NEW AT HARBOR FREIGHT! - HERCULES FORCED ROTATION DUAL ACTION POLISHER

Harbor Freight has just release another Dual Action Polisher. They already have the Bauer Dual Action polishers, but this time they released a Forced Rotation Polisher under their Hercules brand. This polisher is comparable in specs and movement to the Flex XC 3401 VRG forced rotation polisher. Forced Rotation Polishers are a perfect blend between a traditional dual action polisher and a Rotary machine. At $119 is this new polisher available at Harbor Freight something you should consider for detailing your car? Is this a good polisher for paint correction? I hope to answer all of those questions and more in this video so you can make the best choice for your personal car detailing needs... ENJOY!

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TIME CODES:
0:00 - HERCULES FORCED ROTATION DUAL ACTION POLISHER
0:30 - Dual Action VS Rotary VS Forced Rotation
3:22 - Flex 3401 VS Hercules
3:55 - Weight
4:16 - Specs & Features
6:39 - Polisher Design
8:28 - Can you switch backing plates?
10:01 - Internals
10:37 - Cord Length
12:01 - Using the HERCULES FORCED ROTATION POLISHER
12:27 - Should you buy one?

#harborfreight #cardetailing #polisher

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (IMJOSHV) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (IMJOSHV) or any business affiliated to (IMJOSHV).

[divindave]

Harbor Freight has really stepped up their game in offerings over the last few years. I retired 2 years ago and for something to keep me busy, started detailing cars for a few friends and neighbors. Based on YT reviews, I went ahead and bought the HF polisher - the red one. It's a workhorse and I've had no problems with it at all. When I'm worn out, it keeps on going. I recently bought this blue Hercules one so I didn't have to constantly swap out the pads and I tell ya man, coming from a rookie like me with only 89 cars under his belt, I'm calling it a winner. My gripe though is that long power cord. I don't like winding it up. Not at all. And it took up too much room in my tool chest too. So I cut it off to 8 feet and it's much better now!

[dillon]

Hey, I just wanna throw this out there since it's pretty cool. Josh actually does pay attention to the comments and is actually interested in helping all of us out, I told him about this polisher like idk a week ago? And here we are. So flippin cool. THANKS, JOSH!

[dougmasters]

Usually one of the first things to do on any of the HF polishers is to replace the grease with some kind of high quality white lithium grease, and swap the backing plate to a more premium brand. Both of those mods make the HF polishers a joy to use.

[waynedharsan]

Makita had the first switchable forced rotation, I wish you would show this king of a machine!! Blows flex out of the water .

[joevanseeters]

For a new detailing enthusiast on a budget, this looks like an excellent option. Fit it with a Flex high end plate (or one of the interchangeable aftermarket flex plates that allow rapid change of the sizes) and you'd have a polishing machine with some "Ooommph" to it, although I think I would start out with a Porter Cable XP or a good Griot's DA first before going to forced rotation which can be a little tricky for people not experienced in polishing. It does have a LOT of power. I have easily burned paint with it myself on my daughter's 2013 Honda Accord using my Flex 3401 corded version. Forced rotation polishing machines do offer exceptional power or torque but it's what you do with that power that produces the exceptional results. I do personally think it's far too aggressive for finishing out anything with high levels of gloss. You either need to use a good quality rotary on a finish pad (also should have a little experience on the rotary) or use a good DA polisher on a good quality finishing pad. I just recently got the SPTA version of the CORDLESS machine that I think you showcased on your channel at one time (not the forced rotation, but the 15mm long throw) and it is an EXCEPTIONAL polisher for half the price of the higher end machines from "the other The machine runs super smooth and the set/cycle time is great with the two supplied batteries and charger. It feels very high quality for the price. Once I went to the cordless polishers (I have all the cordless Flex machines including the newer PXE-80 and I love that little machine for macro, close in polishing, I never want to go back to a corded machine, EVER. It also comes with a host of pads and microfiber cloths (I relegate the included accessories to lesser duties or toss them, as I prefer to use the tried-and-true Lake Country pads of all different sizes and hardness types. I am also older than some detailers and have been detailing my cars since I started driving in 1979. I still enjoy the good ole' rotary machine (those new lightweight rotaries are nice to work with) coupled with a good quality waffle pad. The whole waffle/flat pad debate rages on to this very day, but i've always enjoyed using the waffle style and in my opinion, they offer a little less heat and are more forgiving than other style pads if using good polish techniques. However, for 90% of the weekend warriors at home wanting to get into machine polishing on a budget, this looks like a great option. However, for just $100 more (and still about half the price of a Rupes or Flex) you could get your hands on a SPTA 15mm CORDLESS that is built like a tank and runs very smoothly. You could always have this Harbor Freight Forced Rotation Unit on hand as your "back up" polisher in case something did go wrong, OR, just keep it as an additional tool in your polishing box. Realistically, using sales, you may be able to pick up this machine, an SPTA 15mm throw CORDLESS machine, AND a knock off micro polisher, all for about the price of some of the higher end polishers. That's a worthwhile investment for a new detailer starting a business as you'd have a tool for just about anything you are going to encounter. Start out with "enhancement" details and gain experience. Many clients are happy with the results of enhancement polishing. In their eyes, the vehicle looks way better than when they brought it to you or you started on it. Use a good quality enhancement polish that wipes off quickly and easily and you can quickly polish out a vehicle to a level that most owners will be thrilled with. Top it with a long-lasting sealant like Ultralock and you have a nice detail completed for low overhead costs and high profits. Ultralock will give excellent durability too and is WAY easier to install than a ceramic coating but you'll still get about 9 months or so out of it which is great. A new detailer could offer a very comprehensive package using good products that would make it profitable.

