Makita’s Twin 18v (36v) system provides all the benefits of cordless tools with the performance of a larger machine. Here, we explain how it works, the benefits and what is available.

For professionals in a range of sectors from cleaning to construction, to grounds maintenance, 18v cordless tools allow easy operation, greater flexibility and improved safety. However, for some tasks a greater power and tool capacity is needed, with users commonly opting for mains powered machines. The Twin 18v cordless system provides an alternative to corded products.

What is Twin 18v?

The Makita Twin 18v system offers greater power and run times for cordless tools, delivering 36v power by utilising two 18v LXT batteries. It offers a solution for higher drain tasks such as timber cutting and concrete breaking without moving away from the 18v battery platform.

Why choose Makita Twin 18v?

Cordless tools have a number of benefits. By removing the need for a power cable and supply of mains electricity, battery-powered options allow greater flexibility and freedom when working on site. It also eliminates the cable as a potential trip or snagging hazard, improving safety for the user and those around them. When compared with a petrol-powered machine, the equivalent cordless tool is quieter, less polluting, lower vibration and removes the need to transport and handle the flammable fuel.

Mains and petrol powered products have traditionally been viewed as the only option when a more powerful tool is needed to complete a task. However, advances in battery and motor technology means that cordless alternatives are available that can match the performance.

When selecting a larger capacity cordless tool, the question becomes ‘what battery platform is most suitable? One option is to choose a tool that has a single higher voltage battery, which is an option that Makita is investing in with the new XGT 40v MAX range of products, due to be launched in Spring 2020.

In contrast, the Twin 18v (36v) system allows the same Makita 18v LXT batteries to be used. This means that for anyone that already has Makita tools and batteries, the investment needed to get the new tool is reduced. To make this easier still, the Twin 18v tools have been designed to operate with batteries of different capacities and charge level without any issue. For example, a 3Ah and a 4Ah battery will produce the required 36v power and when the lower capacity battery is discharged, the tool will stop. The same applies when batteries with differing charge levels are used.

The LXT platform includes 3, 4, 5 and 6Ah capacity batteries with charge times as little as 22 minutes for 3Ah and just 55 minutes for the 6Ah. There are a number of charging options including fast charge, twin port and in-vehicle chargers to suit the needs of the user, with the aim to give you the ability to choose the most suitable battery platform to suit your specific requirements.

What Makita tools are available in the Twin 18v range?

Makita have a wide range of Twin 18v tools suitable for a number of different applications and sectors, including: