Makita has recently launched a new battery for its XGT products promising longer run-time and improved performance. We spoke with Martin Dunn, Senior Training Officer at Makita, to find out more about the new power unit.
The new battery, the 40VMax XGT 8.0Ah (BL4080F), has around 288 watt-hours of energy. How has this been achieved and what does it mean for an installer?
This represents our largest capacity battery to date, which has been achieved by adding larger capacity cells to the battery pack. At 288Wh this means the user can work harder for longer on heavy duty and high-drain applications, with reduced down time.
The battery uses lithium-ion technology, which we have refined over the years so that it can reliably provide the power needed for our cordless power tools. Lithium-ion is more energy dense, and therefore can provide professionals with greater power to work for longer without the need to recharge.
As the battery offers more performance, is their also an increase in its weight?
There is a slight increase in weight for the 8Ah XGT battery at 1.9kg, against the 5Ah which weighs in at 1.3kg.
The new battery is rated as IPX4. What does this mean and how has it been achieved?
The BL4080F is IPX4 rated with a triple layer waterproofing, which means it is splash and shower proof, ideal for work outside in unpredictable weather or on pipework and plumbing systems.
The battery is housed in shock absorbing material with a heavy-duty and durable outer cell casing that is also dust-resistant, making it suitable for any job site condition.
Can the battery be charged from an existing Makita charger, or would a new charger be required?
The new 8.0Ah XGT battery can be charged on the existing DC40RA ‘XGT’ Rapid Battery Charger and the DC40RB ‘XGT’ Twin Port Rapid Battery Charger.
The DC40RB XGT Twin Port Rapid Battery Charger can charge two lithium-ion 40VMax XGT batteries simultaneously, saving time so that the battery can spend more time working and less time charging, providing professionals with greater productivity.
For further convenience, these chargers can also be used in conjunction with an ADP10 Adaptor, to charge our 18V LXT batteries, offering professionals even more flexibility on site to switch between tools and tasks.
How long does it take to charge the battery and are there any protections in place to prevent it from damage?
When used with either the DC40RA or the DC40RB, the 8.0Ah battery will take approximately 76 minutes to reach a full charge, or 60 minutes for a practical use charge.
Those that are familiar with the Makita brand will be aware of the enhanced battery protection system we have developed for our cordless systems, which is also applicable to the XGT platform.
This highly intelligent, unique system technology allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to optimise the charging process, reduce charge times and protect the battery from damage. This real-time digital communication actively monitors heat, overload, and over-discharge as well as delivering up to 2X longer sustained power during demanding applications.
How wide is the XGT platform and which tools would you recommend plumbers and heating engineers look out for?
Makita’s 40VMax and Twin 40VMax (80VMax) XGT product range currently offers a choice of over 70 products, which will continue to grow alongside our 18V LXT platform.
The DA001G 40VMax XGT Brushless Angle Drill is perfect for those awkward spaces, where a conventional in-line small drill would not be suitable. On account of the high torque output, the tool features a torque limiter to prevent injury and twin LED job lights for better visibility of the workpiece. It also benefits from our innovative Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), which automatically adjusts the output according to the load conditions.
The HS004G 40VMax XGT Brushless 190mm Circular Saw is perfect for cutting floors, trimming worktops and studwork sections to size. It has a no-load speed of 6,000 rpm and can produce bevel cuts of up 45°, with a maximum cutting capacity of 60mm at 0° and 43mm when operated at 45°.
The GA004G (1155mm) XGT Brushless Angle Grinder is an excellent addition to any tool kit. The tool-less guard is easy to adjust to any position without the need for a screwdriver and incorporates Makita’s Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT). If the rotation speed suddenly slows down e.g., kickbacks the tool shuts down, and features an anti-restart function, electric brake and soft start for operator safety.
The AS001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Dust Blower is an incredibly versatile machine and can be used across a range of tasks including tool maintenance and cleaning, blowing dust away from equipment and cleaning air conditioner filters thanks to its blower and vacuum modes.
Our XGT range isn’t limited to cordless power tools. We also offer a great selection of peripheral products and accessories including radios, fans, LED torches and lighting solutions, not forgetting the KT001G 40VMax XGT 800ml Kettle and CW001G 40VMax XGT Cooler and Warmer Box – perfect for when you need a cool drink, or to keep lunch warm (up to 60OC) through the winter months.
