Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw – Any Good?

[428PI]

Love the Milwaukee chainsaw but quickly wore out bar. Installed slightly wider oregon bar and chain and made a huge improvement. Only use 12ah battery on mine.

 

[southalabama]

I’m in the dewalt eco system. I’ve also have husqvarna gas saws. For quick work I decided to get a battery saw. Ended up getting an echo. The plan was to buy a second battery. The price of a second battery is as much as saw (almost). I found that by the time I’m tired of sawing the battery needs a charge too. I’ve been surprised how much it will cut on a single charge.

 

[4xdog]

The Dewalt chainsaw is better watch project farm
-Preston

AvE put he Milwaukee 2727 build quality a bit ahead of the DeWalt (more or less — he’s a tough reviewer as always) about four years ago, FWIW.

 

[F-22]

Makita bought Dolmar and their R&D was comparable to stihl or husqy, so I'd assume their offering must be among the best.

Dolmar made corded electric chainsaws waaay in the past (I think even three-phase 400v versions).

 

[Davefr]

All things being equal, go with Makita. They are better built and Makita/Dolmar has a long history in chain saw development. The Makita runs at very fast speed which makes it very smooth in the cut. I'll take high speed at the expense of torque any day. Get the model with bar nuts vs thumbwheel chain adjuster. Everyone seems to hate these toolless adjusters.



However if you're already committed to Dewalt or Milwaukies battery platform then go with one of them.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have the same smaller Dewalt others mentioned, but its the newer revised version that fixed some early issues.

Running flexvolt and bigger 20v batteries with the fast charger. I also have an adaptor to use my 5ah Makita batteries and has worked fine.

I did the 14” oregon bar & chain upgrade and modded a metal bumper spike that Makita sells to fit.
Using canola oil for lube.

Its been through several heavy cutting sessions and continues to impress.
Coming from on the job experience with a Stihl 029 that stood the test of time, this Dewalt is obviously no comparison to a pro saw in quality or performance. But it does work for its intended application. It is slow, but torquey. Its struggles past 10” diameter logs.
Its also a lot of plastic, but not a toy. The BL motor is a brute.

A friend had a big tree fall and damaged part of his home.
A crew of us went to lend a hand. I worked this saw off/on for 8 hours limbing/bucking. Other than batteries and having to clear the chips out of the sprocket housing once, it never complained.
Every other saw there was gas and they ALL had issues.
I had every intention of returning home with a burned up dead Dewalt that evening, but it fought to live.

 

[67CarGuy]

I'll chime in from the Ryobi camp with my pros and cons. Leaks bar oil, drains the battery quickly if I push it, but cuts well and is very happy doing brush work and smaller trees. I drain the bar oil after each job and that helps a lot with the leaks, and as I only have two batteries (a 2.5Ah and a 5Ah) it means I can't work from dawn to dusk - I view that as a bonus! Heck of a lot quieter than a gas saw, no oil+gas mix to keep on hand, no fumes. Easy enough to sharpen the chain after a day in the woods, too, although that's no different than any other saw.

I also have a Ryobi electric mower, which is why I got their chainsaw. Otherwise I'd probably have the M18 version with the 16" bar.

 

[KnurledNut]

All things being equal, go with Makita. They are better built and Makita/Dolmar has a long history in chain saw development. The Makita runs at very fast speed which makes it very smooth in the cut. I'll take high speed at the expense of torque any day. Get the model with bar nuts vs thumbwheel chain adjuster. Everyone seems to hate these toolless adjusters.



However if you're already committed to Dewalt or Milwaukies battery platform then go with one of them.

If I had to pull the trigger on a bigger battery saw right this moment, it would be the new XGT.

 

[customh]

All things being equal, go with Makita. They are better built and Makita/Dolmar has a long history in chain saw development. The Makita runs at very fast speed which makes it very smooth in the cut. I'll take high speed at the expense of torque any day. Get the model with bar nuts vs thumbwheel chain adjuster. Everyone seems to hate these toolless adjusters.

However if you're already committed to Dewalt or Milwaukies battery platform then go with one of them.

If I had to pull the trigger on a bigger battery saw right this moment, it would be the new XGT.

