would heavily increase my costs and waste so I stick with that.
So forget the hype and think marketing and locking customers in.
Josh H
I have the big packout rolling chest, but I have never used it for tools. The smaller chests and bins have always been more useful for that, mostly because I never need to lug around anything big enough to warrant the big rolling chest.
I’ve found it super useful for car camping and transporting my backpacking stuff. For car camping, I can just pack it up and roll it to the campsite in one trip, which is pretty convenient. It’s also nice to have a waterproof and critter-proof bin to put stuff in throughout the day. It wouldn’t keep a bear out, but anything smaller isn’t a worry.
There also has been a half dozen or so backpacking trips where I have to fly in, and the rolling chest has kept everything inside safe and dry. It does cost a bit more with oversize baggage fee’s, but I’ve never paid more than 70 bucks (shoutout to Southwest). That fee is always worth it to me, since TSA and airlines have damaged a few of my friends’ packs on more than one occasion.
With that being said, if the Makita rolling box is reasonably priced, durable, and waterproof, I would consider getting one to use just like my packout one.
Rog
“ With that being said, if the Makita rolling box is reasonably priced, durable, and waterproof, I would consider getting one to use just like my packout one.”
It’s Makita. You know this thing is a gonna cost an arm and a leg.
Jared
If that’s the plan, it isn’t something I find tempting. If I buy anymore modular tool boxes, I want drawers or some way to avoid unloading the stack each time.
Stuart
That’s what everyone has been asking for. More drawers, rolling drawers, rolling single deep drawers, cabinets, etc.
Has any users asked for more extra large rolling tool chests that might take 2 people to lift into a truck when filled with tools?
Farkleberry
Does it make sense for Makita USA to:
Build a new system of modular storage in the USA?
Maybe.
Bulky high quality plastic goods can be profitably produced and sold here. We have a large petrochemical industry and shipping is simplified. Israel (Keter = Packout, etc.) is not a low cost COO and has security challenges.
I’m curious about who is designing this system? Does Makita USA have some unique insight, and are US modular storage market preferences so unique that Makita Japan is clueless or uninterested?
Is Makita USA feeling the heat to, you know, stop losing so much of Makita corporate’s money? Is this the way to do it?
If this is a home run then great, but I don’t see it yet.
If this modular system is a cash cow, will it take the heat off? Will it allow Makita USA to keep doing what they’ve been doing, while continuously losing tool market share?
I think Makita has great tool products, with the major weaknesses being no compact 40v batteries and very high prices for their best tools.
MSRP’s on Milwaukee’s latest tools and batteries are pretty eye popping as well, we’ll see what street prices/promotions settle out to, and if they make Makita more competitive.
OTOH, is Makita USA justifying the much higher prices we see here relative to the rest of the world? Do they just need more memorable or convincing marketing to convince consumers their high prices are worth the premium over the competition?
Would slashing Makita USA to a bare bones distributer and warranty/parts dept allow lower prices and wider adoption?
Obviously there are marketing relationships involved in the shrinking brick and mortar market. At my local HD, Makita has a fraction of the space of Milwaukee, but has always been in or near the front end cap of the tool department. Has TTI really turned HD against Makita, or are they losing out because the tools don’t sell?
Is it because they lack marketing buzz? Lack (very) specialty trade tools (and cordless nailers)? Are they just too expensive?
TomD
Do any of the drawings have scale on them? Perhaps the assumption that the big box is the size of the big Packout is the mistake, and it’s actually a narrower, smaller design.
Stuart
The wheels are 9”. The rolling tool box is larger than other pro systems’ “standard” rolling tool boxes.
Farkleberry
Does it make sense for Makita USA to:
Offer THIS system, based on my assumptions of what I can see on the YouTube Ultimate Tool Reviews video?
No.
POSITIVES:
It has a modular grid of “feet” like Packout.
This means users can 3d print unlimited adaptations in a wide range of sizes from cupholder on up. I.e. the top and bottom attachments’ module is only a few inches
This is in contrast to other systems with a few widely spaced attachment points and some hidden locking bar mechanism. I.e. their attachment module is the footprint of a briefcase and can’t be shrunk or as easily adapted.
QUESTIONS
How does it lock/unlock/stack/unstack?
Is it just a friction fit sliding forward and back? That’s a fail.
Does the latch do double duty opening the lid and unlocking each box? Not sure how that would work.
The ad highlights that the boxes will open with others stacked on top. This is important, but not an ideal way to access the bottom box with heavily loaded boxes on top.
How do they store on a wall (garage, van, trailer)? Being able to pull individual boxes off the equivalent of individual shelves is the state of the art.
NEGATIVES
It’s just a box.
