Comparison:Makita 9403 vs M9400

Two Makita belt sanders that look similar on paper, yet don’t deliver the same punch once they hit the material. The Makita 9403 is clearly built for long sessions, repeated sanding over large surfaces, and users who need a machine that stays steady, consistent, and tough over time. The Makita M9400 takes a more approachable route: still capable of sustained sanding, but with a calmer, less demanding mechanical setup. In short, same footprint 100 × 610 mm belt but a clear gap in power, output, and overall comfort in use.

Makita 9403

Technical specifications

Rated power : 1200 W

Belt speed : 500 m/min

Belt size : 100 × 610 mm

Weight (without cable) : 5.7 kg

Cord length : 5.0 m

Noise level (Lwa) : 97 dB(A)

Sound pressure (Lpa) : 86 dB(A)

Dust collection : 360° dust bag

Auto belt tracking : Yes

Flush sanding : Yes

Belt change : Standard

Dimensions (L × W × H) : 353 × 164 × 211 mm

Vibration : ≤ 2.5 m/s²

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

1200 W motor delivering strong performance on dense wood.
500 m/min belt speed, ideal for fast material removal.
Surprisingly manageable weight for its power class (5.7 kg).
360° rotating dust bag, easier to position depending on the workspace.
5-meter cord, reducing movement limitations.
Labyrinth sealing to protect the motor and bearings.
Slightly lower noise output than the M9400.
Excellent overall stability during continuous pressure.

Weaknesses

Usually priced higher than the M9400.
Still heavy for users not accustomed to this format.
Belt change system not as quick as on the M9400.

Indicative price

320$

Who is Makita 9403 suitable for?

The Makita 9403 is a belt sander built for extended workloads and heavy-duty use. Its strength lies in a solid motor, high belt speed, and ergonomics designed to keep a steady pace without sacrificing accuracy. The whole package stays consistent: power, stability, and dust management that’s more refined than on entry-level units.

Makita M9400

Technical specifications

Rated power : 940 W

Belt speed : 380 m/min

Belt size : 100 × 610 mm

Weight (without cable) : 6.2 kg

Cord length : 2.0 m

Noise level (Lwa) : 98 dB(A)

Sound pressure (Lpa) : 87 dB(A)

Dust collection : Standard dust bag

Auto belt tracking : Yes

Flush sanding : Yes

Belt change : Tool-free quick change

Dimensions (L × W × H) : 354 × 175 × 169 mm

Vibration : ≤ 2.5 m/s²

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

940 W motor, sufficient for steady sanding on panels and boards.
380 m/min belt speed, suitable for regular, non-intensive work.
Tool-free quick belt change, convenient for daily use.
Zero side overhang, allowing flush sanding along walls.
Sturdy build designed to withstand repeated sessions.
Generally attractive price-to-performance ratio.

Weaknesses

Lower output than the 9403 (less speed and power).
Slightly heavier (6.2 kg), noticeable during prolonged pressure.
Slightly louder noise level.
Short 2-meter cord, almost always requires an extension.
More basic dust collection, no rotating bag.

Indicative price

200$

Who is Makita M9400 suitable for?

The Makita M9400 keeps the classic 100 × 610 mm belt format, but pairs it with a milder motor and a design focused on straightforward use. It maintains solid mechanical durability, handles large surfaces well, and aims for accessibility rather than advanced features.

Comparison table: Makita 9403 vs M9400

Criteria	9403	M9400	Verdict
Rated power	1200 W	940 W	9403Stronger (+27%)
Belt speed	500 m/min	380 m/min	9403Faster (+31%)
Belt size	100 × 610 mm	100 × 610 mm	Tie
Weight (without cable)	5.7 kg	6.2 kg	9403Lighter (-0.5 kg)
Cord length	5.0 m	2.0 m	9403Clearly more convenient
Noise level (Lwa)	97 dB(A)	98 dB(A)	9403
Sound pressure (Lpa)	86 dB(A)	87 dB(A)	9403
Dust collection	360° dust bag	Standard dust bag	9403More versatile
Auto belt tracking	Yes	Yes	Tie
Flush sanding	Yes	Yes	Tie
Belt change	Standard	Tool-free quick change	M9400
Dimensions (L × W × H)	353 × 164 × 211 mm	354 × 175 × 169 mm	9403More compact in height
Vibration	≤ 2.5 m/s²	≤ 2.5 m/s²	Tie

