Milwaukee M18 Pole Saw Review 2023 – Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

The Milwaukee M18 FUELis an extendable battery-powered pole saw for residential use. The Milwaukee brand is a leader in consumer power tools, and the M18 follows its tradition of exceptional performance, dependability, and value. With a proprietary multi-functional powerhead, lightweight yet long-lasting 18V battery, and brushless motor, the M18 makes few compromises in quality, comfort, or convenience.

At a higher price point than most of its competitors, the M18 may not be the best choice if you only need an inexpensive pole saw to round out your collection of yard work equipment. The 10-foot length is nothing special, and its aluminum/fiberglass shaft is no less breakable than some less expensive alternatives.

If your DIY outdoor projects include more than just cutting tree limbs, the M18’s unique powerhead is a multi-functional base for other tool attachments beyond the pole saw. Given its versatility, power protection, and durable design, it’s a solid base for your landscaping arsenal and one of the most cost-effective investments you can make for long-term use.

Milwaukee M18 Pole Saw Details

QUIK-LOK Multi-Functional Powerhead

Do a side-by-side comparison of the M18 pole saw kit and any other battery-powered pole saw, and you’ll see the most obvious difference is the QUIK-LOK powerhead. You may also notice that the price point is higher on the M18. But once you get the powerhead, you get the base for a series of lawn care tools, making that higher initial price seem much more reasonable.

Along with the pole saw, the M18 is compatible with the following attachments:

If you don’t have any of those tools (or if yours could do with a replacement), the M18 pole saw is excellent value.

From a lesser brand, the multi-functional feature wouldn’t be a major benefit. But because it’s Milwaukee, you’re getting some of the best versions of each tool. The edger and trimmer attachments are all incredibly efficient at what they do. When you buy the pole saw, you’re setting the foundation for a collection of heavy-duty and reliable landscaping equipment.

POWERSTATE Brushless Motor

Once you start using the M18, you’ll notice its rapid acceleration, sustained speed, and responsive control. The brushless motor gets up to 4600 rpm, reaching full throttle in less than 1 second. It can cut through 4-inch branches like butter, but the 10-inch saw can surprise you with how easily it manages branches up to 8 inches thick without bogging down.

REDLITHIUM Battery and REDLINK PLUS

The battery in the M18 is an incredible contradiction of sorts, with its lightweight 18V size somehow delivering a longer life than many of its heftier competitors. It features a 9AH capacity for a long span of cutting power on a single charge, giving you up to 150 cuts before it dies.

The addition of REDLINK PLUS backs the power of the motor and battery with optimal performance. The intelligent power monitoring system delivers instant acceleration while preventing overload, protecting the unit from overheating and damage. During heavy-duty cutting projects, that performance goes a long way to avoid breakdowns and extend the life of the components.

Comfort and Maneuverability

The M18’s battery life and continued performance are essential selling points, but Milwaukee took every measure to ensure you don’t wear yourself out either during long periods of yard work.

At 12.7 pounds, the M18 pole saw is generously lightweight and easy to maneuver. It can get cumbersome with the 3-foot extension, but the addition of the shoulder strap gives you significant support. Between the weight, the ergonomic design, and the soft forward grip, the unit makes it comfortable and convenient to use for a long time without getting sore.

Where the M18 Could Be Better

If there is any nitpicking to be done about the M18’s design and performance, it’s more in the saw attachment than in the QUIK-LOK body. The saw is a remarkable piece of equipment, but there are a few improvements that would be nice to see in future versions.

The first drawback is that the head is fixed in place, so you can’t change the angle for extra convenience. The straight design makes it easy to approach limbs from both sides of the saw, but the added versatility of an adjustable head could make it even better.

A telescoping arm would be a nice upgrade as well, especially given how challenging it can be to lock in the extension arm at times. It’s not an enormous inconvenience but being able to adjust to a range of different lengths without swapping out bars would be a thoughtful feature.

FAQs

How long is the pole saw?

The entire length of the assembled saw is 84 inches. The 3-foot extension bar, which you can either purchase separately or as part of the kit, pushes the total length to 120 inches.

Can you add multiple extensions?

The pole saw and all other attachments only work with a single 3-foot extension bar. You cannot fit multiple extensions together to go beyond the maximum 120-inch length.

What the Users Say

Consumer reviews for the M18 pole saw are generally positive, with users pointing to its dependability and unexpected cutting power as the major advantages.

The Good

Customers love the long battery life and solid performance of the M18 pole saw. Many users comment on the beautiful, smooth cuts and the lack of hangups, even on thick branches. They also give the responsiveness high marks, with the saw’s fast acceleration and immediate stopping ability being notable performance highlights.

The Not-So-Good

The most common criticisms of the M18 pole saw rest in the head attachment, particularly the oil reservoir. Many consumers complain about the attachment leaking oil, with the tank emptying in only a few hours if stored in the wrong position.

Another issue is the connection to the powerhead. Users like the sturdiness of the multi-piece extension system over telescoping models, but some had trouble connecting the bar to the powerhead. It can take a decent amount of wiggling and toying with the gears to get it to lock into place.

Conclusion

If you enjoy landscaping and are just starting to build your collection of equipment, there’s no better option among pole saws than the Milwaukee M18. Despite its comparatively high price, you get exceptional value in its versatility, powerful performance, and superior design. Thanks to the QUIK-LOK base working for several lawn care tools, you’ll save money and space in the long run by outfitting yourself with one of the best battery-powered pole saws available.