Beyond including a 40V XGT, 18V LXT, or 12V CXT prefix for each model number, Makita includes a combination of letters and numbers to represent each impact driver’s position in a specific voltage lineup. We’ll focus here on the 18V LXT series of tools since it includes the most impact driver models. Nicely, the XDT13Z doesn’t sacrifice the compact footprint that many Makita fans covet. It also has outstanding battery run time, partly thanks to its brushless motor. Some brands swap out brushless motors in favor of less durable brushed motors in their budget lineup. The Makita 18V LXT XDT13Z is the best Makita budget impact driver. When moving down the price spectrum, it’s essential to understand the sacrifices made to reach a lower price point. The Makita 40V XGT GDT01Z is the strongest Makita impact driver, offering unmatched torque output in Makita’s lineup. This model is the top Makita impact driver to buy for powering through heavy-duty tasks where torque is essential.

drive modes improve driving versatility and accuracy. The middle range of the speed modes offers a high level of precision that’s rarely found in flagship 18V impact drivers that are more focused on dishing out brute force power. Makita keeps their dual LED lights on either side of the collet. These do a better job of lighting up your work area than foot-mounted designs. Additional Features When you look at Makita’s flagship cordless impact driver, the XDT16, you’d be hard-pressed to accuse them of chasing bigger torque numbers. At the same time, they’ve always delivered relevant and even class-leading performance in our head-to-head tests. Unsurprisingly, the GDT01Z isn’t the fastest Makita impact driver when driving long structural screws and beefy lag bolts. The torque is high and the RPM output is low, highlighting the choices Makita made under the hood to focus the GDT01Z on torque over speed.The 40V max XGT® Brushless Cordless 4-Speed Impact Driver (GDT01D) breaks new ground for the most demanding driving applications in wood, masonry and metal. In one benchmark test, we tested 8-inch GRK RSS screws to see how long it takes both impact drivers to deal with a long fastener. The 18V LXT XDT16 finished with an average of 8.53 seconds. Its fastest time was 7.68 seconds and its longest was 9.59. Incorporation of tool design, higher output batteries and built in communication program makes XGT the best high demand system on the market

XGT® Batteries feature rigid rails with impact-resistant construction to secure the battery to the tool during high-demand applications max XGT® Lithium-Ion 2.5Ah Battery (Hold for model number) reaches a full charge in 28 minutes or less XGT batteries and tools are built to withstand tough environmental conditions. This means that they have been built to be withstand splashing or spraying water from any angle The LXT compact lineup offers outstanding battery run time and solid driving performance, all while retaining a smaller footprint than competing models. There are several sub-compact offerings in the 18V LXT lineup, though the footprints aren’t drastically different than the more powerful compact models. 12V CXTThe Makita impact driver battery lineup is easier to understand than other brands since each voltage has a single lithium-ion battery technology. Different brands offer various compact or larger versions, battery cell technologies, and branding for a given Ah battery capacity, resulting in some consumer confusion. The introduction of a charging adaptor has enabled consumers to charge both LXT & XGT batteries when using the XGT charger The XDT19Z rounds out its drive mode offerings with several specialty settings, including a wood setting that accurately recesses screws and a bolt-loosening mode that increases the trigger sensitivity in reverse to ramp RPMs faster to remove stubborn nuts and bolts.

OUTSMART: Digitally controlled modes for a wide variety of applications; two tightening modes, one assist mode and three forward/reverse auto stop modes The XDT19Z’s high RPM and impacts per minute result in fantastic performance driving big screws and lag bolts. We tested driving GRK RSS screws with all models in our tool fleet, and the XDT19Z turned in among the best results.

Dust Extraction

Beyond its torque-rich performance, the GDT01Z offers outstanding battery run times. The GDT01Z easily secured the podium position in our Summer 2023 test fleet with a whopping 83.0 minutes of no-load run time. However, there are downsides to consider. The XDT19Z is fast but doesn’t offer the highest torque, reducing some of its versatility, especially if loosening stubborn lug nuts, and you don’t own an impact wrench. The torque crown goes to the Makita 40V XGT GDT01Z in the Makita lineup. Up to 50% faster speed with 4 speed settings (0-1,100/ 0-2,100/ 0-3,200/ 0-3,700 RPM & 0-1,100/ 0-2,600/ 0-3,600/ 0-4,400 IPM)* Note that the 5.0Ah 18V battery and 2.5Ah 40V Max battery have the same 90Wh capacity. The Bottom Line Notably, the XDT14Z offers outstanding driving speed, sufficient torque, and the same lightweight and compact footprint the LXT lineup is known for.

The XGT® Rapid Charger’s built-in chip thoroughly communicates during the charging process to control current, voltage, and temperature for more efficient charging OUTPOWER: Makita-built motor delivers 1,950 in.lbs. of Max Torque; out powers similar models in heavy load applications XGT and LXT will co-exist to provide users with an unmatched line-up of cordless tools for the professional trade Say hello to Makita 40v Max XGT - The new standalone system that will stand side-by-side with the industry-leading Makita LXT System. XGT is a genuine solution for high demand industrial applications, a combination of innovative tool design and higher output batteries, providing a genuine solution for high demand industrial users as well. The XDT19Z shined most in our battery run time and driving speed tests. The XDT19Z has an outstanding 48 minutes of no-load run time, surpassing many competing impact drivers running the same Ah battery setup. Kitting it out with a Makita 18V LXT 5Ah battery extends the run time and continues outperforming comparable high-end models running 5Ah batteries.We outline Makita’s impact driver lineup below to help you determine which model is best for your intended usage. We also include a brief comparison table of critical specs to highlight the primary differences. 40V XGT Makita’s 12V CXT impact driver lineup includes its smallest sub-compact models. 12V CXT impact drivers are designed for precision across light and medium-duty tasks, not speed and torque.