If you’re thinking this Makita SDS-Max rotary hammer looks a lot like the cordless AWS SDS-Max model with a cord, you’re not far off. In fact, the HR4013C is the exact model Makita used as a foundation for the cordless version.
While there are some small differences in the placement of a couple of things like the variable speed dial, you’ll see most of the same features on board with this one. This rotary hammer seems like a solid choice with a great combination of features and value.
Top Features
Advanced AVT
Makita punches in the heavyweight division when it comes to vibration control. Advanced AVT (Anti-Vibration Technology) consists of three major parts. There’s an air-actuated counterbalance, vibration absorbing housing, and an integrated damper spring. The combination really does work and its effectiveness is right up there with Hilti.
LED Lights
The LED lights on this Makita SDS-Max rotary hammer don’t actually give you extra light in dark conditions. There’s a power light indicator that pulls double duty to let you know if there is a switch failure or cord damage. Of course, if you completely sever your power connection, it won’t work at all.
The service light indicator lets you know when you have roughly 8 working hours left before brush replacement. That’s handy, but even if you forget, there’s an automatic brush cut-off that will shut the tool down before the commutator takes any damage.
Constant Speed Control
With some tools, you get a specific amount of power at each dial setting. Makita is a little smarter and ties their dial to the speed of the bit. When you push through tougher material and the bit wants to slow down, the motor will deliver additional power (up to 11 amps) to keep the speed where you set it.
Modes
Makita gives you the typical standard modes: chipping and rotation with hammering. Like other premium rotary hammers, there’s a 3rd stop on the dial to adjust the angle of a chisel. In this mode, you can select any of 24 different positions to work in.
Get a Handle on the Situation
There are also two handles that come with the set – a D-handle and a standard side handle. Stick with the standard handle for drilling applications and bring the D-handle for chipping if it’s more comfortable for you.
Performance
The Makita HR4013C delivers 8.4 foot-pounds (11.4 Joules) of impact energy – pretty solid for a relatively compact SDS-Max rotary hammer. Its 11 amps are willing to create a hole up to 1-9/16″ with a standard SDS-Max bit (4-1/8″ with a core bit). However, it’s wheelhouse is really more in the 5/8″ to 1-1/4″ range.
I ran a series of tests to see what the average drilling speed is against the cordless AWS model and found a rather surprising result – the cordless model drills 22% faster than this one with a 1-1/4″ bit. I’m not going to make excuses for the HR4013 – it’s drilling speed is still very good and the vibration control is excellent.
But it still begs the question – how can two tools with identical specs have such different drilling speeds?
There are several possibilities. One is that there can be some voltage drop with the when you’re using an extension cord. I was on a 50′, 10-gauge cord, so I don’t think that is the issue. More likely, it’s the difference between the brushless and brushed motors at work. Both models have constant speed controls, but the brushless motor is more efficient.
Price and Value
At $566.47, this Makita SDS-Max rotary hammer is the same price as it’s cordless counterpart as a bare tool. By the time you throw in batteries and a charger, the HR4013C is $200 less and you don’t have to worry about how long the batteries will last. If you do more chipping than drilling or drill a high number of holes every day, that’s a significant consideration.
Bosch’s 1-9/16″ rotary hammer is running $375.00 right now, but it only has 6.1 foot-pounds of impact energy and you lose out on the vibration control. On the other end of the spectrum, a similar model from Hilti will run $100 – $400 more and still be short on impact energy. All things considered, the HR4013C settles in pretty nicely between the two with more power and giving you high-end vibration control.
The Bottom Line
When you’re looking at the 1-9/16″ SDS-Max rotary hammer class, it opens up several cordless options for you. However, when you need to have the tool drilling and chiseling for a large chunk of the day, battery power might not be able to keep up without having several packs to cycle through. So if cutting the cord isn’t the right call for your business (yet), Makita’s HR4013C is a solid choice.
It gives you excellent vibration control and impact energy in an SDS-Max model that’s on the lighter side at 15.1 pounds. With high-end performance that comes in less expensive than Hilti, it’s an easy recommendation to make for Pros using this size rotary hammer frequently.
Makita SDS-Max Rotary Hammer HR4013C Key Features
Makita SDS-Max Rotary Hammer HR4013C Specifications
- Model: Makita HR4013C
- Motor: 11-amp, 120V
- Bit Type: SDS-Max
- Max Capacity: 1-9/16 in. (concrete drilling), 4-1/8″ (concrete core bit)
- Impact Energy: 8.4 ft. lbs./11.4 J
- Blow Rate: 1450 – 2900 BPM
- No Load Speed: 250 – 500 RPM
- Vibration Rating: 5 m/s²
- Length: 18-11/16 in.
- Cord Length: 15.6 ft.
- Weight: 15.1 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $566.47
