Cordless power tool technology is about to take a giant leap forward in delivering the raw power, performance, and productivity demanded by the professional contractor. The technology being introduced today, and over the next few years, will change users’ preconceived notions about the capability of cordless power tools and the extent to which they can deliver improved productivity on the jobsite. This advancement will fundamentally change the way professionals work, and make a significant impact on the overall operations on a jobsite.
LITHIUM-ION TECHNOLOGY
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 in 2005. This introduction created a fundamental shift in cordless tool technology that continues to have an impact a decade later. Looking back, it is hard to imagine a tool technology having made such a significant impact on the way contractors leverage their tools for productivity, and the execution of their craft on the jobsite every day.  In short—it was a massive change in form, features, and function. It completely changed how contractors viewed cordless tool capability, and enabled a series of improvements in tool performance which has further reduced the need to lay out cords. It also provided the freedom of portable power in endless locations on the jobsite.
Since 2005, 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. In addition, while this space has been rife with new incremental innovation since, nothing has quite come close to the disruptive innovation prompted by the introduction of lithium-ion … until now.
MILWAUKEE M18™ CORDLESS SYSTEM
One of the most exciting chapters of the story is upon us. With the introduction of the Milwaukee M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH DEMAND™ 9.0 Battery Pack, we’re taking the industry’s largest step towards full corded replacement on the jobsite. But, why is it so important to this story?
Since it was first introduced in 2007, the Milwaukee M18 cordless system created a revolution in cordless power tools, leveraging proprietary battery, electronics, and motor technology to deliver a platform of cordless tool solutions designed from the ground up to exceed the demands of the professional contractor. The Milwaukee cordless technology ecosystem enabled the introduction of new battery technology which was completely forward and backward compatible. As new battery technology was introduced, it worked seamlessly into the M18 battery system without the need for contractors to worry about the ominous question: “Will this new battery fit all of my old M18 tools?”
M18 FUEL™ BRUSHLESS TECHNOLOGY
With continuous investment in new technology, Milwaukee introduced M18 FUEL™ Brushless Technology in 2012. The synergy of REDLITHIUM batteries, POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motors, and REDLINK PLUS™ Tool Electronics delivered tools which rivaled the performance of corded tools.  Building upon the unique features that make M18 FUEL the most advanced and capable system in the industry, the new M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack will boost existing performance up to 2X the capability of the existing M18 XC 5.0 battery pack. The disruptive power and performance contractors felt when they pulled the trigger on an M18 FUEL power tool for the first time has been taken to the next level.
INCREASING PERFORMANCE
The new battery pack will instantly increase the performance of users’ current M18 cordless tools, delivering more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than any other power tool battery on the market, regardless of voltage. The pack will also run significantly cooler so contractors will be able to push their cordless tools harder and longer than ever before. For the first time ever, contractors will experience true corded performance with high-demand products that require an extensive amount of sustained power and run-time in applications, such as high-demand drilling, chipping, cutting, and grinding. This is performance completely unheard of until now.
In addition, this new battery pack is compatible with over 110 tools in the Milwaukee M18 system, so there’s no loss in productivity in managing multiple battery platforms on the jobsite.  There is also no need to change battery platforms. If it’s M18, it fits.
And, this is just the beginning! Cordless technology will continue to rapidly push the potential in categories never previously thought of as viable cordless options. For users doing heavy-duty concrete drilling or chipping, the SDS Max Rotary Hammer will be the first cordless solution of its kind to deliver the performance package they need. This new rotary hammer will be able to tackle the most demanding concrete-drilling applications that were previously only possible with a corded unit, such as dry coring and medium-duty chipping in concrete. One of the catalysts to making that performance possible has been the introduction of the new M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack.
Look for part two of this article in the next issue of MCS as the future of cordless looks at jobsite lighting and a digital tool program that’s changing tool inventory and location.
From here, the sky is the limit! ■
Look for part two of this article in the next issue of MCS as the future of cordless looks at jobsite lighting and a digital tool program that’s changing tool inventory and location.
About The Author:  Shane Moll is the president of Power Tools for Milwaukee Tool based in Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions – September 2016
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