Makita Expands Cordless Outdoor Equipment to Replace Petrol Tools

The Shift to Battery Power in Outdoor Equipment

Makita is accelerating its push to replace traditional petrol-powered outdoor machinery with battery-operated alternatives, positioning its 40V Max XGT platform as a direct competitor to commercial petrol kit. As municipal contracts, commercial landscapers, and residential clients increasingly demand lower noise levels and zero direct emissions, the power tool manufacturer is expanding its range of heavy-duty cordless land-and-garden tools to meet commercial trade demands.

High-Voltage Platform Engineering

The transition away from two-stroke and four-stroke engines relies heavily on higher-voltage battery architecture. Makita’s XGT system uses 40V Max (36V nominal) lithium-ion technology engineered to handle high-drain applications without rapid thermal shutdown or excessive voltage drops under load. Designed for heavy usage, the system incorporates digital communication between the battery and the tool to monitor heat, load, and charge state during demanding cutting, trimming, and clearing operations.

What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for?

For UK grounds maintenance contractors, landscapers, and serious DIYers managing large properties, this shift means evaluating total cost of ownership rather than just initial shelf prices. While a high-voltage battery system requires a higher upfront investment compared to entry-level petrol kit, buyers save long-term on fuel, spark plugs, pull-cord repairs, and engine servicing. Trade buyers should look at whether their existing battery platforms can handle continuous outdoor work. Those already invested in the Makita 18V LXT platform need to note that 40V Max XGT batteries require different chargers and interface mounts, meaning LXT tools will not run on single XGT packs without adapters. Buyers should check kit bundles at major UK merchants to secure bundled batteries, which significantly reduces the cost per tool body.

Practical Takeaway

If you are upgrading commercial garden machinery, standardise your platform early. Investing in high-voltage 40V batteries provides the sustained torque needed for heavy clearing, but ensure you purchase enough battery capacity and fast chargers to keep tools running through full working days.

Reported by Pro Tool Reviews — original article