Makita 40 Volt Van Uplifting

Makita 40V XGT Cordless Tools
Launched in 2019, the XGT was designed as a one-battery tool, that delivers more power, for more demanding applications, without sacrificing run time. They’ve also been able to make the XGT tools as compact as their 18 volt line - compact tools are a must have for me.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that the 40V tool line has been performing extremely well, top score or top 3, in our ToolBoxBuzz Head-2-Head tests such as the reciprocating saw, impact drivers, track saw, and compact miter saw testing.
To be clear the XGT line is a premium Pro-grade line of power tools, and performs and is priced accordingly.
These tools are designed to be used daily and withstand the harsh jobsite environment that is tough on tools.
Tools In Van
To get my van stocked and be able to work effectively I focused on the following cordless 40V.
XGT tools:
• Track saw and track, model GPS01.
• Circular saw, model GSH01
• Planer, model GPK01
• Reciprocating saw, model GRJ02
• Grinder, model GAG13
• 2 Impact drivers, model GDT01
• Hammer drill driver, model GPH01
• Hammer Drill, model GRH07
• Compound miter saw, model GSL02.
• Miter saw stand, model WST06.
• Router, model GTR01
Battery Charging
I permanently installed 1 double, and two single battery chargers to the rear racking in my van. These chargers plug into a commercial grade power strip and are fed by a shoreline that I plug in at night or on a jobsite.
I use StealthMount battery clips to store the batteries so I can reach them without entering the am. I have a 40v to 18v converter for charging my 18-volt drywall cutter - a must have tool in remodeling.
The XGT tools and batteries come with a built-in program, providing digital communication between the battery and tool while attached to the charger.
The XGT batteries are designed to include impact absorbing padding and robust outer casing built to a IPX4 level of splashing or spraying water from any angle protection.
I’ve been impressed with the tough XGT construction and water-resistant design. To me that equates a durable and built to perform tool platform!
Racking Tool Storage System
I feel that tool storage systems and being organized save time and are as important as the tools that are used to get the job done. A lot of contractors don’t consider the time saved from being organized.
I installed a bott Smartvan shelf rack system which is a fully customizable storage system that comes with vehicle-specific mounting brackets. It is designed to be installed as a DIY project and doesn’t require drilling into the vehicle frame.
I have the bott Smartvan racking system in 2 vans now and love it. I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of the system as it allows me to easily switch things around as I determine my workflow in the van.
Growing My 40V Tools
Makita has 125 tools on the XGT platform but still does not have everything I need as a carpenter. There’s no table saw yet, multitool, right angle impact or a complete line of finish nailers.
They do have a pin nailer and vacuum, two tools that I don’t have yet. Regarding the vacuum, most of the XGT dust creating tools I have are Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS™) compatible so, once I pick up a vacuum, I can connect and use it with my miter saw, track saw, grinder, and router.
The Auto-Start Wireless System utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless power-on/off communication between tool and dust extractor. To operate the AWS, you need to add an AWS transmitter in the tool.
After pairing the tool to the vacuum via Bluetooth, the vac turns on and off whenever the saw or tool is turned on. I’ve tested this the AWS system several times and am impressed. An AWS equipped vacuum will be my next purchase.
Final Thoughts
Alright, lets circle back to my choice for stocking 40V XGT tools in my van. I’ve been a big fan of the Makita LXT 18/36-volt tools.
Jumping from the LXT line to the XGT made sense to me since I was starting from scratch, and I can get the same or better power with just one battery.
Makita also is building out their XGTx2 [80cv] line of tools. This configuration is going after high output power and gas tools, such as:
• 14” cordless power cutter
• Brushcutter
• Vacuums
• Demo and Rotary Hammers
I’m sure we’ll see Makita use the XGTx2 configuration on any high output tool that needs extra power and runtime.
For me, the XGT line will give me and my business a pro-grade, powerful, full-featured tool with better runtimes.
‪@MakitaToolsUSA‬ #makitaxgt ‪@bottSmartvanUSA‬

[@ToolHombre]

XGT is like a medal of success for the veteran carpenter. Well done, you deserve it.

