Makita’s new 40V line-up

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Makita’s new 40V line-up: Introducing Makita’s range of highest power cordless solutions yet: XGT 40V Max. The XGT range of machines – including combi drills, grinders, rotary hammers, impact drivers, circular saws and reciprocating saws – offers high output, durability and fast charge times, keeping you working for longer without disruption.

An introduction to XGT

XGT 40V Max is the new stand-alone cordless battery platform from Makita – with its own range of tools, lithium-ion batteries and chargers. The new 40V Max system will stand side-by-side with Makita’s industry-leading LXT platform to offer a battery solution for all applications. XGT has been built around three concepts:

Makita's new 40V line-up

Makita’s new 40V line-up

  • High power

With 40V Max power, XGT is the most powerful battery platform in the Makita range. The increased output is ideal for industrial, higher demand applications. In fact, XGT, cordless machines offer output that can genuinely rival the high power of corded tools and even some petrol engine machines.

The XGT range benefits from a completely new design – across the machines, the batteries and charging system. Instead of going for a higher voltage battery, the Makita R&D Team has developed a system with improved construction and advanced technologies to achieve optimum power and performance. When going for a higher voltage battery there is a trade-off between power and run-time. However, XGT delivers balanced run-time delivered from the new 40V Max motor and battery platform, with all the power that is required for heavier duty applications.

  • Tough design

The new XGT batteries have been engineered with durable design features to minimise damage and withstand tough environments. The heavy duty outer casing and cell holder and shock absorbing housing protect the battery if dropped. Each battery also has an IPX4 rating, which means that it is splash and shower proof, and water ingress is limited – ideal for those working with pipework or outside in unpredictable weather. Their design also prevents damage from dust.

XGT batteries also include high rigidity rails, that firmly hold the battery to the tool – making them suitable for use with high power products and heavy duty applications.

  • Smart technology

To optimise battery performance and charge times, XGT features Makita’s unique smart system technology. This in-built programme allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over discharge and overheating. For example, if the battery has overheated, the charger will cool it down before charging begins. This significantly speeds up the charging process and minimises downtime.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “This an exciting time for existing Makita users and new users alike. Makita’s new XGT platform is the next generation in cordless technology, leading the way in both performance and intelligence. With XGT, you can experience the same high power associated with corded and petrol machines, but with the increased flexibility of cordless – making XGT the ideal solution for high demand, industrial applications.

“The complete solution of our existing LXT 18V system and the new XGT 40V platform offers even more battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

Makita's new 40V line-up

Makita’s new 40V line-up

What’s in the range

Makita has launched a number of new products for the 40V XGT platform, each suited to high demand applications – including cutting, grinding, drilling and fixing. To maximise on site efficiency, the tools are designed to offer outstanding performance, ease of use and operator safety. The new 40V XGT line-up includes:

  • TD001G Impact Driver – delivering 220Nm of max torque and ten tightening modes.
  • HP001G Combi-Hammer Drill – providing 140Nm of max torque and 41 electronical clutch settings.
  • GA004G, GA005G, GA012G and GA013G Angle Grinders – offering the same power as 1,100W corded grinders.
  • HR003G and HR004G SDS-Plus Combination Hammers – which include antivibration technology and benefit from a HEPA filter dust collection system.
  • HS004G Circular Saw – with a no. load speed of 6,000RPM, 480 bevel capacity and AWS wireless connection facility for use with compatible dust extractors.
  • JR001G Reciprocating Saw – achieving 255mm capacity in wood and Ø130mm capacity in pipe.
  • All models are available as body only machines, or complete models with battery, charger and ADP10 Adaptor for charging LXT 18V batteries via the XGT 40V charger.

To improve durability, the new XGT tools also benefit from Makita’s Brushless motor. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production, which increases run times and keeps you working for longer – as you do not have to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.

To support the new product range, Makita has also launched a selection of accessories. The 40V batteries can be purchased individually and are available in 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah versions. To minimise operator fatigue – and maximise on-site productivity – the batteries are light weight. For example, the 2.5Ah XGT batteries weigh just 100g more than 18V LXT alternatives.

To charge the batteries, Makita has launched the DC40RA 40V Max fast charger. Due to the smart system, the DC40RA offers optimised charging. For example, a 2.5Ah XGT battery can be charged in just 28 minutes and a 4.0Ah battery in 45 minutes.

For those that are currently using Makita’s LXT products, Makita has developed an adaptor that allows you to charge your LXT batteries using the XGT charger. This makes changing between tools effortless. With the adaptor, LXT batteries charge in just 22 minutes (for 3.0Ah LXT batteries) up to 40 minutes (for 6.0Ah LXT batteries).

