Earlier this year we learned that Makita had joined the new angle grinder mount called X-Lock with new X-Lock grinders and accessories. These were spotted in Europe and at the time we didn’t know when they’d be released in the USA. Makita USA has informed me that they are officially launching X-Lock grinders and accessories in the USA. Below is a snippet from their most recent press release.
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GRINDERS WITH X-LOCK QUICK-CHANGE SYSTEM: The X-LOCK Quick Change System is an easy click-mount and release lever for tool-less grinder wheel changes. With up to five-times faster wheel changes, Makita X-LOCK is a welcome solution for any contractor who uses a grinder – and it’s backed by Makita’s powerful legacy in the category. “Makita offers 45 different grinders including 13 cordless models and a full line of industrial accessories,” said David Fernandez, product manager, metalworking and concrete products. “Our brand gives the market the confidence that they are partnering with a manufacturer that truly understands grinders and grinder accessories.”
At STAFDA Makita announced three new X-LOCK Grinders and a range of X-LOCK accessories.
- XAG25Z 18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT® (January 2021)XAG26Z 18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” Paddle Switch X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT® (January 2021) Both models are part of the 18V LXT system, and both are powered by efficient brushless motors with performance features that include Anti-Feedback Technology (AFT®), which turns off the motor if the accessory is forced to a stop.
- GA4570 4-1/2” / 5” X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AC/DC Switch (January 2021) The GA4570 is a 7.5 AMP grinder with a 2-1/2” diameter barrel grip and a compact size (weighs only 5.1 lbs.)
- X-Lock Accessories (January 2021)Makita will launch the X-LOCK System Accessories target the masonry cutting and metal finishing tradesmen with a new line of premium diamond blades, cut-off wheels, grinding wheels, wire abrasives, and flap discs. All Makita X-LOCK accessories are compatible with a 7/8” arbor.
At the start, Makita is launching a total of three new X-Lock grinders. Two cordless models with the XAG25Z 18V LXT Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” X-LOCK Angle Grinder with AFT and XAG26Z 18V LXT Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” Paddle Switch X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT, and one corded model with the GA4570 4-1/2” / 5” X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AC/DC Switch. All three models are stated for January 2021 release. They will also be releasing a slew of X-Lock accessories as well and also stated for January 2021 release. The new X-Lock accessories include diamond blades, cut-off wheels, grinding wheels, wire abrasives, and flap discs. There are also plenty of X-Lock accessories from Bosch and Diablo as well.
What makes the X-Lock mount great is that its a completely tool-less mount system. This mean no spanner wrench is needed to change wheels and the X-Lock mount doesn’t even need or use lock flange nuts. The way it works is easy. Blades snap into place, literally! They also eject just as easy as they are installed with lifting the release lever which makes wheels pop off. This system works just like the Starlock mount does for oscillating multitools. The only downside to the system is that the mount itself is not backwards compatible with regular wheels. X-Lock grinders only work with X-Lock wheels however the upside is that the X-Lock accessories are backwards compatible meaning you can start buying X-Lock wheels now to use with your current grinders and will be ready for whenever you do step up to an X-Lock grinder.
So far the grinders themselves don’t have much info other than their announcement. We also only have images of the two cordless units. Images below with the XAG25Z on the left and the XAG26Z on the right.
What we know is that the two cordless grinders are brushless and are very similar. They seem to be the same unit sporting a standard capacity 4.5-5″ wheel using the new X-Lock mount. Both have the same body, side handle, and fuel gauge at the rear of the tool. The differences are that the XAG25Z model has a slide lock on power switch while the XAG26Z model has a paddle switch and also has an electric brake. We know even less about the corded model other than it also uses 4.5-5″ wheels. All three models including the X-Lock accessories from Makita are said to launch January 2021.
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