On October 1st, the HiKOKI brand is officially unleashed – with innovative new battery technology in tow.
The launch of the HiKOKI brand has been gathering momentum over several months. When we spoke to Simon Miller, Marketing Director of HiKOKI Power Tools UK, earlier in the year, he explained how the change came about: “The rebrand marks the next step in our commitment to expand and become a market leader across the globe, following the acquisition by KKR of Hitachi Koki Co. Ltd… Hitachi Power Tools will become HiKOKI (pronounced Hai-koh-key) from October 1st.
“Although we produce high-end tools for professionals, historically the Hitachi brand has strong links with the consumer electronics market. This will change. Going forward, the HiKOKI brand will be known as a professional brand. The European market is very important to the company, so [the] European headquarters will be established in Dusseldorf, Germany to reflect this. The subsidiary will get closer to customers, listen to their needs and make quicker decisions to meet demand.”
With regard to the product offering, Simon had this to say: “Don’t expect the new tools to just be green with a new badge on them… We are going to innovate and improve end user working capacity and combine this with Japanese engineering skill, precision and reliability. Our game-changing tools will be at the forefront of the industry and technology.”
For existing Hitachi users, it’s worth noting that that the warranties on any existing power tools will not be affected.
HiKOKI Multi Volt battery pack
In line with the company’s promise to innovate, HiKOKI’s Multi Volt battery pack technology is designed to offer more power from same size.
With 36V, the BSL36A18 Multi Volt battery packs have a capacity of 2.5Ah, and 5.0Ah with 18V. Also available is the BSL36B18, with a capacity of 4.0Ah (36V) and 8.0Ah (18V). This means that the 36V battery packs have a capacity of more than 1,000 Watts. The 36V packs have more power than similar sized 18V battery packs but, as the packs’ dimensions and weight remain almost the same, the Multi Volt battery packs can be used with a wide range of 18V class devices. Intelligent connecting technology makes it possible for the battery pack to detect whether it is being used in an 18 or 36V device, and automatically adjusts the voltage.
“With the new Multi Volt battery pack generation, HiKOKI Power Tools is breaking through the barriers that the Volt classes have imposed up to now,” says Simon Miller “We have developed a technology that offers the user not just high performance but also full flexibility.”
This flexibility is particularly beneficial at high power levels. Take, for example, the new C3606DA cordless circular saw. The 36V tool requires half the amperage of an 18V tool to achieve the same power. Due to the lower amperage and an integrated cooling system, the battery pack heats up much more slowly. This has a positive effect on the battery’s capacity and working life: the battery pack can deliver its full power over a longer period of time.
The new DS36DAX cordless drill/screwdriver also benefits from the 36V power delivered by the Multi Volt battery packs. In comparison to current 18V machines, the Multi Volt version is up to 30% faster. With the new WR36DA cordless impact wrench, the Multi Volt battery packs provide exceptional tightening torque at around 1100Nm. Apart from the Multi Volt battery packs, the new devices are also equipped with particularly powerful and durable brushless motors.
Rapid charging
Using the UC18YSL3 rapid charger, the new 36V battery packs can be fully charged in just 32 minutes. All Hitachi/HiKOKI Power Tools 18V chargers for slide Li-ion batteries are compatible with the new Multi Volt battery packs. In addition, the battery packs have a particularly long service life: They can be charged up to 1500 times with no appreciable impact on performance. The energy available in the battery pack is displayed on the battery itself through a four-stage charge indicator.
Watch the HiKOKI brand film below…
