MAKITA'S NEW 18V LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS ROTARY HAMMER IS MORE COMPACT WITH LESS VIBRATION

AUGUST 6, 2008  La Mirada, CA – Makita U.S.A., Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, is proud to announce the release of its new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary Hammer Kit, model BHR202.  The new cordless rotary hammer adds to Makita’s extensive LXT Series of cordless tools featuring 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery Technology, a breakthrough in cordless that delivers more power, less weight and better engineering. The new BHR202 combines big impact and high speed in a compact cordless design.

“We did some research on our best-selling BHR240, and made it even better,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita’s associate product manager – cordless products. “We made the new BHR202 more compact with less vibration, but we kept the same speed and hard-hitting power. And the LXT Lithium-Ion Battery makes this rotary hammer perfect for remote use, where running a cord is not an option.”

The new BHR202 has a Makita-built motor that delivers 1-1,000 RPM and 0-4,000 BPM. It has a 3-Mode switch for rotation only, hammering with rotation, or hammering only.  The built-in torque limiter clutch disengages if the bit jams when hitting rebar or other obstruction. In addition, the one-touch sliding chuck enables easy bit changes, and the chisel rotates 360° with 40 different locking positions to get the best working setting. The built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the drilling surface for improved visibility.

The hard-hitting BHR202 has enhanced durability features, so the tool beats up the work surface – not the tool or the tool user. It has an ergonomic grip with a soft-grip handle, and a jobsite-tested shock-absorbent handle to protect the battery from excessive vibration. This new feature is engineered to reduce vibration and extend the life of the battery.

“We took the same shock-absorbent handle design from our high-torque impact wrench and added this to the new BHR202 to reduce vibration transmissions from the tool to the battery terminals,” said Haughawout. “The end result is less vibration on the battery, providing even longer run times.”

The BHR202 is ideal for electricians, plumbers, masons, HVAC, and general contractors who require a best-in-class engineered cordless rotary hammer.

The BHR202 is powered by Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology and Rapid Optimum Charging System, a breakthrough in cordless technology producing 430% total lifetime work with two-and-a-half times more battery cycles when compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries. The Rapid Optimum Charger is ENERGY STAR rated for its charging efficiency, and will charge a Makita 3.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery in just 30 minutes.

Model BHR202 is a kit that includes (2) two LXT Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, 30-minute Rapid Optimum Charger, depth gauge, side handle and contractor bag. Model BHR202Z is the tool only.

Since its introduction on October 3, 2005, Makita’s LXT Series featuring 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology has been providing the professional end-user with more work solutions. Nearly three years later, with 30 single tool solutions in the LXT Series, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery is a breakthrough in cordless with more power, less weight and better engineering, and Makita is proud to be the first to bring it to jobsites across America.

"Makita did not just design a longer run time battery; we designed a complete tool solution to redefine the way pro users work,” said Ken Hefley, senior vice president marketing, Makita USA. “The LXT solution is all muscle and no fat, with 18 volt power at 12 volt weight.  LXT allows the pro user to work longer with a better engineered tool solution."

Makita\'s new LXT Series has been designed specifically for Lithium-Ion battery technology with less weight in a more compact size. LXT is 40% less weight and more compact. The ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure while adding more control. The LXT Series is also equipped with built-in L.E.D. lights that operate independently from the tool to illuminate the work area.

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion Batteries and Optimum Charging System produce 430% total lifetime work with two-and-a-half times more battery cycles when compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries. The Optimum Charging System is ENERGY STAR rated for its efficient charging process. Makita\'s LXT Lithium-Ion batteries provide the pro user with many benefits, including 1,400 battery life cycles, longer run time, 40% less weight, five-times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use any time, a built-in memory chip to communicate with the Optimum Charger for more work, built-in shock absorbing features to protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals for constant high power. The battery works in conjunction with the Optimum Charger during the charging process for a more efficient charge and maximum battery life.

The new Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the LXT battery throughout the charge cycle using the built-in memory chip in the battery and the built-in CPU chip in the charger to recognize the history and battery condition to select the optimal charging method. The optimal charging method uses Active 3 Controls for current control, thermal control and voltage control. The charger has a built-in fan to cool the battery to produce more lifetime work.

Makita has better technology with a new smart Battery Diagnostic System (sold separately) that enables users to understand the battery condition to maximize battery life. This new system is ideal for large pro and industrial users with many batteries. This system is able to indicate how the battery was used and can optimally refresh each cell for more lifetime work, determine the battery life expectancy based on how many times the battery has been charged or gone through a cycle and can log each battery to keep a permanent record.

Makita has also added compact cordless power tools to its line of Lithium-Ion products, and they are unique in both appearance and performance: The 18V Compact Lithium-Ion (1.5Ah) battery weighs just .85 lbs. and reaches a full charge in only 15 minutes, four times faster than the competition. The compact battery combined with the compact design of the tools delivers a superior power-to-weight ratio. These compact tools – including the ½” Compact Driver Drill (BDF452HW) – feature a new black and white exterior design, distinguishing these compact cordless models from Makita’s familiar teal-colored top-of-the-line cordless product in the LXT Series. 

Makita’s newest compact products are powered by a 10.8V Lithium-Ion battery. These lower-voltage products clearly have a place in Makita’s series of Lithium-Ion cordless tools. 

“Makita’s Lithium-Ion platform is not solely focused on 18V power, as evidenced by the recent launch of our 10.8V Lithium-Ion ultra-compact tools,” said Brad Wheeler, product manager – cordless products. “Makita applies power, precision and compact design to every tool it makes, and these same qualities have been built into the new 10.8V Lithium-Ion 2-speed driver-drill and impact driver. These ultra-compact tools have been engineered for trades that require professional power and quality in a convenient size.”

The new 10.8V products fill a need for Lithium-Ion battery power in an ultra-compact size. They are positioned as a first step into the Lithium-Ion battery platform from older battery technologies.

“For those pros using 9.6 and 12 volt tools every day - and there are many of them - Makita’s new ultra-compact 10.8V Lithium-Ion line of tools is a great way to step into Makita and into the superior advantages of Makita Lithium-Ion power.” said Wheeler. “These tools come in handy for so many lighter duty jobs out there. Every tool box should have one.”