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It has to be one of the best kept secrets in the tool industry. Way back in June at its annual NPS event, Milwaukee Tool announced its game-changing MX Fuel Equipment System tool platform. Attendees were introduced to these innovative tools in setting that would make AREA 51 people jealous. Fast-forward six months and the company is excited—as are we—to announce the launch of these new tools. The MX Fuel line is just another addition to its already kick ass suite of tools, providing end user solutions on the jobsite.

Mechanical Hub recently talked with Andrew Plowman, VP of Product Management, Milwaukee Tool, to get the scoop on these revolutionary new products.

 MECHANICAL HUB: What was the impetus for this new tool line, and how long did this process take from design to launch?

PLOWMAN: Like everything that Milwaukee does, we started in the field, with users, learning their applications and environments. We spent more than 10,000 hours with users on thousands of jobsites globally and found considerable safety and productivity challenges with some product categories – like gas-powered and AC equipment–due to very limited innovation. From gas headaches to design features that were causing stress on users’ bodies over time, it was clear that today’s equipment wasn’t delivering on user needs. By dramatically reducing the hazards and frustrations of the light equipment that has dominated the marketplace for years, MX FUEL™ will fundamentally change jobsites everywhere.

MECHANICAL HUB: Is the entire suite of tools launching on the same day or are they segmented? 

PLOWMAN: The MX FUEL Cut-Off Saw, Breaker, Handheld Core Drill, and Drum Machine will start shipping in February of 2020 in North America. The MX FUEL™ Tower Light will start shipping in Q2 2020 and the MX FUEL™ Carry-On Power Supply will start shipping in Q3 2020. For more up-to-date information, please sign up to receive the latest on MX FUEL™ through our email newsletters. You can sign up here: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/innovations/mx-fuel

The MX FUEL™ Equipment System is the output of years of that tireless research and investment in new technology, ground-up development of new batteries, motors, and electronics – all simultaneously created under one roof. Designed to take on the very same gas and AC equipment that contractors have depended on for years, this system eliminates the emissions, and reduces the overall noise, vibration, and frustrations of gas maintenance that have been deemed acceptable on jobsites for decades – and additionally eliminates tripping breakers, voltage drops, and trip hazards. In order to achieve this level of cordless capability, they needed to simultaneously drive ground-up development of all three cordless technologies at once:

The largest and most powerful POWERSTATE Brushless Motor Milwaukee has delivered to-date

A new realm of REDLINK PLUS electronics design to achieve and manage extremely high power levels for long application durations

MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM battery packs that utilize the best cells, electronics, and pack construction to support equipment of this size and capability

Much like our M18™ System, which will continue to deliver power tool solutions for contractors, each of the solutions on the MX FUEL™ System are all tied together on a single, compatible platform that will grow with additional solutions over the years to come.

MECHANICAL HUB:  I assume part of the impetus was listening to users in the field. Were these tools field tested?

PLOWMAN: We are committed to working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing jobsite safety and productivity. Everything we do – every decision we make, every solution we develop – is driven by the user and our proactive research with them to identify their biggest frustrations and provide true solutions. MX FUEL™ went through years of extensive field testing with users.

MECHANICAL HUB: What was your biggest challenge with this overall project?

PLOWMAN: When we determined we could offer true productivity and safety enhancements in the light equipment market, we knew we had immense strengths – such as our leadership in cordless technology and advanced engineering. However, we also couldn’t be cocky. We couldn’t use the same approach here that we do with power tools. Equipment like this is a whole new game with different rules. We had to take the time and years on thousands of jobsites to work with users and understand everything we were getting into. Additionally, life-testing was critical. These equipment solutions must live in the most extreme environments for the long haul. We spent thousands of hours in testing to ensure the MX FUEL™ System stands the test of time.

MECHANICAL HUB: Can you explain how these tools perform under extreme conditions — cold, rain, etc.?

PLOWMAN: As mentioned above, these tools went through extensive life-testing to ensure they can withstand the most extreme jobsite environments for the long haul.

