Arguably, one of the most important chapters in the history of power tools was the introduction of lithium-ion technology to professional power tools by Milwaukee Tool Corp. in . This introduction created a fundamental shift in tool technology that continues to have an impact a decade later.
For more information, please visit MrPowertools.
Four reasons cordless tools can help on the job site
Since , significant leaps forward in motors and tool electronics, coupled with advancements in lithium-ion, have pushed the industry to a point few would have considered possible 10 years ago. Today&#;s cordless tools deliver massive amounts of power and performance in a more compact package, and can even outperform their corded predecessors. The run-times are getting longer, and the charge times are getting shorter.
Even so, there are still tradesmen who have resisted the shift from corded to cordless. For these users, there&#;s just far too much work to be done to let productivity be hindered by potential battery run-time, and overall power and performance concerns. While these may have been valid concerns even five years ago, the industry is now at a point where cordless is quickly taking over as the leading technology in numerous ways. Here are three trends to consider when it comes to the adoption of cordless solutions on the job site.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has long reported that slips, trips and falls are a prevalent concern on job sites, accounting for more than one-third of all reported injuries. Trips occur when an obstruction catches a worker&#;s foot and causes him/her to stumble. One of the most common offenders of trips is cords from power tools. Cordless tools have the benefit of freeing job sites from the nuisances of having to sweep cords to the side or string extension cables across the floor, vastly improving the hazards associated with trips, but also freeing up more space for equipment.
Run-time isn&#;t much of a concern anymore when it comes to cordless tools, rendering the age-old fight for the security of the cord a thing of the past. The move to more energy-dense battery packs means that professional users who use the tools extensively now rely on fewer battery packs to get through a work day. Pro users had six or eight batteries on-site for their Ni-Cd tools and traded them out as needed throughout the day. With the newer lithium-ion batteries now available, heavy-duty users need just one or two for the day, then recharge overnight.
Lithium-ion technology isn&#;t solely responsible for the enhanced features today&#;s users are seeing in their tools. A tool&#;s motor and electronics infrastructure are also key factors that can offer increased run-time and performance. Just because a voltage number may be higher, doesn&#;t mean it has more power. Because of many technological advances, cordless power tool manufacturers have been able to meet and surpass higher voltage performance with that of their cordless solutions. By tying brushless motors to the world&#;s most capable electronics packages and most advanced lithium-ion batteries, users can truly push the boundaries of cordless tool performance and experience the enhanced productivity it provides.
The innovations surrounding cordless power tools have also led to opportunities that allow manufacturers to enhance other aspects of the tools, and impact the safety and efficiency of an overall process. Take the following two cordless tools for example.
By utilizing their M18 FUEL technology, Milwaukee Tools introduced the first-ever, 18-volt cordless magnetic drill press. The tool utilizes permanent magnets so that the magnetic base operates without electricity; ensuring that the magnet does not deactivate if the battery is drained. Equipped with Auto-Stop lift-off detection, power to the motor is automatically cut if excess rotational motion is detected while drilling.
Milwaukee&#;s M18 FUEL Grinder was the first cordless braking grinder on the market with corded performance. Its RAPID STOP brake stops accessories in under two seconds, while an electronic clutch reduces kick-back during bind-up. These types of new-to-the-world innovation wouldn&#;t have been possible without the complex interworking of lithium-ion, motor technologies and electronics.
Challenges on the job site, such as battery runtime and overall performance ,are being addressed every day as cordless technology improves. This investment in technology has also unlocked capabilities the industry never thought possible&#;the capability to not only deliver huge increases in productivity, but also provide additional value to the contractor that was never possible due to technology limitations. The investment contractors make in power tools can be substantial and the value those tools provide continues to evolve with improvements in technology.
Kevin Gee is senior product manager at Milwaukee Tool Corp., Brookfield, Wis. To learn more, visit www.milwaukeetool.com or call (262) 790-.
There&#;s a reason cordless tools are the favorite of contractors and homeowners alike. They provide convenience, safety, quieter operation, easy storage, and eco-friendliness. We&#;ll review each benefit of battery-powered tools in detail so you understand why people choose them over gas or corded tools.
