Makita XRH01Z 18V LXT Brushless 1" Rotary Hammer Review

The XRH01Z delivers professional-grade concrete drilling power (2.4 Joules) in an incredibly lightweight 7.2 lb cordless package — that’s the headline. The brushless motor delivers up to 50% longer runtime compared to Makita’s brushed models, which matters when you’re billing by the hour, not swapping batteries.

Skip this tool if you’re just hanging pictures or drilling pilot holes. At 12-7/8” long, it’s built for overhead drilling and work in confined spaces where full-size rotary hammers won’t fit. The optimum drilling range runs 3/16” to 1/2” — perfect for concrete anchors, electrical box mounting, and plumbing rough-ins.

Power-to-Weight Performance That Changes the Math

At 7.2 lbs with battery and 2.4 Joules (1.7 ft.lbs) impact energy, this tool redefines what’s possible in cordless concrete drilling. Most comparable cordless rotary hammers either weigh 2-3 pounds more or deliver half the impact energy.

Makita’s older XRH04Z weighs 9.6 lbs with only 7/8” capacity, while their sub-compact XRH06ZB manages just 0.88 ft.lbs impact energy. The XRH01Z splits the difference perfectly — enough power for real concrete work without destroying your shoulders on overhead applications.

Specification	XRH01Z Value
Weight with battery	7.2 lbs
Impact energy	2.4 Joules (1.7 ft.lbs)
Length	12-7/8”
Concrete capacity	1” (25 mm)
No-load speed	0-950 RPM (variable)
Blows per minute	0-4,700 BPM (variable)

That weight advantage translates directly to productivity. Your crew can drill hundreds of anchor holes without the fatigue that heavier tools create. In Montana’s basement renovation market — where you’re drilling into 50-year-old concrete foundations all day — that lightweight design prevents the 2 PM productivity crash.

Sequential Impact Timing Makes Holes, Not Dust

Sequential Impact Timing provides timed hammering during rotation to minimize overlapping bit impacts for up to 50% faster drilling. This isn’t marketing fluff — it’s measurable physics. Traditional rotary hammers waste energy when the bit strikes the same spot twice. Makita’s system spaces out the impacts so each blow breaks new concrete.

The 3/16” to 1/2” optimum range covers 90% of commercial anchor applications. You’re not trying to core through foundation walls — you’re mounting electrical panels, securing plumbing straps, and installing HVAC hangers. The variable speed control keeps you from overshooting on thin slabs or blowing out the backside of hollow block.

With 40 chisel positions, the hammer-only mode handles light demo work between drilling tasks. Not a replacement for a real demo hammer, but handy for cleaning up anchor holes or chipping away high spots.

OSHA-Compliant Dust Control Without the Cord

The XRH01Z pairs with Makita’s DX01 HEPA Dust Extractor for OSHA Table 1 compliance — and it’s cordless dust extraction. No more running two cords or tripping over vacuum hoses. The whole system runs on 18V batteries.

For interior renovation where dust control is required, this combination keeps you compliant without the usual hassles. Montana’s short construction season pushes more work indoors during winter months, making effective dust control non-negotiable for professional contractors.

The drill still works fine without the dust extractor for outdoor applications or quick anchor holes. But having OSHA-compliant dust management available when you need it — without switching to corded tools — solves a real jobsite problem.

Runtime That Matches Real Workdays

The BL Brushless Motor delivers up to 50% longer runtime compared to brushed equivalents. More importantly, Star Protection Computer Controls protect against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating, preventing those mid-job shutdowns that kill productivity.

The tool accepts any Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery with the Star symbol, meaning it integrates with your existing Makita platform. No special batteries, no dedicated chargers — just grab whatever’s charged and get to work.

Cold weather performance matters here. Montana contractors know lithium batteries lose capacity below freezing, but the Star Protection system prevents the deep discharge cycles that permanently damage batteries in cold conditions. You’ll still see reduced runtime at 20°F, but your batteries will survive the winter.

The shock-absorbent handle protects the battery housing for extra durability — because dropping a tool from a ladder happens, especially when you’re working overhead all day. The torque-limiting clutch automatically disengages if the bit binds, preventing those wrist-twisting surprises when you hit rebar.

The Bottom Line

With a 4.9 average rating across 37 reviews, users praise its lightweight design, power-to-weight ratio, and long battery life. This isn’t a homeowner tool pretending to be professional-grade — it’s purpose-built for contractors who need portable concrete drilling capability.

The XRH01Z fills a specific niche: contractors who need real drilling power in a package light enough for all-day use. If you’re anchoring into concrete daily, working overhead regularly, or dealing with confined spaces where full-size tools don’t fit, this tool pays for itself in reduced fatigue and improved productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s included with the XRH01Z tool-only package?

The XRH01Z comes with the rotary hammer, side handle (158057-6), and depth gauge (324219-0). Batteries and charger sold separately, which makes sense if you’re already invested in Makita’s 18V platform.

Q: How does the XRH01Z compare to corded rotary hammers?

While powerful for its size, it may not match the raw power of larger, corded rotary hammers for very heavy-duty applications. This tool excels at typical commercial construction tasks — mounting electrical boxes, installing plumbing hangers, setting drop-in anchors. For all-day concrete demolition, you still want a corded SDS-Max hammer.

Q: What size holes can this drill in concrete?

Maximum capacity is 1” (25 mm) in concrete, with an optimum range of 3/16” to 1/2”. Most efficient in that optimum range where the Sequential Impact Timing really shows its advantage. Larger holes are possible but slower.

Q: How long is the warranty?

Makita provides a 3-year limited warranty on the tool from the date of purchase. Standard coverage for professional-grade tools.

Q: What bits does it accept?

The XRH01Z accepts all standard SDS-PLUS bits. No proprietary bit system — use whatever SDS-PLUS bits you already own or can buy locally.