One of the models that didnโt make our initial dust extractor shootout is the new Hitachi dust extractor. Like several other brands, it was in the works, but not here in time to make the testing deadlines. Not to worry, now that itโs here, thereโs plenty to talk about โ including its striking similarities to the model that came in first place.
Letโs Talk OSHA Compliance for a Moment
For a dust extractor to be OSHA-compliant for all silica dust applications, two features have to be on the list: a filter cleaning mechanism and it has to be HEPA rated. Thereโs little chance of getting around the filter cleaning mechanism โ you need to be able to clean the filter without throwing all that dust in the air.
HEPA filters are only necessary in a couple of scenarios: blowing out holes for cleaning and floor grinding/surface prep. Outside of those, you donโt need the HEPA filters. And thatโs a good thing since the filters actually reduce performance due to their tight weave.
The Hitachi dust extractor has both features, so youโre covered no matter what.
Noteworthy Features
- Automatic Filter Cleaning:ย Most dust extractors use reverse airflow to clean the filters, potentially damaging them and reducing performance while they clean. The Hitachi dust extractor uses what they call iPulse โ a mechanical vibration of the filters to release dust that doesnโt force performance down by sucking in air. The extractor senses when it needs to clean rather than adhering to a preset cycle.
- HEPA Rating:ย The HEPA-rated system uses two filters to capture 99.97% of dust particles 3 microns or smaller when itโs required.
- Automatic Tool Activation: Like most dust extractors, you have pass-through power for automatic tool activation. When you press the trigger, it sends a signal to the dust extractor to kick on and continues to run for several seconds to clear the hose once you release it.
- Variable Power Dial:ย How powerful a tool you can plug into the extractor is dependent on how many amps the breaker youโre attached to is. The motor runs at 11 amps max, so if youโre on a 20-amp breaker, you can push a 9-amp tool.ย However, sometimes you need more power for the tool and a variable dial helps reduce the vacuum power to allow for those more power-hungry tools.
- Wet Vac Auto-Off: Pros use theirย dust extractors for more than just dry concrete. When the mess is wet, an automatic shutoff sensor will protect the motor from the rising tide.
- Cord/Hose Wrap: Integrated into the handle is a cord hang. It leaves the cord hanging more loosely than a wrap around the canister, but it works. You can wrap the hose around the canister without any support and it clips in front of the handle to keep it secure. Overall, itโs not the best weโve seen, but itโs functional.
Performance
The most important number when it comes to OSHA-compliance is CFM. Hitachi runs at 130 CFM, meaning you can run up to a 5โณ grinder in concrete applications. Without any testing, thatโs what itโs official certification says and what an inspector will go by.
But thereโs more to it than what a lab test certifies. Water lift is a measure of how strong a pull the motor gives you. Our water lift test doesnโt match the numbers you see from manufacturers that give you a rating. Our resources are a bit more limited, so we had to work with a different diameter of pipe than the โofficialโ test uses. Still, we can compare to the other vacuums weโve tested.
Hitachi comes in with 70โณ of water lift โ near the bottom, but still in the 70โณ โ 80โณ range that most of our extractors run. DeWalt comes in significantly lower at 50โณ while Hilti rules the roost at the moment with 85โณ of water lift.
One thing youโll notice is that the hose is a bit on the short side at 10 feet. However, the ends are designed so that you can connect multiple hoses if you need to or even remove the hose and connect it to itself to contain any material while you transport it.
Something Seems Familiarโฆ
Following Hitachiโs acquisition of Metabo, itโs no surprise that the Hitachi dust extractor is essentially a clone of Metaboโs. Thatโs not really a bad thing considering Metabo won our shootout.
Price and Value
Like Metaboโs model, Hitachiโs dust extractor isnโt cheap. It runs $749, with is quite a bit more than those hanging around the $600 mark. However, when we consider the overall performance and feature set, it still earns a pretty solid value rating. You pay more, but you get more. Youโll just need to decide if the extras are worth it for the kind of work you do.
The Bottom Line
Like itโs close relative from Metabo, the Hitachi dust extractor is an outstanding dust extractor that lacks little. Where thereโs still room for improvement is perhaps a more secure cord and hose wrap and more power to move it into the 150 CFM range. Iโd put money down that those things are coming.
Related Content
Dust Extractor Shootout
Metabo Dust Extractor Review
Hilti Dust Extractor Review
DeWalt Dust Extractor Review
Hitachi Dust Extractor Key Features
- 11 Amp motor with super-efficient design to provide maximum suction
- Powerful 130cfm of suction for material collection
- Utilizes 2 HEPA filters to capture more harmful dust particles
- Superior electromagnetic automatic filter cleaning senses when there is a reduction in suction & provides pulse cleaning of the HEPA filters while in use to prevent suction loss and maintain production
- Tool actuated outlet allows the vacuum power to be turned on/off with the connected power tool
- High liquid sensor senses when the liquid level in the tank reaches maximum fill and shuts vacuum off to prevent spills and motor damage
- 9.2 Gallon durable polyethylene tank is optimal for commercial wet/dry applications
- 34.6 lbs, lightweight design on castors facilitates maneuverability and ease of use
- Exclusive accessory pack comes standard
- Soft start ramps up to full power gradually
- Over run feature allows vacuum to run for a few seconds after shut off to collect material left in hose
- Large rear wheels for stability
- Lockable front casters to keep vacuum form unwanted movement
- Includes: (2) HEPA Filters (Installed), 10โฒ Hose,ย (1) Poly Bag with Closures,ย Sealing Plug for Tank.ย Step Down Reducer, Onboard Accessory Caddy (installed)
Hitachi Dust Extractor Specifications
- Model: Hitachi RP350YDH
- Motor: 11 amps, 120V
- CFM: 130
- Tank Capacity: 5.6 gallons dry, 4.9 gallons wet
- Weight: 34.6 pounds
- Price: $681.58
- Warranty: 1 year