Fantastic point that I forgot about. I think the first brand new piece of outdoor power equipment my dad ever bought was a Dolmar 50cc gas saw 10+ years ago. I think I've put more hours on it than he has and the thing is great. That Makita saw has years of engineering baked in that DeWalt and Milwaukee can't compete with when you look at the complete package. Writing this makes me want to get rid of my Milwaukee Trimmer and Blower and replace with Makita XGT stuff. You want a GCU04T1.

 

[sanddan]

These are corded, right? I don't think that would work for me... I'm on acreage.

That being said, as much as I hate working in the yard... and, I mean, I really hate it... I don't know that short battery life is a negative.

I bought a cheaper car Lowe’s Kobalt pole saw as I also have acreage and use it for cleanup, mostly fir tree limbs, and find the battery lasts about as long as I do. I’ve been thinking of selling my 20” bar Stihl gas saw as it’s heavy and harder to start. I’ve had it for 20 years but at 70 it’s no fun to use. A cordless electric would suit my needs better.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I haven't had the chance to try the Milwaukee, but I can say the battery Husky is a dream come true for climbing work.

 

[cgrutt]

I'm pretty much old school and would prefer a gas powered Stihl over pretty much any saw and I've owned several in a few different brands (Husqvarna/Craftsman/Pulan etc). Stihl is hands-down best saw IMO.

That said was helping a buddy clean up some wooded areas last year with excavator, a gas powered Husqvarna and I was using his Milwaukee electric saw to break down some smaller limbs and trees before the larger machines took over. Got to say I was really impressed and somewhat surprised how good the Milwaukee was. Only complaint was it didn't last that long but my buddy didn't have any larger batteries for it either. Probably would have lasted better part of afternoon with a 9A or better battery we were just using 5A IIRC. Very surprised good stuff for sure.

 

[niget2002]

I went the Dewalt route because I have the batteries. I got the bigger one.

I've only used it to cut down logs to fit into the smoker, but it's worked well.

 

[pamike]

I have multiple Stihl chainsaw for the heavy work but when I am on the mini excavator in the woods I keep an M18 sawzal with a pruning blade for cutting branches. IT will easily cut 6" hardwood. The pruning blade is the key. Its very course and aggressive..

 

[joe_pinehill1]

IMHO its a good second saw. Its nice for trimming the odd branch, but for cutting a lot of wood, gas is still better.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I've had the Milwaukee fuel saw for over a year now and use it more than I expected to. With a 12ah battery it has plenty of power and duration for most all yard work/trail clearing and is quick and quiet to grab and use. I break out the big Stihl for serious wood cutting. No lube oil leaks or any other issues so far. I've been impressed by it. Ed.

 

[Denwood]

For sure you'd want to watch the two project farm videos before buying one. The Dewalt and Echo end up looking best in the bunch. Milwaukee wins for most expensive, but if you were already invested into their batteries, would not disappoint as it does look to relatively quick, and I suspect would test near the top for the actual number of working cuts, at least on a 12 Ah battery.

Round 1:

Round 2:

 

[gmcgeo]

I have been a fan of these, however after slowly going over to EGO; i may be switching my m18 for the EGO chainsaw.

I would love to try the EGO one out before buying to compare with the m18

 

[Ryan]

Turns out I had one 12AH battery, so I ordered this:

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Battery Chainsaw Kit with 12.0 Ah Battery and M18 Rapid Charger 2727-21HD - The Home Depot

Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 16" cordless chainsaw with battery pack, rapid charger, 16 in. Oregon bar and chain, and scrench. (2727-21HD)

www.homedepot.com

I will report back with my findings...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Makita bought Dolmar and their R&D was comparable to stihl or husqy, so I'd assume their offering must be among the best.

Dolmar made corded electric chainsaws waaay in the past (I think even three-phase 400v versions).

Many, MANY moons ago, Milwaukee made a corded saw. It was considered the best electric saw on the market at that time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Turns out I had one 12AH battery, so I ordered this:

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Battery Chainsaw Kit with 12.0 Ah Battery and M18 Rapid Charger 2727-21HD - The Home Depot

Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 16" cordless chainsaw with battery pack, rapid charger, 16 in. Oregon bar and chain, and scrench. (2727-21HD)

www.homedepot.com

I will report back with my findings...

Depending on your usage, plan on buying a new bar and chain.

