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Introduction to Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 8-inch Pruning Saw
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet is a powerful battery-operated pruning saw designed for professional trimmers and homeowners alike. With its 8-inch bar, 2600 RPM chain speed, automatic Oiler and variable speed trigger, it delivers an impressive performance. The saw is also lightweight and comfortable to use, making it perfect for anyone looking to clean up their woods or do some pruning.
Key Features of the M18 Fuel Hatchet
– 8-inch bar
– 2600 RPM chain speed
– 5 meters per second chain speed
– Automatic Oiler with 2.5 ounces oil capacity
– Onboard tool for adjustments
– Variable speed trigger
– Metal bucking spikes
– Knuckle guards and lanyard strap
– Compatible with any M18 battery
Performance and Usage
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet was designed with professional trimmers in mind, and it shows in its performance. The saw cuts through wood easily, with the metal bucking spikes providing additional support and control. The variable speed trigger allows for precise control over the cutting speed, and the automatic Oiler ensures the chain is always well lubricated.
Weighing in at just 4.9 pounds without a battery, the M18 Hatchet is easy to carry and maneuver through the woods. When paired with a 12 Amp hour heavy-duty battery, it weighs 8.6 pounds, still remaining relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
The M18 Fuel Hatchet’s power is impressive for its size, handling larger trees and logs with ease. The chain’s sharpness plays a vital role in the saw’s performance, so it is important to keep it sharp.
Price Comparison with the M12 Fuel Hatchet
Comparing the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet to its smaller sibling, the M12 Fuel Hatchet, there are a few differences. The M18 model is priced at $279 for the bare tool, while the M12 model comes in at $199. The M18 offers more power, a larger bar, and a more comfortable handle, making it an attractive option for those who want a more powerful tool.
Battery Life and Automatic Oiler
Speaking of batteries, an 8 Amp hour battery should provide approximately 3 to 4 hours of run time while cutting, trimming, and moving things around in the woods. The automatic Oiler in the M18 Hatchet works effectively, delivering plenty of lubrication to the chain.
Maintaining and Adjusting the M18 Hatchet
The onboard tool included with the M18 Fuel Hatchet makes it easy to make adjustments and perform maintenance on the saw in the middle of the woods. This tool allows you to tighten or loosen the chain, as well as to remove and clean the bar and chain.
Some users have reported modifying the M18 Hatchet by installing a larger bar and chain, although it is unclear whether the saw has sufficient chain speed to support this modification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet is an impressive pruning saw suitable for both professional trimmers and homeowners. With its powerful performance, lightweight design, and comfortable handle, it is an excellent tool for those looking to clean up their woods or do some pruning.
While the cost may be a deterrent for some, the quality and durability of the M18 Fuel Hatchet make it a worthwhile investment. The M12 model is available for those who prefer a smaller, more affordable option.
Whether you’re a professional pruner or a homeowner looking to clean up your property, the M18 Fuel Hatchet is an excellent tool to consider. With the seal of approval from users, this pruning saw will not disappoint.
So, give the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet a try and experience its impressive performance, ease of use, and durability for yourself. Happy pruning!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Bought the 8inch saw kit today, pretty impressed by how it feels. Will be using it mostly for trimming branches along fence lines on the farm. Think this will be ideal as you don't have to start a petrol saw constantly or leave it running while driving along the fences. Will also be taking this with me from now on when I go 4wding or camping can't even count the ammount of times I just wanted a little chainsaw for a few minutes. It's pretty pricey here in Australia but going by all my other milwaukee gear it's something that will last you years and years.
I have the craftsman 20v pruning chainsaw will a 6in bar and this this thing cuts great it doesn't have a oil reservoir which I like I just carry a squirt bottle and oil as I need these tools are designed to trim a few branches here and there, my 12in craftsman saw has a automatic oiler that is needed because with that saw I'm cutting a lot more when I'm done I empty the oil out because I might not be using it for quite awhile because oil somehow always manages to leak
Does it leak bar oil during storage?
which battery is best for the M18?
At $280 bare tool it should come in a packout case
Does Oregon make a direct chain for this instead of having to buy the expensive Milwaukee brand chain?
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So it's the same saw, just with more durability?
Kobalt just came out with 24v brushless 6" pruning chainsaw with auto oiler for 119.
149 with 2.0 battery and charger.
I just ordered 3 of them. 😁 It says, regular price is 214.00 bare tool.
I wish Milwaukee would abandon the M12 platform and stick to the M18. Having a brand with two different battery platforms is so annoying.
I got the m18 hatchet in and have a few thoughts.
I was expecting the tool to be the same size as the m12 version with a slightly different handle for attaching the battery. I was also expecting it to be a similar weight, even with the 2" longer bar.
Neither assumptions were correct. It is substantially heavier than the m12 version and has much more girth around the motor area. In addition, most top handle saws have the battery tucked within the body, which makes them fairly short. The M18 hatchet is LONG, especially with anything above a 5.0. My expectation was to carry this in a backpack for trail maintenance before having to lug a larger saw out. Turns out that it just isn't really practical for that application. Sure, it can be done, but it is no lightweight, compact saw like the m12 version. Bare tool, it is about the same weight as the Makita XCU06 actually.
You think a guy could run this for a long time one handed limbing Christmas trees?
Stihl company be like " damn it 😒 " what do we got for consumers
I have the m12 one and it's been great for me my father bought it for me instead using gas or anything
Hey Brian. What do you think about dcd445? How does it compare with dcd999 in power?
DEWALT 8 INCH PRUNING SAW COMMING OUT IS $179.00 BARE TOOL
Nice review, but just wondering if you guys can do a review the Dewalt mid range 891b. You did a review on the high torque but not the mid range.
I think it can handle the 10 inch bar. The m12 definitely could not
I had been planning to buy the M12 version, but held off when I saw this was coming. Great video… Ordered!
Great review as always. Love your content. Did you notice much performance difference between H.O batteries and 5ahs?
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Great review. I have the M12 chainsaw, the M18 16" and the 10" Polesaw. In the burbs with a lot of mature trees. I love the M12 for cutting up branches to fit in my 95 gallon garden waste bins. If i have a 5 minutes job, I use the M12 Hatchet reciprocating saw with a pruning blade – less hassle than cleaning up after the oilers on the other saws. Horses for courses. Definitely don't need this 8" one. . . unless it goes on sale.
just use my M18 fuel sawzall and pruning blades, for pros this could be good but for homeowners or guys in trades, may as well get one that has multiple uses.
I sold my gas and now getting the M12 that does me good. Thanks for both reviews. Happy Halloween dude!