Makita 40V Max XGT Work Lights Compared: ML005G, ML009G, ML007G and ML003G

Introduction

Makita’s 40V Max XGT range now covers work lights at several sizes and brightness levels, and the model numbers are consistent worldwide, which makes comparisons easier. This guide looks at four of them: the ML009G flagship area light, the ML005G mid-size area light, the ML007G handheld torch/spotlight, and the smaller ML003G area light.

The short version: the two larger area lights are the best choices for lighting up proper workspaces, the ML007G is a genuinely versatile torch that also works as an area light, and the ML003G is the weakest of the bunch in our view.

Makita ML009G: The 10,000 Lumen Flagship

The ML009G is the big one, weighing 6.4 kg without batteries. It offers three brightness levels: 2,000, 4,000 and a maximum of 10,000 lumens, the brightest of any Makita light. In practice, it lights a large outdoor area well enough to move around safely, and things look almost like daytime under it. One caveat: the built-in fan runs pretty much constantly, so it is not quiet.

Battery flexibility is a genuine strength. It accepts either two 40V Max XGT batteries or two 18V LXT batteries, though not both at the same time. It runs on one battery and automatically kicks over to the other when the first dies, with only about a second of darkness. That makes it an easy buy if you are on the LXT system and considering a future move to XGT.

Runtime with two 8.0Ah 40V batteries is around 4.5 hours on the 10,000 lumen setting, about 13 hours at 4,000, and 28 hours at 2,000. On two 18V 6.0Ah batteries, expect just under 2 hours, around 5 hours, and 10 hours respectively. With the smallest 2.0Ah 40V pack, roughly 80 minutes, 3.5 hours and 7.5 hours.

A silicone seal gives it an IP65 rating, so it handles dust and a bit of wet weather, though you should not leave it out in the rain. Be aware of the weight: with two 8.0Ah batteries fitted it is around 10 kg, so it needs a sturdy tripod, and two of these on one tripod is over 20 kg.

Makita ML005G: The 3,600 Lumen All-Rounder

The ML005G steps down to 900, 1,800 and 3,600 lumens, and at 4.6 kg without a battery it is noticeably easier to move around. On its full setting it is easy to work by in a five-metre-wide room; the mid setting is still doable, while 900 lumens starts to feel dull for a space that size.

A translucent diffuser panel comes as standard in most parts of the world, including New Zealand. It cuts the light level down a bit but softens the output across your work area and makes the light far less harsh to look at.

The head pivots almost all the way around once you loosen the side knob, then locks in whatever position you want. The base is solidly built with metal roll bars, a metal bracket for tripod mounting, and rubber feet. The battery bay accepts both 40V XGT and 18V LXT packs, again one or the other. With an 8.0Ah battery on the highest setting you should get around 7 hours of runtime, about 15 hours on mid, or roughly 30 hours on the lowest setting.

Makita ML007G: Torch, Spotlight and Area Light in One

The ML007G outputs 1,250 lumens, which is 150 lumens more than the ML003G manages, and in our opinion it is the better buy of the two. It offers four modes: spotlight, floodlight, a combined flood-and-spot mode, and a strobe mode that you activate by holding the mode button for three seconds. Fair warning: the strobe is extremely bright and disorientating.

As a torch it is genuinely impressive. Makita claims the spotlight can reach objects up to 640 metres away. In real-world testing across a reservoir roughly 350 metres wide, the far shoreline was only barely visible, and anything lit beyond about 250 metres was hit and miss unless the object was very reflective. It still lights up objects at around 70 metres easily and throws a good usable beam down a road.

It doubles as an area light too: the head articulates through a 90-degree range so you can stand it pointing upward or aim it wherever you need, and there is a folding metal hanging hook under the base plus attachment points for a strap. It also proved surprisingly waterproof, surviving being caught outside in flooding despite being covered in vents.

Makita ML003G: The Entry Area Light

The ML003G tops out at 1,100 lumens, and honestly, it is not a fantastic light for that output level. Since the ML007G handheld produces more light and offers far more flexibility, the smaller area light is hard to recommend unless you specifically want a small, simple lamp for indoor rooms.

It works fine on its low settings in residential spaces. The middle setting of the ML007G is even more powerful than this light’s top setting, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you work in residential houses or need to light a single room, the ML007G is a good all-rounder that would suit most people, and it beats the ML003G on output and versatility. For large workshops, warehouses or outdoor work, the two area lights are the better options: the ML005G if you want something sturdy but portable, and the ML009G if you genuinely need to flood a large area with light.

One thing to keep in mind with all of them: staring straight into any of these lights on full power is unpleasant, and you will see floating spots for a while afterwards. The ML005G’s diffuser helps, and the ML009G’s diffused version softens the blow, but treat these as work lights, not reading lamps.

A useful comparison from testing: a car’s full-beam headlights throw further than the ML009G, but the Makita is considerably brighter and whiter, which shows just how much light 10,000 lumens puts out.

Conclusion

Makita’s 40V XGT light range covers a lot of ground. The ML009G is the brightest light the company makes and ideal for large areas, the ML005G is the sturdy mid-size workhorse, the ML007G is a versatile torch-plus-area-light that outperforms the ML003G, and the ML003G only really makes sense as a basic small-room lamp. Availability varies by region: the two larger lights are available now in New Zealand, while the ML007G is already out in the UK and parts of Europe with an October release expected in New Zealand.