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the latest in batteries

Portable power > Compressed air and gas tools are not disappearing anytime soon, but increasingly battery-powered tools are a viable replacement, offering safer, more convenient and more portable options for professional users.

PREBENA’s hybrid solution

Compressed air devices still make up the majority of PREBENA’s product range, but battery technology is the future of mobile working, believes the Germany-headquartered manufacturer.

The company has developed a unique hybrid solution offering both compressed air and battery technologies – PKT-HYBRID – combining air power with power from the cross-manufacturer battery system CAS (more of that later).

Two models make up the new range so far, one round-head and one half-head strip nailer, equipped with a short or long magazine for nails up to 100 mm in length;

  • The PKT-8-RKP100 is suitable for paper-bound round head strip nails Type RKP (with) up to 100 mm nail length.
  • The PKT-8-PR100 processes paper-bound half-head nails (D-head) Type PR also up to 100 mm nail length.

PREBENA‘s new 18 volt battery compressor VITAS 100-AKKU is also operated with batteries from CAS, so both pneumatic cartridge nailers and cordless compressors can be operated with the same batteries.

The compact piston compressor with brushless motor is ideal for portable use on the construction site. With a weight of 10 kg and a size of 330 x 310 x 390 mm, it is easy to transport and rubberised feet ensure safe use. The PREBENA VITAS 100-AKKU is oil-free and thus ensures minimal maintenance and service requirements. It offers a maximum pressure of 8 bar, which can be adjusted via a pressure reducer with manometer, suitable for each tool.

The battery compressor promises low energy consumption and a correspondingly long runtime, so that the performance is comparable to a cable device, adds PREBENA.

CAS battery system > 280 power tools and counting

The Cordless Alliance System (CAS) shares battery technology between numerous brands, since 2018. Then an industry first (other smaller battery-based alliances have since appeared), the system is based on Metabo’s battery pack technology, using the brand’s 18V LiHD battery packs. In those early days, CAS included Metabo, Rothenburger, Mafell, Eisenblatter, Collomix, Haaga, Starmix, Eibenstock and Steinel, with 110 machines all compatible with the battery.

Now that number has ballooned with more than 280 machines from numerous brands using the same battery system, offering users an incredibly broad range of options without having to own or use a bafflingly large range of different battery chargers.

The foundation of the CAS battery pack technology is Metabo’s 30 years of expertise in the battery field. The battery pack pioneer has identified 18V as the key application range for professional users, covering a performance range of 400 to 3,200 watts.

Recent firms to join CAS include GESIPA, TRUMF and torque tool supplier ITH, among others.

MAKITA’s gas busters

Just a few months ago, Makita unveiled a raft of new products as well as new battery technology (at STAFDA’s Orlando 2021 show).

XGT equipment and tools are engineered for high demand applications that typically previously used cords, gas or compressed air. The XGT line-up includes over 50 products which are powered by 40V max batteries, with select 80V products that are powered by two 40V max batteries for cordless performance hitherto unseen, says the brand.

Also from Makita, the LXT cordless tool system is touted as the world’s largest. Powered by 18V lithium-ion slide style batteries, the range includes a growing line-up of tools and power equipment powered by two 18V lithium-ion batteries. Currently there are 275 products using this battery system, which makes it the world’s largest professional cordless tool system powered by 18V lithium-ion batteries, according to Makita.

Then there is ConnectX. Pitched as a run-time and power solution for professionals seeking a gas replacement, ConnectX includes a new backpack power supply with Makita’s most powerful battery yet. The back-pack system has the performance and run-time to replace gas, says Makita.