Makita VC013GL Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Important Information

Read this instruction manual carefully before use.

! Read before use.

WARNING

• This machine is not intended for use by persons, including children, with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the cleaner.
• Refer to the "SPECIFICATIONS" chapter for battery type.
• Refer to "Important safety instructions for battery cartridge" for prohibited matters and important points regarding the battery cartridge.
• Refer to "Installing or removing battery cartridge" for instructions on how to remove or install the battery.
• When disposing of the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool and dispose of it safely, following local regulations.
• If the tool is not used for a long period, remove the battery.
• Do not short-circuit the battery cartridge.
• Refer to the "MAINTENANCE" chapter for user maintenance precautions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are subject to change without notice due to continuous research and development. Specifications may differ by country. Weight includes accessories (Hose, Wide nozzle, Sash nozzle) and battery cartridge(s). Water capacity depends on usage conditions.

Applicable Battery Cartridge and Charger

• Battery cartridge: BL4020 / BL4025 / BL4040 / BL4040F / BL4050F / BL4080F
• Charger: DC40RA / DC40RB / DC40RC / DC40WA / BCC01 / BCC02

WARNING: Only use the listed battery cartridges and chargers. Using other types may cause injury and/or fire.

Note: Availability of some battery cartridges and chargers may vary by region.

Symbols

Understand the meaning of these symbols used on the equipment:

• ? Read instruction manual.
• ⚠️ Take particular care and attention.
• ☣️ Warning! The cleaner may contain hazardous dust.
• ?️ Dust class L (light). Follow country's regulations for dust and occupational health and safety.

General Safety Warnings

• Never stand on the cleaner.
• CAUTION: Use only genuine Makita batteries. Non-genuine or altered batteries may burst, causing fire, injury, or damage, and void the warranty.
• NOTICE: Makita is not responsible for accidents from non-genuine or modified batteries.
• Tips for maintaining maximum battery life: Charge before complete discharge, avoid overcharging, charge at room temperature (10°C - 40°C / 50°F - 104°F), cool hot batteries before charging, remove battery when not in use, recharge if stored for over six months.
• Important safety instructions for wireless unit: Keep away from children, do not disassemble, avoid wet conditions, high temperatures, and areas with medical instruments or automated devices. Do not expose to static electricity or electrical noise.
• Intended use: For collecting wet and dry dust. Suitable for commercial use (hotels, schools, hospitals, factories, shops, offices, rental businesses).
• Noise: Typical A-weighted noise level is 75 dB(A) (uncertainty K: 2.5 dB(A)) for vacuum and blower modes at no load. Noise may exceed 80 dB(A) during use. Wear ear protection.
• Vibration: Continuous vibration total value is 2.5 m/s² or less (uncertainty K: 1.5 m/s²) for vacuum and blower modes at no load.
• EU Waste Directive: Do not dispose of electrical and electronic equipment or batteries with household waste. Dispose of separately at designated collection points. Indicated by the ?️ symbol.
• Safety Precautions: Read all warnings before use. Ensure adequate training. Switch off immediately if foam/liquid appears. Clean water level limiter. Ensure filters are correctly installed. Avoid unintentional starting by ensuring the switch is OFF when installing batteries. Do not pick up flammable, explosive, toxic, or sharp materials. Do not use near gasoline, paint, or adhesives. Never vacuum toxic, carcinogenic, or hazardous materials. Place on a horizontal surface. Do not use outdoors in rain or at low temperatures (Finland). Keep away from heat sources. Ensure adequate room ventilation. Do not block inlets/outlets/vents. Maintain good footing and balance. Do not fold, tug, or step on the hose. Stop if performance is poor or abnormal. Remove batteries when not in use, before servicing, or changing accessories. Clean and service immediately after each use. Maintain the cleaner with care. Check for damaged parts and repair/replace as needed. For user servicing, dismantle, clean, and service safely. Annual technical inspection recommended. Dispose of contaminated items properly. Use only identical replacement parts. Store indoors. Dry wet filters and interior parts before storage. Handle with care. Do not use harsh chemicals for cleaning. Do not use in enclosed spaces with flammable vapors or dust. Do not operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Use safety goggles and dust masks. Keep batteries away from children. Use extreme caution on stairs. Do not use as a stool or workbench.
• Battery Tool Use and Care: Recharge only with specified chargers. Use only designated battery packs. Keep battery packs away from metal objects to prevent shorting. Avoid contact with ejected battery liquid; flush with water if contact occurs. Do not use damaged or modified battery packs. Do not expose battery packs to fire or excessive temperatures. Follow charging instructions and temperature ranges.
• Important safety instructions for battery cartridge: Read all instructions. Do not disassemble or tamper. Stop if operating time is excessively shorter. Seek medical attention if electrolyte gets into eyes. Do not short terminals. Avoid storing with metal objects. Do not expose to water or rain. Do not store/use above 50°C (122°F). Do not incinerate. Do not nail, cut, crush, throw, or drop. Do not use damaged batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are subject to Dangerous Goods Legislation; follow packaging and labeling requirements for transport. Tape off contacts when packing. Dispose of safely according to local regulations. Use batteries only with specified Makita products. Remove battery if tool is unused for a long period. Handle hot battery cartridges with care. Do not touch hot terminals. Keep terminals clean. Avoid high-voltage electrical power lines. Keep batteries away from children.
• Tips for maintaining maximum battery life: Charge before discharge, avoid overcharging, charge at room temperature, cool hot batteries, remove battery when not in use, recharge if stored for long periods.
• Important safety instructions for wireless unit: Do not open lid after initial installation. Do not disassemble. Keep away from children. Use only with Makita tools. Avoid rain/wet conditions, temperatures over 50°C (122°F), and areas with medical instruments or automated devices. Do not operate where static electricity or electrical noise is generated. Wireless unit produces EMF but is not harmful. Handle carefully to avoid dropping or striking. Avoid touching terminals with bare hands or metal. Remove battery before installing wireless unit. Keep slot inlet clean and dry. Insert in correct direction. Do not press activation button too hard or with sharp objects. Close lid securely. Do not remove wireless unit while power is supplied. Do not remove or add stickers. Do not leave in hot, dusty, or corrosive environments. Allow dew to dry completely. Clean with a dry soft cloth; do not use solvents. Store in supplied case or static-free container. Do not insert non-Makita devices. Do not use with damaged lid. Do not pull/twist lid excessively. Replace lost or damaged lid.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: Ensure appliance is switched off and battery cartridge is removed before adjusting or checking functions.

