Portable Electric Tools: Makita Adds 2.0 and 4.0 Amp Hour Batteries

New Lithium-Ion 4.0 Ah battery delivers 35% more run time than its 3.0 Ah predecessor.

Makita has expanded the world’s largest 18V lithium-ion cordless tool platform with the 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0 amp-hour battery (BL1820) and the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 4.0 Ah battery (BL1840).

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 4.0 Ah Battery (BL1840) delivers 35% more run time than the 18V LXT 3.0 Ah (BL1830) battery.

The two new batteries are engineered for more run-time and faster charging than other 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries on the market today. With 80+ 18V cordless solutions, Makita has the world’s largest 18V lithium-ion tool line-up powered by slide-style 18V lithium-ion batteries, giving contractors unmatched breadth-of-line, power and efficiency.

More Time Working, Less Time Sitting on the Charger
"Contractors are always seeking solutions that increase productivity and reduce downtime," said Mario Lopez, Makita Product Manager, Cordless Tools. "Since Makita created the 18V lithium-ion category in 2005, we’ve delivered an expanding line-up of cordless tools that lets contractors cut the cord for applications that had always required a corded tool. The new 2.0 and 4.0 amp-hour batteries give contractors industry-leading performance and compatibility, with batteries that spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. And there’s more battery innovation on the way in 2014."

18V LXT Lithium-Ion 4.0 Ah Battery
When Makita created the 18V lithium-ion power tool category in 2005, the 18V LXT 3.0 Ah battery changed the game for contractors with cordless tools that delivered more work and a fastest charge for increased productivity. The new 18V LXT 4.0 Ah battery delivers even more run time, but with a minimal increase in charge time for maximum efficiency.

• Up to 35% more run time than the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0 Ah battery (BL1830)
• Reaches a full charge in only 40 minutes – two-times faster than leading competitors’ 18V 4.0 Ah batteries (some requiring up to 1 hour 30 minutes to reach a full charge).
• In side-by-side internal testing, an 18V LXT Hammer Driver-Drill powered by the new 4.0 Ah battery drilled 25 holes, compared to 18 holes by the 3.0 Ah battery-powered drill (application: 2-9/16" self-feed into 2x10 SPF).
• Fully compatible with 18V LXT and 18V Compact cordless tools that carry the star symbol.

The BL1840 will be available in August 2014 in select tool kits and combo kits, and in September as an accessory.

18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0 Ah Battery
The new 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0 Ah battery (BL1820) provides more run time and a fastest-charge time for compact cordless power:

• Up to 50% more run time than the Makita 18V Lithium-Ion 1.5 Ah battery (BL1820)
• Reaches a full charge in only 25 minutes – up to 40% faster than other 18V Compact 2.0 Ah batteries
• In side-by-side internal testing, an 18V Compact Driver-Drill powered by the new 2.0 Ah battery drilled 32 holes, compared to 21 holes by the 1.5 Ah battery-powered drill (application: 1-1/8" self-feed into 2x10 SPF).
• Fully compatible with 18V LXT® and 18V Compact cordless tools that carry the star symbol.

The BL1820 is available now in 18V Compact Lithium-Ion kits, as well as in 2-pc., 3-pc., and 4-pc. combo kits.

Star Protection Computer Controls
For improved tool performance and extended battery life, Makita created Star Protection Computer Controls. Star Protection is communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating. All new Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries are engineered with Star Protection and are fully compatible with Makita 18V LXT and Compact Lithium-Ion tools that also carry the Star symbol.

Engineered to Perform in Harsh Jobsite Conditions
Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries deliver consistent power and run time in extreme temperatures, even in winter (-4°F/-20°C). The impact-resistant outer case and shock-absorbing inner-liner are engineered to protect the battery, and each battery has sixteen contact terminals to maintain a constant connection with the tool to help prevent power loss or fluctuation, even during high-vibration applications.

The Makita Rapid Optimum Charger (sold separately) is a smart-charging system that communicates with the battery during the charging process to monitor current, voltage and temperature. This advanced charging technology helps optimize battery life and deliver a faster charge. In addition, the Charger has a built-in fan to cool the battery for faster and more efficient charging, even in hot weather conditions.

For more information, call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or go to www.makitatools.com. Follow Makita: facebook.com/makitatoolspage and twitter.com/makitatools.