This year’s World of Concrete Expo hit a nine-year attendance high with more than 58,000 in attendance. 302 brand-new companies were among the 1,567 presenters who brought their own unique innovations to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
But innovation wasn’t reserved for the new kids on the block. With more than 100 years in business, Makita proved once again why it’s a worldwide leader in power tools.
Here are some of the best new tools Makita brought to the World of Concrete Expo earlier this year.
What Makita Brings to the Table
In a nutshell, a lot. Makita started as an electric motor sales company in 1915 and four decades later, became the first Japanese company to make and sell electric planers.
Over the years, they’ve had their fair share of firsts, like introducing the first Ni-Cd battery-run tool, the 6010D Rechargeable Drill, in 1978 and the first pneumatic tool (its AN5000 Air Nailer) in 1981.
Last year, Makita had everyone talking after showing off its first cordless rear-handle saw with the Makita X2 Brushless Rear-Handle Circular Saw. The biggest question at the time involved its power, but that’s a problem Makita cordless tools don’t seem to have.
This year, Makita’s AWS (more on that in a second!) was the thing that caught everyone’s attention but they did introduce some products at the Expo that are worth noting.
Now, before we get started with the best tools Makita brought to the World of Concrete Expo this year, here’s a quick look at their terms/abbreviations found in this article and what they mean.
LXT Lithium-Ion Battery
LXT stands for “Lithium-ion Xtreme Technology” and Makita came up with the category in 2005. Thirteen years later, their line of 18V cordless tools is the biggest in the world.
Makita’s Lithium-ion battery charges evenly for slower draining and fits more than 100 cordless products. If your tool has a star on the connector plate, a yellow connector plate with a star on it, or just a yellow plate, congrats! You can use a Makita 18V LXT battery.
Brushless Motor
Brushless motors have been around since the 1960’s. They were primarily used in conveyor belts until Makita put them in tools designed to work in the defense and aeronautical industries in 2004.
Five years later, Makita had the world’s first line of brushless motor power tools. The 18V Brushless Impact Driver (BTD144) gave users a precision and power they hadn’t had before.
Extreme Protection Technology (XPT)
Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology is a series of seals designed to channel away water and dust so your tool works in harsh conditions. This makes the tool more durability and leads to a longer tool life.
Automatic Speed Change
When a tool is working with a heavy load, this technology detects the need for more speed and torque and applies it to finish the job.
Advanced AVT
Makita’s Advanced AVT is Anti-Vibration Technology that doesn’t compromise performance. Vibration-absorbing housing moves independently from the hammer and motor for a reduction in vibration for the user.
AWS – Auto-Start Wireless System
Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System may not be a tool, but it is technology that communicates with tools and was showcased at the Expo this year.
AWS uses Bluetooth technology for powering on and off communication between the tool and dust extractor. The dust extractor will automatically kick on when the tech tells it to, making sure you’re OSHA-compliant for silica dust without constant loud noises or corded extractors.
Currently, there is only one dust extractor, XCV08Z, which is powered by two 18V LXT batteries and a limited number of tools that work with the AWS technology. However, Makita promises to be working toward adding AWS to more tools for a true cordless job site.
18V Advanced AVT Rotary Hammer
One of the tools that is compatible with AWS is the 18V Advanced AVT Rotary Hammer. The corded rotary hammer is already a favorite with contractors, so Makita put its AWS-compatible version head-to-head against its corded counterpart at the Expo and it definitely held its own.
16? 18V X2 LXT Chainsaw XCU04
Makita cordless tools are some of the most reliable on the market and the company is proving the same for their power equipment line.
Makita’s XCU03 18V X2 LXT 14″ Chainsaw model is popular and impressive in its own right, but Makita took it to another level with the XCU04. Makita went with a 16″ guide bar on their newest chainsaw but only added .3 pounds to its overall weight.
18V X2 LXT Brushless Cordless 9″ Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
Makita brought this bad boy along to Las Vegas but unfortunately, it’s not one of the Makita power tools that’s compatible with their AWS system. That could change in the future, but for now, the XAG13 has its own features to highlight.
One of which is its Electric Brake, which stops the grinding or cut-off wheel in 4.5 seconds. Automatic Speed Change adjusts speed and torque for maximum production and Active Feedback-sensing Technology (AFT) shuts the motor off if the wheel slows or stops suddenly.
18V LXT Cordless Rebar Cutter
This isn’t the Makita cordless rebar cutter you’re thinking of; this one is completely different. The XCS02 gives spark-free cutting up to #8 rebar or 1″ threaded rod to 1/8″ flush to the surface.
How does it accomplish being spark-free? It uses a 4-5/16″ carbide-tipped blade.
It’s also equipped with Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for operating in dirty or wet conditions, making it the answer for remote or harsh job sites.
We Can Help With Anything You Need to Know
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Whether it’s a Makita you’re looking to buy or any other of the dozens of manufacturers we review, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your needs. Check out our comprehensive tool review video to learn more about our process.