A sustainable and future-proof battery platform 

The electrification of the green industry is accelerating. Makita is therefore certainly not sitting still. The battery platforms LXT and XGT (40V and 2x40V) are constantly being expanded. "There is a lot of demand for battery machines with longer runtimes.

Makita is betting heavily on future-proof battery technology. The latest PDC1500 backpack battery, for example, features the same digital communication system as the XGT series, allowing it to communicate with the machine. For example, the UB003C handheld connectX leaf blower performs even better when combined with the back battery. "We notice that there is a lot of demand for battery machines with a longer run time," says Arjen Peeters, Supervisor OPE & Business Development at Makita. "A back battery delivers considerably more power than a separate battery, allowing the user to continue working with it longer. The new carrying system also contributes to this, allowing the battery to be positioned properly on the back."

In addition to the well-known LXT platform (up to 35cc of power), Makita developed the professional XGT platform based on a number of unique key points. For example, the carbon brushless motors of the XGT machines are built in its own factory and the controllers are programmed separately for each machine. "In addition, the battery communicates with both the machine and the charger. This system is designed so that the batteries of the future can also be connected to the existing machines. So the XGT platform is both sustainable and future-proof." 

In addition, to make the powerful platform more mature, Makita is rapidly developing XGT machines. By now, 150 machines are already operating on XGT batteries, and that number is increasing rapidly. "Especially in the cleaning, industrial, civil engineering, construction and green space sectors, we are broadening the range. For the green sector, this spring we are launching, among other things, a 40 V pole hedge trimmer, a 40 V single cutter, some new chain saws that match the performance of 50-55 cc chain saws and a hoe that allows you to work up to eight hours a day in terms of health and safety. We also recently introduced a new leaf blower from the connect system, the UB003CZ."  

So developments are rapidly following, and Makita continues to seek the breadth of its range without losing sight of interchangeability. "It is convenient if the user can use the same battery on the rotary hammer as on the leaf blower. We want to continue to offer that convenience." Peeters points out that the machine must, of course, be balanced with the right battery. Therefore, Makita's website shows which battery is most suitable for each machine. Through the digital communication system, the machine recognizes the battery and the power can be adjusted. If necessary, the battery then delivers up to 120 or 130% of the required power.

The latest battery BL4040F (4ah) even allows the machine to adjust the power curve. This lightweight battery is particularly suitable for use with a top handle chainsaw and hedge trimmer, for which ergonomics and weight play an important role. Peeters: "We launched this light battery with high power last fall. So the battery is a bit smaller, but has the same power and output as a 5ah battery. This allows you to cut with the hedge trimmers for up to four hours on one battery charge."