Makita U.S.A. has expanded the world’s largest 18V lithium-ion cordless tool platform with the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah battery (model BL1860B).
The new battery is engineered more run time (twice the run time of the Makita 3.0Ah LXT battery), but with the same weight and dimensions as the lower-capacity 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah LXT batteries. It reaches a full charge in only 55 minutes, the fastest charge time in its category, said the company. For added convenience, it has an on-board L.E.D. charge level indicator.
Users will also benefit from expansive breadth-of-line: the new BL1860B is compatible with more than 150 Makita 18V cordless solutions, the world’s largest 18V lithium-ion cordless tool line-up.
According to the company, the new 6.0Ah battery will set new standards in run time, particularly when used on efficient brushless motor tools or in tandem on select Makita "X2" tools. Makita 18V X2 LXT (36V) cordless tools are powered by two 18V batteries, and are engineered to deliver corded power and run time for select highest-demand tools like saws, blowers and trimmers—but without leaving the 18V battery platform or investing in heavier, high-voltage batteries.
"When contractors search for a cordless replacement for a corded tool, voltage is only part of the story," said Carlos Quintana, senior product manager, Cordless, Makita U.S.A. "Watt hours, the product of amp hours and voltage, measures the amount of work performed by the tool and is a better performance indicator."
Watt hours is calculated by multiplying voltage and amp-hours. It is a key indicator of battery capacity and run time, and this example offers a comparison between the BL1860 and a higher voltage battery:
Makita 18V LXT 6.0Ah
18 x 6.0 = 108 watt hours
18V X2 LXT Recipro Saw powered by two 18V 6.0Ah batteries: 2 x 108 = 216 watt hours
60V 2.0Ah battery
60 x 2.0 = 120 watt hours
"The new 18 volt six amp-hour battery will create new standards in cordless efficiency and productivity," Quintana added. "With two six amp hour batteries, an 18 volt X2 tool can meet and exceed corded tool performance, but with the same fast-charging 18 volt batteries that contractors use on their core 18 volt tools like drills and impact drivers, as well as flashlights, fans, radios, and many more. For contractors, it’s one 18 volt battery platform and one solution."
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, visit makitatools.com.