Love the Milwaukee chainsaw but quickly wore out bar. Installed slightly wider oregon bar and chain and made a huge improvement. Only use 12ah battery on mine.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

I have the really small one and love it.
Cuts like butter.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I have the M18 16" chainsaw and a Stihl MS250 gas saw. If the tree/log is less than 8" diameter I'll grab the M18 every time, if it's 12" or under I'll still grab the M18 assuming I don't need to make a large number of cuts.

When I'm cutting firewood I toss both saws in the truck, the Milwaukee excels for limbing and gettings things cleaned up, the Stihl wins when it's time to buck the firewood.

If I weren't cutting firewood I'd likely be happy with the M18 as my only saw, it'll get the work done just a bit slower.

 

[F-22]

Many, MANY moons ago, Milwaukee made a corded saw. It was considered the best electric saw on the market at that time.

Well, for the US where the power outlets and 120V mains power is a strong limit...

Didn't find a dolmar, but they made something similar... Anyway, here's a vintage Stihl with a three phase motor:





That was quite a beast, a 3,5HP brushless three phase electric motor on a chainsaw... Probably had more torque than the largest petrol chainsaws?

 

[F-22]

Found another Stihl, Probably from the 70's, with a 4.5hp motor!







There were also some special versions that supposedly ran on 200Hz power and some unique voltage, straight off of a generator, for remote lumber mills.



And this article talks about a 5.4HP version too!

Found the Dolmar too, it's called the DD model.

 

[trackwelder]

I have 2 of the m18 saws and really like them. I did upgrade the bar and chain on them. Home Depot has the Oregon bar and chain. I bought mine on sale from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004RA71?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[seber]

I run a pair of Stihl 026 and an M18. They really don't compare. Where the M18 can do the job, it is really nice to have but it does not take the place of a real saw. I like to sharpen the chain and reverse the bar after every second tank. The M18 will not cut enough wood in a day to need that. Light work where you can just let the saw do the work is where it shines. If you need to push through larger stuff or get the work done in a hurry, it's time for the smoker.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

At least locally, for the homeowner who uses a chainsaw infrequently enough they'd have to take it to the small equipment shop 2x from stale fuel, I think a good battery saw makes economic sense.

 

[Bitv9WNEMVtHhzHudbBKg]

I don't know how fast you need to go through wood, but I have been pretty happy to replace an electric chain saw with the 450mm carbide tipped sawzall blades, like those sold by Danish Tool Productions ApS. No chain sharpening - no chain oiling

 

[RedOak]

I'm no brand warrior, far from it actually, but the feasibility of the modern cordless chainsaws has a lot to do with how they're used. We own forest land in a mountainous setting, so all of our saws get used regularly: and never in the ideal conditions one often sees in YT videos.

If you've ever felled trees in real world dense forest conditions, especially on a slope, you know that it's pretty much all one can do to ensure that you have useable escape routes. I've had trees break prematurely that forced me to leave the saw behind. I can only imagine what would happen to the cordless saws I've seen if it got hit by a falling tree.

For light duty, sure, a cordless saw has a place...but, if you intend on using one in less than ideal conditions, you should probably give spending your hard-earned on one some more thought. A small top-handle gas saw perhaps? Just my $0.02.

 

[gahrajmahal]

This no longer applies to Ryan as he bought the battery powered saw, but my dad had a corded chain saw he used near the house where an outlet was available. I also had a corded hedge trimmmer (lightweight and cheap) and would put my gas generator in the back of the truck to make it mobile and give the generator some exercise on the end of the year cutting of the decorative grasses job. Do the same with the chainsaw. A corded one is closer to $100 and with your generator will run a long time with no power loss.

 

[zimm17]

Milwaukee came out with a shorter top handle 12 and 14 inch model. Since I already have M18's, I'm looking to carry one of these in my Jeep for off-road trails. Occasionally we come upon a downed tree blocking the trail. This would be a perfect solution.

M18 FUEL™ 14" Top Handle Chainsaw (Tool-Only) | Milwaukee Tool

The Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ 14" Top Handle Chainsaw Kit gives you the performance of a gas powered chainsaw without the headaches.

