Makita’s cordless lineup explained

In this article, Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Outdoor Products at Makita UK, outlines the key features of the company’s primary power tool battery platforms – LXT and XGT.

 

LXT

Makita launched its 18V lithium-ion battery powered tool collection in 2005 and this became what is known today as the LXT range. Since then, the company has developed its battery technology to offer enhanced features that professional users can rely on as a true alternative to corded or petrol-powered machines. This innovation includes the introduction of Makita’s Battery Protection Technology which is a communication system designed to exchange real time data between the tool and the battery, and the battery and the charger. This intelligently works to protect each device against overload, over-discharge and overheating and in turn, efficiently manage power and prolong battery and tool life.

 

 

Today, Makita’s 18V LXT range is the UK’s largest compatible cordless tool system with over 290 products spanning a huge portfolio of solutions for grounds maintenance, such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and brush cutters as well as construction and hard landscaping tools such as drills, disc cutters, circular saws and impact drivers. The range also extends to peripheral products such as battery powered heated jackets, kettles and radios.

 

Access to such a vast collection offers huge benefits for professionals in terms of flexibility and productivity: Users can quickly switch from one job to another on site with a tool to tackle every eventuality – all by simply swapping the battery between tools. Disruption is minimised as time isn’t wasted on managing cords and petrol.

 

LXT products are powered by either a single 18V LXT battery, or two 18V LXT batteries in series, to provide 36V (Twin 18V) of power. Charging can be completed in as little as 22 minutes (for 3.0Ah batteries), and up to 55 minutes (for 6.0Ah batteries).

 

LXT tools can also be connected to Makita’s PDC01 backpack battery for increased run times and convenience. The PDC01 can hold up to four 18V LXT batteries and is compatible with both 18V and Twin 18V LXT machines via a connection adaptor. The PDC01 will either use each 18V battery in series (1 through to 4), or 2+2 in series when powering Twin 18V machines, for long continuous operation.

 

XGT

To meet the needs for those working on higher-demand and high-drain, industrial applications, Makita launched its 40VMax XGT battery platform in 2020, which was built around three concepts:

 

1. High power

Rather than opting for higher voltages or multi-voltages for power, Makita has invested into research and development to achieve the required power and runtimes for high drain applications, by combining innovative tool design and extremely high battery output. XGT machines utilise purpose-built brushless motors with earth magnets and more copper windings that provide increased power.

 

2. Tough design

XGT batteries are engineered to withstand tough environments with durable design features. Each feature a waterproof structure, a heavy-duty outer casing and cell holder and shock absorbing housing to protect the battery if dropped, and all are IPX4 rated. This means that the battery is dust, splash, and shower proof.

 

3. Smart technology

Makita has incorporated its battery technology and expertise from its LXT range into its XGT engineering, to optimise battery performance and charge times. Like LXT, XGT products feature Makita’s unique smart system technology that allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over discharge and overheating. This significantly speeds up the charging process, minimises downtime and extends the lifetime of the tool. This also optimises tool performance to deliver up to 2x longer sustained power during demanding applications.

Utilising either a single 40VMax XGT battery, or two in series for 80VMax power, over 70 products are currently offered as part of the XGT system. This includes cordless chainsaws, earth augers, demolition hammers and blowers. For flexibility on site, XGT systems can be supported by a charging unit that is also compatible with Makita’s LXT batteries – enabled by the addition of an ADP10 adaptor the adaptor can be used to charge LXT batteries on the XGT battery charger system.

 

Similar to LXT, Makita’s XGT machines can also be paired with a compatible battery backpack for longer run times and the freedom to cover large areas without the need to down tools to change, or re-charge batteries. The PDC1200 portable power pack houses a built-in solid state battery (33Ah), which can be used with either Makita’s 40VMax XGT machines as well as models from the Twin 18V (36V) LXT collection (by using the respective connection adaptors).

 

Makita’s XGT machines sit side-by-side with the LXT system, each with its own roadmap of continued launches, with the aim of providing professionals even more choice when it comes to cordless power.

 

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com. Or to book a product demonstration with Makita’s product specialists visit: www.makitauk.com/booking.

 

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