Makita 40V max XGT Motor Unit: Rethink Gas Equipment

Updated January 22 with new information.

One of the biggest announcements at World of Concrete 2026 is the Makita 40V max XGT Motor Unit. While other brands have been focusing on building cordless equipment to replace gas models, Makita is taking the approach of replacing the engine with a battery-driven power plant.

Makita 40V max XGT Motor Unit Overview

As Makita has built out its XGT platform, a large part of the development has targeted equipment that replaces small gas engines. But developing new tools can be a slow process, especially when you’re driven to compete against gas power on real jobsites.

The XGT Motor Unit flips the script. By replacing the engine instead of the entire tool, it immediately opens up a wide range of products that Makita batteries can power. Better still, you can continue using the field-proven equipment you’re used to instead of something that was redesigned from the ground up around a brushless motor.

Using a single XGT battery, the unit can replace gas engines from 25cc to 50cc. It includes a universal mounting pattern, so it’s drop-in ready for many products you may be using, including vibrators, trowels, water pumps, sprayers, winches, and more.

With the launch not coming until this summer, there are some questions we don’t have answers to, such as cost. That said, we’ll try to get more answers while our crew is still on the ground at World of Concrete.

Makita 40v Max XGT Motor Unit Could See Better Success

Back when Honda announced it was exiting the gas lawn mower market, it followed up with the concept of a drop-in gas engine replacement to repower equipment with battery power. With Honda’s legendary small engine reputation, the eGX series seemed to be an obvious choice for electrification.

However, it’s been slow to gain traction from what I’ve been able to see.

But what does all that have to do with Makita’s 40V max XGT Motor Unit?

There are some significant differences between these two brands and motors, and it may set Makita up for a bigger push.

Makita is already well-established in the construction industry with its broad-reaching 18V LXT and high-power 40V max XGT battery systems. For Pros already on the XGT platform who value the benefits of battery-powered gas engine replacements, purchasing new equipment that uses the same batteries is an easier conversion.

By not adding an extra battery platform to manage, there’s a higher level of convenience. Plus, you’re working with a system you already know and trust, so there’s already some built-in confidence.

Another major difference is the motor power. Honda’s eGX is designed to replace motors around the 100cc – 120cc range, while Makita is targeting 25cc – 50cc.

Then there’s the rollout strategy. Makita is actively pursuing existing construction equipment manufacturers that don’t have an electrification strategy but want one. By partnering up and offering a Makita XGT Motor Unit as a preinstalled option by the manufacturer or dealer, it’s another level of convenience that saves time and effort.

A Lingering Question

For me, there is one question hanging out there, though. Since this is a single-battery motor unit, does that mean we could see Makita power up to the 100cc class with a dual-battery solution?

Time will tell. I don’t see that happening in the near future, even if a dual-battery option hits the market. Currently, Makita’s 80V (40V X2) products appear to peak around the 75cc class with equipment like the 14-inch power cutter. Even though the batteries can likely provide higher power, the runtime quickly becomes an issue.

Never say never, though. I imagine we’ll get there before too long, and sooner than I think. I just don’t foresee it in the next year or two.