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Executive Report: Powerful performers Phil Mist, EHN’s power tools specialist, gives Makita’s latest power tools a thorough hands-on testing. Ever since the major power tool manufacturers pulled out of the Cologne Fair held annually in early March, they have launched tools in a somewhat haphazard way at various times during the year. Some companies have since opted for two launches each year, one early on and the other around the mid-point. Makita is one such manufacturer and the company has just unveiled its second product tranche for 2006. It was to be expected that the company would introduce more Lithium-Ion cordless tools. But a little surprising is the fact that the new launches are powered by 14.4V or 18V batteries, rather than something a little more powerful. However, tests carried out by EHN at Makita’s Milton Keynes head office showed that the 14.4V batteries can provide sufficient power for many applications. Moreover, as articles in recent issues have reported, 18V has already proved to be more than acceptable to many operators. An alternative to mains powered tools Results from hands-on testing carried out so far, along with initial market feedback, suggests little doubt that, provided the major power tool companies have answered any overheating and reliability problems that may have existed in early Lithium-Ion batteries, these new cordless tools can be a superb alternative to mains electric powered models. The need to supply a transformer and trailing lead along with an 110V electric tool for use on site may well soon be a thing of the past. Makita’s new BTP130SFE (14.4V) and BTP140SFE (18V) impact drivers have a choice of four settings on top of the body. By simply moving a small selector switch, the machines are capable of impact drilling, screwdriving, impact driving and rotary-only drilling. Each of the available models operates at 0-700rpm and 0-2,300rpm depending on the gear selected and can provide up to 140Nm of torque, again depending on mode selection. In the impact driving mode, up to 3,200bpm are available. An 18V Lithium-Ion battery powers the new 115mm cordless angle grinder, and yet the machine weighs only 1.9kg in total. It incorporates both accidental start-up protection and thermal overload protection to prevent damage to the motor. With a no-load speed of 10,000rpm, this compact grinder cuts easily into steel, concrete and brick using either a 1.2mm bonded abrasive cutting disc or a diamond blade. Since it is fitted with a lock-on switch, the BGA452SPE (where do they get these numbers from?) has a safety device to prevent the machine from starting if a battery is inserted with the switch set to the ‘on’ position. A battery condition light is positioned by the gear housing to indicate remaining power. Of perhaps even more importance to the hire industry is the fact that Makita has finally come to terms with a need to introduce a new heavy-duty angle grinder to replace its somewhat aged existing models. Four new machines have been launched, two of which are powered by a 2000watt motor and two by a 2400watt motor. The latter could have been a real handful if it were not for the fact that both the 180mm and 230mm models have soft start. This makes them safe to use for most operators, although I still believe that machines with this level of power should only be issued to ‘competent’ operators. Major safety features The 2400watt versions simply do not stop when abused, they just keep ploughing ever onwards. Of major safety importance is that the two larger machines have a rotating rear handle for easier grip and control when cutting. The side handle has a built-in fulcrum system to reduce HAV and the rear handle is dampened. The 2000watt models would appear to be ideal for hire to the average user (the low vibration side handle is an optional extra), whilst the 2400watt tools seem to offer a really powerful solution to professional users with demanding cutting or grinding tasks to perform. The compact HR1830 SDS Plus rotary hammer drill is powered by a 440watt motor and yet stood up manfully to heavy-duty use when drilling into brick and concrete. With a maximum drilling capacity of 18mm in concrete, a single blow energy rating of 2.2J and up to 5,000bpm, it provides a low-cost, efficient method of drilling small fixing holes on site. The machine has rotary hammer and rotary-only settings, a short body profile and weighs only 1.7kg. The HR1830 really is small: it looks more like an impact drill than an SDS hammer drill. It has an internal torque limiter system to protect the operator should a drill bit become jammed. More comfort and control It is some years since Makita produced an electric powered stone cutting saw, until now. Complementing the company’s petrol disc cutters, the 4114S is powered by a 2400watt motor and supplied in 110V only. Only long-term use will decide whether this new machine, which can cut up to 125mm deep into concrete, stone or brickwork using a 355mm diameter diamond blade, will survive the level of abuse it will most assuredly suffer on site. It has a soft start system that slowly builds up to 3,500rpm no-load speed. To protect motor, blade and operator, Makita’s ‘super-joint’ system disengages the drive should the blade become jammed during cutting. Electric disc cutters are generally less noisy than petrol machines but this feature, together with a depth-adjustable cutting base, gives more comfort and control when tackling blocks and slabs. It can be easy to criticise power tool manufacturers and their products, since much of their equipment seems to be designed using a global mentality, without being specifically intended for the UK. However, many of the latest power tools reaching our shores appear to redress this. The hire industry, in particular, seeks more power and increased safety, and Makita’s latest offerings would seem to meet both these requirements. • T
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211678 Executive Hire News › Archives › August 2006 › Executive Report › Powerful performers
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