MECHANICAL HUB: Do all tools implement One-Key? How important is data and interconnectivity with tools?

PLOWMAN: Yes. All MX FUEL equipment solutions are equipped with One-Key capability to provide benefits such as tracking, security, and inventory management. As we face an evolving jobsite, it’s important to rethink processes that, while ‘tried and true’ are quickly being eclipsed by more productive digital experiences. Programs like One-Key build visibility into jobs and eliminate the downtime and cost associated with lost or stolen tools and equipment.

MECHANICAL HUB: What’s inside the batteries? Can you talk a bit about the technology?

PLOWMAN:

Voltage:

While the construction industry has traditionally used voltage to communicate the power and capability of cordless power tool platforms, voltage alone is not a good indicator of capability when it comes to light equipment. For example, most would agree that a fork lift has more “power” than a hand-held power tool, but what many people do not realize is that most battery-powered forklifts operate at 48V while there are some handheld power tools at much higher voltages.

Technically, MX FUEL™ runs at 72v, but for the MX FUEL™ Equipment System to deliver on the performance, run-time, and durability needs of the trades, we had to simultaneously develop three Milwaukee-exclusive innovations from the ground-up – the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence, and the MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack.

These exclusive technologies deliver extreme performance and capability. Here are a few examples:

• The Power to Cut Up To 5” Depth in Reinforced Concrete
• The Power to Break Up To 2 Tons of Concrete
• The Power to Core 6” Holes Through Reinforced Concrete
• The Power to Clear Roots at 200ft
• The Power to Run Aggressive 15A Tools & Equipment

Battery Walkaround:

Patented Connection Interface — Elongated slide-rail design ensures the battery remains securely mounted, withstanding the extreme demands of the toughest equipment applications

REDLINK™ Intelligence – provides industry-leading communication between the battery, equipment, and chargers ensuring optimum equipment performance, compatibility, and battery life

One-Key compatible

Fully enclosed cell carrier

On-board battery fuel gauge

Water Protection barrier – routes water away from electronics and out of the battery through weep holes

Electronics coatings – protects electronics from water and condensation

Flexible circuitry – increased durability against impacts and vibration

REDLITHIUM Cells – 21700 power cells

5X more rubber overmold – increased rubber in impact zones absorbs shock when the pack is dropped, even while attached to equipment.

Integrated carry handle

MECHANICAL HUB: How will you be going to market with these tools?

PLOWMAN: MX FUEL™ solutions will be available through our existing Milwaukee distributors.  Go to Milwaukeetool.com to find your local dealer.

MECHANICAL HUB: Why these particular set of tools under this platform? And do you expect more tools under the MX platform to be announced?

PLOWMAN: During our jobsite research, we searched for the biggest improvements we could make to overall user safety and productivity. After analyzing the most prevalent pain points, we chose 6 product focuses for the initial launch of MX FUEL™. Each of these products represent applications that have historically been challenging experiences for users due to stagnant equipment innovation and are the first battery-powered solutions of their kind.

Navien enters non-condensing market with two new models

On October 9th mechanical-hub.com was invited to the formal announcement of Navien’s newest tankless offering, the NPN [Navien Premium Non-condensing] series of tankless water heaters.

Navien has held the number one spot for tankless sales in volume for condensing units, this is a first for them having never before offered any non-condensing models in North America. When asked what the target market is for their new non-condensing models is VP Eric Moffroid stated “we are targeting the new construction, multi-family and retrofit segments of the market.” Moffroid went on to point out the many features that set Navien’s offering apart from other competitor’s models already in the market. “We are the best at stainless steel heat exchangers, we build them in-house and have multiple proven designs at work in homes and commercial properties all over the world. The NPN model line continues this concept with a totally new heat exchanger and burner system, all made from stainless steel in our factory in South Korea.”

All the details of the two models are shown by Navien’s National Training Manager Dave Hoskyn in the video below. If you have any questions please leave them here below.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held October 2nd & 3rd in Indianapolis, Indiana on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2019 event. A total of nineteen plumbing and ten HVAC apprentices from across the nation took part in the contests.

