October 3, 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 7/8” Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer (model BHR240 kit with 2 batteries and charger; model BHR240Z with tool only). This new rotary hammer adds to the already extensive Makita LXT Series of 35 models featuring the new 18V LXT Extreme Lithium-Ion Technology, a breakthrough in cordless that delivers more power, less weight and better engineering.

“The LXT Lithium-Ion Battery makes this rotary hammer perfect for remote use, where running a cord is not an option,” said Brad Wheeler, Makita's senior product marketing manager, cordless tools. “It also packs plenty of power. In testing, we drilled 65 quarter-inch holes into concrete on single charge.”

The new BHR240 Rotary Hammer has a 3-Mode switch for rotation only, hammering with rotation, or hammering only. It has 2x faster drilling with synchronized RPM and BPM for more efficient drilling. The built-in torque limiter clutch disengages if the bit jams when hitting rebar or other obstruction. In addition, the chisel rotates 360° with 40 different positions to get the best

working setting. And with a more compact and lightweight design (16-1/8" long, 7.1 lbs.) as well as an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove, Makita's new rotary hammer delivers better control and less operator fatigue. The BH240 is ideal for electricians, plumbers, masons, HVAC, and general contractors who require a best-in-class engineered cordless rotary hammer.

Model BHR240 is a kit that includes (2) two LXT Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, 45-minute Optimum charger and heavy-duty case. Model BHR240Z is the tool only.

Specifications

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

Since its 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 battery is a breakthrough in cordless 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,” said Ken Hefley, sr. vice president marketing, Makita USA . “The LXT solution is all muscle and no fat, with 18V Power at 12V Weight. LXT allows the pro user to work longer with a better engineered tool solution."

Makita's new LXT Series has been designed specifically for Lithium-Ion technology with less weight in a more compact size. The 4-pole maximum torque motor delivers more efficient power in a compact size. Energy is generated every 90º rather than 180º on the magnetic field, and the motor is supported with two steel ball bearings for more durability. LXT Lithium-Ion batteries are lightweight (40% less weight than leading professional cordless batteries) and more compact. Each tool is built with an ergonomic shape that 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's LXT Lithium-Ion Batteries and Optimum Charging System produces 280% total lifetime work with 2-3x more battery cycles than professional Ni-Cd batteries. Makita's LXT Lithium-Ion Batteries provide the pro user with many benefits, such as more battery life cycles, longer run time, less weight, 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, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals for constant high power.

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, and 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 (sold separately) 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

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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