[@Khalid.Al-Bahi]

From a long time subscriber who built his tool arsenal based on your reviews, wish you prosperity and the best in your business and personal life Rob and the rest of TBB team.

[@tykooker182]

Love makita. I agree they need to step up the game with a table saw and full line of nailers.

[@sawdustadikt979]

I want to say about 10-12 years ago, I saw your video on organizing your trailer and I think you were trying out the Bosch box system. I was on the fence about buying a trailer, everyone I had worked for that had a trailer made thing convenient but the complete lack of organization drove me nuts! I had conversations about organizing things and got a solid “it’s a waste of time”. Seeing that video vindicated my observation that I was spending a massive amount of productivity looking for tools or hardware that was in a pile, on a shelf. The tools were usually broken or missing something because they were in a pile on a shelf. I work by myself now, I am continually changing things and I enjoy the whole process. It fun and I look forward to trying it out on the next job. I like it when I’m on a job and it occurs to me how to fix a weakness in my system, I quickly sketch the idea on my “projects” note pad and dump the concept out of my head for a rainy day. Thanks for the massive amount of time you put into these videos.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Wow, that was a while back. And yes, that was my first dive into organization. I’ve done several organization videos since and will probably cover that again when I do my van tour in my next video.

[@sawdustadikt979]

@@ConcordCarpenter thanks for the reply, I know your a bizzy guy! I hope you and your crew have a profitable and fun rest of the year.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

When my dad was in construction, Makita was the brand that he always used. He gave me his old NiCad powered drill, which worked until 3 years ago, when the battery finally gave out.

[@mongocrock]

You can probably find a replacement battery if you want

[@Erik_The_Viking]

@@mongocrock Yeah probably, but it was easier to upgrade to the LXT line instead.

[@mongocrock]

@@Erik_The_Viking A wise choice. The LXT line has been very good to me

[@juanmueblistajohncabinetma1718]

Makita is for a whole life......quality tools and period!!!! I own makita 18v, for example, my router and circular saw are still working perfectly after 5 years, they have never dissapointed me, NEVER.....this 40v platform must be a BEAST....

[@Benmeglei1]

Love Makita. I wish they would come out with a formidable 10 inch job site table saw with digital control like the Festool CSC SYS 50.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Yeah me too. They used to make one a while ago.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Me too

[@willholt100]

I'd personally much prefer a rack and pinnion fence on a table saw if they make one. The digital stuff on the festool is just a gimick rather than something actually useful for me. Particularly when the main requirement of accuracy on a table saw is the adjustment of the fence to the blade not the bevel angle and height of the blade. Cool idea but it doesn't actually solve a problem that I have, and the fact they have not included a rack and pinnion fence just so that it can go in that systainer is a real minus in my view.

[@kiwdwks]

Makita has helped me get the work done from day one...awesome tool line!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Right on

[@Mountiemicahmovies]

Makita is my go to brand. Love the videos and the content.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Right on!

[@RB-xg2vz]

Love the fact makita kept lxt and xgt….not forcing people to pick

[@nmancini]

Their track saw got me into the makita 18v line. Haven’t made the switch to their 40v yet, but I have to say your new van is coming out great

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thx - just live Med up a 80v vac for the miter saw

[@jasonhoyt8232]

Makita is definitely my preferred brand. I do wish they would build their impact drivers with more power. Everything else is top notch.

[@carlosmedrano3549]

it probably does have more power but they probably programmed them

[@StrongmanLovesAnimals]

LOVE my xgt tools, nice to see them getting love.... Just release the nailer already makita!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Can't wait!

[@1970gregg]

I just got my Xgt track saw. Can’t wait to try it out.

[@interman7715]

Real nice set up buddy, I personally run Dewalt and love their Flexvolt/XR system ,you can't go wrong with Makita either.

[@ecp4500]

Very nice. I have got the Makita XGT 40v max outdoor garden tools. Got 480mm XGT lawnmower with 4x swing back blades, two 8ah, two 5ah, single and double charger, blower, powerhead with pole chain saw/line trimmer/hedger/extension pole. Had them here in Australia since late March. The mower cuts long grass very well.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Very nice!

