Makita introduces 40V max XGT motor unit for gas engine replacement
Makita U.S.A., Inc. announced the launch of its 40V max XGT motor unit, a fully electric, drop-in system designed to replace small gas engines in commercial equipment.
The motor unit is engineered to deliver performance comparable to 25cc to 50cc gas engines and is intended for original equipment manufacturers seeking to electrify equipment without redesigning entire platforms, according to the company.
Makita said the motor can be integrated into products including power screeds, backpack vibrators, power trowels, winches and water pumps. The system is designed to allow manufacturers to remove a gas engine and replace it with an electric motor powered by Makita’s 40V max XGT battery platform.
“When we launched XGT, our vision was clear — give our customers a higher-powered platform that supports both tools and equipment, all on one slide-style battery,” said Mario Lopez, director of product, Makita U.S.A., Inc. “Over the years, we’ve delivered solutions that replaced cords, gas, and air on the jobsite. But we saw an opportunity to expand even further into gas engine replacement.”
“Rather than build equipment from scratch like some of our competitors, we’re offering a smarter path: Replace the engine. Give OEMs a seamless, ready-to-integrate electrification solution.”
Makita said the motor unit is designed for drop-in compatibility and features a universal mounting pattern along with configuration options for RPM, throttle response and power switch location. The unit supports clutch shaft, straight shaft and threaded spindle drive types and carries an IPX5 rating for water resistance.
Makita said the motor unit is intended to support equipment manufacturers looking to electrify products more quickly while maintaining existing designs.
“We believe in letting OEMs do what they do best: build great equipment,” Lopez said. “Our role is to provide the motor, battery, and charging innovation to help them get to market faster.”
The motor unit operates on Makita’s 40V max XGT battery platform, which the company said is used across more than 170 tools and pieces of equipment. Makita said the shared platform is intended to simplify battery compatibility and reduce maintenance while eliminating engine emissions.
Makita plans to introduce the 40V max XGT motor unit in North America in summer 2026. Additional regions are expected to follow based on equipment manufacturer integration timelines and market demand.