Installing or removing battery cartridge

CAUTION: Switch off appliance before installing/removing battery. Hold firmly to prevent slipping. Be careful not to pinch fingers when opening/closing battery cover.

To install: Open battery cover, insert battery cartridge, align tongue with groove, push until it clicks, then close cover.

To remove: Slide battery from appliance while sliding the button on the front of the cartridge.

CAUTION: Always install battery fully. Do not force insertion if it doesn't slide easily.

Indicating the remaining battery capacity: Press the check button on the battery cartridge. Indicator lamps show remaining capacity.

Battery indicator on control panel: Check button indicates remaining battery capacity via indicator lamps.

Appliance / battery protection system: Automatically cuts off power to extend appliance and battery life under conditions like overload, overheat, or overdischarge. The appliance will stop automatically. Follow on-screen instructions to restart.

• Overload protection: Stops if abnormally high current is drawn. Turn off, stop the cause, then turn on.
• Overheat protection: Stops if overheated; battery indicator blinks. Let it cool down before restarting.
• Overdischarge protection: Stops when battery capacity is low. Charge batteries if appliance does not operate.
• Protections against other causes: For other issues, turn off/on, charge/replace battery, or let it cool down. Contact service if issues persist.

Electronic function

Restart prevention: If battery is inserted while switch is ON, appliance won't start. Turn switch OFF then ON to start.

Switch action: Turn switch lever to "I" (ON) or "AUTO" (ON) to turn on. Turn to "O" (OFF) to turn off.

Adjusting suction power: Turn the suction force adjusting knob left to reduce power, right to increase power.

Auto-suction stop during wet suction operation: A float mechanism prevents water from immersing into the motor. When the tank is full, the cleaner stops picking up water. Switch off and empty the tank.

WARNING: Do not use for a long time with the float engaged, as it can cause overheating and deformation. Do not pick up foam or soapy liquid, as it can cause foam to exit the air vent, potentially leading to electric shock or breakage.

