The Makita MAKTRAK is here! The full MAKTRAK lineup revealed...

After a long wait, and lots of speculation, the Makita MAKTRAK is finally launching! We're Makita Fans, so of course we were going to be all over the launch of their new tool storage system. Not least because we've always felt the Makpac range left room for improvement. So how will their hotly awaited new pro tool storage system, the new MAKTRAK range stand up to the competition. Plus importantly, when can we get it?

What Makita promise from the MAKTRAK system

After some industry leaks, Makita finally teased the system's arrival for the first time.

"THE NEXT GENERATION - a solution to address everyday challenges is COMING SOON."

So now that's it's here, what is the "next generation"? According to the official press release Makita are saying:

"The design and manufacturing of the MAKTRAK™ Modular Storage System is driven by four core functions:

• Transport: Premium handle with Gecko Grips™ provides efficient loading and unloading
• Access: Horizontal dual-hinging lid allows access to any case without unstacking or interference from the handle
• Store: Horizontal design provides wider interior space for larger tools and accessories
• Organize: Customizable with lid mounting points, molle panel dividers, nested bins and battery/charger storage trays"

Makita MAKTRAK Medium Tool Box in use

New Features for Truck Owners

"Transportation is a primary function of a modular storage system. MAKTRAK™ has 9” all terrain job site rugged wheels for easy movement, whether it’s through a job site or across finished flooring. And the intentional horizontal box design combined with the unique handle design that retracts enables a single user to load and unload their MAKTRAK™ into a truck bed.

“Difficulty loading and unloading into the truck bed is a common frustration with vertical base systems. Users frequently dismantle their systems to load each unit separately. Leaving the tool boxes scattered takes more space and makes it difficult to work from the truck.” said Austin Donoghue, product manager, accessories, Makita U.S.A., Inc."

The heavy focus on truck owners seems to indicate that this is a US-focused press release, which tells us that these may not be available for the UK and EU markets very soon. We'll have to wait for Makita to confirm that though.

Clearly there are big benefits to these horizontal style cases other than the wide loading potential and the capacity to stow it easily in your truck bed. Offering the opportunity to stow longer tools and big items in the case itself versus needing to buy accessories and clips for fixing them to the sides of the system as we've seen a lot recently in other systems.

It's clear, there is definitely demand there for these larger modules on which to build our modular systems. Plus, quite apart from that, brand-loyal Makita fans far and wide will be relieved to get a professional, modular storage range which promises to be a massive improvement on their original, much criticised Makpacs. But how will this new range do at winning new customers?

Additional Features for More Convenience, More Efficiency

"There are additional features that are unique to the category. MAKTRAK™ gives users the ability to open storage boxes and get tools and accessories without unstacking. The dual-hinging lids allow access from both sides, and the innovative horizontal design means the handle won’t get in the way. In addition, the horizontal design yields more storage space. This means MAKTRAK™ can accommodate larger tools like nailers, saws and rotary hammers. At the same time, the shallow depth allows improved accessibility.

Added points of difference include the side-to-side interlocking connection which allows attachment from either direction. This convenient connection system combined with the variety of tool box sizes gives users multiple stacking configurations. The unique interior organization components include molle panel dividers as well as battery storage tool trays and a lid that includes mounting points for optional dividers, bins, bit sets and more for additional storage. These advanced organization features give users maximum flexibility to configure their own modular storage system."

It's interesting that Makita are pushing the ability to "open boxes without unstacking". Anyone that has used any type of modular box knows that opening the bottom box when you've got a full stack is inconvenient at best and downright impossible at worst. It's all the more strange that they are pushing this when they have seemingly omitted a drawer set from their range. Especially as the competition of Milwaukee Packout, Flex StackPack and DeWalt Toughsystem 2.0 all feature at least one set of drawers in their modular range. Will we see a MAKTRAK Drawer in the future?

 The full lineup revealed...

• Rolling Tool Chest (T-90009): The foundation of the MAKTRAK™ System is equipped with twin 9” all-terrain wheels. The unique horizontal design combines a holding capacity of 5,000 cu.in. and up to 250 lbs. capacity with easy accessibility and the retractable handle which enables easy loading and unloading into a truck bed.
• Large Tool Box (T-90015): Ideal for storing and transporting larger tools like framing nailers, saws, and rotary hammers. Includes cavity divider slots to partition tool box space. It has a holding capacity of 3,854 cu.in. and up to 100 lbs.
• Extra Large Extension Tool Box (T-90021): Provides added capacity for larger tools. The versatile Extra Large Extension Tool Box can be stacked on the track system or cleat mounted to the front of the Rolling Tool Chest. It has a holding capacity of 3,569 cu.in. and up to 100 lbs.
• Medium Tool Box (T-90037): The Medium Tool Box can be stacked for added capacity. Includes deep interior trays for hand tool storage and shallow trays with integrated dividers for small parts. It has a holding capacity of 1,123 cu.in. and up to 75 lbs.
• Deep Medium Organizer (T-90043), Low Profile Medium Organizer (T-90059), Deep Compact Organizer (T-90065): Three additional storage organizers offer extensive organization for fasteners, parts and accessories. Each features a clear lid to easily see contents inside.
• Optional Accessories: Users can customize their MAKTRAK™ System with molle panel dividers to create convenient on-lid storage, upper bin and divider sets are also available to expand their Deep Organizers’ storage capabilities, and with additional storage trays functionally designed to fit Makita chargers and batteries. 

The potential for the new Maktrak range

Makita recognised the appetite for a pro system and have reacted with Maktrak, so brand-loyal customers will hopefully choose to evolve and grow with the new Makita products. We've yet to see if the  Maktrak will be backwards-compatible with the older Makpac modules. We know from seeing what the likes of DeWalt have done in that regard that this allows customers to grow with them as the range expands. Recuring brand loyalty even as products evolve and move on.

As we know though, new tool users are coming into trades all the time, and not all domestic tool users are fully brand-committed yet. Therefore, as we see it, so long as Makita can remain current, distinctive and innovative with the Maktrak range, there should always be new customers bolstering their traditional customer-base. It's a competitive marketplace after all, and with new brands coming up with epic storage solutions all the time. There will always be brands hot on the heels of whatever Makita turn out, so all eyes are most certainly on how the new Maktrak performs in the early days.

How much is the MAKTRAK?

We don't have official numbers yet, but if the ACME website is anything to go by, then the 3 piece rolling tool box bundle is $430... $100 more than the equivalent Packout system. However, the MAKTRAK is significantly bigger, more comparable to the Packout Rolling Tool Chest.

When you do a direct comparison of each unit, the MAKTRAK is still coming out as more expensive:

Again, these aren't entirely a direct comparison, due to the size differences and nuances of design. However, it does give the impression that Makita are trying to shrug off the reputation of the infamous Makpac by going with a premium lineup. Placing themselves above the Packout is an interesting choice, especially as Milwaukee are firmly a favourite in the community.

When can we get it?

Almost certainly the UK arrival will lag behind the US's 2nd October launch date. We will be front and centre in the queue as soon as getting it to the UK is a viable option so we can deliver our customary, unbiased review on the system. Also, most importantly, to be able to offer the foam inserts that will really elevate your use of the system and help you get the most of your new MAKTRAK system.