Hitachi Power Tools recently announced a new addition to its commercial product line with the launch of the 4-1/2-inch Hitachi AC Brushless Angle Grinder model G12VE.
This 4.2-pound corded grinder features a 12-amp motor, 1,300 watts of input power, variable speeds between 2,800 and 10,000 RPMs, a soft start function, internal inverter circuitry to run safely on a generator and compensate for voltage drops, a trigger lock, spindle lock, side handle, electric overload protection, kick back reduction, and a zero voltage restart function.
And of course, it’s another brushless corded tool from Hitachi.
Our Take
As a sea of cordless grinders hits the market, Hitachi is “plugging” away with this Hitachi AC Brushless Angle Grinder and at first, it might make us scratch our heads. It’s not like the company doesn’t have the chops to make an excellent cordless version – we’ve been quite impressed with some of its recent cordless tools. So what’s with the cord?
Well, the not-so-secret secret of battery technology is that no matter how excellent it is right now, no matter how much mobility and convenience it affords us, it can’t compete with the high demand, continuous all-day use of the corded species. Make no mistake – there are many battery-powered drills, impact drivers, nailers, punches, and more that astonish reviewers with runtime between charges. But for production work or large scope work, you’ll still need to find a plug.
So that gives you a small clue about Hitachi’s purpose for the AC grinder. It’s well suited for tough work and big jobs like stone polishing, surface finishing, removing rust & paint, light grinding, finishing concrete and performing applications using wire cup or wire wheel attachments.
But Hitachi has loaded this tool with much more than just the capacity to work hard. Brushless motors confer several benefits to the user such as lower maintenance and longer tool life. They allow a slim profile like the one sported by this grinder, resulting in a better grip and more control. Furthermore, brushless motors and internal electronics permit “smart” features like the ones found on the Hitachi G12VE:
- soft start
- electronic overload protection that stops the motor if you apply too much pressure
- kick-back reduction that stops the motor in a bind-up
- zero-voltage restart protection that prevents an automatic restart if you lose power
Learn More About the Advantages of Brushless Motors
Hitachi also designed this grinder to run consistently from inconsistent generator power. Inverter circuitry inside the tool regulates power coming in to provide stable operation and prevent damage to all of those parts that allow the smart features to exist. It looks like Hitachi has produced another winner and we’re eager to get it in hand for the daily grind to find out!
Hitachi AC Brushless Angle Grinder Features
- AC Brushless motor that permits the use of extra-long extension cords without power loss
- Superior performance when using a generator due to an internal inverter circuit that regulates power supply
- Variable speed for ultimate control and precision
- Soft start and kick-back protection for added safety
- Electronic overload protection stops the motor when too much pressure is applied
- Zero Voltage Restart protection prevents restarting if power is disrupted during operation
- Trigger lock
- Spindle lock
- Side handle
Hitachi AC Brushless Angle Grinder Specifications
- Model: Hitachi G12VE
- Amps: 12.0
- Wheel Diameter: 4-1/2-inch
- Spindle Thread: 5/8 x 11-inches
- No-Load Speed: 2,800-10,000 RPM
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Price: TBD
- Warranty: 1 year
