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Makita GSH01Z 40V max XGT Circular Saw: What to Know
The GSH01Z is a 7-1/4" saw built on Makita's 40V max XGT platform, with a Makita-built brushless motor rated for 6,000 RPM no-load. Cut depth runs 2-5/8" at 90°, 1-13/16" at 45°, and 1-5/16" at Makita's maximum 56° bevel, with positive stops at 22.5°, 45°, and 56°, a wider bevel range than the other saws in this comparison, which top out around 57° in DeWalt's case but don't all specify a distinct stop that far over. Makita rates the bare tool at 7.9 lbs, rising to about 10.2 lbs with a 4.0Ah XGT battery installed.
The "Z" in GSH01Z is Makita's own suffix for a bare, tool-only unit; the same saw head is sold as the GSH01M1 kit, which bundles one XGT battery and a charger. Two features distinguish this saw from the others here: Automatic Torque Drive Technology, which adjusts cutting speed under load, and Makita's Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), a set of seals intended to keep water and dust out of the internal components, useful for anyone cutting treated lumber outdoors or working through rain. It's also AWS-capable, meaning it can wirelessly trigger a compatible Makita dust extractor to start and stop with the saw's trigger.
The platform question matters here more than with some competitors: Makita's 40V max XGT batteries are a separate system from Makita's much larger 18V LXT lineup, which covers the majority of Makita's cordless tools. A shop full of 18V LXT Makita batteries gets no benefit from this saw's battery slot, and XGT batteries and chargers must be bought separately if you don't already own XGT tools.
Key Listed Features
Automatic Torque Drive Technology that adjusts cutting speed to maintain performance under load
Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) sealing designed to keep water and dust away from internal components
56° bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5°, 45°, and 56°
AWS wireless activation for compatible Makita dust extractors, plus dual LED work lights
