Milwaukee’s Paradigm Shift
Published: 4/3, 2020
An innovation the industry thought was years away is here in 2020 with Milwaukee Tools’ release of the world’s first battery powered professional diamond core drilling, a full-size power cutter for reinforced concrete and a powerful jackhammer.
To date, batteries have only been suited for small tools, or so it was thought. Among concrete cutters, demolition contractors, those who work with heavy handheld cutting machines or chisel hammers, the prospects for battery operation and lighter machines were good due to the units’ size and weight. Milwaukee Tools, owned by Techtronics Industries, has changed perceptions with a major product launch designed for core drilling with diamond tools in reinforced concrete up to a diameter of 5.9 in (150mm), as well as a battery-operated power cutter for blades with a diameter of 13.7 in (350mm), and a battery-operated chiseling machine.
New MX Fuel Series
A new and revolutionary series, Milwaukee MX Fuel, delivers many benefits including zero-emission machines and includes a battery powered lighting mast along with a battery powered drainage machine. The series has no exhaust fumes, starter cord and start-up hassles, gasoline/oil mixture, or engine maintenance, yet provides the same power as gasoline and cord powered construction machines but with less weight. In addition, the equipment can be used indoors in enclosed spaces without the risk of fumes.
All machines in the MX Fuel Series are powered with the same battery, the “Max Fuel RedLithium” battery. This has been patented with unique features such as protection against fall damage, vibration, water and extreme temperatures. The battery is equipped with “RedLink” electronics that allow the battery, machine, and charger to communicate with each other to create optimum performance and battery life. Its high performance and high-quality lithium-ion technology has been developed in close collaboration with the world’s leading battery cell developers and tested at Milwaukee Tools’ own battery laboratory.
Milwaukee has two battery sizes for the MX Fuel Series with both batteries fitting all machines in the series. The largest, the MXF XC406 has a capacity of 6.0A/h and can be fully charged in 90 minutes. It is equipped with battery indicator, RedLink technology, and is compatible with Milwaukee’s ditial “One-Key” system to facilitate tracking, handling, and customization in the workplace. The smaller battery, the MXF CP203, has the same characteristics, and can be fully charged in 45 minutes, with capacity of 3.0A/h as well as a MXF C charger. All products in the series are equipped with a carbon brushless “PowerState” motor, RedLink Plus electronics, and RedLithium batteries. They are also compatible with the One-Key system.
MXF COS350 MX Fuel power cutter
This is the world’s first handheld battery operated power cutter for 13.7 in (350mm) blades with enough power to cut reinforced concrete, starting in a few seconds, with cutting beginning immediately. Should something happen that risks user safety, such as the machine hitting the face, the “RapidStop” function stops the blade immediately, with a blade guard cover preventing blade exposure.
The machine has ‘petrol powered performance’ with a maximum speed of 5,350rpm and 4.9-in (125mm) cutting depth. The machine is quiet with low vibrations and well-balanced weight. It has a tool-free burst cap and built in wet cut tubing compatible with Milwaukee’s M18 “Switch Tank” water spray tank, which is also battery operated with no pumping required. The machine is equipped with safety features that prevent use in the wrong direction, simply switching off before anything happens. When the machine is switched off, the blade stops immediately and does not stand and spin as with a gas-powered cutter. It may be accompanied by Milwaukee’s recently launched new blade series trolley.
MXF DSD150 MX Fuel diamond drill
What is said to be the first battery powered diamond core drill system, which is capable of drilling holes up to 6 in (152mm), has also been introduced. This has a considerably shortened set up time, making core drilling easier. Performance is the same as for cord-powered machines and drills both dry and wet, with the machine having two gears with laser etched speed and capacity markings on the metal housing. Speed 1 is for up to 3 in (75mm) diameter wet and dry drilling at 1,600rpm; Speed 2 is up to 5.9 in (152mm) drilling at 800rpm. The machine is equipped with an “Autostop” clutch, which provides protection thereby preventing overstressing if the drill is stuck. Other features include a spirit level sensor, built-in pressure gauge to optimize speed, built in battery indicator and built in stroke connection compatible with the M18 “Switch Tank” with a battery powered water pump. The drill mount fits most core drills with a friction disk, enabling easy core drill replacement. The machine fits most drill racks, but Milwaukee has also developed its own, MXF DR255TV with a 2.4 (60mm) collar. All machines are equipped with carbon brushless motors, with an auto feed to be expected in the near future.
MXF DH2528H MX Fuel jackhammer
Milwaukee’s new battery-powered jackhammer provides high impact energy with lower vibrations than hammers with cord, gasoline or pneumatic power. With a 1.1-in (28mm) chisel, the 55-lb (25kg) machine can handle 39 ft (12m) of chiseling per charge. The hammer is well suited for tough demolition work, even indoors in confined spaces thanks to zero emissions. “Floating Body” anti-vibration technology makes it possible to work all day without being exposed to harmful vibrational damage. The service life of the jackhammer corresponds to cord-driven machines and is highly service friendly, with a service light indicating when grease should be added.
MXF TL MX Fuel lighting mast
Effective and powerful lighting in the workplace is an obvious necessity on construction sites. There is a plethora of suppliers but many light sources are powered by diesel or gasoline and cannot be used indoors. Milwaukee’s new battery-operated lighting tower is lightweight and quickly set up in the workplace. It is equipped with “TrueView” high-definition light source for both directional and area lighting. The lamp elements can be adjusted in different directions, while two large wheels allow the tower to handle tough terrain. Set-up time is only a few seconds with the mast being able to be raised up to 10 ft (3.10m) and being able to withstand wind speeds of up to 34 mph (55kmh).
And more battery-operated news
Another new release is the M18 FCOS230-0 concrete cap that can be used with blades up to 9 in (230mm). Also new is the M18 FMS305-121 cutter/gear saw, the M18 FN18GS-202X diving gun, and the M18 ONEPD2-502X drill machine. There’s also a new M18 ONESX-0 “tiger saw” that Milwaukee was the first to launch, and new M18 ONESLS-0 plant lighting. More battery-powered machines will be launched later this year.