Makita Batteries Are Receiving an LED Charge Indicator Upgrade
I noticed something new and wonderful at the GIE Expo when we visited the Makita booth. No, it wasn’t the 18V Coffee Maker. I have to admit that I didn’t contain my excitement very well on that one though. No, it was the very obvious presence of something people have been complaining has been absent for too long – on battery charge indicators.
Makita batteries have relied on connecting to the tool for charge indication since… well since they came out. While we have long loved Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion tools, we’ve often lamented having to install a battery to the tool to know where we stand. Of course, that hasn’t affected David C. Smith much. He’s kind of OCD despite his “safety third” attitude and always charges his Makita batteries before putting them away.
It’s actually kind of fun to use his batteries and put them away at half charge. That always makes his day better.
The new Makita batteries will be similar to others in the industry featuring four LED indicators. Initially, the new battery packs will be available as a standalone product in 2.0, 4.0, and 5.0 amp hour models. You’ll soon see them arriving in combo kits though. For now, the charge indicator is being left off the 3.0 amp hour battery models. Presumably, this is because they are being phased out in kits for the 4.0 and 5.0 amp hour packs.
Just in case you missed the announcement, these and all Makita batteries are now covered by a three year warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty is also retroactive for all current batteries. Makita also boasts the fastest charge times available. From the 2.0 amp hour battery charging in just 25 minutes to the 5.0 amp hour in 45, you’ll have to work pretty hard to earn a break while batteries recharge.
Take a look at all Makita cordless products from our friends at Acme Tools
