Tool Box Buzz

Upfitting a work Van With Makita 40V Cordless Tools

I started my carpentry career of with Makita tools – back then the miter saws were called “chop” saws and they were corded. At that time Makita was the go-to company for woodworkers and carpenters. Many of my first tools of the trade were Makita brand. 25+ years later I’m still using Makita.  This past year I added a new work van to my company, and I wanted to stock it with Makita XGT 40 Volt Tools. XGT stands for Next Generation Technology.

Before I show you my XGT tools let’s talk about why I think they’re  a good choice:

Launched in 2019, the XGT was designed to deliver 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 job site environment that is tough on tools.

Makita XGT 40 Volt Tools In Van

To get my van stocked and be able to work effectively I focused on the following Makita XGT 40 Volt 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 job site.

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 Makita XGT 40 Volt 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!

bottSmartvan Racks | 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 Makita XGT 40 Volt Tools

There are 125 Makita XGT 40 Volt tools but they still don’t 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 AWS system several times and am impressed. An AWS-equipped vacuum will be my next purchase.

Final Thoughts

Alright, let’s 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 its 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.The way I look at it I just upgraded my Chevy to a Mercedes.

Makita XGT Toiols | Van Upfitting Video

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.