The latest additions to the Bosch range of rotary hammers with EC motors generate an impact energy of 2.6 joules, which is 50% more than the current strongest 18 V rotary hammer.

The GBH 18V-26 Professional and GBH 18V-26 F Professional are the latest additions to the Bosch range of rotary hammers with EC motors, Campbell Mhodi, Bosch Professional Power Tools Senior Brand Manager, explains. The high performance makes them comparable with corded tools such as the GBH 2-26 Professional. The EC motor is highly efficient and completely maintenance-free. The user can choose between a model with a fixed chuck and a model with a changeable chuck, which is also supplied with a keyless chuck for round shank drill bits.

To allow installers to stay in complete control even when carrying out work on hard materials, such as drilling into reinforced concrete, Bosch has equipped the GBH 18V-26 Professional and the GBH 18V-26 F Professional with KickBack Control. If the rotary hammer turns suddenly or unpredictably on its drill axis, as can occur if the drill becomes jammed in reinforced concrete, the integrated sensor shuts off the motor in a fraction of a second.

This prevents unexpected kickback of the tool, thereby reducing the risk of injury. In addition, the integrated Electronic Precision Control (EPC) feature supports tradespeople when drilling into delicate materials such as tiles. If the EPC function is activated, the maximum power of the rotary hammer is limited to 70%, with a slower run-up. This enables professional tradespeople to work in impact mode from the very start of their task by omitting one work step. The bit is prevented from slipping off when the user starts to drill, and precise results can be achieved quickly and easily.

When developing the new generation of 18 V rotary hammers, Bosch also redesigned the shape of the tools and optimised them for ergonomic work. The handle is now in line with the drill axis on both tools. This ‘L’-shape reduces the effort and fatigue involved during working. In addition, both rotary hammers feature efficient vibration damping. A damping element uncouples the main handle from the hammer drive, reducing vibrations actively.

To enable tradespeople to work in building stock in a dust-free environment, such as when retrofitting light fittings, Bosch now offers the new 18 V rotary hammers with an active integrated dust extractor. The GDE 18V-16 Professional can simply be attached to the rotary hammer when required.

It has its own motor, also supplied with power by the rotary hammer battery. To allow drilling to be carried out easily and cleanly using dust extraction, the dust extractor has an automatic power on/off function. It starts automatically at the same time as the rotary hammer. However, to ensure optimal dust extraction, it continues to function for two seconds after the drilling operation is ended.

The integrated HEPA filter also provides reliable dust protection and, like the dust container, can be cleaned and emptied in just a few easy movements. Further features include an LED light on the housing to illuminate the working area, as well as a powerful 6.0 Ah battery.

With its accompanying GAL 1880 CV Professional quick charger, the battery is fully charged in just 50 minutes, which is 30% faster than the previous model. The new GBH 18V-26 will be available from Bosch selected dealers as from September 2017 onwards.