Makita has added six new orbit sanders to its XGT 40VMax range. Due to an innovative cable connection to the battery, the new cordless sanders offer superior ease of use and manoeuvrability, as well as delivering the excellent levels of performance and runtimes that professionals demand.

The powerful additions to the range provide an ideal alternative to pneumatic sanders without the increased maintenance or the time-consuming management of the compressor. The efficient brushless motor utilised by the new range of sanders reduces wasted energy to help deliver maximum power and extended runtimes from each battery charge. The six XGT sanders all deliver between 6,000 and 10,000 orbits per minute with the variable speed control operated from a conveniently placed dial on the side of the tool. The BO001CG and BO002CG are 5mm random orbit sanders with 125mm and 150mm sanding disc diameters respectively, while the 125mm BO003CG and 150mm BO004CG have 3mm random sanding orbits. The BO005CG and BO006CG have 80 x 130 mm square and 100 x 150 mm triangular sanding pads respectively, with a 3mm sanding orbit.

One of the key advantages of these sanders is the battery is not mounted directly on the tool. Instead, the power is supplied from the battery via a connector and cable. The 1.6 metre cable supplied as standard with the sanders allows the battery to be easily clipped to the user’s belt or placed in a convenient location nearby. There is also the option of a five-metre cable to provide even greater flexibility. This type of connection to the battery reduces the weight load on the user’s hand and keeps the overall height of the tool low to make it easier and more comfortable to operate, especially for longer periods of time.

Alternatively, for significantly extended run-times the new XGT sanders can be powered by the Makita PDC1200 or PDC1500 portable power packs. These backpack-mounted power sources feature 33Ah and 43Ah batteries respectively and can be used with a wide range of Makita’s twin 18V (36V) LXT and 40VMax XGT tools when fitted with the appropriate adaptor.

The new sanders have two options for dust control – an on-tool dust bag or a simple and easy connection to a dust extractor, which is essential when working on-site. The sanders have the Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) technology built in. This connects the tool to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth to run the dust extractor automatically when the tool is in use, making dust management simpler.

To improve the efficiency of work further, Makita’s new net-type abrasive paper and pad saver accessory can be used with the sanders. Compared with conventional abrasive papers, the net sanding paper reduces the chance of clogging with dust and provides greater efficiency when sanding painted surfaces. The pad saver attaches between the sanding pad and abrasive paper via a hook and loop fastener to reduce the frequency of pad replacement over the life of the sander.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “The new 40VMax XGT sanders offer a simpler to use alternative to pneumatic sanders that still provides the performance required for many of the toughest sanding tasks. The innovative battery connection makes these sanders more manoeuvrable and comfortable to operate, while the AWS technology helps ensure a safer working environment.”

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