October 16, 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 5-3/8” Cordless Metal Cutting Saw Kit, model BCS550. Powered by a Makita built high torque motor producing 3,400 RPM and featuring a Premium Carbide-tipped 30T blade, this cordless saw will cut conduit pipe, channel, corrugated, sheet metal, steel, and square tubing much faster than traditional methods.

“This new Lithium-Ion powered saw cuts metal faster, it's that simple,” said Brent Withey, Marketing Brand Manager. “The BCS550 is a best-of-class metal cutting saw for electrical, HVAC, installation, metal building, metal fabrication, plumbing, metal roofing, and more.”

At just 6.4 pounds, the metal cutting saw is lightweight and compact, with an ergonomic shape fits like a glove to deliver better control and less operator fatigue. The saw also includes a built-in L.E.D. light for better illumination and more accurate work.

The new metal cutting saw adds to the already extensive Makita LXT Series of 35 models featuring the new 18V LXT Extreme Lithium-Ion battery. Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery technology is a breakthrough in cordless that delivers more power, less weight and better engineering, producing 280% more work with 2-3x more cycles than the traditional Ni-Cd batteries. The BCS550 Kit comes with Makita's new Rapid Optimum Charger, which charges the 3.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery in just 25 minutes, or 80% faster than Makita's already efficient 45-minute Optimum Charger.

Model BCS550 is a kit that includes a Carbide-Tipped 30T Blade, (2) two LXT Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, 25-minute Rapid Optimum Charger and heavy-duty case. Model BCS550Z is the tool and blade only.

Specifications

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

Since its introduction on October 3, 2005 , Makita's LXT Series featuring 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology has been providing the professional end-user with more work solutions. The 18V Lithium-Ion battery is a breakthrough in cordless with more power, less weight and better engineering, and Makita is proud to be the first to bring it to job sites across America .

"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, senior 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. 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 2-3x more battery cycles than the traditional Ni-Cd batteries.  Makita's LXT Lithium-ion batteries provide the pro user with many benefits, including 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 (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, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 450 professional, industrial quality power tools and has over 5,000 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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