For Media Inquiries Contact Wayne Hart, Communications Manager Email: whart@makitausa.com Phone: (714)522-8088, x4410 For Consumer Inquiries Contact: Phone: (800)4-MAKITA Website: www.makitatools.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/makitatoolspage Twitter: www.twitter.com/makitatools You Tube www.youtube.com/makitapowertools FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Also available online: http://www.makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Company/PressReleases.aspx?ID=721 NEW DRIVER-DRILL IS LATEST ADDITION TO 18V LXT LITHIUM-ION LINE-UP LXFD01 delivers big 18V power yet weighs less than 4 pounds JUNE 14, 2011 La Mirada, Calif. – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, has added to its groundbreaking line-up of 18V Lithium-Ion tools which now includes over 40 cordless solutions. The new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless ½” Driver-Drill (model LXFD01) delivers a superior power-to-weight ratio for a full range of drilling and driving applications. “Makita continues to be the undisputed market leader in 18 volt Lithium-Ion,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita Product Manger, Cordless Tools. “We started the 18 volt Lithium-Ion revolution in 2005 and while other power tool companies continue to play catch-up, the new LXFD01 driver-drill is yet another example of our ongoing dedication to deliver trade solutions for the pro user.” “We started by taking our best-in-class BDF452 18 volt Lithium-Ion driver-drill around the country to both commercial and residential job sites,” Haughawout explained. “Contractors continually challenged us by asking for three things: make it more powerful, make it weigh less and make it shorter. We accepted the challenge and delivered on all three by adding 30 more inch points of torque, taking out 0.2 pounds of weight and shaving 7/16 inches off the length.” Improved Power-to-Weight Ratio The LXFD01 is powered by a Makita-built 4-pole motor with bigger front end ball bearings, and delivers 480 in.lbs. of Max Torque and 290 in.lbs. of PTI Torque. The new planetary gear system and transmission has been redesigned for increased durability in a more compact size, so the LXFD01 is only 7-9/16” long and weighs only 3.8 lbs. The LXFD01 Driver-Drill has 16 clutch settings and a 2-speed all-metal transmission (0-400/0-1,500 RPM) to cover a wide range of applications. The improved ergonomic design with a new rubberized soft grip delivers increased comfort on the job, and the built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the drilling surface for applications in dark spaces and close quarters. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion The LXFD01 is Makita’s latest release in the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion platform with more solutions on the way. Makita is the leading innovator in cordless and LXT was the industry’s first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up in 2005. Today there are 40 Makita 18V Lithium-Ion cordless tools powered by one battery. Makita’s groundbreaking 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery charges on Makita’s ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Charger and reaches a full charge in only 30 minutes for more work and less downtime. The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2” Driver-Drill (model LXFD01) is a kit and includes the driver-drill, 2 ea. 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery, 30 minute Rapid Optimum Charger (ENERGY STAR qualified), tool case, and tool belt clip. Model LXFD01Z includes the tool only (batteries and charger not included). Specifications Model Description LXFD01 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless ½” Driver-Drill Kit Capacity: Steel ½” Wood 1-½” No Load Speed: Low 0-400 RPM High 0-1,500 RPM Max Torque (in.lbs.) 480 in.lbs. PTI Torque (in.lbs.) 290 in.lbs. Battery 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Overall Length 7-9/16” Net Weight 3.8 lbs. About Makita’s 18V 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. Nearly six years later and with over 40 trade solutions in the LXT Series, Makita’s 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 jobsites 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 U.S.A. “The LXT solution is all muscle and no fat, with 18 volt power and 12 volt weight. LXT allows the pro user to work longer with a better engineered tool solution." Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Charger provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries, Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have 40% less weight, longer run time, and five times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time. Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery delivers 2,000 cycles – three times more than Ni-Cd. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power. During the charging process a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Rapid Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita’s Rapid Optimum Charger is also faster: it will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in only 30 minutes and an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery in only 15 minutes. Makita also offers an Optimum Automotive Charger for 18V LXT and 18V Compact Lithium-Ion batteries, which plugs into 12V DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility. Makita’s growing line of LXT cordless tool solutions features a wide range of industrial-quality power tools including driver-drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, grinders, screwguns, rotary hammers, and more. The LXT Series also includes a jobsite radio, rechargeable flashlights, and several combo kits. Makita also offers 12V max Lithium-Ion and 7.2V Lithium-Ion. These cordless tools deliver pro power and pro speed in an ultra-compact size. The battery chargers for the 12V max and 7.2V Lithium-Ion batteries are ENERGY STAR qualified for their efficient charging performance. Makita’s growing line of ultracompact cordless tool solutions includes driver-drills and impact drivers, as well as a circular saw, rechargeable flashlights and combo kits. Makita also offers a 36V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless rotary hammer for faster drilling. Warranty Makita LXT Lithium-Ion is 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. About Makita USA Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita’s extensive line of cordless lithium-ion tools includes 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion, 18V Compact Lithium-Ion®, and 12V max Lithium-Ion Other best-in-class products include rotary and demolition hammers and saws equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology™ (AVT™), 4-Cycle outdoor power equipment, Super Joint System (SJS) grinders, miter saws engineered with Deep and Exact Cutting Technology (DXT), and more. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. You can follow Makita at facebook.com/makitatoolspage, twitter.com/makitatools, and youtube.com/makitapowertools. The Makita Teal color is the trade dress of Makita Corporation and is protected under common law and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Makita is Best in Class Engineering. ###