Product · Makita
Makita DHR263ZJ: twin 18 V SDS plus, 26 mm, bare
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The DHR263ZJ is a Makita SDS plus rotary hammer that runs on two 18 V LXT batteries at once, giving a 36 V motor. It is aimed at trades with plenty of LXT packs who want mains like masonry drilling. It comes in a Makpac case with no batteries or charger. What sets it apart in our SDS guide is that twin battery design, a way of getting 36 V power from standard 18 V packs.
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- 26 mm chuck capacity
- Modes
- Rotary, rotary hammer, hammer only
- In the box
- Tool in Makpac (no batteries)
In its favour
- Two 18 V packs drive a 36 V motor, according to Makita, for heavier masonry work.
- Three modes, including hammer only for chiselling, are listed.
- One touch slide chuck for SDS plus bits.
Good to know
- Needs two LXT batteries at once, and none are included.
- The listing shows 4.6 kg and gives no impact energy figure.
Our take
Three modes and a quick chuck
Makita lists three modes: rotation with hammering, hammering only and rotation only. Hammer only mode lets you chisel tiles, render or small sections of brick. Rotation only is for wood and metal. A one touch slide chuck makes changing SDS plus bits quick.
The spec table gives a 26 mm capacity, up to 1,200 rpm and three speed settings. Our guide notes a listed weight of 4.6 kg, which is heavy for an SDS plus tool but reflects the 36 V design and two packs.
Running on two LXT packs
Two 18 V batteries in series double the voltage. That gives more power for drilling large holes, but you need two charged packs every time. If you own several LXT batteries, this works well. If you have only one or two, the drill may tie up your whole supply.
The listing does not give an impact energy figure, which makes direct comparison with the DeWalt and Milwaukee SDS drills harder.
Case and warranty
The tool arrives in a Makpac case, which gives it a home in the van. The warranty field reads no warranty, which is likely a listing error, so confirm with the seller.
Compared with single battery SDS drills
The DeWalt DCH263N lists 3 J and a 28 mm range on one battery, while the Milwaukee M18FH-0 gives 2.5 J and 26 mm. Both are easier to keep running than a twin pack tool. In the power tool kits guide, the Makita DLX2278 pairs the single battery DHR171 SDS with a DHP484 combi, a lighter option for LXT owners who drill smaller holes.
If you have four or more LXT packs, the twin battery design is less of a burden, since two can charge while the other two drill.
Verdict
Choose the DHR263ZJ if you have plenty of Makita LXT batteries and want 36 V SDS power without a separate platform. If you run only one or two packs, a single battery SDS like the DeWalt DCH263N or Milwaukee M18FH-0 is more practical, depending on your brand.
Compared with alternatives in: Best cordless SDS drills, Makita SDS drills compared
Amazon listing title: Makita DHR263ZJ Twin 18V Li-Ion LXT Rotary Hammer SDS Plus Supplied in A Makpac Case - Batteries and Charger Not Included Small,Blue