New and Japan-Exclusive Makita Tools: XGT Saws, Vacuums, Lights and a Serious Concrete Cutter

Introduction

Makita’s XGT (40V max) line keeps expanding, and some of the most interesting new releases are currently only sold in Japan, which means buyers elsewhere have to import them if they want them early. Alongside those Japan-exclusive tools, there are new vacuums, work lights, a lantern-radio combo and a heavyweight 80V concrete cutter that is genuinely in a class of its own. This roundup walks through the highlights, what each tool is actually for, and who should be paying attention.

Makita HS001G: The 165mm XGT Saw

The HS001G is a 165mm (six and a half inch) XGT circular saw and was the first model in this new saw family that Makita released in Japan. It is still only available there, so buyers in most other regions need to import it. If you have been waiting for a more compact 40V saw platform, this is the model that started it.

Makita RT001G Trim Router

The RT001G and its sibling the RT002G are new XGT trim routers, and unlike the compact saws they have now been released beyond Japan. For anyone building out an XGT collection, a trim router is one of the more versatile additions, handling edge work, small profiles and light flush trimming.

Makita AES001G Dust Blower

The AES001G, often called the duster of the year by fans, is a battery dust blower that has proved a surprisingly popular tool. One detail worth knowing: the Japanese version ships with considerably more attachments than the version sold in markets like New Zealand, so importers get a better-equipped kit.

Makita TD002G Impact Driver

The TD002G is Makita’s newly released XGT impact driver. It has just launched, with a full standalone review on the way. If your current 18V driver is getting long in the tooth and you are already committed to the 40V platform, this is the natural upgrade path.

Makita VC008G Backpack Vacuum

The VC008G is a four-speed backpack vacuum that runs exclusively on 40V batteries. It includes a remote handle control so you can adjust it without reaching around your back, moves 2.4 cubic meters of air per minute, and weighs roughly 4.3 to 4.7 kg depending on the battery fitted. Dust capacity is a modest 2 litres, which is understandable given its compact back-mounted size.

Runtime varies dramatically with the setting: about 11 minutes on the highest setting with a 4.0Ah battery, stretching to 93 minutes on the lightest. It can also double as a small dust extractor. Makita is releasing the VC008G and the larger VC009G in Europe first.

Makita CL003G Stick Vacuum

The CL003G is the newest entry in Makita’s XGT stick vacuum line, and its headline change is an integrated cyclone. Earlier models required a separate cyclone clipped into the hose; the new one builds it into the main unit. The trade-off is capacity: the included cyclone holds just 250ml (a 400ml version is available), down from the 730ml dust capacity of the original CL001G. In exchange you get better sustained suction.

Makita ML007G Work Light

The ML007G is a versatile XGT torch, work light and floodlight in one. It has two lighting modes: spot at 600 lumens and flood at 1,000 lumens, combining for 1,250 lumens. The spot mode is genuinely impressive, reaching 640 meters, about two thirds of a kilometre. A swivelling head and a hanging hook add flexibility, and it weighs just under a kilogram.

Makita MR008G Lantern and Radio

The MR008G is a torch, lantern and radio combined, part of Makita’s growing olive-green outdoor camping range, and it also exists in 18V/14.4V (MR054) and 10.8V/12V (MR053) versions. The lantern offers three warmth settings, around 300 lumens each, which keeps the light soft and ambient rather than harsh. It is not a site work light, but as an emergency kit tool it is well thought out: light, torch and radio in a single package.

Makita CE01G 355mm Power Cutter

The CE01G is the most serious tool here: a 355mm (14 inch) 80V concrete cutting saw that runs on two XGT batteries. It spins at 5,300 rpm no-load, cuts to a depth of 127mm (about 5 inches), and carries an IPX4 rating with a hose connection for wet cuts. The comparable 18V model can only manage 88mm of depth, so this is a genuine step up. It weighs 12.9 kg, and Makita claims cutting speed that exceeds a 75cc petrol version by 25 percent.

This is not a weekend-DIY tool; it is serious construction kit. It drinks power, so you will want the 5Ah or 8Ah batteries: with two 5Ah packs, 5.4 meters of full-depth cutting is the most you will get. Compared with the competing battery power cutter from Milwaukee, the Makita weighs less, shares batteries with the rest of the XGT line, and offers higher battery capacity options.

Conclusion

Makita’s recent run of releases covers a lot of ground: Japan-only compact saws and a trim router for platform builders, a refreshed dust blower and impact driver, genuinely useful vacuums with thoughtful design changes, and lighting that ranges from ambient camping lanterns to a 640-meter throw work light. The CE01G power cutter stands apart as a pro-grade machine that justifies the whole XGT battery investment. Import-only availability is the main friction for several of these, so check regional release plans before buying.