Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Vacuum Review
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Brushless Wet/Dry Pod Style Vacuum
Metabo HPT Model Number RP3608DAQ4M
The Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Vacuum with all of the standard accessories.
36V MultiVolt Brushless Wet/Dry Pod Style Vacuum
Manufacturer: Metabo HPT
Model number: RP3608DAQ4
Price: 499.00
Power source: 36V MultiVolt Batteries or Corded AC Adapter
Weight: 24.0 Lbs. W/ BatteriesThis tool review takes an in-depth look at the new 36V MultiVolt cordless wet/dry vacuum from Metabo HPT model number RP3608DAQ4M. A clean shop or work area is a telltale sign of skilled professional. This is extremely difficult as the construction industry is pretty much the business of making dust and debris. These environmental contaminants are detrimental to not only our quality of work but possibly our long term health as well. Thankfully, the new Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt cordless vacuum is a professional grade tool designed to help combat the dirty work space. Metabo HPT designed this vacuum to be both compact and powerful with added bonus of their impressive MultiVolt system. Together these features make a tool that you will constantly want to reach for.
Specifications
- Battery Type: 36V Li-Ion
- Number of Battery Ports: 2
- Motor Type: Fan-Cooled DC Brushless
- Suction Power (Turbo/Standard/Eco): 124CFM/85CFM/57CFM
- Capacity (Dust/Liquid): 2.1 Gallons/1.6 Gallons
- Filter Type: Wet and Dry Dust Filter
- Filter Cleaning (Manual): Air Blow Type
- No-Load Noise Level: 62 dB (Standard Mode)
- Weight (W/ 2 MultiVolt 4.0Ah Batteries): 24.0 Lbs.
- Dimensions (WXDxH): 13 1/32″ x 14 17/32″ x 15 1/32″
- Warranty (Tool/Battery): 1 Year/2 Year
Features
- Up Front Controls (Power, Suction Power, Battery Gauge)
- 4 Caster Wheels for Mobility
- Operates With 1 or 2 MultiVolt Batteries or AC Adapter
- Air Blower Filter Cleaning System
- Includes: 4.9 Ft. 1 1/2″ ID Hose, Crevice Nozzle, Master Nozzle, Zoom Pipe, and 10 Polyethylene Bags
Overall Profile of The Metabo HPT MultiVolt Droid…err Vacuum
The compact size and weight are two of my favorite features on this vacuum. At only 24.0 lbs. with two 4.0 Ah batteries, the Metabo HPT vacuum can easily be held with a single hand while using the hose to reach and clean areas. When stationary or being used on the ground, the four caster wheels allow the vacuum to be easily moved or re-positioned.
The Metabo HPT MultiVolt Vacuum compared to a traditional wet/dry vacuum.
The overall profile is incredibly compact and sleek. With clean and smooth design lines it resembles a droid from Star Wars more than a vacuum. This extra attention to the overall form of the tool as well as function by Metabo HPT make the MultiVolt vacuum easy to store in a shop or work vehicle. It will also take up less space on the job site or in the back of your X-Wing fighter.
Princess Leia uploading plans for the Death Star to her MultiVolt vacuum.
A Perfect Application for MultiVolt
A vacuum is an incredibly high demand tool for a battery powered system. However Metabo HPT has combined some extremely innovative design features to give options to the end user. First and foremost is the ability for the MultiVolt system to accept an AC Adapter system. By attaching the adapter, MutliVolt Vacuum offers uninterrupted power as long as access to an outlet is available. Having used several MultiVolt tools from Metabo HPT, the cordless vacuum may be the perfect application for this adapter system. I discussed the MultiVolt system further in a recent article found here.
Single battery pack inserted.
