TCI Magazine recently put Milwaukee Tool’s new M18 Fuel (FUEL™) 14-inch, battery-powered chain saws in the hands of several arborists to get their “first tracks” (impressions) of the saw.

Marshal Kim, an ISA Certified Arborist and a climber with Barrett Tree Service East Inc., an accredited, 17-year TCIA member company based in Medford, Massachusetts, took up the challenge in Massachusetts.

Joe White, Nate Shurtleff and Chad Fonseca, all with ArborTech Tree Removal Experts, a dual-accredited, 10-year TCIA member company based in Gilford, New Hampshire, each spent several days using the saws in typical early-spring weather and on a variety of job sites in that state.

Like the easy start

“I really like this saw. It’s a big plus that you don’t have to pull a cord to start it,” says ArborTech’s Joe White. “The biggest advantage of battery-powered saws is that you don’t have to pull-start them in the tree, and you don’t have to worry about them running out of fuel. That’s a big one for me.

“We used two batteries – the smaller 8-amp battery (M18 Redlithium High Output XC8.0 Battery), which obviously dies faster, and the larger 12-amp battery (M18 Redlithium High Output XC12.0 Battery), which seems to last most of the day if you’re just pruning. I think the weight of the larger battery is reasonable, not bad at all,” says White.

“I’ve used it mostly in the tree, mainly for pruning cuts, but I also took down some big pine limbs a couple of weeks ago, about 8 inches in diameter. It cuts fine.

“My main issue is with the (electric) motor. It gets in the way when I’m trying to make a notch. I don’t know if it’s the side handle, but I have to kind of fight to position myself in order to make certain cuts,” says White. “The throttle interlock could be improved, too. I don’t like having to push forward to activate it. It would be better if it were a simple push-down lever, like on gas-powered saws.

“I would also like to see a clutch added. I’ve had trouble using the Milwaukee saw on the ground with throwing chains, because it has a tiny washer over the sprocket. I think a clutch might help with that. But overall, it’s a good saw. I’d definitely purchase one.”

Good in the tree or on the ground

“I use the Milwaukee saw more in the trees than on the ground. It’s very nimble. It’s nice being able to get into places in the tree where you can’t get a full-sized saw,” says ArborTech’s Chad Fonseca. “Most companies prefer you to use a bigger saw on the ground, but I did use it a bit on the ground.

“It’s pretty compact, which is good. You don’t have to worry about swinging it around or someone standing too close. It’s light, especially in the air. And the no-pull start is great. Being able to communicate with people on the ground without the noise of a gas engine is a huge advantage. I’m looking forward to using it more,” says Fonseca.

“For improvements, maybe a slightly longer bar for some of the cuts in the trees,” says Fonseca. “Also, there’s an issue where it binds when cutting larger wood, and I have to back out and restart the cut several times. I thought it was a sharpening issue, but it’s not. I don’t know if it’s grabbing the bark or what, but it’s annoying.

“Other than that, the only complaint I have is that it’s kind of a billboard. It’s just Milwaukee red with the Milwaukee symbol,” Fonseca says. “Overall, I think it’s pretty impressive for a battery-
powered saw.”

Grab ’n’ go

“My first impressions were pretty positive,” says Nate Shurtleff with ArborTech. “I like that you can just grab and go, put the battery in and you don’t have to spend time fueling it up or pulling to start it. The first time I used it was on a cold day, so it was nice to be able to start it right up.

“I don’t love the interlock. I’m used to just pushing down on chain saws, but this one has this extra step where you have to slide your hand up,” says Shurtleff. “It’s kind of awkward, especially if you’re not thinking about it.

“The side-to-side is bulky, too. I think that’s where the electric motor is. It’s especially hard to see when you’re trying to make a face cut. You have to kind of peek around it,” says Shurtleff. “It’s a little bulky and heavy, but it’s powerful. It cuts great. And being able to grab it and start cutting right away is fantastic, especially when you’re in a tree or a lift.”

“Overall, I think it’s a great saw,” Shurtleff says. “It’s super handy, especially on storm days. We had to clear a road, and it was great to be able to just hop out and cut that branch out of the way so the trucks could get through. It’s really convenient. I like it a lot.”

Plenty of power

“This saw is about the same weight as the Stihl top-handled saw,” says Marshall Kim, Barrett Tree Service East. “I like the wraparound handle.
“There was plenty of power at low throttle, comparable to gas-powered saws of the same size. And the 8-amp battery lasted about half a day with heavy use, which was a nice surprise,” Kim says.

“I do like how you can just take the chain brake off and it’s ready to run. I think that’s pretty cool,” says Kim. “You don’t have to pull-start it up or anything. Battery powered makes it quiet, with no vibration or exhaust fumes – just squeeze and go.

“I was impressed with how quickly the chain brake stops when the throttle is disengaged,” Kim adds. “I did think the chain brake was a little stiff. It takes a little more effort to activate, and it actually irritated the back of my hand. But I guess that’s something you’d adapt to over time.

“The saw is a bit longer than other gas-powered models. Possibly longer than necessary. This additional length causes the chain brake to disengage when placed in a bucket-truck scabbard,” Kim notes.

Check out the video

To see the saws in action on each of the job sites, and for more details, go to the product-review video for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 14-inch Top Handle Chainsaw at tcimag.org and, under the Resources tab, click Videos.

Tchukki Andersen, Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), is staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association.

This review reflects the thoughts and opinions of the reviewers as users and does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the product referenced, nor is it an endorsement of any specific company, product or service. Every entity or individual should review and test all products for applicability, safety and efficacy in their particular operation.

TCI Magazine product reviews are available to TCIA corporate members as a benefit of their membership. Certain limitations apply. Contact erodewald@tcia.org for more information.