Above: Cordless tools are portable for work away from stationary power sources.
A cordless jobsite is now a reality for many contractors, including metalworkers
July/August 2019 - Although a cord provides a continuous source of power, corded tools can be limiting for metalworkers who must move around during a job or who need to perform work in the field, away from a reliable power source. Until recently, cordless technology lagged behind the demands of certain commercial-duty tools, such as metal-cutting circular saws and vacuums. Advances in motor and battery technology, however, mean that contractors and metalworkers are free to cut the cord—without compromising performance and results.
Cordless tools offer clear advantages in efficiency. They are portable for work on a lift or away from a stationary power source. Early phases in construction often lack a power source, and cordless tools solve this problem with cord-free operation. Other benefits of a cordless job site include reduced trip hazards and elimination of replacement costs associated with lost or damaged extension cords.
The Makita LXT system eliminates cords for tools such as angle grinders, metal cutting saws, shears, nibblers and cut-off/chop saws, along with over 200 additional LXT cordless products for drilling, fastening, cutting, clean-ups, dust extraction, lighting and more.
More than batteries
The Makita cordless job site is powered by advanced motors, reliable batteries and communication technology that allows the motor and battery to communicate with each other during use. When the battery and motor work together, the result is optimum cordless performance.
Makita has over 100 years of motor engineering experience, with a legacy in brushless motors. In 2003, the company developed brushless motor tools for exclusive use in the defense and aerospace industries. A few years later, Makita released its first brushless motor impact driver designed for contractors. Today, Makita has brushless motor solutions throughout the cordless tool and power equipment categories.
Electronically controlled brushless motors can provide 50 percent longer run time and increased power and speed over non-brushless motor tools.. Because there are no carbon brushes in contact with the armature, brushless motors run cooler and more efficiently for longer tool life.
These brushless motors can exchange data with the battery through Star Protection Computer Controls, which monitors conditions during use, to protect against overload, over discharge, and overheating in both the tool and battery. In addition, Constant Speed Control in select tools adds power and speed during use as needed for consistent performance.
Twice the power
The primary tools on a contractor’s tool belt, like drills and impact drivers, are meeting job site demands within the 18-volt lithium-ion battery platform. But secondary cordless tools like large angle grinders, dust extractors, cut-off saws and rotary hammers are often underpowered by one 18-volt battery. One solution for cordless performance in larger tools is bigger, heavier high-voltage batteries. Makita created 18V X2 (36V) LXT tools powered by two 18-volt batteries for these more demanding applications.
Makita X2 products are 36-volt tools powered by two 18-volt batteries, the same batteries that power over 200 other LXT products. “With Makita X2 tools, there’s no need to invest in additional high-voltage batteries with longer charge times for use only in select applications.” Contractors get maximum cordless performance for the most demanding applications while remaining in one 18-volt system.
Makita created the 18-volt lithium-ion tool category in 2005, and the Makita 18V LXT battery distinguished itself with its power-to-weight ratio and faster charge times than other cordless tool batteries. The LXT battery is engineered to deliver constant power and run time in extreme temperatures, even in below-zero winter weather (-4°F/-20°C).
Makita’s charging technology also features communication technology between the battery and the charger and a built-in fan to circulate cooling air through the battery during charging. Efficient charging means the battery spends more time working and less time sitting on the charger.
Work together
Battery compatibility means that the same Makita 18-volt LXT battery, which powers primary tools like drills, impact drivers and grinders, will also power secondary tools such as cordless metal shears and nibblers, larger tools such as metal cutting saws, and other tools including vacuums, lighting, radios and cordless outdoor power equipment. With more than 200 LXT tools, Makita has an extensive cordless tool system powered by 18-volt lithium-ion slide-style batteries. The expanding LXT platform gives contractors reliable performance, added efficiency and convenience of managing a single battery platform.
Forty years ago, Makita began a journey to create a job site free of cords. For many contractors, including metalworkers, that vision has been realized. Makita 18V LXT tools meet corded demands, ane exceed the performance of corded tools, all while remaining in a single cordless platform powered by the fast-charging 18V lithium-ion batteries.
Makita USA Inc.
La Mirada, California
714/522-8088
