With all of the buzz that has been generated by the Milwaukee FUEL lineup over the past couple of months I can’t really say that I am surprised by the fact that Bosch is starting to get into the brushless tool market in their own way. We have already seen Bosch first venture into the brushless tool world with the RHH181 cordless rotary hammer (and I got to fiddle around with it a little bit) and I, for one, have been anxiously waiting to see what the next brushless tool from the Bosch CORE line would be. I half expected Bosch to go about it in the same way Milwaukee did and release a larger roll-out of cordless brushless tools like impact drivers and hammer drills. This is apparently not the direction that Bosch is headed. The next brushless tool in the Bosch 18V lineup is the MXH180 Oscillating Tool.
Bosch is saying that this tool will provide corded power without the cord, feature a tool-less accessory change, and can be bought as a bare tool, or with an L-Boxx and an insert. To get a battery and a charger, you would have to buy an SCK181-01 18V starter kit, which according to the press release will soon be coming with 4.0 Ah batteries at the same continuing price of $99. (That was one of the most interesting pieces of information in the press realease, in my humble opinion) You can read the full press release below.
Also, it is worth mentioning that Milwaukee is also close to debuting a new M18 oscillating tool as well, but it will not be brushless or part of the FUEL lineup.
Until the new Bosch multi tool is released, you can still get their current models and Bosch accessories at Ohio Power Tool. If you have a question, be sure to call a pro at (800) 242-4424.
Mt. Prospect, Ill., June 17, 2013 – Bosch Power Tools continues its innovation in the oscillating category with the debut of the 18-volt MXH180, the first oscillating tool with an EC brushless motor design. As part of the Bosch CORE offering, the tool delivers up to three times longer life, 30 percent more power, 65 percent longer run time and integrated electronics for superior control and motor life. Available for purchase in August, the tool is engineered to provide corded power without the cord.
Tool users told Bosch they wanted longer run time and more power from cordless oscillating tools, which is exactly what the MXH180 delivers. Thanks to the tool’s EC brushless motor, the MXH180 boasts best-in-class run time. Users can also benefit from lighter weight, reduced vibration, minimal maintenance and extended motor life. Weighing just 4.35 pounds (with an 18-volt 4.0 amp-hour Fat Pack battery) at a length of 12-5/8 inches, the tool delivers on its promise of high efficiency in a compact size.
The MXH180 is compatible with all generations of Bosch lithium-ion Fat and Slim Pack 18-volt batteries, and users can expect even more runtime with new BAT612 2.0 amp-hour and BAT620 4.0 amp-hour batteries. With a variable speed ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute (OMP), the tool can easily perform a wide range of applications, including cutting, sanding, grinding and scraping. The Bosch Constant Response™ Circuitry allows the tool to maintain constant speed under a heavy load in more challenging applications.
In addition, the MXH180 includes the convenient Bosch toolless oscillating accessory change lever, making it easier and faster than ever to attach or reposition the wide array of Bosch Oscillating Interface System (OIS) accessories. Unlike some competitor toolless accessory-change systems, the Bosch system does not require that any parts be removed and re-attached in the process. With the right accessory, users can get to work without worrying about misplacing or keeping track of small parts.
User comfort is also important. Reinforced gear housing helps cut down on tool vibration. In conjunction with the tool’s soft grip areas and small grip circumference, these features offer users better productivity with enhanced comfort.
The MXH180 will be available in August at authorized dealers nationwide as part of the MXH180BL kit. The kit comes complete with an L-Boxx storage case, Exact-Fit Tool Insert Tray and one accessory blade for a suggested retail price of $229. Users can add their choice of batteries and chargers, which are sold separately and are interchangeable with all existing Bosch 18-volt cordless tools. The SKC181-101 starter kit includes a charger and BAT620 4.0 amp-hour 18-volt lithium-ion battery for a suggested retail price of $99.
