Makita’s New 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary Hammer

MAKITA’S NEW 18V LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS ROTARY HAMMER DELIVERS HARD-HITTING PERFORMANCE WITH LESS VIBRATION New BHR241 is one of over 35 cordless solutions in Makita’s LXT Series

JULY 20, 2010 La Mirada, CA – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, is proud to announce the release of its new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary Hammer Kit, model BHR241. The new BHR241 features a new shock absorbent Dhandle design, and combines speed, power and comfort with less vibration for a range of concrete drilling applications.

“Makita knows concrete, and with the addition of model BHR241 we continue deliver more solutions for concrete contractors,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita’s product manager – cordless products. “With the BHR241, we took our previous BHR240 model and made it even better with a more durable jobsite-tested shock absorbent handle to protect the battery housing by reducing vibration. We made great rotary hammer even better.”

Hard-Hitting and Durable

The new BHR241 has a Makita-built variable speed motor that delivers 1-1,000 RPM and 0-4,000 BPM. It has a 3-Mode operation for “rotation only,” “hammering with rotation,” or “hammering only.” The built-in clutch reduces gear damage by disengaging gears if bit binds. In addition, there is a one-touch sliding chuck (accepts SDS-PLUS bits) for easy bit changes, and the chisel rotates 360° with 40 different locking positions to get the best working setting.

The hard-hitting BHR241 has enhanced durability features, so the tool beats up the work surface – not the tool or the tool user. It has an ergonomic grip with a soft-grip handle, and a jobsite-tested shock absorbent handle to protect the battery from excessive vibration. This new feature is engineered to reduce vibration and extend the life of the battery.

“We took the same shock-absorbent handle design from our BTW450 half-inch high-torque impact wrench and added this to the new BHR241 to reduce vibration transmissions from the tool to the battery terminals,” said Haughawout. “The end result is less vibration on the battery, providing even longer run times.”

18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery Technology

The BHR241 is powered by Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery Technology and Rapid Optimum Charging System, a breakthrough in cordless technology producing 430% total lifetime work with two-and-a-half times more battery cycles when compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries. The Rapid Optimum Charger is ENERGY STAR qualified for its charging efficiency, and will charge a Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in only 30 minutes.

The BHR241 is ideal for electricians, plumbers, masons, HVAC, and general contractors who require a best-in-class engineered cordless rotary hammer. Model BHR241 is a kit that includes (2) two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, 30-minute Rapid Optimum Charger, depth gauge, side handle and contractor bag. Model BHR241Z is the tool only.

Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series

Since its introduction on October 3, 2005, Makita’s LXT Series featuring 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology has been providing the professional end-user with more work solutions. Nearly five years later, with over 35 trade solutions in the LXT Series, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery is a breakthrough in cordless with more power, less weight and better engineering, and Makita is proud to be the first to bring it to jobsites across America.

“Makita did not just design a longer run time battery; we designed a complete tool solution to redefine the way pro users work,” said Ken Hefley, senior vice president marketing, Makita U.S.A.. “The LXT solution is all muscle and no fat, with 18 volt power and 12 volt weight. LXT allows the pro user to work longer with a better engineered tool solution.”

Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Charger provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have 40% less weight, longer run time, and fivetimes lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time. Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery delivers 2,000 cycles – two-and-a-half times more than Ni-Cd. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power.

During the charging process, a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Rapid Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita’s Rapid Optimum Charger is also faster: it will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in only 30 minutes and an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery in only 15 minutes.

Makita also offers an Optimum Automotive Charger for 18V LXT and 18V Compact Lithium-Ion batteries, which plugs into 12V DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility.

Makita’s growing line of LXT cordless tool solutions features a wide range of industrial-quality power tools, including driver-drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, grinders, screwguns, rotary hammers, and more. The LXT Series also offers a jobsite radio, rechargeable flashlights, and several different combo kits.

Makita now offers 10.8V Ultra-Compact Lithium-Ion and 7.2V Lithium-Ion cordless power tools. These cordless tools deliver pro power and pro speed in an ultra-compact size. The battery chargers for the 10.8V and 7.2V Lithium-Ion batteries are ENERGY STAR qualified for their efficient charging performance. Makita’s growing line of ultra-compact cordless tool solutions includes driver-drills and impact drivers, as well as rechargeable flashlights and several different combo kits. Makita also offers a 36V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless rotary hammer for faster drilling.

Warranty

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion is backed by Makita’s new Three-Year Warranty which covers repair due to defective materials or workmanship up to three years from the purchase date.