Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Review [2024] – First Cuts & Testing

Richard McMann

Chainsaw, Single Product Review

When it comes to chainsaws, I always like the models that offer sophistication, ease of use, portability, and of course more power.

Earlier, we discussed some of the gas powered chainsaws including some worth mentioning models from Poulan Pro and Blue Max.

However, now is the time that we try something new. Ladies and Gentleman! I’ve got Milwaukee M18 chainsaw to try out this time.

Before we rush into discussing it, I want you to know that this chainsaw is battery-powered and is compatible with all M18 batteries.

Furthermore, it does cut like a hot and sharp knife as we’ll get to know about it in the review section.

All in all, let’s start the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw review, without any further ado:

What Makes the Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw a Standout in 2024?

The fact that it delivers exceptional power without consuming any gas makes it a standout among other chainsaw brands already.

Furthermore, making it operational is like eating a piece of cake. You just plug in the battery, pump up some oil and start the chainsaw via Variable Speed Trigger.

I was also surprised to see the chainsaw cutting medium and thick wood logs like they are nothing.

Absolutely worth every penny I spent on it!

Our Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Review in 2024

So, I got the chainsaw a few days ago at my doorstep via Online retailer.

The box was quite large enough compared to Blue Max chainsaw.

Well, it was because the chainsaw came in assembled. It took me some time to get each and everything unpackaged. For that, I’ll praise the manufacturer’s punctuality for sure.

I already had a fully charged M18 12.0 Lithium-Ion battery available at my disposal. So, I tucked it in the chainsaw.

Later on, I opened the fuel lid and filled it up to full capacity. Thanks to an awesome transparent oil box design, I was able to monitor the fuel’s quantity without any hassle.

That’s all with the first impressions that went very well and I was quite impressed with the quality Milwaukee offered in its brushless chainsaw.

After lubricating the chain a little bit, I started it. Even at full speed, the chainsaw offered low noise levels.

I must say that compared to gas-powered chainsaws that I reviewed, this battery-powered model was extremely quiet.

Started with random experiments on medium wood trunks and it sliced everything nice and fine.

Similarly, I got to test it on a large wood log and it didn’t get stuck. The penetration power was immense and the battery didn’t drain too fast.

In a nutshell, I literally became a fan of using this chainsaw so much that now I use it whenever a small woodcutting task pops up. Latest update is that I use the Saker Mini Chainsaw more often for small yard work. Not only that, but I also got to test and experiment on a bunch of mini chainsaws and they were just splendid.

So, that’s how I had my first contact with the Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 Fuel chainsaw.

Major Features of Milwaukee M18 Battery Operated Chainsaw in 2024

Let’s get to know some of the technical features that this chainsaw offers as follows:

Bar and Chain Mechanics:

First things first, the chainsaw has got a special 16” Oregon Bar, which is made up of stainless steel.

Plus, it’s durable, sturdy, long-lasting, resistant to corrosion, and light in weight at the same time.

Coming towards the chain, it’s extremely sharp and has improved teeth compared to other battery operated chainsaws available in the market.

I literally got a cut on my finger while just trying to touch the chain for first impressions.

So, be careful enough while operating the chainsaw and take all precautionary measures as Safety comes first always.

Automatic Oiler:

Secondly, the automatic oiler will make your job extremely easy.

The Button is present just above the trigger so you won’t forget to pump the oil in chain whenever you want to utilize it.

Automatic oiler, on one hand, keeps the chainsaw running without any wear and tear. On the other hand, it makes sure that the chain remains lubricated enough for a long-lasting impact.

You’ll, therefore, enjoy finishing up small and medium woodcutting projects with this powerful chainsaw for sure.

Variable Speed Trigger:

I’ve never seen such a responsible speed controlling trigger up until I tried the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw.

You can easily increase or decrease the speed of the chain depending upon the type of work you are doing.

That said, right after you press the trigger, the chainsaw will start. Yeah, it doesn’t require any hefty kick-starting.

One of the reasons I loved this battery operated chainsaw more than the likes of Poulan Pro 42cc, PR5020, and Blue Max.

Universal Compatibility with M18 Batteries:

Milwaukee 16” chainsaw offers universal compatibility with all M18 batteries.

