Makita released the new 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill (model LXFD01CW). The new LXFD01CW is the latest release in Makita’s 18V Compact Lithium-Ion platform and delivers more power with less weight and improved ergonomics for a range of drilling, driving and fastening tasks. In addition to a general weight reduction, the Makita LXFD01CW has one of the fastest charge-times on the market at just 15 minutes. If this bears out to be true, that is pretty fast.
Makita LXFD01CW 18V Compact Li-Ion Driver-Drill Kit Features
Improved Power-to-Weight Ratio
The LXFD01CW is powered by a Makita-built 2-piece 4-pole motor with bigger and stronger front end ball bearings, and heavy gauge copper windings on the armature. The advanced engineering delivers 480 in.lbs. of Max Torque and 290 in.lbs. of PTI Torque for 30 in.lbs. more power than the 2006 model, the BDF452HW. The new planetary gear system and transmission has also been redesigned for increased durability in a more compact size, so the LXFD01CW is nearly a half inch (7/16″) smaller and weighs only 3.3 lbs.
The LXFD01CW has 16 clutch settings and an all-metal 2-speed transmission (0-400/0-1,500 RPM) to cover a wide range of drilling and driving applications. The improved ergonomic design with a new rubberized soft grip delivers increased comfort on the job, and the built-in LED light illuminates the job area for applications in dark spaces and close quarters.
The LXFD01CW is Makita’s latest release in the 18V Compact Lithium-Ion platform, though the company is indicating that there are more products on the way in 2011. The company also engineered the new LXFD01CW to accept both the Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery and the full size 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery. Similar to the rest of Makita’s battery technology, the 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery charges on Makita’s Energy Star qualified Rapid Optimum Charger for maximum efficiency. The compact battery will reach a full charge in only 15 minutes for more work and less downtime.
The LXFD01CW 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 1/2″ Driver-Drill is engineered for a wide range of drilling and driving applications, and is ideal for electricians, plumbers, mobile installers, HVAC. woodworking, fencing and decking, MRO, remodelers, service and repair, and general contractors who require a best-in-class engineered compact cordless driver-drill. The LXFD01CW is a kit and includes the Driver-Drill, two 18V Compact Lithium-Ion batteries, one Energy Star qualified Rapid Optimum Charger, tool belt clip, and tool case.
This tool has a lot going for it – including the Makita name and rapid charging system. We’d like to see a battery level indicator on either the tool or battery, however, and the loss of that means a potential for massive inconvenience when you granb the tool only to find that the battery is near-depleted once you begin your work. We’re also looking hard at Makita’s battery technology. While other manufacturers are touting second and third generation lithium-ion, Makita still seems to be using its first generation batteries. Maybe they’re just that good, who knows.
Specifications:
- Max Torque: 480 in.lbs.
- PTI Torque: 290 in.lbs.
- Capacity (steel): 1/2″
- Capacity (wood): 1-1/2″
- Speed Settings: 2
- No Load Speed: 400/1,500 RPMs
- Net Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- Overall Length: 7-9/16″
- Accepts: Makita 18V Compact/LXT Lithium-Ion batteries
- Includes: Tool, 2x18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery, rapid optimum charger, belt clip, case
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.
For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com.
About Makita USA
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita’s extensive line of cordless lithium-ion tools includes 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion, 18V Compact Lithium-Ion®, and 12V max Lithium-Ion Other best-in-class products include rotary and demolition hammers and saws equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology™ (AVT™), 4-Cycle outdoor power equipment, Super Joint System (SJS) grinders, miter saws engineered with Deep and Exact Cutting Technology (DXT), and more. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S.
