In the latest of edition of โLook What They Have Overseas and We Hope Weย Getโ, we come across the Makita DC18RE Multi-Voltage Charger. As the name indicates, youโre looking at the ability to charge both 18V and 12V Max battery packs.
This one is available in Australia at the moment, a proving ground that sometimesย yields benefits down the road for us in North America. Sometimes it doesnโt, though. Makitaโs backpack battery that we reported on wonโt be making its way across the pond. Whether the Makita DC18RE does is all about understanding whether it makes sense for the US market.
The feature set is pretty standard if youโre used to Makita rapid chargers. Forced air cooling keeps temperatures under control during charging and cools batteries down more quickly so they can charge faster. Thereโs an integrated CPU that monitors and optimizes the charging process. You also have your standard LED indicator to let you know where you are in the cycle.
Like other Makita rapid chargers, this one gets the job quickly, tackling the full charge cycle on a 5.0 AH, 18V battery in just 45 minutes. If youโre running Makita 6.0 AH packs, itโs a 55-minute charge cycle.
But the real news is the multi-voltage capability. If youโre running both Makita 18V and 12V Max tools, you can charge both packs on one charger. Thereโs just one caveat โ you need to be running 18V LXT and 12V CXTย slide packs. The older 12V stick packs wonโt charge on this system.
Of course, with Makitaโs 18V LXT Sub-Compact lineup, thereโs the question of how many Pros will need Makitaโs 12V CXT line moving forward. But there are still tools like the 12V Recipro Saw that havenโt made the Sub-Compact scene yet and there are trades that can handle 12V as a primary or platform.
Makita DC18RE Multi-Voltage Charger Key Features
- Charges Makita 18V LXT and 12V Max CXT slide pack batteries
- Fast charging
- Built-in CPU optimises charging method
- Forced air cooling fan allows for faster charging
- LED power display indicates charge status
Makita DC18RE Multi-Voltage Charger Charge Times
- 12V Max 1.5/2.0/4.0 AH: 22/30/60 minutes
- 18V 1.5/3.0/4.0/5.0/6.0 AH: 15/22/36/45/55 minutes
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