The Makita 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool Only is a cordless reciprocating saw built for demolition and general cutting work. This is a reciprocating saw designed for cutting and demolition applications. Model GRJ01Z is aimed at pros and serious users who want cordless freedom without giving up the cutting speed expected from a full-size demo saw.

On the performance side, Makita gives this saw a variable 2-speed brushless motor rated at 0 to 2,300 strokes per minute on low and 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute on high. Pair that with the long 1-1/4 inch stroke and you get the kind of aggressive blade travel that helps clear material fast. In plain terms, it is built to move through framing lumber, pipe, PVC, aluminum, and metal with less time spent leaning on the tool.

Makita also put real attention into cut quality and control. The refined crank mechanism is there to minimize blade deflection and reduce vibration, which is a big deal on a reciprocating saw. Less blade wander means better control when you are working close to finished material, and less vibration helps when the job calls for repeated cuts or awkward overhead work.

The overall design is set up for jobsite efficiency. A large two-finger variable speed trigger gives you better control when starting a cut, the electric brake stops the blade faster between cuts, and the tool-less blade change keeps blade swaps quick. The adjustable shoe helps you use more of the blade over time instead of wearing one section out early, which is one of those features that actually saves money if you use recip saws hard.

Makita built in practical touches that matter once you get off the spec sheet and onto a real job. The LED light with pre-glow and afterglow helps in crawlspaces, basements, and dim framing bays. The ergonomically designed handle is made for difficult cutting positions, and the retractable hook gives you a place to park the saw between cuts instead of dropping it on the floor or balancing it somewhere sketchy.

This saw runs on Makita's 40V max XGT battery platform and is compatible only with Makita 40V max XGT lithium-ion batteries and chargers. XGT is Makita's high-demand cordless platform, with digital communication between the tool and battery to help manage overload, over-discharge, and overheating. If you are already on XGT, this is an easy fit. If you are building into that platform for higher-output cordless tools, this saw makes sense as one of the core cutting tools in the lineup.

Durability is another strong point here. Makita calls out a metal-reinforced gear shaft, a self-lubricating slider, rigid battery rail construction within the XGT system, and XPT protection for increased dust and water resistance in harsh jobsite conditions. None of that makes a flashy headline, but it does matter if the saw is going to live in the truck, on demo jobs, and around dust, debris, and weather.

Who should buy it? Contractors, remodelers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, and serious DIY users who want a full-power cordless reciprocating saw on the Makita XGT platform. If your typical work includes demolition, rough-in cutting, pruning back framing members, cutting pipe, or breaking down mixed materials on site, the GRJ01Z is the kind of saw that earns its space fast. If you want compact and featherweight first, this is not that. If you want strong cordless cutting performance with pro-level features, it is right in the conversation.

Makita 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool Only Means Business

This is a full-power cordless demo saw for users who want speed, control, and XGT platform performance in one package.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users doing demolition, rough-in work, pipe cutting, and general remodeling who already run Makita XGT or want into the platform.
• Why it stands out: The combination of a long 1-1/4 inch stroke, 2-speed brushless motor, reduced blade deflection, and solid jobsite features makes it more than just another cordless reciprocating saw.
• Worth knowing: It is sold as a bare tool, and at 9.9 pounds with battery it is not pretending to be an ultra-light trim saw. This one is built to work hard.

• Is this a bare tool or a kit? This is the tool-only version. Battery and charger are not included.
• What battery system does it use? It is compatible with Makita 40V max XGT lithium-ion batteries only.
• What is the top speed of the saw? The variable 2-speed motor runs at up to 3,000 strokes per minute on high and up to 2,300 strokes per minute on low.
• What can it cut? It cuts wood, metal, aluminum, PVC, and pipe, with a maximum wood cutting capacity of 10 inches using a 12 inch blade and a maximum pipe capacity of 5-1/8 inches.