Carriage handle: Carry by the handle. Do not hold the recessed battery cover handle. Lift and carry with care. The handle is retractable.

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION: Ensure appliance is switched off and battery cartridge removed before assembly or maintenance. Wear a dust mask.

Installing prefilter set: Use for dry dust with HEPA filter. Reduces dust clogging in HEPA filter. Release locking hooks, remove head unit. Set damper on HEPA filter, cover with prefilter, hooking rubber band onto HEPA filter lip. Mount head unit and lock. For prefilter set use, wipe and shake dust off prefilter and damper.

Installing paper pack/filter bag: CAUTION: Do not pick up water or wet dust with paper pack/filter bag. Do not use clogged paper packs for concrete/gypsum dust. Paper packs and filter bags are disposable. Select based on work type (dust/hair for paper pack; concrete dust/wood chips for filter bag).

Insert cardboard of paper pack/filter bag into dust stopper slot until it clicks. Unfold fully. Place dust stopper on tank mounting part and push until lever locks.

Connecting the hose: NOTICE: Do not force, stamp, or move cleaner by hose. Do not pick up large wastes like planer shavings or concrete pieces.

• For vacuum cleaning: Insert hose into suction inlet, turn clockwise until it clicks.
• For blowing: Insert hose into blower outlet, turn clockwise until it clicks.

NOTICE: Suction inlet and blower outlet are separate. Connect hose to the proper port.

Installing polyethylene bag: Optional accessory for easy, clean emptying. Lay bag over tank. Install head unit and lock.

Connecting the nozzle: Attach wide, sash, or other nozzles by twisting and inserting onto the end of the hose.

Storage of hose and nozzles: Hose and nozzles can be stored on the appliance. Fix hose with hooks.

Connecting the tool: Connect hose end to tool's extraction outlet. May require optional joint 22-38 or front cuff 24. Ensure hose is connected to the suction inlet.

Installing the shoulder strap: CAUTION: Lift and carry with care. Attach strap hooks to cleaner mounts.

Installing caster: Optional accessory. Insert casters into holes in the bottom of the tank. Casters without stoppers for cleaner side, with stoppers for blower side. To remove, pull out.

Locking and unlocking casters: CAUTION: Lock casters during operation, interruption, or storage to prevent unintentional movement. Lower stopper levers to lock, raise to release.

OPERATION

Using as a vacuum cleaner: Use HEPA filter for dry dust. If using HEPA filter for water, suction may reduce; dry the filter. Use wet filter for repeated water pickup. Install hose and nozzle, turn on appliance. Empty tank before it becomes full.

Using as a blower: CAUTION: Do not blow muddy water. Wear protective goggles, cap, and mask. Do not point nozzle at anyone. Be aware of surroundings. Do not blow into inflatable products.

• Install hose into blower outlet.
• Point hose tip and turn on appliance.

NOTICE: Sash nozzle makes cleaning narrow spaces easier.

WIRELESS ACTIVATION FUNCTION

Optional accessory: Enables clean and comfortable operation by automatically running the cleaner with a supported tool's switch operation.

NOTICE: Refer to tool's manual. Do not disassemble wireless unit. Keep slot lid closed. Do not press activation button too hard or with sharp objects.

Requirements: Makita tools with wireless unit. Tool registration is required for initial use.

Registration: One wireless unit can register up to 10 links. Earliest registration is cancelled if limit is exceeded. Activation button position varies by tool.

Installing the wireless unit: WARNING: Open lid only for first-time installation.

• Place cleaner on a flat, stable surface.
• Clean dust/dirt from cleaner before installing.
• Touch a static-discharging material before handling wireless unit to prevent static malfunction.
• Ensure wireless unit is inserted correctly and lid is closed completely.
• Loosen screw to open lid. Insert wireless unit, aligning projections with recessed portions. Tighten screw to close lid.

Tool registration for the cleaner: Requires a compatible Makita tool. Finish wireless unit installation first. Do not pull tool trigger or turn cleaner switch during registration. Refer to tool manual.

1. Install wireless units to cleaner and tool.
2. Install batteries to cleaner and tool.
3. Set cleaner switch lever to "AUTO".
4. Press cleaner wireless activation button for 3 seconds until lamp blinks green. Then press tool button similarly.

Successful linking: Lamps light green for 2 seconds, then blink blue. If cleaner/tool lamps don't blink green, press button briefly and hold again. For multiple tools, register one by one.