[Demon]

Just wanted to say I really appreciate your comparisons and knowledge. You don’t bs about what’s worth the expense and what’s not, which is fantastic for DIY and low budget hustlers. I feel like whether I’m in the market for the products or not, I’ll remember your input when I am.

[MegaWeagle]

Just bought the Hercules last week as my very first polisher. Very very happy with the results so far! Big thanks to josh and Larry over at Ammo. They gave me the detailing fever and will be handing out my very first fliers come Saturday. Scary but exciting!

[zackpickett]

I just used the Hercules on a 25 ft boat and did a 5 step correction. One of the biggest differences between the flex and this new machine is the trigger is not as sensitive as the flex. I tried feathering the throttle and it’s not as smooth as the flex for trying to keep it at half throttle or quarter. Ended up just using the dial because it was more consistent. Besides that it is a great machine!

[crowdsurferx]

Been using the Flex 3401 for over 10 years now professional detailing. The thing is built like a tank. No problems yet

[dannyboy]

Great review! . At my local harbor freight I received the polisher free, when I purchased a battery and a hercules charger . All three pieces cost approximately # 100 dollars. I agree with you. As a back up and light use 45, to one hour, it does the job. 😊

[thesingingtiggs]

Hell ya been waiting for this thing to come out ever since sema. When I first started detailing I got lucky enough to work at a dealer that actually gave a shit and had multiple rupes, flex, and Makita polishers, and a vast swath of pads and polish. I always preferred the flex over everything unless it was white then I'd just go with the air powered rotary and be done....now I can get a forced DA without going broke..good review

[tylerfraker]

Paint correction is just my final step in restoration work, so I haven’t been able to justify a forced rotation until now. I’ll definitely be picking up the Herc on sale. Thanks for the review!

[tylerjohnson]

Josh what do you use for edge work and delicate corners for correcting?

[gangaskan]

so i just got the hurcles last night. HF had a 40% coupon, and if you ask nicely you can get the 45% insiders. and they had it set at 99 dollars. so i got it for 55!

[robertmachen]

Great video! Thank you for pointing out that the backing plates are interchangeable. FLEX puts a serious premium on the 25' cord. Not really worth the extra $$. The Hercules unfortunately does not come with replacement brushes so hopefully there is a parts list that customers can use to order replacement brushes.

[Okie-Tom]

Nice comparison. The only major thing I don’t hear you tell about was what is the throw of each of these! Is it 8mm, 15mm or what? Thanks. Tom

[jwmoo]

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been looking at picking up a tool like this but wondered how well it would hold up.

[brucelavender]

Great comparison video; thank you! Can you comment on the screwdriver tool you used to remove the backing plate?

[theBtotheJ]

Would this be a good polisher to learn with? I have a detailing business and I want to add paint corrections to my arsenal.

[biofractal]

If anyone can help.... I really love this machine and I would like to use it with 5 inch pads. Is there anyway to replace the back plate? Not only the ones I have found on Amazon are over $40 but I have no idea if they will fit/work. Thx!