lithium-ion News & Reviews

Users, wanting greater runtimes in their tools, have been impatiently waiting for Makita to introduce their 4.0Ah batteries to the U.S. market. Though they have been available in other countries for months, we just got word that the new 2.0Ah (BL1820) and 4.0Ah (BL1840) batteries are finally starting to come out. In fact, the new 2.0Ah can already be found on sale now in new Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Kits and Combo Kits.

DeWalt is introducing their next generation of batteries to work with their 12V and 20V MAX tool lines. The new EXTREME RUNTIME (XR) batteries offer a 2.0Ah capacity (DCB127) for 12V MAX and 5.0Ah capacity (DCB205) for their 20V MAX tools. Along with the new batteries is a new dual-port charger that can charge both batteries as well as a couple of USB devices.

If you are tired of having to watch your charger to know when it is time to put in the next battery, Makita has a new charger for you. Over the long holiday weekend Makita announced their new 18V Lithium-ion Rapid Optimum 4-Port charger. The new model DC18SF also happens to be Energy Star rated for efficiency.

Back in May, when writing about the introduction of the Makita 36-volt cordless chainsaw, I commented that I would personally like to see a cordless string trimmer. Well, guess what turned up on Makita's website of Friday? The Makita LXRU02Z 18-volt cordless string trimmer.

Ridgid has announced their next generation of 18-volt lithium-ion cordless tool batteries in 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah, and promise improved performance, longer runs times and other advancements over previous batteries.

The World of Concrete trade show is going on right now in Vegas and all of the major brands are there showing off their new 4.0Ah 18-volt batteries. Well, not all of the brands. Makita seems to be taking a pass on 4.0Ah and thinks 6.0Ah is the answer.

We have been hearing rumors about the new Bosch 4.0 batteries for a few months now and we have even seen some press releases for European tools that picture the new batteries. Now we have received word that the new batteries will hit European stores next month.

All of the signs pointed to the inevitable release of next generation of higher capacity batteries, and Milwaukee has made the announcement official today. Not only is the M18 line of tools getting a boost, but so does the M12 ultra compact class of tools.

Mac Tools knows a thing or two about what automotive workers need to help them get the job done. One of those things they need is light, but working in a brightly lit shop is not always an option. To get the light where it needs to be even when you are away from the shop, Mac Tools has come out with a new cordless magnetic rubberized LED worklight.

Many of the major tool brands next generation tool batteries are beginning to incorporate battery level fuel gauges. We are also starting to see that some brands are coming out with 4.0ah batteries in other countries. A recently published Makita patent suggests that a more advanced Makita battery might also be in the works.