To launch the new XGT range, Makita UK will also be offering a new redemption deal on selected models, so contractors can claim an extra 40V battery completely FREE of charge!

To find out more about Makita and the new range of 40V XGT products, please visit www.makitauk.com

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The new value of golf’s green spaces

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The new value of golf’s green spaces: Playing golf and spending time in nature could be an important solution to the predicted “tsunami of mental health problems” following the Covid-19 pandemic.

That’s the view of leading environmental psychologist Professor Jenny Roe of the University of Virginia, who says golf course environments possess many of the natural features – including water, biodiversity, spatial variety and light patterns – that help reduce stress and induce calm.

The new value of golf’s green spaces

The new value of golf’s green spaces

In a new multimedia editorial feature from Syngenta Growing Golf, broadcast on World Environment Day, Prof. Roe is joined by Olympic golf course architect Gil Hanse, who explains how golf courses can be beneficial for the environment.

The comments come as many golf clubs report strong demand for play and membership following periods of course closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And it builds on global market research from Syngenta that suggests prospective players are attracted to the game because 1) it is outdoors and 2) offers relaxation and stress relief. (Physical exercise benefits ranked fifth.)

The feature poses the question: in the new normal, post Covid-19, could golf clubs and courses reposition themselves as valuable green space destinations in an increasingly urbanized world?

Mark Birchmore, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing, Turf and Landscape, who commissioned the feature, said: “On World Environment Day, at a time when the globe continues to face the challenges of Covid-19, this is a timely exploration of the deeper value and benefits golf and its course environments offer both people and the planet.

“In a world where access to green spaces is becoming more important and more valuable than ever, this is also an opportunity for golf to reposition and make itself relevant to a larger, more diverse audience.

To read the full article and watch the interviews, visit: https://growinggolf.shorthandstories.com/the-new-value-of-golf-s-green-spaces/index.html

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2020 Conference to go ahead

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2020 Conference to go ahead: The Amenity Forum has announced that its 2020 Conference will go ahead on October 15th at the Kettering Conference Centre. The conference will also be made available on-line to registered delegates.

The Forum will be using specialist conferencing software for those unable to attend in person. Having liaised with the venue and all concerned, it is felt possible to run the event at the conference centre and all measures will be taken in terms of social distancing and related matters.

2020 Conference to go ahead

2020 Conference to go ahead

Professor Moverley, Chairman of the Forum, said ‘’ We did consider delaying the event but we believe that there are so many important issues facing the sector currently, not least the on-going review of the National Action Plan by the UK and national governments. The conference has become an important one for the sector. We can assure delegates that all precautions will be taken and feel the offer of on-line access is a positive step. We recognise some delegates may still have reservations on attending in person’’.

The title of the conference is ‘Amenity Management – Planning for the Future’ and a range of high-quality speakers has been secured to address the issues. Indeed, our first speaker from Defra will bring up to the minute policy statements and will be followed by other speakers covering current issues. It is definitely not to be missed.

For further information on the programme, please contact admin@amenityforum.net  Delegate rates have been kept at a very competitive rate we believe.

Rates for Attending at Venue
£85 + VAT for Members
£95 + VAT for Non-Member

An early bird discount of £10 for full conference delegates applies for bookings made before September 1st

Online Attendance
£45 + VAT for Members
£50 + VAT for Non-Member

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GEO Foundation World Environment Day

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GEO Foundation World Environment Day: Today marks the UN’s World Environment Day. Last year, we focused on how golf courses could play an important role in Beating Air Pollution.

And whilst so much has changed in the world since then, some underlying trends and issues are as important as ever.

GEO Foundation World Environment Day

GEO Foundation World Environment Day

This year we are celebrating golf’s contribution to nature – how it helps to conserve the rare and the common, the iconic and the invisible – and how golf’s global diversity of landscapes and ecosystems (the woodlands, the wetlands, the grasslands and the dunes) all offer safe haven for our wildlife.

Of all the environmental and sustainability issues we face, perhaps no other fits so well with golf – an outdoor sport and recreation that brings people into direct contact with their local green spaces, and the species that live there.

We also highlight some of those Sustainability Champions and leaders in golf who are making sure this doesn’t just happen by accident.  Who, through careful stewardship, are ensuring their courses are as valuable to nature as possible.

There’s also a firm focus on the benefits to golf clubs and golfers. For example, how nature can create new efficiencies; provide natural solutions to course issues like flooding; add to the experience and fun golfers have; and be a point of genuine pride in the local community.

Watch the World Environment Day video below to find out more: https://youtu.be/rL-BNJNFzLY

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