When it comes to small cleanups or quick set ups and break downs, the battery powered option excels as well. Metabo HPT’s 36V 4.0 Ah batteries use 21700 cells for high capacity. The MultiVolt Vacuum has two ports to accommodate these batteries. The vacuum will run with either one or two batteries inserted. When using two, they are drained sequentially. The electronics of the MultiVolt Vaccum will determine which battery is at a lower capacity and then fully deplete that battery first before switching to the other. This smart technology feature helped me to better manage my battery charging.
Double battery packs inserted.
Power and Capacity of The Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Vacuum
The MultiVolt vacuum features three power settings. The low setting was suitable for light cleanup of materials such as sawdust and general dirt. The Standard mode offers 85 CFM suction and was adequate for general cleanup and provided a dust free environment when used for dust extraction with a saw. The Turbo mode saw a substantial increase in power. For cleaning up a larger debris pile or pieces of rocks and other heavier debris the Turbo mode was fantastic. Turbo mode drained two fully charged batteries in approximately 20 minutes.
A large and easy to reach power switch. Battery fuel gauge. Mode selecting switch. Vacuum will default to medium setting and must be manually switched to Turbo.
In terms of capacity the Metabo HPT vacuum will hold up to 2.1 gallons of dry dust. For my use I am primarily concerned about dust and dry material as opposed to liquid. The capacity of the MultiVolt vacuum is well suited for general job site or project area cleanup. This unit would be significantly undersized as a dedicated dust extractor for a shop setting. As the tank body becomes full, a significant loss in suction can be felt.
Fine dust cleanup and easy emptying due to small size of body.
For a clogged filter, Metabo HPT included an Air Blowing Filter Cleaning System. The filter blows itself clean as you cover the end of the hose with your hand and then press the green filter button on the top of the unit for several seconds. This feature worked well when a piece of wallboard paper was blocking the hose port.
Push button switch to activate filter air blower cleaning procedure.
Room For Improvement
While the caster wheels made the Metabo HPT vacuum maneuverable, they had a tendency to cause the vacuum to tip over or spin out if the hose was pulled too firmly. Their construction resembles plastic casters on an office chair. A more durable set of wheels would make the unit more stable.
Other than the wheels, the only other issue I had with the unit was the price. The Metabo HPT MultiVolt vacuum currently sells for $499.00 as a bare tool. When factoring in the cost of batteries and a charger as well as an AC adapter, this becomes an expensive unit. There is also currently no three stage filtration system available for the vacuum. While the vacuum is a quality tool, the initial investment may be hard to justify for some users.
Clean air filtration chamber with replaceable fabric filter.
Who Should Buy This
If you are currently using the Metabo HPT battery platform, or are planning to invest in it, then this tool is a fantastic option. The quality of construction and design of this unit is phenomenal. It offers powerful suction, light weight, compact size, and versatile power supply options. Just taking it out of the box, it was clear that this is a professional grade tool that is made to last. For the average homeowner or DIY user, the MultiVolt vacuum is right at home for tasks such as cleaning out vehicles or small cleanups. As a user of the Metabo HPT battery platform, I see myself continuing to use the vacuum daily.
This very well may be the droid you are looking for.
Where to Buy
Our partnered vendor ACME Tools currently has the Metabo HPT MultiVolt Vacuum in stock and ready to ship. Follow the link below to purchase directly from ACME.
Overall Thoughts
The small overall footprint and sleek design aesthetics of this vacuum conceal a ton of power and technology. The tool is subtle but delivers when it is time to go to work. I was extremely impressed overall by the MultiVolt vacuum from Metabo HPT. I enjoyed using it during the review process and look forward to seeing how it performs in the future. While the price is undoubtedly expensive, this tool represents a perfect application of the capabilities of the MultiVolt platform and excellent overall quality.
About the author
Wes Bartosik
Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.
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I wonder if you can use the Makita filter on this thing I’ve noticed that other tools that Makita makes are similar to the Metabo and done times have interchangable parts
Jose – MANY of the current construction vacuums on the market are being manufactured by Mafell with licensing agreements, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they had some interchangeable parts. You could probably do a bit of research and look at both filters on them and get a good idea.