Two more industry milestones for Makita are fast approaching in 2015 with the company’s 100 year anniversary as well as the planned release of the 100th tool in the 18V LXT line-up, the cordless tool line-up powered by an 18V slide-style battery.
The 100 Year Anniversary will be celebrated worldwide by Makita’s subsidiary offices and manufacturing/assembly plants, including Makita USA and the manufacturing facility in Buford, Ga. More details on the Makita 100 Year Anniversary will be announced soon.
Industry Leadership
Since 1915, Makita has been a power tool innovator. Today, Makita continues to meet the demands of the construction world with tools and accessories engineered to help make professional users more productive and meet high efficiency standards.
"Raising productivity and reducing labor are driving forces in the construction world," says Ken Hefley, Senior Vice President, Marketing. "As 2015 approaches, Makita will continue to lead, and meet this demand with tools and accessories that help professional users solve problems and make them more efficient."
2014 marked continued expansion and innovation with new Makita 18V and 18V brushless solutions, the world’s first cordless 7-1/4" circular saw powered by two 18V batteries, expanded Outdoor Power Equipment solutions (including cordless), the long anticipated release of the 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries, enhanced Anti-Vibration Technology for select rotary hammers, and more.
New Solutions Previewed at STAFDA
On the floor at the annual the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) Trade Show in Charlotte, N.C., Makita demonstrated its leadership to the nation’s independent dealers and industry press with a range of new solutions for contractors.
Here is a preview of new innovation on the way:
18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850)
Makita knows that the most expensive asset on a jobsite is labor, so the less time a battery sits on the charger, the more time it’s powering the tool. This means more work and less downtime. The new 5.0Ah battery provides 65 percent more run time than the Makita 3.0Ah (BL1830) battery, yet delivers a category-leading charge time of only 45 minutes.
(December 2014)
18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless ½" Hammer Driver-Drill Kit with 5.0Ah Battery (XPH07T)
With 1,090 in. lbs. of torque, the Makita XPH07 is the king of the hammer driver-drill category. Now it’s available in a kit with the new 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery for even longer run time for extended category-leading performance. (December 2014)
18V Lithium-Ion Dual Port Charger (DC18RD)
The new 18V Lithium-Ion Dual Port Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RD) charges two batteries simultaneously, giving tool users charging efficiency so their batteries spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. Charge times for the new dual-port charger match the 18V single-port charger: two 3.0Ah batteries charge in 30 minutes; two 4.0Ah batteries in 40 minutes; two 5.0Ah batteries in 45 minutes. Also features a USB port for charging electronic devices. (December 2014)
18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw (XSH03M/Z)
The new 18V LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw combines power and run-time for faster cutting and ripping – without the cord. The XSH03M is equipped with Automatic Speed Change Technology, which adjusts speed and torque during operation for optimum performance. The XSH03M Kit includes the 18V 4.0Ah battery. (January 2015)
17 lb. AVT Demolition Hammer (HM1111C)
Makita’s exclusive Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) is more than just a padded or spring-loaded handle. AVT is an internal counterbalance system engineered into the tool that greatly reduces vibration for increased user comfort and productivity. With the addition of the new 17 lb. Demolition Hammer, powered by a 14 amp motor with 12.7 ft.lbs. of impact energy, Makita offers an AV® solution in every major hammer class, from 1" rotary hammers to a 70 lb. breaker hammer. (December 2014)
18V LXT Lithium-Ion Oil Impulse Brushless Impact Driver (XST01Z, tool only)
The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Oil Impulse Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver (XST01Z) changes the game in fastening with all the speed and ergonomic advantages that contractors demand while significantly decreasing noise level during operation. Oil Impulse Technology utilizes oil viscosity to hydraulically drive the impact mechanism for up to 30% less noise. In addition, the 3-speed selector with Quick Shift Mode provides the user with precise fastening control for a wide range of applications. (Winter 2015)
INOX Grinding Wheels (A-95956 4", A-95962 5", A-95978 6")
Makita is releasing a line of INOX Grinding wheels that deliver improved material removal with less noise and vibration for improved efficiency and user experience. Ideal for grinding ferrous metals including stainless steel. (December 2014)
18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Quick-Shift Mode Impact Driver (XDT09M/Z)
Makita created new standards in the impact driver category with Quick-Shift Mode, an automatic electronic controller that downshifts and reduces rotation and impact speed prior to driving screw into place, and is engineered to minimize screw thread stripping, screw breakage and damage to work. The new XDT09 is the next generation in total fastening control with Quick-Shift Mode and three speed settings. (winter 2015)
5.5 HP Big Bore Gas Air Compressor (MAC5501G), and Compact Air Compressor (AC001)
Compressors are workhorse tools on the jobsite. Makita is adding two models to its compressor line-up. The new 5.5 HP Big Bore Gas Air Compressor (MAC5501G) has a powerful Honda GX160 4-stroke engine, with a "V" Twin style pump that runs cooler and provides up to 12.5 cfm at 100 psi for faster recovery. For increased portability, the new Compact Air Compressor (AC001) is powered by an induction motor for reliable performance and durability, and weighs only 23.1 lbs. The AC001 also has lower noise (72dBA) so it’s ideal for indoor use. (Winter 2015)
Hollow Sockets
Overhead fastening applications can be a drag on efficiency. Makita has responded with new impact- and drill-ready Hollow Sockets. The new 12-point Hollow Sockets are designed to save time and speed up fastening applications over threaded rod. Available in sizes 9/16" and 3/4", in lengths from 3" to 24" (Winter 2015)
