We recently attended the Metabo event where we saw a lot of very innovative cordless products designed for the metalworking trades and actually got to use this “World’s First” cordless 9” grinder WPB36LTXBL230 ($1199) to cut through some guardrail. Very impressive power at 2400 watts which is roughly the equivalent to 21 amp corded AC power! This is one of the first cordless tools to really showcase how cordless is actually able to outperform corded tools. While the price may keep it out of reach for many at this point there will also be an 18V x2 version coming in early 2017 which will allow those with Metabo 18V batteries just to buy the bare tool version.
Metabo is pushing forward with their cordless strategy to have both an 18V offering and 36V offering which certainly can be tricky when you’ve only got a small % of the cordless market to start with. Both offer the LiHD battery options, which we covered in the 18650 vs 20700 Battery post recently. We think Metabo is building their cordless brand the right way by focusing heavily on metalworking market who have grown to love their brand in corded. While they do certainly have high-end tools they also offer some aggressive pricing on your more traditional Metabo cordless tools as well. For more on this 36V grinder check out the full Metabo press release below.
West Chester, PA – Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade hand-held power tools and accessories has recently launched the world’s first 9” cordless angle grinder, the WPB 36 LTX BL 230. Never before has a manufacturer attempted to make such a large and power intensive tool on a cordless platform. But, the combination of Metabo’s newly developed 36V brushless motor and their new Lithium High Density (LiHD) battery technology, has produced a tool capable of producing 2,400 Watts (21 Amps), which is equivalent to their CORDED 9” W 24-230 angle grinder. Making this tool particularly well suited for heavy duty remote applications such as pipe lines, farm maintenance, emergency rescue and utility first responders.
Comparable in size and weight to a professional 9” corded grinder, the WPB 36 LTX BL 230 is remarkably well balanced and easy to use. The integrated swivel handle allows users to rotate the tool into a comfortable position for either cutting or grinding applications. Additionally, the WPB 36 LTX BL 230 incorporates innovative safety features such as an electronic safety brake system that stops wheels in 3 seconds, Metabo’s patented electronic safety clutch that helps prevent kick-back, electronic overload protection, soft start and a non-locking paddle switch.
“During an International Management Meeting back in November of 2009, our CEO, Horst Garbrecht stated ‘We don’t know what the first 9-inch cordless angle grinder will look like or how it will work, but we definitely want to be the first to build it.’,” said Metabo USA President, Joseph Smith. “Cutting and grinding metal is our core business, it’s our heritage. We were the first to introduce the safety slip clutch, and the mechanical brake, it only makes sense that we lead the industry in developing the first true cordless industrial grinders also.”
LiHD Battery Technology
What gives the WPB 36 LTX BL 230 its power is Metabo’s new LiHD batteries, which generate up to 67% more power than traditional Lithium-Ion cells, enabling tools to tackle industrial applications not previously possible. The secret behind the increased power is the use of an all new, high density battery cell that contains a significantly higher amount of Lithium as compared to other standard cells. Additionally, to handle the increased power output, the new LiHD batteries are housed in a redesigned, patented battery pack that uses specially engineered components to more effectively manage the increased energy without generating the power draining heat of other standard lithium battery systems. In addition to the increased power output, the improved management of energy also increases run time up to 87%, as well as increases the battery life by as much as 100% when compared to our industry leading Li-ion 5.2 Ah battery packs
