Words by Hayley Everett, reporting from Nashville
Makita chose this year’s STAFDA (Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association) convention and trade show with the unveiling of more than 25 new tool and power equipment product releases.
The releases include new cordless backpack vacuums with more capacity, powerful new lighting solutions, three new air compressors engineered for quiet operation, and a new cordless concrete power cutter amongst others. Also included are additions to LXT, the ‘world’s largest’ compatible lithium-ion system.
“LXT, the industry’s leading cordless system for the professional trades, currently has over 225 products that are meeting the demands of users across a wide range of applications,” said Brent Withey, vice president marketing, brand, Makita USA. “Makita’s focus is on innovation and new technology with tools and equipment that make life better for professional users. The new products we’re announcing at STAFDA will further drive the growth of the LXT system to over 250 products in 2020.”
The new products on display at Makita’s booth include a broad system of concrete solutions with a range of dust extraction systems to match, featuring the XEC01 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless 9” Power Cutter, and the XKH01 18V LXT Brushless AVT Power Scraper (Accepts SDS-Plus).
Makita is also expanding its line of cordless and corded lighting solutions with four new offerings; the DML809 Corded/Cordless Work Light, DML810 Cordless Upright LED Area Light, DML811 Corded/Cordless Work Light and DML812 Cordless LED Flashlight/Spotlight, alongside a new jobsite radio and accompanying cordless Bluetooth charger.
The brand’s pneumatic range also sees three new air compressors engineered for quieter operation, as well as a powerful new 2” Brad Nailer. Landscapers will also be provided with more cordless options with two new shafted products; the Brushless String Trimmer and Brushless 10” Telescoping Pole Saw.
Speaking of saws, Makita is also expanding its range of cordless OPE, including chain saws and blowers. New to the range are the Brushless 14” Top Handle Chain Saw, the XBU04 18V X2 Brushless Blower, and the XBU03 18V Brushless Blower.
Two new self-propelled lawn mowers were also unveiled, as well as a new Portable Backpack Power Supply utilising four lithium-ion batteries to provide longer run time for LXT and LXT X2 tools.
Makita also unveiled two new cordless HEPA backpack vacuum dust extractors with increased capacity, as well as two new solutions for planing, cutting and demolition; Brushless 3-1/4” Planer and AMP Recipro Saw.
New cordless solutions for construction and assembly, and metalworking, were also highlighted at the Makita booth at STAFDA.
All items will become available in early to mid-2020 (in the US) unless otherwise noted.
Earlier this year, Makita won the Leader in Sustainability Award from Call2Recycle for its USA battery recycling programme.
