Those that follow tool news may have heard about a new Makita tool platform that launched in several other countries a few months ago and have been waiting for the news of it finally being released in the United States. Well, the wait is over, as the teal tool brand has finally announced the release of their 40V and 80V XGT system in the US.
The initial 50+ tools on the XGT system will be available for purchase this month and more releases will become available in future quarters. Much like the 18V, 36V LXT lineup for Makita, the XGT system will pair two 40V batteries together to achieve 80V.
Makita believes that this new system is unique because it allows them to achieve higher performance with their tools, while also creating a battery platform that is compact enough to use on smaller power tools, like impacts and drills.
“For the highest-demand applications and a truly cordless job site, Makita has taken cordless performance beyond limits with the creation of XGT,” explains Mario Lopez, director of product management, Makita U.S.A. “We’re providing more power without forcing users to buy big, heavy, slow-charging batteries for use on a limited number of tools. XGT is launching with fifty products – an unheard-of amount at launch, and more will be coming soon.”
It's important to note that the XGT system is not negating the LXT system, as Makita will continue to development the LXT lineup, which currently offers over 275 products. The XGT system is also not backwards compatible with the LXT lineup, so you won’t be able to use the 40V batteries on any of your existing 18V tools.
The XGT Batteries
Makita states that their new 40V XGT batteries were designed to absorb impact and resist water and dust, although they have not published any sort of IP rating. The batteries also contain microchips to “speak” to the tools and prevent overheating, overloading, and over discharging.
In April, a 2.5ahand a 4.0ah battery will be made available, followed by a 5.0ah battery in the near future. It will be interesting to see how far Makita takes this battery platform, because one of the knocks on its existing LXT platform is that they never released a battery larger than 6.0ah, whereas other brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt offer 12.0ah for longer runtime. Makita’s position has long been that those batteries are too bulky and heavy.
The XGT Tools
As mentioned above, Makita’s goal with XGT is to provide one battery that is optimized for both small, handheld power tools, and provide enough power for larger tools.
Rotary and Demolition Hammers
This category will hold the first two 80V max tools in the lineup, but both will be released after the initial launch. The two 80V options include a Brushless 2" AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit, SDS-MAX and a Brushless 29 lb. AVT® Demolition Hammer Kit, SDS-MAX.
The initial release includes a Brushless 1-1/8" AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit, SDS-PLUS, Brushless 1-1/8" AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit, with Interchangeable Chuck SDS-PLUS, a Brushless 1-9/16" AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit SDS-MAX, and a Brushless 15 lb. AVT® Demolition Hammer Kit SDS-MAX, all 40V max.
Makita XGT Brushless 2" AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit, SDS-MAX (GRH06), courtesy of Makita
Saws
The saw category is highlighted by a 10-1/4” 40V Max Rear Handle Saw, which has a maximum cut depth of 3-3/4” at 90 degrees. The initial lineup will also include a 40V max 7-1/4” rear handle saw, a 40V max 7-1/4” top handle circular saw, and a 40V max reciprocating saw. In the near future, Makita will also release a 40V max 8-1/2” sliding compound miter saw.
Makita 40V max XGT® Brushless 10-1/4" Rear Handle Saw Kit (GSR02), courtesy of Makita
Grinders
Makita will also be releasing a slew of 40V max grinders, including four different 4-1/2” /5” angle grinders, with offerings in both AWS and non-AWS and a paddle switch option on each set. AWS is Makita’s Bluetooth technology, which communicates between the tool and connected dust extractor to automatically turn the vacuum on and off based on the use of the tool.
There will also be a 7”/9” paddle switch angle grinder with AWS available in the initial launch, followed by two 6” angle grinders in the near future.
Makita 40V max XGT® Brushless 4-1/2" / 5" Angle Grinder Kit (GAG04), with Electric Brake, courtesy of Makita
Drills and Impacts
What would Makita news be without another dozen impact releases? In addition to several impact wrench offerings, there will also be a new 40Vmax 4-Speed Impact Driver on the new lineup.
The impact wrench options include a ¾” Sq. Drive Impact Wrench Kit w/ Friction Ring Anvil, a 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench Kit w/ Friction Ring Anvil, and a 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench Kit w/ Detent Anvil. Two mid-torque half inch impact wrenches will also be released in the near future.
Four drills will be included in the first release, including a ½” Drill-Driver, a ½” Hammer Drill-Driver, a ½” Compact Brushless Drill-Driver, and a ½” Compact Brushless Hammer Drill-Driver.
Makita 40V max XGT® Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver Kit (GDT01), courtesy of Makita
Miscellaneous Tools
The 40V XGT lineup also features a Brushless 9-1/4" Fan, an LED Lantern/Flashlight, a pivoting head LED flashlight, and two different radios: one with Bluetooth, and one without. I don’t have any information on it yet, but it also appears that there will be several OPE options on the XGT lineup, as well, including a string trimmer and blower.
Tell Us Your Thoughts!
What do you think of this new Makita platform? What tools do you hope they release on the XGT lineup in the future?
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.