Klein’s work cart, boxes and pouches (and Stacktech) and Milwaukee’s constant adoption of DIY accesories has shown the category is evolving from modular storage to a modular work space and beyond. They are not just boxes but have become:
MODULAR SYSTEMS OF ATTACHMENT
Klein is marketing theirs as the MODBOX Buildiverse, and says,
“The MODbox™ Mobile Workstation is a modular system with locking components. Easily interchange products to customize with vertical and side locking components.”
They’re no longer just boxes, they’re boxes, crates, carts, etc. with different attachment systems arrayed on the top, bottom, sides and corners. While Makita did fine (copying Packout) on top and bottom (locking unknown though) they failed on:
CORNERS
Where are the slotted corners to attach brackets, hooks, etc. like Klein or Stacktech? At least with Packout you can attach brackets to the corner tie down rails. Speaking of, how do you tie these Makita boxes down?
SIDES
Klein’s and Tajima’s boxes and cart offer another system for hanging pouches, bins and who knows what else off the sides.
There are infinite ways to offer evenly spaced locking points without infringing on patents. Pins or bolts through a slotted rail and dovetail interfaces probably can’t be functionally patented at all.
These are huge misses for Makita.
Mobile storage that transforms into a work station is where this category has rapidly evolved to.
Flexibility necessitates modular attachment of tools, tool holders and brackets, fasteners/materials and comfort/convenience items to these boxes and carts, etc.
It’s incredible Makita totally missed this, and especially the ability to festoon every surface in sight with modular rails to hang all kinds of lifestyle crap.
Maybe Makita USA was given a limited budget to develop the system, or was rushing it market.
They should have something better than a teal box with a stout latch.
Farkleberry
It should be relatively easy to update the Makita and Packout.
Packout is overdue for an update in this area, as is Makita out of the gate.
Packout can retain the same excellent cleat and front latch system, but get rid of the obsolete corner rails that eat space and can’t be directly attached to accessories.
Develop a new horizontal attachment system like Klein and Tajima.
There’s already a wide variety of footprints in Packout with organizers and crates much narrower than the boxes, so a new generation is painless.
I would be shocked if this not already far into develoment by Milwaukee. Makita USA, I doubt it.
Stuart
Most modular tool boxes can open with things latched on top. If there’s anything more than an organizer or other very light load, doing so can be a hassle at the least and at worst very dangerous.
Farkleberry
And as pointed out in an above comment, this doesn’t work against a wall like in a van, trailer or garage.
Tom
I had an old dewalt 3 stack. The single unit that in my opinion, started the game *ahem* rolling. I started doing some teaching fall protection, and for portability, I bought into another rolling box.
As my business grew and I started offering more and more, such as event first aid, I bought into Milwaukee purely for the customization and VAST mix of boxes and components. Then they came out with the chest. It’s a great place to store a trauma kit and move it around well (the bag takes up about 80% of the chest). I still, other than when I need it for the LARGE items, prefer the regular rolling toolboxes. They fit through doors, they break down and load into the truck easier. I also prefer the red. Lol.
I agree with what most are saying here- as the ONLY option for the roll, it’s not going to go well. But in my opinion, it is a component that definitely has its place.
JR Ramos
I think sometimes people forget that Makita isn’t so keen on DIY and small scale work – obviously they have whole product lines to suit but they still seem to cater a lot to larger scale and new construction. These larger boxes could absolutely serve a need there where normal/standard sizes we’ve become used to in everyone else’s modular systems fall short. The proof will be in the pudding as far as durability, because these larger boxes will command some changes in design (not just wheels and handles…).
Ever try to put an 18″ or 24″ rotary hammer bit in a regular box? Not happening. A supply of larger diameter abrasive or diamond blades? Larger air hose, larger rotary hammers or jacks? Sledge hammers? A lot of this stuff may be dropped off or hoisted up in steel job boxes but there are still needs for solo or small crews to carry crap where they need to work and a good mobile large box would be great. If it’s up to snuff.
Can’t see these being much marketed to DIY/homeowner or tradesmen where the larger sizes don’t offer much over normal sizes…can’t see them being pushed or being successful in Home Depot, either. Maybe it’s a step to fill a professional need and will be followed later by a “regular” system to compete better with all the rest.
Or maybe it’ll be a huge flop and someone at HQ will need to save face in a big way. Makita is usually pretty smart about their core business and markets so for this initiative and investment to happen, they must think the market is there (even if it’s not the USA). I got a teaser email from them this afternoon….guys walk to the closed tailgate of a pickup, tailgate begins to open, and then *suspense!* Pretty sure it must be these boxes, but that was lame.
JR Ramos
Meant to also say that this could be great for crew boxes where a couple or several guys are all in the same area. No need for extra small modular boxes and everyone can work out of a gang box. Less hassle. Make the apprentice or new guys lug it.
tarbellb
JR gets it….
This isn’t geared towards DIY and home gamers. This mobile bottom is for crews ONSITE, who load in and out every week if not every day, over dirt, gravel, mud, rebar, etc….
This design also ergonomically allows for more weight because the center of gravity is much lower.
Makita knows how to build tools and systems for job sites and people who do it 5+ days a week.
Robert
Good insight JR. I had been wondering where Makita expected to get enough floor space to generate enough eye balls on launch to make it a success. But you point out another business model.
Jason
I received an email from Makita saying something new is on the way with video of truck tailgate going down and then coming soon! I assume is the new Makita tool box system.
Jason
Makita states in the email promo:
This Next-Generation Solution is set to redefine how you work from jobsite to jobsite, addressing the everyday challenges that other brands have overlooked.
It will be very interesting to see what Makita considers challenges other brands have missed on their products.
Steve
What the name of that DeWalt workstation top and rolling base, shown with the 2 and 3-drawer boxes stacked between?
It appears that the table top snaps onto the top of the drawer toolboxes and the toolboxes snap onto the rolling base.
Thanks.
Steve
I don’t see the stainless top, anywhere. Are these items still sold by DeWalt?
Stuart
You mean the new DXL dolly and worktop?
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/tag/dewalt-toughsystem-dxl/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Steve
Thanks.
Jdog
I like bigger boxes. I don’t want a millions small boxes for one framing gun, one saw, one sawzall… I have a husky roller that holds a coil gun, stapler, nail gun, corded skill saw, lasers, and probably something else as well. It is easy to roll around, simple enough to lean and lift into my van, and would be cake to roll into a trailer. I don’t know if Makita is going to make theirs worth the extra coin that comes with the brand, but there are reasons for bigger boxes with some smaller boxes attaching to it.
Lajuan C Johnson
You think they would learn to make the bottom unit a drawer style box. I saw every system but the Ridgid 2.0. That seemed odd, since they recently released an upgrade
MattT
“I’m Struggling to Understand Makita’s ____________ Strategy” sums up a lot of my thinking about Makita.
Curtis C
As a tool room manager Makita has been dropping the ball and missing the target on almost every new tool for the last two years + as seen by the giant wave of layoffs at Makita USA lately. They are so out of touch with the end-user it’s not funny
Stuart
That’s what I’m worried about. But maybe some users have been asking for a rolling trunk to be the centerpiece of a modular tool box system, hence the questions in the post.
CHRIS
Yep they are making it really hard to stay teal.
CMF
As Stuart states above, hard to understand the rational.
My first thought is two fold. Like JR Ramos stated, Makita caters less to the home DIYer, more to the Tradesman/contractor. Even more so going forward as they are priced above Dewalt & Milwaukee. Then I was also thinking, Makita has a big global market, maybe Europe and the other markets probably have lots of Systainer, LBoxx and other similar boxes. The type like Dewalt and all the other systems have had success within the USA, are few outside NA. Maybe this size is what is really missing globally
But then, if I understood the previous articles, this is being designed by Makita USA. If yes, then possibly they have reason to believe that a Makita Pack Out style system; there are many and they would be entering this market, with Makita prices; less success.
So maybe this larger size, seeing they cater less to consumers, and more to pros, is where they can fill a niche, and pros are likely to spend more, if they see value?
Uncle Joe
Makita has an upright trolley/dolly for the Makpac system. Who is to say that the trolley won’t be common to both systems? And given that there is only one rending from Makita here and the author mentions that “it is rumoured”, we could very well be expending way too much speculation energy than is necessary. Anyone who has standardized on Makita’s tools knows how vast the tool count is with Makita, and they make many specialized tools an item, and have done so for a long time. If Makita does launch their tool storage system just like this, then I’m sure there will be a plate that goes onto the trolley that allows one to attach their new boxes. Makita is not in the business of “dump and ditch” like the many tool brand conglomerates it competes with. Whatever Makita comes out with, specialized or general, it will have its place and will be supported.
Stuart
Makita sales reps have been leaking info on social media. At this point we know exactly what’s coming out and approximately when. But since there haven’t been official announcements, everything is still just rumored.
I wouldn’t be certain that there will be an adapter for cross-system compatibility. They still haven’t launched any XGT to LXT adapters.
Also, many of Makita’s MakPac system tool boxes use IP licensed from Tanos – or at least this is suggested by “licensed by Tanos” markings – and their others look to be made by Festool/Tanos. They might not be approved to launch adapter plates that allow for cross-system compatibility.
Alec Russell
Never seen the point in most of these boxes, fill them up and put your back out lifting it in or out of your work vehicle.
Having to unstack them to get to each item is a waste of time.
