Makita MakTrak et TrackLock nouvelles

Makita fans have long since been crying out for an upgrade to the MakPak system... Now it seems that one is finally on the horizon. Rumor has it that we'll soon be seeing a pro tool system designed to rival the likes of the Milwaukee Packout range. And that, allegedly, will be in the shape of the new Makita MakTrak.

Or TrakLock, depending on who you listen to. Though the trademark application seems to suggest the former will be the brand name they're running with. Makita MakTrak does seem to sit nicely alongside the MakPak name too. TrakLock could well either allude to the innovative locking system they promise. Or indeed to their rumoured "tracking" functionality, but more on those later...

One thing is for sure, the demand for this is going to be massive as people clamor to ditch the old Makpac and upgrade to something infinitely more attractive and functional. 

Are Makita late to the party with this?

Arguably maybe. When you consider that Dewalt's ToughSystem range was launched back in 2011 with Milwaukee bringing Packout to the party in 2017, you could say they're over a decade behind the now market leaders. But does that really matter?

We recently looked at DeWalt's newest ToughSystem 2.0 addition, the DXL. With that, we made some interesting observations on how their whole tool storage model is backwards-compatible. So recognising that brand-loyal customers will be able to easily evolve and grow with the brands newest innovations. So perhaps those who've persevered with Makpac's over the years can now do the same? With no confirmation yet if there will be a Makpak to MakTrak adapter plate, that remains to be seen.

However as we know, new people are coming into trades and tools from all generations. Therefore as long as tool brands remain current and bring distinctive or innovative solutions to the table, there'll always be new custom to bolster the traditional customer-base.

Of course many new pro tool storage brands are coming into the marketplace all the time. This will always be a challenge for the older brands in an increasingly saturated marketplace. Relative new kids on the block like ToughBuilt with their Stacktech have gained a lot of traction in the market though. So we should expect the old school tried and trusted brands like Makita would have no trouble at all. 

So what do we know about the new Makita MakTrak range

In brief, not that much yet. But from patent applications and industry whispers, we do hear that it's set to include an XL horizontal tool trolley (T-90009). Not unlike the much loved Packout Rolling Case. Whether it will match the durability of the Milwaukee case, remains to be seen. We can surmise it might have similar all-terrain wheels (size-wise they're set to be pretty much the same at around 9"). But don't yet know if it will get close to it's 113kg loading capacity. These large wheeled options are growing in popularity though, so this will be a fantastic addition to the range.

To sit atop that, as you'd expect, will be a heap of tool boxes and organisers. Plus we hear we should see one that mounts onto the telescopic handle on the rolling case. As a minimum, we'll be getting a Large Tool Box (T-90015) and an XL Large Extension Tool  Box (T-90021). Organiser-wise there's a few options planned. The Low-Profile Medium Organiser (T-90059), Deep Medium Organiser (T-90043) and a Deep Compact Organiser (T-90065). From the accessories, so far we know about their 8" or 10″ Molle panel divider (T-92025). Also an upper bin and divider set (T-92271) and upper bin 4-pack (T-92243). soon.

And the speculation...

When teasing the Maktrak, Makita have dropped some big promises. Statements promise this "next generation" range will be a "solution for everyday challenges". We understand that a specific "Tracker Slot" might be added for fitting Apple Air Tags. A quirkier feature, and a welcome addition for those with security concerns or who travel with tools. Plus we'll be excited to see their rumoured "glove-friendly" latches which will be a great feature if they play out as hoped.

It's not clear yet if the cases would be IP rated, but there's of course an expectation that they'll need to be if they're to stand up to their contemporaries. And with no firm news on a smaller trolley case or complimentary drawer system yet, it remains to see how expansive or configurable the system is going to be. 

As you know, we're Makita fans ourselves. Our own day-to-day Makita tools underwent an epic tool wall transformation which saw millions of views on our popular Youtube channel. We already stock ready made foam inserts to help you organise your Makpak range. So you can bet we'll be all across this launch when it happens. We're expecting to see the full release before the year is out, so watch this space for more updates as they come.