Makita

Why Choose Makita?

Makita is a reliable provider of OPE and Makita cordless chainsaws products. The company famously manufactures a broad range of power tools for 18V and 18V X2 (36V) platforms. Makita also produces a line of pro-level gas equipment highlighted by the company’s proprietary MM4 4-stroke tech.

Makita strives to have a solution for users of all kinds. The company puts more mowers and string trimmers on the market than its strongest competitors, all in hopes of ensuring everyone from the private homeowner with a lawn and full commercial landscaping crew have the best tools.

History

Makita’s experiences go back over a century. It’s a storied history that demonstrates how and why the company continues to lead in its industry.

Founding and Milestones

Let’s take a look at key moments in the company’s development.

1915: Under the tutelage of Mosaburo Makita, Makita is founded in Japan’s Nagoya City. Its original name was “Makita Denski Seisakusho.” The company repairs and sells motors, lighting fixtures and transformers, and the engineers spend years developing electric motors. 

Founder

1935: The company began exporting its motor creations.

1938: Makita Denski Seisakusho becomes a limited company. It introduces its new name: Makita Electric Works, Ltd.

1958: Makita announces they have an electric, hand-operated planer — its first power tool. The plan proves to be a landmark moment, beginning Makita’s niche market. Later in the year, the company solidifies its market position by introducing a hand-held wall chaser.

1962: Makita broadened its industry stance with a drill machine and an electric hand-operated circular saw. The company finds itself listed on the Hagoya Stock Exchange.

1970: Makita dives into mass assembly and production to meet the growing market for power tools. By decade’s end, the company creates a foundation in its industry that establishes efficient production and exceptional quality control. The same year, Makita broadened its worldwide stance by founding Makita U.S.A., Inc., its first overseas outlet. It’s an expansion that continues for the next five decades.

1978: Makita launches its first 7.2V battery drum. Through extensive Makita R&D, battery technology enables greater power and operating times, creating shorter charging times and greater machine life cycles.

1987: Constant investing in battery power tools, the company’s 7.2V battery tool is utilized in over a dozen different battery tools, all of them using the same charger and battery. Soon, their inventory expands with a 9.6V and 7.2V power source that covers 10 tools.

2005: One of the most critical choices in the company’s history is made. Makita chooses to develop an 18V Lithium-Ion line. 

2015: Makita boasts the largest global 18V battery tool range. It’s powered by a slider-mount battery. The battery has the market’s fastest charging time. It gives machine users power, stronger runs and distinctive ergonomics.

2017: Makita opens a Factory Service Centre in Glasgow. It leverages itself into being the single power tool producer to provide dedicated product repair and training across the United Kingdom.

New facilities would follow:

  • 2019: Feltham, London
  • 2021: Blakeland, Milton Keynes
  • 2021/2022: Gathurst, Wigan

The facilities offer the following services:

  • Providing customer support to ensure products meet company standards
  • Offering unique training for distributor network, apprentices, key end-users and trainees in the trade industries
  • Training the trainers

2020–Present: Makita will introduce XGT tech in 2020. It’s a groundbreaking, greater output battery, created to meet the highest demands in the industrial, construction, horticulture and other build and grow areas. 

Production and Manufacturing

Makita’s mission is to diversify its materials and, on a global scale, fulfill the needs of every customer via a broad range of smart, accessible products. The company aims to enrich all societies with tools that empower them in the creation of comfortable living environments. 

Through its efforts, Makita’s lineup of products is heavily relied on for their high inter-compatibility. Their technology promotes a single battery applicable to a variety of Makita power tools.

Products

Makita excels at resources for DIY, home improvement, crafts, professional projects and more. This is the company that introduced the nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery. Today, that’s an industry staple. Makita is also the mastermind behind the nickel hydride battery tool and the brand’s TD130D, a first in lithium-ion power sourcing. Their full lineup of power equipment includes multitools, lawnmowers, pruning shears, trimmers, pneumatic nailers and more. Here, we’ll focus on the brand’s innovative chainsaws.

Gas-powered: Makita’s gas-powered chain saws have features like an auto half-throttle lock for easy startup, single-lever operation so that it can immediately power down, and heavy-duty filters for longer lifespan and durability. The chain compartment design makes for easy cleaning and efficient clearing of chips. A slide-out configurable baffle helps with adjustment to extreme cold. These chain saws feature a vibration dampening system for easier handling as well.

Battery-powered: These cordless chainsaw models run on 18V lithium-ion batteries that run for a long time on efficient brushless motors. The newest line, known as LXT, features less noise, no emissions, and a top-handle design that’s especially handy for those in the tree trimming business. Featuring Star Protection computer controls, the tool will also stop automatically if it’s about to overheat.

Corded: A rubberized grip on the handles and an easy-access trigger switch make these electric chainsaws by Makita a pleasure to use. A current limiter helps prevent motor burnout. You can cut continuously because of the saw’s automatic chain oiler. This line of Makita chainsaws is built for fast cuts and require low maintenance.

Manufacturing

Makita has its U.S.A. headquarters in La Mirada, California. The facility is an expansive distribution network associated with locations across the country. The main operation, Makita Corporation of America, sits in Buford, Georgia. It’s part of a global Makita network of 10 manufacturing and assembly plants, the source of all Makita products. 

The Makita development team works with engineers on job sites developing products that align with and exceed the demands of the American contractor. 

Makita U.S.A., Inc. operates warehouses and distribution facilities in La Mirada and Buford. Makita U.S.A. also runs facilities in Mt. Prospect, Texas, and Illinois. 

