In our recent post, which discussed the sales appearance of Makita’s new 12V Max cordless power tool platform, we talked a little about how the new 12V Li-ion battery packs and how some feature built-in fuel gauges.
A battery fuel gauge is helpful because it allows you to check battery charge status at the press of a button. Some tools have battery gauges instead, but they work in the same way, sometimes requiring a button press as well.
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We could never get a straight answer as to why Makita refused to add a fuel gauge to their battery packs, even though each and every competitor offers this feature on most if not all of their battery packs. A frequent response was to point out the faster charging rate of Makita’s batteries and chargers, and how this is a more valued feature.
Yes, Makita’s charger was a class-leader in regard to how fast it could completely recharge a battery pack. That is no longer the case now, as Bosch and Milwaukee have both also come out with rapid chargers.
So why was Makita the only standout when it came to battery packs and built-in fuel gauges? Makita USA couldn’t (wouldn’t?) shed light on this.
One possible explanation that I heard once was that it simply wasn’t a Japanese way of doing things. Makita is a Japanese company, but I have no idea what this means.
In any case, there are signs that change is coming.
First, the new 12V Max Li-ion batteries will feature built-in fuel gauges, at least certain models. And in response to that post, Hector commented with a tip:
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Just saw that makita also makes a 18v with battery gauge – it’s in there official website xdt11r 18v.
He provided a link, and after checking up on that model number for the new XDT11R 18V impact driver kit, I saw that there is a new battery pack – BL1820B. The same battery is included in their XFD10R drill kit as well.
The new Makita 18V 2.0Ah battery pack has a built-in battery fuel gauge!
Looking online, there are user manual references to Makita BL1840B and BL1850B battery packs, which would be 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah battery packs respectively, that also feature built-in fuel gauges.
So… battery fuel gauges are coming to Makita 18V battery packs. There’s no indication that all of the different battery pack sizes will be available in the USA, and it’s unclear as to whether these new battery packs will be sold in place of current gauge-less batteries, or alongside them.
This is good news for Makita 18V users, and potentially frustrating news for anyone who wants to buy a new Makita kit or new 18V batteries right now.
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Garrick
Acme Tools has the drill kit available (supposedly) with one of each battery:
http://www.acmetools.com/shop/m20ProductDisplayView?storeId=10751&productId=3074457345617266421&urlRequestType=Base&langId=-1&catalogId=10001
Stuart
Acme doesn’t have it in stock. They did the same that Amazon and other retailers, which is to list the tools for sale before they actually have anything to ship out.
Amazon also has it for preorder/backorder – XDT11R impact driver.
They also have the drill, but the product image and description don’t reflect the features of the new battery or the dust resistance that the “R” is supposed to denote – XFD10R drill driver.
And what do you mean one of each battery? From what I saw, they should come with (2) of the new 2.0Ah fuel gauge batteries.
Dominic van Lievenoogen
The R stands for included Rapid charger. Not dust Resistance.
Although these tools are engineered with Makita XPT system (Xtreme protection technology ) which improves dust and water protection. But the XPT is not represented with a character in the Tool name.
Stuart
Did not know that, thanks!
These are the only two “R” suffixed tools I’ve seen, and both seem to be promoted as being especially dust and weather resistant, thus the confusion on my part.
But aren’t all of Makita’s 18V chargers “rapid” chargers?
Dominic van Lievenoogen
Since a year ago all tools are supplied with rapid chargers. ( atleast here in Belgium )
But like 2 years ago the cheap home user drills / hedge trimmer / string trimmer etc… had a ‘slow’ charger ( 1H for the 3amp battery next to 22 minutes for makitas fast charger ) which you can still purchase seperatly if anyone wanted.
But by now i believe every possible tools comes with a rapid charger by default yes 🙂
Jerry
Good idea. Lithium batteries show little sign of whether they are about full or about dead. Gauges save the frustration of climbing up a tall ladder with 3 screws to drive, and only having enough juice to do 2 1/2 (or am I the only one that happens to?)
Michael
After having used tools and batteries with fuel gages , I don’t think I would buy tools that don’t have that feature.
PHILIP JOHN
It’s even a bigger issue for any 2 x 18 v tool. Also you you need the same size or these tool will always have the limitations of the smaller battery.