Our poor Makita fans have been left thirsty in the desert for so long. But Makita is finally making up for lost time, and launching new tools this month, and we’re going to take a look at each one. Let’s go!
Let’s start with the all-new Makita XSB01, 18V LXT Brushless Detail Belt Sander. It’s a 21” detail sander ideal for use on wood and metal in refinishing and fabrication applications. With a belt speed of 5,600 ft per minute, it’s ready for just about anything. There are 3 different arm sizes, and it’s compatible with ¼” and ½” sanding arms. It also has an electric brake, variable speed control and adjustable led light.
The XSB01 is available now in a kit with a 5ah battery, charger and case for $470.
Next up Makita dropped 2 improved 18V X2 LXT Brushless cordless wet/dry vacs that claim longer runtime and even quieter operating sound levels. This is the XCV20Z and the XCV23Z. They both claim that with two LXT 5ah batteries, you’ll suck all your problems away for 100 minutes, and only bother your coworkers with a reasonable 64 dB on their highest speeds. They both offer variable speed control dials, large rubber bumpers, and oversized on/off switch, and quick-release metal latches for easy cleanup.
The only real difference is the canister size. The 2.1 gallon XCV20Z, is available now as a bare tool for $450, while the 4 gallon XCV23Z is available now as a bare tool for $460.
Makita has been aggressively pursuing the OPE market for some time now, and this month they’ve shown up with some really interesting additions. First up, A new 18V LXT Cordless String Trimmer, the XRU23 which they say will give you up to an hour of run time with one 4.0ah battery. Its brushless motor delivers up to 6,000 rpm, and it’s all controlled with a high/low button. It also has a variable speed trigger, 13” cutting swath, and something Makita calls “Extreme Protection Technology, which essentially makes it dust and water resistant.
The XRU23 is available now for $155 bare or $210 in a kit.
But I hear you. “That’s great Rob, but what if I want to do 11 different things with my outdoor power tool?” Calm down Clint. Makita also announced the new XUX02 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Couple Shaft Power Head, which will currently work with 11 different attachments. The Power Head features a lever-style lock which allows for quick tool-less installation and replacement of attachments. It has a loop handle for comfortable grip, a hook for a shoulder strap so you can wear it out on the town, and variable speed control. And just like the string trimmer we just mentioned, this tool also features Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology! Dust and water resistance.
The available attachments include a string trimmer, curved string trimmer, multiple hedge trimmers, pole saw, cultivator, paddle sweep and my personal favorite the self grooming bristle brush.
The Couple Shaft Power head is available now as a bare tool for $169, and in a variety of kits that range from “Oh. That’s reasonable” to “OW OW MY WALLET!”
And last of all, the reason you’re here. You need to dig an 8” wide hole, 41” deep. Sicko. Well Makita has ya covered! This is the all new Makita XGD01 18V X2 LXT Brushless Cordless Earth Auger, that they claim matches the power of a 36cc gas competitor, while weighing 30% less. With 2 different speeds, ranging from 0 to 1,400 RPM. It features Automatic Speed Change tech, which adjusts the drill speed and torque during drilling, a reverse switch, torque limiter, and a built in LED for digging late at night while your spouse sleeps.
The new Makita XGD01 is available right now for $599 bare, or $720 in a kit with 5ah batteries. There are 3 auger dril bits available in 4, 6 and 8in for $125, $130, and $140 respectively.