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Executive Report: Turning up the power Amongst Makita UK’s latest launches are products featuring lithium-ion batteries, offering significant benefits. Phil Mist reports from the company’s Milton Keynes headquarters. Battery powered tools, with the exception of SDS hammer drills, have never really proved to be huge money-spinners for most hire companies. They have largely suffered from a lack of performance when measured against their mains powered counterparts, and so cordless tools have principally sold well to customers who work in locations that lack a mains supply, or when convenience is the main criterion for tool selection. However, as EHN has reported several times in recent months, the lithium-ion revolution seems capable of changing all that, and continues to gather pace. More and more power tool manufacturers are providing cordless tools with these batteries instead of NiCad or NiMH cells. The move towards lithium-ion has been brought about by several factors. They are environmentally friendly, unlike NiCads, so recycling is not a major headache. All indications are they are more reliable than the other two battery types. Correct charging techniques are not so critical, and there is said to be no so-called memory effect. In addition, the performance of a lithium battery seems to remain more constant during its discharge cycle, only deteriorating when the battery is virtually empty of power. Most power tool manufacturers exclude batteries from warranty claims, but lithium batteries may change this situation. Reduction in weight Other advantages include a reduction in weight. They are up to 40% lighter than NiCad and NiMH batteries, which means that a lighter cordless tool can be designed, and that the overall balance of the machine is improved. Finally, both NiCad and NIMH batteries can suffer from problems associated with overheating. Chargers used with most cordless tools rely on an overheat protection system to complete the charging sequence and to prevent the battery from melting, whereas lithium-ion batteries appear able to withstand more heat. In addition, their chargers actively cool the new style batteries whilst they are being charged. With a claimed increase of 30% in available power, and up to 50% more run time, lithium batteries would appear to provide all the answers. Initially, the only drawback would seem to be the higher price this technology carries; but, since tool hirers specialise in providing equipment that is too expensive for most users, it seems logical that these machines will be included in hire fleets. Makita has extended its range of cordless tools with several new lithium-ion powered machines available in a variety of formats. The manufacturer’s new 14.4V and 18V lithium batteries have 3Ah cells, while the latest Makstar LXT cordless tools appear to offer more power, while also being more compact and much lighter. The list of new machines includes both combi drills and drill drivers with three-speed gearboxes, and a number of compact models with two-speed selection. The resulting torque output ranges from 41Nm up to 80Nm in the combis and drill drivers, and a massive 145Nm from an impact driver that has also been introduced. The combi drills are fitted with a genuine impact chuck, and electronic speed control sustains the operating speed despite any attempt at stalling the tool. Lithium-ion technology has opened the way for other cordless tools, and Makita has now launched a 165mm diameter circular saw that runs at 3,700rpm and can cut up to 57mm in depth. Weighing just 3.2kg including battery, the BSS610 is an impressive looking saw that cuts quickly and can be connected to a dust collection system. Makita has introduced other new products and accessories, including some powered in more conventional ways. Amongst these are a radio, a metal detector for safer drilling, a saw trestle suitable for all mitre saws, and a telescopic saw table for Makita’s own table saw. A large number of TCT router bits, together with new screwdriver bits, a new reciprocating saw blade and a dry diamond core drilling set have also been added. Makita has identified its petrol product division as having huge growth potential. A new industrial leaf blower, two pressure washers and a small rotary mower have been added to the already wide ranging list of petrol powered machines. The larger of the two pressure washers is aimed at the professional market, featuring metal reinforced couplings and a strengthened high-pressure nozzle. This machine, as well as the leaf blower, looks to be particularly relevant to the hire industry. To design and manufacture a new product can be an expensive process, and this is particularly true of power tools, with injection moulding equipment costing huge sums of money. It is refreshing, therefore, to see Makita and other manufacturers constantly introducing new and improved power tools. The hire industry needs to keep in touch with trends and to take advantage of these new ideas, which can create a route to new profit opportunities. • T
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211678 Executive Hire News › Archives › Feb/March 2006 › Executive Report › Turning up the power
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