NOVEMBER 9, 2020 – La Mirada, CA – Makita U.S.A., Inc. opened the 2020 Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) virtual trade show today with several new product announcements including new drilling and fastening solutions, multiple angle grinders, brushless shears, lighting solutions, and a concrete scanner. These new products include additions to the LXT® System, the world’s largest compatible lithium-ion system.
Virtual Show, Real Solutions
The annual STAFDA trade show was originally scheduled to take place in Anaheim, CA, but due to Covid-19 restrictions the show was moved online to a “virtual” format. For Makita, the new product releases announced in the virtual show setting are very real solutions for contractors, and good news for STAFDA member dealers.
Full Operation and Constant Innovation
“As a loyal and longtime STAFDA member, Makita will miss seeing the membership in-person this week,” said Rich Chapman, senior executive vice president of sales, Makita U.S.A., Inc.
“But even as we gather in STAFDA’s online space, Makita still has a great new product story for member dealers. Makita U.S.A. and our worldwide operations network, including manufacturing operations in Buford, Georgia as well as service and distribution centers across America, have been at full operation during this pandemic. And in August we opened a new distribution center in Reno. These exciting new product releases announced today are an indicator of this constant activity and innovation.”
Here is a brief summary of new products announced today at the STAFDA Virtual Anaheim event.
NEW DRILLING AND FASTENING SOLUTIONS: Makita is setting a new benchmark in the high-torque drill category, and is expanding drilling and fastening options in the popular Sub-Compact line.
- XPH14 18V LXT Brushless ½” Driver-Drill (Q1, 2021)
The new XPH14 is the most powerful drill in its class with a full 1,250 in.lbs. of Max Torque. It sets the benchmark in power, size, and feel with high-torque in a more compact size: it is 14% more compact than the previous high-torque model and has an improved feel with superior balance.
- XT288T 2-Pc Combo Kit (Q1, 2021)
This best-in-class combo kit packs Makita’s most powerful impact driver and hammer driver-drill. It includes the new XPH14 (above), and the premium 18V LXT Impact Driver (XDT16) that features 1,600 in.lbs. of torque, 4 speeds, and precision feature settings allowing users to quickly switch between preferred speeds and modes with just one button.
- New Sub-Compact: XFD15ZB 18V LXT Brushless Sub-Compact Driver-Drill (Q1, 2021)
The XFD15ZB is 8% smaller and has less weight than the previous XFD11 model. It features reinforced metal gear jampot housing for increased durability. It’s also available in a hammer driver-drill, model XPH15ZB.
- XDT18ZB 18V LXT Brushless Sub-Compact Impact Driver (Q1, 2021)
The XDT18ZB has a zero-wobble chuck with ball-bearing design, which minimizes bit wobble when fastening. The Assist Mode setting helps eliminate screw cam-out and cross-threading.
- Three new 18V LXT Sub-Compact Kits (Q1, 2021)
The new 18V LXT Sub-Compact driver-drill and impact driver will be available in three different combo kits, including a 3-piece that also has the 18V LXT /12V max CXT Job Site Radio (XRM06).
GRINDERS WITH X-LOCK QUICK-CHANGE SYSTEM: The X-LOCK Quick Change System is an easy click-mount and release lever for tool-less grinder wheel changes. With up to five-times faster wheel changes, Makita X-LOCK is a welcome solution for any contractor who uses a grinder – and it’s backed by Makita’s powerful legacy in the category. “Makita offers 45 different grinders including 13 cordless models and a full line of industrial accessories,” said David Fernandez, product manager, metalworking and concrete products. “Our brand gives the market the confidence that they are partnering with a manufacturer that truly understands grinders and grinder accessories.”
At STAFDA Makita announced three new X-LOCK Grinders and a range of X-LOCK accessories.
- XAG25Z 18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT® (January 2021)
- XAG26Z 18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” Paddle Switch X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT® (January 2021)
Both models are part of the 18V LXT system, and both are powered by efficient brushless motors with performance features that include Anti-Feedback Technology (AFT®), which turns off the motor if the accessory is forced to a stop.
- GA4570 4-1/2” / 5” X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AC/DC Switch (January 2021)
The GA4570 is a 7.5 AMP grinder with a 2-1/2” diameter barrel grip and a compact size (weighs only 5.1 lbs.)