The Buford and Wilmer facilities also host Makita University, the corporation’s hands-on educational training facilities where contractors and dealers learn about the latest Makita technologies, applications and products.

Key Facts

From sleek disc cutters to powerful drills, Makita is in high demand around the globe. Here are some other key facts you might not know about Makita.

  • The company name comes from its founder, Mosaburo Makita.
  • Originally formed in 1915, the company was originally named Makita Electric Works.
  • The company repaired motors, transformers and lighting equipment.
  • Makita is the first Japanese company to produce and sell electric planers.
  • The company’s next big move was exporting electric generators and motors to the Soviet Union.
  • In 1959, the company began manufacturing a line of electronic power tools.
  • Makita created the first drill powered by a nickel calcium battery. This began the development of rechargeable power tools. The drill was released in 1978 as the 6010D.
  • The company developed the first air tools upon the release of a pneumatic nailer and air compressor.
  • In 1991, Makita acquired Dolmar, a manufacturer of conventional gasoline chainsaws. The move solidified the company’s stance in the world of outdoor power tools.
  • The company released the first lithium-ion battery with the TD130D Drill in 2005.

Warranty Information

Any Makita lithium-ion powered tool, charger, battery or pneumatic nailer comes with a guarantee to be free of defects. The workmanship and materials on products like a powerful amp electric chainsaw are covered with a warranty of three years from the original purchase date. 

If you encounter any issues during the three-year period with the lithium-ion tool, charger, pneumatic nailer or battery, the product is returnable to an authorized service center or one of the manufacturer’s factories. If an inspection proves the issue is the result of faulty workmanship or material, Makita will repair (or, at their option, replace) the resource without charge.

Should you find an issue with the Makita product within a one-year limited warranty starting at the original purchase date, you can file a claim. (Some products have longer warranties.) 

Should a problem develop inside of that first year, return the entire product — battery, charger, lithium-ion tool or pneumatic nailer — to a Makita factory or authorized service center. If the company’s internal inspection shows an issue with the workmanship or material, Makita will repair (or at their option, replace) without any charge to the customer.

Emission-related components have a two-year warranty. Your instruction manual covers the emissions warranty. Coverage includes any component used in these systems, including ignition, air induction or fuel meters systems.

The company strives to thoroughly inspect and test products before they leave the factory. If not fully satisfied with a Makita product within the first 30 days of use, return it and Makita, at their option, will provide a refund or replacement. 

The 30-day guarantee doesn’t apply to accessories or wearable items like blades, bits and cutters.

Limitations and Exclusions

Warranties get voided if any of the following applies:

  • Others attempted to repair the product.
  • The issue is normal wear and tear. For pneumatic nailers, that entails normal wear on parts and not covered by any warranty. This includes piston stops, piston and driver assemblies, rubber O-rings, driver blades, isolators, seals, driver belts and air filters.
  • If the tool has seen misuse, abuse, improper or lack of maintenance or operation. With regard to pneumatic nailers, improper operation includes failure to maintain the device with regular cleaning, utilizing dry regulated compressed air or using air pressure that exceeds the maximum recommendation. For lithium-ion tools, improper use includes using a non-genuine (“knock-off”) battery on a Makita Lithium-Ion tool or charger.
  • With laser instruments, abuse can include liquid or physical damage or user error resulting in unwarranted impact.
  • Alterations in the tool not linked to its original design.

Makita Appliance Parts

Just as you can get Makita tools at most major home improvement retailers and online stores, you can find authorized vendors that sell Makita appliance parts.

Vendors like the Home Depot and Amazon, both which sell Makita tools, are just as likely to provide appliances, accessories and replacement parts.

Check Out More Makita Tools Content From ChainsawSelector

Of course, the best way to find out why Makita is at the top of its game is research, research, research.

Here are several great resources to learn about Makita and its products.

Makita Chainsaw Product Reviews

You can find a library of articles and blogs that look at Makita’s productions. You’ll find communities swearing by Makita wares positively, encouraging consumer to see why the world leans on Makita for its projects.

Makita Chainsaw Product Roundups

Roundups are excellent resources. Experts review Makita products or compare Makita products to the competition, highlighting what specifics make a product stand out.

Makita Press Releases

Following Makita’s market stance is best done through press releases. The releases provide the scoop on Makita’s newest products and marketing strategies and events.

Makita Recalls

Recalls give you a sound idea if a company’s strategies are working. They also reinforce the idea of safety.

Where To Buy

You don’t want to just get your hands on the best Makita products. You want to use reliable vendors. These retailers will be as dedicated to solid customer service as the manufacturer. 

Each vendor will likely have its own return policies and service options as well, which may be more convenient in your area. If you’re not buying directly from Makita, options like the following should be on the table.

Similar Brands

The right power tools are critical to reliable production. Just buying one willy-nilly is never the best idea. There’s no one-stop product that fits everyone’s lifestyle and taste. 

Before purchasing any power tool, you ought to research thoroughly, even when it comes to a leader like Makita. 

For your consideration, here’s a list of power tool producers you can look into. You don’t have to investigate all of them. We’d recommend a thorough look into at least three of the manufacturers for a comparison with Makita.

Online Presence

To stay connected with its customer base, Makita created a strong social media presence. You can turn to these platforms to learn the latest news and see what the community’s saying about the company and their Makita Rear Handle Chainsaws. You can also post a concern or question and get a response from the horse’s mouth.

Contact Information

At any point during the research, buying or after-purchase process, if you want to get a little information, feel free to contact Makita. They’ll be happy to help you.