[@ToolShow]

Love the charging setup. Keeping those batteries out of your house/shop is a great idea, and one I haven't solved yet. Off to buy a work truck! My dad was a finish carpenter for over 40 years, and he used Makita almost exclusively Great video Rob!

[@joshuakerstein9573]

I didn’t know about the adapter 40v-18v, thanks!

[@ricr.4669]

They should make a Makita van. Imagine teal green Makita van that runs on XGT batteries.

[@WillLeingang]

That van is next level. Love it Rob!

[@aonghusofaolain8686]

Nice drone shot, dawg! Totally necessary 👌

[@riba2233]

wow, great choice, really underrated and underappreciated platform! BTW they have brad and pin nailers, mixers, even staplers in 40v line :D not all available in the US though. That trim router is excellent, has so much power! BTW that van is a rebranded FIAT ;)

[@user-qx6ws9kd2d]

Love it love it love it thanks for sharing it with me 👍

[@superspeeder]

Congrats on the new van! Looks sweet! I’ve been using Makita LXT since 2009 and have no regrets. I also have a bunch of M12 and they’re pretty good too. I’m not sold on XGT yet. I really wish Makita would release some higher power/capacity batteries for LXT, which is all they need to be competitive. Makita is great at making tools that are nice to use. They may not win every power dual, but they have what it takes to get the job done while being pleasant to use. They’re always good at refinement and ergonomics. People who use tools realize this.

[@valeriykotok4383]

I love Makita and I got the Ram Promaster van with full of Makita 18v tools and 13 5-6Ah batteries , but damn, those 40v tools is way too expensive! Just ordered 40v mud mixer with battery and charger for almost $700 yesterday, crazy!

[@jeffalan6339]

I have few Makita tools that are a workhorse. Started with black and Decker after a month sold them all off converted to DeWalt. A friend bought Milwaukee drill swore by it. I bought 18 volt drill had far more power than the corded DeWalt. That got my interest in Milwaukee. Found a Hilti drywall gun at pawn shop felt well made. Now torn between Makita 40 volt Milwaukee 18 fuel Hilti 22 volt with 20 year warranty I'm not brand specific own Bosch soft started plunge router that has micro adjustments add power to no end and quiet. I am selling my DeWalt 12 " corded miter saw to switch to Makita 7.25 slider miter 30lbs vs 65 Like the Hilt rear handle saw asked customer service if could Makie sliding miter saw he used my input for 7.25 for finish carpentry. Like B&D I sold so goes th DeWalt tools.

[@AlexKall]

Nice setup!

[@kevinr3263]

Bless you Mr Rob

[@matteout_woodworking]

I wish my shop was organized like that...probably would end up on the first available flat surface anyway

[@superspeeder]

Regarding AC power in your van, if I was kitting out a new van I’d put a portable power station in with a solar panel on the roof. A 1-2kWh battery and a 500W panel would probably give you all the power you need for charging batteries and running a table saw. I recently bought an EcoFlow “solar generator” and it’s awesome on the job. I’d imagine it could be integrated into a work van pretty easily.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

I think Makita's 40v line is, at times, the best thing to having a corded tool. The performance level seems to be more consistent over duration of the battery's charge.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

That’s been their goal

[@user-df2mm5sc4s]

Sweet setup Rob. Love your videos!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thx

[@NextLevelCraftworks]

Hey Rob thanks for sharing another awesome van video. I love those as i currently am upfitting my Sprinter and all this info youre pushing out is helping me decide which route to go. Thanks again and have a great day!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Good luck up fitting a van can be fun and stressful and it’s a work in progress. I am constantly moving things around.

[@Seqhael]

I’ve just changed all my 18v tools to 40v and I’m really happy with it That being said, I’ve yet to work on a site that doesn’t have a power hookup somewhere, so I feel the big 80v stuff is just going to be a far pricier alternative for things that I really have no business being cordless with the particular work I do (renovations and additions).

