Bosch has had some of the most popular SDS-Max and Spline rotary hammers on the market for decades. In the entry level “1-9/16” rotary hammer category the SDS-Max 11240 ($389) and Spline 11247 ($389) have been very dominant performers for basic units without extra features like anti-vibration technology. As these Bosch models have become older however competitors have launched new hammers which hit harder and drill faster. Of course Bosch being so well known for their solid engineering and superior performance in the rotary hammer category certainly does not want to be out gunned in this arena.
The RH540M SDS-Max and RH540S Spline will launch in February 2014 at a $479 price, just a little higher than the current Bosch models. The newer models will get a boost in impact energy from 5.2 ft lbs to 6.1 ft lbs which will make them best in class for the entry level rotary hammers. This may seem like a small improvement but Bosch is claiming up to 50% improvements in drilling speed vs 11240/11247 models. These units even out perform the recent Bosch demolition only hammer DH507 ($449) which has 5.7 ft lbs and has been a terrific performer so far. Bosch has also acknowledged the competition had finally made a hammer that was faster drilling but the new Bosch RH540 models will leap frog them as well at 20% harder hitting and 10% faster drilling.
Where the Bosch units really shine is the long term performance and maintenance which is pretty hard to show in the stats or on a graph. These new units have made significant improvements to the already terrific performing 11240/11247 rotary hammers. In longevity testing we can’t wait to see how these units will perform.
Here is a helpful post we did a while back on the difference between SDS-Max vs Spline carbide drill bits if you are debating about which model to go with. We should have more information on these units as well as some hands-on time shortly at the World of Concrete in January. Also expect to be able to Pre-Order these new units on the Bosch Rotary Hammer Drills very shortly and for any questions about concrete drilling applications or accessories give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424.
Bosch Press Release:
Mount Prospect, Ill., – Bosch Power Tools is hitting the rotary tool market hard with the introduction of its new 1-9/16-inch rotary hammers. At 6.1 foot pounds of impact energy, according to European Power Tool Association measurement guidelines, the RH540M SDS-max® rotary hammer and RH540S spline rotary hammer are the hardest hitting, fastest drilling hammers in their class.
With best-in-class impact energy, tool users can enjoy maximum productivity in all-day drilling and chiseling applications. In fact, the RH540 rotary hammers deliver 38 percent more impact energy than previous Bosch models and up to 20 percent more impact energy than key competitors*.
The RH540M and RH540S also blow away the competition when it comes to drilling speed. Internal tests revealed that the RH540 tools are up to 50 percent faster than previous Bosch models and up to 10 percent faster than competitors.
The tools also offer users plenty of control. A variable speed dial for both drilling and chiseling applications allows users to adjust tool settings based on the application and material they’re tackling, and a selector knob makes it easy to switch between hammer drilling, chiseling only and the Vario-Lock function. The Vario-Lock mechanism allows chisels to be rotated into 12 different positions to optimize working angles.
The tools’ new, robust design keeps them working hard on jobsites. The RH540 tools both feature 12 amps and weigh just 14.2 pounds, delivering 1,200 to 2,750 blows per minute. Service minder brushes on the tools also keep them running at maximum capacity, as the tools clearly indicate when preventive maintenance is required.
As with all Bosch SDS-max tools, the RH540M allows users to make tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking, and offers enhanced dust protection and maximum energy transfer rate.
The RH540M and RH540S will be available in February 2014 at authorized dealers nationwide. Both the RH540M and RH540S retail for a suggested price of $419.
