June 27, 2006 – La Mirada , Calif. – Makita U.S.A. , Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, is proud to announce the release of its new 18V LXT Lithium-ion 4-1/2” Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder model BGA452 and BGA452Z 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.

Like corded grinders that produce 10,000 RPM, the new Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 4-1/2” Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinders also produce an impressive 10,000 RPM for 50% faster grinding. To handle the industrial applications under the hood is a Makita-built high torque motor and all metal helical gear transmission which is a longer lasting and more efficient transmission of energy when compared to angled gears.

Also on-board is a built-in electronic control circuit with L.E.D. warning lights for overload protection. The L.E.D. warning lights will flash upon battery installation and when the motor is overloaded the warning light turns on. If the professional user continues operation with the motor overloaded, the electronic current limiter automatically shuts off the current to protect the motor for longer life.

Models BGA452 and BGA452Z have a better fit with a slim body design that is easy to grip plus extremely compact and lightweight at only 5.6 lbs. and 12-1/2” in length for continuous work with less fatigue.

There are additional features of the new BGA452 and BGA452Z that contribute to their more power, less weight, better fit and more work. These include having an industry standard size 5/8” – 11 UNC arbor, a lock-on slide switch for continuous work and include both a 4-1/2” cut-off wheel guard and 4-1/2” grinding wheel guard along with corresponding wheels. With the Makita best-in-class engineering, LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah battery and 45-minute Optimum Charging System up to 60 cuts through 3/8” all-thread rod are produced on a charge.

Makita's new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 4-1/2” Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinders will grind, cut, sand and more through most materials, such as, tile, concrete, all-thread, Unistrut ®, pipe, channel iron, copper pipe and tubing making it the ideal tool for tile setters, masons, general contractors, welders, electricians, pipe fitters, sprinkler installers, HVAC, plumbers and others.

Model BGA452 is a kit that includes (2) two LXT Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, 45-minute Optimum charger and heavy-duty case while model BGA452Z 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 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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