The Makita GRH01Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 1-1/8 in. SDS-PLUS AVT Rotary Hammer is a heavy-duty cordless concrete drilling and chipping tool for pros who want corded-type performance without dragging a cord around the site. This is a rotary hammer designed for concrete drilling, anchor setting, and light chipping. Model Number: GRH01Z. It runs on the Makita 40V max XGT platform and is sold as a tool only, so it is aimed at users already on XGT or those building into Makita's high-demand cordless system.

On the job, the numbers line up with real work. The brushless motor delivers 2.8 ft-lbs. of impact energy, with a variable speed range of 0 to 980 RPM and 0 to 5,000 BPM. That gives this SDS-PLUS rotary hammer enough punch for repeated anchor holes in concrete, overhead fastening prep, and general drilling where a standard hammer drill starts feeling outmatched. Makita rates it for up to 1-1/8 in. concrete drilling capacity, with an optimum range of 3/16 in. to 3/4 in., which covers a lot of common mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural fastening work.

What separates this tool from a lot of cordless concrete tools is how it manages load and control. Constant speed control automatically applies additional power under load, so the tool does not fall on its face when the bit starts working harder in dense concrete. A torque limiting clutch helps protect the gears if the bit binds, and Active Feedback-Sensing Technology electronically shuts the motor off if rotation is suddenly forced to stop. In plain terms, that means better control when the bit catches and less chance of beating up the tool during tough drilling.

Makita also put real effort into user comfort, which matters more on a rotary hammer than on almost any other drill-type tool. The AVT anti-vibration system is not just a padded grip. It uses an internal counterbalance system, along with vibration-absorbing back and side handles, to reduce felt vibration during hammer drilling and chipping. If you are drilling overhead, working off ladders, or knocking out repeated holes all day, less vibration is not a luxury feature. It helps you stay straighter on the mark and less worn out by the end of the shift.

For jobsite practicality, the GRH01Z gives you three operating modes: rotation only, hammering with rotation, and hammering only. That makes it more useful than a one-trick concrete tool. You can drill with rotation and hammer action for concrete, switch to rotation only when the application calls for it, or use hammer only for light chipping and surface prep. Makita also includes an electric brake, built-in LED light, variable speed dial and trigger, ergonomic soft-grip handle, and a retractable tool hook. These are the kinds of features that save time in small ways all day long.

Dust and site conditions are also part of the story here. The GRH01Z is built with Makita Extreme Protection Technology for improved dust and water resistance in harsh conditions. It also has dust extraction capability with an OSHA Table 1 compliant on-board HEPA dust extractor attachment sold separately, or it can be used with Makita's Auto-Start Wireless System. AWS uses Bluetooth communication to turn a compatible dust extractor on and off with the tool, so the extractor runs when you work and stops when you stop. That cuts down on noise, wasted runtime, and unnecessary dust management hassle.

Compatibility is straightforward. This rotary hammer accepts SDS-PLUS bits and is part of the Makita 40V max XGT battery system. XGT is Makita's platform for higher-demand cordless tools, with digital communication between tool and battery to help manage output, overheating, overload, and discharge. If you are already using XGT batteries and chargers, this bare tool makes a lot of sense. If you are not, this is the kind of tool that shows why someone would step into the platform in the first place.

Who should buy it? Contractors and serious users doing regular concrete drilling, fastening, and occasional chipping. It is a good fit for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades, concrete crews, utility work, road and bridge jobs, maintenance teams, and remodelers who hit masonry often enough to justify a real cordless rotary hammer. If your work is mostly light-duty drilling in wood and metal, this is more tool than you need. If you live in concrete, block, and anchor work, the Makita GRH01Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 1-1/8 in. SDS-PLUS AVT Rotary Hammer is built for exactly that kind of day.

Makita GRH01Z 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 1-1/8 in. SDS-PLUS AVT Rotary Hammer Means Business

This is the kind of cordless rotary hammer you buy when concrete work is part of the job, not an occasional surprise.

• Who it's for: Pros drilling repeated holes in concrete, setting anchors, and doing light chipping who want to stay cordless without stepping down in performance.
• Why it stands out: You get a strong mix of impact energy, AVT vibration control, AFT bind-up protection, XPT durability, and AWS dust extractor capability on Makita's 40V max XGT platform.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so you need an XGT battery and charger. If you are already in the XGT system, that is easy. If not, factor platform cost into the buy.

• What type of bits does this rotary hammer use? It accepts SDS-PLUS bits.
• Is this a bare tool or a kit? This is a tool-only version. Battery and charger are sold separately.
• Can it connect to a dust extractor? Yes. It has dust extraction capability and is AWS capable for wireless start and stop with a compatible dust extractor. The AWS transmitter and dust extractor attachment are sold separately.
• What is the maximum concrete drilling capacity? The maximum capacity in concrete is 1-1/8 in., with a maximum core bit capacity of 2-9/16 in.