What does the Z at the end of a Makita model mean? Z-model or kit

The Z at the end of a Makita model code means that it is a body-only tool: no battery or charger is included in the box. For example, the DHP486Z is just the hammer drill, while the DHP486RTJ is the same drill with two 5.0 Ah batteries, a charger, and a Makpac carrying case. A Z-model is a sensible choice if you already own a Makita battery and charger for the same platform.

What does Z at the end of a Makita model mean?

A Makita model code consists of two parts. The first part indicates the tool, for example, DHP486 or DDF486. The letters at the end indicate what is in the box.

• Z – body-only tool. No battery, charger, or carrying case.
• ZJ – tool in a Makpac case, but without a battery and charger. For example, the DHS680ZJ circular saw.
• Other letters (RTJ, RGJ, RAJ, etc.) – a kit that includes batteries and a charger.

However, a Z-model box may still contain small accessories. The DHP486Z includes a depth stop, belt hook, bit holder, and two PH2 bits.

What do the letters RTJ, RGJ, RAJ, and ZJ mean?

The table below is based on the kit contents of products in our store. The pattern is clear, but it is not an official rule for every model.

Code suffix	Example	What's in the box
Z	DDF486Z	Tool only
ZJ	DHS680ZJ	Tool in a Makpac case, no battery or charger
RAJ	DDF487RAJ	2 × 2.0 Ah battery (BL1820B), DC18RC charger, Makpac case
RF	DUH523RF	3.0 Ah battery (BL1830B), DC18RC charger
RTJ	DDF486RTJ	2 × 5.0 Ah battery (BL1850B), DC18RC charger, Makpac case
RGJ	DDF484RGJ	2 × 6.0 Ah battery (BL1860B), DC18RC charger, Makpac case
RT	DUR189RT	1 × 5.0 Ah battery, DC18RC charger, no case

In short: in our 18V LXT kits, R stands for the DC18RC charger, the following letter indicates battery capacity (A = 2.0 Ah, F = 3.0 Ah, T = 5.0 Ah, G = 6.0 Ah), and J stands for a Makpac case. The number of batteries is not visible in the code: the DUR189RT kit contains one battery, while the DDF486RTJ kit contains two. If the code contains R but lacks J, the kit does not include a Makpac case. This is the case, for example, with the DUR189RT trimmer and the DUH523RF hedge trimmer. Therefore, always read the "Kit contents" section on the product page. If it is unclear, ask us before purchasing.

Is a Z-model cheaper than a kit?

A Z-model itself costs less than a kit of the same tool because it does not include a battery and charger. The entire purchase is more economical only if you already own a battery and charger.

If you do not have a battery, compare the two totals:

1. The price of the kit.
2. The Z-model + the necessary number of batteries + charger + case if desired.

Often, the kit is cheaper in such cases. For second and subsequent tools, the Z-model is usually more sensible, because you already have the batteries and charger.

How to choose between a Z-model and a kit?

1. Do you have a Makita battery? Check the platform. An 18V LXT tool is only compatible with an 18V LXT battery, and a 40V XGT tool only with an XGT battery. See the overview of platforms.
2. Is the battery capacity large enough? 2.0–3.0 Ah is suitable for light jobs. Saws, grinders, and long work days require a 5.0–6.0 Ah battery.
3. Do you have a charger? Without a charger, a Z-model is only useful if you are buying a charger as well.
4. Are several people using the batteries at once? In that case, you need more batteries, and a kit might be better.
5. Do you need a carrying case? Models with a J include a Makpac case, while Z-models do not.

Does the kit charger work with other batteries?

Yes, provided the batteries are from the same platform. Our 18V LXT kits include a DC18RC charger. It charges 18V LXT batteries; for example, a 5.0 Ah BL1850B battery in about 45 minutes. Therefore, you can use the charger from your kit to charge the batteries of Z-models purchased later.

This is how your tool collection grows gradually: the first purchase is a kit, and subsequent tools are Z-models. You don't need to buy batteries and a charger every single time.

Who is the Z-model for, and who is the kit for?

• Choose a Z-model if you already own a Makita battery and charger for the same platform and are buying an additional tool.
• Choose a Z-model if you want to select the batteries yourself, for example, with a higher capacity than those in the kit.
• Choose a kit if this is your first Makita cordless tool.
• Choose a kit if you need a spare battery and work cannot be stopped due to charging.
• Choose a combo kit if you need multiple tools at once, such as a drill and an impact driver. A combo kit is a set that includes multiple tools and shared batteries.

Does my old Makita battery fit a Z-model?

It fits if the battery is from the same platform. For example, on the DHP486Z product page, compatible batteries listed include BL1820B, BL1830B, BL1840B, BL1850B, and BL1860B. All of these are 18V LXT batteries. A 40V XGT battery is not compatible with an 18V LXT tool and vice versa.

You can also buy a battery and charger separately later, such as the BL1850B 5.0 Ah battery. This way, a Z-model can later become your own kit.

You can find kits in the kits category, batteries and chargers in the batteries and chargers category, and all 18V tools in the 18V LXT category. If you are unsure whether your battery fits, bring it to our store in Paide at Pärnu tn 8. We will check it together and help you choose.