The HVAC competitors were required to complete a written test, demonstrate proper brazing techniques and perform a hands-on diagnostic on an HVAC package unit, with system errors created by the Foundation’s contractor volunteers for the competition. The competitors also had to perform a pressure and leak test, demonstrate proper refrigerant recovery procedures and the ability to accurately take a variety of instrument readings.

HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners

• 1st Place: Kyle Robert Dennis, Pipefitters Local 539/Yale Mechanical in Saint Francis, Minn., Sponsored by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
• 2nd Place: Nicholas S. Cruz, UA Local 393/Pacific Coast Trane in San Jose, Calif., Sponsored by Emerson.
• 3rd Place: David Wark, Lee Company in Pulaski, Tenn., Sponsored by Rheem.

The plumbing apprentices were required rough-in a bathroom system. The set-up includes a toilet, sink and shower, complete with supply, waste and vent lines, plus cleanouts and extra features designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and skills. The test set-up includes a variety of pipe materials – cast iron, copper, PVC and PEX, and corresponding joining methods.

Plumbing Apprentice Contest Winners

• 1st Place: Christopher Redfern, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 553 in Staunton, Ill., Sponsored by RIDGID.
• 2nd Place: Mark Morcos, Eastwick College of HoHoKus Trade School in Bushkill, Pa., Sponsored by Tyler Pipe.
• 3rd Place: Carter M. Hagen, UA, Local 25 in Davenport, IA, Sponsored by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competitions to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies and setup the testing areas. They monitor the competitions, evaluate the apprentices’ work and provide constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.

The contests are made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors who provide monetary support and in-kind material and tool donations. Sponsors for the 2019 competition include, with headline sponsors appearing in bold: AB&I Foundry; AHRI; A.O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; BrassCraft Manufacturing Co.; Chemours, Copper Development Association, Inc.; Delta Faucet Co.; Emerson; IAPMO, Kohler Company; Mechanical Hub Media; Milwaukee Tool; North American Technician Excellence (NATE); NIBCO INC.; Oatey; PHCC-National Auxiliary, Reed Manufacturing Co.; Rheem; RIDGID; State Water Heaters; Tyler Pipe & Coupling; Viega, LLC; and Zoeller Pump Company

Milwaukee Tool made a major contribution to the Apprentice Contests this year by donating most of the tools needed by the contestants for the competition. This gift allowed the competitors to skip the trouble of shipping their own tools and to go home with a new set of tools to power their work long after the competition ends.

“I’m proud that we can present this opportunity for the apprentices to show off their skills,” reports Foundation Chair Craig Lewis. “The contests give these participants a chance to get away from home, be a part of a national event and see that how much support all of us in the industry are putting behind their success. It can be the experience of a lifetime. I am so thankful for the sponsors and the hard work put in by our volunteer committee members and staff in pulling it all together in a new exhibit hall every year.”

The Week in Review is a recap of the week — what’s trending, what’s breaking the internet on social, and what we’ve been up to. We’ll try our best to keep you up to date with the industry, social media and our travels.

It’s been a pretty busy couple of weeks for the Mechanical Hub team. The boys headed down to Indianapolis last week (Oct. 1-3) for the PHCC CONNECT Show. I have to say there was a nice buzz to the show, and every trade show booth we visited, we heard the same positive feedback. It’s always nice to see our friend from PHCC and other industry reps. We were also there to support our plumbing apprentice contestant, Jed Christener, from JRC Mechanical, Chesapeake, Va. This is something we are very passionate about—supporting the skilled trades push!

• To start the week, the Hub’s John Mesenbrink was in Boston for the 2^nd Healthcare Symposium, hosted by Watts Water Technologies. The day was packed with critical information on the topic of opportunistic pathogens in water, especially Legionella. Shatha Salah, Environmental Manager at UAB Medicine, talked about the journey from recovering from a Legionella outbreak to developing a Water Safety Plan. Her experience includes four years of managing and implementing the ASHRAE 188 compliant water safety program that covers 19 healthcare buildings. “It’s important to get plumbers involved in a water safety plan since they are on the “front lines.” “The plumber’s role is important in protecting patients from water borne illnesses,” said Salah.

