Polisher type
Forced-rotation dual-action polishers: gear-driven orbit and spin
A forced-rotation polisher's plate orbits and is geared to rotate, which RUPES calls more aggressive with more vibration. Throws, speeds and models.
Also listed as gear-driven polisher, forced rotation DA
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Short answer
On a forced-rotation (gear-driven) dual-action polisher the backing plate both orbits and is forced to rotate through gearing. RUPES describes this as more aggressive than random orbital motion and says it generally vibrates more. Forced-rotation machines still have an orbit spec: 5 mm on the RUPES LK900E and 7/32 in (about 5.6 mm) on Makita's XOP02Z, which can also switch to free spin.
Key facts
- Motion
- The plate orbits and is forced to rotate through gearing[1]Auto Care HQ adds that rotation and orbit are tied together, unlike a free-spinning machine that can stall.
- Backing plate / pad size
- RUPES LK900E 125 or 150 mm; Makita XOP02Z sold as a 5-inch/6-inch polisher[1][2]
- Example models
- RUPES BigFoot Mille LK900E; Makita XOP02Z (selectable forced rotation or free spin)[1][2]
- Suited to
- Work where more aggressive motion is wanted, per RUPES's description[1]
Watch out for
- Gear-driven does not mean no orbit. RUPES gives its gear-driven LK900E a 5 mm orbit spec.
- The XOP02Z does both. Makita says it offers selectable random orbit with forced rotation or free-spin rotation.
- More vibration. RUPES says gear-driven motion generally vibrates more than random orbital motion.
- Tool only means no battery. Makita sells the XOP02Z tool only, and its 18V LXT batteries fit only LXT tools.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Cordless dual-action polisher (Makita 18V LXT)
Makita XOP02Z 18V LXT brushless 5 in/6 in dual action random orbit polisher (tool only)Choose the XOP02Z tool-only listing, which comes with 5 in and 6 in backing plates; no battery or charger.
Makita sells it tool only, with selectable random orbit with forced rotation or free spin, and its batteries fit only within each platform, so use Makita 18V LXT packs. Makita links an Amazon Brand Store, but that does not make every offer Makita's: check 'Ships from' and 'Sold by' on the Amazon offer before you buy.
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See how it compares with free-spinning dual-action machines and the short-throw class.
Questions
What is the difference between forced rotation and random orbital?
RUPES says a random orbital plate orbits and rotates freely, so rotation can stop under friction, while a gear-driven plate orbits and is forced to rotate. RUPES calls the gear-driven motion more aggressive.[4][1]
Does a forced-rotation polisher stall on curves?
Auto Care HQ explains that on a forced-rotation polisher rotation and orbit are tied together, while a random orbital's rotation varies with pressure and angle and can stall.[5]
Is the Makita XOP02Z a long-throw polisher?
No. Makita lists a 7/32-inch orbit, about 5.6 mm, which is a short throw, not a 15 or 21 mm long throw. It switches between forced rotation and free spin.[2]