Breaking News Makita XGT

Makita has been frustrating their fans for a few years now, by offering two completely separate but competing battery platforms. The 18V LXT, and the newer 40V XGT. Every year we ask, are they really going to continue to offer both platforms, or will they finally commit to the newer more powerful XGT. We’ll, today Makita announced 19 new power tools, and not 5, not 10, but ALL 19, are X G T. Let’s go.

Makita is still not committing to a full switch, but with these 19 new tools, they’re certainly sending a message. They noted in their own press release, that they’ve committed to expand XGT to 100 tools by the end of 2022. 

First up, Outdoor Power Equipment.

The Makita XGT line of OPE, is aimed directly at the commercial crowd, claiming commercial duty performance with lower noise, less maintenance, zero emissions and no pull starts. Today they announced 7 new additions.

First up we have the Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless 10” Pole Saw with an 8’ reach, and a telescoping version that can reach 13’. Both pole saws deliver the same power as a 35cc gas version, but with a lower weight, you’ll be able to keep going until the job’s done.

MAKITA LEADS THE CORDLESS CONVERSION FROM GAS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

Next they launched a 40V max XGT 24” Single-Sided Hedge Drummer, and a 30”  as well. These claim to match a 22.7cc gas equivalent, and 13% more torque for cutting thick branches. How thick? They didn’t say, but you know, 13% more torque than less torquey options. 

There were 2 new string trimmers, in the form of the 40V MAX XGT Brushless 17” String Trimmer, claiming 30cc equivalent performance, with one including a brush cutter debris shield to convert for use with a trimmer head, or a brush cutter blade. 

Last of all, the Makita 40V MAX XGT Brushless Brush Cutter, also claiming 30cc equivalent power, a steel drive shaft for lower vibration, and a bike handle designs for improved grip and ergonomics.

But enough with the OPE, let’s cut some metal!

Next they announced the Makita 40V MAX XGT, Brushless Deep Cut Portable Band saw. It claims to deliver up to two times faster cutting than the 18V LXT model and features a full 5” by 5” cutting capacity.

MAKITA ADDS 19 NEW XGT® CORDLESS TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO EXPANDING SYSTEM

They also announced a 40V MAX XGT Brushless 7 ¼” Metal Cutting Saw, with an electric brake and of course a chip collector. The updated brushless motor delivers up to 2 times faster cutting than their own compatible corded model, the 4131, and boasts up to 160 cuts per charge on a 4ah XGT battery.

Now Makita didn’t forget about us carpenters and woodworkers.

This is the new 40V Max XGT Brushless AVT Orbital Recipro Saw, which combines fast cutting and lower vibrations. Two great things that go great… you get it. The Makita built brushless motor delivers the power of a 15AMP corded saw, and features orbital action setting for faster cutting. They accomplished the lower vibrations with the use of their own AVT or Anti-Vibration Technology, that uses an internal counterbalance system that makes a big difference when you’re using a tool with so much natural vibration. 

They also announced an all new Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless 9 ¼” circular saw, with a guide rail compatible base, and AWS compable so you can automatically control their AWS vacs through Bluetooth. And just in case 9 ¼ “ isn’t already huge enough, they threw in a second 10 ¼” version, that also includes a guide rail compatible base. Both of these saws combine efficient cutting, bigger cutting capacity, all while gliding along a guide rail. With these two oversized solutions, Makita is looking to replace your table saw for ripping sheet goods on the job site, and I don’t see why most Makita fans wouldn’t welcome it.

But it’s not all saws, they also announced the new Makita 40V MAX XGT Brushless 23 gauge Pin Nailer, which they say delivers up to 15% faster firing than the XTP02 found on the 18V LXT model. It’ll drive six different lengths of 23 gauge nails, with a max magazine capacity of 120 pin nails.

They also revealed the new 40V MAX XGT brushless compact Router, with 1.5hp of power, and 5 speed settings, certainly a welcome additions to the brave souls who already took the XGT plunge.

Vacuums and Dust Extractors

Of course to take advantage of all these new woodworking tools, you need efficient vacuums and dust extractors, and Makita has you covered. They announced 3 new vacs, starting with a 40V MAX XGT Brushless 2.1 Gallon Wet/Dry Dust Extractor Vacuum, ideal for use on both the job site and in janitorial applications. It has a strong motor delivering 148 CFM and 92” water lift, and features a cool 2nd battery bay for extending run time, not doubling up volts like Milwaukee’s recent 36V vacs. 

MAKITA ADDS 19 NEW XGT® CORDLESS TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO EXPANDING SYSTEM

They also added a 2.1gallon HEPA filter version with the same stats as the previous mentioned vac, but this one is AWS capable for use with AWS equipped tools for Bluetooth wireless power on and off.

Finally, they launched a new 40V MAX XGT Brushless 4 speed Compact Stick Vacuum, designed specifically for getting into tight spaces. It claims 42 CFM and 84” static water lift, 4 speed settings and up to 64 minutes of run time with only a 2ah XGT battery which seems really good.

Of course it wouldn’t be a Makita tool announcement without a couple of odd ball solutions, and this time they revealed a new 40V MAX XGT Brushless 7” polisher that claims corded power in a portable solution. Including a variable speed trigger and control dial that makes it easy to match the speed to the application.

And last but not least, the new Makita 40V MAX XGT Brushless High-Speed Dust Blower. This in-line fan design and a shorter length provides improved balance and ergonomics over conventional blower designs. And this unique design only provides 39 CFM, but in a concentrated 447 mph air speed. Crazy. 

So is this it? Are we finally watching the LXT platform fade away to make room for an all XGT world? It’s sure feeling that way, and quite frankly, I’m hear for it. XGT continues to impress is head 2 heads here on YouTube. I know change is painful, but maybe this time it’s worth it. Let me know in the comments if you think it’s time to put LXT to rest. 

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