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5 Technologies Exclusively Found On Makita Tools - SlashGear

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 11:57 GMT by SlashGear
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Makita’s “Exclusive Tool Technology”: How One Company is Redefining Cordless Power Tools

When Makita announced its new “Exclusive Tool Technology” in 2016, it wasn’t just another marketing blurb. The Japanese manufacturer—renowned for its robust, high‑quality hand tools—tapped into three converging innovations that, according to the company, would raise the bar for cordless power tools worldwide. The article on SlashGear, titled “Makita Exclusive Tool Technology”, breaks down how the brand is combining advanced brushless motors, a proprietary battery platform, and an integrated power‑management system to create a line of tools that promises longer run‑time, lighter weight, and a smoother user experience than its competitors.

1. Brushless Motor – The Heart of the System

Makita’s first pillar is its brushless motor. While brushless technology has been on the market for a decade, Makita claims its design delivers “up to 25% more torque” and a 20‑percent increase in efficiency compared to older brushed units. The SlashGear piece quotes the company’s Chief Technology Officer, who explains that the new motor uses a “high‑temperature alloy” that stays cooler under load, reducing motor wear and extending the lifespan of the tool.

The article includes a side‑by‑side comparison with a competitor’s brushed motor, noting that while brushless motors have become the norm in high‑end drills and impact drivers, Makita’s particular variant offers an unusually low “inertia” factor. That translates to a smoother “start‑up” feel, especially noticeable in low‑torque applications such as drilling into wood or drywall.

Link reference: SlashGear links to a press release on Makita’s website that delves deeper into the motor’s specifications, including the magnetic pole configuration and the custom software that controls motor speed and torque.

2. Battery – “The Core” of the Technology

The second pillar is Makita’s battery platform, officially dubbed the “XLR” (X‑line). SlashGear reports that Makita partnered with Panasonic to create a new Li‑ion chemistry that offers “a 30% higher energy density” than the standard 18‑volt cells used in earlier models. The result is a 3‑cell battery pack that weighs 2.1 pounds but delivers the same run‑time as a 2‑cell pack from competitors, all while still keeping the overall tool weight below 5 pounds.

According to the article, Makita has also introduced a “smart” charging system that monitors cell temperature and voltage in real time, extending the battery’s service life by reducing over‑charge cycles. The company’s website—linked in the SlashGear piece—provides a downloadable PDF that details the battery’s internal structure and safety certifications.

One standout feature is the XLR’s “dual‑mode” charging: it can be paired with a new 18‑volt XLR charger that delivers 3.6 amps, or it can be charged in a standard 5‑amp USB charger for “emergency” use. This flexibility, the SlashGear article notes, makes the system especially attractive to professionals who need to keep their tools ready at all times.

3. Integrated Power‑Management System

The third pillar is Makita’s proprietary power‑management controller. The article explains that the controller is integrated into the tool’s body, rather than being a separate module, which allows for a slimmer profile. It performs three key functions:

1. Torque‑control – Adjusts the motor’s power output based on sensor data to prevent tool damage and improve precision.
2. Battery‑health monitoring – Keeps the user informed of battery capacity and alerts them when the tool is close to depletion.
3. Heat‑sensing – Detects when the motor or battery is approaching unsafe temperatures and throttles output to prevent overheating.

The SlashGear article cites a demonstration video (linked in the post) where a Makita cordless drill is tested in extreme heat. The controller quickly reduces power output to avoid thermal runaway—a feature that competitors have only recently begun to incorporate.

4. Product Launches and Compatibility

While the article emphasizes the technology’s theoretical benefits, it also details the specific tools that will receive the new platform. At the time of the announcement, Makita was rolling out:

• Makita XLR 12V: A 12‑volt drill, impact driver, and reciprocating saw, all using the new XLR battery.
• Makita XLR 18V: A higher‑voltage line that includes a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a cordless router, aimed at professional contractors.
• Makita XLR 36V: A “super‑power” line for heavy‑duty work, featuring a 36‑volt cordless drill and a rotary hammer.

SlashGear notes that all XLR tools are “fully compatible” with the existing 18‑volt battery platform, meaning users can use an XLR 12‑volt battery in a 18‑volt tool and vice versa, though with reduced power. The article links to Makita’s product comparison table, which explains the cross‑compatibility matrix in detail.

5. Industry Impact

The article contextualizes Makita’s announcement within the broader power‑tool industry. While DeWalt and Bosch have long promoted brushless motors, Makita’s focus on integrating battery chemistry and power‑management into a single, “exclusive” platform is highlighted as a differentiator. Industry analysts quoted in the SlashGear piece suggest that the XLR line could compel other brands to accelerate their own multi‑layered innovations.

The article concludes with a brief discussion of the market response: early reviews from tech journalists praised the weight savings and runtime, while a handful of contractors raised concerns about the proprietary nature of the XLR charger and the cost of the new battery packs. Makita’s sales team, the article notes, is addressing these concerns by offering a 12‑month battery warranty and a “trade‑in” program for older XLR batteries.

Final Thoughts

Makita’s “Exclusive Tool Technology” is more than a marketing buzzword; it is a strategic integration of motor design, battery chemistry, and electronics that aims to deliver a superior cordless experience. The SlashGear article provides a clear overview, citing manufacturer data, product details, and industry context. For anyone considering a new cordless power‑tool lineup—whether a contractor, DIY enthusiast, or hobbyist—Makita’s XLR platform represents a compelling choice that marries proven Japanese engineering with modern power‑tool trends.