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18V Twin (36V)

Makita 18V Twin (36V) tools run on Makita 18V LXT packs, two at a time. 32 tools on ToolPicker run on it.

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18V/36V Trade Introduced 2012 Maker lists 40+ tools
7Batteries that fit
32Tools on ToolPicker
8Chargers
£49.95Cheapest pack

Batteries that run it

Makita 18V Twin (36V) tools run on Makita 18V LXT packs, two at a time. There are no separate batteries to buy: the packs below fit.
Makita 18V LXT packs 7
BL1820B 2.0Ah LXT · 36Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 0.38kg £24.98 from £49.95 at Tooled Up + £6.95 delivery · 2 retailers View at Tooled Up ›
BL1830B 3.0Ah LXT · 54Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 0.64kg £19.98 from £59.95 at Tooled Up + £6.95 delivery · 2 retailers View at Tooled Up ›
BL1840B 4.0Ah LXT · 72Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 0.64kg £17.49 from £69.95 at Tooled Up + £6.95 delivery · 2 retailers View at Tooled Up ›
BL1850B 5.0Ah LXT · 90Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 0.63kg £11.99 from £59.95 at Tooled Up + £6.95 delivery · 3 retailers View at Tooled Up ›
BL1860B 6.0Ah LXT · 108Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 0.66kg £13.33 from £79.95 at Tooled Up + £6.95 delivery · 3 retailers View at Tooled Up ›
BL1890 9.0Ah LXT · 162Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 0.97kg £13.33 from £119.98 at Machine Mart + £4.99 delivery · 3 retailers View at Machine Mart ›
BL18120 12.0Ah LXT · 216Wh · Li-ion (cylindrical) 1.3kg £10.83 from £129.95 at Tooled Up + £6.95 delivery · 3 retailers View at Tooled Up ›

Smallest first. Per Ah is the lowest price we track divided by the pack's Ah, worked out by us.

Tools that run on 18V Twin (36V)

Showing 12 of 32 · prices from the UK retailers we track

About 18V Twin (36V)

In short

Makita’s 18V Twin platform powers the heavy-duty tools in the LXT range that need 36V output, large mitre saws, brushless lawnmowers, blowers, rotary hammers, and chainsaws. These tools take two BL18xx LXT batteries simultaneously and combine them to deliver 36V of power.

There are no separate “Twin” batteries, the system uses the same BL1820B / 1830B / 1840B / 1850B / 1860B batteries as the rest of the Makita 18V LXT range. If you already own LXT batteries, two of them run any 36V LXT tool. Makita recommends using two batteries of matched capacity for consistent runtime; the lower-capacity battery will limit overall runtime when mixed.

This is Makita’s answer to delivering corded-equivalent performance from a cordless platform without forcing users to switch to a different battery system. It positions the LXT range to compete with DeWalt FlexVolt and other 54V+ systems.

Strengths

  • Uses standard LXT batteries: no separate Twin batteries to buy
  • Largest 36V cordless range of any brand at this output level
  • Existing LXT battery investment carries over fully
  • Same chargers as the standard LXT range: no extra hardware needed
  • Unlocks workshop and garden tools that would otherwise need corded power or a higher voltage platform

Considerations

  • Requires two batteries per tool: runtime calculation is roughly half of a single-battery LXT tool
  • For best results, use two matched capacity batteries: the lower battery limits overall runtime
  • Twin-battery tools are significantly heavier than single-battery equivalents
  • Twin tools cannot run on a single battery: both bays must be loaded for the tool to operate

Questions

How does Makita 18V Twin work?

18V Twin (also called 36V or LXT X2) tools run on two 18V LXT batteries at once to deliver 36V performance, so you get more power without leaving the LXT battery system.

Which batteries do Twin tools need?

Any pair of Makita 18V LXT batteries. For best results use two matched packs of the same capacity and charge level.

Can I run a Twin tool on a single battery?

No. Twin tools need both batteries fitted to run.

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