Makita has introduced more tools for grounds care and horticultural operations that are powered by twin 18v Lithium-ion batteries designed to deliver 36volt performance.
Many grounds maintenance professionals and landscapers already have a number of Makita 18v Li-ion batteries with their Makita power tools and as they are compatible they can be used to generate 36v energy.
Until now adaptor plates have been available to facilitate two batteries but the new machines now have the machine bodies designed to directly accommodate the twin 18v batteries as a standard feature. By harnessing the power of two 18v batteries on one machine the overall power amperage produced is actually higher than that of the single 36v battery.
Newly released products benefiting from the new Makita twin battery range include a 300mm chainsaw, leaf blower, 550mm hedge trimmer, brush cutter, linetrimmer and 380mm lawn mower. The Makita DUC302 LXT chainsaw generates 800 watt output from the twin 18v batteries which provide ample power to run the 3/8” chain over the 300mm bar at up to 8.3 metres per second. The battery warning indicators show capacity levels, and when this drops below a pre-set level the machine stops and indicates which battery requires replacement. Tool-less chain adjustment is by a new and easier to operate single lever positioned on the side of the housing. Classified as a top-handle model this chainsaw should only be used by certificated professionals.
The new DUB361 LXT 2-speed blower will produce 4.4 cubic metres of air per minute with an air speed of 93 metres per second. In low setting the twin batteries will give 51 minutes run time. The DUH551 LXT hedge trimmer has a convenient 550mm double-sided blade that will run up to 1,800 strokes per minute and cut up to 18mm diameter branches. It has five alternative handle positions and variable speed control.
The DUR361U LXT brush cutter has a 230mm blade, an offset low-vibration cow horn handlebar control and reverse switch for easy clippings removal whilst the line trimmer model DUR362L LXT has the loop handle control and variable speed dial that runs the machine up to 6,600rpm. Both have soft start system, electric brake and current overload limiter. The twin 18v rotary lawnmower has a 380mm cutting width, six height settings from 25 – 75mm, a grass level indicator plate and a new grass bag design which is both easy to install and remove.
The Makita twin 18v battery concept offers an expanding range of machines that utilise the established 18v Lithium-ion battery capacity to deliver high power 36v performance whilst offering an economic purchase solution for existing Makita tool owners. The twin 18v (36v) system also compliments the already popular Makita 18v garden range of products launched last year, which has proved to be popular with the lower maintenance gardening applications.