Starting the wireless activation function: After registration, cleaner runs automatically with tool switch operation. Ensure cleaner is visible to check lamp status.

1. Install wireless units to cleaner and tool.
2. Install batteries to cleaner and tool.
3. Connect cleaner hose with tool.
4. Set cleaner switch lever to "AUTO".
5. Push tool wireless activation button briefly; lamp blinks blue.
6. Turn on tool. Check if cleaner runs with tool operation.

CAUTION: Always check wireless activation function before starting work.

To stop: Push tool activation button or set cleaner switch lever to "I" or "O".

Note: Lamps stop blinking blue after 2 hours of inactivity. Cleaner/tool may have a delay in starting/stopping. Transmission distance varies. Other users' wireless activation may affect operation.

Cancelling tool registration for the cleaner: Follow procedure: Install units, install batteries, set cleaner to "AUTO". Press cleaner activation button for 6 seconds (lamp blinks green then red). Then press tool button similarly. Successful cancellation: Lamps light red for 2 seconds, then blink blue.

Erasing all tool registrations: Install wireless unit, install batteries, set cleaner to "AUTO". Hold cleaner activation button for 6 seconds until lamp blinks red (slowly). Release, then hold again for 6 seconds until lamp blinks red (fast). Lamp lights red then off, indicating all registrations erased.

Description of the wireless activation lamp status:

Troubleshooting for wireless activation function: Consult manual for issues not listed. Contact Makita Authorized Service Centers for repairs.

Troubleshooting Table Summary:

• Lamp not lighting/blinking: Check wireless unit installation, ensure button pushed, switch lever is "AUTO", and power is supplied.
• Registration/Cancellation failure: Check unit installation, switch lever, power supply. Ensure correct operation sequence. Get tool/cleaner closer (within 10m range). Perform registration/cancellation at the same timing. Keep away from radio-disturbing appliances (Wi-Fi, microwaves).
• Cleaner not running with tool: Check unit installation, button push, "AUTO" setting, power supply. Re-register if more than 10 tools are registered. Erase all registrations and re-register. Get tool/cleaner closer. Keep away from radio-disturbing appliances.
• Cleaner runs when tool is off: Turn off other users' wireless activation or cancel their registration.
• Cannot erase all registrations: Ensure correct button press sequence for erasing. Set switch lever to "AUTO".

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: Ensure appliance is switched off and battery cartridge removed before maintenance. Use goggles and dust mask when emptying tank or cleaning filter. Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, or alcohol.

Repairs and adjustments should be performed by authorized service centers using genuine Makita parts.

Disposing of dust: CAUTION: Do not impact the tank. Empty tank daily to prevent suction weakening or motor breakage. Do not grab the hook when emptying.

• Release locking hooks, lift head unit.
• Shake dust off filter and dispose of from tank.

Disposing of paper pack/filter bag: Remove dust stopper and pack/bag. Dispose of paper pack. For filter bag, pull strip to shut and dispose of entire bag. Replace with new pack/bag. Store dust stopper on head unit when not in use.

NOTICE: Take polyethylene bag out carefully to avoid tearing. Empty before full to prevent tearing.

Cleaning of HEPA filter/wet filter and prefilter set: NOTICE: Do not rub or scratch filters with hard objects.

• Clogged filters reduce suction. Clean filters periodically.
• Remove head unit. Turn HEPA/wet filter counterclockwise and pull out.
• Shake dust off. Wash filter in water, rinse, and dry HEPA filter thoroughly in shade. Never wash in a washing machine.
• Install HEPA/wet filter by placing and twisting clockwise until lips lock.

NOTICE: Dust stopper is essential for paper pack/filter bag use.

Disposing of polyethylene bag: Remove bag, closing opening by hand.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

CAUTION: Use only recommended accessories/attachments for safety. Use only for stated purpose.

Recommended accessories: Hose, Pipe, Front cuff 24, Joint 22-38, Nozzle, Brush, Shoulder strap, Caster set, Polyethylene bag, Paper pack, Filter bag, Wet filter, HEPA filter, Prefilter set, Wireless unit, Makita genuine battery and charger.

Note: Some items may be included as standard accessories and may differ by country.

Contact your local Makita Service Center for assistance.