For Media Inquiries Contact:
Marketing Dept.
Phone: (714) 522-8088
Fax: (714) 522-8194
For Consumer Inquiries Contact:
Phone: (800) 462-5482

October 3, 2005 - La Mirada , Calif. - Makita U.S.A. , Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, announces the launch of the future of cordless.  The new Makita® 18V LXT Extreme Lithium-Ion Technology is a breakthrough in cordless technology with more power, less weight and better engineering utilizing LXT Lithium-ion battery technology.

Makita is proud to be the leader in bringing this new 18V LXT leading technology to the professional user.  "Makita did not just design a longer run time battery; we designed a complete tool solution to redefine the way pro users work.  The LXT solution is all muscle no fat with 18V power at 12V weight.   LXT allows the pro user to work longer with a better engineered tool solution," said Ken Hefley , Sr. Vice President Marketing, Makita U.S.A.

Makita's new LXT Series has been designed specifically for Lithium-Ion technology with less weight in a more compact size.  The 4-pole maximum torque motor delivers more efficient power in a compact size.  Furthermore, energy is generated every 90º rather than 180º on the magnetic field and the motor is supported with two steel ball bearings for more durability.  LXT is 40% less weight and more compact.  The better fit ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure while adding more control.  The LXT series also come equipped with built-in high impact L.E.D. lights that operate independently from the tool to illuminate the work area. 

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion Batteries and Optimum Charging System produces 280% more lifetime work with 2x more battery cycles than the traditional Ni-Cd batteries.  Makita's LXT Lithium-ion batteries provide the pro user with many benefits, such as, 1,400 battery life cycles, longer run time, weighs 40% less, 5x lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use any time, a built-in memory chip to communicate with the Optimum Charger for more work, built-in shock absorbing features to protect the battery, sixteen firm holding contact terminals for constant high power, and work in conjunction with the Optimum Charger for maximum battery life.

The new 45-minute Optimum Charger communicates with the LXT battery throughout the charge cycle using the built-in memory chip in the battery and the built-in CPU chip in the charger to recognize the history and battery condition to select the optimal charging method.  The optimal charging method uses Active 3 Controls for current control, thermal control and voltage control.  The charger also has a built-in fan to cool the battery to produce more lifetime work.

Makita has better technology with a new smart Battery Diagnostic System that enables users to understand the battery condition to maximize battery life.  This new system is ideal for large pro and industrial users with many batteries.  This system is able to indicate how the battery was used and can optimally refresh each cell for more lifetime work, determine the battery life expectancy based on how many times the battery has been charged or gone through a cycle and can log each battery to keep a permanent record.

Warranty

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion is also 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.  

Models

Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series includes a comprehensive 4-Pc. Combo Kit, model LXT400; a 560 in.lbs. of maximum torque Hammer Driver-Drill, model BHP451; a 3-speed all metal transmission Driver-Drill, model BDF451; an unbelievably compact Impact Driver, model BTD140; a lightweight with a built-in dust blower 6-1/2 " Circular Saw, model BSS610; a powerful Reciprocating Saw, model BJR181; a 4-position adjustable Flashlight, model BML185; an Optimum Charging System charger; 3.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries and a complete Battery Diagnostic System.

BHP451	18V 1/2 " LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit
BDF451	18V 1/2 " LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
BTD140	18V LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit
BSS610	18V 6-1/2 " LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit
BJR181	18V LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit
BML185	18V LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Flashlight
LXT400	18V 4-pc. LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Combo Kit (Includes Hammer Driver-Drill, BHP451; Impact Driver, BTD140; Circular Saw, BSS610 & Flashlight, BML185)

Specifications

BJR181			BSS610
Max. Cutting Capacity			Blade Diameter	6-1/2"
in Pipe	5-1/8 "		Arbor	5/8"
in Wood (w/12" Blade)	10 "		No Load Speed (RPM)	3,700
Length of Stroke	1-1/8 "		Max. Cutting Capacity
Strokes per Minute	0 - 2,900 SPM		at 90°, 45°, 50°	2-1/4", 1-9/16", 1-7/16"
Watt Hours	54.0		Watt Hours	54.0
Lithium-ion Battery	18V DC (3.0Ah)		Lithium-ion Battery	18V DC (3.0Ah)
Overall Length	19-5/8 "		Overall Length	13-5/8 "
Net Weight	8.1 lbs.		Net Weight	7.1 lbs.

Makita USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 320 professional, industrial quality power tools and has over 4,500 industrial accessories.  All Makita tools are covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship and may be serviced at any of our 26 factory service centers or by more than 1,000 authorized service centers nationwide.  Makita USA, Inc.'s home office is located in La Mirada , California and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-4-MAKITA (1-800-462-5482) or visit the website at www.makitatools.com .

###