Makita XLC02 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Makita XLC02 is a 2-in-1 convertible, cordless, bagless vacuum cleaner, powered by a strong and lightweight Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion battery, which can be used for powering other Makita's cordless tools as well.
Makita XLC02 may be used as an ultra-light stick vacuum cleaner or as a strong handheld vacuum for cleaning both floors and elevated surfaces using a set of rather versatile cleaning tools and attachments.
Published: February 18, 2020.
Makita XLC02 18V LXT Features and Specifications
Makita XLC02 18V LXT is powered by Makita 18V LXT lithium power fade-free battery, offering high power and long operating time, but keeping the weight rather low.
Makita XLC02 18V LXT may be purchased as a bare tool only (Makita XLC02ZB) or as a cordless vacuum kit, featuring a cordless vacuum, 2.0 Ah LXT battery, and rapid battery charger (Makita XLC02R1B).
If you don't own any Makita 18V LXT battery and charger, purchasing a Makita XLC02R1B kit is highly recommended. On the other hand, if you already have any Makita 18V LXT battery, bare tool model Makita XLC02ZB can come rather cheap.
Conversion of the very important features of the Makita XLC02 18V LXT is an easy transition from the stick vacuum cleaner into handheld and back.
As a cordless stick vacuum cleaner, Makita XLC02 18V LXT features a length of 39 5/16" (~100 cm) and as a handheld vacuum, it features a length of only 18 3/4" (47.6 cm) and weighs only 2.7 pounds (~1.22 kg) with 2.0Ah 18V battery.
Low weight and ergonomic design ensure easy operation with no fatigue.
Despite being compact and lightweight, Makita XLC02 18V LXT features up to 46 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) air flow, removing easily even the stubborn dirt directly into the dirt cup.
The dirt cup is transparent, allowing the user to see the amount and the type of vacuumed dirt.
Air filtration is good, although Makita doesn't specify the actual HEPA level. Air filters are reusable cloth air filters that may be even washed, keeping the maintenance costs low.
What's in the Makita XLC02R1B Box?
When the Makita XLC02R1B arrives, the box contains:
- 18V LXT Vacuum (XLC02ZB)
- 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact 2.0Ah Battery (BL1820B)
- 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC)
- Pre-Filter (451208-3)
- Cloth Vacuum Filter (443060-3)
- Floor Nozzle (123539-7)
- Crevice Nozzle Holder (456585-8)
- Crevice Nozzle (456586-6)
- Extension Attachment (456587-4)
Note: Although Makita XLC02 is simple to use and maintain cordless vacuum, when it arrives, it is highly recommended to read the manual thoroughly in order to get accustomed to your new unit.
18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact 2.0Ah Battery (BL1820B)
BL1820B battery is a 2.0Ah 18V LXT lithium-ion battery, compatible with a broad range of Makita's cordless tools that support the use of 18V LXT batteries.
BL1820B battery is a power fade-free battery, being able to power Makita XLC02 vacuum for 13-15 minutes constantly.
To aid the user to estimate the remaining battery charger, the BL1820B battery features an integrated LED charge level indicator with 4 LEDs:
- 4 LEDs ON: remaining battery charge 75-100%
- 3 LEDs ON: remaining battery charge 50-75%
- 2 LEDs ON: remaining battery charge 25-50%
- 1 LED ON: remaining battery charge 0-25%
- 1 LED blinking: charge the battery
- 2 LEDs On, 2 LEDs OFF, interchangeably: Battery Error (check the manual for possible reasons, like high temperature and similar).
Makita is known for their high-quality, tough, and reliable cordless tools worldwide, and this battery is not an exception - among others, it features built-in Star Protection Computer Controls to protect the battery from overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating.
Also, 16(!) contact terminals maintain a constant connection with the vacuum cleaner or any other cordless tool, in order to prevent power loss or power fluctuations, even during high-vibration applications.
The last, but not the least, the Makita XLC02 kit comes with a rapid battery charger DC18RC which is able to recharge 2.0Ah 18V LXT battery in around 25 minutes - compare that with hours of charging of other cordless vacuums ...
18V LXT Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC)
Makita DC18RC is the battery charger designed for fast charging of Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries.
Actual charging times depend on the battery capacity:
- 2.0Ah 18V LXT: 25 minutes; 2.0Ah 18V LXT battery is able to power Makita XLC02 for 13-15 minutes,
- 3.0Ah 18V LXT: 30 minutes; 3.0Ah 18V LXT battery is able to power Makita XLC02 for ~20 minutes,
- 4.0Ah 18V LXT: 40 minutes; 4.0Ah 18V LXT battery is able to power Makita XLC02 for ~26 minutes,
- 5.0Ah 18V LXT: 45 minutes; 5.0Ah 18V LXT battery is able to power Makita XLC02 for ~33 minutes,
- 6.0Ah 18V LXT: 55 minutes; 6.0Ah 18V LXT battery is able to power Makita XLC02 for ~40 minutes.
Obviously, larger batteries feature a longer operating time on the single battery charge, but they also increase the weight of the unit during operation.
Makita LXT 18V batteries are compatible with the Makita LXT 18V line of tools, allowing just a few batteries to power a broad range of tools.
Makita XLC02 Cloth Pre-Filter (451208-3) and Cloth Vacuum Filter (443060-3)
Cloth pre-filter (451208-3) and cloth vacuum filter (443060-3) ensure good air filtration and low power loss during vacuuming.
However, over time filters should be cleaned and even washed using soapy water. After washing, filters should be reassembled back into the unit only after being thoroughly dried.
Note: Makita XLC02 18V LXT is intended for dry dirt only and vacuuming wet/moist dirt or operating the unit with wet/moist air filters may damage the unit and render its warranty void.
Makita XLC02 18V LXT Cleaning Tools and Attachments
Makita XLC02 18V LXT comes with two main cleaning tools, Floor Nozzle (123539-7) and Crevice Nozzle (456586-6).
Floor Nozzle (123539-7) is 8 inches (~20.3 cm) floor cleaning tool, intended for vacuuming bare floors and low-pile carpets.
Floor Nozzle (123539-7) doesn't feature a rotating brushroll and may have issues with deep cleaning of thick, high-pile carpets and rugs, but it may be used for surface cleaning of such floors as well.
By combining 8 inches wide cleaning path, strong suction, lightweight design, and long operating time, Makita XLC02 is able to clean a rather large area using just one battery charge (assuming the use of the smallest 2.0Ah 18V LXT battery).
Crevice Nozzle (456586-6) is a long and narrow cleaning tool, intended for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like edges, corners, gaps, crevices (hence the name), and similar.
Note: Both Floor Nozzle (123539-7) and Crevice Nozzle (456586-6) may be used for cleaning in both vacuuming modes - as stick vacuum and as handheld vacuum - increasing the versatility of the Makita XLC02 vacuum.
Long Story Short: Makita XLC02 18V LXT is a versatile, convertible, lightweight vacuum cleaner that may be used at home or apartment, in the car, on the boat, etc, wherever a cordless unit is needed to do the job properly.
Makita XLC02 18V LXT may be used as the main vacuum cleaner in smaller homes or as a second vacuum cleaner in larger homes and apartments. Also, it may be used as an excellent emergency vacuum cleaner for quick cleaning of pets' and kids' messes.
Due to the lightweight design, it may be easily carried around and even used by the elderly and kids (kids under supervision by adults, of course).
Makita XLC02 18V LXT comes with 3-year limited warranty for the vacuum, battery charger, and battery.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Makita XLC02R1B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum Amazon link (link opens in the new window).