Makita announced a group of new 40V max XGT outdoor tools at Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, in a press release dated October 20, 2026. The line includes a 14” top handle chain saw (GCU10), an 18” rear handle chain saw (GCU11), a single stage snow blower (SN001GL101) and a backpack blower (GBU04) that Makita lists as available now. The release is written for the US market and gives no prices, so Canadian pricing and availability have not been announced.

What Makita says each tool does

  • GBU04 backpack blower: Makita claims the blowing force of a 65cc gas blower, with 32N of force, 675 CFM and 215 MPH. It says the blower is up to 23% lighter than a gas model at 19.4 lbs with two 8.0Ah batteries on board, and up to 65% quieter at 60 dB(A). Two batteries work together with automatic switchover when the active one runs down. Available now.
  • GCU10 14” top handle chain saw: Makita says it delivers the power of a 35cc gas chain saw and cuts 35% faster than one. It weighs about 9 lbs with the 14” bar, chain and the 4.0Ah BL4040F battery. Early 2027.
  • GCU11 18” rear handle chain saw: Makita says it matches a 42cc gas chain saw and cuts 10% faster. It is 1.7 lbs lighter than the GCU04 with the tool alone, and up to 15% lighter than gas with the BL4040F. Spring 2027.
  • SN001GL101 single stage snow blower: it throws snow up to 33 ft and clears a 21” wide path. It has adjustable rotation speed, dual LED lights at the front and handle, and folds down for off-season storage. November 2026.

What the other source adds

SlashGear, in a roundup published October 26, 2026, repeats Makita’s figures and the same release windows, and says no prices have been disclosed for any of the products. It also gives detail on the new BL4040F battery that the saws are weighed with. According to that report, the battery offers up to 35% more power than the standard BL4040 at the same 4.0Ah capacity, uses a tabless cell design, runs up to 32% cooler under continuous load and charges fully in 45 minutes or less. SlashGear describes the saw speed and gas comparisons as Makita’s own testing, and so does the release. Both sources agree on every date and spec, so treat all the performance numbers as manufacturer claims until independent tests appear.

What it means for Canadian readers

Makita’s release names only the US market. For Canadian buyers, the practical points are the snow blower and the backpack blower, because they are the two products with near term timing. The snow blower is listed for November 2026 and the blower is listed as available now, but neither source says when or whether they will reach Canadian retailers. The saws are further out, and a spring 2027 saw is not something to plan this winter around. Check Makita Canada and your local dealer before budgeting.

Who it suits

  • Arborists and tree service crews: the GCU10 is aimed at them by Makita. The 9 lb weight and the gas comparison are the headline claims, and they should check run time with the BL4040F, which no source has stated yet.
  • Landscapers and mow and blow businesses: the GBU04 is the tool to look at first, since it is on sale now. Makita’s noise and weight figures are claims, so try it against your current gas blower on a real job.
  • Homeowners, property managers and small businesses: Makita names these groups for the snow blower. Clearing width, throw distance and battery life per charge are the numbers to weigh, and the battery run time has not been published.
  • Anyone already on XGT: the new saws and blower run on batteries you may already own, though the BL4040F is the battery Makita ties the weight claims to.
  • First time buyers: none of these have prices yet, so wait for pricing and independent reviews before committing.