Executive Hire News › Archives › July 2009 › Market Report : More from Makita
Market Report : More from Makita
EHN selects the latest power tools and other equipment launched by Makita for the UK hire market.
Makita has expanded its demolition hammer range with three new machines, comprising two 10kg class models and an in-line hammer. All also have the option of the manufacturer’s patented AVT anti-vibration technology.
The HM1213C AVT demolition hammer generates 26 joules of energy and runs at up to 1,900 blows/minute. Powered by a 1500watt motor, and available in 110 or 240V, the machine has variable speed control selected by a rotating dial switch on the rear grip handle, soft start to automatically feed the torque into the tool even when the trigger is fully depressed from standstill, and a service reminder indicator. The machine weighs 9.9kg and has a vibration output of 11m/s2. The HM1203C without the AVT protection weighs 8.9kg.
Representing Makita’s first entry into the 11kg weight class, the HM1214C is designed for applications where more hammer activity is in the vertical plane than horizontal. This tool has identical features, but offers 25 joules of impact energy, weighs 11.7kg and has a vibration rating of just 7.5m/s2. Described as ideal for pathway breakout, it has a full width top handle and low vibration side D handle.
All these new hammers have SDS Max steel fitting chucks and the 12-stage bit angle position settings are selected by a convenient release collar just above the chuck release. This enables the steel to be set at the most advantageous angle for the job, whilst the hammer itself is said to be at the optimum position for the operator.
Most powerful cordless in the range
Another Makita first for the UK market is the BHR261RDE hammer drill. Powered by 36V Lithium-ion battery cells, it is the most powerful cordless machine in the range, a position previously held by the 24V model. For the new tool, Makita states that drilling capacity, impact energy, blows per minute and maximum rpm are all improved, whilst vibration is reduced and charging time cut dramatically. This SDS+ machine is described as a three-function workhorse and can be used in rotary, rotary hammer or hammer-only mode. Drilling capacity is raised to 26mm in concrete with maximum no-load speed increased to 1,200rpm. Impact energy is 3 joules and impact rate is 4,800 blows/minute. When in hammer mode, the Makita chuck position control allows the position of the steel to be set to suit the job.
This powerful rotary hammer drill features a new rear handle design, which effectively separates the grip handle from the main body of the machine by fulcrums and springs. This is claimed to reduce operator risk, even in the harshest conditions. An anti-vibration side handle also contributes to maximum safety. In rotary hammer mode, the BHR261 generates a vibration level of 13.5m/s2, lower than the previous 24V model. The low weight of the Lithium-ion cells reduces overall weight to a maximum of 4.8kg.
An alternative version, the BHR261TRDE, is available with a quick-change chuck to facilitate the use of straight shank drill bits. Both models have LED job lights to assist the operator seeing the drill bit in action. Power for these heavy-duty machines is delivered by 2.6Ah Lithium-ion 36V cells. Makita continues to develop Lithium-ion technology and related charging performance, with the re-charge time for the BHR261’s cells being just 22 minutes, 40 minutes faster than the 24V Ni-MH counterparts.
Amongst additions to its outdoor power equipment range, Makita has introduced two submersible pumps to complement its existing 2in centrifugal water pump and 1in high-pressure pump. The PF4000 and PF4001 both have 400watt motors and can be used at a depth of 5m. The EBH253L brushcutter is fitted with a 24.5cc low emission, 4-stroke engine and, with a cutting diameter of 420mm, a new dual action guard, vibration protection and loop handle controls, this 5.9kg trimmer is designed for large domestic or municipal operations.
A new electric hedge trimmer completes, for now, Makita’s launch programme. The UH4860/2 has a 48cm long, double-action, double-sided blade, allowing it to cut in both directions for maximum performance. It can cut through branches up to 15mm in diameter with a maximum blade speed without load of 1,600 strokes/minute. •
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