Mining equipment
Makita: the power-tool vanguards MAKITA’S XGT 40-VOLT MAX RANGE IS REDEFINING POWER-TOOL SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE, AND HAS THE MINING INDUSTRY’S ENDORSEMENT TO PROVE THE COMPANY IS A BIG-TIME PLAYER IN AN EVER-ADVANCING SECTOR.
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sing battery power tools as a substitute for alternating current (AC) tools provides major safety assurances on mine sites, removing the workplace hazards associated with electrical leads. Corded tools present trip hazards, entanglement risks as well as the potential for electric shocks. Makita’s XGT 40-volt Max range provides a proven alternative to AC power tools, exemplified by its TW001GZ ¾” Drive Impact Wrench and GA013GZ 125-millimetre Angle Grinder. The Japanese power-tool innovator is built on the back of its core philosophy of “Listen, Act & Deliver.” It’s the company’s progressive approach to development that’s seen it develop products for all settings. “Makita’s focus is on innovation and fit-for-purpose tooling, so they are an
The TW001GZ leads the market with its unique forward and reverse auto-stop function.
Makita’s GA013GZ 125mm angle grinder is a proven player in harsh environments.
industrial-grade tool, they’re designed for harsh environments,” Makita Australia industrial business development manager Andrew Shaw says. “The company’s vision and objective is to provide a battery-powered, cord-free, hose-free, petrol-free solution for all areas of industry because that’s the future.” Safety is not just an obligation in Makita’s tool range, it’s a selling point, and something which underpins the company’s process from factory to site. “Makita is designing and producing these tools with the vision of replacing existing products in the industry where there’s air-hose hazards, electricallead hazards, petrol hazards, with a product that’s an effective direct replacement,” Shaw says. “The company incorporates a lot of unique or extra features into the manufacturing process to make the tools suitable for that kind of climate and now with this new XGT range, which stands for ‘next-generation technology’, with its 40volt system, it provides a genuine solution
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for heavy-industrial applications.” The compact and ergonomic design of Makita’s TW001GZ Drive Impact Wrench is an important safety attribute, while its four-speed selection reduces unnecessary reactive force on the user. Its rubber joint suppression also limits vibration to the battery and battery terminal, as well as the user. The wrench’s auto-stop feature is another essential aspect, giving the user greater control of the tool. “One of the big safety benefits of the wrench is the forward and reverse autostop features,” Makita Australia product coordinator Michael Princic says. “In forward, it will remove the ability for the tool to overtighten a certain nut or bolt. If you overtighten, it can cause failure or undue stress to the equipment, so it eliminates that.” A tool is arguably at its most dangerous when working in reverse – something Makita recognises with its TW001GZ Drive Impact Wrench. “In reverse, at full power, full speed, it’s
