Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ 16” Chainsaw Kit Review

​In this issue I review the Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ 16” Chainsaw KitModel Number 2727-21HD

Sku #: 10448

There are a number of battery-powered chainsaws on the market, but this Milwaukee is a serious alternative to gas powered saws. I was skeptical at first, but after using this saw on various tasks around my property, I was truly impressed. For clearing trails, the ability just to grab it out of the tractor and immediately put it to use — up to full speed in less than a second — is immensely handy.

Features of this chainsaw include an easy to set blade tentioner with on board wrench, and a no-leak the oil filler when not in use, unlike my gas-powered saw. It is relatively lightweight and has the power to cut through 16” maple logs with no bogging. The saw has automatic chain oiling and a wide sawdust chute that effectively keeps the chain guard clear.

​Milwaukee advertises up to 150 cuts when using a HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0AH battery (in 6” x 6”cedar). In testing I was able to achieve 82 cuts of oak logs between 6” and 12” (see attached image). That kind of performance is about a tank of gas in my saw.  The saw has a Milwaukee POWERSTATE™ Brushless motor that provides protection from overload, overheating, over discharge, and a variable speed trigger that provides full power all through the power curve range. The oil reservoir has a clear viewing window to check oil levels at a glance. The saw comes with all metal bucking spikes and a thin kerf 16” bar/chain.

The supplied M18 REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ battery is rated at 12.0 amp hours and as mentioned earlier is truly up to the task of powering this saw. The Milwaukee Rapid Charger with provisions for all Milwaukee batteries completes the kit.Moderately priced and ruggedly built, I definitely give the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 16” Cordless Chainsaw Kit my TINTO recommendation (Tools I Need To Own).

Until next time

Rod Pipher, Testing and Safety