The human excellence stems from a host of different sources, but nothing brings it more to the fore than our commitment towards improving at a consistent pace. This commitment, in particular, has already brought the world some huge milestones, with technology emerging as quite a major member of the stated group. The reason why we hold technology in such a high regard is, by and large, predicated upon its skill-set, which guided us towards a reality that nobody could have ever imagined otherwise. Nevertheless, if we look beyond the surface for one hot second, it will become clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired from the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component, in fact, did a lot to give the creation a spectrum-wide presence, and as a result, initiated a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, the next thing this revolution did was to scale up the human experience through some outright unique avenues, but even after achieving a feat so notable, technology will somehow continue to bring forth the right goods. The same has turned more and more evident in recent times, and assuming one new construction-themed development pans out just like we envision, it will only put that trend on a higher pedestal moving forward.
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and a leader in total jobsite solutions, has officially announced the launch of DEWALT POWERSHIFT™, which is a groundbreaking equipment system designed to optimize the workflow of concrete jobsites through electrification. Geared towards fulfilling the most important needs of concrete professionals, the stated system comes decked up with high power density, translating to a 554WH battery weighing no more than 11.5 lbs. This means longer runtime and optimal ergonomics. Complimenting the same is a high-rate charger that can charge the battery to full capacity in less than one hour. Next up, we must talk about how the system’s plate compactor provides you with 3,370ft lbs. of force through its 15.7-in. plate, doing so through controls that are mounted on an again ergonomically-designed folding handle for increased user control and comfort. Moving on, DEWALT POWERSHIFT’s rammer is understood to feature 2,660 ft. lbs. of impact force. This is notably joined by anti-vibration insulators, as well as mounted controls on the two-position handle. Alongside such a hefty impact force, the system offers a rather lightweight backpack vibrator, weighing somewhere 25 lbs. The given vibrator further features a durable roll cage with fully adjustable hi-vis harness. There is also a powerpack vibrator available at your disposal, something which you can activate remotely through DEWALT Wireless Tool Control™ and carry using an over-body hi-vis harness for easy transport. DEWALR POWERSHIFT’s power screen jots down another talking point, considering it features fully adjustable handles for customizable height and width. Mind you, this doesn’t even cover those ambidextrous controls that can be mounted on either handle. Hold on, there is more, as we now must get into the system’s core drill and stand, which is designed with close wall or ceiling clearance. Interestingly enough, owing to its roots in DEWALT PERFORM & PROTECT™ line of tools, the stated drill also puts on the table an anti-rotation technology to prevent over rotation in a bind up situation. Finally, the system has a DEWALT FLEXVOLT® to DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ adaptor, meaning if needed, it can allow the use of DEWALT FLEXVOLT batteries for additional runtime when using DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ equipment.
Among other details, there is DEWALT POWERSHIFT’s pledge to conceive fully integrated connectivity with the DEWALT Site Manager app, thus providing users with real-time data on asset management, tool location, utilization, and safety. Apart from that, the new equipment system can also bank upon Converge’s AI-based platform ConcreteDNA to enhance user experience. Basically, powered by DEWALT’s own wireless concrete sensors, ConcreteDNA will take into account the promised real-time data to let users observe compressive strength gain of concrete and predict when exactly it will reach critical strength.
“As we kick off DEWALT’s 100th anniversary year, our guiding principle of making pros more productive holds strong with the launch of DEWALT POWERSHIFT™,” said Frank Mannarino, President of Power Tools Group at Stanley Black & Decker. “DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ is launching at a time when the industry is increasingly preparing for electrification, particularly as construction sites respond to statewide legislation aimed at phasing out gas-powered tools.
The development delivers a rather intriguing follow-up to one recent survey conducted by DEWALT. Named as Power Pulse, the survey polled construction industry professionals, including decision makers and skilled craft workers to more closely understand the opportunities and challenges of electrifying construction jobsites. Trusting the details made available thus far, 89% of professionals reported to be confident about their construction sites being suitable for the transition to fully electric-powered tools. While 44% and 39% participants did cite power supply and tool durability, respectively, as concerns regarding electric-powered tools, 68% respondents with personal experience claimed that the technology helped them complete projects two to three times faster compared to gas-powered tools. Another 72% expressed a similar opinion, saying they are either satisfied or very satisfied with the transition to electric-powered tools on their site. Not just that, the survey also uncovered a wider shift happening throughout the construction industry. For instance, it revealed that employees faced more issues or breakdowns with gas-powered tools (59%), in comparison to electric-powered tools (45%). Another upside coming into play was how electric tools were found to enhance safety by 46%, ease of use by 44%, generate greater time-savings by 42%, and mandate less maintenance and lower operating costs by almost 36%. However, it wasn’t all positive too, with 38% and 36% workers deeming scarce availability of tools and insufficient knowledge, respectively, as the primary reasons for not using electric-powered tools. Another limitation brought into focus talked to nearly 53% of construction professionals saying that they have passed on a bid due to the inability to commit to sustainability regulations, or lost a bid due to challenges with sustainability regulations.
Coming back to DEWALT POWERSHIFT, it is set to be unveiled at the World of Concrete Trade Show in Las Vegas on January 23, 2024. This event will also see the company showcasing other innovations like TOUGHSYSTEM® 2.0 DXL™, a new modular system made up of four 30-in. products, a worktop, two-drawer unit, deep drawer and dolly. All these products combine to create an organized mobile solution keeping users productive on the job.
“As part of this effort, DEWALT is providing a solution that electrifies the concrete workflow to maximize cost and time savings, while minimizing the environmental impact for the user. These user advantages are paramount to innovating in accordance with our purpose to empower Those Who Make the World,” said Mannarino.