I’ve tried both M18 9.0 and M18 12.0 batteries on it and they both work fine.

However, the manufacturer recommends using a higher capacity battery for long-term work without any power issues.

Plus, one other thing to note here is that plugging in the battery is extremely easy.

You simply adjust the battery in the special battery box and BINGO! You can start using the chainsaw without any hassle.

Immense Power:

I think this chainsaw is comparable to a 40cc gas powered model in terms of power.

From clearing out the backyard of thick bushes to cutting medium wood logs, this chainsaw does it all.

I’ve also used it for cutting down some thin trees near my house and it worked out quite well for me.

However, I must say that the power is not comparable to the likes of what Poulan Pro and Blue Max offer in their chainsaws.

It simply means that you could not expect it to cut extremely thick wood trunks or trees as it’s not made up for this purpose.

Portability:

Milwaukee M18 barely weighs 14.37 pounds. That’s less than most of the gas-powered chainsaws I’ve discussed earlier.

Hence, the light in weight design ensures improved handling and ease of use at the same time.

Plus, you can easily maneuver it from place to place without actually feeling anything in your arms.

I’ve used this chainsaw consistently for half an hour and I must admit that it didn’t cause any fatigue in my arms. Compared to this, I simply cannot use gas-powered chainsaws for more than 15 minutes consecutively.

Multi-Angle Handle:

The handle being placed ergonomically comes with a multi-angle design. You can use it to hold the chainsaw both vertically and horizontally.

This feature helped me a lot while making some rough wood blocks for a DIY project I’ve been working on.

You can try it as well to make your cutting work much easier than expected.

Watch the detailed unboxing and testing of the latest Milwaukee fuel chainsaw as follows:

Some of the positives and negatives of the chainsaw are as follows:

Pros

  • Instant start. (Needs a battery only)
  • Universal compatibility with all M18 batteries.
  • Durable Oregon 16” bar with extremely sharp chain.
  • Slices medium wood logs real nice.
  • Easy to handle and maneuver.
  • Multi-angle handle for horizontal and vertical cutting.
  • Makes less noise compared to gas-powered chainsaws.
  • Light in weight. (Weighs only 14.37 pounds)

Cons

  • Not recommended for heavy-duty work.
  • Issues with the blade adjustment are common.
  • A bit expensive compared to gas-powered chainsaws.
  • Battery and charger not included with the package.

What Do You Get with the Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw in 2024?

The box includes a fully assembled chainsaw. Adding to that, we have got some maintenance tools and a user manual available.

Mind you that the battery and charger aren’t included in the package. You have to purchase it separately.

Customer Ratings about Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Review (Out of 10)

The homeowners who’ve purchased Milwaukee M18 have also rated it in terms of maneuverability, value for the money, and overall weight.

The breakdown is as follows:

Value for the Money: 9.5/10

Lightweight: 9.4/10

Battery Consumption: 9.4/10

Portability: 9.5/10

Overall Ratings: 9.7/10

The ratings seem quite impressive as users who’ve used the saw know it was a right decision to invest in this machine.

Expert Opinions about Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Review:

Johnson who recently got the Milwaukee M18 has got his views about the saw. He says, “I simply loved this chainsaw even more than the other gas-powered models I have at my disposal. Everything works best, but there’s one minor issue. I have to readjust the blade again and again before starting the work. It bothers a little, but other than that, the chainsaw is literally a powerhouse in terms of cutting.”

Mike, on the other hand, can’t even believe that this electric saw is THAT much powerful. “I cannot believe that 2727-20 has replaced my old Stihl gas-powered saw. I’ve been using it since July 2020, and it hasn’t dropped in quality up till now. The best $200 bucks that I ever spent on a battery-operated chainsaw.”

Why Purchase Milwaukee M18 Brushless Chainsaw?

M18 offers powerful performance with a durable motor life and improved battery consumption time.

It’s eco-friendly as it doesn’t use gasoline and is portable enough at the same time.

Having a lightweight design combined with impeccable performance, this chainsaw should be a priority, especially if you want to invest your money getting a battery operated model.

Richard McMann
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