June 27, 2006 – La Mirada , Calif. – Makita U.S.A. , Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, is proud to announce power tools and accessories, is proud to announce the release of its new 18V LXT Lithium-ion Cordless Portable Band Saws model BPB180 and BPB180Z which add to the already extensive LXT Series of 24 models. 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.

At only 14.1 lbs. (5.5 lbs. lighter than the competition), these new band saws have deep cutting capacity of 4-3/4" x 4-3/4" for round or rectangular stock. To handle the industrial applications under the hood is a Makita-built high torque motor and all metal precision-cut bevel gears. For up to 50% faster cutting, these models come equipped with a preset speed dial with six settings (275 – 530 ft./min.), allowing the user to match the blade speed to the application. Also built-in is an electronic current limiter to enable continuous operation while controlling the load.

There are additional features of the new BPB180 and BPB180Z that contribute to their superior performance, accuracy, convenience, and durability. These include an adjustable foot to protect the material and provide support for accurate, square cutting as well as a sky hook for convenient storage of the tool. These new portable band saws also come equipped with a built-in L.E.D. light with afterglow to illuminate the line of cut. For increased durability, the BPB180 and BPB180Z are encased in a durable aluminum frame with a protective rubber bumper to withstand the riggers of the jobsite. A dual ball bearing blade guide adds extra blade support for smooth operation. With the Makita best-in-class engineering, LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah battery and 45-minute Optimum Charging System up to 100 cuts through 1-5/8” x 3/4” 14-gauge Unistrut ® are produced on a single charge.

Makita's new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saws cut through most materials including all-thread, Unistrut ®, pipe, channel iron, copper pipe and tubing making it the ideal tool for general contractors, electricians, pipe fitters, sprinkler installers, HVAC, plumbers and others.

Model BPB180 is a kit that includes (2) two LXT Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, 45-minute Optimum charger and heavy-duty case while model BPB180Z is the tool only.

Specifications

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

Since introduction on October 3, 2005 , Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion has been providing the professional end-user on the jobsite across America with more work solutions. 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 and first to bring the 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.  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% total 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.

Makita USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 400 professional, industrial quality power tools and has over 4,500 industrial accessories. Makita’s LXT Lithium-Ion is backed by Makita’s new three-year warranty and all other Makita tools are covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship and may be serviced at any of our 25 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 makitatools.com.

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