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Need help?Do you have a question about the Bosch GBH 5-40 DE and is the answer not in the manual?
Clean and grease the shank end of the tool and insert it into the tool holder until it latches.
Push back the locking sleeve of the tool holder and remove the tool.
Avoid blind areas, check for hidden lines, and be aware of shock hazards when operating.
Verify mains voltage matches the nameplate and connect plug only when the machine is switched off.
Press and hold the On/Off switch 5 to turn on; release to turn off in drilling mode.
The Bosch GBH 5-40 DE is a powerful rotary hammer designed for heavy-duty drilling and chiseling tasks in concrete, brick, and stone. Its robust construction and advanced features make it suitable for professional use, offering both high performance and user comfort.
At its core, the GBH 5-40 DE operates as a rotary hammer, combining rotary motion with a powerful hammering action. This dual functionality allows it to efficiently drill holes in tough materials like concrete and masonry. When switched to chiseling mode, the rotary action is disengaged, and the tool delivers pure impact energy, making it ideal for breaking up concrete, removing tiles, or performing other demolition work. The tool holder is designed for SDS-max accessories, which are known for their secure fit and efficient power transfer, ensuring that the impact energy is effectively delivered to the workpiece.
A key feature of this machine is its electronic control system, which allows for continuous pre-selection of both speed and impact rate. This means the user can adjust the tool's performance to match the specific material being worked on, optimizing efficiency and preventing damage to the material or the tool. The constant electronic control maintains the selected speed and impact rate at a nearly constant level, regardless of whether the tool is under no-load or load conditions. This ensures consistent performance throughout the task.
The GBH 5-40 DE also incorporates an overload clutch, a crucial safety feature. If the drill bit jams or encounters extreme resistance, the drive to the drill spindle is interrupted. This prevents excessive torque from being transferred to the user, reducing the risk of injury and protecting the machine from damage. The tool is designed to be held firmly with both hands, and a secure stance is always recommended, especially when dealing with the forces generated during operation.
Operating the GBH 5-40 DE is made intuitive through several user-friendly features. The mode selector switch allows for easy switching between hammer drilling, chiseling, and a "Vario-lock" position for changing chiseling positions. This Vario-lock feature enables the user to lock the chisel in 12 different positions, ensuring the optimal working angle for any application. It's important to operate this switch only when the machine is at a standstill to prevent damage.
The On/Off switch provides straightforward control over the tool's operation. In drilling mode, it functions as a momentary switch, requiring continuous pressure to keep the tool running. In chiseling mode, it can be locked on for continuous operation, which is particularly useful for extended chiseling tasks.
The speed selector thumbwheel is a vital control for adjusting the tool's performance. By rotating this thumbwheel, users can fine-tune the speed and impact rate to suit different materials and applications, from plaster and lightweight materials to brick and concrete. The electronic control automatically adjusts to maximum speed and impact rate when the mains plug is inserted or after a power failure, preventing operation below optimum capacity.
For enhanced user comfort and control, the GBH 5-40 DE is equipped with an integrated vibration damper. This "Vibration Control" system significantly reduces the vibrations transmitted to the user, minimizing fatigue during prolonged use. The soft grip further contributes to a better grip and improved handling of the machine. An auxiliary handle is also provided, which can be loosened, rotated, and firmly retightened to adapt to various working positions, ensuring a secure two-handed grip.
Safety is paramount, and the manual emphasizes several precautions. Users are warned against drilling, fastening, or cutting into blind areas where electric, gas, or water lines might exist, recommending the use of detectors or contacting utility companies for assistance. The importance of wearing ear protection, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes is highlighted. For long hair, hair protection is advised, and closely fitting clothes should be worn. When working outdoors, connecting the machine via a residual current device (RCD) with a maximum actuating current of 30 mA is recommended, along with using only approved outdoor extension cables.
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the GBH 5-40 DE. Before any maintenance work, it is crucial to pull the mains plug to prevent accidental startup. The machine and its ventilation slots should always be kept clean for safe and proper working.
The tool holder requires regular cleaning and the shank end of the tool should be greased regularly. The dust protection cap plays a critical role in preventing drilling dust from entering the tool. If this cap is damaged, it should be changed immediately, preferably by an after-sales service, to maintain the tool's internal cleanliness and functionality.
The machine is oil-lubricated, but an oil change is typically only required during maintenance or repair by an authorized Bosch After-Sales Service, and only designated Bosch oil should be used.
The GBH 5-40 DE includes a service indicator (red LED) that lights up or blinks approximately eight hours before the carbon brushes are worn out, signaling that the machine will soon switch itself off. This indicator prompts the user to send the machine for maintenance to customer service. Additionally, a stand-by-indicator (green LED) lights up when the mains plug is inserted and voltage is available, confirming that the machine is ready for operation. If the machine fails to switch on despite the green indicator being lit, it should be sent to an authorized Bosch power tool service center.
For chiseling tools, regular sharpening is recommended to achieve good results and prolong their service life. The manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams for re-sharpening chiseling tools using grinding wheels with a steady supply of water, emphasizing the importance of avoiding annealing coloration on the cutting edges to maintain hardness. It also includes instructions for forging and hardening chisels, detailing the temperatures and processes involved.
In case of any machine failure, repairs should only be carried out by an authorized after-sales service center for Bosch power tools. When ordering spare parts or corresponding with service centers, it is important to include the 10-digit order number found on the machine's nameplate. The manual also provides important instructions for connecting a new 3-pin plug to the 2-wire cable, specifying the color coding for live and neutral wires and warning against connecting blue or brown wires to the earth terminal.
General| Weight | 6.8 kg |
|---|---|
| Tool dimensions (length) | 485 mm |
| Tool dimensions (height) | 260 mm |
| Rated input power | 1100 W |
| Rated speed | 170 - 340 rpm |
| Tool holder | SDS max |
| Drilling diameter in concrete with hammer drill bits | 12 - 40 mm |
| Optimum range of applications in concrete with hammer drill bits | 18 - 32 mm |
| Drilling diameter in concrete with breakthrough drill bits | 45 - 55 mm |
| Drilling diameter in concrete with core cutters | 40 - 90 mm |
