For a long time, the high demands placed on performance and efficiency on building sites meant petrol-powered or corded machines were the standard choice. Powerful lithium-ion batteries, as used in the automotive industry are, however, today fundamentally changing construction tools and machinery and have brought a number of benefits with them: less weight, less noise and pollution, safety improvements and environmentally friendly operation. DEWALT, a US manufacturer of professional power tools with more than a hundred years of history, is one of the pioneers in this field. With its POWERSHIFT Cordless Equipment System, the company has now released a six-part, battery-operated tool system for the concrete trades. The system includes a rammer and plate compactor for preparatory work, vibrators in a stationary and a backpack version as well as a screed for placement, and a core drill for working on already hardened concrete. The centrepiece, compatible with all machines, is an extremely powerful lithium-ion battery based on innovative pouch cell technology. It weighs only 5.3 kg, is robust, fully charges in under an hour and is easy to use. The system also includes an extremely powerful fast charger with a two-stage charge cycle that ensures a longer battery life. What makes the development of the POWERSHIFT line so remarkable, is its consistent focus on the user. The DEWALT team observed and surveyed countless contractors on building sites in and beyond the USA to find out what they most wanted in terms of operating capability and work safety. Cordless operation, ergonomic handles and easy-to-reach controls for intuitive use were just as much in demand as was easy management of the battery. Owing to the compact form and eye-catching colour concept of the system’s components, the result is a cohesive, recognisable aesthetic with helpful safety features such as an anti-rotation and soft-start function. The jury was completely won over. “With POWERSHIFT, DEWALT has succeeded in producing an exceptionally coherent product line that combines high performance with a genuinely enhanced user experience while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint of construction sites.”