Eco-friendliness
Amy Stenglein | Lawn LoveBattery-powered tools don&#;t contribute to air pollution in the same way gas-powered tools do. They also don&#;t require gasoline or oil to function, which reduces the chance of spills that contaminate the environment.
Because of this, California&#;s green lawn care law bans the sale of new gas-powered equipment in favor of electric tools. Other states and cities may follow in the future.
That&#;s not to say there aren&#;t any environmental concerns over battery-powered equipment. The mining and production of lithium batteries is resource-intensive. It also still uses energy to charge the device.
However, in a similar debate over electric versus gas-powered cars, experts at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say electric still beats gas in the long run in terms of overall environmental impact. Despite the high environmental cost upfront, batteries produce lower CO2 emissions over their lifetime.
Safety
Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered tools don&#;t produce emissions while you use them. No emissions means no added risk of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or neurological conditions that come with gas-powered equipment.
Another safety feature of battery-powered tools is that they shut off automatically when you take your finger off the trigger. This is much better than gas tools, which can stay running or idle and pose a risk to you and your machine.
Want more information on Cordless Garden Tools? Feel free to contact us.
Battery-powered equipment also is safer than other electric equipment since it has no cord. Not only are cords tripping hazards but they can get tangled or caught on indoor or outdoor furniture, bringing things crashing down in their wake.
Reduced noise
Gas-powered equipment is notorious for its noisy nature. It&#;s not just annoying &#; loud lawn mowers and power tools can cause hearing loss over time.
Electric tools significantly cut back on this problem, falling at or below the Center for Disease Control&#;s recommended noise levels of 85 decibels. When you get a battery-powered tool, your ears and neighbors will thank you.
Freedom of movement
Battery-powered equipment is easy to take on the go. You can easily move it from your front yard to your backyard (or even another property) without worrying about outlets or extension cords.
Battery-powered equipment also tends to be lighter-weight than gas-powered equipment, though it may be heavier than corded equipment. However, lithium-ion batteries are more lightweight than batteries of the past, and future batteries might be even lighter.
User-friendly controls
Battery-powered tools are easy to control. With the push of a button, you can turn them on and adjust their speed. This is a welcome relief to anyone who&#;s struggled with priming, pull cords, or levers.
Easy storage
Amy Stenglein | Lawn LoveStoring battery-powered equipment is simple. There are no cords to get in the way or tangle with your other tools. There&#;s also no need to empty the gas tank, add fuel stabilizer, or change the oil before winter storage &#; all you need to do to winterize electric lawn equipment is remove the battery and keep it in a dry location away from extreme temperatures.
Simple maintenance
Your most regular maintenance task (if you can even call it that) is charging the battery. You should also:
While battery-powered tools still require some maintenance, it&#;s not as time-consuming or as expensive as maintenance for gas-powered tools. Gas tools require you to check or replace the fuel, spark plug, air filter, carburetor, and ignition coil in addition to keeping everything clean.
Constant improvements
Because they&#;re so popular, technology in the cordless tool market is rapidly improving and expanding. Battery-powered tools used to be heavier with shorter battery lives and less power. However, tool manufacturers are innovating to create lighter, more powerful batteries with longer lives and shorter charging times.
Battery-powered tools have several disadvantages.
New and improved options come out all the time, but you can check out our current favorites in these articles:
It depends on how often you use the tool, but you typically need to replace the battery every two to five years. Some can last as long as 15 to 20 years.
The replacement cost of batteries in outdoor power tools varies from $40 to $600. For more details, check out our lithium-ion battery pricing guide.
Make your choice (or hire a pro)
Battery-powered tools have many benefits that contribute to their popularity. Their convenience, eco-friendliness, and safety are all reasons you may choose battery-powered tools over gas or corded tools.
If thinking about tools gives you a headache, don&#;t worry. Lawn Love can connect you with a local lawn care pro who already has the best tools for the job at their fingertips.
Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer currently based in the Pacific Northwest. In her free time, she enjoys long walks and baking. She excitedly awaits the day she can grow her own edible garden.
The company is the world’s best Cordless Power Tools Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.