Last Month Makita started releasing all new tools by press release, and we just got another one for November. Today they announced 3 new tools including 2 that make sense, and one that… well, just you wait.
Let’s start with this awesome drywall cut-out tool. THIS is the all new XOC02Z 18V LXT Brushless Cut-Out Tool, featuring Makita’s popular AWS system that includes the auto-start wireless transmitter so your dust collection starts whenever the tool does. Makita says this setup is a world’s first, and I’m sure will be welcomed with opens arms by drywallers, sparkies and plumbers for sure. No word on pricing or availability.
THIS is the all new DWD181 18V LXT Wall and Floor Scanner. Yes, we covered this last month alone with the rest of their STAFDA announcements, but now we have a bit more info. The scanner detects objects in concrete and masonry to keep you from hitting things when cutting drilling or coring. It can find metals, wood, plastic and shielded electrical wire up to 7” deep. It features best in class accuracy with a detection accuracy of plus or minus 3/16” of an inch which is kind of incredible. With an 18V LXT 6ah battery, The scanner will run for over 28 hours. You can get yours today for $1400.
And then Makita had their “One more thing moment”, with this. Yes, that’s an upright vacuum, with the distinctive styling of 1960 models. But to be fair, this isn’t flashy, because it’s not for consumers. This dual battery monster is industrial by every measurement, and designed for the hospitality industry. But Makita’s choice to jump into this arena is still peculiar. I mean, the one thing Hotels don’t have, is a shortage of electrical outlets. Is there really that big of a demand for cordless vacs among hotel cleaning crews? Maybe.
To find out, I reached out to Riley Doubleday, a 20 year Hospitality veteran, who made some interesting points. He said that in the hotels he managed, they had an average of one vacuum cleaner per 15 rooms. And they typically purchased popular models for around $180, and rarely do those vacuum cleaners last more than a year. So yeah, there’s a market out there. I asked him if he thinks that cutting the cord would be beneficial, and he said yes! Cords get in the way, and more importantly, they get kinks and break. And at 3 minutes times 15 rooms, he thinks their two 6ah batteries would easily get through a day. Maybe Makita’s smart and we’re all stupid. Nah, Makita is easily as stupid as we are.