Other keynotes highlighted were Frank Sidari, Chief Consulting Engineer, Special Pathogens Lab, who cited a NASEM report that states, “Stronger policies are needed to protect the public against Legionnaires’ Disease.” Why the heck do cases continue to rise?

Dr. William Rhoads, Research Scientist, Va. Tech, touched on the idea of unintended consequences, when he said that sustainability in buildings may increase water age, which is the Distribution System Water Age + Premise Plumbing System Water Age, which can lead to more waterborne pathogens.

Finally, the Symposium featured Aaron Bock, PE, Plumbing & Fire Protection Discipline Leader Cannon Design, who says it is imperative to “educate building owners during the design phase.”

What’s interesting in all of this is why not be proactive and create the water safety plan instead of reactive when the damage is already done? Lives are at stake, potential lawsuits loom, and the overall negative press your facility might endure after the fact. It’s worth the proper investment to help mitigate against potential harmful water borne pathogens.

• Mid-week, the Hub’s Eric Aune headed out to SoCal to visit our friends at Navien. The attendees had a great time learning about a couple new products coming soon from Navien and touring their headquarters training center. “Navien had us out this week to their North American headquarters in Irvine, Calif., for the unveiling of two new products. We can’t say much more than that yet but watch our site and social channels on Monday for what’s new in tankless,” says Aune.

They have some interesting new things up their sleeves, but we can’t tell you until next week. Evidently, tankless will never be the same. What a tease!

• From the awesome department, Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) successfully convened its ninth international Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference, the largest gathering of its kind in the world. More than 2800 tradeswomen representing 48 states and 10 provinces gathered in Minnesota to share experiences and best practices with fellow tradeswomen, to learn about new programs and opportunities in the industry, and to engage with top leaders from government, industry and the biggest fifteen international building trades unions.

The three-day conference, held over the weekend, featured a day of service with Haven House Ascension Place and Second Harvest Heartland, formal plenary sessions and over 25 workshops on a range of topics addressing unique and critical issues of tradeswomen.

“This conference grows exponentially every year, and the impact is phenomenal,” said NABTU President Sean McGarvey. “NABTU is committed to empowering current and future tradeswomen as we increase opportunities for and retention rates of women in fulfilling union trade careers. Every day, we recruit more women into great union construction apprenticeships and careers, and these trailblazing tradeswomen are moving up in the top ranks of leadership. This conference is a celebration of these trailblazers and a testament to the growth of tradeswomen among our ranks.

Last Saturday afternoon, participants took to the streets of downtown Minneapolis for a parade and rally. The conference concluded on Sunday with a keynote speech by UA union International President Mark McManus and a panel on pathways to apprenticeship led by Arlene Dunn, Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ Director. For info, www.nabtu.org

• This week, AHR Expo announced its 2020 Innovation Award Winners. Danfoss, LG, Fresh-Aire IV were among some of the big winners. Check here for more, https://mechanical-hub.com/ahr-expo-announces-2020-innovation-award-winners/

• Finally, I’ve noticed a story shared on social media that is making headway. PBS shared a story titled, “After decades of pushing bachelor’s degrees, U.S. needs more tradespeople. (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/decades-pushing-bachelors-degrees-u-s-needs-tradespeople?fbclid=IwAR3NVI0nFrF4hdrc0EItmmeqj7YcAur1eF4Ia9hxE9uv70LaPT9PviVLyjI).

We are delighted to see that more “mainstream” media types are giving this important issue the coverage it deserves. Good on them. But it also reminds me that we at Mechanical Hub have been preaching this for the past 10 years!

Here is something I wrote five years ago, which, I think, still holds water.

https://mechanical-hub.com/path-to-the-trades-starts-in-the-living-room/

So … continue to preach the good word of the trades!