Chris Habsburg
I really like the space efficiency of the systainer system and I have many Mac Pack tool boxes that I put on a sysroll always loaded differently depending on what tools I need for the day. I find a bigger tool boxes awkward.
Brian C Howe
Large boxes like the Makita unit are useless on site. First, you need a real good locking system that only uses one (preferably) or two locking points.
Second, based on the renders shown moving a box like that will not comply with weight limits set out by the UK and the EU. You are only allowed 25kg. With those boxes full and the lifting point and wheels being 100% apart you will be lifting half the total load weight. Not very balanced.
Third, based on the above, this weight makes it unusable on large (long) job sites. I sometimes have to walk anywhere from a 500m to 1000m just to get from one location in site to another.
Forth, these take up a lot of floor space when working in tight areas or smaller rooms. It will also take up valuable floor space in the van or the garage.
Really need to rethink this one for my to be willing to buy. It is nice though to see them finally getting rid of the old system.
Note all my cordless tools are Makita.
Harrison
I highly doubt this Makita system will rival Packout’s universal appeal, but I think it’s necessary for their survival, and the form factor makes a lot of sense for the areas Makita continues to be competitive- Carpentry, framing and heavy construction/concrete work. Bulky tools that don’t really fit well in the generic 3-stack starter kit from most modular storage brands.
I bought into Packout about a year ago, and while I like it in general, I find it to be overbuilt for what I can actually fit in the containers. The aluminium corner rails are a complete waste of space/expense, I honestly don’t think I’ve even touched the rails for any reason since buying the product. I have no interest in clipping items or accessories to the side- The whole purpose of sealed boxes for me is to protect the items, I want them IN the box.
End of the day we don’t actually know what Makita has in store. They will probably have the standard 3-stack, parts organizers and drawers eventually, if whoever is in charge of this product line has even half a brain cell. Launching with slightly different product configuration than the rest is a breath of fresh air, and would certainly have my interest.
Greg
I’ve watched videos from other countries that has a full Makita line with a rolling cart. I think it must be different than what you’re talking about. also, I think for any tool brand to really make their system very very popular all they would have to do is every time you buy one of their power tools it comes with a box, and then you would kind of be forced to stack them together and might as well get the cart. I know you’ve discussed the option of having tools come with their own stackable case but I think if they could just come up with a more simple, inexpensive stackable compatible case with each tool, it would really help propel the line and it would be a great way for struggling or new stackable systems to become more popular .
fred
The only reason that I bought any extra Tanos or Festool systainers – and the same goes for Bosch L-Boxxes, Makita boxes and Metabo metaboxes – is that I already had ones with the tools (Bosch, Festool, Lamello. Makita or Metabo) that came in them – and wanted to add a box for accessories or parts. So, you are right that including a “system” box with every tool purchase might add to after-sales of boxes – but it would also add to the cost of the base tool and might hurt sales overall. The higher cost brands like Festool, Lamello and Mafell seem to get by with their buyer-perception of getting premium tools at a premium price – and adding in the cost of a modular toolbox goes with their territory. But Makita seems to be stuck in some middle ground – with seemingly higher prices than some of their main competitors (Dewalt and Milwaukee) – but not having the niche cache of makers like Mafell.
Les Muller
Im a true believer in the Makita 18 volt tools and have Al it if them. but they struggle to stay relevant against Milwaukee and Dewalt already, why bother with a modular box system ? I’m retired with 16 of rigid boxes and while I wish there was more variety in the rigid line I still think it’s the best bang for the buck.
John S
I have seen the magazine with pictures of the system. I don’t really get using the double sized base. It has connections on the sides as well so you can basically fit three stacks on the large chest base. I do like having a spot for my Apple AirTags-another feature of the new boxes. But overall I think the value proposition will be tough for many. They are also made in the USA According to the magazine I saw.
I’m gonna end up buying into them. But I don’t know that many others will follow suit.
MSgtMac
Unless your tools are a heck of a lot lighter than mine, most will have a tough time trying to pull this thing around. Maybe if it had 4 wheels rather than 2 it might be more usable. As for me, NO THANK YOU!!!
Reggie
I mean, showing that giant pile of images of the exact same rolling box stack is probably why they shouldn’t launch one that looks exactly like every other one. If you want that triple stack that looks like every other one, you have your pick of brands already. I think it would be crazy to launch the 20th identical system that isn’t differentiated in any way.
I personally prefer Systainer stuff, so I am not worried about any of this anyway, but I am guessing they’re just trying to differentiate themselves a bit?
KB
It will possibly work with festool as their previous makpac system does. But the key thing to this system is it is horizontal setup whereas all other companies are vertically derived. You can access all boxes from the side and not have to unstack them. A packout serltuo you have to unstack to get to the next box where this mactrac system you just open from the side you set it up on. That’s a huge advantage