- X-Lock Accessories (January 2021
Makita will launch the X-LOCK System Accessories target the masonry cutting and metal finishing tradesmen with a new line of premium diamond blades, cut-off wheels, grinding wheels, wire abrasives, and flap discs. All Makita X‐LOCK accessories are compatible with a 7/8” arbor.
THREE NEW BRUSHLESS SHEARS: Makita is introducing three new brushless cordless shears that provide 3,000 stokes per minute no load speed for the fastest cutting in the category. Each shear also features tool-free 360-degree rotating heads.
- XSJ03Z: 18V LXT® Brushless 14 Gauge Straight Shear (January 2021)
The XSJ03Z cuts up to 14 ga. mild steel. It can easily cut through spiral duct.
- XSJ04Z: 18V LXT® Brushless 18 Gauge Offset Shear (January 2021)
The XSJ04Z cuts up to 18 ga. steel and is capable of radius cuts.
- XSJ05Z: 18V LXT® Brushless Cordless 1/2" Fiber Cement Shear (January 2021)
The XSJ05Z cuts up to ½” thick cement board while producing less dust.
TOWER LIGHTS: Makita is expanding its line of cordless lighting solutions with two towering solutions. Both models extend to an overall height of 7-1/4 ft.
- DML813 18V LXT® Cordless Tower Work Light (Q1 2021)
The DML813 provides 3,000 lumens on high setting and up to 8 hours of illumination on the low setting using a 5.0Ah battery (sold separately). It’s dust and water resistant (IP65 rated). The head vertically rotates 220-degrees and horizontally 230-degrees.
- DML814 18V LXT® Cordless Tower Work/Multi-Directional Light (Q1 2021) The DML814 features three adjustable light heads that vertically rotate 180-degrees. It also provides 3,000 lumens on high setting and up to 8 hours of illumination on the low setting using a 5.0Ah battery (sold separately). It’s dust and water resistant (IP65 rated) and folds up with convenient handles and shoulder strap for easy transport.
NEW ANGLE GRINDERS WITH NON-REMOVABLE GUARD (WORLD’S FIRST): Historically, grinder preference has been driven by two factors: power and comfort. Based on market research, preference is increasingly driven by a third factor: worker wellness. Makita is proud to announce the world’s first angle grinders with a non-removable guard. The guard is permanently attached but can be quickly adjusted for convenience. Both grinders feature a non-removable guard, powerful 11 amp motor, anti-restart protection, and tethering loop for work at heights. The paddle switch has multiple power start press points for increased comfort.
- GA4553R 4-1/2” / 5” Paddle Switch Angle Grinder (November 2020)
- GA5053R 4-1/2” / 5” Paddle Switch Angle Grinder (November 2020)
NEW CONCRETE SCANNER: The new Makita® LXT Multi-Surface Scanner is the solution for locating objects in multiple base materials for immediate cutting, drilling or coring.
- DWD181 18V LXT Multi-Surface Scanner (Available NOW)
The scanner has three key points of difference: The detection accuracy is +/- 3/16”, the best in the category; The detection capability is up to 7” deep, which is also best-in-class: The multi-detection mode allows scanning in various base materials to detect various object types including diagonal rebar, pipe, and more. It’s powered by one 18V LXT battery (not AA batteries). It is ideal for cutting/coring contractors, MEP contractors, HVAC, commercial drywall, elevator installers, and more.
ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS RECENTLY LAUNCHED (NOW AVAILABLE)
- XEC01 - 18V X2 (36V) LXT® Brushless 9" Power Cutter
Features a full 3-1/2” capacity for cutting masonry and metal. Users benefit with no gas hassles, no pull starts, and the ability to use indoors.
- XWT17 - 18V LXT® Brushless 4-Speed Mid-Torque 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring Anvil (also available with detent anvil, model XWT18)
At 520 ft.lbs. fastening torque and 740 ft.lbs. nut-busting torque, these mid-torque impacts have the highest torque in their category. They’re also packed with precision features including 4 speed settings and auto-stop forward/reverse modes to prevent over-tightening and over-loosening.
- XBP04 - 18V LXT® Compact Brushless Cordless Band Saw, XBP05 - 18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Band Saw
Both the XBP04 and XBP05 meet ANSI blade guarding requirements for one-handed operation, a technique strongly preferred by users.
For more information on upcoming releases, please visit makitatools.com
About Makita U.S.A.
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial power tools, pneumatics and power equipment, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network throughout the U.S. Call 800/4-MAKITA or visit makitatools.com. Find Makita on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter @makitatools
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