The battery platform is gradually gaining popularity among users. In this material, we understand what it is, what are the differences between platforms and manufacturers.
What is a battery platform?
Battery platform – a set of different cordless tools with a universal rechargeable battery. This solution allows you to work with several cordless tools by changing only one battery.
The transition to this system was made possible thanks to the spread of brushless motors, which do not require a particularly powerful battery.
Devices that can be powered from one platform
What battery platforms are
Battery platforms have differences, even within the same manufacturer. Most often, all the differences come down to the difference in voltage for each battery, which will differ depending on the model. On sale you can find batteries with different voltages: 7.2 V, 12 V, 18 V.
There are batteries with a higher voltage (up to 82 V), but they are mostly intended for professional devices.
Tools within one battery platform
The platform of each manufacturer allows you to connect several tools at once: drills, screwdrivers, planers, wrenches, flashlights, metal shears, secateurs, perforators and much more.
For domestic use, compact and lightweight tools with a voltage of 12 V are suitable. At the same time, 18 V is considered the most optimal voltage value. Such batteries are a drill, hammer drill, planer, grinder, cordless scissors, brush cutter, angle grinder. Thus, one battery allows you to power cutting, sawing, drilling tools. The platforms are even suitable for connecting lanterns and garden devices.
For some devices, such as chain saw, brush cutter, blower, batteries are sold with a backpack mount. Its voltage can be 36 V, 82 V, and the system itself is worn on the back. In other cases, the batteries have a compact design and are easily attached to the body of the tool.
Each manufacturer produces certain types of tools. If you are assembling a set of tools of the same brand and under a single battery, then you need to clarify whether the brand line has the devices you need.
Capacities and chargers
Within the platform of one manufacturer, you can change the voltage and capacity of the battery. After the buyer decides on the preferred manufacturer and voltage, it is worth thinking about what capacity the platform will be. Depending on the manufacturer and model, on sale you can find battery platforms for 1.3 A / h (Amp-hour), 1.5 A / h, 3 A / h, 6 A / h. Professional models will have capacities of 9 A / h, 14.4 A / h. A battery with higher values provides longer battery life.
Depending on the capacity, the operating time without recharging can be from 20 to 60 minutes. For example, a platform with a capacity of 3 Ah can provide up to 60 minutes of operation. But as the battery capacity increases, the size and weight of the battery will increase. This must be taken into account if you plan to work with the tool for a long time. An alternative would be to purchase several batteries – small in volume, for small jobs and for long-term use.
When choosing a charger for batteries, you need to remember that they are only suitable for certain platforms and manufacturers. You won’t be able to use “non-native” charging – its charging interface simply won’t fit the battery. So, for example, in Ryobi systems there is a clip type of fastening, and in Makita, FinePower systems – a slider. The same type of attachment – for example, a slider – will also differ depending on the manufacturer.
Chargers, including within the same brand, differ from each other and charging time.
For example, for Makita batteries, depending on the model, the maximum charge time will vary from 45 to 130 minutes.
conclusions
The line of devices with a single battery platform is a good option for both creating a home tool kit and for professional use. The user can purchase the platform separately or buy it as an assembly with some tool, for example, a screwdriver. Thus, the purchase of the first tool with a battery platform provides the basis for the future purchase of a range of tools.
The only negative is that it can be difficult to find any specific tool. However, the choice of brands is now so wide that it can satisfy the needs of any user.