Over the last several years, expandability has been a core facet of the outdoor power equipment landscape. Indeed, it’s becoming a key factor within the overall market. Customers are looking to get more for their money, save space, and stay within a familiar platform. I’ve had my hands on a couple of lineups aimed at satisfying this demand – namely, the Ryobi Expand-It system and the Husqvarna Combi Tool lineup. Now, users can pick up the Makita XUX02SM1X5 and XUX02SM1X6 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head Kits to get up to four tools in one.
To help you compare them to the competition, here’s a look at the performance and design features.
Makita LXT Couple Shaft Power Head Performance and Design
Having already reviewed the Makita XUX02 powerhead, we know it uses a brushless motor running on the 18V XLT lithium-ion battery platform. It delivers up to 9,700 RPM of speed for trimming and cutting, depending upon which accessory you have attached. What’s more, Makita uses a proprietary electronic control system to optimize battery power for 50% more runtime.
Makita’s Star Protection Computer Controls work to lengthen battery life and guide the overall performance of the Couple Shaft Power Head when used with various attachments. Specifically, Star Protection facilitates communication between the tool and the pack, exchanging data and monitoring conditions while in use. Ultimately, both offer protection against overheating, overloading, and over-discharging.
Now, let’s look at these specific Powerhead kits in detail.
Makita XUX02SM1X5 and XUX02SM1X6 Couple Shaft Kits
Of note, Makita offers two LXT power head kits to jumpstart users on the platform with some compelling starting tools. The only difference between the kits is the inclusion of UB401MP blower attachment with the Makita XUX02SM1X6 couple shaft kit.
Together, these two Makita Couple Shaft Power Head Kits cover the main outdoor power equipment spectrum (essentially, everything but mowing and edging).
Makita XUX02SM1X5 Power Head Kit
First, there’s the Makita XUX02SM1X5, which addresses basic trimming tasks with a string trimmer, pole saw, and hedge trimmer.
- 18V LXT Brushless Power Head (XUX02Z)
- 13″ String Trimmer Couple Shaft Attachment (EM409MP) – 7,000 RPM
- 10″ Pole Saw Couple Shaft Attachment (EY402MP) – 3,940 FPM
- 20″ Articulating Hedge Trimmer Couple Shaft Attachment (EN402MP) – 4,000 SPM
Pricing and Availability
The Makita XUX02SM1X5 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head Kit retails for $668.
Makita XUX02SM1X6 Power Head kit
If you’re looking for something that provides even more versatility, Makita’s XUX02SM1X6 Couple Shaft Power Head Kit may be the way to go. In addition to the trimming and pruning attachments, this package includes:
- 18V LXT Brushless Power Head (XUX02Z)
- 13″ String Trimmer Couple Shaft Attachment (EM409MP) – 7000 RPM
- 10″ Pole Saw Couple Shaft Attachment (EY402MP) – 3,940 FPM
- 20″ Articulating Hedge Trimmer Couple Shaft Attachment (EN402MP) – 4,000 SPM
- Blower Couple Shaft Attachment (UB401MP) – 579 CFM/146MPH
Pricing and Availability
The Makita XUX02SM1X6 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head Kit retails for $892.