[@johnoerter2883]

Love my Makitas!

[@jctai100]

Hell yeah! Team teal all the way!

[@hotfudgemoney]

Want one of those oil impacts real bad

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Love my XGT tools Rob 😎⚒️😎⚒️😎

[@danabenjamin3300]

On the ball!

[@jonathanconway7256]

Once you get the dust collector get at least 4 more batteries. They are energy hungry. But they work well

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thx

[@2burning2turning]

Be good when Makita or Milwaukee come out with a airless battery powered spay gun.

[@brianf9619]

Awesome Van ..... 👍🖖

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thx

[@EliotTruelove]

It says alot that you test so many tools in head to heads and other brands beat Makita, yet you go with Makita. Real ones know that you cant "test" for ergonomics as its a personal preference, but longtime Makita guys just love the feel of them.

[@gabimen7460]

Impresive 👍🏻

[@wyattevan270]

Damn ! That’s a nice van !

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks Wyatt

[@michaelgrandinetti3170]

Hi Rob, Any plans to review that new Makita 40 volt 8-1/2" glide miter saw you have for your new set up? I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on this newer saw.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

So far it has been amazing

[@joeludwig8636]

Since you use the XGT daily - what’s your thoughts on the e-clutch on the drill? I’ve generally found e-clutches not useful for carpentry.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I’m not sure if mine is turned on, I have definitely have not encountered it drilling. I will say that when chucking a bit you have to be careful because the torque on the drill is powerful.

[@peternelson9865]

Just curious why didn’t go with a high roof Promaster.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We already have one and. A sprinter. I park at home and go into city, i (aka WFD) wanted something smaller in driveway

[@crtwrght0ndrw]

you really could use shadow foam for those boxes

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Yes but it takes up room

[@retneprac]

is there anyway to find out when they will be releasing a tablesaw?

[@sv-et7gq]

Makita has been doing an amazing job with this new platform. Powerful and compact and by doubling them up they can compete with Milwaukee MX fuel line. The only other tool line that I think has a better opportunity is metabo hpt as they are backward compatible but they are just not doing anything innovative. Just think about it for a minute they have there multi volt that's 18 and 36 volts and if the double them they'd have 72 volts. That's 3 possible power levels in one tool platform! but they let it go to waste.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

The MX line is a bust. I can't tell you how many "used once" MX tools end up on my local buy and sell because people realize they're not a feasible option in the real world.

[@kevinmunz]

The perfect car analogy would have been LXT is Toyota and XGT is Lexus. I guess that would make Milwaukee (TTI to be more accurate) General Motors and Dewault would be Ford to complete the analogy.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Yes!

[@miken7375]

Is there an adaptor for my18 v makita tools to run a 40 v battery?

[@doug667]

Unfortunately not.

[@orijimi]

It would be more viable to adapt 2 LXT batteries to an XGT tool.

[@bread-gz3rl]

2:23

[@orijimi]

@@bread-gz3rl That only enables you to charge an LXT battery on an XGT charger, unfortunately.

[@Dan-qk4ns]

Hope Makita is sponsoring!

[@Rando88_]

How do you like the 40v track saw vs the Milwaukee?

[@PistonHonda87]

I want a slim xgt battery.

[@MrArcticPOWER]

Not possible unless they use pouch cells. It's a 10s configuration which means you need 10 cells minimum.

[@PistonHonda87]

@@MrArcticPOWERhere are smaller cylinder cells they could uses. With the current offering of cylinders from Samsung and lg you could make a 10 cylinder battery for about .9 amp hrs that is just slightly thicker than the lxt 2.0 I would personally go with 16340 which would make it slimmer but about 3cm wider. There are smaller sizes, but after 18650 16340 is very common in medical and science applications.

[@MrArcticPOWER]

@@PistonHonda87 Power output would be worst than a 18650 5s battery (which is already not good), it would be heavier, it would have worst capacity and would cost more. I don't think its a viable option for power tools. Pouch cells would be the go to option, but I don't see Makita doing that anytime soon.

