Bosch 36V SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer RH328VC-36 & 4.0Ah 36V Batteries

Bosch RH328VC

One of the first new Bosch 36V tools we’ve seen in a while is this 1-1/8” SDS-Plus RH328VC-36 ($749) which will feature the same power output as the very popular corded Bulldog Xtreme RH228VC ($259) and almost identical to the RH328VC ($299). This new 36V rotary hammer will also come with the new 4.0Ah 36V batteries for one of the largest full tanks available for a cordless power tool. Additional features include the Active Response Technology (ART) a nice safety feature which keeps the tool from spinning out of control when it binds up. The Electronic Precision Control (EPC) utilizes soft-start and a reduced output for more precise drilling in cinder block or fine chiseling.

Interestingly we saw this tool demoed against the popular Milwaukee M18 FUEL rotary hammer 2715-22 ($549) which sports the same 1-1/8” rating and in testing seems to be able to hold its own against the corded Bosch RH228VC. The 36V Bosch is not a Brushless motor so we would think this might be better compared to the Makita 36V Rotary XRH05Z ($359, Bare) also not brushless.  Historically Milwaukee has not been a big player in rotary hammer drills but in world of cordless tools easy access to battery packs can sometimes be the deciding factor and M18 batteries are powering more and more tools these days. For serious all day applications in concrete many users would probably prefer a true cordless Bosch bulldog hammer but it’ll be interesting to see how price and access to batteries factors in. A full size cordless SDS-Plus hammer showdown is definitely in the Coptool pipeline.  

Cordless Bulldog

Las Vegas, Nevada – World of Concrete, – All rotary hammers are not created equal, and none offer the one/two punch of 36V power combined with battery runtime, user comfort and innovative features that make the Bosch RH328VC-36 Bulldog™ 36V 1-1/8″ SDS-plus® Rotary Hammer a standout.

The Bosch RH328VC-36 Bulldog provides maximum productivity with 2.4 ft/lbs of impact energy for fast, consistent drilling and chiseling in concrete. The vibration-dampened handle provides maximum comfort working all day, but it’s the Active Response Technology (ART) that separates the RH328VC-36 from the pack. ART is a sensor-based technology that shuts the tool off should the bit get into a bind situation.

Dust Collection

The tool also offers Electronic Precision Control (EPC), which offers users precise drilling thanks to the advantage of 70-percent power soft start. That means no walking and no skating when it’s time to drill holes in precise locations. EPC also helps in controlled chiseling/demolition where only a portion of the concrete or brick needs to be removed. The hammer’s multi-function selector includes three operation modes: rotary hammer, rotation only and hammer only.

What’s the advantage of 36 volts?  When it comes to drilling holes in concrete all day, the Bosch 36V system provides the best all-around drilling speed and battery runtime – exactly what contractors demand. No contractor wants to be stuck on a lift working overhead or far away from fully charged batteries and have the tool stop. The Bosch 36V BAT838 4.0 Ah battery provides added power to meet stringent jobsite requirements in concrete and delivers all-day runtime.

Powerful Motor, Optimum Capacity

The rotary hammer’s powerful four-pole motor is lightweight and compact for a cordless hammer, but is optimized for large-tool performance. Thanks to vibration dampening and dust sealing, the motor is designed for maximum performance and legendary Bosch durability.

Bosch 36V Bulldog

The Bosch RH328VC-36 Bulldog Rotary Hammer includes variable-speed trigger with reversing, which means accurate bit starting as well as another option for removing fasteners or bound bits. Vario-Lock™ Positioning allows the user to rotate and lock a chisel into 40 different positions. An LED light is included for drilling in reduced-light environments.

Typical applications include drilling in concrete for setting anchors for the commercial mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades, drilling in concrete for setting forms/rebar doweling for concrete construction, drilling/chiseling in brick/masonry materials and through-hole drilling in foundation walls for running small-diameter pipe for electrical / plumbing.

Product – Bosch RH328VC-36 36V 1-1/8″ SDS-plus® Rotary Hammer
Length – 13.5 in
Weight – 9.9 lbs
Maximum Capacities – 1-1/8“ solid bits in concrete; 2-3/4“ thin wall core bits in brick / block; Steel, 1/2″;
Rating – 120V; 36V
Load – RPM 0-1150; BPM 0-4170
Price – US $749

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