Makita BL1850B 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery User Manual

1. Introduction

The Makita BL1850B 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery is engineered to provide extended run time and efficient power for your Makita 18V LXT cordless tools. This battery features an integrated L.E.D. charge level indicator for convenient monitoring of battery status.

Key features include:

• Integrated L.E.D. battery charge level indicator allows user to monitor battery charge.
• Provides up to 65% more run time per charge compared to BL1830.
• Reaches full charge in 45 minutes or less.
• Compatible only with Star Protection tools, indicated by the Star Symbol and/or Yellow Battery Receiver under the tool.
• Battery delivers consistent power and run time in extreme temperatures, even in winter (-4°F/-20°C).

Figure 1: Makita BL1850B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery, angled view showing the battery and its branding.

2. Important Safety Information

Always read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before using the battery. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

2.1 General Battery Safety

• Do not disassemble, open, or shred battery pack or cells.
• Do not expose battery pack to heat or fire. Avoid storage in direct sunlight.
• Do not short-circuit a battery pack. Do not store battery packs haphazardly in a box or drawer where they may short-circuit each other or be short-circuited by conductive materials.
• Do not subject battery pack to mechanical shock.
• In the event of battery leakage, do not allow the liquid to come into contact with the skin or eyes. If contact has been made, wash the affected area with copious amounts of water and seek medical advice.
• Keep battery pack clean and dry.
• Recharge only with the charger specified by Makita. Do not use any charger other than that specifically provided for use with the equipment.
• Do not use any battery pack which is not designed for use with the equipment.
• Keep battery pack out of the reach of children.
• Observe the plus (+) and minus (-) marks on the battery and equipment and ensure correct use.
• Do not use a battery pack that is not designed for use with the equipment.

2.2 Proposition 65 Warning

This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Figure 2: Warning: Do not use non-genuine "knock-off" Makita Lithium-Ion batteries. They may burst, causing fires, personal injuries, or property damage.

3. Setup

3.1 Initial Charging

Before first use, fully charge the Makita BL1850B battery. Use a Makita Rapid Optimum Charger (sold separately) for optimal charging performance. The battery may arrive with a partial charge, but a full charge is recommended for initial operation.

3.2 Compatibility

The 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery (BL1850B) is compatible only with Makita tools featuring Star Protection Computer Controls. These tools are indicated by the Star Symbol and/or a Yellow Battery Receiver under the tool. Ensure your tool is compatible before inserting the battery.

Figure 3: The integrated L.E.D. battery charge level indicator on the BL1850B battery, showing four red bars indicating full charge.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Inserting and Removing the Battery

• To insert: Align the battery with the grooves in the tool's battery port and slide it in until it clicks into place.
• To remove: Press the release button(s) on the battery and slide it out of the tool.

4.2 Checking Battery Charge Level

The BL1850B battery features an integrated L.E.D. charge level indicator. Press the small push-button switch on the back of the battery to activate the indicator lights. The number of illuminated lights indicates the remaining charge:

• 4 lights: Full charge
• 3 lights: High charge
• 2 lights: Medium charge
• 1 light: Low charge (recharge soon)

Figure 4: Press the button to check the battery's charge level via the LED indicator.

4.3 Charging the Battery

To charge the battery, insert it into a compatible Makita Rapid Optimum Charger. The charger communicates with the battery to monitor current, voltage, and temperature, optimizing battery life and charge speed. A full charge can be achieved in approximately 45 minutes or less.

Figure 5: Makita LXT batteries and their approximate charge times with a Rapid Optimum Charger, highlighting the 45-minute charge time for the 5.0Ah battery.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Storage

Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries are designed to resist self-discharge, allowing them to be ready for use even after long periods of storage. For long-term storage, store the battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

5.2 Cleaning

Keep the battery terminals clean and free from dust and debris. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the battery. Do not use water or chemical cleaners.

5.3 Battery Care Tips

• Avoid fully discharging the battery before recharging.
• Do not store batteries in a discharged state for extended periods.
• Protect the battery from impact and extreme temperatures.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Battery Not Charging

• Ensure the battery is properly seated in the charger.
• Verify the charger is plugged into a working power outlet.
• Check the charger's indicator lights for error codes or charging status. Refer to your charger's manual for specific light patterns.
• Ensure the battery and charger are within the recommended operating temperature range.

6.2 Reduced Run Time

• Ensure the battery is fully charged before use.
• Check if the battery is old or has been subjected to excessive heat or cold, which can degrade performance over time.
• Verify that the tool being used is compatible with Star Protection, as non-compatible tools may not optimize battery performance.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty Information

The Makita BL1850B 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For detailed information regarding the warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Makita warranty documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Makita website.

Warranty Description: Warranty

9. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact Makita customer service or visit their official website.

• Makita Official Website: www.makitatools.com
• Makita Store on Amazon: Visit the Makita Store
• Customer Service: Refer to your product packaging or the official Makita website for the most current contact information.