Recommended accessories

For Makita 9403

Dust bag for belt sander 9403

Steel and cork glide

Sanding belts 100 x 610 mm - 80 grit - Wood and metal

For Makita M9400

Carbon backplate 172 x 110mm

Sanding belts 100 x 610 mm - 80 grit - Wood and metal

Real-life test: Makita 9403 vs M9400

Refinishing three interior beech doors. Each door requires about 40 minutes of continuous sanding, first with 80-grit, then 120-grit. Workshop environment, flat but dense material, major dust output if not well controlled.

Experience with the Makita 9403?

After just a few minutes, Julien can feel the machine “pulling” efficiently: the belt speed gives a real sense of power, almost as if the tool is moving on its own. The weight is noticeable but well balanced, reducing arm strain. The front handle, set relatively high, lets him apply steady pressure without tensing up. Dust management is a genuine advantage: the rotating bag keeps the work zone clear and prevents it from bumping into the bench. The tool tracks straight and doesn’t drift, which helps him maintain clean edges. Noise is present, of course, but less harsh than expected for a sander in this category.

Experience with the Makita M9400?

The grip feels familiar, but the pace is not the same. Julien quickly realizes he has to guide the machine more assertively: with the lower speed, he needs to maintain pressure longer to get the same material removal. The M9400 remains sturdy and doesn’t vibrate excessively, but the extra weight eventually takes a toll on his wrists. The short cord disrupts the workflow: he has to reposition the extension twice during the session, which never happened with the 9403. On the other hand, the fast tool-free belt change saves him time when switching from 80- to 120-grit. Dust is collected decently, though the fixed bag orientation limits placement options.

User reviews

Makita 9403

4.42/5

Performance / Output

95%

Comfort & Ergonomics

85%

Jobsite Versatility

90%

Price-to-Performance Ratio

84%

★★★★★

Marc L.

I use it almost every day in the workshop, and the belt speed really makes a difference. The machine stays stable even on long passes. The 5 m cord, honestly, you don't realize how convenient it is until you try it.

★★★★★

Sonia P.

I restore furniture and the 9403 helps me save a lot of time on rough sanding. It’s a bit heavy for me, but nothing unmanageable. The rotating dust bag surprised me, it’s more useful than expected.

★★★★★

Hugo D.

Good power, reasonable noise, and solid handling. My only regret is that the belt change isn’t faster. But for professional work, it performs well.

Makita M9400

3.85/5

Performance / Output

70%

Comfort & Ergonomics

72%

Jobsite Versatility

78%

Price-to-Performance Ratio

88%

★★★★★

Élodie R.

I use it regularly for home renovation. The machine is reliable, simple, and the quick belt change is really convenient. You just have to deal with an extension cord, the cable is very short.

★★★★★

Thomas V.

For the price, it gets the job done. You can feel that the speed is a bit limited compared to other models I’ve tried. For a hobby workshop, it’s more than enough.

★★★★★

Kamel S.

Solid and effective on large surfaces. It’s a bit heavy, but nothing unexpected for this type of tool. Noise is noticeable but standard. Good value for the money.

Questions? We have the answers!

Is the Makita 9403 suitable for heavy-duty use?

Yes. Its 1200 W motor, high belt speed, and reinforced internal protection make it capable of handling long work sessions without losing stability.

Is the Makita M9400 enough for sanding large surfaces?

Yes, as long as the pace remains moderate. It uses the same 100 × 610 mm belt as the 9403, but its output is calmer, which slightly extends sanding time.

Which model offers better dust management?

The 9403 comes out on top, thanks to its 360° rotating dust bag, which makes it easier to keep the workspace clear regardless of working position.

Is the weight difference between the two models significant?

It’s small (0.5 kg), but during long sessions, that extra pound from the M9400 can be felt.

Which model has the most convenient belt change system?

The M9400, with its fast, tool-free belt replacement, more practical both on-site and in the workshop.