TESTED: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw

Above: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" dual battery chainsaw

Bare tool $1100
Full kit with two batteries and charger $1826

Review: Raf Nathan

Milwaukee claim this chainsaw is equal to a 70cc petrol saw which is a big statement for cordless. Fully loaded with twin RedLithium Forge 18V 8amp batteries, it weighs all up 9kg. Researching, I noted a very popular 70cc petrol saw rated at 4.4kw and 7.6kg fully loaded. Doing the maths, the Milwaukee M18Fuel then is similar power at 4.3kw, heavier at 9kg but $300 cheaper.

Mounting the chain and bar is all straightforward like any other chainsaw. There is a power selector switch for either eco or maximum power, although I found it hard to tell the difference between settings. I liked the onboard tool storage and the oil reservoir viewing window and the warranty of three years.

There is plenty of power here charging its way through a recently felled 320mm diameter grey gum. It cut slice after slice easily, however after 20 or so cuts it was flat. Charge time is said to be 35mins for 80% charge and I roughly timed it as 50mins for a full recharge. After the first two or three charges however, you can expect the batteries to settle down and generate max power and longer run time.

For cutting with gravity, the saw weight certainly helps pulls the saw through the heaviest work. I feel if you upgraded with an extra set of batteries, at a hefty $700 spend, you would then have a battery saw with excellent run time.

Maintenance requires occasional cleaning of the two air filters on the body and regularly getting in and cleaning out around the chain sprocket. Like all saws sound levels are high at about 106db but it is quieter than a petrol saw by approximately 10db.

This is a heavy, powerful saw offering the equivalent power of a petrol saw, but with a limited run time. For the part-time chainsaw user this is going to be ample for all work, however a pro will find the run time too short without an extra set of batteries.

If, like me, you are tired of mixing petrol and dealing with the noise and fumes then a battery saw is the perfect option. I liked the Milwaukee saw a lot.

Review chainsaw Milwaukee Model M18F2CHS20802F supplied by Milwaukee, see www.milwaukeetool.com.au

Raf Nathan @treeman777 is a Brisbane based woodworker and frequent contributor to Australian Wood Review.