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Hey, it’s Mena here.
A new era has arrived on the air conditioning installation jobsite. Makita’s cordless vacuum pumps launched in May 2026—the “VP001G (40Vmax)” and “VP281D (18V)”—achieve professional-grade specs without a power cord. Ultimate vacuum: 3 Pa. Pumping speed: 2 CFM (57 L/min)—matching the performance of corded vacuum pumps, cord-free.
Air conditioning work in locations where power access is difficult—rooftops, machine rooms, apartment units—is about to change completely. Supports commercial HVAC systems up to 7 horsepower class, and runtime is more than double that of the previous model. This article explains the differences between the two models and how to choose the right one from a professional’s perspective.
メナThe VP001G (40Vmax) and VP281D (18V) have nearly identical specs—only the voltage differs. The best choice is the one that matches your existing battery system. If you already have 18V tools, the cost-effective VP281D is the way to go. If you’re planning to expand your toolkit in the future, the 40Vmax VP001G has better long-term value.
Makita Cordless Vacuum Pump: 2-Model Comparison
1. Makita VP001GZ Cordless Vacuum Pump 40Vmax (Tool Only)
メナThe VP001GZ runs approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes on a 40Vmax battery. No more hunting for power outlets on the job—dramatically improving efficiency in tight machine rooms and on rooftops.
| Manufacturer | Makita |
| Model | VP001GZ (Tool only) |
| Battery Voltage | 40Vmax (sold separately) |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 3 Pa |
| Pumping Speed | 57 L/min (2 CFM) |
| Pump Type | 2-stage rotary |
| Max Runtime | Approx. 5 hr 40 min (with BL4080F) |
| Compatible HVAC | Up to 7 HP class (office/commercial) |
| Weight | 4.4 kg (tool only) |
| Dimensions | 296×125×180 mm |
| Battery & Charger | Sold separately |
The VP001GZ is Makita’s 40Vmax cordless vacuum pump, launched in May 2026. It achieves professional-grade specs—ultimate vacuum of 3 Pa and pumping speed of 57 L/min (2 CFM)—completely cordless. Ideal for installations on rooftops, in machine rooms, and inside apartment units where power access is difficult.
Its standout feature is long runtime. With the high-capacity BL4080F battery (sold separately), it runs continuously for approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes on a single charge. That’s more than enough to complete vacuum evacuation on a 7 HP commercial HVAC unit. Runtime is significantly improved over the previous 18V model, greatly reducing the need to swap batteries.
The 2-stage rotary pump achieves an ultimate vacuum of 3 Pa, enabling high-precision evacuation that minimizes refrigerant leak risk after AC installation. An oil filter is included to suppress oil mist during operation—safe for use indoors and in confined spaces. Note: battery and charger are sold separately.
2. Makita VP281DZ Cordless Vacuum Pump 18V (Tool Only)
メナThe VP281DZ works with your existing 18V batteries. For contractors already equipped with Makita 18V tools, it’s a cost-effective model that requires zero additional investment in batteries.
| Manufacturer | Makita |
| Model | VP281DZ (Tool only) |
| Battery Voltage | 18V (sold separately) |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 3 Pa |
| Pumping Speed | 57 L/min (2 CFM) |
| Pump Type | 2-stage rotary |
| Max Runtime | Approx. 4 hr 20 min (with BL1890) |
| Compatible HVAC | Up to 7 HP class (office/commercial) |
| Weight | 4.1 kg (tool only) |
| Dimensions | 288×125×180 mm |
| Battery & Charger | Sold separately |
The VP281DZ is a cordless vacuum pump compatible with Makita’s 18V battery system. It achieves the same ultimate vacuum of 3 Pa and pumping speed of 57 L/min (2 CFM) as the VP001GZ (40Vmax), in a lighter body. At 4.1 kg—0.3 kg lighter than the VP001GZ—it’s easier to handle on jobsites that involve a lot of moving around.
The biggest advantage of the VP281DZ is compatibility with existing 18V Makita batteries. AC contractors already using 18V Makita tools can adopt it without investing in a new battery system. Upgrading from the previous VP181D? Your existing 18V batteries transfer directly. Maximum runtime per charge is 4 hours 20 minutes (with BL1890)—more than double that of the previous model.
Like the VP001GZ, the VP281DZ uses a 2-stage rotary pump and handles vacuum evacuation for commercial HVAC systems up to 7 HP class. Its space-efficient design (288×125×180 mm) fits neatly in a tool bag on the jobsite. Battery and charger are sold separately. As the best value option for 18V users, it brings a new era to air conditioning installation work.
Makita Vacuum Pump Accessories & Related Tools
Here are the accessories and consumables to use alongside the VP001GZ and VP281DZ. These help improve evacuation accuracy and jobsite efficiency.
Digital Vacuum Gauge
A digital vacuum gauge for accurately verifying the ultimate vacuum reached. Not included with the VP001GZ or VP281DZ—must be purchased separately. Compatible with Makita OEM gauges or universal brands such as Yellow Jacket and ROBINAIR. Also used to verify pressure hold after evacuation, documenting installation quality.
Vacuum Pump Hose (Charging Hose)
Connecting the VP001GZ or VP281DZ requires a 1/4 to 5/16 inch male flare compatible hose. The pump does not include a hose, so you’ll need a dedicated hose to connect the manifold to the vacuum pump. Charging hoses with durable aluminum valves are easiest to handle on the job.
40Vmax / 18V Battery & Charger
The VP001GZ (40Vmax) requires a 40Vmax battery such as the BL4080F, while the VP281DZ (18V) needs an 18V battery such as the BL1890. Neither is included—purchase separately. For long-duration work, a higher-capacity battery is recommended. Choose a charger compatible with your battery.
VP001G vs VP281D — Which Should You Choose?
Choose Based on Your Existing Battery System
The most important selection criterion is your current battery. If you’re already using Makita 18V tools and batteries, choose the VP281DZ (18V) and you can adopt it with zero additional investment. On the other hand, if you’re just starting with the 40Vmax series or planning to build that system, the VP001GZ (40Vmax) has the advantage long-term.
Choose Based on Job Volume and Runtime Needs
If you install multiple units per day, the longer runtime of the VP001GZ (up to 5 hr 40 min) gives you an advantage. The VP281DZ (up to 4 hr 20 min) is also sufficient, but for large-scale commercial installations with many units, battery swaps may be more frequent. For smaller jobs or primarily residential work, the VP281DZ handles it comfortably.
Summary
The Makita VP001G and VP281D are serious cordless vacuum pumps that bring cord-free operation to air conditioning installation. With professional-grade specs—3 Pa ultimate vacuum, 2 CFM (57 L/min) pumping speed, 7 HP class compatibility, and more than double the runtime of previous models—they deliver everything working professionals need on the job.
Both models are sold as tool-only units. Batteries, chargers, a digital vacuum gauge, and vacuum pump hoses must be purchased separately. Choose the model that matches your existing Makita battery system, gear up with the necessary accessories, and put it to work.
メナPower supply on the job has been a long-standing challenge for AC contractors. With the VP001G and VP281D, that problem is finally solved. We’ll keep this page updated with the latest product info—check availability early.