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[Fav Onefour]

I have 2 of the m18 saws and really like them. I did upgrade the bar and chain on them. Home Depot has the Oregon bar and chain. I bought mine on sale from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004RA71?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

That addressed my number one concern. Did you need to do anything with the drive?
I have a pile of m18 batteries and figured their chainsaw would be an easier option than my gasser. I use the gas version just barely enough to keep the gas from going bad.
I came close to picking up a Milwaukee but stopped when I saw the small kerf. Those chains are a bit harder to find right down the road. I've noticed they seem be more prone to twist and bind as well.
I get the longer run time, but I can swap batteries. To be honest, I'd be inclined to go with a shorter bar if it was an easy swap.

 

[trackwelder]

That addressed my number one concern. Did you need to do anything with the drive?
I have a pile of m18 batteries and figured their chainsaw would be an easier option than my gasser. I use the gas version just barely enough to keep the gas from going bad.
I came close to picking up a Milwaukee but stopped when I saw the small kerf. Those chains are a bit harder to find right down the road. I've noticed they seem be more prone to twist and bind as well.
I get the longer run time, but I can swap batteries. To be honest, I'd be inclined to go with a shorter bar if it was an easy swap.

It was just a bar and chain swap no modifications needed. . And replacement chains are cheaper.

 

[geojag]

I am a big fan of the M18 chainsaw. Before I moved to town, I had a Stihl 200T, 250, and 460. When I moved into town, I had changed jobs and didn't really need them. I sold the 200T and 460, kept the 250. The first time I needed it, it had carb issues. I always run non-ethanol, treated, but still had issues. I had recently picked up the M18 saw for the camper, and used it to cut up an 18" maple that had been struck by lightening. I cut the whole tree into firewood with one 12.0 battery, admittedly it wasn't that big of tree. I have used it extensively camping and off-roading since.

When the tornado hit Little Rock a few weeks back, I took what I had and was able to clear a lot of trees off the roadway. I cut until the first responders asked people to stand back. I used two 12.0 batteries and half of a third, cutting mostly pines in the 12-18" size, a few oaks, and a few hickories. We were only bucking enough to move off the road. In the following days, I helped a couple of friends clean up and admit that the saw was easily outpaced by larger gas saws, but it cut just as well as homeowner level saws like the 170.

Given my limited need for a saw, I have been very happy with it. I see that Milwaukee now has a case specifically for the saw which I plan to get. As others have mentioned, it does leak a little bar oil.

Given the results of the M18, I picked up a M12 hatchet mini saw and have to say it is handy and can handle firewood duty for camping. It is also very handy for work up in the tree. I wish I would have held out for the M18 hatchet, but the M12 is so light it probably has a place.

I have had the weedeater for longer than the chainsaw and have since picked up the single batter fuel blower and the hedgetrimmer. All do great. A lot of times you can pick them up on sale where you are pretty much paying for the battery and getting the tool for free or close to. The hedgetrimmer I got recently at Northern Tool, you bought the tool and got a free 6.0 battery, and I had a coupon, so it was pretty much buy one get one free.

 

[zimm17]

Oh wow, I didn't even know about the "hatchet", the M18 version might be the perfect off-road companion of the occasional downed tree vs a chain saw.

 

[Jax302]

Thanks for the highlight, Ryan.

For as little as I use a chainsaw, I should invest in one as opposed to constantly fighting with my old 2-cycle Stihl.

The effort of starting my Stihl is usually more than the cutting I’m doing. The Milwaukee feels flimsy but it’s much more convenient so far.

 

[Joemctag]

IIRC,

There were some recent video comparisons showing quite a few battery saws are better than the Milwaukee, but if you already have the M18 system...

The 18v Milwaukee and hat I borrowed for o cut up fallen oak tree branches up to about 20”dia. seriously impressed the heck out of me! I’d buy one if I had more use or maybe should get one for the next hurricane. I’m one of the guys out the next morning clearing stuff. You can do a lot ask with a cheap 14” handsaw. When the wood’s green.

 

[pbon]

Battery is great if you don’t use them much and don’t want to maintain a small engine so it will start. I j recently changed carbs on a generator, leaf blower and auger. In 2 of them it was probably the disintegrated fuel and vent lines. Carbs are cheap on Amazon.

 

[Jax302]

The Milwaukee feels flimsy. If you had to do any serious work like slicing up multiple trees after a hurricane I'm not sure it would hold up but as other have said it makes a lot of sense for most homeowners who rarely use the thing.