New Hitachi Brushless Tools

Hitachi Power Tools [this summer] announced the launch of its new 18V Brushless Motor Lithium Ion cordless [tools, the 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Hammer Drill - model DV18DBL & an 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Impact Driver - model WH18DBDL]. Hitachi’s brushless motor technology delivers more power to the motor by minimizing unnecessary energy loss through friction and heat. Managed by a micro-processor chip that efficiently delivers current flow to the motor, brushless tools experience up to 50% longer run time between charges, increased power, and extended durability with essentially no maintenance. Hitachi’s signature ergonomic design for the tool bodies makes them extremely well-balanced and comfortable for extended use. Covered by Hitachi’s Lifetime Lithium Ion tool warranty and 2-year Lithium Ion battery warranty, the brushless tools stand alone against other professional cordless product on the market today.

These tools are powered by high capacity 3.0Ah Lithium Ion slide type batteries for fade free power, less weight and 3x the total battery life of traditional Ni-Cd batteries. They feature optical trigger switches that communicate with the micro-processor and deliver smoother motor acceleration. Additionally, because current doesn’t flow through the trigger, it will last longer, further adding to the tool’s durability. Hitachi has optimized the design thanks to the new slide type Lithium Ion battery packs that eliminate the vertical battery cell chamber. This permits the handle to be ergonomically designed, resulting in improved comfort and greater control. The feel of the brushless tools in hand reflects Hitachi’s detailed attention to balance, grip and pressure points; making these tools extremely comfortable to use. Metal belt hooks can be adjusted to the right or left side of the tools based on the user’s preference.

The DV18DBL Brushless Hammer Drill delivers professional grade power with an impressive 654 in-lbs of turning torque. Its ½” ratcheting keyless chuck is all metal for maximum durability and includes carbide inserts for secure bit retention when hammering into concrete. The 22-stage clutch delivers 22 torque settings, a hammer setting and a drill setting- all controlled by a single aluminum clutch ring. At the base of the handle is a Digital Control Panel unique to Hitachi brushless tools. Located on this panel is an electronic power control switch, which allows the user to select from 4 micro-processor controlled settings.  Coupled with two-step mechanical gearing, this allows for eight different speed / power calibrations providing the user with the ability to finely set the driver drill depending on the application. In “low” mode, the tool can achieve 0–200/250/300 or 400 RPM- which is ideal for driving fasteners.  In “high” mode the hammer drill outputs 0-900/1100/1400 or 1800 RPM and 0-27,000 BPM on the hammer setting- ideal for drilling applications. Also on the digital control panel is a button to control the LED light that points upwards from the base of the tool to better illuminate the bit tip and avoid casting shadows. Also on the panel is a battery power level indicator so the user can check the amount of power remaining in the battery pack. Compact at 8.1” in length and lightweight at just 4.8 lbs, the DV18DBL reduces fatigue in extended or overhead use applications. It comes with two 3.0Ah Lithium Ion Slide Type batteries, a quick charger, side handle, carrying case and double sided Phillips driver bit.

The WH18DBDL Brushless Impact Driver is compact at just 6” in length and lightweight at 3.7 lbs. With impressive turning torque - 1,420 in/lbs, the WH18DBDL tackles heavy applications like tightening and loosening carriage bolts, driving lags and sinking deck screws. Additionally it can drill into wood, metal and concrete. This brushless impact driver features a digital control panel that manages an electronic speed control switch. With the simple push of a button, the user can select from 4 micro-processor controlled speeds- 0-900/1,400/2,000 or 2,600 RPM and experience an impact rate of up to 3,200 BPM. Also located on the panel is a button to turn on or off the LED light and a battery power level indicator button to check the remaining battery charge. Additionally, the WH18DBDL features a limited impact mode in addition to the traditional continuous impact mode. In continuous mode, the tool impacts until the trigger is released. The limited mode electronically stops the driver after about 4 impacts. This is especially useful when driving small or delicate fasteners to minimize excessive torque. A ¼” hex chuck saves time as bits can be changed quickly and easily. Bits are secure and won’t slip or fall out. It is balanced for proper wrist alignment which reduces fatigue during continuous operation. It comes with two 3.0Ah Lithium Ion Slide Type batteries, a quick charger and carrying case.

Available on [ here ] is Hitachi’s KC18DJL Brushless two-tool combo kit that combines both the brushless hammer drill- DV18DBL and brushless impact driver- WH18DBDL, along with a quick charger, two Lithium Ion Slide Type Batteries, side handle, double sided Phillips Driver Bit and carrying case.

The battery charger (UC18YRSL) that accompanies Hitachi Brushless tools will power 14.4V and 18V lithium ion slide type batteries in about 45 minutes or less. The technology in the charger provides the Lithium Ion battery with overload and over-discharge protection so it won’t overheat or lose power- lending to the battery’s longer overall life.

These Lithium Ion Brushless tools are covered by Hitachi’s Lifetime Lithium Ion Tool warranty and 2-Year Lithium Ion battery warranty for even more value and peace of mind. These new Brushless tools, along with the launch of the 18V Brushless driver drill (DS18DBL) in March and more tools on the horizon, make Hitachi’s line of Brushless tools one of the most expansive on the market today.

Traditional Motor Technology vs. Hitachi Brushless Technology

In traditional cordless tools- carbon brushes contact the motor to complete the circuit and power the tool. With Brushless- a microprocessor controls the current flow through the motor.

In traditional cordless, the brushes wear and occasionally need maintenance for replacement. With Brushless - there are no carbon brushes, thus preventing maintenance and unexpected downtime.

With traditional cordless, the mechanical contact of the brushes on the motor cause electrical loss and frictional resistance, as well as heat build-up and contact wear- all of which rob the motor of performance and decrease durability. With Brushless - minimal heat is produced and motor wear is decreased due to lack of mechanical contact on the motor. This vastly improves electrical efficiency and power transfer.

With traditional cordless, a mechanical contact trigger system must be used to control the increased and decreased flow of electricity to the motor, which causes further electrical loss and wear. With Brushless, an optical trigger switch is used to communicate with the micro-processor, providing a more responsive variable speed actuation and wear-resistant trigger assembly.

The overall result with Hitachi’s Brushless technology is that the battery can last up to 50% longer per charge meaning more work completed and less downtime. The tool is virtually maintenance free and is more responsive, efficient and powerful during use. Micro-processor technology additionally allows for a “smart” tool meaning it is capable of advanced speed digital settings for ultimate precision and control based on the application. The benefits of Hitachi Brushless technology can be summed up in one statement- Intelligently Powerful.