[@911Conway]

Waiting for the HS012G idk why it’s not in NA yet

[@kristene2372]

Is that the impact wrench?

[@911Conway]

It’s the 6.5” blade on left circ saw. But it’s out now, I recently bought it and can say it’s good but not worth extra money over 18v line

[@marvinbenjamin3015]

I wonder why they are not bringing out a cordless table saw as yet

[@ConcordCarpenter]

If I know Makita, they want to get it right

[@austinfackender]

Platform still needs to expand, it's just too limited especially for the price

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I’m hoping for a tablesaw for one

[@olgajoachimosmundsen4647]

Hey, Rob. Have you considered h2h on cordless 16g nailers?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Hmmmm. I like that

[@joemarystapp2263]

How durable are the Makita boxes they look kind of thin so like if I drop one down a staircase how would it do

[@johnthumble5154]

They're pure junk

[@manuelezz1]

I been working in the union for 12 years as a wood framer i can tell you that the only thing that i like from makita xgt is the skillsaws and there planer but there battery line to me sucks the most out of any brand out there. Dont belive me check your batteries after heavy use they heat up quick and die quick. Put your skillsaw at a 45 degree angle cut a 2x4 at 10 foot touch the battery after the cut and check its life if it aint already dead from a fully charged battery. If your considering buying makita i would wait untill they release a high output battery like milwaukee or power stack battery like dewalt. Look at reviews for how fast makita batteries heat up you have to buy the 400 dollar battery to have a decent cool battery and to me thats unexeptable and will hurt the batteries life in the long run especially if you live in a hot city

[@UncleIvan1]

are you talking about lxt or xgt batteries? I

[@jasonswoger410]

This video makes me sad. Im so invested in makita 18v 11 batteries and all my cordless tools. When 40v came out they said they werent bailing on 18v. In the last 2 years theyve had almost no 18v innovation and never addressed their tools that didnt perform well. As my tools are starting to wear out im really questioning if its time to start the switch to Milwaukee. I love makita but the red team has been innovating both the 18v and the 12v line, and has tools for a generel contractor. Plus tons of red at H.D. 😢

[@sw86241996]

I use two lines lxt and m18. Not any brand can make individual bare tools perfectly. Hence, it is better with two lines to cover both. Honestly, I prefer makita than Milwaukee. Especially a higher ah battery needs higher voltage. I got a very bad experience for 12ah Milwaukee battery, one is never get full charged, another 8ah battery got burning issue back to factory. Only 5ah is ok. I am actually thinking of getting rid of red and upgrading 40v for the next few years' time unless Milwaukee got a higher voltage platform.

[@ToolHombre]

Yes but.... M28. Also DeWalt 40V. It'd be nice to say that there was one brand that didn't sail away saying they'd come get us off the island, but reality is that there is someone out there feeling just as you are with Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange....

[@sw86241996]

@@ToolHombre M28 is not sold in Australia. considering for the quality control of m18 line, I will leave with red get 40v instead next year. so glad with different brand without shortage of my work as waiting for tool repair then return is nightmare

[@ToolHombre]

@@sw86241996 Oh not saying M18 isn't solid, just that having 2 lines isn't unique to 'kita. do they sell MX fuel in Oz? Just curious.

[@sw86241996]

@@ToolHombre we do have MX fuel here but not many customers chose , most of M18 or other brand cordless tool are good enough for the commercial works, mx is more likely specialist choose ie core hole cutter etc. if you are in Makita 18v line want to swap to M18, you can feel m18 is more powerful but not durable as Makita , stay away from higher ah epically 12ah battery they are rubbish , stick with 5ah m18 is good. I still prefer Makita for daily use over m18 for myself.

[@smally8499234]

Love Makita, its my platform if choice, the 40v system is compact, the batteries on the kther hand, not so much.

