GUEST POST – Dwain is one of the experts behind oztooltalk, from Australia . You can find more of their video tool reviews on their Youtube Channel.
Metabo have been aggressive with their battery platform in recent times, being the first to move away from 18650 li-ion cells toward more premium cells. They already have a 7 Ah Li HD battery out overseas, and with these battery improvements come new possibilities in cordless tools.
The foremost of these new tools are the new 9″ grinder and 1-1/4″ (32mm) SDS-plus rotary hammer drill. Both tools come in a 36V and twin-18V version. Metabo told us that the twin-18V unit is essentially the same as their dedicated 36V version, and has identical performance. The model numbers reflect this: KHA 36 LTX 32 and KHA 36-18 LTX 32.
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Metabo have a good name in masonry drilling, as do other European brands (e.g. Bosch and Hilti). This should come as no surprise since concrete use in Europe is prolific, even in residential construction. oztooltalk have had the opportunity to put the twin-18V rotary hammer through its paces, taking it to a concrete sleeper manufacturer.
Specifications of 3.1 Joules and 4,500 BPM put it in the same range as the top of the range 36V units from Bosch and Hilti. Those units are only rated to 1-1/8″ (28mm), so the 1-1/4″ capacity seems optimistic. It’s specifications are almost identical to Metabo’s KHE3250: a 7.5 lbs, 800W, 1-1/8″ unit.
Testing proved that the 1-1/8″ bit was at the limit for the Metabo in the double-stacked 40 MPa, 4″ sleepers. Test results were as follows:
- 5 No. 5/8″ holes – 1 minute 51 seconds
- 4 No. 7/8″ holes – 4 minutes 32 seconds
- 2 No. 1-1/8″ holes – 4 minutes 37 seconds
We feel that the optimum range for this unit is probably up to 7/8″, with comfort and speed increasing rapidly in the lower sizes. 1″ and above are best tackled by an SDS-Max drill with a much heavier punch than 3 Joules.
Chiselling likewise, benefits from a heavier impact. However this unit is quite capable of busting concrete edges and would be perfectly at ease lifting porcelain tiles.
Runtime with a four-cutter 7/8″ bit in the double sleepers was 15.5 holes with 7Ah Li HD batteries. This is a pretty good score for a brushed unit.
Overall we were very pleased with the KHA 36-18 LTX 32. It’s vibration is reasonable and the use of 18V batteries means that existing Metabo 18V users can have a powerful electric-replacement SDS-Plus drill without changing platforms.
The KHA 36-18 LTX 32 has the following features:
- Quick-change chuck for regular drilling
- 3-modes: hammer drilling, chiselling and drilling
- S-automatic safety clutch
Full specifications are as follows:
- 1-1/4″ capacity
- 1 Joules
- 4,500 BPM
- 8 lbs (with two Li HD batteries)
- 7″ length
- 70 minute charge time with Ultra charger (7Ah battery)
For more information on Metabo Tools and Accessories, check out Ohio Power Tool or give their pro staff a call at 800-242-4424.
