Makita USA issued a new press release, announcing that their new XGT cordless power tools will come to the USA, and also clarifying that the new system will be positioned alongside their growing 18V LXT system.
Here’s the headline: Makita Offers Vision of Cordless Future with Expanded LXT and New XGT.
Read More About the New Makita XGT 40V Max Cordless Tools
Makita says that the new XGT cordless power tools will be a standalone 40V Max system, and will be positioned alongside the current 18V LXT cordless power tool system.
XGT is engineered for select higher-demand applications as the industry pushes the transition to battery power. Although the 40V max XGT batteries look similar in size to 18V LXT batteries, XGT is a new system with its own tools, equipment, batteries, and chargers. XGT will launch first in Japan and will be available in the United States in late 2020.
This excerpt is the most notable part of the press release, with emphasis added.
Makita XGT will be its own system, with its own tools, equipment, batteries, and chargers. The press release does not mention any cross-platform adapters or cross-platform compatibility, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not possible or planned.
The new Makita XGT 40V Max cordless power tools won’t be available in the United States until late 2020. Unfortunately, the long wait also means that we’re unlikely to be able to receive or ask for any additional information or details for quite some time.
Makita USA also comments about further expansion of their LXT (18V) cordless power tool system (with emphasis added):
Makita will continue to invest heavily in LXT, and there is a tremendous roadmap of new LXT products in the pipeline for trade users in all segments.
Makita also says that the number of 18V LXT products will increase from 225 to over 250 products in 2020.
We’re still left with very many questions about the new Makita XGT cordless power tool platform, but this new announcement at least answers two very important questions.
To sum it up:
Will Makita’s new 40V Max XGT cordless power tool system replace their 18V LXT system? NO, Makita says that the two systems will be positioned alongside each other.
When will Makita XGT cordless power tools launch in the USA? Late 2020.
If you haven’t yet read our coverage on the new tools and tech: Meet the new Makita XGT 40V Max cordless power tool system.