[@patbird9694]

Give my Makita back Mac

[@davetaylor4741]

Never tried any of the Makita 40V. And now in the process of retiring, probably won't. Amazing the gear Carpenters carry now. When I was a kid a lot of Carpenters made do with a sidecar on a motorbike. When I first started. A canvas holdall and a circular saw. I keep trying to work out why we need so much now, and not before. In my opinion many modern buildings are pig ugly. Whereas many older buildings had fantastic architecture. So not creating better looking buildings. In the same way. There are thousands of ancient houses still in existence. Where as many modern houses are poorly constructed and flattened in a short time. We now build fussy, environmental houses out of composite materials. That cocoon the occupants in air conditioning. Or even climate control. So they all get pathetic and sick all the time. Perhaps that takes more tools. It only really started with the cordless revolution. Before that we all worked with limited tools. Even then the first ones weren't great. The better they got. The more we got. Convenient yes. Has it improved what we do or the standard of the work. Very debatable. My big old 9 1/4 inch Hitachi circular saw. Is about 40 years old. Still use it. Rips. Cross cuts. Plunge cuts. Performs a 100 different things well. Never broken down. Cost me a few brushes in 40 years. Of the more recent tools. I wouldn't want to part with my impact drivers. But other than that with a few select electric tools. And not many. Never have carried a tablesaw. Just electric hand tools and a dropsaw. I could do the same as I have done for the last 42 years for a fraction of the cost of equipment. Instead of the 2 ton I currently tow. New tools are nice. But did I really need them.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

For year I had a cord saw recip saw levels and hand tools that’s it. As improved so did our speed and our hourly wage As a remodeler I find I need to carry a multitude of tools for all the different tasks we do

[@davetaylor4741]

@@ConcordCarpenter You guys seem to make a good living in the building industry. And if having the kit improves that, then well justified. I too have spent a majority of my career doing renovations. Both in UK for years and now the last 25 in Australia. I do nearly every trade on the building. From concrete to plumbing and electrical. I have the tools of most of those trades. And too many carpentry tools. In which I have been a qualified carpenter joiner since mid 80's. But the wages in Australia have not kept up with the cost of living. Effectively, despite having ever increasing overheads, we are working for less and less. To the point the builders are all going bust. And trades coming out of the industry. Very few are doing well. You are lucky to be building in the US. Much better prospects and products.

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

Hopefully your work area doesn't have a theft problem. Tool trucks and workers here get stolen or robbed on a daily basis.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I know - people like that suk

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

@@ConcordCarpenter i am an electrician in MN and we no longer use vans or pickups. When working on residential homes, we avoid parking no the street if possible and use unmarked suvs to blend in.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@Pepe-dq2ib damn!

[@Christian-Rankin]

It's unclear whether the tools were purchased or gifts from Makita. Clarification, although not pivotal, would be useful to the audience.

[@marcbeattie4484]

Plenty of room on that van for some solar panels mate. Then you have power to charge batteries when those pesky electricians turn the power off. Nice setup!!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Very true

[@monbaby77]

bigger battery = more power. it's not next generation technology in terms of tools itself. other brands released next generation batteries that bigger cells than 18650 and better heat control on the same platform so their tools are powerful enough as Makita 40v. but makita changed the entire platform, which is not compatible with Lxt models with much expensive price range. I was very disappointed with Makita.

[@jamespremo1]

Way, way too expensive.

[@mchilly]

We know why you chose Makita for the van… theft deterrent teal.

[@lmilne4859]

It’s a fiat lol

[@3dandyrandy3]

@ 7:15 I can see the tools from the chinese tool company🤮

[@johnthumble5154]

The day a man lowers himself and buys Makita 40V is the day he admits to himself he's given up on life.

[@CoKanet-no2jt]

I got some older makitas that were brand new for 20 dollars. They are a lighter blue color but the makitas have a black sticker. Could you tell me anything about them? Its a 3 piece angle grinder, jig saw and a drill. They are all corded. Also got a large hammer drill. Anywhere i can send pictures to?

[@uprightcr2744]

Rob I love the 40v line, but I can’t find anyone that does a comparison of the 40v leaf blower and any other brand. What are your thoughts?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Funny you say that, we’re 2 weeks from publishing our head2head on 14 blowers

[@therealme613]

🗣ma-ma-ma-MACK-EATER!!!!💖🥇🇺🇸🏆