Harbor Freight Just Dropped A New Hercules Belt Grinder. Here's How Much It Costs
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Harbor Freight announced the addition of a new Hercules Belt Grinder in a press release dated May 19, 2025. In case you don't already know, Hercules is one of the Harbor Freight brands you should have on your radar, and the newly added Belt Grinder appears to be a solid addition to the lineup based on its specifications.
The Harbor Freight Hercules Belt Grinder, introductory priced at $299.99, features a 2-inch wide by 48-inch belt. Replacement Hercules Ceramic Alumina Grain belts are available from Harbor Freight in packs of two for $11.99 each with either 80- or 120-grit depending on your needs. Other options, such as a 15-piece 2- x 48-Inch Assorted Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belt, is available on Amazon for $17.99 with grits ranging from 80 to 400.
Other pertinent features of the new Hercules 2-inch by 48-inch Belt Grinder include the 1-horsepower induction electric motor suitable for "sustained use and heavy duty material removal," according to Harbor Freight. The Belt Grinder also has one-handed tracking adjustments and a rotating belt arm that can accommodate vertical or horizontal grinding with dual adjustable work rests. There's even a quick-change mechanism to make changing belts a breeze.
What's the difference between the Hercules Belt Grinder and the Bauer 8-inch Bench Grinder with Belt Sander?
Another 2-inch belt sander/grinder option from Harbor Freight is the Bauer 8-inch Bench Grinder with Belt Sander, priced at $179.99. Unlike the Hercules Belt Grinder with its 48-inch belt, the Bauer unit's 2-inch belt is 28 inches long. In addition, the Bauer has an 8-inch grinding wheel on the opposite end. While the Hercules and Bauer grinders both operate on 120 volts, the Bauer grinder has a lower power motor that delivers a maximum of ¾ horsepower.
Although Bauer is below Hercules in Harbor Freight's brand hierarchy, the Bauer grinder still receives 4.5/5 stars, with 91% of Harbor Freight customers recommending its purchase. Some of the most common aspects appreciated by customers are the unit's price, power, quality, and ease of use. The grinding wheel side of the Bauer belt sander/grinder features an adjustable work rest, while the sanding belt side provides up to 90-degrees for adjusting to different tasks. One feature found on the Bauer grinder that's missing from the Hercules unit is a LED light mounted on a flexible gooseneck stalk for added visibility when grinding or sharpening.